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| Click the image to check out Community Change's gift card deals! |
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Help Dane County Humane Society with Community Change!
Here is a way to help DCHS that Mad About Pets just learned about today...Community Change! Community Change is a website that offers discounted gift cards for local restaurants, stores, etc. like Wando's, The Brink Lounge, Benvenuto's, Claddagh Irish Pub, and tons more. When you buy a discounted gift card through Community Change, DCHS (or several other charities, if you prefer) will get 20% of the purchase price donated to them.
Next time you're looking to buy a gift, consider purchasing a gift card through Community Change and help homeless animals in Dane County! Heck, why not just treat yourself to a gift card at a local spa? :)
Monday, March 19, 2012
Guest Post: Don’t Miss Time Away From Your Furry Friend, Take Your Pet on Vacation With You!
Enjoying a camping vacation by taking your four-legged friend along with you may be an excellent idea; however you’ll need to make certain that you are sufficiently prepared to see to your pet’s needs as well as your own.
Before you visit a camping site always verify with the managers that animals are permitted. Whether it’s phoning ahead or asking at the entrance, it will save a lot of problems for both parties.
Ensure that you possess a cage for your pet. It must be adequate for them to be comfy. Let your pet check the enclosure before traveling and see how they react in the confines, particularly if you are venturing for a lengthy travel. It might help your pet to settle in if you place a familiar quilt or cushioning within the cage too. Make sure they have sufficient drinking water for the trip and always carry an extra bottle with you to top up their water if needed.
If you own a dog you most likely have the required gear to maintain them when out and about already, but it's not always the case for cat owners. Many felines are indoor pets and may be okay to stay inside the motor home for the length of the getaway. If this is the scenario you'll need to ensure that your caravan has good ventilation, or else it may get too warm on a hot day.
Sometimes people buy leads for their felines so that they can come along with them on a walk. Others choose to let their cats wander free, but this may be a risk should they become confused and attempt to find their way home. There are electronic collar gadgets available that can be monitored and tracked, which could be beneficial in the event your cat goes missing.
It is possible to vacation with cats, dogs and ferrets outside of the US too, on the “Pets Travel Scheme” (PETS). This scheme enables pets to travel between several approved countries and territories without having to be quarantined for six months. This is good if you are someone that likes to travel outside of your national borders and/or doesn’t like long periods away from your furry friend.
To comply with PETS you’ll need to get your animal micro chipped, vaccinated against rabies and blood tested to guarantee an acceptable degree of security against rabies. When the pet returns to the country it must be treated for ticks and tapeworm no less than twenty four hours and no more than forty eight hours prior to embarking on the return journey. Your animal must travel from a PETS included country by a sanctioned route and with an authorised company back into the US.
It is crucial you travel with all of the appropriate paperwork and evidence of all treatments. When travelling outside of the US you need to get an extra veterinarian certificate. If you don't have adequate proof that your pet is compliant with the PETS scheme it may end up being obtained in quarantine for six months or until you can confirm compliance anyway, which is the last thing anyone would want!
The price of taking your pet with you on vacation via the PETS scheme can vary considerably depending on several factors, but you can find out more information here. Don’t overlook that you will require to have booster injections every once in a while and have the passport re stamped to confirm that your pet remains healthy to continue in the PETS scheme.
And always remember that some nations have different rules regarding animal behaviour than in the US. For instance, in Switzerland certain types of dogs should always be muzzled in public areas.
Taking your pet on a vacation can be wonderful fun if you are prepared. To ensure maximum pleasure and enjoyment always check the local guidelines of the camping area, country or principality and be sure you are in accordance with all legislations at all times.
Ben Johnstone works for UK-based Caravan Free Ad service C4Caravans. He has a German Shepard called Dave and two cats called Bill and Ted!
Before you visit a camping site always verify with the managers that animals are permitted. Whether it’s phoning ahead or asking at the entrance, it will save a lot of problems for both parties.
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| Photo credit: wildhartboardingbarn.com |
If you own a dog you most likely have the required gear to maintain them when out and about already, but it's not always the case for cat owners. Many felines are indoor pets and may be okay to stay inside the motor home for the length of the getaway. If this is the scenario you'll need to ensure that your caravan has good ventilation, or else it may get too warm on a hot day.
Sometimes people buy leads for their felines so that they can come along with them on a walk. Others choose to let their cats wander free, but this may be a risk should they become confused and attempt to find their way home. There are electronic collar gadgets available that can be monitored and tracked, which could be beneficial in the event your cat goes missing.
It is possible to vacation with cats, dogs and ferrets outside of the US too, on the “Pets Travel Scheme” (PETS). This scheme enables pets to travel between several approved countries and territories without having to be quarantined for six months. This is good if you are someone that likes to travel outside of your national borders and/or doesn’t like long periods away from your furry friend.
To comply with PETS you’ll need to get your animal micro chipped, vaccinated against rabies and blood tested to guarantee an acceptable degree of security against rabies. When the pet returns to the country it must be treated for ticks and tapeworm no less than twenty four hours and no more than forty eight hours prior to embarking on the return journey. Your animal must travel from a PETS included country by a sanctioned route and with an authorised company back into the US.
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| Photo credit: pets.ohio.com |
The price of taking your pet with you on vacation via the PETS scheme can vary considerably depending on several factors, but you can find out more information here. Don’t overlook that you will require to have booster injections every once in a while and have the passport re stamped to confirm that your pet remains healthy to continue in the PETS scheme.
And always remember that some nations have different rules regarding animal behaviour than in the US. For instance, in Switzerland certain types of dogs should always be muzzled in public areas.
Taking your pet on a vacation can be wonderful fun if you are prepared. To ensure maximum pleasure and enjoyment always check the local guidelines of the camping area, country or principality and be sure you are in accordance with all legislations at all times.
Ben Johnstone works for UK-based Caravan Free Ad service C4Caravans. He has a German Shepard called Dave and two cats called Bill and Ted!
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Guest Post: How to Take the Perfect Photos of Your Pets
There are various possibilities for photo printing, and since the digital age it's become increasingly simple and cheap to decorate both home and office space with photos that mean something to you.
There is something about animal pictures that warm our hearts and make us smile, whether it’s your own pet or a random photo of a cat with a funny caption! You needn't be a specialist photographer to take quality pictures of your four-legged friends either. Follow these straightforward tips and anyone can achieve great results.
For the best possible photos, your pet ought to be looking great already. There is not any camera on the market that will perform magic, and much like a calculator; a camera is only as good as the person pressing the buttons. Taking a picture of your pet with a dull, dirty-looking coat will appear the same in print form as it does in the viewfinder. Put the maximum amount of care into the appearance of your pet as you would for yourself if you were having your own photo taken. The perfect time to snap away is immediately after a professional grooming session.
Even if you are looking for an everyday casual photo of your pet, you should still take the time to carry out some simple grooming. Brushing by itself makes a huge improvement to the way an animal looks. Your pet will appreciate the attention too! Don't be surprised if the photos you take show a more relaxed side to Fido or Fluffy!
Contrary to what many people believe, it's not tough to get your pet to stay still for a photo shoot. I've developed a proven method through the years. It works like nobody’s business for me and can work for you too!
Once the grooming is out of the way, feed your pet. Most animals are ready to nap after filling their bellies. If it isn't meal time or your pet isn't hungry, spend some time having active fun with your pet instead. The whole purpose here is to promote relaxation. When your pet is all wound down, give a gentle massage from head to tail. Trust me on this one. How do you feel right after a good workout and massage? Relaxed and tired? Exactly!
Now that your pet is relaxed and won't want to go anywhere, take care of any final brushing or grooming needs and click away. You'll be blown away at how much cooperation you'll get using this technique. Using voice and motion, encourage your pet to look directly into the camera, slightly off to the side or with their head turned for a side-profile picture. Experiment with lights and props for atmosphere and the general feel of the photo too if you fancy pushing for further professionalism.
And finally, when your pet becomes uninterested and drifts off to sleep, carry on and get some final shots. There is something very adorable about a pet slumbering away comfortably with one leg covered over their favorite toy or their nose nuzzled into a soft blanket!
You're going to be so happy with the results using these tips that you'll most likely take the opportunity to shoot more quality portrait photographs whenever the chance arises!
Whether sitting in special frames on your desk or enlarged into attention-grabbing wall posters, your pet photos are going to drag smiles out of everyone. And the best thing is there are so many options for printing you'll never run out of new ideas!
Mary Dean is an animal lover who has developed various photography skills since marrying her professional photographer husband Gary 6 years ago.
There is something about animal pictures that warm our hearts and make us smile, whether it’s your own pet or a random photo of a cat with a funny caption! You needn't be a specialist photographer to take quality pictures of your four-legged friends either. Follow these straightforward tips and anyone can achieve great results.
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| Photo Credit: macwallpapers.eu |
Even if you are looking for an everyday casual photo of your pet, you should still take the time to carry out some simple grooming. Brushing by itself makes a huge improvement to the way an animal looks. Your pet will appreciate the attention too! Don't be surprised if the photos you take show a more relaxed side to Fido or Fluffy!
Contrary to what many people believe, it's not tough to get your pet to stay still for a photo shoot. I've developed a proven method through the years. It works like nobody’s business for me and can work for you too!
Once the grooming is out of the way, feed your pet. Most animals are ready to nap after filling their bellies. If it isn't meal time or your pet isn't hungry, spend some time having active fun with your pet instead. The whole purpose here is to promote relaxation. When your pet is all wound down, give a gentle massage from head to tail. Trust me on this one. How do you feel right after a good workout and massage? Relaxed and tired? Exactly!
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| Photo credit: pet-portraitartist.com |
And finally, when your pet becomes uninterested and drifts off to sleep, carry on and get some final shots. There is something very adorable about a pet slumbering away comfortably with one leg covered over their favorite toy or their nose nuzzled into a soft blanket!
You're going to be so happy with the results using these tips that you'll most likely take the opportunity to shoot more quality portrait photographs whenever the chance arises!
Whether sitting in special frames on your desk or enlarged into attention-grabbing wall posters, your pet photos are going to drag smiles out of everyone. And the best thing is there are so many options for printing you'll never run out of new ideas!
Mary Dean is an animal lover who has developed various photography skills since marrying her professional photographer husband Gary 6 years ago.
Monday, February 20, 2012
Review of Mr.Chewy
Living in the Madison area, I am fortunate to have access to a number of really great pet food suppliers like Mounds, Bad Dog Frida, Tabby and Jacks, etc. and have no trouble finding high-quality food for my pets. It wasn’t always that easy, though. I used to live in a rural community in northern Wisconsin, where the nearest shopping outlets are at least a 20 minute drive away. Even after embarking on the 20 minute drive, Wal-Mart, grocery stores and other mass merchandisers are really the only convenient places to purchase pet food for residents in that area. That’s where great online retailers like Mr. Chewy come in handy!
I recently had the chance to try out the pet food website Mr.Chewy. They carry pretty much every brand of pet food imaginable, including the many popular holistic, grain-free, and other specialty foods popular with modern pet owners. They also carry other essentials like treats, cat litter and flea and tick medications.
Mr. Chewy makes it easy for people like those in my rural hometown to have access to all of the great pet products we take for granted here in larger communities. The prices on Mr. Chewy are really great, and shipping is free for orders over $49. And shipping is FAST! I received my order 2 days after I placed it. The website is also easy to navigate and order from, so it’s a great option for busy pet owners who don’t always have the time to get to the store.
I’d definitely recommend Mr. Chewy for your pet’s nutritional needs; I had a great experience ordering from them.
I recently had the chance to try out the pet food website Mr.Chewy. They carry pretty much every brand of pet food imaginable, including the many popular holistic, grain-free, and other specialty foods popular with modern pet owners. They also carry other essentials like treats, cat litter and flea and tick medications.
Mr. Chewy makes it easy for people like those in my rural hometown to have access to all of the great pet products we take for granted here in larger communities. The prices on Mr. Chewy are really great, and shipping is free for orders over $49. And shipping is FAST! I received my order 2 days after I placed it. The website is also easy to navigate and order from, so it’s a great option for busy pet owners who don’t always have the time to get to the store.
I’d definitely recommend Mr. Chewy for your pet’s nutritional needs; I had a great experience ordering from them.
Monday, December 19, 2011
How Bed Bugs Can Affect Your Pets
Remember that cutesy little rhyme you used to hear before you went to bed, prodding you to “not let the bed bugs bite”? For many people, unfortunately, bed bugs are a reality, affecting not only their homes and loved ones but their pets as well. Since your pets, especially cats and dogs, are probably warm-blooded mammals just like you, they are bound to attract insects such as bed bugs. And while a bed bug will prefer to feed on you, they will happily bite your pets if they get a chance. Here are a few ways that your pets might be affected by the nasty little buggers.
Your cat or dog probably has a preferred sleeping area that may contain a bed, pillow, or blanket. These are havens for bed bugs, who build their communities where we like to sleep. (It is important to keep in mind that bed bugs, unlike fleas or ticks, don’t actually live on their victims. They live in the environments where their victims reside, though they can easily be transported on clothing, in bags, or on bed-wear as it is carried from place to place. They can also be carried to different locations by riding along in your pet’s fur.)
You might not be able to see the bite marks on your pet if they have been attacked by bed bugs, especially on cats or dogs with long hair, but since the bites usually itch, you should watch to see if your pet is scratching more than usual. Bed bugs are often mistaken for fleas. They can be identified by their wingless reddish-brown bodies that are flat and about one-fifth of an inch long. Though the bites may be difficult to find, you can check to see if they exist on particularly sensitive areas of your pet, such as their stomach.
Once you have identified the problem, you can rid yourself of the infestation by washing and drying anything that your pet has come into contact with, particularly their toys or their bedding. Bed bugs will die when exposed to heat above 120 degrees Fahrenheit, so make sure to dry whatever you wash on high heat. Flea and tick baths will not affect bed bug populations, so if you’re going to bathe them, use insect control shampoos that are pyrethrin-based. Be aware that these products may be harmful to cats.
Continue to practice bed bug control even after you believe that you have successfully destroyed the infestation. Even if you see improvement in your pets or in the rest of your home, remember that bed bugs are persistent, and colonies may regenerate if you aren’t careful. Continue to wash and maintain your pet’s living area with extra attention, and routinely vacuum areas frequented by your pet. Look for bed bug signs, such as blood on light-colored areas (like sheets, blankets, or the wall), or little brown specks that are actually bed bug fecal material. Keep an eye out for a bed bug resurgence and your pets (and you will) will sleep more tightly in the future.
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| Bed bugs can affect your pets, too! |
You might not be able to see the bite marks on your pet if they have been attacked by bed bugs, especially on cats or dogs with long hair, but since the bites usually itch, you should watch to see if your pet is scratching more than usual. Bed bugs are often mistaken for fleas. They can be identified by their wingless reddish-brown bodies that are flat and about one-fifth of an inch long. Though the bites may be difficult to find, you can check to see if they exist on particularly sensitive areas of your pet, such as their stomach.
Once you have identified the problem, you can rid yourself of the infestation by washing and drying anything that your pet has come into contact with, particularly their toys or their bedding. Bed bugs will die when exposed to heat above 120 degrees Fahrenheit, so make sure to dry whatever you wash on high heat. Flea and tick baths will not affect bed bug populations, so if you’re going to bathe them, use insect control shampoos that are pyrethrin-based. Be aware that these products may be harmful to cats.
Continue to practice bed bug control even after you believe that you have successfully destroyed the infestation. Even if you see improvement in your pets or in the rest of your home, remember that bed bugs are persistent, and colonies may regenerate if you aren’t careful. Continue to wash and maintain your pet’s living area with extra attention, and routinely vacuum areas frequented by your pet. Look for bed bug signs, such as blood on light-colored areas (like sheets, blankets, or the wall), or little brown specks that are actually bed bug fecal material. Keep an eye out for a bed bug resurgence and your pets (and you will) will sleep more tightly in the future.
Evan Fischer is a freelance writer and part-time student at California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, California
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Help Keep Madison-area Pets in Their Homes
From DCHS:
A New Program to “Help Keep Pets in Their Homes”
Hard economic times may result in tough choices regarding family pets for households struggling to stretch their limited resources. Families faced with the choice of purchasing pet food or providing for their family’s needs may have to make the heartbreaking decision to give up their pet. At a time when unconditional love from a pet is needed the most, some families need to make this tragic decision. Pets may be given to relatives or friends, surrendered to Dane County Humane Society or, sadly in some cases, abandoned.
To help families keep their pets at home, Dane County Humane Society (DCHS) is partnering with Community Action Coalition for South Central WI, Inc. (CAC) to supply pet food and cat litter to participating Dane County food pantries. CAC will facilitate the delivery and pickup of donation barrels with businesses participating in pet food drives. DCHS, acting as the county pet food bank administrator, will coordinate pet food drives, solicit business and private contributions, warehouse the donations and deliver them to food pantries with the aid of DCHS volunteers.
How Can You Help?
1. Donate pet food (dry or canned) or cat litter (clumping or clay) - bags 10 pounds or less to participating businesses between December 12 and 18. Click here to see a list of participating businesses. Click here to download a list of participating businesses.
2. Host a drive to collect pet food and cat litter in your business, school or organization. Contact DCHS for details.
3. Make a monetary donation to DCHS for food pantry food and litter. Checks should be made out to Dane County Humane Society, and include instructions to apply your donation to the “Help Keep Pets in Their Home” program. You can also donate online (include "Help Keep Pets in Their Homes" in the comment box).
What is our Goal?
With your help Dane County Humane Society and Community Action Coalition for South Central WI, Inc. want to support struggling families and prevent them from making the terrible decision to give up a loving pet when the family is faced with severely limited resources. Your donations will decrease the number of pets separated from their families - where their love, loyalty and enthusiasm for life are needed the most.
For More Information:
Contact: Patty Zehl, Volunteer Coordinator with Dane County Humane Society
Mail monetary donations to:
Attention: Patty Zehl
Dane County Humane Society
5132 Voges Road
Madison, WI 53718
A New Program to “Help Keep Pets in Their Homes”
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| Click to donate! |
To help families keep their pets at home, Dane County Humane Society (DCHS) is partnering with Community Action Coalition for South Central WI, Inc. (CAC) to supply pet food and cat litter to participating Dane County food pantries. CAC will facilitate the delivery and pickup of donation barrels with businesses participating in pet food drives. DCHS, acting as the county pet food bank administrator, will coordinate pet food drives, solicit business and private contributions, warehouse the donations and deliver them to food pantries with the aid of DCHS volunteers.
How Can You Help?
1. Donate pet food (dry or canned) or cat litter (clumping or clay) - bags 10 pounds or less to participating businesses between December 12 and 18. Click here to see a list of participating businesses. Click here to download a list of participating businesses.
2. Host a drive to collect pet food and cat litter in your business, school or organization. Contact DCHS for details.
3. Make a monetary donation to DCHS for food pantry food and litter. Checks should be made out to Dane County Humane Society, and include instructions to apply your donation to the “Help Keep Pets in Their Home” program. You can also donate online (include "Help Keep Pets in Their Homes" in the comment box).
What is our Goal?
With your help Dane County Humane Society and Community Action Coalition for South Central WI, Inc. want to support struggling families and prevent them from making the terrible decision to give up a loving pet when the family is faced with severely limited resources. Your donations will decrease the number of pets separated from their families - where their love, loyalty and enthusiasm for life are needed the most.
For More Information:
Contact: Patty Zehl, Volunteer Coordinator with Dane County Humane Society
Mail monetary donations to:
Attention: Patty Zehl
Dane County Humane Society
5132 Voges Road
Madison, WI 53718
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Fun Internet Find: Cat Scratch DJ!
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| DJ Cat busting out some dope tunes |
Cat Scratch DJ is available for purchase from ThinkGeek for $34.99.
Also check out SUCK UK's foldable cat play houses.
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