Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Dog Sweaters: Tips for choosing them and why your pet needs a sweater or coat

Dog sweaters or coats are an important item that every pet owner should consider choosing for their furry friends. Maybe it’s because we humans grow up with skin while our dogs are born with fur, that many think a dog is always warm enough and can easily withstand any climate, temperature or
Snuggie for Dogs
weather change. That simply isn’t the truth. Dogs need appropriate clothing to remain safe and comfortable during various weather changes and climates. If a dog is going to be exposed to harsh, cold, freezing or wet climates, then he or she needs a dog sweater or coat. You may also find your pet benefits greatly from wearing dog shoes.

At first thought, a dog sweater or dog coat may seem an item chosen specifically because it looks cute. The practical side of choosing pet clothes is often overlooked. Dogs get cold, just like humans do. While they do have fur coats, it’s not enough to keep them warm in many weather conditions. Some people choose to leave dogs outside during the winter, failing to realize that their dogs are freezing. A dog house is not enough to keep a dog warm, cozy and comfortable during the winter. Many dogs will become cold and uncomfortable while just going outside for a brief walk, let alone staying outside for hours. Dog sweaters come in many different styles, fabrics, colors and thicknesses. Some are thin and lightweight, while others are heavy and thick. You can find holiday dog sweaters to ensure your dog is dressed for the festivities, or choose them based upon practical purposes. There’s no question about it; when it comes to choosing dog sweaters, dog coats and dog jackets, you’ll find that there are plenty of options available to pick.


When choosing dog sweaters, you’ll want to know what the sweater is made out of, if it will feel comfortable on your dog and how often the dog will wear it. If you are choosing dog sweaters for novelty purposes, such as making sure your dog is dressed up for Halloween, Thanksgiving or Christmas, you won’t need to select a sweater that is suitable for outdoor wear. If your dog will need to wear a sweater while going out for long walks during winter, you will want to ensure it is durable. Some pet owners who keep their dogs outside will want to choose dog coats that are warm enough to protect dogs during the cold hours of the night.

Other situations that would require a dog wearing a coat is if you take your pet for walks during rainy weather. While adults often put on boots, a raincoat and carry an umbrella, dogs are often left at the mercy of the elements. Choosing a waterproof rain coat is an excellent way to keep your dog dry, safe and healthy no matter how much it’s raining. You can also get boots for your dog that will keep his or her feet dry. Those who take their dogs for nightly walks might find that a dog sweater, dog coat or dog jacket that has a reflective stripe or patch will help ensure others can easily see or view your dog. Making sure your dog has the proper gear for the weather is an important part of being a responsible dog owner.

There are different ways to get dog sweaters and jackets. You can find patterns to crochet or knit them, sewing patterns to make your own, or you can purchase them premade. One of the best places to get dog sweaters is Amazon. Amazon often has sales and deals running so you can find them at great discount prices. If you are looking for high quality, cheap dog sweaters, coats and jackets check out the selection at Amazon.

Check out Amazon's selection of Dog Sweaters!


Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Pet Deals for the holidays at Amazon

Merry Pet House
Pet deals for the holidays are here and they are at Amazon.com. If you're looking for that perfect gift for your pets, then you'll want to check out these deals. While Black Friday and Cyber Monday is over, Amazon is running a promotion called "12 Days of Deals." Each day they are offering various holiday sales; however, the deals don't stop. You can access those and other deals each day. For those looking for pet deals, you can check out the link here.

12 Days of include




You can find deals in pet categories such as dogs, cats, fish and aquatics, small animals, birds, reptiles, horses and more. You'll find big savings and deals ranging from 20%, 50% and greater.

Miley Cyrus fans worried she's hurting pet dog

Miley Cyrus Ice Cream Poster
Miley Cyrus' fans have shared their concern and worry that she is hurting her pet dog, after the Wrecking Ball singer shared several photos of her dog, Milky, on her Instagram account. The photos depict the dog with colorful markings on his head, as if someone colored or drew on him with a magic marker or pen. Milky was also sporting fluorescent green claws, making some concerned fans worry that Miley had painted her dog's nails with human nail polish.The concerned fans left numerous comments that ranged from concern to accusations. Some stated that Miley Cyrus was hurting her dog by exposing him to harmful, dangerous chemicals. Others countered that it was possible Miley Cyrus used nail polish that was designed for use on animals and was non-toxic. Miley Cyrus hasn't responded to any of the negative comments or concernes worried fans shared on her Instagram account.

It should be noted that there is nothing that proves Miley Cyrus has ever abused, neglected or mistreated her dogs and these are only comments by her fans.

One user "ari.amore.de.muerte" wrote, "I hope it was petsafe [sic] stuff...unless ahe [sic] cleaned it right away  however coloring with marker is animal cruelty."

Another fan named "Rosalynaeriela" stated that she felt bad for the dog, then explained, "Bc it looks like she jabbed it in the head with a marker she does it for attention and the chemical stuff in finger nail Polish is acidic and could give him cancer."

Some fans were so concerned they thought Miley Cyrus might lose her dogs to animal welfare services.

What do you think? Do you think Miley Cyrus was just having harmless fun, or do you think she was endangering her dog?

Check out the Instagram photos below. Do you think Miley Cyrus' fans are right to be concerned she is mistreating her dog?









A photo posted by Miley Cyrus (@mileycyrus) on

A photo posted by Miley Cyrus (@mileycyrus) on


Monday, September 28, 2015

Monkey eats mail and keeps Sanford Police Department on their toes (videos, photos)


Having an exotic pet is nothing new, and many people choose to take in a monkey and make it a part of their home. Well, imagine the surprise in Sanford, Florida on Monday morning, Sept. 28, 2015, when police responded to a 911 call about a monkey on the loose. Not only was the monkey loose, but "Zeek" was vandalizing mail in the neighborhood. The Sanford Police Department share a number of entertaining photos and videos on their Facebook page detailing the "investigation."



First there were photos of Zeek eating mail and drinking bottled water the officers left for him as a distraction.



Zeek with mail: Sanford Police Department





















Shortly after 8:00 a.m., we received a call from a Sanford resident that lives in the Hidden Lakes subdivision reporting...
Posted by Sanford Police Department on Monday, September 28, 2015
Here is video footage of Zeek in action
Monkey Loose in Sanford

Shortly after 8:00 a.m., we received a call from a Sanford resident that lives in the Hidden Lakes subdivision reporting that a monkey was eating mail out of a mailbox. When we arrived to help the monkey, later identified at Zeek, he decided to pull off the molding from one of our patrol cars. We were able to distract Zeek with a bottle of water until his owner came and retrieved him.

Posted by Sanford Police Department on Monday, September 28, 2015
Zeek even had fun vandalizing the patrol car
Zeek had a little fun with our patrol car.

Zeek had a little fun with our patrol car.

Posted by Sanford Police Department on Monday, September 28, 2015
We're happy to report that Zeek's owner came to his rescue and this story has a happy ending. No word as to the mail Zeek consumed.

Baby lion cub sounds off with the 'littlest roar' (video)


This is the cutest video if not the most adorable video ever. A little baby lion cub is sounding off by delivering what is the sweetest little roar ever.

This lion cub looks like a stuffed animal and sounds like a squeaky toy.

The story behind the video is unclear, and the person who uploaded it didn't give any background information. It's unknown where the video was filmed, who filmed it, why the lion cub is seemingly alone or why he or she is yelping. Is it possible the little cub is looking for something to eat?

Photo: Video screen grab


What are your thoughts? Do you have any information on this video?

Check it out below.

Thursday, September 24, 2015

Video: Adorable squirrel steals milkshake, opens it and drinks it down


Squirrel steals milkshake: Screengrab
The other day we watched a viral video of "pizza rat" who stole a slice a pizza and carried it down a NY subway stairs. Today's video is of an adorable squirrel who seems to have a taste for chocolate milkshakes. The  video starts with the squirrel rummaging through a New York City garbage can and gasping onto a "Shake Shack" milkshake cup that had just been discarded.

The entire incident was caught on tape and you can hear voices in the background from those who were shocked and amazed that the squirrel seemed to knowingly understand what would be inside the cup. You can watch the squirrel take the milkshake to the other side of a fence, lift off the lid, and stick it's nose inside and drink the contents.

The video brings up some good questions about wildlife. Who would ever imagine that rats could become pizza connoisseurs or that squirrels could acquire a taste for chocolate milkshakes. What's next, Starbucks pigeons? How about the amount of grease, sugar and even caffeine that is in human foods? Will these ingredients wreak havoc on wildlife? Are we soon to witness obese rats and squirrels who are on the side of the road in a diabetic coma after satisfying their addictions to sweetened beverages?

It would have been great to see how the squirrel behaved for the next few hours following the sugar surge; but it seems apparent the squirrel knew what would be in that cup and had tasted sugary beverages before.

What do you think about the new influx of wildlife videos showing creatures indulging in human food?




Viral Video: Squirrel Steals Milkshake

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Advantage II for cats on sale now


Advantage II for cats is on sale now. Advantage II is used to eradicate flea infestations and can be used year round to keep cats and their environments free from these pests. It contains an insect growth regulator to help eliminate future spread of fleas quickly and efficiently.

Advantage II for Cats On Sale Now

Advantage II for Cats


'NY Pizza Rat': New York rat becomes viral sensation for dragging pizza home (video)


Pizza Rat
We know that rats will eat just about anything, but who knew they were a big fan of New York pizza? A new viral video has revealed that a rat will do just about anything, including dragging a pizza down subway stairs in order to indulge in that cheesy goodness.

Check out the video below of the "NY Pizza Rat."

Something I love is that the video description likens the pizza rat to "Master Splinter" from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT).

What do you think about the video? Do you have a pet rat? Have you ever fed a rat pizza and if so, how did they respond? The hamster eating tiny burritos videos are a huge success, but were you aware that rats had a penchant for Italian food?







 

NY Pizza Rat Video  



 Tiny Hamster Eats Burritos, Pizza and More

Advantage II flea drops for dogs on sale


Advantage II by Bayer
Amazon has a sale on Advantage II flea drops for dogs. Advantage is made by Bayer and is highly regarded as one of the best over the counter treatments used to keep dogs free from fleas and other pests. There are some natural remedies that can help or assist in treating your dog, but if you are dealing with an infestation, you might want to use medication as well.

Advantage II on Sale Now


Check out these deals where you can save up to 28%. Choose the treatment course (four months or six months) and the proper medication for your dog's size and weight.










Monday, September 21, 2015

Tori Spelling seeks help of social media followers after dog Mitzi goes missing


Tori Spelling is desperately seeking information on her beloved, missing dog Mitzi. Spelling turned to Twitter to share her pleas for information on the missing Maltese/Terrier mix who weighs approximately 6 pounds and is in need of medication.

You can view Tori Spelling's Twitter post below.

Here is an up close photo of Mitzi.




According to a report by TMZ, Tori Spelling put up flyers in her Calabasas, California neighborhood and stated that though Mitzi is microchipped, her information isn't up-to-date. She also set up an e-Mail address for those who believe they have spotted the pet to get in touch with the Spellings: mitzimissing@gmail.com



Saturday, September 19, 2015

Dogs need play to prevent boredom and these Hide-a-Squirrel toys fit the bill (photos, videos)


Do you ever feel frustrated with the amount of play your dog gets? If you do you aren’t alone. Many pet owners worry that their dog isn’t getting the type of stimulation needed to not only keep a healthy body, but a healthy mind as well. It can be difficult for those who are home all day to ensure their dog is receiving adequate stimulation, let alone those who work and leave their beloved pets home alone. Keeping your dog’s mind active and stimulated is key in preventing boredom, and trust me, dogs can easily become bored. 

Boredom can mean more for a dog than moping around the house or apartment without anything fun to do. It is often an underlying cause of behavioral issues.

A bored dog can act out in ways that most homeowners will find displeasing. Take into consideration that wild dogs spend the majority of their time on the go, whether they are hunting for prey or looking for food, they are active, running and using their brain power to accomplish their tasks. Wild dogs spend hours chasing creatures and honing their hunting skills. While we have domesticated our pets, and many are living a life of luxury compared to their wild cousins, this doesn’t mean that they are enjoying their time spent leisurely around the house.  


 Many dogs are anxiously looking for the next activity and if they aren’t given something fun to do, they will create their own entertainment. Keep in mind that specific dogs have been bred for certain activities and you’ll get a clearer picture of how easily your dog can become bored. Dogs are powerful and amazing creatures. They have been bred to perform and accomplish tremendous tasks. Some breeds are herders while others are retrievers. Just these characteristics alone can set a dog up for a life of boredom, if he or she is not given ample opportunity to utilize these traits and skills. Most dogs relied heavily upon great problem solving skills in the wild, and are known for using their minds to get out of situations. If a dog is spending a great deal of time home alone, and without adequate stimulation, he or she will find ways to entertain him or herself. These dogs are easily bored and at risk for developing depression.

You might find that you have a dog that likes to chew up furniture, shoes, tear paper or clothing. A dog that isn’t getting adequate exercise might excite easily and become a jumpy dog. You might arrive home from work tired, and find your dog nearly knocks you down at the front door. While this is a sign of affection, it’s also a sign that your dog has too much energy from being cooped up all day. By providing your dog with adequate exercise and fun, playful activities and games, you can avoid many of the negative behaviors associated with boredom.

One easy and great way to prevent your dog from becoming bored and running the risk of him or her from developing future, behavioral problems is to provide stimulating games. Hide and seek is an excellent game dogs can play. This game is very similar to the activities they are used to in the wild. Even if your dog has never spent a day in the wild, the characteristics and traits are still in his or her nature. Dogs naturally want to chase animals, seek them out and catch them.

There are several variations for playing Hide and Seek with dogs. You can take one of your dog’s favorite toys, such as a bone or stuffed animal, and then hide the dog. If you use a command when playing with your dog, you’ll be surprised at how quickly he or she truly becomes engaged in the game. Use a word like “Seek” or “Find” and play with your dog while he or she looks for the item.
You can play Hide and Seek with your dog in a yard or large area, or in a small, closed in area such as an indoor room. In the yard, you can run with your dog, while you continually remind him or her of the command to seek and find the hidden item. Not only is playing like this with your dog fun, but it helps strengthen your relationship as pet and pet owner. There is no better way to bond with your dog then to play with him or her in a fun, friendly atmosphere and by offering plenty of love, affection and praise.

Never should you scold your dog for not finding an item or object during hide-and-seek. This is a time to have fun and play. If you are negative during play time, then your dog will become stressed and anxious. All of the positive benefits of play will be replaced with negative aspects and it won’t be an enjoyable experience for anyone. All dogs are different and like people, their abilities vary from one to the next. Some dogs may be better at hide and seek than other dogs. That’s okay. Just praise your dog and let him or her know that you love them and enjoy spending time with them, regardless of whether they “find” the item every time. However; you should always use positive reinforcement when your dog does find the item. This can be in the form of lots of love, praise, pats, or a treat. The more you reward your dog for his or her positive behavior, the more your dog will want to continue to please you.

Hide and seek is an interactive toy that provides fun stimulation for your dog’s brain. A dog that has been suffering from boredom will quickly show the benefits of playing in a fun, healthy and interactive manner. While hide and seek can easily be played with the owner and the pet, it can also be played by the dog alone.

Kyjen through Outward Hound has created a wonderful product called the Hide-a-Squirrel squeak toy. The toy consists of a large, plush tree stump with cut out holes and stuffed squirrels that squeak. You can place the squirrels in the tree stump and watch as your dog spends hours retrieving the squirrels, playing with them, then returning to the tree stump to search and hunt for more items. The toy has been shown to be very popular and one that has kept many dogs busy for hours. It is said that the continual play can help increase your dog’s IQ.

Most dogs enjoy chasing squirrels in the wild or in the backyard environment. Now, they can enjoy chasing and playing with squirrels in the home setting. As the tree stump features the cut out holes, your dog will enjoy pulling the squirrels out through the stump’s openings then play with them as they continue to squeak. You can play with your dog by repeatedly putting the squirrels back in the stump so that they hide and your dog will need to “seek” them out again. The toys are durable as well as soft, and are designed to stand up to vigorous, repeated play.


The Hide a Squirrel toys come in different sizes such as large, anniversary, ginormous, jumbo and junior. There are three squirrels with the set and you can order additional squirrels if you want. Check out the videos below as well as the photos.

 Hide-a-Squirrel Toys Video

 


 Hank Gets a New Toy


PHOTOS: HIDE-A-SQUIRREL HIDE AND SEEK TOYS FOR DOGS