Saturday, December 30, 2017

5 Ways to Party With Your Dog on New Year’s Eve

Cedarcide Blog Post Image, 5 Ways to Party With Your Dog on New Year's Eve


New Year’s Eve is right around the corner. It’s a time for reflection and hope. A time to take stock of the last twelve months, honor the accomplishments you achieved, and look for ways to improve in the coming year. And while an evening of flying champagne corks, raining confetti, and midnight kisses can be a fun way to celebrate, so can staying in and catching up on some quality time with your pup (they give better kisses, anyway!). Best of all, when you usher in the new year with your dog, you can keep those painful high heels and stuffy sport coats in the closet—you can even wear pajamas if you want! Here’s 5 ways to party with your pup on New Year’s Eve.


Netflix Marathon

Whether binge-watching your favorite series or tackling a movie marathon, it doesn’t get much better than snuggling up with your pup on the couch. For added entertainment, choose a dog-themed movie—don’t forget, this is a night for your pup, too!


Go on a Road Trip

Even if it’s just a thirty minute drive away, taking a staycation for the weekend at a hotel or bed & breakfast is an awesome way to celebrate the new year. For outdoor enthusiasts, camping is another exciting getaway option. You can research to find pet-friendly Airbnbs in the area, or a hotel or campground that will accommodate your pup. Eat somewhere new, see an attraction you never got around to visiting. But most of all—and this one’s really important—take lots and lots of cute puppy photos.

 

Bake (and then Pig Out!)



Pick out some delicious homemade dog treat recipes for your pup, and baked goods for yourself. Then spend some fun (and funny) bonding time with your pup in the kitchen. Finally—and this is best part—indulge in a long, leisurely evening of snacking and relaxation. Happy New Year!

 

Throw a Dog Party!

Invite your friends and their doggies over for a New Year’s party you won’t soon forget. You can bake dog-friendly treats, play games with your pups, even imbibe dog-themed cocktails. Spending the evening with one dog might be fun, but spending it with several is even better!


Photo Shoot

Creative? Like crafts? If so, why not use the down time New Year’s offers to snap some memorable photos of your fur baby. The photos you take can be used for holiday and birthday cards throughout the year. Extra creative? Collect a whole series of photos and put together a calendar for the upcoming year. No one ever regrets having extra photos of their pups.


Thoughts, suggestions, have your own tips to add? Comment below or head over to our Facebook page and let us know what you think!

The post 5 Ways to Party With Your Dog on New Year’s Eve appeared first on CedarCide.

8 New Year’s Resolutions For You and Your Pet

Cedarcide Blog Post Image, 8 New Year's Resolutions For You and Your Pet

When we think New Year’s resolutions we usually think about self-improvement—things like losing weight, sleeping better, or getting organized. But if you’re a pet owner, you can use your resolutions to better your cat or dog’s life, too. From more bonding time to better mental and physical health, the following 8 resolutions will have you and your pet enjoying a more fruitful and fun 2018 together.

 

Volunteer

Pets bring us so much joy, so why not try returning the favor? Local animal shelters are always in need of volunteers—whether fostering, tidying up, or simply playing with the cats and dogs. Spending just a few hours each week or month giving back to these facilities can make a big difference in the lives of the animals that live there. Who knows, you might just find a new best animal friend, too.

Improve Your Pet’s Oral Hygiene

Daily tooth brushing is a big ask we know. But any increase in the frequency at which you brush your cat or dog’s teeth can improve their quality of life (just be sure you’re using cat or dog-specific toothpaste). If you do it once a month now, try adding another day or two in the schedule. We suggest consulting your vet about other steps you can take to better your pet’s oral health—an occasional professional cleaning never hurt either.

 

Teach Your Pet a New Trick

Research has linked inactivity and boredom with reduced cognitive function in older cats and dogs. Combat this by challenging your cat or dog with a new trick. It’s a fun and lighthearted way to bond with your pet and it will help keep their brain healthy, too. If your schedule is a bit tight, try using a puzzle feeder, which your pet can play with when you’re not around.

 

Throw Out Those Old Toys

You don’t have to wait till spring to start cleaning out old clutter. In addition to taking up space, old, worn-out pet toys can be a health risk for both people and pets, as they tend to be magnets for germs of all sorts. As 2018 rolls around, throw out the old toys and bring in some new ones. Your pet certainly won’t complain.

 

Introduce Your Pet to a New Activity

They say variety is the spice of life. Spice up you and your pet’s lives by trying out a new activity or hobby. From hiking to to camping to something as simple as running, introducing your pet to something new and fun is a great way to bond with your best fur buddy. Not only will adopting a new pastime get you both out and about, you might just make some new animal or human friends in the process.

 

Ditch the Harmful Chemicals

From household cleaners to insect repellents, 2018 is a good time to ditch the chemical-laden products in your home for more natural and responsible alternatives. For one, it reduces you, your family and your pets’ exposure to potentially harmful chemicals. For two, it helps lower the negative impact your purchases have on the environment. Everybody wins!

As far as naturally-sourced pesticides go: For personal, home and pet use, we suggest Cedarcide Original. For outdoor pest control needs, we suggest PCO Choice.

 

Set Up More Playdates

No time is better than the present to socialize your pet with other animals and people. So try scheduling more playdates in the coming year. Your pet will thank you for the added entertainment, and you’ll appreciate another excuse to get out the house with your pet in tow.

Consider Starting a Pet Savings Fund

Few pet owners are prepared for the additional medical expenses that come with an aging pet. To lessen the burden, consider starting a pet savings fund for your cat or dog (think of it as a college fund for your pet, but for vet visits, surgeries, etc). Being prepared for such costs will help ensure you’ll never have to settle when it comes to your cat or dog’s well being.

 

Thoughts, suggestions, have your own tips to add? Comment below or head over to our Facebook page and let us know what you think!

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Friday, December 22, 2017

How to Prep Your Dog for Holiday Guests

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Savory food, crackling fireplaces, traditional decorations—all are essential elements to the holiday season. But above all else, family and friends are what really make this time of year so special. As our homes buzz with the traffic of a busy kitchen and visiting relatives, it’s easy to forget this annual hustle and bustle can be overwhelming for our beloved pups.

Even the most well behaved dogs can act strangely when faced with the loud noises and unknown visitors the holiday chaos brings. So to ensure the safety and enjoyment of both your guests and your pups, consider the following 5 tips when preparing your pets for the big holiday celebration.

 

Create a Refuge for Your Pup

When the holiday crowd and noises get to be too much for your pup, she’ll need a secure and quiet retreat to escape to. Creating a space for your dog to chill out when she gets stressed or anxious is important to keeping everyone safe and happy during holiday festivities. The area should be comfortable, familiar, calm, and closed off from the busier parts of the house—a laundry room or guest bedroom will work fine. Consider including the following: blankets, a dog bed, their favorite toy, a water bowl, treats, their crate, and soothing music (Spotify and YouTube have lots of dog-specific music playlists). Finally, let your guests know this area is the dog’s safe space, and that she should be left alone when inside.

 

Use Baby Gates

Even when your dog is not in her safe space, you’ll still likely want to limit her movements throughout the house. After all, the kitchen and front door are hotbeds of traffic during events like Christmas day. Baby gates are the best tool for this task, and will make hosting celebrations that much easier for you and your guests.


Prep Your Guests

Your dogs aren’t the only ones in need of preparation before holiday get-togethers, your guests are, too. Before the big day arrives, inform your visitors not to feed your pup party snacks or table scraps to save them from tummy aches. Not everyone owns dogs, so inform your guests about basic canine body language, so they know when it’s best to give your pup some space. It’s also a good idea to explain why the baby gates are up and what areas of the house your pup is allowed to explore. Any other special needs—like behavior quirks or medical issues—should be mentioned, too.

Be Mindful of Children

Dogs unaccustomed to children can behave out-of-character when faced with unfamiliar kids. If that describes your dog, and children are planning to visit this year, it might be best to keep them seperate. However, even if your pup is kid-friendly, supervision is a must. For the safety of your dog and the kids, never leave them alone together. Educating visiting kiddos about how to treat your dog is key to avoiding potential mishaps.

Exercise and Distract

As they say, “a good dog is a tired dog.” Exercising your pup an hour or so before guests arrive can make your life much, much easier—plus, your dog will be happier, too. After a walk or visit to the dog park, your dog is much less likely to jump on arriving visitors or beg at the dinner table. Keeping your dog busy with distractions—like KONGs and other puzzle toys—will help manage her behavior throughout the day as well.

 

Thoughts, suggestions, have your own tips to add? Comment below or head over to our Facebook page and let us know what you think. 

The post How to Prep Your Dog for Holiday Guests appeared first on CedarCide.

Wednesday, December 20, 2017

Get to Know the Cedarcide Horse Rescue

Every year, over 100,000 horses are transported out of the U.S. for slaughter. After learning more about this atrocity, we at Cedarcide could not sit back and do nothing. So, in 2016, the Cedarcide Horse Rescue was born. Our mission is not only to save horses, but to increase awareness and spread our own passion for animals in the hopes of promoting change. The Cedarcide Horse Rescue began with Piglet (aka Cowboy) and Legacy, two graceful and gentle geldings, but has since grown to a team of six beautiful horses. With the continued support of you, our customers, we hope to save even more horses in 2018. 

While the hard work of our employees and generosity of our customers gave us the means to build and maintain the rescue, for us the Cedarcide Horse Rescue is all about the horses, each unique personality in the bunch. Today, in celebration of National Day of the Horse we’d like to introduce you to our awesome crew of horses! (Some of the horses are still getting settled in, so they declined to be interviewed for this blog post). 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6sXbi4s30j0

Piglet (aka Cowboy)

A quirky ten-year-old gelding, Piglet is the charismatic jokester of the Cedarcide Horse Rescue. With his playful attitude and positive spirit, he always finds a way to keep his fellow horses and the Cedarcide staff on their toes. Piglet is the type of horse that warms to new people quickly, wowwing everyone he meets with his keen intelligence and infectious enthusiasm.

Legacy

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If there’s an alpha in the group, Legacy is the man. An eight-year-old gelding, Legacy spent several years on the race track, winning over $150,000 during his illustrious career. Draped in a stunning rusty-red coat, Legacy moves with a powerful and regal stature that instantly commands respect. Sharing a carrot with this vegetable connoisseur is the quickest way to Legacy’s heart.

Starboy 

Beaming with curiosity, Starboy is the most charming horse in our rescue. Voted “most popular” by his peers, Starboy lives for two main purposes: apples and meeting new people.


Rusty

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Mystery and cool surround Rusty, the “lone wolf” of the Cedarcide Horse Rescue. As a mature, twelve-year-old gelding, Rusty’s just as peaceful and contented as you might expect. Rusty is wise, savoring life through casual grazing and leisurely strolls through the rescue grounds. He might seem aloof at first, but once you’re in his good graces you’ve got a horse companion for life.

If you’re interested in adopting a horse from the Cedarcide Horse Rescue, please email us at questions@cedarcide.com

If you want to learn more about the horse slaughter industry, visit the ASPCA website.

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Your Christmas Tree Might Have Bugs, Here’s How to Get Rid of Them

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Picture this. You go out with your family to select the ideal Christmas tree. After an afternoon of searching, you find it! You bring it home, decorate it, then sit back and admire how well it completes your holiday decorations. It’s lush, majestic, and best of all—It’s real! Just one problem, there are things crawling all over it. Tiny legs scuttle here and there. Maybe there’s even a web. Wait, are those eggs? You guessed it: There are bugs in your Christmas tree.

This might sound like a nightmare, but it happens every year. During the winter, all sorts of bugs—from mites to beetles to spiders—take shelter in trees to escape the season’s cold conditions. Christmas trees are no exception, which is why it’s important to check your chosen tree for pesky hitchhiker’s, preferably before bringing it inside. If you’ve already set up your tree, don’t worry you still have options. Here’s 5 tips to ensure your natural Christmas tree stays bug-free.

 

 

Shake it

One of the most obvious options is also one of the most effective: Shaking. The idea is simple: Shake the tree vigorously enough and you’ll remove any hidden pests, as well as loose pine needles and other debris. This is an easy way to prevent bringing dirt, grime, bugs, bird nests and other undesirable things into your home. While some retail tree lots have mechanical tree shakers on site for this very purpose, many don’t. Even trees purchased from lots with shakers should be re-shaken before being brought into your home (who knows how recently the tree was last shaken).

 

Inspect it

Regardless of what preventative measures you take with your tree, it should be thoroughly inspected again before moving it into your home. Insects, spider eggs, bird nests, even rodents could still be lurking in the limbs. If you’re squeamish about pulling bugs out with your hands (which you probably should be) consider using a vacuum to remove any remaining insects, webs or eggs. As for larger items like bird nests and rodents—those should shake out quite easily.

 

Let it Chill

Insects that use trees to survive the winter usually enter a dormant stage as the cold approaches. Once you bring these bugs into your warm home, they start to wake back up, thinking spring has arrived. One way to get pests out of your Christmas tree before decorating it, is to place the tree in your garage for roughly 48 hours. Doing so will allow your tree to warm slowly, which in turn will cause any hidden bugs to emerge from their dormant stage and leave the tree. Of course, this method could introduce bugs into your garage. But for those who dislike killing insects outright, this is a more natural and—you could say—humane approach to debugging your Christmas tree.

 

Dust it

For the sake of your health, your family and your pets, you should never use toxic, chemical-based pesticides on your Christmas tree. Firstly, it exposes your home to potentially harmful pollutants. Secondly, many traditional pesticides are flammable, and while a flaming tree is certainly a bug-free tree, a smoldering pine is not the best look for holiday celebrations. Having said that, treating your tree with a pesticide alternative—like diatomaceous earth—is a viable option. Before bringing your tree inside, thoroughly sprinkle it with DE. Then shake off the excess after letting it sit for about an hour. If your tree’s already indoors, you can still treat it with DE, just sweep up the remaining dust afterward (but don’t use a vacuum, as DE can harm many types of vacuums).  

 

Spray it

Again, we strongly suggest that you do not use traditional pesticides on your tree. Naturally-sourced pesticides, however, are another matter. We recommend using a plant-safe, non-toxic insecticide, such as PCO Choice concentrate. Mix a 1:31 ration of PCO Choice to water in a spray bottle, spray your tree liberally and allow it to dry before bringing it inside. Not only will this kill any hidden bugs on contact, it will prevent additional insects from taking residence in your tree through the holidays.

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Friday, December 15, 2017

9 Eco-Friendly Holiday Gift Ideas for Pets & Pet Owners

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The holidays are in full force and Christmas is just around the corner. if you’re anything like us, there are plenty of errands left to run, family plans to schedule, and gifts to be bought. When it comes to your cat or dog, we can help you with that last one. From stocking stuffers to doggy treats to cat toys, we’ve compiled a guide of 10 holiday gift ideas to simplify your search for the perfect present. In line with our love for animals and the planet, the following items are responsibly made with the environment in mind.

West Paw’s Heyday Dog Bed

Named “One of the Best Small Companies in America” by Forbes Magazine, West Paw makes carefully designed pet products using a sustainable manufacturing approach. Their Heyday Bed is no different, and it’s one of the most durable dog beds on the market. Handmade in the U.S., stain resistant and machine washable, the Heyday Bed is covered with extra soft micro suede fabric and guaranteed free of harmful chemicals. And like all of West Paw’s pet beds, this bed is made from the company’s IntelliLoft eco-fiber, a stuffing that helps reduce waste by repurposing plastic water bottles.


Kids ‘N’ Pets’ Instant All Purpose Stain & Odor Remover

The trick with stain removers is finding one that’s both safe for use around pets (and people) and actually effective. Kids ‘N’ Pets’ Instant All Purpose Stain & Odor Remover checks off all the boxes. From pet stains to spills and everything in between, this all purpose stain remover can be used on carpet, mattresses, bedding and more. Best of all, it’s non-toxic, biodegradable and as the company states “completely safe for people, pets, and plants.”

 

Only Natural Pet’s Holiday Duck & Cranberry Biscuits

Your dog can eat like a king (or queen!) with Only Natural Pet’s Holiday Duck & Cranberry Biscuits. Made from a high-quality grain-free mixture of duck broth, cranberries and just a hint of mint, these biscuits will have your dog sidestepping the holiday dining table for his very own dog bowl.

 

Paw Street Barkery’s Winter Wonderland Organic Gift BoxIf you’re hoping to really spoil your pup this holiday season, look no further than the Winter Wonderland Organic Gift Box. Made from all organic ingredients, this gorgeous gift box includes a sampling of gourmet treats courtesy Paw Street Barkery: including dog-friendly Peanut Butter Cups, biscotti-like dog treats and various pup-safe cookies.

 

Dezi & Roo’s Hide and Sneak Cat Tunnel

Affordable, biodegradable, and handmade in the U.S by a team of veterinary professionals, the Hide and Sneak Cat Tunnel is a perfect gift for any cat or cat owner. Cats love its crinkly sounds and catnip-infused material, you’ll love its eco-friendly design and reasonable pricing.

 

Amazon Basics Dog Waste Bags with Dispenser

Deemed the best dog poop bags in the world by the New York Times product-vetting resource WirecutterAmazon Basics Dog Waste Bags are the ideal option for the majority of dogs and dog owners. Because dog poop bags aren’t really compostible or biodegradable in the traditional sense (dog poop should not be composted, and you don’t want dog poop loose in a landfill due to a biodegraded plastic bag), these bags are among the very best in the market. They’re durable, easy-to-use, include a leash clip, and come in large enough quantities to prevent frequent reordering—which cuts down on the product’s overall eco-footprint. However, if you absolutely must go biodegradable, we recommend Pets N Bags as an alternative. 

 

West Paw’s Hurley Dog Bone

Another West Paw Design, the Hurley Dog Bone is an ultra durable, teeth-safe, dishwasher-safe, non-toxic (BPA-free, phthalate-free) chew toy guaranteed to last—if it doesn’t, they’ll replace it! And because it’s made from West Paw’s patented eco-friendly Zogoflex material, it’s endlessly recycable. Send it back to West Paw, and they’ll even recycle it for you.

 

Cedarcide Original Pet-Friendly Insect Repellent

Designed for people, pets and indoors, Cedarcide Original is a naturally-sourced insecticide and repellent made in the U.S. from all natural cedar. A few spritz before the dog park, hiking or other outdoor play, will keep you and your pet protected from fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes. Cedarcide Original’s unique formula is non-staining and dries quickly. The 1 oz. and 2.5 oz. sizes make for awesome stocking stuffers.

 

Ruffwear’s Summit Trex Dog Boots

Dog boots are essential to protecting your dog’s paws during outdoors activities like hiking, as well in the winter when deicing salts and cold weather threaten their delicate pads. Made by performance dog gear company Ruffwear, the Summit Trex Dog Boots are a sustainably manufactured dog boot engineered for durability and extreme temperatures. These boots are tough enough to withstand the most demanding trail conditions, yet small and flexible enough to fit into your pup’s stocking.

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Friday, December 8, 2017

5 Reasons You Should Never Give Your Dog a Rawhide Bone

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Did you know one of the most popular dog toys in the world is also one of the most dangerous? At supermarkets, in pharmacies, in discount bins at the pet store—rawhide chew toys and bones can be found almost anywhere. From how they’re manufactured to the ingredients inside, these commonly bought treats are far from the natural chew toy they’re marketed to be. In fact, rawhide products can be a dog owners worst nightmare, resulting in vet visits for everything from choking to poisoning to emergency gastrointestinal surgery. Here’s 5 reasons we recommend never giving your dog a rawhide treat again.

 

They’re Sourced From Foreign, Substandard Factories

From grimy warehouses in China, Thailand and Korea, to sketchy outfits in Central America, rawhide toys come from all corners of the earth. Because rawhide manufacturers are not required by law to list the origin of their ingredients, there’s virtually no way to tell where a rawhide treat or toy came from. Which is alarming, especially given that most U.S. pet owners are now well aware of the risks associated with foreign-made, poorly regulated dog treats.

 

They’re Littered With Toxins

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Turning animal skins into rawhide pet products is a long and winding process, with additional chemicals and toxins introduced at nearly every stage. To remove the hair and fur, for example, a surprisingly poisonous cocktail of sodium sulfide is used in what’s called the liming process. In another stage, the hides are washed and whitened using either bleach or hydrogen peroxide (remember, these are the same hides your dog chews, licks and eventually eats!). Arsenic, formaldehyde, lead, and mercury also commonly show up in tests of rawhide ingredients. And that’s not all—countless artificial preservatives, flavorings, dyes, paints and glues are used by manufacturers to give rawhide bones their trademark shape and look.

 

Cannibalism, Anyone?

Rawhide pet products are typically made from cow or horse hides, but that’s not the whole story. In a shocking revelation, an investigation by Human Society International uncovered that skins from slaughtered dogs were used in certain rawhide products from Thailand (manufacturers informed investigators that these specific chew toys are commonly found for sale in U.S. stores). The thought of feeding a dog another dog’s skin is not only immoral, but just plain gross! If that doesn’t make you second guess rawhide pet products, not much else will.

 

They’re a Choking Hazard

Perhaps the most common danger associated with rawhide chew toys is choking. Firstly, the knots at the ends of most rawhide toys are notorious for lodging in doggy’s throats. Secondly, as the rawhide softens into that infamous and disgusting goo substance all dog owners are familiar with, that’s when rawhide toys become a serious choking risk for your pup. These slimy, pliable pieces can get stuck everywhere from the roof of your dog’s mouth to deep down in their esophagus. It’s no wonder rawhide toys are among the leading causes of emergency veterinary visits, especially for choking.

 

Gastrointestinal Damage

If a consumed rawhide treat makes its way safely through the throat to the stomach, even more frightening complications can occur. In short, rawhide products can be difficult for many dogs to properly and entirely digest. Once stuck in the stomach or intestine, rawhide chew toys can swell, requiring immediate medical attention. Even when treated in time, long term damage is not uncommon in these cases. There’s a laundry list of other gastrointestinal symptoms associated with rawhide consumption, too—such as diarrhea, loose stool, stomach pain, loss of appetite, lethargy, and more.

Looking for safe alternatives to rawhide bones and toys? This resource will help!

The post 5 Reasons You Should Never Give Your Dog a Rawhide Bone appeared first on CedarCide.

Tuesday, December 5, 2017

How to Capture the Perfect Holiday Pet Photo

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At Cedarcide, pet photos are our favorite type of holiday photo. Capturing these photos is usually fun and memorable, but it’s not always easy. By considering the following tips, you’ll save yourself a lot of time and sanity, and score some terrific shots, too. And when you’re done, surf on over to our Facebook page and share them with us—we’d love to see your cat or dog!


Familiarize Your Pet with the Camera

Ever met a dog that just doesn’t like cameras—maybe he barks every time it flashes or clicks, maybe he even nips if it gets too close? Chances are the owner never got his pup familiarized with the camera. After all, all those noises and flashes can be scary to unfamiliar pets. Before taking holiday photos—maybe a few days or a week in advance—spend some time getting your cat or dog used to being in front of a camera. Rewarding them with a treat after every practice photo can do wonders—this will help him or her associate the look and sounds of a camera with something positive. Before you know it, they’ll be just as excited for holiday photos as you are.

 

Turn Off the Flash

Pet photos are often plagued by blurry or glare-filled eyes. The cause? Flash. To achieve the ideal look for holiday pet photos, skip the flash and go with natural lighting instead.

 

Take Improv and Action Shots, too

Sitting and standing still for long periods of time is difficult for most pets. Capturing them in a more natural setting—playing, sleeping or running, for example—will make things easier and more fun for both you and your pet. You might be surprised: action shots often deliver far better results than traditional holiday-card-style portraits.

 

Change Your Perspective
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Lowering yourself down to your cat or dog’s level can produce some gorgeous holiday pet photos. For whatever reason, photos taken at the same eye-level as your pet just tend to be a little cuter.

 

Go with a Calm, Familiar Setting

Distractions are the most common reason pet photos go awry. Choosing a calm setting free of unnecessary distractions—like extra people, other pets, and toys—will make things go much smoother. A room in your own home is usually the ideal location, as unfamiliar locations can be the biggest distraction of all. If your pet is not comfortable, you’re far less likely to snap a decent picture. However, if your pet generally does well in public settings, consider taking them to a special holiday location—pet photos with a local Santa Claus can be especially unforgettable.

 

Be Patient

When there’s holiday decorations to get tangled up in, family running amok, and dozens of errands left to run, staying patient is not the easiest thing in the world. But finding just a little extra patience when tackling pet photos can make your task all the easier. The logic’s simple: the more time you allow for taking photos, the more priceless memories you’ll likely end up with.

 

Play with the Focus

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Toying with your camera’s focus settings can turn a good picture into a great one. Specifically, capturing your pet in sharp focus against a blurry backdrop will create a beautiful, professional-style shot. If you have a newer smartphone, check for a setting called “portrait style.” This essentially does the same thing, rendering closer objects in focus and the backdrop out of focus. The stark contrast will really make your holiday pet photos pop.

 

Grab Their Attention
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From squeaking toys behind the camera to luring their attention with a treat, using something to get your pet to look into the camera will make taking holiday photos a much less stressful activity.

 

Include Props

If they’re not too much of a distraction for your pet, holiday props like sweaters and santa hats can really spice up a holiday photo. Give it a go, you might be surprised by what your cat or dog lets you get away with.

 

Pick the Right Time of Day

Consider what times of day your pet is most relaxed and docile. For younger dogs this might be towards the end of the day, when they’ve sufficiently tired themselves out. Whatever time you go with, make sure your pet has been well fed, out to the restroom, and exercised before starting a photo session. Doing so will make your life much, much easier. You’re certain to get far better photos, too.

 

The post How to Capture the Perfect Holiday Pet Photo appeared first on CedarCide.