Pet Proof Your Home

Dogs, cats, bunnies, ferrets, birds and other pets are curious by nature. That’s why it’s so important that you make sure your house is “pet-proofed” before bringing home your new family member. Dr. Mark Verdino, VP and Chief of Veterinary Staff at North Shore Animal League America, advises taking a “whole-house” approach. “There are potential dangers to your pet in every room, but you can keep them safe with some careful planning,” he says.

Your first step, according to Dr. Verdino: Start by getting down on your hands and knees so you can view each room from your pet’s eye level. Of course, most animals can find a way to get into higher places, but surveying their world from ground level might alert you to unseen hazards like candy wrappers, coins, dropped pills and game pieces.

While most people have heard that chocolate is a no-no for pets (it’s true), other foods to avoid include onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, Xylitol (in sugar free gums), Macadamia nuts, coffee grounds and alcohol. Cigarettes are also bad for pets (no surprise), and though they’re not likely to smoke them, they could be tempted to eat them (not to mention what the second-hand smoke does to their little lungs . . . ).

Many common household products contain chemicals and other toxic substances. As you would for children, lock these materials away from your pets:
* Pesticides (try to use natural products, which are better for you, your pets and the planet)
* Antifreeze
* Rat, mouse and insect poisons (there are better natural alternatives for this . . . )
* Mothballs (again . . . there are more natural alternatives, such as cedar balls or blocks, as well as some herbs)
* Fabric softener sheets
* Medications (both prescription and over-the-counter)
* Cosmetics
* Potpourri oils
* Batteries
* Paints, glues and varnishes

Even certain household plants can be hazardous if ingested. Some of the more common ones to avoid:

* Aloe Vera
* Boston Ivy
* Poinsettia
* Dieffenbachia (dumb cane)
* Peace or Easter Lily
* English and German Ivy
* India Rubber Plant
* Mistletoe
* Philodendron
* Chrysanthemum

Puppies, kittens, bunnies and ferrets and even birds love to chew everything in sight, so keep electrical wires, dangling blind cords and all sharp objects out of reach, Dr. Verdino adds.

Finally, be sure to keep an Emergency Pet First Aid Kit handy in case your pets have an accident, and call your Vet immediately if you suspect they’ve been injured or exposed to a toxic material.

P.S. Here's a handy checklist to get you started!

http://www.americanhumane.org/animals/adoption-pet-care/safety/pet-proofing-your-home.html

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Raven is an engaging entrepreneur who encourages others to celebrate pets as part of the family, as well as keep them happy, healthy, and spoiled with her online specialty pet boutique (http://www.TheGiftedPet.com), and premium pet food business (http://www.PremiumPetFoodStore.com)

For more information, please visit her Facebook page to PM her (https://www.facebook.com/TheGiftedPet), or email her at Raven@TheGiftedPet.com

12 Reasons to Keep Your Cat Indoors

Over the years through my work with rescues and shelters, I hear from guilt-ridden pet parents regarding the horrible things that happened to their cats when they went outside ~ they were hit by cars, attacked by predators, infected with diseases or they simply disappeared.

Even today with so much information available, many people still let their cats outdoors ~ often with misplaced good intentions. Here are twelve strong reasons to keep your cats indoors where they will safe and protected. And no, it's not cruel to keep your cats indoors. There are plenty of ways to keep them happy and content.


1.      Indoor Cats Generally Live Longer ~ In general, a cat who spends his entire life indoors will live many years longer than a cat restricted exclusively to the outdoors. If you cat has indoor/outdoor access, chances are that he will live longer than the exclusively outdoor feline, but he still faces increased risks to his health and safety that can impact lifespan.  If you wish to let your cats outdoors, perhaps you might consider a safe enclosure, such as a "catio".

2.      Indoor Cats Will Not Get Struck by Vehicles ~ The outdoor cat is always at risk of being struck by a vehicle. Even the most supposedly “street savvy” feline can become distracted while in pursuit of prey or while being chased by another cat or a dog. Cats get hit by cars at an alarmingly high rate, and a little eight-pound cat is no match against a car or truck. Even if the cat survives, the injuries are usually extremely severe.

3.      Reduced Risk of Poisoning ~ Outdoors cats are at risk of exposure to ethylene glycol (antifreeze) poisoning, lawn pesticides, poisoning from spoiled food in trash cans, mole and rodent poisons and intentional poisoning from people.  Even though there’s a risk of poisoning in an indoor environment as well, you are better able to remove toxic plants, toxic chemicals and other dangers in order to keep them out of your cat’s reach.

4.      Prevent Injury from Animal Fights ~ It’s not unusual for an outdoor cat to become injured or develop a painful and serious abscess from fighting with another cat, dog or other outdoor animal. Even if you have your cat neutered or spayed, there are many intact cats roaming outside who are extremely territorial and will fight to the death . . . . even when unprovoked.

5.      Decreased Risk of Disease ~ If your cat isn’t exposed to other outdoor cats, he has a greatly reduced risk of contracting a contagious disease.

6.      Decreased Risk of Parasites ~ The chances of your cat becoming infested with fleas, ticks or internal worms will be greatly reduced if he remains in an indoor environment because he won’t be coming in contact with infected feces, prey, grass or soil.

7.      No Danger from Predators ~ Cats are potential prey to some dogs and if you live in certain areas of the country they are also at risk of being attacked by coyotes or even owls.

8.      Food Control ~ With an indoor cat you can control what he eats and how much he consumes each day. If your cat goes outdoors you have no idea whether he is munching on some cheap food left out on a neighbor’s back porch for the local stray cats. By eating from that same food bowl he will also be at risk of contracting disease.

9.      No Risk of Cruelty ~ Outdoors, your cat may easily become the victim of a cat-hating neighbor, mean children who think it’s fun to abuse a helpless animal or people who use cats for unspeakable things.

10.   You’ll Know Where Your Cat Is ~ If your cat is indoors, there is a greatly reduced risk of him getting lost or stolen.

11.   Better Health Monitoring ~ With an indoor cat you can easily monitor what is or isn’t happening in the litter box. That early detection of any change in your cat’s litter box habits could mean less pain and suffering. You will also be able to better monitor changes in food or water intake, activity level, etc.

12.   You’ll be a Better Neighbor ~ Not everyone wants a cat peeing in their garden, stalking the backyard bird feeder or lounging on the car in their driveway. In most cases, your neighbors will be happier knowing your cat is quietly watching the outdoor activity from inside the house.  ♥

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Raven is an engaging entrepreneur who encourages others to celebrate pets as part of the family, as well as keep them happy, healthy, and spoiled with her online specialty pet boutique (http://www.TheGiftedPet.com), holistic health products and premium pet food business (http://www.PremiumPetFoodStore.com)

For more information, please visit her Facebook page to PM her (https://www.facebook.com/TheGiftedPet), or email her at Raven@TheGiftedPet.com

The Gifted Pet Guide to a Pet-Friendly Valentine’s Day

Valentine Pup

Valentine’s Day can be as much fun for pets as it is for humans if dangerous foods, flora and other items are kept out of paws’ reach. Each year , the ASPCA poison control experts see a rise in cases around February 14, many involving chocolate and lilies, a flower that is potentially fatal to cats. So please heed their experts’ advice . . . . don’t leave the goodies lying around on Valentine's Day.





Pet-Safe Bouquets 

Many pet owners are still unaware that all species of lily are potentially fatal to cats. When sending a floral arrangement, specify that it contain no lilies if the recipient has a cat ~ and when receiving an arrangement, sift through and remove all dangerous flora. If your pet is suffering from symptoms such as stomach upset, vomiting or diarrhea, he may have ingested an offending flower or plant. Use this online toxic and nontoxic plant library as visual guides of what and what not should be in your bouquets. 


Forbidden Chocolate 

Seasoned pet lovers know the potentially life-threatening dangers of chocolate, including baker’s, semi sweet, milk and dark. In darker chocolates, methylxanthines ~ caffeine-like stimulants that affect gastrointestinal, neurologic and cardiac function ~ can cause vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, seizures and an abnormally elevated heart rate. The high-fat content in lighter chocolates can potentially lead to a life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas. Go ahead and indulge, but don’t leave chocolate out for chowhounds to find. 


Careful with Cocktails 

Spilled wine, half a glass of champagne, some leftover liquor are nothing to cry over until a curious pet laps them up. Because animals are smaller than humans, a little bit of alcohol can do a lot of harm, causing vomiting, diarrhea, lack of coordination, central nervous system depression, tremors, difficulty breathing, metabolic disturbances and even coma. Potentially fatal respiratory failure can also occur if a large enough amount is ingested. 


Life Is Sweet 

Take care not to let pets near treats sweetened with xylitol. If ingested, gum, candy and other treats that include this sweetener can result in a sudden drop in blood sugar known as hypoglycemia. This can cause your pet to suffer depression, loss of coordination and seizures. 

Best Furrends!

Every Rose Has Its Thorn 

Don’t let pets near roses or other thorny stemmed flowers. Biting, stepping on or swallowing their sharp, woody spines can cause serious infection if a puncture occurs. It’s all too easy for pets to step on thorns that fall to the ground as a flower arrangement is being created.  De-thorn your roses far away from pets. 


Playing with Fire 

It’s nice to set your evening a-glow with candlelight, but put out the fire when you leave the room. Pawing kittens and nosy pooches can burn themselves or cause a fire by knocking over unattended candles, and their fur can catch fire should they sweep the flame with their tail. 


Wrap it Up 

Gather up tape, ribbons, bows, wrapping paper, cellophane and balloons after presents have been opened ~ if swallowed, these long, stringy and “fun-to-chew” items can get lodged in your pet’s throat or digestive tract, causing her to choke or vomit.


The Furry Gift of Life? 

Giving a cuddly puppy or kitten may seem a fitting Valentine’s Day gift ~ however, returning a pet you hadn’t planned on is anything but romantic. Companion animals bring with them a lifelong commitment, and choosing a pet for someone else doesn’t always turn out right. Why not let your loved one choose their own pet with a gift certificate to adopt from a rescue or shelter in your area?  Check with your local animal care facilities or take a romantic trip to the shelter together. 

Kiss Me

Healthy Treats!

Be sure to keep healthy treats around for your pets, so they don't feel left out . . . on Valentine's Day, or any other day.  Not sure where to find healthy, safe, never recalled treats?   Look no further!  We have what you need in our premium pet food store!!  Every purchase you make benefits our foundation for rescues and shelters, thank you for shopping where your purchase matters!  ♥

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Raven is an engaging entrepreneur who encourages others to celebrate pets as part of the family, as well as keep them happy, healthy, and spoiled with her online specialty pet boutique (http://www.TheGiftedPet.com), and premium pet food business (http://www.PremiumPetFoodStore.com)

For more information, please visit her Facebook page to PM her (https://www.facebook.com/TheGiftedPet), or email her at Raven@TheGiftedPet.com