Friday, August 29, 2008

Skin Disorders

Many skin disorders are genetic, therefore they can not necessarily be prevented but you can minimize the number of outbreaks and the severity of the outbreak by following these suggestions.

Shampoo often
Check skin for early signs of outbreaks
At the first sign of an outbreak start treating the area
Talk to your vet about minimizing vaccinations
Feed your pet a natural diet, free of chemicals and by-products
Supplement your pet’s diet with fatty acids and antioxidants

By monitoring your pet you should be able to reduce the number of outbreaks he gets, which will lead to a happier, healthier pet.

Thursday, August 28, 2008

RapidBath

Now there’s an easier way to bathe your dog. The RapidBath system combines the correct amount of shampoo, air and water to gently penetrate the fur down to the skin, eliminating the need for hand scrubbing and relaxing your dog with a light hydro massage. At the push of a button, fresh oxygenated water flows through the 180-degree adjustable nozzle to remove the shampoo and suds from even your dog’s most hard-to-reach areas. The RapidBath system simplifies the bathing process – down to just 3 minutes!

Please let us know if you have tried this system and what you think of the product.

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Pet of the Week

Mermaid – Boca Raton, FL

Hi, I’m Mermaid, a Shepherd mix. 1 year-old spayed and housebroken female, 40 lbs.
WHEW...That was a CLOSE one! No one knows how I got in the Intra Coastal Waterway but I was going under for maybe the last time when I was hauled out of the water by the Sea Tow man! I arrived here at Tri County not feeling too well and with a heavy heart. No one came to claim me so now I'm up for adoption, looking for a new home and fresh start. I'm feeling fine now and also a lot happier. I have a wonderful, expressive, unique face and a very calm and sweet demeanor. I'm housebroken, know how to walk nicely on a leash, and will 'sit' for you when you ask. I like kids and other dogs and seem tolerant and calm around cats. Be my (second) hero?

Adopt me at Tri County Humane Society, 21287 Boca Rio Road, Boca. (561) 482-8110.
www.tricountyhumane.org .



Aria - Downers Grove, IL

Hi! I’m Aria. I am a one year-old, female DSH cat. I haven’t been at the shelter very long, but I get along with all of the other cats and all of the people that come in to take care of me. I am very sweet and am looking for a home to call my own. I am very lovable and sweet. Please come in and visit me, I know you will fall in love with me and want to take me home.

For more information please contact the West Suburban Humane Society, 1901 W. Ogden Ave, Downers Grove, IL, phone number 630-960-9600.
http://www.wshs-dg.org/wshs/

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Pet Emergency Plan

Tornados, hurricanes, flooding, fires – How ready are you?

I remember when a tornado was heading towards our house. The tornado was 18 miles away and heading straight towards us. My husband was at work and my son and I were at Grammy’s house. Lucky for us right? We were all out of harms way! The only problem was that all of our pets were home alone. So, off I go straight to where the tornado is suppose to hit to make sure all of our pets are cared for. The really lucky thing was that just a few miles before the tornado hit our area it turned and headed east. I know many of you are thinking that I wasn’t being very smart heading straight into the storm. I also know there are a whole lot of people out there that would have done the same thing. What I really needed was a pet emergency plan.

Sixty percent of American households have pets, and weathering a natural disaster includes having a plan for your pets. Be prepared to take your pets with you if you need to evacuate, remember if it isn’t safe for you to be there, it isn’t safe for your pets.

Here are some things you can do to be prepared.

* All pets should have collars and identification.
* Take pictures of your pets to assist with identification.
* Create a pet emergency kit (see below).
* Talk to your neighbors to see if they can help if you are not home during an emergency.
* Create a list of hotels that allows pets. Evacuations normally require you to travel about 100 miles to get out of harms way, so check out hotels within a 100 mile radius.

Pet emergency kits should include:

* Pet food for at least three days, stored in an airtight, waterproof container.
* Bottled water for at least three days.
* Bowls for food and water.
* Current photos and physical descriptions of your pets.
* Medications, vaccination records and first-aid pet supplies.
* Comfort items such as a favorite toy, blanket or pet bed.
* Small garbage bags.
* Leashes, harness and a pet carrier.
* For cats, litter and a litter box.
* For small animals like birds, hamsters and rabbits bring a small portable cage and supplies.

A good emergency plan accounts for everyone in your home, including your pets. So, be prepared rather than getting stuck weathering out a storm or leaving loved ones behind.

If you have any other suggestions for a pet emergency plan, please post your comments so we can all be as prepared as possible.

StartSampling Thunder Bag Winners

Congratulations to the below members who won a StartSampling Thunder Bag!

Dee from Colorado
Stephanie from California
Barb from Illinois
Linda from Michigan
Pamela from Texas
Carolee from Pennsylvania

Congratulations and thanks for participating in Spot’s Corner!

Monday, August 25, 2008

Indoor or Outdoor Cats?

We all know that cats enjoy going outside. Why not, it allows them to explore, go on adventures, catch their own food and eat grass. Throughout history outdoor cats had a purpose; it was their job to keep rodents at bay and to keep rodents away from barns and crops. However, this does not apply to most of us anymore. Therefore, most people have brought their cats indoors and keep them as pets rather than rodent catchers. How do you satisfy your cat’s instinctual needs if you keep your cat indoors?

Indoor cats can be just as happy as an outdoor cat by providing for some of your cats basic needs.

Exercise - which can be done with toys and play time.

Mental stimulations - provide kitty TV (a window with a view) or a fish tank (with a secure, sturdy lid). Play time also provides mental stimulation. You can also play games with treats by hiding treats and letting your cat hunt for it.

Something to scratch - cats love to scratch, so provide a surface that your cat can scratch on without it being something that you don’t want to get ruined like your drapes or furniture.

A place of their own - all cats need a place where they feel safe and secure and can get away from daily disruptions to their day, like the vacuum cleaner or guests coming to visit.

Something to climb – cats have a need to perch up high. You can purchase a cat tree or allow your cat to pick his own high places in your home. The china hutch and kitchen cabinets work great as long as they have easy access for your cat.

Clean litter - cats are very clean and like their litter to be clean too.

Fresh grass or catnip - this replaces eating grass for outdoor cats and is good to help with digestion.

The Humane Societies are over run with cats that are caught roaming around or lost and they strongly recommend having all cats be kept as indoor cats. The average life span of an indoor cat is 12 – 15 years. Whereas an outdoor cat may only live as few as 3 years due to the dangers they are exposed to. If you want to protect your cats, please consider keeping your cats indoors.

Friday, August 22, 2008

Home remedy for fleas

This hint came from the Helpful Hint section on how to get rid of fleas. If you visit our Helpful Hints, you will see a lot of home recipes to take care of all sorts of common household problems and this hint is definitely worth sharing.


To get rid of fleas in your house, just sprinkle some good old fashioned 20 Mule Team Borax on your carpet and upholstered furniture. Let it sit for about an hour and then vacuum it up. That's all it takes. The fleas will be gone and so will their eggs. It's cheap and it's easy. Submitted by Karen from Michigan


Click here to enter a sweepstakes for a chance to win a StartSampling Shopping Bag.

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Is your cat bored?

Many people choose to have cats as pets because they are considered low maintenance. All you need to do is make sure they have food, water and a litter box and your cat is happy, right? Not necessarily. While some cats may be happy with this, other cats become bored. Generally speaking, a bored cat is not a happy cat and they run a higher risk of having healthy problems than a happy cat. So, how do we make sure we have happy cats?

Provide perches or cat trees so your cat can fill his need for heights.
Provide climbing frames by a window and place a bird feeder within site of the window to have instant kitty TV.
Consider getting a fish tank to amuse your cat. Make sure the fish tank has a strong, secure lid or your cat will get a different type of amusement.
Get another cat (by the way, did you see the cats yesterday that need a home?) to keep your cat company.
Provide “play alone” toys for your cat, such as a toy that mounts to a door.

Don’t forget your interaction with your cat is very important. So grab that string or feather and get down on the floor and play kitty games. Both you and your cat will benefit from the play.

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Pet of the Week

Illinois – Downers Grove, IL

Hi! My name is Omega. I am a 1 year-old, male, long haired gray cat. I’m not really sure how I ended up homeless. My parents took me to the vet, but never came back to get me. I’m not sure why, but I’m sure it had to be for a good reason. I have wonderful manners and would love to snuggle and chat with you. I have long hair, so I can keep you warm on those long winter nights! I like all of the people here at the shelter, they take really good care of me, but I really want to find a family of my own that I can give all of my attention and love to. Please come in to see me. I know you will adore me and I promise to be the best cat ever for you.

Omega, a purrrr-fectly sweet and adorable cat can be visited at the West Suburban Humane Society, 1901 W. Ogden Ave, Downers Grove, IL, phone number 630-960-9600.

Hi, my name is Darlene. I am a 2 year-old, female, Treeing Walker Coonhound. I haven’t been at the shelter very long, so I’m not done with all of my evaluations yet, but I am very sweet and timid. I am looking for a family with another dog to keep me company. I’m very good with cats too! I know I might be just a little too big, but I love being a lap dog so I can snuggle up with you. My trainer at the shelter said it would be best for me to go to a home with another dog and a six foot fence and that I really shouldn’t live in an apartment or a townhouse. I would love for you to come in and meet me. One look at my gorgeous face and my sweet disposition and I know you will want to take me home with you! I thought I had the lady that took these pictures ready to take me home, but she kept mummbling something about dogs and cats, and that her husband would kill her. I'm not sure what she meant, but I think she reallllly likes me!

Darlene, who got her name from being perfectly Darling, can be visited at the West Suburban Humane Society, 1901 W. Ogden Ave, Downers Grove, IL, phone number 630-960-9600. Hurry, this dog is a sweetie!

Click here to visit the West Suburban Humane Society.





Florida – Boca Raton, FL

Hi, I’m Bella. I am a 1 year-old, spayed female, domestic long hair! Ciao! Bella here, I am an exquisite little lady with purr-fect manners. I adore people and I live nicely with other cats, too. Playful and happy, I spend my days here at the shelter having fun, but dreaming of a real, forever home with a few less feline roommates! Everyone seems to want a kitten, but they will be CATS in a few weeks, so why not choose me, a nice, settled young cat with purr-sonality you will love? Besides, how can I possibly be homeless with this gorgeous face? Came to meet me and see if I want to go home with you!

Bella is waiting for you at the TriCounty Humane Society, 21287 Boca Rio Road, Boca Raton, FL, phone number 561-482-8110

Click here to visit TriCounty Humane Society

Friday, August 15, 2008

Save on Iams Dog or Cat Food

Get a coupon for $5.00 off Iams dog food and $3.00 off Iams cat food.

There are many things we can do to make sure our pets are happy and healthy. One way to keep our furry friends healthy is to feed them quality food. You can do that and save money at the same time.

Iams ProActive Healthy promotes the 7 signs of healthy vitality.
Builds strong, firm muscles
Provides a healthy heart
Promotes strong bones and joints
Supports healthy digestion
Keeps teeth healthy
Maintains a strong immune system
Provides healthy skin and shiny coat


Click here to get your Iams dog food coupon.
Click here to get your Iams cat food coupon.

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Liquid Oral Care

Have you ever tried to brush your dog’s or cat’s teeth? I have and thought, “There must be a better way!” There is a product that can help you take care of your pet’s oral hygiene.

Liquid Oral Care is a liquid you add to your pet’s drinking water to help promote clean teeth and fresh breath. It also helps fight plaque and gum disease and works naturally with baking soda. Liquid Oral Care is said to be completely without flavor, color or scent.

Click here to learn more about this product.

Click here to read reviews about this product.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Pet of the Week

Illinois - Downers Grove, IL

Hi, my name is Mesquite and I’m a very sweet 5 years old, male cat. Why am I at the shelter? I don’t really know, just a change in my family’s life. I don’t blame them, but I don’t think they knew what it is like living in a cage. I just hope I don’t have to stay here for very long. If I am lucky, someone will come along who understands that adult cats can be just as nice as kittens. In fact,
we mature cats don’t have all that annoying kitten behavior! I have excellent litter box habits and I am front paw declawed. Add to that I have a gorgeous steel grey coat I take excellent care of. I would really like to be the only cat in the house so I can give you all of my attention. Won’t you visit me to see if we are a good match?

Mesquite, a very friendly and sweet cat can be visited at the West Suburban Human Society, 1901 W. Ogden Ave, Downers Grove, IL, phone number 630-960-9600.

Click here to visit the West Suburban Human Society.



Florida – Boca Raton, FL

Hi, my name is Johnny and I’m a 3 year old neutered, male, Chihuahua mix. This is my happy little face waiting patiently (sort of) for you to find me here and adopt me. I’m a very perky, friendly, cheerful dog who will fit nicely in your lap and become your beloved companion from Day 1! I’m well housebroken too, so no worries! I don’t like other dogs very much, so I would like to be an only “child.” I can get along find with kids old enough to be kind to me. I’ll be a great little buddy to keep someone company and brighten their life with my sunny smile! Please come and visit me, I know you will love me!

Johnny, a very sweet and cheerful dog can be visited at the County Humane Society, 21287 Boca Rio Road, Boca Raton, Fl, phone number 561-482-8110.

Click here to visit County Humane Society.

Monday, August 11, 2008

FREE Sample of Cat Food

Don’t you love sampling a new cat food before you actually buy a whole bag! Nothing is worse that having a whole bag of food that your cat won’t eat.

Wholesome Goodness, by Meow Mix, is a new cat food that offers “Real nutrition cats actually crave.”

Click here to get your sample today!

Friday, August 8, 2008

Pet of the Week

Hi! My name is Herbie. I am a two-year old English Sheepdog mix. I have a ton of energy so I need a lot of exercise or a job to do. I recently got a running partner and that helps to tire me out a little. I am good with other dogs but may be a little too much for cats. I would do best in a home with children 16 years and older due to my high energy level. The staff at WSHS thought that my manners could use a little work so they sent me for training at Midwest Canine Behavioral and Socialization Center in Des Plaines. Since I have returned, I am doing much better. I learned all of my basic obedience commands and burned off a ton of energy playing with all of the dogs in daycare. The thing I need most right now is a home of my own. I even come with a free one on one session with my personal trainer. If you are interested in adopting me, you must be an experienced dog owner and be willing to continue my obedience training. If you are up for a bit of a challenge, or need a running partner, stop by and visit me today. I would love to go home with you to brighten up your life!

To adopt Herbie all you need to do is go to the West Suburban Humane Society at 1901 W. Ogden Ave. in Downers Grove, IL 60515, phone number 630-960-9600, and meet with one of their adoption specialist or you can e-mail them at adoptiondesk@wshs-dg.org.

If you work for a Humane Society and would like to feature a dog or cat in the Pet of the Week section, please
click here to contact me.

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Coupon for FREE Mighty Dog food

Feeding your dog quality food is important and Purina’s Might Dog food is an important part to your dog’s healthy life.

Click here to receive a coupon for a FREE sample of Might Dog food.

Click here to read reviews on this product.