November 2009

“WHISKERS” NEWSLETTER – November 2009

Hello All. It’s November already, football season is in full swing, and the weather is getting cold. We have some interesting information for you in this month’s issue of  our newsletter, and I hope you enjoy it.

As always, your comments, questions, or suggestions are appreciated and encouraged.  Let us hear from you.  davegannon@verizon.net

Home for the Holidays

Iams Home 4 the Holidays hopes to find home for 1.5 million orphaned pets this holiday season. The fourth annual program continues through Jan. 4, 2010, and is working with Academy Award-winning actress Hilary Swank and founding partner Helen Woodward Animal Center and nearly 3,500 animal organizations from around the world. In its first three years, 3 million animals found homes, with more than 1.2 million pets were adopted into new families last year.

With as many as 8 million homeless animals in the U.S., every family who adopts a pet through the program will receive an Iams adoption kit and DVD loaded with important information about nutrition, training and proper care to ensure that the relationship with the new animal starts off on the right paw. To learn more go to www.iamshome4theholidays.com.

=========================================

How Cold is Too Cold?

Heaters are on and blankets seem to have taken over our homes as we bundle up for the winter season. We can add more layers or turn up the thermostat if we start to feel uncomfortably cold. Outdoor pets can’t.

“Animals should be able to get out of the elements,” says Dr. M.A. Crist, a clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. “Determining what temperature is too cold for your pet can depend on many different factors, from fur thickness and length to body mass. This makes it hard to determine an exact temperature that could be dangerous to your pet’s health,” Crist says.

Indoor pets that are not acclimated to cold weather should not be left outside when the average daily temperature is below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. If animals are kept outdoors during winter, make sure they have a well insulated structure that is large enough to allow the pet to curl up and maintain body heat. The structure should contain a wind-block to protect it from north winds.

Outdoor pets in colder climates should have an outdoor rated heating pad. Also, adding blankets or dry straw in the structure can give the animal a place to bed down and keep warm. Animals kept outside need plenty of fresh unfrozen water and heated water buckets are available to make sure your animals stay hydrated. During the winter months outdoor pets need a significant number of calories to help keep them warm. If you choose to provide your pet with clothing it is important to remember to never leave the animal unattended.

=======================================

Potty Patch For Dogs

Regardless of the weather, there are days when we either can’t come home on time or we just don’t feel like walking the dog.  Potty Patch is introducing a solution – an indoor bathroom for pet companions endorsed by the American Kennel Club. The Potty Patch is a three-tiered doggie restroom perfect for patios and indoor use. The top portion is made of a soft artificial grass specifically designed to let liquid flow through. The collection tray holds up to a gallon of liquid allowing multiple uses.

The Potty Patch feels natural because of the synthetic grass and is a great solution when there is inclement weather or as emergency backup for dogs. Potty Patch comes in two different sizes, regular (17″ x 27″) and large (27″ x 34″).  Potty Patch is also a great product for puppy training. Once the dog associates going to the bathroom on synthetic grass, it is much easier to slowly introduce the outside as an alternative option. For more information, go to www.pottypatch.com.

=================================

Tips For Thanksgiving Travel

With Thanksgiving Day later this month, many people will be traveling to be with their family and friends and the Wisconsin Humane Society suggests the following tips.

• Most cats prefer not to take road trips. Find a reliable person to come to your home to visit with, socialize and care for your cat. Look into a professional pet sitter. If you have a dog that will be traveling with you, allow extra planning time. Make a list of all of the dog’s needs, including food and medications, toys and favorite treats.
•  Don’t forget to bring your vet’s contact information in case of emergency.  It’s also a good idea to research vets or animal hospitals in your travel destination in case of an emergency.
• When traveling, make sure your pets always wear a collar with identification tags and are kept on a leash. Put your cell phone number or the number where you will be staying on your trip on the collar, not your home number. Bring a current photo should you pet escape.

• Never leave your pet alone in the car. Extreme temperatures in the vehicle can be fatal and your pet could be the target of thieves.
============================

Things to Consider as Winter Arrives

It’s that time of year again. Before getting into and starting your vehicle, thump the hood of the car with your hand to make sure a cat seeking refuge from the cold has not crawled up into the engine. If you are using antifreeze be careful to clean up any spills. Pets like the taste of antifreeze and it is deadly if ingested, even in very small amounts. Products used to help ice melt can be very irritating to the skin and mouth. These products can cause your pet to drool and vomit.

The use of poison increases in the winter because rats, mice, and other small creatures are often trying to invade our homes to seek shelter during the winter. If you are using poisons around the house make sure they are inaccessible to your pet. If your pet ingests any type of poison and you need assistance, or you are unsure if a product is safe for use around your animal, talk with your veterinarian. With the temperature dropping and an abundance of hazardous materials in use, winter weather means it’s time to take extra precautions to ensure the safety of you, your family, and your four-legged friends.

NOVEMBER MONEY SAVING SPECIALS

This month we are going to continue our Customer Appreciation Sale offering $2 Off quart products, $5 Off gallon products, and $5 Off both the Carpet Cleaning Special, and the Carpet Deodorizer kit.

And as an added bonus, we are offering FREE SHIPPING on orders of $50 or more.  To get the free shipping, just use the coupon code FREE at checkout and the $10.95 shipping charge will automatically be deducted from your order.

And you still receive free bonus gifts with your orders – free catnip balls, and free bottle of Spot & Stain Eliminator with every order – and a free bottle of Odor Eliminating All Purpose Cleaner too with orders of $50 or more. Just click below to take advantage of these special offers.  Thank you. http://www.odorbgoneproducts.com