September 3rd, 2010 by Jessica

Anyone who likes to dress up enjoys having options. It’s the same for pet owners who are big on pet fashion. Sometimes we might even go a bit overboard when it comes to dressing up our pets. Whether you go all out or choose simple pet accessories, where to buy is always a big question. High end pet fashion boutiques tend to carry the luxury brands many pet owners like, but there are also options for those with smaller budgets.

Getting Quality For Less

First of all, remember that high cost does not always indicate quality. Conversely, a cheaper product could last a long time and withstand everyday wear and tear. So the pet owner who seeks pet fashion they can afford should first look for product reviews. You may be surprised to learn about cheap items that could serve your pet wear needs.

Company reviews are also important. There are forums online dedicated to customer opinions on various issues. You can find reviews on vet clinics, pet fashion boutiques and pet wear. You might be able to get some items cheaper if you buy from online shop. If you sign up for some pet stores’ newsletters you are generally notified of sales or special offers.

Shopping around for pet fashion is important. Using the Internet is the easiest way to quickly compare prices. You might see something in a pet fashion boutique and get it for less in an online store. People tend to like high end pet fashion boutiques because they have pet products from different countries. Therefore they have a greater variety to choose from.

Remember that although the idea is to pamper your pet, you don’t have to break the bank doing so. Always keep in mind that for each pet product seen in one of these stores you can get something of comparable quality elsewhere. Sure you may not always be able to get the brand names you want, but I’m sure your beloved pet won’t care.

September 2nd, 2010 by Jessica

This is a sore point for many pet owners and animals often seem quite capable of getting by on whatever they eat. Many types of pet food, for cats and dogs particularly, are fortified with important vitamins and minerals. They help to promote growth, digestive health and other functions. But how do you know if you pet is getting enough?

Important Vitamins for Pets

For owners of exotic pets like ferrets vitamins are generally unnecessary, unless the animal shows a clear sign of deficiency. As long as feeding guidelines are followed they are generally OK. Since most of us own cats, dogs or both, there are other issues to consider. Some of these are:

• Some animals are fed scraps or leftovers from family meals. Is this enough to meet their dietary needs?
• Different brands of pet food vary in nutrient content.
• Your pet’s activity levels may influence its nutritional needs.

Knowing Your Pet’s Needs

For starters the breed and size of the animal largely influences how much of certain nutrient they need. Be guided by your vet’s advice, as they usually have much information in this area. You will find however that most brands of pet food do not provide all the vitamins your animal needs. Many such products provide the animal with the minimum daily requirements, despite what the ads may say.

Try adding liver to your pet’s diet as this will provide many of the nutrients it needs including Vitamins A, D, E and K. This is especially important for those people who simply give their pets whatever they have handy. Vitamin supplements for pets should definitely be considered in these cases as well. Pet vitamins can also be looked at for animals on bagged or canned food. This will ensure that they get their daily requirements of nutrients they need to keep being healthy.

Remember also that your pet will need adequate amounts of protein. Table scraps simply won’t cut it. Check the labels on pet food to ensure that enough protein is provided. Naturally larger animals will require more protein, especially if they are very active.

Understanding the signs of nutrient deficiency is also important for your pet’s long term health. That is exactly what we will look at next week.

August 25th, 2010 by Jessica

Vet visits are an important aspect of pet care and I never get tired of saying this. However, just as we can pick up infections in hospitals, your pet could come home with something they didn’t take to the vet. It’s understandable that you may want your pet to be friendly and interact with other animals, but it is not recommended. Most pet owners can relate to this, but remember that any number of animals in the room might be sick. Some of these illnesses could be contagious.

Protecting Your Pet

The vet clinic’s staff will have their own measures to ensure that no illness is passed to unsuspecting animals. You must do your part too to keep your animal safe, no matter what species or breed. Some simple pointers include:

• Keep small pets like rabbits or small dogs in your lap or in their crate. This will limit their interaction with other animals.
• Keep your dogs on their leashes. As much as is possible prevent them from sniffing the floor. You may have to keep a few treats on hand to make this easier.
• Don’t pet other animals, at least until you know why they are visiting the vet. Let’s face it, we all love pets and sometimes we can’t resist the urge to rub the head of a cute pooch or feline. Keep in mind, however, that you could be putting you own pet at risk.
• If the vet clinic staff doesn’t put down clean paper or sanitize after treating an animal, it might be time to find a new vet. Or at the very least you could voice your concerns to the vet about such behavior. Clinics usually have strict rules regarding hygiene and safety, but there may be cases where an occasional lapse may occur.

Yes, it can be tricky when another pet owner wants to rub the head of your adorable little friend. We all feel good when that happens. Declining politely might be best but it is really up to you. If you are comfortable enough with the situation then by all means let your pet enjoy the warmth being shown by another person.