5 Tips on How to Feed You Feline

1. Nutrition is important to all animals, but felines have some specific nutritional guidelines. Your first look at a bag of cat food should ensure that it has the American Association of Feed Control Official (AAFCO) approval stated on the bag. While this does not mean glamorous or high end, it is proof of sound nutrition. 
2. Dry food is the common "go to" for feline owners, because it is easy to feed, and can stay out in a bowl all day without spoiling. The act of crunching dry food is good for teeth and gums and is a pleasing act for your cat. Additionally, dry food is frequently the most cost effective option for feeding your feline. 
3. Canned food typically has a higher moisture content. This moisture is helpful to cats with the common complaints of urinary tract problems, diabetes and kidney disease. And moisture helps compensate for a cat's low thirst drive. Higher protein levels are usually found in wet foods which helps the cat satisfy its carnivore background (remember, they have never forgotten that their forefathers were jungle cats!) while delivering the correct nutritional intake. In truth, a mix of dry and canned food is ideal, where there is a balance of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. 
4. Keep an eye on your cat's weight. If you notice that "kitty" is getting rotund, cut back on the portions, and stop the treats. Obesity only leads to poor health.  
5. Cats need water, not milk products! Always have fresh water available, even if you don't think you ever see your cat with his head in the water bowl. Good water intake is one of the single most important factors in keeping your feline friend on the right track. 

Simple Ways to Monitor Your Dog's Health at Home

Only you know what is normal for your own dog.  But would you recognize an important change if you didn't know the baseline for your own individual canine? It is far better to know what is actually normal for your own companion, before you feel something is abnormal! Be informed, and seek your veterinarian's expertise to round out what is needed to protect your dog.

Weight: If you feel that your dog is either gaining or losing weight, get on a scale and keep track of what you feel is your dog's usual healthy weight. Weighing your dog is fairly easy. If the dog is small, weigh yourself first, and then pick up the dog. If your dog is large, stand it on your scale, offering a treat to keep him in place. If you are having trouble weighing your dog at home, do it when you are next at your vet, or just stop by and use their scale. 

Temperature: Use a regular glass thermometer or better yet, a digital thermometer. Lubricate it and gently insert it, about once inch, into the rectum. If you are using a traditional thermometer leave it in for 2 minutes, if you are using a digital, wait until it beeps. Normal temperature for a dog is between 100 and 102. Anything below or above would indicate a potential situation and require an immediate call to your vet.

Respiration: Normal respiration is dictated by the size of the animal. Get a watch with a second hand, or use a stop watch. Place your hand over the left side, behind the front leg. Common practice is to count the heartbeats for 15 seconds and then multiply by 4 to calculate beats per minute. Normal ranges from 60-100 in big dogs, and about 100-140 in smaller dogs. All tests should be performed when the dog is resting, and not recovering from excessive activity.

Activity: One of the easiest ways to monitor wellbeing is by walking. If your dog is eager to accompany you on walks, or play ball in the yard, and moves with eagerness and energy, this is generally a sign that things are good. If the usually eager dog is unwilling to accompany you, or moves with reluctance, this is an indication that something is bothering your pet, and it is time for a wellness check with your vet.

You are your dog's best monitor! If you detect an abnormality, do not second guess yourself.  Drive directly to your veterinarian and seek medical advice.

Safety for the Outdoor Cat

With the estimated 80 million cats in the US, approximately 45% live outdoors, with others living inside but having access to an outdoor tour. It is important to recognize the specific needs of the outdoor cat.   Assisi Animal Health suggests the following 6 tips for your feline.

1. Control the neighborhood population, spay or neuter your cat at an appropriate age.  This will also help control some of the wanderlust.
2. Cats with an "outdoor lifestyle" have specific needs.   Most important to overall health is having them vaccinated for both the legal (rabies) and disease-related issues they will be exposed to. 
3. Identify your cat with a microchip.   It requires a quick trip to your vet, but provides a lifetime of identification in case "kitty" gets the urge to roam.
4. Use appropriate flea and tick products, and heartworm preventative.   
5. NEVER declaw a cat that is exposed to the outdoors.  Their claws protect them from predators, and allow them to climb trees to avoid attack.  
6. Make sure your "outdoor cat" has nutritious food and water available at all times. The rations for an outdoor cat are usually bigger, to accommodate their additional exercise opportunities. Remember, in winter, outdoor animals require additional caloric intake to keep warm. Do not substitute milk or other products for water. While "a saucer of cream" sounds yummy, cats are actually sensitive to milk products.
7. Provide a safe resting place that will be good year-round, in heat and in cold. This can be a home-made solution, or one of the professional products that are specifically designed for all-weather protection. There will be temperatures where it is important for your cat to have access to the indoors, even if it is just a crack in the garage door or the garden shed.

How to Detect Pain in Your Cat

By nature, felines avoid any tip off that they are experiencing pain. It relates to their survival mentality where the jungle cat who exhibited any weakness became prey for the stronger cat.

Today's knowledgeable cat owners will verify their domestic cat carries inherited traits of their jungle forefathers and have never forgotten the urge to hunt, stalk, and survive.

The trait of hiding pain makes it extremely difficult to detect discomfort, particularly in its early stages. Early indicators can be subtle including consuming less water and food, a small change in attitude, less desire to be in the family mix (too much time spent under a chair observing), low energy, and perhaps even mild lameness. 

The progression of pain will often lead to more obvious signs such as lack of grooming, as a result of the discomfort incurred when bending their bodies to lick and clean.  Perhaps the cat that greeted you each morning on the kitchen counter by the coffee maker is now on the floor at your feet. As the need to hide pain increases, you could note more time spent in another room alone and less use of the litter box due to the difficulty getting into the box and the body positioning needed to defecate. 

The message is BE WATCHFUL. If you see any indication that there is a change in your cat's normal routine, consider this a potential sign for pain. Your first call should be to your veterinarian for a complete examination. Do not self-prescribe any medication. Cats are extremely sensitive to drugs and they have very few safe options in pain control, even short-term. If you do detect signs of pain in your feline, caution should be used when palpating or examining. The most loving cat will bite and scratch when you examine the painful area. 

Not Just A Saying: New Survey Confirms Dogs Really Are Man's Best Friend

Relationships between dogs and their owners are reaching new levels – the 2016Beneful® National Dog Week survey reveals that nearly all American dog owners surveyed consider their beloved pups a part of their family (97 percent) and one of their best friends (93 percent). In honor of National Dog Week (September 18-24), Beneful and its Friends of Beneful partners nationwide are helping dogs and their owners celebrate a happy and healthy week together by sharing inspiring personal stories, tips and giveaways online.

Survey Findings

Does your dog understand you? Do you both appreciate an afternoon snuggle? If so, you're not alone. Here's what surveyed dog owners had to say about their relationships with their four-legged friends:
A Relationship Like No Other. Nearly all dog owners surveyed agree their dogs are part of their family (97 percent) and one of their best friends (93 percent).
You Get Me. Nearly three-quarters (72 percent) of dog owners surveyed agree their dogs understand them like no human could, up from 58 percent in a 2015 survey.
Strike a Pose. More than half of dog owners surveyed (54 percent) agree their dogs love having their pictures taken.

What Makes Fido Happy? According to surveyed dog owners, the activities they agree make their dogs happiest include:

1. Mealtime (95 percent)
2. Going on walks (93 percent)
3. Eating dog treats (93 percent)
4. Chewing a dog bone (88 percent)
5. Snuggling (85 percent)
6. Riding in the car (78 percent)
7. Playing fetch (77 percent)
8. Going to the dog park (72 percent)
9. Running/jogging with someone (71 percent)
10. Being brushed/groomed (63 percent)

Healthful. Flavorful. Beneful.

Topping the list is the moment food hits the bowl, with nearly all dog owners surveyed agreeing that their dogs are happiest during mealtime. Beneful helps keep dogs healthy and happy by offering a variety of dry and wet dog foods that have a perfect balance of wholesome ingredients, quality nutrition and great taste with a variety of textures. The Beneful team recently released new recipes across its dry food line, now offering beef and chicken dry dog food recipes with real beef or chicken as the first ingredient, all with the same great Beneful taste that keeps millions of dogs running back to the bowl day after day.

"At Beneful, we know all about the strong bond shared by dogs and owners, as well as the joys that relationship brings," saidKristen Edler, of the Beneful team and best friend to her mixed breed rescue named Frigo. "We're dog owners and lovers too and are proud to play such an important role in keeping our best friends on four legs healthy and happy – not just during National Dog Week, but 365-days a year."

Pet humanization continues expansion into pet-friendly travel and tourism

Have pet, will travel. The U.S. travel, tourism and hospitality industry is becoming increasingly more accommodating to pet owners seeking to bring their fur babies along on family vacations. According to market research publisher Packaged Facts in the report U.S. Pet Market Outlook, 2015-2016, pet humanization has been a driving force in market growth for the pet industry and as a result other U.S. market segments are eager to capitalize on the humanization trend's momentum.

"Every year, pet products manufacturers and retailers attribute the humanization trend with driving their business. The love people have for their pets means they want their pets to have the best whether that's human-quality foods, medicines, or even travel options and accommodations," comments David Sprinkle, research director, Packaged Facts.

Domesticated pet travel on commercial planes has been a standard for decades for most airlines. Now American passenger railroad service Amtrak is getting onboard with allowing pets on most of its trains, effective immediately. The recent announcement came after a four-month pilot program along the Northeast Corridor revealed that—surprise surprise—passengers wanted to travel with their pets. The primary caveat, besides additional traveling fees, is that only small dogs and cats (i.e., 20 pounds or less including the weight of the carrier) are permitted. Additional weekend-only restrictions apply for travel on Amtrak's high-speed rail service, the Acela Express.

On a related note, recent years have also seen luxury and budget hotels alike actively courting pet owners through a variety of pet-oriented amenities. An estimated 60% of U.S. hotels now accept pets, and that number jumps to 80% among luxury hotels, according to a 2014 survey by the American Hotel & Lodging Association. Who will be the next big company in the travel and hospitality sector to make room for pets? It's hard to say for certain, but it's clear that where pet owners go, their pets are more than likely to follow thanks to increased embracing of pet humanization.

Humanization is a natural expression of the "pets as family" trend, whereby pet owners treat their pets like children and are highly receptive to products similar to the ones they use for themselves. Not coincidentally, many of the services and products entering the market today are directly reminiscent of human fare, no doubt appealing to the pet owner as much as the pet. Examples include veterinary procedures like chemotherapy, MRIs, and hip replacements; pet supplements like glucosamine and omega 3s; human-grade pet foods containing superfruits or touted as gluten free; designer pet supplies; and luxury services including boarding options more like hotel rooms.

Labrador Retriever Reigns Supreme Once Again In Dallas

Once again, the Labrador Retriever took Dallas' top spot in the American Kennel Club's (AKC®) 2015 ranking of the most popular AKC-recognized dog breeds in the U.S.

The Lab was also recognized as the #1 pup in Houston, Newark, and Hartford.

Bulldogs, German Shepherd Dogs, and French Bulldogs gained in popularity in Dallas, all rising a spot to land at numbers two, three, and five, respectively.  The Golden Retriever and Yorkshire Terrier, however, fell out of favor in Dallas.  Both breeds dropped two spots, with the Golden Retriever landing at number four and the Yorkie at number nine.

"The Lab is holding tight to the top spot, but the Bulldog breeds are hot on its heels," said AKC Vice President Gina DiNardo.  "Both the Bulldog and its cousin the French Bulldog are friendly, playful breeds that are relatively easy to keep and make great companions for a variety of people."

Dallas' top 5 breeds for 2015:

Dallas' Most Popular Breeds 2015

1. Labrador Retriever
2. Bulldog
3. German Shepherd Dog
4. Golden Retriever
5. French Bulldog

* Registration data pulled from Dallas zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service

The AKC today also announced its nationwide rankings.  The Labrador Retriever – an intelligent, family friendly breed – holds tight to the number one spot on the most popular list for the 25th consecutive year, continuing the longest reign as the nation's top dog in AKC history.

While the Lab is clearly America's dog, the French Bulldog is poised for a takeover.  The affectionate and playful breed continues to win the hearts of dog lovers everywhere, jumping three spots to number six in 2015.  The Frenchie has risen 32 spots over the past decade and shows no signs of stopping.

Most Popular Breeds Nationwide 2015

1. Labrador Retriever
2. German Shepherd Dog
3. Golden Retriever
4. Bulldog
5. Beagle

Red Cross Has Resources to Help Keep Your Pets Safe This Winter

Winter weather can be hard on everyone. Low temperatures, snow and ice can be especially difficult for pets. The American Red Cross has resources available to help ensure pets' safety when cold weather hits and reminds everyone that if it's too cold for you, it's too cold for them.

"Our pets are members of our family, and the fact that they can't tell us what they are feeling can make them the most vulnerable members when cold weather hits," said Deborah C. Mandell, VMD, DACVECC, member of the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council, and staff veterinarian and professor of emergency and critical care, academic clinician at Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. "There are some simple steps any pet owner can take to make sure pets stay safe. And for lifesaving information at the touch of a finger, the Red Cross offers its free Pet First Aid App, which is a great resource for owners of pets and other animals."

Dr. Mandell recommends bringing your pets inside during cold winter weather. If you have outdoor animals or livestock, she advises moving them to sheltered areas and making sure they have access to non-frozen drinking water and that sources of food and water are not blocked by snow, ice or other obstacles.

The following tips on winter pet safety are provided by The Humane Society of the United States:

• If pets cannot come indoors, make sure they are protected by a dry, draft-free enclosure large enough to allow them to sit and lie down, but small enough to hold in the pet's body heat. Raise the floor a few inches off the ground and cover it with cedar shavings or straw. Turn the enclosure away from the wind and cover the doorway with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic.
• Salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice can irritate a pet's paws. Wipe their paws with a damp towel before your pet licks them and irritates their mouth.
• Antifreeze is a deadly poison. Wipe up spills and store antifreeze out of reach.

Downloading the Red Cross Pet First Aid App gives users instant access to expert information on how to maintain their pet's health and what to do during emergencies. Users have access to instructions, videos and images for more than 25 common emergency situations for animals. In addition to learning about what to do for cold- and heat-related emergencies, users can also learn how to treat their pet's wounds, control bleeding, and care for breathing and cardiac emergencies.

For more information on how to prepare for winter weather, visit the winter storm safety information section on www.redcross.org.

Can I claim my pet horses for Ag use?

Coldwell Banker Real Estate and Adopt-a-Pet.com Launch Second Year of the Homes for Dogs Project

Dogs make every day awesome. This theme will continue as Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC, the original Silicon Valley real estate startup founded in 1906, extends the successful "Homes for Dogs Project" into 2016, which last year found homes for more than 20,000 dogs. The continuation of the campaign will provide more opportunities for Coldwell Banker® affiliated offices to join forces with local shelters and rescue groups through their association with Adopt-a-Pet.com.

"There is no doubt that pets play a critical role in the emotional connection we have with the places we call home," said Sean Blankenship, chief marketing officer for Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. "Last year's 'Homes for Dogs' campaign was a truly integrated program, bringing together our national and local Coldwell Banker offices and more than 650 animal shelters nationwide.  It was inspiring to see our brokers and agents come together with the shelter communities to find a home for home's best friend."

Driving over 8.5 million views online in 2015, the "Home's Best Friend" commercial was rated the highest performing advertisement in the real estate category by AceMetrix, a leader in advertising measurement and analytics. The Coldwell Banker brand will launch another canine-centric commercial as part of a new television and online video campaign being released in March. Both ads will close by driving awareness of the Homes for Dogs Project. The brands will also host another National Pet Adoption Weekend in the fall.

"We continue to be motivated by the commitment Coldwell Banker has shown to help every animal have a loving family and a warm, snuggly place to call home," said Abbie Moore, executive director of Adopt-a-Pet.com. "With our combined efforts, we can bring together communities across the United States for one single mission - to find homes for loving pets who need to be adopted."

More information about the "Homes for Dogs Project" can be found at http://www.coldwellbanker.com/dogs.

'Tis the Season For Holly Jolly Pet Product Packaging

Christmas is just around the corner, with all the decorations, toys, and holiday themed products already sprouting on the shelves. Of course, Americans cannot possibly forget to get gifts for all members of the family, and Packaged Facts surveys consistently show that pets certainly count as family members as well. This means many pet product marketers are adding to the Christmas spirit by providing an array of toys and treats in the red and green colors of Christmas, with many of the products only available during the holiday season, according to the Packaged Facts report Pet Product Packaging Innovation: Consumer Perspectives.

Many marketers use the same packaging for their Christmas products as their usual products, simply changing the labels and graphics to add a festive touch. However, others go much further, developing entirely new packaging to evoke extra Christmas cheer and create some unique packaging in the process.

The Christmas stocking is one of the most commonly used packaging shapes for Christmas products, and Christmas pet products are no exception. Marketers such as pet product distributer PetEdge with its Zanies brand and online pet product retailers such as Entirely Pets and Drs. Foster & Smith are selling stocking-shaped packages of toys and treats for both cats and dogs. With many of these products, the clear plastic stocking sleeve has a red and white border, and can be hung from the mantle with care using the paperboard hanger attached to the plastic sleeve.

Other marketers go well beyond the stocking for their Christmas pet products. Armitage Pet Care, the largest independent manufacturer and distributor of branded pet accessories in the UK, has an entire Christmas catalog of pet toys and accessories, including mesh and plastic stockings filled with toys and treats for cats and dogs, Christmas Crackers for dogs, and Christmas-themed packaging for many other products.

However, kudos for the most unique looking packaging for a Christmas pet product has to go to the big box pet specialty retailer Petco. The company has an interesting take on its Christmas treat packaging. Instead of the commonly used stocking shape, Petco has packaged an assortment of Christmas-themed pet treats in a plastic tray shaped like a huge dog's paw. The tray is covered with a simple transparent plastic cover, allowing the multicolored treats in the packaging (including some designed to look like wreaths) to draw a shopper's eye.

So many of these packaging designs described above nicely blend all these toys and treats into the rest of your holiday decorations. Fido and Fluffy may not care that their toys are coming in a stocking-shaped package, but now you can enjoy having your pet's presents displayed along with the rest of the family's gifts on the tree and hanging over the fire.

National Feral Cat Day® Celebrated Worldwide Oct. 16

Cat advocates worldwide have scheduled over 700 events to advocate for the lives of cats and kittens on the 15th anniversary of National Feral Cat Day, Friday, Oct. 16, 2015. Inspired by this year's theme,Evolution of the Cat Revolution, supporters are committing to make their own evolution in working toward animal control and sheltering practices that protect the lives of all cats.

"Our incredible success in promoting Trap-Neuter-Return for feral cats as a mainstream practice has saved countless lives, but there's more to be done," said Becky Robinson, president and founder of Alley Cat Allies, the advocacy organization that established National Feral Cat Day. "We encourage cat advocates to continue with their own local evolution by taking the next step. It could be neutering a cat, speaking at a community meeting or spearheading a campaign for a local Trap-Neuter-Return ordinance. There's always room to grow."

More than 1,500 events have taken place on this day since 2011. Volunteers are organizing spay/neuter clinics, arranging educational sessions, encouraging official governmental proclamations, and raising funds to support local Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs.

Hundreds of these local, volunteer-driven events are listed on nationalferalcatday.org, which also has ideas that people can use to celebrate in their own communities.

Alley Cat Allies, the nation's only national advocacy organization dedicated to the protection and humane treatment of cats, established National Feral Cat Day as a call to action to raise awareness about feral (or community) cats, promote Trap-Neuter-Return, and empower and mobilize the millions of compassionate Americans who care for them.

Community cats are the same species as pet cats, but they live outdoors and are unowned and not socialized to people. Through Trap-Neuter-Return, community cats are humanely trapped and brought to a veterinarian to be evaluated, spayed or neutered, and vaccinated. While under anesthesia, the cats are eartipped – a small portion of the left ear is painlessly removed for identification. After they recover from the sterilization surgery, they are returned to their outdoor home.

Trap-Neuter-Return is the only effective method of stabilizing cat colony populations. In the last decade, the number of local governments with official policies endorsing TNR has increased tenfold, with hundreds of cities and towns successfully carrying out TNR programs.

Follow all the activities for National Feral Cat Day on social media with the #feralcatday hashtag.

About Alley Cat AlliesAlley Cat Allies, headquartered in Bethesda, Md., is the only national advocacy organization dedicated to the protection and humane treatment of cats. Founded in 1990, today Alley Cat Allies has more than 600,000 supporters and helps tens of thousands of individuals, communities and organizations save and improve the lives of millions of cats and kittens nationwide. Its website iswww.alleycat.org, and Alley Cat Allies is active on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+ and YouTube.

Tips for a Well-Behaved Dog

There's a reason why they are called fur babies. From tiny puppies to large hounds, Americans take serious pride in canine family members. In fact, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) there are about 70–80 million dogs in homes across the country. And although they may be a more-than-welcome addition to the family, they may not receive such a warm welcome from the neighborhood — leaving owners to wonder what might be causing some hairs to stick up on end. The answer could be simple: poor social etiquette.

No one likes to consider their dog as a source of disruption in the community. While enjoying relaxing evening walks together or playing in the backyard, people may never consider the behavior of their dog to be a problem, especially if its disposition is friendly around people. But if watched closely, they may notice he or she is coming across as a nuisance — meaning it might be time to correct behavioral issues such as barking, jumping or not staying when instructed.

If you feel like your little pup could cause a commotion in the neighborhood, don't fret! There are tools and steps to follow that will help take your dog from bothersome to beloved.

BarkingOftentimes, the most disruptive action by a dog is also the hardest to control: barking. From sounding the alarm to separation anxiety, dogs use barking as an alert system. But it also is known as one of the most common causes for frustration among neighbors. To get barking under control, consider the following training tips:

• First, identify the factors surrounding your dog's barking. Is it more common during the day or at night? Are there triggers nearby such as people, animals or machines? According to the ASPCA, some barking issues can be resolved by removing problematic objects or noises. If the problem can't be fixed by removing objects, have your dog checked to make sure that he or she isn't suffering from a health issue.
• Using tools and proper training together is often the best way to bring barking under control. Products that feature audible deterrents are oftentimes a good way to stop incessant yapping from a dog. Tools like the First Alert™ Bark Genie Automatic Ultrasonic Bark Deterrent use safe, pet-friendly ultrasonic technology that detects barking and emits sound to help control it.
• To efficiently handle a barking problem, be sure to begin correctly training your dog while using a bark deterrent. First, never encourage or reward a dog for barking. If your dog barks compulsively, try "quiet" training. Allow the dog to bark initially, then instruct him or her to "quiet" and hold its snout for a few seconds. If the dog remains quiet after you let go, give it a treat as a reward. Not all dogs are the same, so training bark control can be difficult. However, with enough positive reinforcement used with training aids like the Bark Genie, excessive barking can be quelled.

JumpingDoes your dog jump on strangers? If instructed to stop, does he or she listen? Jumping and tackling can be perceived as aggressive behaviors and can give off the appearance that you might not have complete control of your dog. However, unlike barking, bouncing or jumping is even more controllable by training. If the problem exists with your pup, the ASPCA provides the following tips to correct the problem:

• In order to successfully train your dog to interact with other people, you need to train him or her one-on-one first. When greeted by your jumping dog, keep calm. The more excited you are, the more excited your dog will be. If it begins to jump, do not reach out to pet or stroke the dog. Instead, keep your eyes raised to avoid eye contact and keep your arms and hands away until the dog keeps its front feet on the ground.
• Once the canine has calmed and is standing on four feet, immediately reach out to show affection. This will emphasize the importance of staying down when greeting. If the dog becomes excited and begins jumping again, restart the process.
• If initial training tips don't help, or if training takes a while, it's important to keep your dog on a short leash while interacting with other people. Products like comfortable no-jump dog harnesses work well in keeping control over your pup and will help other people feel more comfortable around your dog. In addition, always keep treats on hand to encourage your dog to stay calm and by your side.

StayingIf your dog doesn't have a jumping or barking problem, he might have a problem with running free. Between the front yard, backyard and entire neighborhood, there's just so much to see! But this can be extremely invasive and bothersome to other neighbors. If your dog commonly attempts to break free during a walk or run, or tries to get loose from the yard or house, try the following steps to control the behavior:

• According to the ASPCA, the hardest to achieve but most effective training tip to control your dog when it attempts to run or chase is establishing a call that works. To train your dog, simply practice the specific call repeatedly for as long as it takes until the dog begins to adapt. Each time you make the call toward your dog, reward him or her with a treat to set firm expectations that coming when called is a positive thing. Try practicing this training exercise while on a walk. If your dog begins to wander, simply pat your legs and call it for a treat to set expectations that your dog should stick close to you when outside. Keeping a training tool with you can also be handy in case your dog decides to ignore a command or call. Using a tool like the First Alert™ Bark Genie Handheld Ultrasonic Bark Deterrent utilizes the same pet-friendly technology and allows for more precise training control over your dog.
• If your dog is attempting to break free from an enclosed area such as a backyard, ensure that your fence is an appropriate height, that there are no gaps in the fence and that your dog isn't prone to digging to escape. Practice the same training tips to calmly control your dog and remember — it might take some time!
• If nothing else works, and if time allows, tire out your pup with extensive play time! An under stimulated dog can get extremely antsy, but enough activity will help to reduce the urge to break free when out in public. You'll have a good time, and your pup will too.

Disaster Relief Network Promotes Pet Safety Tips for Emergencies

 In recognition of National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day on May 9, 2015, Hill’s Pet Nutrition is encouraging pet parents to plan ahead by creating a pet emergency go-kit and following several easy tips to ensure the safety of their pets during a crisis.

“The best thing a family can do in the case of an emergency is be prepared, and that includes having a plan in place for your pets,” said Kostas Kontopanos, President of Hill’s Pet Nutrition North America. “We hope that families take into account some simple steps that will help them feel ready to respond should disaster strike.”

Hill’s recommends building a Pet Emergency Go-Kit in order to cut down on time in the event of a crisis, allowing families to focus solely on getting to safety as quickly as possible.

“Just knowing that a kit is packed and ready to go should eliminate some of the stress during an emergency,” said Dr. Ellen Lowery, Director of U.S. Veterinary and Professional Affairs at Hill’s Pet Nutrition. “It will put a family at ease, knowing that everyone, including their beloved pets, will be taken care of.”

The Pet Emergency Go-Kit should include the following:

• Basic first aid supplies
• A 3-day supply of bottled water and the pet’s preferred food, held in a waterproof container
• Safety harness and leash
• Waste clean-up supplies
• Medications and a copy of the pet’s medical records
• List of veterinarians and local pet care organizations
• List of the pet’s feeding routine and any behavioral issues
• Comfort items, such as a blanket or favorite toy, to help keep the pet calm and comfortable

Hill’s Pet Nutrition recommends the following additional Tips to Help Ensure Your Pet’s Safety in an Emergency:

1. Ensure your pet’s identification by using a microchip or collar ID tag, and make sure that your contact information is up-to-date.
2. Display a pet rescue decal on your front door or window to let first responders know there is a pet in the house. Include your veterinarian’s contact information.
3. Learn where your pet likes to hide in your house when frightened. Finding your pet quickly will help you evacuate faster.
4. Identify a location to take your pet if you need to leave your immediate area. Keep in mind that disaster shelters for people may not be open to pets. Scout hotels and motels with pet-friendly policies and ask relatives or friends if they could house you and your pet.
5. Carry a picture of your pet in the event of separation.
6. If you need to evacuate, consider taking a pet carrier or crate for transport and safe-keeping.

Petco Teams Up with Animal Planet's Dan Schachner to Provide Safe Summer Travel Tips for Pet Parents

With summer just around the corner, families are planning their vacations and considering taking their pets along for the trip. To help pet parents prepare for summer travel adventures, Petco has partnered with Animal Planet host and Puppy Bowl referee, Dan Schachner, to share pet-friendly travel tips.

"As we head into the busy summer travel season, pet parents, like myself, are increasingly looking for ways to travel with their pets," said Schachner. "Do your research ahead of time. Many hotels and even restaurants are catering to animals now, so knowing where to go and what to do before you leave can make your trip extra special for the whole family."

Get packing! Your packing checklist should include essentials like a leash and collar, a supply of sealed pet food and treats, your pet's favorite toys, disposable pet waste bags for picking up after your pet, and food and water bowls. Collapsible travel bowls are a popular option because they're easy to clean and store flat for packing. Last, but not least, don't forget to pack a picture of your pet and their current vaccination records in case you become separated or have a medical emergency.

Identification is a must. Ensure proper identification is securely fastened to your pet's collar or harness and crate at all times while traveling. ID tags should list your pet's name, your name, and your home address and mobile phone number. Be sure to discuss your dog's health with your veterinarian before you make the trip and bring the required vaccination and health documentation. This is especially important for air travel.

Pet proof the car. If you're hitting the road, make sure you protect your car's interior. Seat covers protects car seats from scratches and pet hair. And don't forget that "buckle up!" applies to the entire family, dog included. Choose a dog-specific travel harness or seatbelt adapter like the Good2Go Safe & Hound Easy Click Seatbelt Adapter, which clicks onto your pet's harness and connects to your car's seatbelt.

Keep pets comfortable and secure. Whether you're traveling by plane or car, keeping pets calm, comfortable and secure is key to a pleasant trip for the whole family. Invest in a quality, well-constructed carrier or crate. Both of these items provide protection during travel, as well as a safe place of retreat for your pet while at your destination.

"If you plan to travel by air with your pet, know the airline's pet policies, including size requirements for the passenger and cargo areas," said Schachner. "When I travel with my dog Cali, I love using the Sherpa To Go Pet Carrier, which is approved for in-cabin use by most major airlines."

Travel of any kind can be stressful for a pet. Products like the Thundershirt Anxiety Solution for dogs or cats and calming chews can help reduce anxiety and help pets feel at ease while traveling.

For more information on traveling with your pet this summer visit: https://community.petco.com/t5/petco-scoop/bg-p/PetNews.

Petmate Celebrates National Pet Month with Tips and Tools for Happy Pet Families

Petmate is passionate about providing fun trusted quality products to enhance the lives of pets and their families. To celebrate National Pet Month this May, Petmate offers tips and tools to help pet families enjoy all the benefits and responsibilities of sharing their lives with their pets.

Studies show that pets provide social support and companionship to humans of all ages.  The human-animal bond can lead to lower blood pressure, increased movement and exercise and even build family happiness at home.

"With over 50 years of experience developing fun, quality pet products, we have accumulated a wealth of knowledge," says Chris Wilson, executive vice president of marketing and new product development for Petmate.  "We are proud to share these important tips with the pet community and to celebrate the everyday joy that pets bring to our lives."

As the weather gets warmer, Petmate can help pet families prepare for the seasonal transition with outdoor tips and products to support the bonds built between pets and their parents. 

Pre-exercise/training is a must after such a long winter

• You don't want to exercise your dog too hard right off the bat. It is important to ease into their training especially coming from a long winter inside where they have not been as active.
• Petmate delivers action-packed outdoor fun with the new Chuckit! Ultra Sling, the highly portable and versatile fetch device that can shoot long or short distances. The elastic band allows for adjustable range for smaller yards or open parks and its compact size is easy to store and carry. Its universal sizing works for any size dog. Five different fetch toys can be used with the Ultra Sling and it includes the Ultra Dart Spin!
• Transitioning from indoors to out, Petmate's new JW Cuz Collection allows for fun, interactive play with your dog to help train them and get them in better shape for summer. The iconic rubber "ball with feet" now comes in three new, fun characters – Hip, Muscle and Spiky Cuz - and features the classic JW squeaker to promote play.

As the temperature rises, focus exercise in the morning or evening

• It is generally cooler in the mornings and evenings so it is best to exercise and train your dog during those times. Try to avoid peak day when it can be hottest and allow your dog to walk through the grass or a cool surface.
• Petmate's Max Glow™ in the dark collars and leashes are just the option for safe, evening walks when the temperatures and asphalt are a bit cooler. These self-activating collars and leashes absorb sunlight throughout the day and automatically glow at night.

Always have water handy

• Dogs can easily get dehydrated in the warmer climate and especially after exercise. If your dog is panting excessively, stop and let them cool down. Always have water on hand to make sure they can rehydrate. Petmate's Travel Bowl Duo, the dishwasher safe, silicone collapsible bowls, are great options for on the go water and feeding anytime, anyplace.

Pet Ownership at 54% of U.S. Households

From 2010 to 2014, the overall rate of pet ownership has held fairly steady, going from 53% of U.S. households to almost 54%. This equates to 61 million households in 2010 vs. 64 million in 2014, according to U.S. Pet Market Outlook, 2015-2016, a new report by market research publisher Packaged Facts.

The percentage of households that own dogs has held steady for the last four years, at about 38%.  Since 2008, almost 6 million more dog-owning households have come into the market.  Households with cats have basically stayed flat between 2008 and 2014.  In 2014, about 25% of U.S. households had cats, or about 30 million households. Overall, more than half of U.S. households own either a dog or a cat. Among other animal types, reptiles have seen something of an increase in popularity from 2010 to 2014.  In contrast, households with fish have declined.

The age bracket from 18-44 (Millennials and Gen Xers) represents a combined 27 million pet owners as of 2014, or almost 2 million more than the next major bracket (45-64, essentially Baby Boomers). Pet ownership has shown marked gains among Gen Y adults over the past few years, as ownership rate was just 50% as recently as 2010 but reached 59% in 2014 and was as high as 66% in 2012. 

Despite the strong tendency toward pet ownership among 18-44 year olds, it's Baby Boomers who are poised to be the pet industry's most influential demographic group.  Boomers have broken the historical pattern of slacking off in pet ownership as they age.  Instead, they have superimposed their proclivities toward health/wellness and self-pampering onto their pets. In and of itself, this is very good news. But the news gets even better in that Boomers are rapidly aging into the senior bracket (the oldest Boomers turn 69 in 2015). If Boomers' "rule-breaking" behavior with regard to pet ownership continues, the result will be robust pet market participation in the senior cohort, where pet ownership rates have historically been far below average. On the other hand, if Boomers retroactively revert to traditional patterns of reduced pet ownership among seniors, the market may find itself challenged indeed. Packaged Facts views this latter scenario as less likely, and instead expects the aging Boomer to help drive market growth for many years to come.

Americans spend $1,133 per year on a pet; costs increase by almost 10 percent

Annual pet care costs increased by almost 10 percent between 2012 and 2014, with approximately 40 percent of costs being preventive and annual medical expenses, according to The Buddy Index, an infographic produced by Carter Financial Management in Dallas.

When it comes to their pets, Americans love, care … and spend. The Buddy Index infographic reveals that:

• Between 2012 and 2014, pet care spending increased by almost 10 percent (8 percent)
• Americans are spending $1,133 per year on their pets
• Between 2012 and 2014, pet expenses were more than 2.5  times the cumulative U.S. inflation rate
• Preventive and annual medical costs represents almost 40 percent of annual pet costs
• Of medical costs, heartworm tests showed the biggest jump in costs—28 percent between 2013 and 2014
• 51.6 percent of all U.S. households own a dog or cat; 57 percent of Millennial households own a dog or cat.

* U.S. Inflation numbers from US Inflation Calculator. Pet medical expenses from an annual review of Banfield Pet Hospital service pricing. Pet lifestyle expenses from an annual review of PetSmart product pricing. U.S. pet ownership statistics fromPetFoodIndustry.com.

Top 10 Most Common Medical Conditions for Dogs and Cats

Just like their human counterparts, our pets require regular medical attention to treat minor ailments. While common issues such as ear infections and skin allergies are rarely life-threatening, they can be unexpected and expensive. Veterinary Pet Insurance Co. (VPI) policyholders spent more than $68 million in 2014 to treat the 10 most common medical conditions affecting their pets. VPI, the nation's first and largest provider of pet health insurance, recently sorted through its database of more than 525,000 insured pets to determine the top medical conditions that prompted veterinary visits for dogs and cats in 2014. Below are the results:

Dogs	Cats
1.   Skin Allergies	1.    Bladder or Urinary Tract Disease
2.   Ear Infection	2.    Periodontitis/Dental Disease
3.   Non-cancerous Skin Mass	3.    Chronic Kidney Disease
4.   Skin Infection	4.    Vomiting/Upset Stomach
5.   Arthritis	5.    Excessive Thyroid Hormone
6.   Vomiting/Upset Stomach	6.    Diarrhea/Intestinal Upset
7.   Periodontitis/Dental Disease	7.    Diabetes
8.   Diarrhea/ Intestinal Upset	8.    Inflammatory Bowel Disease
9.    Bladder or Urinary Tract Infection	9.    Upper Respiratory Infection
10.  Soft Tissue Trauma (Bruise or Contusion)	10.   Lymphoma

"To help identify common medical conditions, we encourage pet owners to familiarize themselves with their pet's daily routines and schedule regular medical checkups as recommended by their veterinarians," said Carol McConnell, DVM, MBA, vice president and chief veterinary medical officer for VPI. "The majority of conditions on our top 10 list can be successfully managed if treated promptly by a veterinarian. Early detection can prevent many of these issues from becoming severe and making treatment more costly."

Last year, skin allergies were the most common canine health issue with more than 80,000 individual claims submitted to VPI at an average cost of $189 per dog. Bladder or urinary tract diseases accounted for the most common medical condition amongst felines with more than 4,700 claims received at an average cost of $425 per cat.

Non-cancerous skin masses accounted for the most costly canine medical condition on the list with an average cost of $339 per dog. The most expensive feline medical condition on the list was Lymphoma, which carries a significantly higher cost of just under $2,000per cat.