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!

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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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How to Prep Your Dog for Holiday Guests

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. 

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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

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

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

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

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 Wirecutter, Amazon 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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5 Reasons You Should Never Give Your Dog a Rawhide Bone

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oc265q0ZRss

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!

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How to Capture the Perfect Holiday Pet Photo

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

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

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

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.

 

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6 Winter Dangers Every Pet Owner Should Watch Out For

From large family gatherings and comfort food to holiday decorations and crackling fireplaces, winter is an amazing time of year. But amid all the gift buying and meal preparation, don’t forget about your pets. Winter might be a magical time for us, but it presents unique hazards for our cats and dogs. By making yourself aware of these dangers and planning accordingly, you can save your pet a terrifying visit to the vet—and maybe even save their life, too.  Here’s 6 winter dangers every per owner should watch our for.

Hypothermia

Hypothermia (or extremely low body temperature) is one of the most serious dangers your pet faces during winter. Coma, organ failure, and even death can result if not promptly treated. Sick, underweight and older pets—as well as those with little fur—are especially vulnerable to hypothermia, and should be kept indoors during winter when at all possible. It’s important to monitor your pet during winter, as early detection is crucial to tackling hypothermia. Here’s the common symptoms to look out for:

• Intense shivering
• Lethargy
• Difficulty breathing/shallow breathing
• Loss of appetite
• Muscle stiffness
• Weak pulse

If you fear your pet may have hypothermia, contact your vet immediately. To help raise your pet’s body temperature, you can place warm water bottles wrapped in towels under their armpits and chest. Wrapping them in a blanket warmed in the dryer is also effective. (Never use methods such as hair dryers or electric blankets, as these can cause burns to hypothermic animals). To prevent hypothermia, never let your pet endure cold weather for extended periods of time, and consider bundling them up in warm clothing whenever the temperature drops.

Frostbite

Freezing of the skin and tissue, commonly known as frostbite, is one of winter’s scariest threats. Exposed to sub-freezing temperatures and chilling winds, your cat or dog can succumb to frostbite in only a matter of minutes. From permanent tissue damage to loss of limbs to death, frostbite should be at the top of every pet owner’s mind as fall and winter roll around. Frostbite symptoms include:

• Red, gray, blue, white or pale skin
• Shriveled skin
• Pain in the ears, tail, paws or other extremities
• Skin that remains cold to the touch over long periods of time

You can help prevent frostbite by quickly removing ice and snow from your pet’s paws after they’ve been outside (pay special attention to any snow or ice balls that may have formed in between their toes). If you worry your cat or dog may have frostbite, contact your vet right away. Applying warm—but not hot—water to frostbitten extremities can provide relief. Be careful not to rub or massage areas suspected of frostbite, doing so can cause irreversible damage.

Antifreeze

From small spills to slow vehicle leaks, antifreeze can kill your cat or dog. And unfortunately, due to its sweet smell and taste, animals often confuse the substance for something edible. If you suspect antifreeze poisoning, and your pet seems disoriented, is excessively drooling, or simply acting abnormal, consult a vet immediately. Remember to always store antifreeze out of reach of your pets, regardless of the season.

Running Cars

In winter, cats and smaller dogs will occasionally seek warmth near running vehicles. While most will curl up next to the exhaust, some kittens have been known to work their way under the hood of a vehicle for added heat and shelter. To guard you and your neighbors’ pets from possible disaster, check your car before taking off each day. You might just save a little life by doing so.

Ice-Melting Salts

Salts used to melt snow and ice pose several health risks to pets. If ingested, these substances can cause mouth burns, painful gastrointestinal distress, and in rare cases even death. More commonly, these salts will irritate or damage your pet’s paw pads and skin. Thankfully, there are ways you can help protect your pet from such injuries:

• Place waterproof booties on their feet before walks in snowy or icy weather
• Using warm water, wash your pet’s feet, legs and underbelly after winter walks
• When treating your own sidewalks and driveway, choose pet-safe de-icers—like sand, gravel or kitty litter
• On walks, avoid areas that tend to be heavily salted
• Contact your local city officials about switching to pet-friendly de-icing methods

Rodenticides

As the cold returns and pests move indoors, homeowners commonly arm their houses with rodenticides, poisons intended to control rats and mice. Sadly, rodenticides represent one of the most common sources of pet poisoning during the fall and winter months. For the sake of your pets (and family), we suggest going natural with your rodent control instead. Regardless of what direction you choose, never place rodenticides in areas accessible to your cat, dog or other pets. (Similarly, we suggest going non-toxic with your insect control, too).

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6 Ways to Keep Your Dog Fit & Active This Winter

Winter can be tough on our dogs. Being cooped up all day not only robs them of their usual outdoor entertainment, but it makes it difficult for them to get the exercise necessary to maintain their health. Given that 54% of U.S. dog are dangerously overweight, it’s important to seek alternative means of exercise to help your pup stay fit through the winter months. Here’s some quick and and easy ways to give your pup some added physical activity when the weather makes it unpleasant to go outside.

Sign Your Dog Up For a Class

From social skills to increased fitness, canine classes are a quick way for your pup to learn some new skills and get some exercise in the process. Swimming courses, socializing classes, obedience and agility training—there’s tons of options to choose from. It will take a little research to see what’s available in your area and what’s right for your dog, but you’ll both be glad you did it.

New Tricks

Winter is the ideal time to teach your pup some new tricks. Not only can this be done in the comfort of your own home, but it’s a fun way to get your dog some needed exercise in the colder months. Remember to stay upbeat, positive reinforcement is the most effective way to educate your dog.

Bring Fido Along For the Ride

Whether you’re heading to the pet store, visiting friends or just running errands, bringing your dog along for the ride is an easy way to get your pup out and about when it’s cold outside. As long as your pet is well-mannered, consider visiting pet-friendly coffee shops, restaurants and bars, too. Your pup will love the extra attention. (Remember to make sure your dog’s safely secured before taking them anywhere in your vehicle).

Schedule a Playdate

Playdates are one of our favorite ways to exercise our doggies during the cold season. Call up your pup’s favorite pal and see if they’d like to meet up at a local dog park, an indoor space, or even in your own backyard. Just be sure to monitor the weather and dress your puppy friends accordingly (including dog boots if your neighborhood uses salt or other anti-ice chemicals that might irritate their paws).

Turn Mealtime Into Playtime

To add a little fun and exercise to your dog’s daily winter routine, make your pup’s meals (and snacks) into a game. One option is to hide treats throughout your home like a scavenger hunt. Another is to use a food puzzle toy (like a Kong) to feed your pup. The thirty-or-so minutes of extra playtime might not seem like much, but any extra winter exercise is well worth the effort.

Indoor Games

Simple indoor games like tug-of-war are an effective way to supplement your dog’s exercise routine when it’s too cold to go outside. Fetch, wrestling, hide-and-seek—the possibilities are endless. As a precaution, make sure the space you’re using is pet-friendly and free of potential safety hazards, such as sharp objects, open flames, and steep inclines like staircases.

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13 Ways to Go Green With Your Pet Care

Did you know that pets create approximately 64 million tons of greenhouse gases every year—the same amount as over 13 million cars? While their meat-heavy diets are largely to blame (they make up almost 30% of the U.S.’s environmental impact from meat consumption), our pets influence the environment in many other ways, too. From the costly effects of packaging materials for pet accessories to the 5 million tons of poop they produce each year, our cats’ and dogs’ have a heavy impact on the planet.

Since there’s no way we’re getting rid of our cats and dogs (they’re family!), we should all look for ways to decrease their environmental footprint. Making a few simple changes to your pet’s lifestyle can make a big difference. Here’s some of our favorites.

 

Buy Pet Food in Bulk

Buying your pet’s food in bulk is an easy way to lower both you and your pet’s environmental footprint. Not only do you lower the amount of packaging materials and waste required by additional purchases, you save yourself extra trips to the pet store thereby reducing gas consumption.

 

Spay or Neuter

On the surface, spaying and neutering might seem a little barbaric. However, that could not be further from the truth. These procedures save literally millions of pets from euthanization each year. Local animal shelters would be considerably less full, much happier places if every pet owner were to spay or neuter their cats and dogs.

 

Ditch Canned Food

More so than dry food, canned pet food is often contaminated with toxins that could harm your pet. A 2017 study by the Ecology Center found the linings in most pet food cans contain polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and bisphenol A (BPA), hormone-disruptors which are known to cause considerable health problems in both animals and people.
Buy Organic, Sustainable Pet Food

Another easy—though sometimes costly—way to lower your pet’s environmental footprint is to buy organic, sustainable dog or cat food. Not only is this much healthier for your pet, it reduces waste associated with industrial meat production. Click here for help on choosing an organic pet food option.
Reuse Human Food as Pet Food When Safe

Reusing human food as pet food is another option for reducing waste associated with pet food production and transportation. If you have leftovers or other food that’s soon to be trashed, consider using it to supplement your dog or cat’s diet instead of throwing it out. Just make sure it’s pet-friendly food before handing it off to your animal friend. Here’s a list of human foods that should never be fed to your pet.

 

Choose DIY and Recyclable Toys and Pet Products

Common plastic-based pet toys are not only a strain on the environment, but they’re often laced with chemicals that can make your pet sick. That’s why going DIY (sticks, socks, yarn, etc) and/or recyclable with pet toys is a no-brainer. It saves money, time, lowers your pet’s environmental impact, and allows you to reuse items you might have otherwise thrown out. In general, look for pet products (like beds, scratching posts, clothing, etc) made from natural-based materials and biodegradable packaging.

 

Go Green With Your Lawn Care

Replacing chemical-based lawn care products with plant-based alternatives benefits animals, humans and the environment. Another way to make your lawn more pet-friendly is to choose herbs and other plant life that are edible and healthy for your pet. Check out this article for help cultivating a pet-friendly garden.

 

Adopt Don’t Shop

The benefits of rescuing a pet over purchasing one are well documented. Doing so saves animal lives, saves money, saves resources, has less adverse environmental effects, and discourages the unethical puppy mill industry.

 

Protect Wildlife from Your Pets

Did you know cats kill over 2 billion birds each year? In addition, they kill upwards of 12 billion other small land animals each year, such as snakes, lizards and rodents. That makes house cats one of the largest human-caused threats to wildlife in North America. There’s several ways cat owners can help better this problem. Firstly, it’s important to keep cats indoors as much as is reasonably possible. Secondly, removing bird-attracting items from your yard—such as bird feeders, baths and food sources—is essential. The same approaches apply for dog owners, too.

 

Go Minimal

From toys, clothing and other accessories, the pet care industry would have you believe there’s innumerable items your dog can’t live without. In reality, apart from the essentials like medical care, food and water, there’s very little your pet needs to live a full and healthy life. In fact, all these additional products only serve to worsen your pet’s impact on the environment. So the next time you’re considering purchasing another toy or cute outfit for your pup or kitty, ask yourself: “Do we really need this item, and is it worth the amount of waste it will create?”

 

Avoid Toxic Flea and Tick Control Solutions

Toxic, chemical-based pesticides are extremely damaging to the environment, human safety, and our planet’s delicate ecosystem. Just as with your lawn care, going toxin-free with your pet’s pest control needs is one of the smartest moves you can make as a responsible pet owner. Doing so will not only lessen you and your family’s exposure to harmful toxins, but it might just save your pet’s life.

Choose Biodegradable Poop Bags or Another Eco-Friendly Disposal Option

Dog feces poses more dangers than most pet owners think. Which is why it’s so very important to properly dispose of dog poop. Following these simple guidelines will considerably lessen the negative impacts of your pup’s poo:

• Never throw poop bags in the regular trash
• Never put dog feces in your home’s compost—it’s full of dangerous bacteria
• Consider flushing it (but not in a septic system)
• If you live in a rural area, consider burying it (make sure it’s at least 5 inches underground and far removed from your home and garden).
• When it comes to bags, choose an eco-friendly, biodegradable option. But choose carefully, not all are created equal.
• Similarly, cat owners should consider eco-friendly cat litter alternatives.

 

Donate Pet Products You No Longer Use

Nearly every pet owner has tons of extra, no-longer-used pet items lying around. The next time you do a thorough cleaning of your home, set aside all inessential pet products you find. If they’re in suitable shape, consider donating them to a local animal shelter. If they’re not in good shape, recycle them or try to find a way to reuse or re-purpose them.

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10 Ways Dogs Make Us Happier And Healthier

As every dog owner can attest, dogs make our lives better. They make us feel better, they love us unconditionally, they protect us, and they’re always there for support when the world gets us down. But it turns out they do more for us than we might even realize. From improved mood and fitness to longer lives, here’s 10 ways dogs make us happier and healthier.

Lower Your Blood Pressure

From stroke to heart attack, high blood pressure can have lethal, life-changing consequences. Did you know owning a dog can help lower your risk of blood pressure and blood-pressure-related health issues? In one study, researchers at the University of South Carolina, Columbia found that simply petting or speaking to an animal was enough to lower one’s blood pressure. When both petting and speaking to an animal, subjects’ blood pressures dropped even lower.

 

Lower Your Risk of Heart Disease and Improve Your Chances of Surviving a Heart Attack

While scientists are still working out the details of why, studies consistently show pet owners are less likely to suffer from heart disease. In addition to lower cholesterol and healthier hearts, dog owners are also more likely to survive a heart attack should one occur.

 

Help You De-Stress

Dog owners have long recognized the therapeutic rewards of their pups. After a long, stressful day at the office, those warm puppy greetings and loving smiles are just what the doctor ordered to help you unwind. A study conducted at Virginia Commonwealth University has now confirmed this, finding that spending time with dogs can significantly lower your stress levels. Fortunately, our doggies benefit from the interaction, too—research has shown dogs experience less stress after enjoying one-on-one time with humans as well.

 

Make You Fitter

On average, pet owners live healthier, more active lives. From daily walks and park visits to activities like hiking, having a dog can significantly raise your cardiovascular activity. But by how much? The international Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity reports that dog owners enjoy 50 more minutes of physical activity each week than those without pets.

 

Strengthen Your Immune System

Do you commonly suffer from colds, infections and other annoying illnesses? Owning a dog might help. Research suggests owning a dog increases one’s secretion of immunoglobulin A, an antibody crucial to immune system health. Furthermore, it was found that children raised in homes with a pet are sick less often than those who weren’t.

 

Alleviate Depression

As you might have guessed, loneliness and depression can be alleviated by owning a dog. Research shows that when humans interact with dogs, certain hormones are released into the bloodstream, including oxytocin, serotonin and prolactin, all of which are tied to improved mood and decreased depression.

 

Reduce Chronic Pain

Following surgery or catastrophic accident, patients often require prolonged use of pain medication to treat their symptoms. Sadly, these medications come with serious side effects, not to mention the risk of addiction. Owning a dog, it turns out, can help lessen your dependence on such medication. A study conducted at Loyola University Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing found that joint replacement patients needed less pain medication following surgery when their therapy included animal interaction.

 

Increase Life Expectancy

Given all the health benefits associated with dog ownership, it should come as no surprise that pups help increase our life expectancy, too. By lowering the risk of depression, stress and heart disease, and by helping increase the frequency of exercise and immune system health, dogs allow us to live longer, healthier lives. It’s not just physical health, either. Owning a dog has also been shown to help prevent cognitive decline, such as dementia.

 

Improve Your Relationships

Ever wonder why people with pets tend to be more friendly? Research has found those with strong animal relationships enjoy better social lives and more stable relations with fellow humans. A study conducted by the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University concluded that people with close animal bonds are typically more involved with their community and more empathetic toward others.

 

They Can Help Recovery From Trauma

Several traumas—from assault to warfare—are known to be helped by consistent interaction with animals, dogs in particular. For example, soldiers suffering from PTSD have shown drastic, life-saving improvements on account of animal therapy. Scientists believe the hormone oxytocin—which is released into the bloodstream when humans engage with animals—is likely the cause. Oxytocin is associated with increased trust, social activity and improved mood.

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A Misunderstood Breed Gets A Helping Hand: TLP Celebrates Pit Bull Awareness Month (All Year Long)

 

In honor of Pit Bull Awareness Month and Pit Bull Awareness Day (Oct 28), we caught up with Aften Bell, Founder of The Love Pit, a non-profit pit bull rescue located in Dallas, Texas. Built upon the mission of “reducing the homeless pit bull population through rescue, rehabilitation, training and advocacy,” the Love Pit is helping raise the bar for rescues the nation over. Covering everything from pit bulls’ unique personalities to the Love Pit’s inspirational beginnings, read our interview with Aften Bell below.

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Can you give us a little background on the Love Pit: How long it’s been around, what inspired you to start it, how it all came together?

It really all started in 2015. I was coming home from work and I saw a dog walking into oncoming traffic. I got out and called to her, “Come here Sweet Pea.” For whatever reason, that name just came out. She slowly walked over to me, and as she got closer I saw the damage to her face. Basically, a big part of her face was missing—it had been chewed off by another dog. Seeing something like that can really change your perspective.

Once we got to the vet, I took some photos. I posted a single photo on Instagram, and within 48 hours, we had raised close to $5,000. It really inspired me to take a bigger step, not only to help dogs, but also to work with people who shared my vision. It took $1,500 of surgeries to get her fixed up. Then we took the rest of the money and rescued 13 more dogs from euthanasia in Ft. Worth. I ended up adopting Sweet Pea, and she’s still with us today.

 

Rescue is obviously a worthy cause, by why pit bulls in particular? Is it because Sweet Pea is a pit bull?

I was actually already fostering 4 pit bulls prior to finding her. Originally, I started with a general breed rescue. But after fostering more pits, I fell in love with their personalities and the breed in general. Also, after getting involved with other pit bull rescues, I got more educated about what was going on with pit bulls at shelters.
“Of the 1.4 million dogs euthanized at shelters every year, 40% are pitbulls. That’s nearly 500,000.”

” What a difference rescue, compassion and love make!”  -Photo courtesy of The Love Pit Facebook Page.

What do you think makes the breed so special—What do you love about pit bulls so much?

It’s simple: It’s how much they love. They give so much of themselves to please their human, more than most breeds I’ve worked with. Their loyalty and affection is my #1 favorite thing. They’re also some of the easiest dogs to train. Last but not least, it’s their goofy personalities—those floppy ears and big smiles!

Has running the Love Pit changed your outlook on dogs, on people? If so, how?

As far as changing my perspective on dogs, mostly it’s just made me love and understand them more. As far as people go, I never realized how much rescue can affect people’s lives. I’ve had volunteers who suffer from depression and social anxiety—where they can’t be around crowds—but now, because they have a purpose and moral mission with these dogs, they’re able to go out to adoption events and connect with other volunteers. Rescue opens up this whole new world to people.

What do you say to those still apprehensive about pit bulls? How do you approach the misconceptions surrounding the breed?

I could tell you facts about pit bulls all day, but it’s not going to matter until you have an interaction with a pit bull firsthand. Until someone has that positive experience, it’s hard to change their mind.

I used to be afraid of pit bulls myself in high school. Then I met my first pit bull. He was a friend of mine’s dog, about 100 lbs, very intimidating looking. But he was a complete goofball! There was no aggression in him whatsoever. After that, everything I thought I knew about pit bulls went out the door. I wouldn’t have changed my mind had I not experienced that for myself. I encourage people to come out to our events. You don’t even have to volunteer. Just come out, see what we’re about, visit one our pit bull kissing booths, get a “I kissed a pit and I liked it” sticker, and come pet a dog. And then if you want to volunteer, by all means volunteer.

Rachel, long time TLP volunteer and adopter of #TLPalumni Cleo says her favorite part about the breed is: “They are always there for you and give you tons of hugs!!! And accept your hugs all the time!”

What is the rehabilitation process like for the pits you rescue?

We look at the rescue model differently. We don’t rescue based on how many dogs we can save, it’s more about quality over quantity. We invest 100% in every dog we rescue, from rehabilitation all the way to post-adoption. All of our foster parents are required to come to weekly training classes. Every dog has their own training plan, because every dog is different. Out of the 300 pit bulls we’ve fostered and rescued, we’ve never had to euthanize one for behavioural issues.

Maegan Carlile,  fitness coach, volunteer for TLP and long time Pit Bull advocate,  is pictured here with one of her recent fosters, Ella.

What are some ways that people can support or otherwise get involved with the Love Pit?

We are a 100% volunteer-based rescue, so donations are big for us. We’re very focused on transparency. We want you to know where your money goes. We also do not use boarding or kennel facilities, which means the number of dogs we can save depends on how many foster homes we have. Foster parents are basically the heartbeat of our rescue. When you foster parent with us, you’re not alone. You have your your own trainer, your own medical coordinator. We cover all bedding costs. We also offer to pay for all dog food.

Is the Love Pit doing anything special for Pit Bull Awareness Month?

Yes we are! We have quite a few things going on this month. We just started a new education program called Keep Calm, Bully On. A big part of our mission is not only rescue, training and rehabilitating, but also advocating and educating. After two years, we’re now finally able to start the educational portion of our mission. We’re launching this for Pit Bull Awareness Month.

We’re going to be down in Houston at Spinal Tap Brewery on Pit Bull Awareness Day as well for a Pit Bull Awareness festival, which we’re hosting in partnership with Brave Bully Rescue and Good Lif3 Bully Rescue.

 

SEARCH ADOPTABLE DOGS

*If you’re interested in donating, volunteering, or simply learning more about The Love Pit, visit www.thelovepitrescue.org.

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