How to Keep Your Pet Cool

Can you imagine wearing a fur coat on a hot summer day? Your dog would love to imagine not wearing his fur coat on hot summer days! Checkout some "cool" pet supplies available to ease summer heat on your dog.


Just like an ice pack on your neck or forehead cools you down, this Cooling Bandana cools your dog. It's easy to use, very inexpensive, reusable and washable - and I must add stylish!


This cooling mat contains co-polymer crystals that absorb water. This product is also very easy to use, durable and reusable. Airflow is used to cool, and no wetness is next to your pet's body.

While you enjoy a refreshing popsicle, your dog will enjoy the cooling that comes from this chilly bone. Durable canvas outside is saturated with long-lasting vanilla flavor and is very affordable. This product is also a teething toy for puppies.


Here's another cooling mat with a slightly different design and is less expensive that the mat above. This mat is also reusable and can also be used to keep the dog warm during winter.


The most important pet supplies item to always have available to your dog is fresh, cool water — whether on a walk, in the car or in the house or yard. Remember, hot sun can quickly make water too hot to drink.

Pictures from Drs. Foster & Smith Pet Supplies, where the above products can be purchased.

National Pet ID Week

A simple ID tag can keep a pet from ending up in an animal shelter. Even indoor pets can sometimes end up lost. Do you have accurate and readable identification tags on your pets? April 18-24 is National Pet ID week, so let's all take the time to take a look at our pet's tag.

No tag or out-dated tag? Tags are inexpensive and available online or even your local Walmart store has a "make your own id" machine (generally located in the store entrance).

Don't put if off, go take a look and get a new tag if needed. Your pet thanks you.

Safe Car Travel with Your Dog

For the safety of both you and your dog, your dog should be restrained or confined at all times while riding in a car. An unrestrained dog can be a serious threat to everyone in the car. Dogs can easily distract the driver and impair driving ability. Also, quick stops, turns, and accidents can seriously injure your dog if he is not properly restrained.

Purchase a crate or restraining device made for vehicles. You and your dog deserve to be protected.

(Thanks to Jackie and her dog, Murphy for the picture!)

Dogs and Hardwood Floors

Does your indoor pet cause havoc on your hardwood flooring? Here's a few suggestions to help your dog and hardwood floors exist harmoniously in the same house.

Regular nail trimming is a must. Don't waste money on taking your dog to a grooming care service, do it yourself! Drs. Foster and Smith Pet Supplies offers this free video showing exactly how to trim your dog's nails. Necessary supplies are inexpensive. The key to success with my dog was to start with trimming 1 nail per night, and giving him a treat after each clipping. Eventually he learned to sit nicely because he knew his good behavior would win him a treat!

Going on walks outside is great exercise for your dog, plus it naturally files his nails. Trimming is probably still needed, but maybe not quite as often. Bonus: you get exercise too!

Consider a product called Soft Claws Nail Caps. These caps get glued over the dog's nails, and last up to 3 months. I did try these caps with my dog. He did not mind having them on his nails, but I did have to use a generous amount of the provided glue to make them stay on. However, after a while I decided that a few scratches did not diminish the natural look of my hardwood floors.

The cleaning benefits of having hardwood flooring with a pet make a few scratches well worth it. Another way of looking at it can be a bonus: scratches here and there really just add character to hardwood floors!

Make Your Own Dog Bed (& Other Pet Items)

Looking for ways to cut spending? Make your own pet supplies such as a portable dog bed, cat condo, pet carrier, scratching post and more! Materials needed are simple, as are the instructions.

Below are the instructions for the dog bed as taken from Ready Made magazine's website, www.readymade.com. Checkout their website for the other instructions, as well as many other "instructions for everyday life."

Jet-Set Dog Bed
by Mariah Gardner

INGREDIENTS
_Suitcase with floppy opening side
_Heavy-duty double-sided tape
_Pillow (or two, depending on suitcase size)
_Fuzzy bath mat (slightly larger than inside of suitcase)

TOOLS
_Vacuum cleaner or dust broom
_Nontoxic cleaner or scent-removing spray
_Rag

MAKE IT

1. Unzip the suitcase and vacuum or sweep out the inside, then go over it with a nontoxic cleaner or scent-removing spray, to ensure that Mr. Furrypants uses it as a bed instead of a lavatory. While you’re at it, take a slightly damp rag and wipe down the outside as well.

2. Lay the suitcase flat and fold back the zippered top. Tuck the end underneath the suitcase, securing with tape. If the top isn’t long enough, secure it to the back or roll it up on top.

3. Drop in your pillow, adding another if one doesn’t cover the bottom of the suitcase. Try to nestle them in there tightly and flatten them down so they’re not lumpy.

4. Throw the bathmat on top (fuzzy side up), smoothing out the top and tucking the edges down so the pillow is completely covered. If your suitcase has ribbon ties on the bottom, you can use them to tie the whole thing in place.

5. When it’s time to take Fido on the road, simply throw in his favorite toys and
snacks, then zip it all inside for a convenient carry-all.

Top 5 Gifts for Dogs

Dog lovers know the joy of watching their dog unwrap a gift and feeling the unspoken (yet heartfelt) "thank you." The littlest of gifts will make your dog feel loved and happy! Below are my top 5 ideas for gifts for dogs.

Invited to a holiday get-together? Just as you would bring the hostess a gift, bring the dog of the house a gift---the owners are sure to remember the gesture. Dogs like to be part of the party, and they LOVE getting gifts.

Top 5 Gift Ideas for Dogs:

5. Dog collar or clothing
Some dogs like to sport around top fashions. Can't say the dog will get overly excited at gift opening, but they'll look good! (Great "hostess" gift.)

4. Dog Toys
You know what your dog likes! Can a dog have too many toys? If you're buying a gift toy for someone else's dog, you can never go wrong with any sort of ball.

3. Dog Treats
This is the best option to take as a "hostess" gift--can be homemade or found very reasonably. I never met a dog who doesn't like treats. Try fun treats that especially become available around the holidays -- they'll amuse owners, yet are still lip-smacking tasty for the dog.


Unique Treat Idea: Along with a bottle of wine for the hostess, bring this bottle of Sauvignon Bark for the dog of the house. So different, fun and the dog will find it to be delicious!

Crunchy bones are an old standby that are always appreciated by all pooches.



2. Rawhide bones
Go crazy at Christmas and get them a larger bone than normal. An added benefit is this will entertain your dog while the rest of the crowd opens their presents.

1. Dog bed
Does your dog already have a dog bed? Get him another! Just like you use different furniture for different reasons, so may your dog. One for nighttime sleep, one for family time or daytime napping.

Pet Meds

Pet meds are a necessity, but they don't have to be a stress-point for your pet, nor painful to your pocketbook. Discover how you can save money, time and stress by purchasing pet meds online.

Just because your pet's veterinarian writes a prescription does not mean you must purchase the pet meds from the veterinarian. Online pet meds sites make it easy for you to order a prescription. For example, Drs. Foster and Smith pet supplies company gives the following options:


Prescriptions are not needed for many pet meds such as flea and tick prevention, joint care supplements and vitamin supplements. A good online pet meds site will provide educational information, be sure to read it so you get the best pet meds option for your pet.

You may think that the shipping amount from online pet supplies sites will make the purchase more expensive in the long run, but think again. The online pet meds industry is very competitive and free shipping on these products is readily available.

Drs. Foster & Smith does price comparisons for you on many popular products. Check out their price comparison page for several popular products compared to PetCareRx and 1-800-petmeds.

No more having to fit one more errand to the vet's office into your schedule. Just get pet meds delivered to your door - how convenient is that!

Adopt a Rescued Dog | Donate Dog Supplies

Adopting a dog might not only be a welcome relief to the dog, but also a new found love for you. Although I adopted our black lab mix only because my son talked me into it, I have had many unexpected joys. He is the most loving dog and a true family member.

The Lab Rescue of North Carolina (LRNC) has a great list: Top 10 Reasons You Should Consider a Rescued Labrador Retriever.

Adopting a dog is just not for you? It's great that you recognize that fact. You still can help dogs in need by helping supply rescue organizations with dog supplies. The LRNC is currently looking for pig ears for dogs.

Must Have Pet Supplies For Summer

Crazy-About-Pets: Must-Have Summer Supplies

crazy-about-pets.blogspot.com — Cool pet supplies you probably don't even know exist - INEXPENSIVE TOO!

Top Pet Travel Tips: Supplies & Procedures

Top Pet Travel Tips: Supplies & Procedures by Brent Goodman

Traveling with your pet can be fun and rewarding - especially when you're prepared.

In addition to the pet travel "basics" (safely restraining your pet, allowing adequate time for "potty breaks," bringing comforting items from home, and so on), several additional simple practices and supplies can help make every trip easier and more pleasant for both you and your pet.

Schedule a veterinarian visit to ensure overall health and current vaccinations. Ask for a health certificate and vaccination records, especially if you're traveling out of state.

Make sure your pet's identification tags are up-to-date and readable. Also, be sure his rabies tag is current.

Include your destination address and/or phone number on your pet's tags and cage/crate (if applicable).

Remember to pack water to prevent dehydration. Your favorite pet supplies store will have portable bottles that work extremely well, and allow your pet to drink from it. To help ensure convenient feedings, bring along a collapsible, portable bowl.

Pack all medications and supplements to avoid missed doses.

Pack a first aid kit to ensure readiness in the event of an injury or medical emergency.

Exercise your pet prior to departure. A tired pet is typically much more amenable to travel. Also, bring a lead or harness to allow exercise during "pit stops."

Feed your pet at least four hours prior to departure to prevent car sickness. If the trip is long, feed a smaller amount than normal at least two hours before you leave.

Use a travel remedy, if necessary. If your pet is extremely anxious about travel, try a soothing non-prescription pet supplies product.

Trim toenails to prevent snags and injury, especially if your pet will travel in a cage or crate.

Cover your car seats with seat covers to keep them clean and free of hair shed on your trip.

Know your travel rules and restrictions, especially if you will travel on an airplane.

About the Author
Brent Goodman holds degrees in English from Ripon College, a Masters of Fine Arts from Purdue University, and has extensive experience in research communications and educational publishing across various fields of study. He is currently the Senior Copywriter at Drs. Foster & Smith Pet Supplies, the nation's leading online and catalog pet supplier.

Pet-Proof Now...Avoid Problems Later

Top Tips for Puppy Proofing your Home

Author: Brent Goodman

Pet-Proof Now...Avoid Problems later



Puppies have a tremendous amount of energy and natural curiosity, and they love to explore the world around them. This is part of what makes them so much fun, but it can also lead them into harmful situations. Before you bring your new puppy home, make sure you survey your home for potential dangers. In many ways, making your home safe for a puppy is similar to making your home safe for a toddler. The following tips are designed to help you keep your puppy safe. Many of the following warnings apply for adult dogs as well:



Indoor Hazards



* Know which plants are toxic and place them out of reach, or replace them with nontoxic plants. Toxic plants commonly found indoors include dieffenbachia, azalea, Calla lily, and philodendron.



* Keep all medications, including any dog supplements, in a safe area the puppy cannot access. Do not leave vitamins or other pills out on the kitchen counter or table. A determined chewer can make short work of a plastic container. Puppies are surprisingly quick at pulling things off of end tables or other low surfaces.



* Put bathroom trash cans up high where your dog cannot get into them. Sanitary supplies and used razors are only two of the hazards here.



* Full sinks, bathtubs, or toilets with open lids can be a drowning hazard. Avoid automatic toilet bowl cleaners if you cannot keep your puppy from drinking out of the toilet.



* Keep cleaning supplies in high cupboards or use childproof latches to secure lower cupboards. Remove the puppy from the area when you are using liquid or spray cleaners. They can get into the eyes of a curious puppy, and the vapors can be harmful to lungs and eyes.



* Be careful of your puppy around furniture. A rocking chair can harm a puppy's tail or leg, and a curious puppy may crawl under an open recliner or sofa bed.



* Electrical cords are a big danger to puppies, who often chew on them while playing. This can cause burns in the mouth, electrical shock, or death by electrocution. Tie up loose electrical cords and keep them out of sight. Run cords through purchased spiral cable wrap, cord concealers, or even PVC pipe to keep them safe from your puppy.



* Any type of fire can be dangerous. Screen off fireplaces and wood stoves. Never leave your puppy unattended in a room with an open flame or space heater.



* Cords for drapery and blinds can cause strangulation. Either tie up the excess cords, or cut the loop in the cord.



* Swallowed clothing may cause a dangerous intestinal blockage. Keep socks, nylons, underwear, and other clothing put away. Keep laundry baskets off the floor.



* Keep small objects (coins, jewelry, needles and thread, straight pins, yarn, dental floss, rubber bands, paper clips, toys, etc.) out of your puppy's reach. Jewelry and coins are easily swallowed and can contain metals that are toxic. Keep costly items and those of sentimental value put away until your puppy is older and less likely to chew. Provide an assortment of chew toys that are appropriate for your puppy's chewing instinct.



* Keep fishing line, hooks, and lures stored out of reach.



* Be careful about closing doors as you walk through - your puppy may be right behind you and get caught.



* Keep doors and windows closed. Keep screens on windows and sliding glass doors securely fastened and in good repair, to keep your puppy from falling through or escaping.



* Close off stairwells with a pet gate.



* Many dogs will eat cat feces from the litter box if given the chance. In addition to being a disgusting (at least to us!) habit, this can be a dangerous health hazard. Cat litter can cause an intestinal obstruction, and in addition, any intestinal worms the cat has may be passed on to the dog. One solution may be to put the litter box behind a pet gate, either in a separate room or in a closet with the gate across the doorway. The gate can be raised up from the floor to allow the cat to go under it, unless the dog is able to go under it also. If the cat cannot jump over the gate easily, a stepstool beside the gate can help.



* Many human foods can cause problems for pets. Chocolate, onions, alcohol, and foods high in fat, sugar, or salt can be very harmful. Chocolate, coffee, and tea all contain dangerous components called "xanthines," which cause nervous system or urinary system damage and heart muscle stimulation. Problems from ingestion of chocolate range from diarrhea to seizures and death. All chocolate, fudge, and other candy should be placed out of your dog's reach. Grapes and raisins contain an unknown toxin, which can damage the kidneys.



* Tobacco products, including nicotine gum and patches, contain substances that can be toxic or fatal to dogs.



* Chicken bones, plastic food wrap, coffee grounds, meat trimmings, the string from a roast - all pose a potential hazard. Scraps from ham or other foods high in fat can cause vomiting and diarrhea, or pancreatitis. To be safe, put food away immediately, dog-proof your garbage, and do not feed table scraps to your dog. Uncooked meat, fish, and poultry can contain disease-causing bacteria, such as E. coli, and parasites, such as Toxoplasma gondii. These uncooked foods should not be given to your dog. For your own health, as well as your pet's, wash utensils that have been in contact with raw meat, and cook meat thoroughly.



Outdoor Hazards



* Do not leave your puppy outside unsupervised. To prevent your puppy from wandering, you will need to either build an outdoor kennel or provide secure fencing that your puppy cannot jump over or dig under.



* Provide your puppy a separate area of your yard to use as his bathroom area. Use fencing, or other means, to keep him out of areas where children may play, especially sand boxes.



* Some outdoor plants and trees can be toxic to dogs. Common ones include potato (all green parts), morning glory, foxglove, lily of the valley, and oak (buds and acorns). Many bulb plants, such as daffodils, are also poisonous. Cocoa bean mulch can be toxic to dogs. Some dogs chew and swallow landscaping stone, which can cause dangerous intestinal blockage.



* Make sure all gasoline, oil, paint, lawn fertilizers, insecticides, and auto supplies are placed into secure containers, out of reach. Be especially careful with antifreeze and rat poison, both of which taste good to dogs and both of which can be deadly if ingested.



* Pools, ponds, and hot tubs should be covered or fenced off. Drainpipes can also pose problems.



* Fire rings, barbecues, and other heat or fire sources pose the potential of causing burns.



* Keep all food and other garbage in securely closed containers. Used coffee grounds can contain harmful amounts of caffeine, and decomposing food may contain toxic molds. Keep compost in a secure bin.



* Walk around your property and look for other areas or items that could be a hazard to your puppy, such as broken glass, exposed nails, or other sharp objects. Plan how you will restrict your puppy's access to these areas.



Bringing home a new puppy is a time of fun and excitement. Following these tips and investing in a few key pet supplies will help you keep your new friend safe, so that the two of you can enjoy each other's company for years to come.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/top-tips-for-puppy-proofing-your-home-324283.html

About the Author:

Brent Goodman holds degrees in English from Ripon College, a Masters of Fine Arts from Purdue University, and has extensive experience in research communications and educational publishing across various fields of study. He is currently the Senior Copywriter at Drs. Foster & Smith Pet Supplies, the nation's leading online and catalog pet supplier.

Dog Beds: An Important Pet Supply

My dog has a few beds... one for daytime naps, one for nighttime, and a third for sleepovers. (Yes, Lucky is in the middle of the kids when either of my kids have a sleepover).

I personally think every dog should have a dog bed. It helps prevent his joints from aching, gives comfort and is "his" space. There really are many different styles of dog beds, and selecting the best bed for you dog is really important. This article on dog beds is extremely helpful for selecting one that's just right for your collared friend.

Pet Supplies: Choosing the Perfect Treat for Your Dog

Choosing the Perfect Treat for Your Dog by Brent Goodman

Treats can prove invaluable in rewarding positive behavior and in reinforcing behavior learned during training. They're also a fun, inexpensive way to show your dog you love him. When choosing a treat, be sure to consider these four factors:

* Your intended use - if you plan to use treats during training, smaller treats are a good choice. They're quickly consumed and provide minimal distraction from training tasks.

* Your "treat frequency" - if you plan to feed treats to your dog often, consider smaller, lower-calorie treats, which will help him stay slim.

* Your dog's age and relevant medical conditions - puppies often prefer smaller treats, and seniors with sensitive teeth often prefer soft treats. Dogs with food sensitivities/allergies can benefit from hypoallergenic treats.

* Your dog's preferences - treats are available in several different shapes, sizes, and flavors sure to fit your dog's unique tastes.

Although better for your dog than table scraps and meant to be given at any time, treats should constitute no more than 10% of your dog's diet. This is especially important for overweight dogs. Treats can also help you avoid the problems associated with feeding table scraps - begging, malnutrition, weight gain, digestive problems, and picky eating.

Following, you'll find brief descriptions of the wide variety of dog treats.

Biscuits & Treats
Biscuits and treats provide the crunch dogs crave, while promoting healthy teeth and gums. Smaller treats are perfect (and portable) for use as training aids and quick rewards. Biscuits are typically bone-shaped, and some include low-fat, natural ingredients and are fortified with vitamins and minerals. Crunchy treats, which are often smaller than biscuits, let you quickly reward your dog with a wide variety of flavorful, bite-sized treats.

Healthy Treats/Bones
If your dog is on a diet, or if you simply prefer giving all-natural treats, healthy treats and bones are all good choices. These low-fat, naturally nutritious, all-vegetable or grain-based treats provide essential dental benefits while offering all the flavor and appeal of other types of treats, which may not be conducive to weight loss.

Meat Treats
Meat treats - whether chewy or hard and crunchy - contain real meat or meat products and combine the taste dogs love with the protein dogs need. Chewy offer your dog a soft, tender treat with the irresistible flavor of lamb liver, chicken liver, or beef liver. Hard and crunchy meat treats pack a satisfying crunch.

Natural Treats
Natural treats make great chews for dogs of all ages and chewing habits. These chews are full of natural flavors dogs love. Pigs ears, a perennial favorite, are available in delicious natural or hickory flavors in full-size pieces or bite-size for more frequent treating. All-natural pork treats, made of dried pork hide, are good choices when you want to give your dog a longer-lasting chew treat.

Rawhide Treats
Rawhide Treats are beneficial to dental health and available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and styles to satisfy every chewing habit and dogs of all sizes. Rawhide treats are available in three varieties to satisfy your dog's preferences. Shaped rawhide treats (bones, twists, rings, sticks, and so on) are tightly wrapped or knotted to provide the most rawhide for your money. Ground rawhide novelties, consisting of small ground pieces of rawhide formed into shapes (rings, lollipops, and sticks), are easier to break down and are great for smaller dogs. Pressed rawhide treats, the most durable of rawhide treats, give your dog several layers of rawhide "welded" together to form the strongest, longest-lasting rawhide treat.

Dental Treats
Dental treats are designed to help you prevent painful, costly dental problems. Greenies® dog treats are an excellent, flavorful dental treat that freshens breath while reducing plaque and tartar. As your dog gnaws on a variety of delicious dental treats, he'll improve his overall dental health by effectively preventing tartar formation, plaque buildup, gum disease, and the germs that cause dreaded "doggie breath."


About the Author
Brent Goodman holds degrees in English from Ripon College, a Masters of Fine Arts from Purdue University, and has extensive experience in research communications and educational publishing across various fields of study. He is currently the Senior Copywriter at Drs. Foster & Smith Pet Supplies, the nation's leading online and catalog pet supplier.

The Wide, Wide World of Travel Pet Supplies!

We plan to do a good share of traveling in our car this summer. Lucky, our black lab mix, will be with us on most of the trips. Although we are "lucky" enough to have a pet that likes to travel, I decided to investigate pet supplies designed for travel.

Little did I know I'd be in for a pleasant surprise! My big research ended up being a one-stop shopping trip at my friends, Drs. Foster & Smith online pet supplies.There are so many fun pet supplies that will really come in handy.

Our dog stays calm and seated on car rides, but I do find the shedding to be annoying. Nothing worse than someone climbing in car, not realizing there is black pet hair all over the seat! Usually I use a sticky roller, but no longer will need it now that I purchased a Deluxe Quilted Rear Seat Hammock.










I wish I would have had this harness with one of our previous dogs:

Another item I found that I really think will be convenient is the Dog Tucker Traveler Food Bag & Bowls. How great are these!

The last item I thought was a pet supply necessity for trips was the Handi-Drink Pet Water Bottle. It will be especially handy for our hikes.











These were my favorite travel pet supplies. If you're planning trips, be sure to find the supplies that will make caring for your pet easy!

Pet Supplies: How to Buy Online Pet Supplies & Save!

Pet Supplies: How to Buy Online Pet Supplies & Save! by Brent Goodman

Looking to save money on pet supplies without sacrificing quality? Rather than going to your local pet supplies store, discover the convenience, quality and cost savings of shopping online for pet supplies.

Online pet supplies stores typically can offer higher quality products, yet are able to keep prices lower than brick-and-mortar pet supplies stores. Regular pet supplies stores must recuperate the expenses associated with a storefront building, local and national advertising and sales employees. Of course, in the end, customers pay for those expenses. Internet pet supplies sites don't have those overhead expenses and that means lower prices for you when you purchase pet supplies.

Many of us consider our pets members of our family, and we want to purchase pet supplies that help our collared friends be happy, healthy and safe. Take advantage of the free expert recommendations that online stores offer. Most online pet supplies sites are owned by people who really care about pets, and should offer professional pet care advice. If they don't, you might want to search for a site that puts priority on helping owners nurture their pet's wellness.

Product reviews from people just like you are a popular feature on pet supplies sites. Pet lovers want other pet owners to know which products are good - and which products are not! For example, a customer might indicate that a toy worked well for their dog because the dog is large in size, a heavy chewer and the toy stood the test of toughness. The review not only would be helpful if your dog has similar characteristics, but would also be good if your dog prefers softer chew toys.

Shop anytime! Enjoy online shopping 24/7, whatever time of the day or night is convenient for you. Traditional pet supplies stores simply cannot afford to be open beyond regular store hours plus holidays. In addition, leading online pet supplies websites provide customer support 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. A good online pet supplies site wants you (and your pet) to be happy with your purchases, so take advantage of their customer service advice.

It's easy to compare prices of pet supplies offered by the online stores. Simply type in the exact product into any search engine and you'll quickly have several price comparisons at your fingertips. Be sure to also check the shipping and handling charges. Take some caution if an online store offers free shipping and drastically low prices compared to regular store and online stores. If all their prices are too good to be true, they could be substituting lower quality products that could pose a threat to your pet.

The better online pet supplies stores offer auto-ship pet food delivery programs. Your pet's food can be delivered to your door just when you need it - no more frenzied last minute trip to your local pet supplies store. You customize the delivery schedule and quantity. Product discounts often apply when you register for this type of service.

There are plenty online pet supplies stores to choose from--find one you can trust AND has good prices. Online shopping is the most practical, economical and fun method of shopping for pet supplies, and you'll never need to worry about finding a parking spot!


About the Author
Brent Goodman holds degrees in English from Ripon College, a Masters of Fine Arts from Purdue University, and has extensive experience in research communications and educational publishing across various fields of study. He is currently the Senior Copywriter at Drs. Foster & Smith Pet Supplies, the nation's leading online and catalog pet supplier.

Pet Supplies Sale

I just read an email newsletter from the good doctors at Drs. Foster & Smith. They're having a great sale on pet supplies. They've been in business for 25 years and therefore are having an anniversary sale all year long. New pet supplies on sale every month.

The newsletters they send are pretty good. There are different newsletters for each type of pet you may own. Signup here if it interests you. You'll then be notified of their sales plus the newsletters usually include links to educational information. If you have a new puppy or you're thinking about getting a puppy, you'll definitely want to signup for their puppy series email - very helpful.

Save Money on Pet Supplies

10 Money-Saving Tips for Dog Care by Brent Goodman

You just can't put a price on that welcome-home tail wag. Many of us consider our dogs members of our family, and as we try to keep them in the best health possible, we look for ways to save without sacrificing quality. Luckily, with dog supplies on the market today, and some insight, you can often spend less than you might think.

1. Quality food. Nutrition for our pets, just like for ourselves, is probably the single most important health decision we make. Good nutrition always translates into better health. Look for dog foods with real meat, fish, or eggs listed as the first or second ingredient.

2. Deal with problems before they become major concerns. Some conditions can be helped with the use of nutritional supplements. Arthritis may benefit from the glucosamine and chondroitin found in joint care products and the omega-3 fatty acids in our omega-3 gel caps can be beneficial for certain skin conditions. Dental problems, such as plaque build-up or unpleasant doggy breath can be "nipped" in the bud with diligent home care. A dental cleanser, dental treats, rawhide, and dental toys are must-haves for at-home care. Regular ear care, may save you an unplanned trip to the veterinarian for an ear infection.

3. Be diligent about flea/tick prevention and heartworm. Flea and tick preventative products are essential to a good flea and tick management program, and can help prevent the cost of treatment for illnesses such as Lyme disease. The American Heartworm Society recommends using a heartworm preventive year-round, even in seasonal areas.

4. Annual veterinary visits. Make sure your pet gets his annual physical exam. Your veterinarian will pick up on health problems you can't detect, and early treatment will probably mean less money spent down the road. The veterinarian-client-patient relationship is an essential part of maintaining your pet's good health.

5. Buy your prescriptions online and always ask for generics. It is amazing how much you can save by using a reputable online pharmacy. Online pharmacies, with their large volume, often offer better medication pricing. Generic prescriptions are an especially good value. These medications are made with the same exacting FDA standards as name brand veterinary medications.

6. Consider vaccinating your dogs at home. Keep your dog up-to-date on vaccinations. Familiarize yourself with vaccine guidelines. If you choose to vaccinate at home, a good pet pharmacy can provide you with needles, syringes and vaccines.

7. Keep him safe when you can't be there. You may think of a crate as a negative for your pet. In reality, dog owners have found that crates, when introduced properly and used consistently, are the safest place for your pet when you're not around. How do they save money? Stress relief, and less potential damage to your property.

8. Keep your dog entertained and out of trouble. Choose interesting, interactive toys. Also, make sure your pooch has adequate exercise, with plenty of walks and games of fetch.

9. Groom your dog yourself. Daily grooming may help prevent a variety of problems, from dry skin to painful and unsightly matting. There are a myriad of grooming products from brushes and combs to shampoos, conditioners, and clippers

10. Observe your pet daily and become knowledgeable. Watch for changes in eating patterns, behavior, and elimination. Even subtle differences can be early indicators of disease. Early diagnosis and treatment may save you in the long run on more complex diagnostics and treatment.

Our dogs depend on us to take care of them, and by following the tips above, you can save money without shortchanging your pet's health.

About the AuthorBrent Goodman holds degrees in English from Ripon College, a Masters of Fine Arts from Purdue University, and has extensive experience in research communications and educational publishing across various fields of study. He is currently the Senior Copywriter at Drs. Foster & Smith Pet Supplies, the nation's leading online and catalog pet supplier.

Pet Supplies

Every pet has his or her favorite things in this world. Here are the pet supplies that my dog, Lucky, cherishes:

Dog Bed: Lucky actually has 2 dog beds. One is for sleeping at night, and the other is in the family room. When the family lounges around watching TV, Lucky can be found on his own "couch". There are so many different types of dog beds, it can sometimes be difficult to select one that's just right for your pet. A quick reference guide will help you select a dog bed style that's just right for your collared friend.

Grooming Brush: This is one of Lucky's favorites because he gets personal attention time! This is one of my favorites because it reduces shedding in the house!

Inside Dog Toys: Oh, there are so many! The Kong is probably one of Lucky's favorite because I put treats inside of it. I like it because it entertains him and keeps him busy for a while trying to get the treats out. Sometimes I put his dog food or peanut butter in the Kong toy, although they do make treats designed for the Kong toy.

Squeaky toys seem to also be one of Lucky's favorie toys. Quality toys of any sort seem to last even through his chewing.

Outside Dog Toys: Hands down, (or should I say "paws down"), the soft flying disk is the winner in this category. Lucky loves to swim, and this toy is easy for him to see and easy for me to throw long distances in the lake.

Flea and Tick Control: Simple.... prevention is so much easier than removal. Search out the product that's right for your pet, and make sure you remember to use it on schedule! No dog wants the problems associated with fleas or ticks.

Heartworm Medication: Don't skimp here, your pet's health is too important. You must have a prescription from a veterinarian for this pet med. However, you often find online heartworm medication prices better than at your vet's office. In general, I am a fan of Drs. Foster & Smith Pet Supplies, but Google around for individual best prices.

Treats: Lucky's favorite is, well, any treat is Lucky's favorite. In addition to the usual commercial dog treats, I sometimes give him fresh fruits or vegetables as I am cutting them up. Just be aware of the the food items that can be poisonous to animals!

ID Tags: You never know what may happen when your dog is outside. Make sure he has appropriate ID tags so someone can help get him back home!

There are so many more pet supplies that might be needed for your pet.....allergy care, joint care, soft toys, hard toys, safety items for travel, homes or outdoors, food, collars, clothing....