Buy 2 tags, get $5 off at Dog Tag Art
Check out this quick video about Dog Tag Art
20-50% off all pet supplies at Pets-Warehouse
10% cash back and free shipping from In the Company of Dogs
10% off $60 purchase at PetSmart
Monday, April 9, 2012
Coupon codes for pet products online
Here at Mad About Pets we always try to promote patronizing local pet supply stores whenever possible. We all know, though, that sometimes we can find a great deal online that we just can't pass up. Thanks to Coupon Craze, here are a few online coupon deals that might just help you snag a great online pet supply deal:
Check out this quick video about Dog Tag Art
Check out this quick video about Dog Tag Art
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Demodectic Mange: The 4 Most Important Questions You Should Ask
 |
| A dog with "Red Mange". Photo Credit: The Paw Blog |
This article will provide more detailed information that about mange of the demodectic variety.
What is demodectic mange, exactly?
Demodectic mange, known otherwise as follicular mange or red mange, is a medical condition that irritates the skin of a dog, causing it to become inflamed.
The main characteristics of demodectic mange include a development of scaly textures on the skin, as well as hair loss and inflamed skin. In more advanced conditions, oozing pus can also be found on the skin, which will harden and eventually produce a crusty texture. The problem areas are usually not itchy, however.
Demodectic mange typically appears in dogs that do not have a fully functioning immune system, such as puppies, dogs of old ages and dogs that have had their immune systems weakened in some form.
What causes demodectic mange?
This skin condition can usually be blamed on the presence of the demodex mite. These little bugs can’t usually be seen with the naked eye, but they strongly resemble tiny cigars with legs when viewed under the microscope.
The demodex mite can be found in virtually every dog in existence. The only reason why they have not caused a ‘mange epidemic’ yet is that these mites aren’t actually very tough; they are easily beaten by the immune systems present in the bodies they live in. As a result, demodex mites only exist in a tiny amount, and are too weak to cause any serious damage.
However, as you may have guessed, that is not true for puppies, old dogs and dogs that are ill. Their immune systems aren’t working at their usual capacity, which gives the demodex mites a foot in the door – so to speak – thereby causing all sorts of skin problems.
 |
| This nasty little bugger is a Demodex Mite. Photo Credit: Wikipedia |
How do demodex mites harm dogs?
The demodex mites make their home in the hair follicles of dogs (thus giving it the alternative name of ‘follicle mange’). The problem starts when the rapid reproduction of mites causes the follicles to be inflamed, thereby causing the hair to fall off. This is why one of the most obvious symptoms of demodectic mange is a drastic loss of fur.
However, hair loss and inflamed skin are not the only things that demodex mites can cause. If you will recall the part about rare fatal cases briefly discussed above, it shows that the mites are also capable of disrupting the immune system of the dog entirely. When that happens, the dog will be vulnerable to a host of other diseases unrelated to mange, which will complicate things a lot more.
Demodectic mange also causes your dog to become unsightly, something that will surely cause any dog owner to be distressed.
How did my dog get this, anyway? And is it contagious?
Here’s a bit of good news: Demodex mites are not contagious at all. It’s very uncommon for a dog to get it by interactions with other dogs. It’s also impossible for humans to be affected by any interaction with a dog that has demodectic mange, so don’t worry about getting any of those while treating them.
But of course, you may be wondering, "How do dogs get this problem, then?"
The real answer is that their own mothers were the initial source of the demodex mites, while they were still puppies.
It’s very possible that when the puppies were very young, perhaps even when they were just out of the womb, some of the mites would already have turned to them as their host of choice. The lack of a functioning immune system in the very early days of a dog’s life may well be the window of opportunity the mites needed to increase their population exponentially.
If you think about it for a while, this is actually in line with the fact that older dogs and sick dogs are prone to demodectic mange as well, because their immune systems were also malfunctioning.
Conclusion
Demodectic mange seems to be a rather benign problem; they don’t affect the average adult dog, they get killed by immune systems that work correctly, and they aren’t contagious at all. While it is true that they don’t cause much harm to most dogs, it still doesn’t mean that you should treat demodectic mange lightly. For one thing, a severe case of demodectic mange usually means that another health problem is threatening your dog. Apart from that, they can also cause a lot of trouble with the fur and skin. This can mean a source of misery for you in regards to your dog’s appearance as well as health, if it somehow manages to become a major problem.
Simon Tong is the owner of a Miniature Schnauzer, as well as http://dogskintreatments.com, a website devoted to educating visitors on dog skin problems. For more information, visit this page to learn more about demodectic mange.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
ASPCA Mega Match-a-thon THIS WEEKEND at Dane County Humane Society!
 |
| Click to find out more about the Mega Match-a-Thon |
Help clear the shelter in preparation for spring! Dane County Humane Society announces the ASPCA Mega Match-a-thon event, A New "Leash" On Life, on March 31, 2012. Dane County Friends of Ferals and Sauk County Humane Society will join DCHS at the main shelter (5132 Voges Road, Madison WI) on Saturday March 31, 2012 from noon-5pm.
Every adopter will receive:
•For cats - FREE Collar, ID Tag, Cat Charmer, Incline Cat Scratcher, Plaque Away Pretzel, Large Glitter Pom, Zoom Groom, Slim Cat (retail value $52.15)
•For dogs - FREE Leash, Collar, ID Tag, Book – “Love Has No Age Limit,” Zukes Treats, Tennis Ball (retail value $41.67-$54.91)
•FREE entry to win a year supply of Mounds Pet Food Warehouse pet food
Thank you to the ASPCA for supporting this adoption event. DCHS is one of 56 animal rescue organizations/groups who received grant funding to participate in the first ever ASPCA ‘Mega Match-a-thon’ event. The ASPCA is granting $492,250 to support a host of large-scale adoption events held nationwide in an effort to save more lives of shelter animals. “We hope the grant funding will help these rescue organizations – in collaboration with other groups in their community – save a record number of lives during the ASPCA’s ‘Mega Match-a-thon’ event,” said ASPCA President & CEO Ed Sayres. “If we all work together, we can find loving homes for the many homeless animals in shelters across the country.”
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? :)
 |
| Click the image to check out Community Change's gift card deals! |
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.
 |
| 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.
 |
| 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.
 |
| 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!
 |
| 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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)