Head Over Tails for Pets Offers Alternatives to Giving Pets as Gifts

Fargo, ND (Vocus/PRWEB ) December 24, 2009 — Giving a live animal as a gift, especially during the holidays, is not in the recipient’s or the animal’s best interest. The holiday season is hectic and puppies, kittens and baby bunnies need a lot of attention and a strict schedule. Head Over Tails for Pets offers are a few creative alternatives to giving the gift of animal companionship. Read more

Access to Dangerous Materials is Biggest Holiday Pet Safety Hazard In and Around Homes, according to Pet Sitters International

King, NC (Vocus) November 13, 2009 — Pet Sitters International (PSI), the world’s largest educational association for professional pet sitters reports that the biggest pet safety hazard consistently witnessed by pet sitters during the holidays is a pet’s access to dangerous materials in the home that can be easily ingested.

PSI recently surveyed its nearly 8,000 member businesses to determine the top three hazards professional pet sitters encounter during the holidays. More than 10 percent of the association’s members participated in the survey. While the majority of respondents, 63 percent, said that access to dangerous materials was most prevalent, 25 percent cited electrical appliances left on in the home and 24 percent referenced a pet’s access to dangerous plants. Read more

National Pet Parent’s Day

National Pet Parent’s Day officially takes place on the last Sunday of April and this year, it’s April 26th.  This holiday is to celebrate pet caregivers – those who consider their pets part of their family.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, in 2006, nearly 50% of pet owners considered their pets family members.  Also, those who consider themselves to be pet parents are most likely U.S. pet caregivers, young pet owners without children, and older pet owners with children who no longer live at home. Read more

Show Your Love for Your Pet at PETCO’s Valentine’s Day Event

Celebrate this Valentine’s Day with other passionate pet parents and show your love for your favorite pet at all PETCO locations nationwide

(Vocus/PRWEB ) January 27, 2009 — Celebrate this Valentine’s Day with other passionate pet parents and show your love for your favorite pet at all PETCO locations nationwide.

Date: Saturday, Feb. 14, 2009

Time: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m

Where: All PETCO locations nationwide, visit PETCO.com to find the store nearest to you

Why: To celebrate this Valentine’s Day with other passionate pet parents and to show your love for your favorite pet – why not? Read more

New Year’s Resolutions – A Healthier Dog

By Laura Garber, CPDT

With the holidays behind us, we’ve all packed on a few extra pounds, even our beloved canine family members. So, as you determine your own New Year’s resolutions, make sure that you consider making some healthy resolutions for him as well. Fortunately some of our everyday tricks make for a great workout and, given the cold and inclement weather outside, you’ll be happy to hear that there’s plenty you can do inside! Read more

Keeping Your Dog Safe On Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving is a fun time for all with the food and festivities around. Since it’s also a time when people share with one another, you should be careful about what is shared with your dog. Here are a few Thanksgiving safety tips from the ASPCA:

• If you feed your dog a nibble of turkey, make sure it’s cooked well and boneless
• Sage and other herbs contain essential oils and resins that can lead to gastrointestinal upset and central nervous system depression if eaten in large quantities
• Don’t let your dog have raw bread dough, because your dog’s body heat can cause the dough to rise in his/her stomach, resulting in vomiting, severe abdominal pain and bloating, which could then become life-threatening and require surgery
• Keep your dog away from things that are raw such as raw meat, batter, dough, etc., because it may have salmonella
• Don’t let your dog overindulge during Thanksgiving, because it could cause a stomach upset, diarrhea, or pancreatitis.  (It’s recommended that dogs stay on their regular diet during the holidays)

Source: “Thanksgiving Safety Tips”, ASPCA.org; Retrieved on November 24, 2008 from http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pets_thanksgiving

Take Your Dog To Work Day

In 1999, Pet Sitters International established the holiday “Take Your Dog To Work Day”, to help raise awareness of pet related topics such as: pet overpopulation or the benefits of animal companionship. 

This year, Take Your Dog To Work Day will begin on June 20th.  A few guidelines need to be set in place first:

1. Check with your company to see if it’s okay to bring your dog to work.  You should be courteous to your colleagues, because some may be allergic or even afraid.
    
2. Doggie proof your work area.  Just like at home, make sure there aren’t any poisonous plants in your workspace.
    
3. Make sure your dog has all of its shots.
    
4. Carry a doggie bag with you.  You will want to be fully equipped with paper towels, pet safe disinfectant, food, treats, toys, etc.
    
5. Don’t force your co-workers to interact with your dog.  You’re still at work, so you don’t want to be distracting others from their work.  You will also want to prevent your dog from having accidents around the office.  Don’t worry, people who are dog lovers, will let it be known that they are and as a result initiate the greeting themselves.