How to be a “pawsome” pet parent in six easy steps

Including a pet in your family can be incredibly rewarding. But leading a happy, healthy pack is also a large responsibility. February is “Responsible Pet Owners Month,” so it’s an opportune time for all of us to brush up on our pet parenting skills.

“It takes lots of love and commitment,” comments Don Tomala, Managing Director of Matrix Partners, a Chicago-based marketing firm that’s been Passionate About Pets^SM since 1987. “You’re entering into a lifelong relationship when you bring a pet into your home.”

Fortunately, there are some surprisingly simple steps to becoming a more conscious, caring pet owner. Here are just a few:

1. Spay or neuter your dog, cat, rabbit or ferret. To prevent the companion animal over-population problem from getting worse, spaying or neutering is the most effective means. The ASPCA estimates that five to seven million animals enter shelters nationwide each year… Do your part to save a few – spay or neuter your pet please.

2. Schedule an annual veterinary checkup. Most animals are experts at concealing pain and illness, that’s why it’s so important for your pet to visit the vet each year for a full check-up. Remember, a healthy lifestyle and regular vet visits are the first steps to a long, happy life with your pet. I know plenty of people who say that they have never taken their pet to a vet because he’s never been sick; this may not be the case. PLEASE GET ANNUAL CHECK-UPS AT THE VERY LEAST.

3. ID and/or microchip your pet. Current ID tags on your dog or cat’s collar can help ensure that they get home safe and sound if they should wander out of your sight. Also, talk to your veterinarian about getting a microchip for your pet. If your pet is ever lost, a quick scan will provide rescuers with important phone numbers and addresses to help them reunite you with your pet. God forbid your pet ever gets lost, a microchip can literally be a life-saver.

4. Be prepared. Most first-aid kits can be purchased fully stocked, but no kit is complete without The Company of Animals’ Baskerville Ultra Muzzle. This ultra-comfortable muzzle is perfect for when introducing pets to new situations or when trying to restrain and treat a wounded or hurt pet. The Baskerville Ultra Muzzle is the first of its kind that allows panting, drinking and treating. Plus, it provides two secure attachment points with an optional over-head safety strap for added comfort and security. For more information, check out: www.CompanyOfAnimals.us

5. Travel Safely. You wouldn’t ride without using a seat belt and neither should your pet. Also from The Company of Animals is the CLIX^TM CarSafe, a dual-purpose lead and harness that easily clicks into the car’s seat buckle. Besides riding in safety, your pet will enjoy the CLIX’s unique “X-Cross” design made from double-sided adjustable buckles and soft neoprene padding for optimum fit and comfort.

6. Pet proof your home. Dogs and cats are curious by nature, so there’s always the possibility that they’ll get into anything. Because of this, it’s important to avoid bringing potentially hazardous products into your home. Being educated about the dangers of certain houseplants (yes, there are some plants that are lethal to pets) and choosing more “bio-friendly” products are usually a good place to start.

Today’s most advanced, responsible pet products are made from safe, eco-friendly materials – like Swheat Scoop^® natural, clumping cat litter. Made from naturally processed wheat, Swheat Scoop is completely biodegradable and a 100% renewable resource. Swheat Scoop is clay and chemical free, unlike other litters on the market that are mined and never decompose. Through Swheat Scoop’s patented process, the wheat’s natural enzymes destroy odors instantly, while the natural starches form firm and fast clumps when exposed to moisture. Swheat Scoop’s granular texture means less dust and tracking around the house, and is recommended by veterinarians for kittens and post-surgical cats. Newly reformulated for even more effective performance, Swheat Scoop is available in Original Formula, Multi-Cat and Lightly Scented varieties at fine pet supply retailers near you. www.SwheatScoop.com

7. Feed your pet right.Today, pet parents have more healthier options than ever when it comes to selecting a proper diet of dinners, treats and supplements for their furry friends.

- Spring Naturals^TM is a fresh approach to nurturing pets, offering a complete line of natural canned and dry dinners for dogs. Real meat, poultry or fish is the first ingredient, plus a balanced blend of whole vegetables and fruits – like spinach, blueberries and carrots. And because their recipes are made with more real meat, poultry and fish instead of rendered meals, no high-glycemic ingredients need to be added such as corn, wheat, soy, tapioca, potato starch or rice. Since launching in January of 2012, Spring Naturals has been recognized by Pet Product News International Magazine, Pet Business Magazine and was added to The Whole Dog Journal’s “Top Recommended” list. Available in Whole Grain and Grain-Free varieties, Spring Naturals products are made by a family-owned company, right here in the USA. Look for them at an independent pet store near you. www.SpringNaturals.com

- Lickety Stik^TM and Feline Lickety Stik^TM are liquid treats uniquely packaged in a roller-top dispenser bottle to offer dogs and cats an incredibly tasty reward without all the calories of conventional biscuit treats. Simply remove the cap, give the bottle a shake and get ready to interact with your pet in an entirely new way. Made with 100% all-natural ingredients, Lickety Stik is ideal for treating on the spot, and is a favorite among groomers and trainers. Plus, you can feel good that you’re providing a between-meal treat that won’t pack on excess pounds. Lickety Stik and Feline Lickety Stik serve only one calorie in every 10 canine licks, or 20 feline licks, and are available in a range of savory flavors. Exclusively from PetSafe, purveyor of innovative pet solutions and services since 1991. For details, check out one of my fave pet product sites: www.PetSafe.net

- Wholistic Pet Organics has made it their mission to maximize the health and wellbeing of pets since 1998 with their superior supplements for dogs, cats and horses. Insisting on using only the finest ingredients, the majority of which are not only Certified Organic but also whole, unprocessed foods to retain their potency and taste appeal every step of the way. New Canine Complete^TM Soft Chews are the latest addition to the all-in-one supplement line and provide a complete daily nutritional regimen for Total Body Health™ in an easy-to-serve form. And because each batch of products is blended and packaged in the Phillips’ family-owned and operated New Hampshire facility, pet parents will love serving these healthful chews as much as their pet enjoys snacking on them. www.WholisticPetOrganics.com.

Dick Van Patten’s Natural Balance really knows how to push the marker…. First they got their spokes-dog, Tillman, the super-famous skateboarding Bulldog, to become an honorary member of the canine armed forces (Honorary Private 1^stClass Marine), then they, in partnership with Petco and Maddie’s Fund, worked for over seven years to get a national monument made honoring canine members of the armed forces.

The Natural Balance Rose Parade Float

But for all intensive purposes, what I’ll be talking about now is the fabulous float they had a hand in creating for the 2013 Tournament of the Roses Parade in Pasadena, California and their efforts toward the latter.

I was lucky enough to get to go to the parade with the company and see the float, and had the chance to interview several members of the armed forces, both human and canine! It was spectacular. This is one amazing company doing some amazing things…

After talking with Gunnery Sergeant Christopher Willingham and Lucca, a German Shepherd, from the Marines, and then with Sergeant First Class Charles Shuck and his search dog Gabe, a Yellow Labrador Retriever, from the Army, I was dually impressed.

Lucca lost a leg saving Willingham’s life from an IED, and Gabe had over 25 explosives finds in Iraq in 2007, the record for

Lucca

any dog in the military that year. Both Willingham and Shuck seem as dedicated and in love with their dogs as any non-military human who just flat-out is in love with their dog. In fact, Willingham NEARLY got choked up talking about how many times Lucca saved his life and the amazing (either 6 or 8) years of service she gave before retiring. Now Lucca just loves to go belly up and get scratches I quickly learned, and she also loves to play with her Kong. Gabe’s favorite past time nowadays is waiting patiently for Shuck to tell him to eat a treat! Shuck will put a treat on the ground and Gabe will just stare at it until Shuck tells him its okay!

Aside from celebrating these national heroes – the men and the dogs – Natural Balance is taking part in a bigger mission. A mission to get a Military Working Dog National Monument built in Texas.

Gabe

The float in the parade was a floral replica of the bronze and granite United States Military Working Dog Teams National Monument, to be dedicated in late 2013 at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. It was prominently displayed beneath lush orchid-laced cherry trees. Flowing floral flags of America’s armed-service branches; U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force and U.S. Coast Guard are proudly displayed as a background to the monument.

Featured on the monument are (left to right) the Doberman Pinscher, German Shepherd, Labrador Retriever and Belgian Malinois.

This is the first time in the history of the US military that an animal, a dog, has been elevated to National Monument status by U.S. Congressional Law.

Planned Monument

John Burnam, a former Vietnam War dog handler, founded the National Monument and orchestrated its design. (He is pictured at left.)

Natural Balance Pet Foods, Inc., Petco, and Maddie’s Fund are the Official Corporate Sponsors funding the National Monument project. The National Monument is solely funded by sponsor and citizens donations (zero tax dollars).

This is one spectacular company on one hell of a mission. I am honored that I got to be a part of their celebration in Pasadena this year. GO NATURAL BALANCE! Follow them online at @NaturalBalance on Twitter and here on Facebook.

** You can also follow Gabe, who was the American Humane Association Hero Dog of the Year in 2012, on Facebook here.

Planned Etching on Monument

Everyone who has ever had a pet knows that each one has their own individual personality with unique quirks that make them so incredibly lovable. So when choosing a gift for a pet, why take a one-size-fits-all approach? Shoppers would certainly not take that approach with a husband, daughter, best friend or co-worker and pets shouldn’t be any different.

This holiday, Petco™ is celebrating pet individuality with a gift guide designed to meet the personality of every pet. Read on for their top gift picks:

The Hipster: Have a pet that’s an independent thinker and an edgy dresser? Then you might have a hipster on your hands. A hipster dog wouldn’t be complete without the Petco brand Fashion Bowtie ($8.99), and it’s guaranteed they’ll love kitschy, SimplyShe Holiday Tuxedo Sweater for dogs ($14.99-19.99), a play on the tuxedo shirt. Beards are also a hipster staple, and now envious cool cats can take their hipness up a notch with a Petco brand Santa beard ($4.99) – no more beard envy!

The Health Nut: From a raw diet to an exercise regimen, the health conscious movement has definitely trickled down to pets. Healthy cats will love the Kitty Garden ($9.99); healthy, edible grass in a vintage-inspired wooden planter. The four flavors: barley, rye, oats and wheat not only look great, but help a cat’s digestion and prevent hairballs. The Drinkwell Lotus Pet Fountain ($79.99) has a zen-like feel to it and provides a stylish and convenient supply of fresh, filtered water. Even hamsters can work on their fitness with the Spin City Health Club ($4999), a unique habitat with a wheel that keeps track of how many laps the hamster runs.

The Style Icon: Usually, human fashionistas have mini pet fashionistas that appreciate the latest in haute couture. Pets can travel in style with the BNB“mad about plaid” and passport stamps fashion carriers ($49.99-69.99). They can also be the belle of the ball with the best-in-class Petco brand harnesses($19.99-34.99) that are offered in seven sizes to fit dogs from Chihuahua to Lab in a vast array of colors and prints. Jewelry is always a winner with this set, so a personalized, sparkly Fido Pet ID Tag with crystal accents ($12.00-20.00) is another way to go. And true Parisian fashion, gift a beautiful red or blue Fashion Bow ($8.99) and a Posh Paw manicure service to match mommy’s French manicure.

The Geek: Have a pet obsessed with the latest cutting edge breakthroughs? Cats will love the Littermaid ($129.99-179.99), America’s first fully automatic self-cleaning litter tray. For the family fish that need a new high tech home, the Fluval Spec Aquarium ($69.99) offers a 360 degree view of the tank due to its unique built in filtration system. Reptiles craving an authentic rainforest experience will love the Exo Terra Congo Rainforest Habitat Kit ($199.99). Designed by European herpetologists, it includes a stunning new background design based on the mysterious statues of the dense Congo jungle.

The Foodie: For the food aficionado, The Merrick Holiday Sausage Treats ($9.99) are a beautifully packaged sausage sampler platter that is made with all-natural ingredients, it looks so tasty pet parents can easily mistake it for people food. Foodies can also agree bacon makes everything better and puppies three months or older will agree that the Nylabone Nutri Dent Good Puppy Bacon & Cheese Edible Dental Chews ($7.29-14.99) hits the nail on the head with this good-for-you treat. There are a lot of kitties out there that believe whole-heartedly in the organic movement, so spoil them withBlue Buffalo All Natural Cat Treats ($3.99).

The Philanthropist: For the pet who has everything and wants to lend a helping hand to animals in need, donate on their behalf to the Petco Foundation’s annual Tree of Hope campaign which takes place from November 12, 2012 – January 6, 2013. Donations can be made at the nearest Petco store, Unleashed by Petco store or online at www.petco.com/holiday. Donations help feed homeless pets in shelters, give lifesaving medical assistance, enable rescuers to grow their resources so that they can help ease the burdens of overfull shelters, and provide venues and grants to help usher those without a voice into loving homes.

For more pet gift ideas, visit www.petco.com/holiday.

I’ve got great news… another awesome new app just hit the market and it’s totally going to dominate the pet app market I bet… It’s called Oh Kitty and it is bundles of fun, just like your kitties themselves.

Released with perfect timing for holiday cat pictures to be taken, Oh, Kitty! is a fun free app for cat owners and their friends that provides tons of amusement. It allows you to virtually dress-up and accessorize your cat! MOL! How neat! After sending some family members some creations they are all asking me about it!

With Oh, Kitty! you can:

• Magically bring your kitty into the App using the eraser tool.
• Virtually dress your cat with over 400 items such as wigs, hats, glasses and more.
• Place your kitty in backgrounds ranging from The Eiffel Tower to the beach and more.
• Give your kitty a voice using text bubbles.
• Share your creations with family and friends using Facebook and email.

For more information and to download, head over to www.ohkittyapp.com right now!

Available on the App Store (Link to App Store Download ) Oh, Kitty! is bound to be a hit with cat-lovers the world over.

This kewl Oh, Kitty! YouTube video shows a great reel of how it’s done and how customizations can be made to a cat picture using the App and your phone. MOL again!

Furthermore – coming soon, you’ll be able to purchase keepsakes of the creations you’ve made on items such as iPhone and iPad cases, mugs, t-shirts, posters and more. How cool is that?

I highly encourage you to download Oh, Kitty today. I have it and it’s so much fun. I can’t’ stop sending my sister and cousin and best friend my silly cat pictures.

The $53 billion Americans are spending on pets and pet businesses will skyrocket in 2013. But experts warn the boom is empowering ruthless puppy mills. Take steps to protect yourself and the animals.

$350 million spent on pet costumes in October? We did, according to the National Retail Federation.

Despite the lingering economic crisis casting a shadow over the holidays, pet spending is exploding. From $37.3 billion in 2001 to nearly $53 billion in 2012, a 42 percent increase in 11 years according to a 2012 APPA study. But experts warn the trend is causing unprepared pet buyers to get in over their heads, which is creating opportunities for shady operations.

You’re not seeing double. Wugadogs are the toy versions of a real-life Boston Terrier named Angus. They’re part of a nationwide ‘Petrepreneuer’ trend in pet commerce.

And despite the gloomy outlook for jobs and overall finances, pet spending is rocketing into 2013 and showing no signs of slowing down.

So why the shopping spree? “People are more interested in pets than ever before,” says San Diego veterinarian Dr. Jessica Vogelsang. Her statement reflects the long-held belief that pets improve human health. How? A neat little chemical called oxytocin, says Kit Yarrow, who chairs the psychology department of Golden Gate University in San Francisco.

Oxytocin is a naturally-occurring hormone in our bodies that makes us feel good and evaporates stress. We get a charge whenever we think about, play with, or snuggle up to our pets, says Yarrow. And in these unstable times, a feeling like that is more than welcome to stay awhile.

Pet businesses skyrocket in 2012

The trend is titilating consumers partly because of new pet-focused businesses and services. Buffalo, NY-based ex-graphic artist turned toy designer, Darrin Wilson, 44, agrees. “I think we will see more of a focus on pets in 2013,” he says. “Especially if the economy remains tepid. Pets give us a safe place to hide.”

Wilson created a successful plush toy modeled after his own rambunctious Boston terrier. Interest in his toys, Wugadogs, began in July when he and his wife gave over 300 of the fuzzy critters to the Women and Children’s Hospital of Buffalo. He has now grown the line to include five more Wugadog designs in 2013.

In Danvers, MA, Rev. Thea Keith-Lucas takes pet devotion into the pews. The Perfect Paws Pet Ministry, which marked its second anniversary in April 2012, usually sets aside dog cupcakes and chewies for pooches who accompany their owners for Sunday service. In the Parish hall, you’ll see folding chairs. “It’s easier to clean,” explains the minister.

‘Petrepreneurialism’ is not just limited to creative pet owners and clergy; the trend has taken over big name companies. Paul Mitchell, Harley Davidson and Old Navy are now offering lines of pet products ranging from dog shampoo, pet attire, and name-brand toys to gourmet treats and food.

With all this attention on pets, and the surge of pet-focused spending, the lure of a cute kitten or puppy to a first-time buyer can be too tempting to resist, especially if there are children involved. And that’s where all the cuteness can get ugly.

Puppy mills thrive on uninformed buyers

Many first-timers don’t know that the kennel or pet store they’re buying from is being honest. “Federal care standards are so minimal and enforcement so irregular that licensed kennels still include many so-called puppy mills, which breed and house animals in inhumane conditions,” says Cori Menkin, senior director of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals puppy mills campaign. “Most pet store puppies come from puppy mills,” she says.

According to one well-known animal rights organization, the premium cost consumers pay for pets out of a pet store pales in comparison to the cruelty and abuse the animals suffer in the bowels of a puppy mill.

Puppy mills, according to PETA, can consist of anything from small cages made of wood and wire mesh to tractor-trailer cabs to simple tethers attached to trees. In the April 13, 2009 issue of Newsweek magazine, a Pennsylvania breeder confessed that he kept his dogs in cages because it was “the only way to keep a lot of dogs—to keep them penned up.”

In 2010, Chris Sweeney of DVM Newsmagazine reported in a feature entitled, “Inside the Black Market: Puppy Smuggling,” confirmed that dealers looking to avoid releveant U.S. laws concerning puppy mills can do so relatively easily by simply picking up and moving elsewhere to continue to do business.

While investigating what he called this “multi-million dollar industry,” Capt. Aaron Reyes of the Southeast Area Animal Control Authority was horrified when he found “puppies stuffed in speaker boxes, screwed into the car door panels and wrapped in blankets with their little legs taped to their bodies and stuffed under seats.”

According to The Humane Society of the United States, there may be as many as 10,000 puppy mills operating across the United States.

To avoid empowering these malicious operations, one of the most important steps to take is diligence. Instead of a pet store, consumers may want to look at either a reputable local breeder or an adoption group, says Melanie Kahn, senior director of the Humane Society’s puppy mills campaign. If we can stop the flow of money to these individuals we can help end these practices.

On the other end of the spectrum, you have pet buyers who discover their newly-purchased pet isn’t for them. “Live animals aren’t often returnable, and so they may end up at shelters when the family discovers, say, that their new puppy is too energetic or that baby Easter bunny grows into a rabbit,” says Kahn.

Adopt a dog from a reputable adoption group to avoid puppy mill dogs. Also by carefully researching the breeders that supply pet stores.

Patti Strand, national director of the National Animal Interest Alliance, offers these tips:

1. Ask the pet store for detailed information on the breeder and their location.
2. Check those records against its inspections at the USDA’s website.

With homework you can protect yourself and deny puppy mill operators the cash they need.

But despite the dark side of this skyrocketing interest in pets, there is a light side: many abandoned animals will go to good homes thanks to committed pet owners. “Animals have always been a big part of our lives as humans,” says Wilson. “They have often been the only medicine that can truly cleanse our souls. It’s only right we adore them as much as they adore us.”

(Thanks to wugadogs.com for this story.)