Pet Life Archives | Page 3 of 4

By: hcucciaPost on: December 28, 2015September 5, 2017

Simple Health Tips for Your Dog

As pet parents, one of our primary concerns is keeping our animals healthy and happy, and helping to extend their lives as long as possible so they can enjoy all the fun life has to offer, and we can enjoy them for years to come.

Here are some simple health tips for your dog that can help keep your beloved canine happy and in tip-top shape.

Regular Veterinary Checkups

This is one of the easiest and most effective steps you can take to maintain your pet’s health. Routine vet visits not only allow you to keep your dog’s shots up to date plus prevent overpopulation by spaying or neutering, it also means potentially catching any health issues early on. Not only can early detection lead to better, more successful treatment, but it can also save you money because the longer you wait to treat your pet’s health problem, the more expensive and intrusive the treatments can become.

Good Quality Food

Just as with human food, not all dog foods are created equal. Unfortunately cheaper foods full of byproducts and fillers can be the pet equivalent of eating at a fast-food burger joint. By using high quality dog food you can help your pet have healthier skin, brighter eyes, and a shinier coat. In addition, nutrition-packed food boosts his immune system and mental sharpness, and makes for a more comfortable, healthier digestive tract. There are a few brands in particular recommended by Deborah Shores, DVM, including:

Blue Buffalo – Blue dog food is a very popular choice for all natural and holistic food for your pet
Wellness Natural Food for Dogs – for those who prefer a whole foods diet for their pet but don’t have the time to make the food from scratch, this is a good, reasonably affordable alternative
The Honest Kitchen – another option for health-minded pet parents, The Honest Kitchen produces freeze-dried dog food, including some low-allergen choices with non-traditional proteins like duck and healthy grains such as quinoa

Appropriate Feeding

Also as with humans, eating too much and not getting enough exercise can result in a variety of health problems. Obesity is a leading cause of nutrition-related conditions seen in pets, and can actually reduce your pet’s life span by up to two years. Potential issues caused by being overweight include heart disease, diabetes, and joint problems. Check here for proper feeding amounts.

Constant Supervision

Even though your dog may seem happy to run free every now and then, reserve this treat for the dog park. Roaming around unrestrained, and worse yet, unsupervised, can have a number of undesirable outcomes – your dog could be hit by a car, attacked by another animal, consume something poisonous (including plants, as many types of vegetation can make animals sick), exposure to disease, and more. In addition, your neighbors probably won’t be too thrilled with you if Rover relieves himself in, or digs up, their garden.

Oral Health

Dental care is just as important for your fur-babies as it is for your human children. Oral disease and other health issues of the mouth and teeth can cause your dog a considerable amount of discomfort, and impact his eating ability. Untreated, these problems can even cause heart or kidney disease. Your dog should have regular oral checkups, and you should brush his teeth at home. If getting your beloved pet to cooperate with this routine proves a challenge, there are various treats and toys that can help clean their teeth. Consult your vet for ideas.

Regular Grooming

Grooming your dog may seem it’s for superficial purposes only, but your dog will need regular baths and grooming. If you have a long haired or thick coated dog, their hair or fur grows fast and needs to be kept neat and clean. Regular brushing or de-shedding is helpful to avoid shaving your dog. Depending on your dog’s breed and coat, grooming appointments can vary from every 4-8 weeks. This also included nail clipping as you should never let your dog’s nails get too long. They can curl and dig into your pet’s paw pad. Your vet or groomer will typically do this without an appointment. If you hear your dog’s nails tapping the floor, it’s time to get them clipped! Consult your groomer for advice.

By following these simple tips for dog health care you can ensure your pet the longest, happiest possible life.

Please note that you should always consult you veterinarian for your dog’s healthcare advice and if you have any questions or concerns.

By: hcucciaPost on: December 21, 2015September 5, 2017

Pet Subscription Box Craze

Fruit-of-the-month subscriptions used to make for great party joke fodder, but when it comes to pampering our pets, it seems that monthly goody deliveries are no laughing matter. The canine treat box delivery business has taken off in a way no one probably ever imagined possible, bringing health products, toys, and doggy treats right to your door each and every month. If you’ve considered ordering up a monthly stash of fun and tasty specialties for your pooch, we’ve got a look at the big three contenders in the arena.

BarkBox

This popular service is now practically a household name, despite being just four years old (that’s just an infant in dog years!). BarkBox has enjoyed crazy-high sales just a few years in, and for good reason. Not only do they deliver high-end products with free shipping, but they also donate 10% of their proceeds to animal rescues.

In a given month you will receive a box with 4-6 full-size items including things like a bag of high quality dog treats and fun stuff like a rope toy. You can choose from 1 to 12 month subscriptions ranging from about $20-30 per month depending on the plan you choose (they’re cheaper the longer you sign up for).

Some consider the price a little steep but the entire process is smooth – from the availability of an app, to the user-friendly interface of the website, plus tracking of your shipments. They offer multi-dog discounts but you will have to purposely cancel if desired, and no cat option is available.

PawPack

They are geared more toward natural, eco-friendly doggy delights. PawPack is so confident you’ll like their products that they offer an allergy guarantee – if your dog has an allergic reaction to anything in his box, they send you a treat at no charge. As with BarkBox, your pooch will get 4+ premium products, plus some samples and discounts for their partner companies.

How much will PawPack set you back? A little more than BarkBox – $25-35/month depending upon which length of time you choose – 1, 6, or 12 months. But, they have stellar customer care, above average quality toys, and cat options are available. And again, like BB, they donate 10% of their sales to animal charities.

Surprise My Pet

>This newcomer, while times are still early (they launched at the beginning of 2015) is still a standout among the competition. One major reason for that fact is that they offer a “paw for paw guarantee” – this means if your dog doesn’t want to play with one of their toys or eat one of their treats, they’ll send you a free replacement.

Another thing that sets SMP apart is that they put 5-7 full-sized items into their boxes, as opposed to the competition’s 4-6. They also offer both cat and extra-small dog options, and their boxes are packed to the brim. On the downside there’s no customer care by phone. But it’s a wait and see with this brand-new company.

PoochPerks

Another shiny new up-and-comer to watch for is PoochPerks. They are a Miami, FL based company started by two pet moms who focus on all-natural treats and made in the USA products. The prices are steeper than the other main contenders, however – for a large dog it’s $20/month for a two to three item box, and $50/month for a six item box – with two more choices in between. The four size options are a twist that may end up as a lucrative niche, but time will tell.

One certainty is that for those who want to easily stock their dog’s treat cupboard and save some time perusing toys down at the pet store, life just got a whole lot more convenient!

By: hcucciaPost on: December 16, 2015September 5, 2017

Should You Get Pet Insurance?

As a pet owner, it can be heart-wrenching to have to make a decision about your pet’s health, or even his life, based upon finances. Sudden illness or injury can trigger thousands of dollars in veterinary bills, and some pet owners simply do not have that kind of money lying around, regardless of how deeply they cherish their fur-baby.

As far back as 1980, with the founding of Veterinary Pet Insurance, by Jack Stephens, DVM, pet owners have had the option of insuring their pets against medical bills just as they insure themselves. Pet insurance companies have multiplied in droves since that time and now pet parents have a bevy of options from which to choose.

Things to Consider

Pet insurance is like people insurance in some ways; there are often deductibles, payout limits and networks of approved veterinarians and animal hospitals. You can also choose to get wellness/preventative care coverage if you wish. There are some key differences, however. Here are some things to take into consideration when shopping for medical insurance for your beloved companion:

You are usually required to pay your vet bill up front and file for reimbursement.
It’s common for pet insurance plans to restrict or exclude coverage for hereditary or congenital conditions like hip dysplasia.
If your pet goes through a particular illness or diagnosis, it may be excluded the next time you renew the insurance plan, or you may be charged extra for that condition.
There are often limits on annual and lifetime benefits, as well as individual limits for certain injuries or conditions.
Rover or Fluffy may be denied coverage if they’ve advanced past a certain age.

Along with these considerations, it can also be confusing to compare each company’s plans to each other, as benefits and limitations vary widely, so it can be like comparing apples to lawnmowers.

ConsumerAdvocate.org, which ranks the best companies and products based on real consumer ratings, lists the following pet insurance companies as the highest rated among customers:

Healthy Paws – offers unlimited lifetime benefits with no claim caps, comprehensive accident and illness coverage, a free mobile app, no claims forms requirement, and you can choose to have an annual deductible
Petplan – Philadelphia-based pet insurance company that has been in business since 1976, offers coverage for hereditary conditions like hip dysplasia, has benefits up to a $22,000 yearly limit, operates on the basis of a per condition per year deductible
Trupanion – offers one plan that they claim covers 90% of veterinary bills, no accident and illness payout limits, renowned customer service, offers per condition deductibles (this works well if your pet has a chronic condition)

One thing you can do is to create a spreadsheet to help you compare costs and benefit amounts side-by-side. You should also read pet insurance reviews at sites like PetInsuranceReview.com, which also offers you the ability to pull quotes.

It’s also a good idea to consult your veterinarian on their recommendations, as well as ask family and friends about their experiences. Once you narrow it down, clear your choices with a quick Better Business Bureau check. Websites like Angie’s List can also be a boon to your research, as they offer customer ratings and a venue for complaints. Don’t forget to inquire whether your employer offers a discount on pet insurance as part of their benefits package – some do these days.

Whether or not you decide medical insurance for your pet is the right choice for you, remember that the most important thing you can do for your dog’s or cat’s health is to take them for regular vet visits. An ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure!

By: hcucciaPost on: December 14, 2015September 5, 2017

Never Feed These Foods to Your Dog

It’s no secret that chocolate is bad for dogs – even deadly in some cases. But there are many other food items that your dog shouldn’t have, and some of them will probably come as a surprise. Protect your beloved pooch from these dangerous human edibles:

Alcohol – never give your dog alcoholic beverages. It can cause digestive upset, respiratory problems, tremors, coma, or – in extreme cases – death.

Avocado – even though it’s super healthy for humans, avocado (including the leaves and bark) contains a substance called persin, which is toxic to animals.

Chocolate (or coffee and any caffeine) – these contain something called methylxanthines, substances present in cacao seeds. These can cause digestive upset, excessive thirst, abnormal heart rhythms, hyperactivity, seizures, and possibly death. Dark chocolate is more dangerous than milk chocolate but it’s best to take stringent measures to keep all chocolate out of reach of your dog (take extra care at Halloween, when candy seems to be all over the place).

Citrus – the citric acid in all parts of citrus plants can cause central nervous system issues such as irritation and even CNS depression when consumed in large amounts. Don’t fret too much if your dog eats a piece of the actual fruit – it may upset his stomach but probably won’t hurt him.

Coconut (or coconut oil) – when ingested in large amounts the oils in coconut can cause diarrhea and an upset stomach. A very small amount of coconut oil, however, administered once in a while, can help fight off skin irritations caused by fleas or eczema, as well as boost the immune system. Just use in moderation.

Fat trimmings and bones – it’s instinct for some people to toss the meat scraps to their dogs. After all, canines’ natural diet is meat, right? Unfortunately the fat found on meats that humans eat can cause pancreatitis in dogs. The bones can break up into splinters and cause serious damage to your pet’s digestive tract.

Macadamia nuts – these are exceptionally bad for dogs, causing vomiting, depression, tremors, and hyperthermia. You will usually notice symptoms within 12 hours of consumption, and they can last up to 3 days. Store macadamia nuts up high, out of reach of your precious pooch.

Milk and dairy – these seem harmless enough but your furry friends do not have the lactase needed to break down the lactose contained in dairy products. This means that they can get an upset stomach or diarrhea from anything containing milk.

Raisins or grapes – we don’t yet know enough about the toxic substance contained in this fruit, but we do know it can cause kidney failure. Better safe than sorry with dogs and grapes or raisins.

Raw eggs – while dogs do have short tract digestive systems, which means that foods pass through them much more quickly than in humans and allows them to tolerate things we could not eat without harm – your dog can still get salmonella from raw eggs, just like you can. There is also a chemical in raw eggs that interferes with your pet’s ability to absorb one of the B vitamins.

Xylitol – you probably wouldn’t think to be on the lookout for this sweetener, but even though it’s ok for humans, it can cause a release of insulin in your pet, which causes hypoglycemia and eventually liver failure. Symptoms may be vomiting, loss of coordination, and lethargy, progressing to seizures. Watch for this substance in candy, toothpaste, and gum.

There are many other foods that are bad for your dog, such as garlic and onions, nuts, and yeast dough. If you know – or suspect – that your pet has ingested one of the foods on this list, call your vet immediately or contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

By: hcucciaPost on: December 10, 2015September 5, 2017

Pit Bulls Are Misunderstood

Anyone who has watched the news knows that Pit Bull attacks make for big stories in the media. Never mind that attacks by other breeds happen all over the country – they just don’t get picked up because they aren’t sensational enough. Read here about multiple instances in which the media took no interest in a mauling or death by dog attack because the dogs were not Pit Bulls.

A study by the National Canine Research Council proved this point in its four-day look at dog bites in the media. Three fatal attacks by three different non-Pit Bull dogs were each mentioned in local papers just one or two times. During the same period, one Pit Bull attack that was not fatal received coverage more than 230 times in not only national and international papers but on major networks like MSNBC, FOX, and CNN.

Pit Bulls and BSL

Part of the mass hysteria about this breed results from the confusion over what a Pit Bull actually is. These days the term Pit Bull may refer to the standard purebred American Pit Bull Terrier, or it may reference a number of breeds which – thanks to Breed Specific Legislation – now encompass multiple “bully breeds”, like Boxers, and the American Staffordshire Terrier. BSL has been adopted by upwards of 700 cities in the United States. This legislation effectively bans certain breeds of dogs that are perceived to be particularly dangerous to humans. The problem with this kind of law is that it doesn’t address the real problem – the owners behind the dogs.

Even the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) points out that BSL “raises constitutional and practical issues”, in part because the data is unreliable (made more difficult to ascertain due to the prevalence of mixed breeds) and also because other breeds cause injury and death and irresponsible owners are just as much of a problem as any specific breed of dog, if not more so.

Misconceptions about Pit Bulls

Over the years of repeated inundation by the media reinforcing the idea that Pit Bulls are inherently dangerous, misconceptions about these dogs have spread. Although, ironically, the publicity has also brought about increased awareness of these misconceptions and a willingness on the part of animal lovers to learn more and try to save these sweet creatures. Let’s take a look at some of the commonly accepted generalizations that have no basis in truth:

Pit Bulls are inherently aggressive toward humans: ironically, Pits’ history as fighting dogs speaks strongly to their ability to control themselves with humans. Because they had to “turn off” their aggressiveness when their owners would enter the ring, they were bred to be very loyal. The fact is that any breed of dog can attack if raised improperly or provoked.
A Pit Bull with a history of aggression cannot be saved: this is easy to disprove – Michael Vicks had 50 dogs confiscated from his dog fighting operation. 49 of these dogs were not just saved but rehabilitated!
Pit Bulls have a “lock jaw”: this breed’s jaw is the same as any other breed’s – it doesn’t “lock”. It is exceptionally strong, which is probably the source of this myth. That’s just one reason Pits need responsible, loving owners who will train and treat their dog with care.
Pits have a vicious temperament: what would you think of that myth if you knew that Pit Bulls score lower in aggression than Beagles and Collies on the American Temperament Testing Society’s scale?

The important takeaway here is that any dog can be a great, loving, loyal dog if raised in the right kind of environment. Pit Bull is just a name. Pits can be sweet, lovable, amazing pets if cared for responsibly.

By: hcucciaPost on: December 8, 2015September 5, 2017

Best Dog Actors

Admit it, you go to see these movies for the dogs – not the human (or cartoon) actors or the plot! Sometimes the best actor in a movie is the dog! Check out this list of some of our favorite dog actors.

	Toto The “Wizard of Oz” star – a Cairn Terrier named Terry – was paid a handsome $125 per week for her work in the timeless film (more than some of the human actors made!). Her career took off and she ended up starring in 13 movies.
	Benji This popular series of films began in 1974 with a tale of a stray dog who ended up saving the day. Benji was played by a shelter dog named Higgens in the original movie, and later on his own pup Benjean played the character in “Benji” sequels. This beloved film represented one of the first on-screen uses of a dog as the primary character and depicter of various emotions throughout the plotline.
	Lady and the Tramp From, naturally, Disney’s landmark animated film “Lady and the Tramp”. It’s tough to deny the total adorableness of the famous pampered Cocker Spaniel and her mangy suitor Tramp.
	Old Yeller This hero of the film by the same name was literally a lifesaver throughout the entire movie. His heart-touching actions evoked tears from even the hardest of viewers, especially when his sacrifice led to his own demise.
	Beethoven The huge, lovable St. Bernard whose adventures with his family were chronicled throughout eight films between 1992 and 2014 was actually played by six different animals. The original Beethoven, a dog named Chris, starred in the first two films.
	Rin Tin Tin Rin Tin Tin was amazing German Shepherd who lived to the ripe old age of 14 was actually rescued by an American Soldier on the battlefields of WWI. His first films were silent, and he went on to become so beloved a movie star that in 1963 he received his very own star on the Walk of Fame.
	Marley We all know the heart-wrenching book-turned-movie features a rambunctious Labrador who keeps his owner captivated with his sweet personality. The part of Marley was actually played by an astonishing 18 different dogs.
	Chance and Shadow The sweet if hyper Chance, played by American Bulldog Rattler (voiced by Michael J. Fox) and wise old Golden Retriever Shadow, played by Ben (voiced by Don Ameche) make their way back to their family in a fun, charming, heartwarming way in the film “Homeward Bound”.
	Slink The Eeyoure-esque slinky dachshund from the wildly popular Disney Pixar film “Toy Story” is well-loved for his dry humor and deadpan lines such as “I may not be a smart dog, but I know what roadkill is” (a nod to Tom Hanks’ Forrest Gump character).
	Hooch Fan of this movie remember the enormous, beer drinking, house destroying French Mastiff from the Tom Hanks film “Turner and Hooch” was played by Beasley. Beasley was born in 1978 and passed away in 1992, with “Turner and Hooch” remaining as his only film legacy.
	Petey Last but certainly not least is this sweet little Pit Bull who played in the “Our Gang” series (which later become “The Little Rascals”) in the 1920s actually did have a ring around his eye. Petey was played by Pal the Wonder Dog, whose nearly complete eye ring was finished by Max Factor with the use of dye. Pal’s story has a sad ending, unfortunately, as in 1930 someone poisoned the little pup and he passed away. It was never known who committed this horribly cruel act, nor what their motivation was. Even though Pal only had a small part in one movie over the course of his career (a cameo appearance in “The Freshman”) he certainly deserves a mention.

As the presence of animals as main characters in film continues to grow, this list will surely grow too!

By: hcucciaPost on: December 4, 2015September 5, 2017

Holiday Gift Ideas for Your Pet

When the holidays roll around and the gifts start piling up under the tree, we often suddenly realize that maybe we shouldn’t leave Rover and Fluffy out of the gift-giving fun. In fact, a survey by petMD found that 86% of pet owners include their furry friends in the holiday present exchange. But what to get as gifts for your pet? Sure the standard bone or mouse will probably suffice, but those don’t seem very exciting.

Here’s a list of holiday gifts for your dog or cat (or other pet!) that are sure to please both you and your furry pal:

Dog Treat Launcher: this amazing contraption holds a handful of small treats, and upon the press of a button launches one through the air for your eager pup to catch (if he can!). Available at a variety of major retailers for under $10, including The Container Store.

Yoga Mat for Cats: Ok, yes, this one does sound a little far-fetched but if you’ve ever tried to do yoga with your feline hanging around, you’ll understand what a great idea this is as a cat gift. The catnip toy keeps kitty’s interest while you focus on your own Asanas.

Winter Coats for Dogs. Baxter Boo has a really cute selection of coats for dogs so your pet will be ready for snow, rain, or just to look cute!

Sherpa Puff Ball Pet Bed: this deliciously soft and squishy mini beanbag from Brookstone is the perfect cat gift. The zippered Sherpa cover means cleaning will be a breeze. You’ll probably wish this was made in your size.

Boutique Dog Treats: customized treats like the ones from Bing’s Bark Bakery that say “Top Dog” are not your normal dog gift. Super tasty and super cute, you might want to share these with dog-loving friends. Your dog may object, though.

Catnip Caves: though the name sounds big and fancy, these are merely catnip-infused versions of your feline’s favorite hiding spot – yup, paper bags. The catnip keeps them interested and the bag, well, no explanation needed. All cat owners understand the paper bag. Available through Amazon.

Small Pet Critter Cruiser: the whole family will get a kick out of the gerbil or hamster taking a cruise in this pink running wheel mounted on top of a pink sports car. This clever contraption is from PetSmart.

Silk Dog Collar: for a dog gift that both pampers your beloved pup and benefits a worthy cause, go for one of these colorful collars made of repurposed kimono and sari fabric. A percentage of the sales from these beautiful neckpieces goes to help fund therapy animal programs. Now that’s what we call a pet gift! Get these gorgeous accessories from shopnativedogs.com.

Luxury Leash: thanks to the advent of handcrafting retail websites like Etsy.com, boutique pet gifts are easy to obtain and can be fairly affordable. Leashes come in a variety of materials, including leather, are usually customizable for length and other features, and best of all are unique – no more plain big box store leash like every other Joe Smith Pet Owner has! We like the ones shown from PupPanache on Etsy.

No matter what you decide on as a gift for your pet this holiday season, they will still love you just as much. And that’s the real gift.

By: hcucciaPost on: November 30, 2015September 5, 2017

Famous Dogs on Social Media

[fusion_text]Everyone loves an adorable animal – whether it’s just an exceptionally cute and cuddly kitty, or the heartwarming tale of a real underdog (pun intended!), the Internet has obliged by providing a platform for pets to rise to stardom. Following are five super sweet dogs who have climbed the social media ladder and are happy to welcome you to their fandom.

Take a few minutes to check out these special dogs on social media. You won’t be disappointed, although you may lose a big chunk of time getting sucked into their cuteness!

	Harley – this absolutely adorable little one-eyed Chihuahua was born in a puppy mill. This precious baby served as a stud dog for years, enduring substandard care and abuse. Finally, he was discarded and an employee of the mill retrieved him and turned him over to an animal rescue who rehomed him into a loving family who obtained the medical care he needed. Though they were told Harley wouldn’t make it more than a few months, he is healthy and kicking four years later, at the ripe old age of 14! The best part is that Harley is now an activist in the fight against puppy mills. Read more at his website and follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @harleypuppymilldog.
	Teddy – another sweet little Chihuahua, Teddy was also rescued from a puppy mill. The National Mill Dog Rescue took Teddy and his little friend Gwinnie away to safety in 2012. They not only recovered, but thrived, and were adopted into a loving family with several other rescue dogs. Teddy Bear (as his new mama calls him) is also a social media activist dog against puppy mills and is a buddy of Harley. On top of that, he also boasts a long list of photo contest awards, as well as being the face of DogTV in May of 2013. Follow Teddy on Facebook and Instagram @teddybearburchfield.
	Tuna Melts My Heart – this adorable Chiweenie has an exaggerated overbite, recessed jawline and a wrinkly neck, but we think that makes him more adorable! He was rescued by Courtney Dasher in December of 2010 at a Farmers Market in LA when he was a four-month old puppy. Since him mom created an Instagram account (@tunameltsmyheart) he has become a social media sensation with 1.6M followers. People love when the “underdog” comes out on top. We love him and he is also an ambassador for animal rescue…..need we say more?! You can also follow him on Facebook and Twitter.
	Marnie – this fluffy little Shih Tzu is a great example of the joys an older dog can bring to its new owners. Marnie was adopted as a senior citizen and is enjoying a full and spoiled life, as her owner totes her around New York City and dresses her in adorable little doggie outfits. You can follow Marnie on Instagram @marniethedog.
	Tonkey Bear – just try to resist the face of this bearcoat Shar Pei! Tonkey hails from Edmonton, AB, Canada and has been blessed with a rare recessive gene that causes her coat to be extra furry (and – we think – extra adorbs!). She lives in the Great White North with her canine friend Maxi, and shares her exhausting life adventures (translation – lots of sleep, puppies need their beauty rest after all!) through Facebook and Instagram @bearcoat_tonkey.
	Kermit – no list of social media dogs you need to follow would be complete without Kermit, the Italian Greyhound buddy of YouTube personality Jenna Marbles. Kermit has ridden Jenna’s coattails to fame via the dog-lover’s comedic videos, including one that parodies those who spell Kermit wrongly, as “Cermet” (which Jenna pronounces “Sermit” in her signature accented Kermit the dog voice). Join Kermit on Instagram @Kermit_Thedog and Twitter.
	Tugger – an adorable, fun yellow lab whose adventures are featured on Facebook, Instagram (@TuggerTails) and Twitter. Tugger has almost 1 million followers on Facebook. Let’s help get to that milestone! He was adopted as a puppy and has been living it up with new family since November 2011.
	Doge – while this is a concept more than an actual dog (though a real Shiba Inu named Kobasu was the inspiration behind the original meme), Doge does deserve a mention among social media dogs. Doge is simply a Shiba Inu placed in a meme and surrounded by nonsensical text like “much wow” and “so amaze”. Read more about the gorgeous Shiba behind the Doge sensation here.

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By: hcucciaPost on: November 26, 2015September 5, 2017

How to Find a Good Veterinarian

Your pet’s vet is second only to you in terms of importance in its life. You not only want to find one who is a skilled animal medical expert, but is also good with people and will work as a team with you in order to devise the best possible health solutions for your beloved furry friend.

Your vet doesn’t work alone – there are veterinary technicians, office staff, and other important members of your veterinarian’s team involved in your pet’s care so you want to be sure that all of these people are a good fit for you, your family, and your dog, cat or other animal companion. Don’t wait until that emergency moment when you need the help of a professional – search and pick a vet ahead of time so that you have an established relationship with your pet’s doctor for when that time comes that you do need him or her.

Where to Start

Referrals from friends and family are a great way to begin your search for a vet. People are always happy to talk about a care provider with whom they’re thrilled, so pick the brains of anyone you know who has a pet or even works with them, like your groomer or boarding facility staff. Animal shelters also often have good recommendations.

You also want to check whether your potential candidates are accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association. This seal of approval indicates that your animal hospital has sought out and met the AAHA’s standards for care, equipment, and facility quality. In addition, specialists will possess board certification, which may be important if your pet has specific care needs such as dental or cancer treatment, and even alternative medicine.

What to Consider in a Veterinary Practice

Number of doctors
Appointment protocol
Cleanliness and organization of the facility
Separation of dog and cat cages
Courteous, caring, competent staff
In-house lab work and other procedures like X-rays
Location
Rates that fit your budget

Your Role on the Team

It’s not just the vet who needs to be conscientious. Being a good client is also a vital factor in the success of your dog or cat’s health care. Here are some good tips for being a well-mannered partner in your pet’s care:

Schedule regular preventative visits rather than just showing up when your pet gets sick.
Make it to your appointments on time. Being late affects everyone’s schedule, including the vet’s.
Always use an appropriate carrier to transport your animal to and from the office.
Call your vet at the first sign of a problem – you know your pet and if they’re acting “off”, the chances of the doctor successfully treating them are much better if you don’t wait too long.
If you do have an emergency, call anyway rather than just showing up unannounced. It may be that your veterinarian is booked up and will need to refer you to an emergency clinic, so you don’t want to waste valuable time.

These steps will help ensure the best, most efficient care for your precious pet. By working together as a team you and your veterinarian can keep your pet safe and healthy.

If you do have a serious problem with care administered by a vet, you can contact the ethics committee of your state’s veterinary association, or the American Veterinary Medical Association. But if you follow these common sense guidelines you are much more likely to end up very happy and comfortable with the partnership you’ve created with your pet’s caregiver.

By: hcucciaPost on: November 20, 2015September 5, 2017

Animal Loving Celebs

Many famous people leverage their exposure to the public in order to help animals, either by promoting practices like having your pets fixed, or raising awareness and money for specific animal rescues and other charities.

Betty White

This comedically gifted star of Golden Girls and Hot in Cleveland has been a vocal animal advocate for decades. She has been involved with the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association as well as the Morris Animal Foundation (which conducts health research for animals). Betty’s personal sponsorship of more than 30 animal health studies through this foundation has improved health for dogs, cats, horses and wildlife.

Ke$ha

Yes, that Ke$ha. The eccentric and at times troubled singer of hits like “Your Love Is My Drug” is not only a pet owner (of both dogs and cats!) but she also doesn’t hesitate to use her fame for the good of other animals like seals, sharks, and lions. The wild songstress is outspoken about cruelty to these beautiful creatures and is also an avid proponent of cruelty-free cosmetics. Her animal activism won her the Humane Society’s Wyler Award in 2013. Now that’s worth singing about.

Sarah McLachlan

The soulful crooner who rose to musical popularity through both her affiliation with the concert tour Lilith Fair as well as heart-touching songs like “I Will Remember You” is also a die-hard devotee of animal rights. Sarah’s soul-wrenching song “Angel”, which graces her commercial (yes, that one) promoting fundraising for the ASPCA, has undoubtedly been part of the reason she was able to raise upwards of $30 million for the animal rights group since 2007.

Bob Barker

The legendary 35-year host of The Price Is Right has long been known for his strong views on beloved pets. This celebrity animal lover used to end every episode of the popular game show with a reminder for viewers to get their pets spayed or neutered. Bob’s DJ&T Foundation has raised millions of dollars in support of spaying and neutering programs as well as animal rescues. This stand-up celebrity even relinquished his position as the host of the Miss USA Pageant because of the use of animal furs as Prizes. Bob is a true winner in the celebrity animal activism game.

Howard and Beth Stern

This shock jock has been lighting up the radio and television airwaves for over a quarter of a century with his controversial topics, interviews, and celebrity antics. But Howard and his wife Beth aren’t all about entertainment – they are also celebrity animal activists who are active with the North Shore Animal League. And, in 2011 they produced a calendar packed with irresistibly cute pets in order to raise money for the animal rescue. The surprisingly un-shocking behavior is a win for animals as well as Howard’s image. Beth Stern just released a book entitled “Yoda: The Story of a Cat and His Kittens” and she is donating 100% of the proceeds to North Shore Animal League. The book can be purchased here.

Simon Cowell

Indisputably the cruelest of the American Idol judges, Simon Cowell is just a softie underneath – as evidenced by his celebrity animal activism. The former talent judge has been very outspoken about leaving pets in hot cars, as well as the unethical nature of the fur trade and the benefits of adopting from an animal rescue rather than buying a designer pet. Simon put his heart where his mouth is by adopting two adorable little terriers in 2010. In addition to all of these lovable animal activism actions, Cowell leveraged his celebrity power to put a stop to an X-Factor dolphin segment. He is also active in the fight against captive dolphins and whales. It’s hard to find anything to criticize about that performance!

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