PetsTruly.com Blog http://site.petstruly.com/blog/ Welcome to PetsTruly.com, seller of animal health care products and supplies for dogs, cats, birds, ferrets, horses, and cattle at wholesale prices and boutique service. en Copyright 2012 Fri, 16 Mar 2012 19:25:51 -0500 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/?v=3.2ysb5-20051201 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Cat on a cactus What do you make of this picture?  What's the cat looking at?  How did he get there?  What's the story behind this picture.  It would make a wonderful challenge to ask a class of school children to let their imagination run wild and write a story to explain the picture.

Cat Cactus

Lest you think that cruetly was involved in taking this picture, this is the background to the image.

Scaredy Cat - The True Story

This bobcat leapt 50 feet up a prickly cactus and stayed there for six hours to escape from a mountain lion in the Sonoran Desert, Gold Canyon, Arizona. The terrified feline climbed to the top of the Giant Saguaro Cactus and was so scared it stayed there for several hours.

]]> http://site.petstruly.com/blog/2012/03/cat_on_a_cactus.html http://site.petstruly.com/blog/2012/03/cat_on_a_cactus.html Fri, 16 Mar 2012 19:25:51 -0500 Petworking Dogs on Facebook 

Dubbed "petworking," more and more owners are creating profiles for their pets on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and pet-specific sites like Critter.

According to a study commissioned by pet insurance company PetPlan, 1 in 10 pets in the U.K. have their own online profile, and more than half of pet owners share photos of their pet online. Some pets have even become famous solely because of their presence on the internet; if you've spent any time surfing through YouTube videos, you've probably seen Maru, the lovably bumbling Japanese cat whose 200 videos have almost 140,000 subscribers.

The popularity of pets on social media sites makes sense, says social media specialist Stephen Davies. "As social networking plays an increasingly important role in our lives, it's only natural that our pets become part of the phenomenon too. We use sites like Facebook and Twitter as an extension of our real-world selves and when we think of our pets as part of the family we want them involved too." Neil Brettell of PetPlan notes that "animals are more popular than celebrities on Facebook and other social networking sites." The animals are also probably much less likely to Tweet career-destroying pictures.

]]> http://site.petstruly.com/blog/2011/07/petworking.html http://site.petstruly.com/blog/2011/07/petworking.html Tue, 19 Jul 2011 20:18:42 -0500 Search and Rescue dogs in Japan rescue dogThere are many search and rescue dogs trying to find victims in the rubble and debris of northeastern Japan, and many are traveling in with their handlers from foreign countries. Just one is black Labrador named Pearl. This was a dog given up by her owners in 2008, but adopted from the shelter by volunteers from the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation. She was trained as a search and rescue dog, and went to Haiti in 2010 where she contributed the rescue of numerous people. Now she’s in Japan doing the same thing. Such is the value of a dog some would merely discard.

Maybe the best known story of dogs in Japan so far is that of Towa and Melody — a Sheltie and a Golden Retriever, respectively — from the town of Arahama. When warning of the tsunami came, a man named Masaki Kikuchi left them behind, tied outside to a shed, as he escaped with his twelve year-old daughter. An older daughter (Koya, aged 20) attempted to get to the house to rescue them but was turned back by police. The assumption was that the dogs had been killed, swept away like so many cars, houses and people. Yet, two days later, Mr. Kikuchi managed to walk home to see whether his house was still there. Not only was the house there, but the two dogs had somehow managed to break free of their ropes and had ascended an outdoor staircase of the house, to the second floor, and were barking at him. Kikuchi, who had felt bad about leaving them (one should hope so) was delighted to see they had survived. He and his daughter are now visiting them daily and keeping them fed and watered. They will not bring them to the shelter where they themselves are currently living. As quoted in the WSJ story:

“There are lots of people dead and it’s too much to ask to bring the dogs,” said Mr. Kikuchi. “It would be inconsiderate to other people’s sadness.”

That seems right. And very Japanese too.

]]> http://site.petstruly.com/blog/2011/03/search_and_rescue_dogs_in_japa.html http://site.petstruly.com/blog/2011/03/search_and_rescue_dogs_in_japa.html Tue, 22 Mar 2011 11:09:03 -0500 COLD WEATHER SAFETY TIPS Dog in snow

Ice-Melting Chemicals and Salt

Ice-melting chemicals and salt placed across sidewalks and roads can cause severe burning to your dog's footpads. Whenever possible, avoid walking your dog through these substances, and wash off his footpads when you return home. There are also products available such as Musher's Secret which can be applied to your dog's footpads prior to going outside, that may help reduce the pain that is often caused by road salt and chemicals.

Anti-Freeze

If ingested, anti-freeze (ethylene glycol) is often lethal -- even in very small quantities. Because many dogs and cats like its sweet taste, there are an enormous number of animal fatalities each year from animals drinking anti-freeze. Poisoning from anti-freeze is considered a serious medical emergency which must be treated by a qualified veterinarian IMMEDIATELY.

Hypothermia

When a dog's internal temperature drops below 96 degrees F (by being exposed to cold weather for long periods, or getting both wet and cold), there is a serious risk to the dog's safety. Small and short-haired dogs should wear sweaters when taken for walks during cold winter weather. Any sign that a dog is very cold -- such as shivering -- should signal the owner to bring the dog indoors immediately.

]]> http://site.petstruly.com/blog/2011/02/cold_weather_safety_tips.html http://site.petstruly.com/blog/2011/02/cold_weather_safety_tips.html Mon, 14 Feb 2011 16:03:30 -0500 New Year's Resolutions - Suggestions





Making resolutions is the easy part.
 

Let us know how well you follow through on them.  Here they are:

 
1. Schedule a visit to the vet. If you've been putting off a routine exam, blood work or vaccinations and are past due, do it in January. Being proactive and staying on top of vet visits may prevent something more serious down the line.

2. Keep up with routine maintenance this year. If you got off track with heartworm and flea treatments or grooming, now is the time to get back on schedule.

3. Look into purchasing pet health insurance or plan on setting aside money each month for emergency vet bills. You never know when something will come up, so why not do it before it's too late?

4. Put a collar with an ID tag on your dog or cat. If the current tag has an old phone number, get down to your local pet supply store and make a new one. They have those fun do-it-yourself machines that only take a minute.

5. Research different diets and get your pet on the most feasible one for health and longevity. If feeding a commercial food that you aren't sure is the greatest, spend some time at a pet supply store weighing the pros and cons of the various brands available.

6. Plan a routine exercise schedule if you have a dog. What helps your dog can help you. If you will be walking, set goals and gradually increase the distance. Or why not supplement it with regular romps at the dog park? Socialization and exercise are good for both dog AND human.

7. Volunteer some of your time or donate to a local animal shelter or rescue. Shelters and rescues can always use manpower, money and supplies. One way you can help is to either foster or sponsor a shelter pet. Just a little bit out of your monthly budget can go a long way for a homeless animal.

 

 

]]> http://site.petstruly.com/blog/2010/12/new_years_resolutions_suggesti_1.html http://site.petstruly.com/blog/2010/12/new_years_resolutions_suggesti_1.html Sun, 26 Dec 2010 13:50:19 -0500 Safety Tips for Dogs During Thanksgiving No Matter the Size of the Dog - Don't Leave the Turkey Unattended

Safety Tip Number one: Make sure the turkey isn’t in reach of your dogs. Doodle was not an athletic dog and still the smell of the turkey turned her into a Border Collie jumping over a 24 inch agility jump. What doesn’t appear reachable on another day, may be on Thanksgiving.

Safety Tip Number two: No turkey bones for Fido, no matter how cute he looks begging. Dogs have been known to choke on turkey bones and internal organs can be damaged by sharp shards of bone.

Safety Tip Number three: No sharing food from the holiday table. The food may be too rich and feeding dogs from the table rewards them for begging, which only encourages them to do it more. Teaching your dog to “go to their bed” or “go to their crate” has many benefits on Thanksgiving and all days. An alternative to table-feeding is to grate some carrots and chop some other fresh vegetables and put it in Fido’s dog dish as a reward when he’s exhibiting good behavior.

]]> http://site.petstruly.com/blog/2010/11/safety_tips_for_dogs_during_th.html http://site.petstruly.com/blog/2010/11/safety_tips_for_dogs_during_th.html Thu, 25 Nov 2010 12:02:15 -0500 Goats rescued Two young goats wandered onto the thin ledge of a railroad bridge and spent nearly two days high above the ground until rescuers in a towering cherry picker plucked them from their perch, hungry but safe.

A Humane Society worker checked on two goats stranded on a 6-inch ledge. (Associated Press)

The rescue occurred Wednesday 60 feet above a little-trafficked rural roadway in southern Montana between Billings and Roundup, after a caller told the Rimrock Humane Society the goats were stranded on the 6-inch ledge.

The young female animals, weighing 25 and 35 pounds, mostly stayed on the angled ledge, even though there was a wider surface area on a pillar just a few feet away.

“The whole time, we thought they were going to fall off,’’ said Sandy Church, humane society president. “These guys are just babies.’’

Church said it was not clear how the nimble-footed animals got into the predicament.

But she speculated they wandered onto the ledge at night, then were spooked after the sun rose when they discovered where they were.

“We thought they were going to panic, but it was just the opposite,’’ said Church, who videotaped the 5-minute rescue that went smoothly.

]]> http://site.petstruly.com/blog/2010/09/goats_rescued.html http://site.petstruly.com/blog/2010/09/goats_rescued.html Fri, 03 Sep 2010 12:15:20 -0500 Crate Train Your Puppy For those who love their dogs, and don’t we all, our hearts break every time we crate our dogs. But take heart. Dog don’t have the same reaction to the crate as humans.

A crate can provide a safe, controlled environment for the pet who learns to sit quiet and calm when they get too excited. It’s like a time-out corner for your dog.

You may not want to introduce your puppy to the crate the day that you bring him home. The best time to crate train a dog, however, is while he’s young. Even if you would rather your new puppy sleep with you, make a crate part of his routine for some portion of the day from the beginning. Try crating the dog while you do some local shopping, knowing that you will return soon. Give him a chew toy to keep him comfortable. This training will teach the dog to not relieve himself in the house, as dogs tend to not defecate where they sleep. It will also protect him from putting dangerous items him his mouth. This will save the puppy from dental issues, and from important cords.

Some dogs do better if crated. Some breeds that are known to be hyper are proven to be calmer in old age if they were crated as a puppy. For pets with anxiety, a crate can create a safe environment.

When implemented correctly, a crate can create the puppy’s own space. It can become their quiet retreat when there is too much going on in the house or when they are just plain tuckered out. Although many specialist warn against using the crate as a reaction to bad behavior, but dogs learn that when they are over-agitated they may be sent to the crate to calm down.

Even if you have an outdoor dog that doesn’t act as the watchdog of the house, crate-training can still have its advantages. If your pet becomes ill, requires grooming, or needs to be boarded, he may need to stay in a crate at the vet’s office, grooming facility or kennel. If he is already comfortable with spending some time in a crate, then those experiences will be less traumatic for him.

Remember to not cramp your puppy in the crate. Crates come in several varieties including folding or stationery metal for the house or garage; plastic when traveling with your pet, soft-sided crates to cushion the hurt or injured animal, and there are also crates made to look like furniture. Be sure to select one that will provide adequate ventilation and light for your pet’s comfort.

 

]]> http://site.petstruly.com/blog/2010/08/crate_train_your_puppy.html http://site.petstruly.com/blog/2010/08/crate_train_your_puppy.html Thu, 12 Aug 2010 13:52:53 -0500 Pet News Digest, July '10 Woman had 104 cats in her home

WITTMANN, Ariz., July 9 (UPI) -- Suburban Phoenix authorities said they expected to charge an 80-year-old woman with felony animal-abuse charges after they found 104 diseased cats in her home.  Nine kittens were found dead, kept in freezers of the home of Lucienne Touboul of Wittmann, Ariz., 35 miles northwest of Phoenix, sheriff's deputies said.

 

Shelters filling up as Gulf pet owners struggle

VIOLET, La. -- Double-bunked behind the bars at the overrun St. Bernard Animal Shelter are more victims of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill: shiny-coated Labrador retrievers, long-haired Chihuahuas and a fluffy Shih Tzu. Among the more typical skinny, stray mutts are healthy, seemingly well-tended dogs whose owners, because of the massive spill, suddenly don't have the time or money to keep them. "It's the economy, the uncertainty of the future, for sure," said shelter director Beth Brewster, who saw 117 owners surrender their animals last month - up from 17 in June 2009.

 

Diabetes monitoring device benefits man and man's best friend  

COLUMBIA, Mo. – The treatment of diabetes was revolutionized in 1922 when insulin was isolated from dogs. Since then, significant advances in human medicine have made diabetes more manageable for patients. Now, human medicine has returned the favor and used these advances to help dogs with diabetes. A University of Missouri researcher is using a continuous glucose monitoring device - commonly used in humans with diabetes - to help treat dogs and other animals. The device, which provides a detailed glucose picture of an animal over several days, will help pet owners manage their pets' diabetes.

 

Puppy mills and pet stores under a microscope 

Pet stores in at least 35 U.S. cities have taken an animal protection group's pledge not to sell puppies and to educate potential buyers about adoption.
Hundreds of pet shop owners around the nation have already removed puppies from their store windows and some cities and towns are considering tough laws banning the sale of puppies, kittens and other small animals. The "puppy-friendly pet store" pledge is being promoted by the Humane Society of the United States, the country's largest animal advocacy organization.

 

What’s Your Pooch Thinking?

With pet ownership at an all-time high, and spending on animals increasing steadily despite a recession, the progression from providing our family pets a comfortable goose-down feather bed to wanting to know what is going on in their little heads seems natural.

Although the American Pet Products Association keeps no data about animal psychics specifically, it attributes spending on pets’ well-being during a recession to an increasing humanization of animals. “I think it’s that more people are owning pets, and more people are treating their pets like a part of the family,” says Alison Anderson, an APPA spokesperson. “Products keep getting stranger.”

Americans spent a total of $45.5 billion in 2009 on their animals. That was up 5.4 percent from 2008. Such booming services as massage therapy, antidepressant treatment, and grief counseling account for the increase. An annual study by the APPA noted that “pet services continues to be a growing category as they become more closely modeled after those offered to people.” So it stands to reason, perhaps, that pet communicators who can help us know what our little friends are thinking are a relatively easy find these days.

]]> http://site.petstruly.com/blog/2010/07/pet_news_digest_july_10_5.html http://site.petstruly.com/blog/2010/07/pet_news_digest_july_10_5.html Sun, 25 Jul 2010 13:05:22 -0500 Heat Stress There is one unique danger during the hot summer months that a lot of dog owners do not think of and that is heatstroke or heat stress.

Problems that dogs suffer from the heat can stem from heat stress (which is the result of too much exposure and high temperatures) to heatstroke (which is also the result of being in the hot sun too long but with the addition of high humidity levels). If too much time has been spent suffering from these conditions without proper hydration, heat problems can cause a dog to experience cellular breakdown, heart failure, and possibly brain damage.

Some dogs are more susceptible to sustaining internal injuries because of heatstroke or heat stress. For example, if your dog has any type of cardiovascular condition, respiratory issues, is overweight, or is a short-nosed buried, then he may experience damage from the heat three times as fast as any other dog.

If you are concerned because your dog was out in the hot weather for longer than expected, pay attention to the following signs which may indicate he is suffering from a heat condition:

1. If your dog is staggering around.
2. His panting is heavier than normal and may have a slight rasping sound to it.
3. Does he seem overly anxious with a delirious expression on his face?
4. Check his skin, it may be very warm to the touch as well is dry.
5. Does your dog seem weak yet restless?
6. Check his temperature, he may have a fever higher than 104°F.
7. Check his mouth and look for inappropriate salivation.
8. He may also start sessions of diarrhea mixed with vomiting as well

 

 

]]> http://site.petstruly.com/blog/2010/06/heat_stress.html http://site.petstruly.com/blog/2010/06/heat_stress.html Thu, 17 Jun 2010 10:36:26 -0500 First Recipients of New Veterinary Scholarship Pfizer Animal Health announced today the first recipients of a new $2 million scholarship program for U.S. veterinary students.

The initiative, designed to support the future of the veterinary profession, will provide up to $2 million in scholarships over its first three years.  Administered in partnership with the American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF), the program is an opportunity for Pfizer Animal Health to further demonstrate its support of veterinary education, as well as its commitment to encouraging more students to focus on food-animal practice and increasing diversity in the profession.

In the initial year of the program, Pfizer Animal Health has awarded 222 second- and third-year U.S. veterinary students with a total of $555,000 in scholarships.  Scholarship recipients, who hail from 28 U.S. veterinary schools accredited through the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), are from diverse backgrounds, ages, genders, physical disability and ethnicity. Although open to all students, 18 percent represent students from diverse backgrounds, and two-thirds are studying to practice food-animal veterinary medicine.

____________________________________________________________

We at Petstruly.com welcome and support such commitments to strengthen the long-term viability of the veterinary profession!

]]> http://site.petstruly.com/blog/2010/05/first_recipients_of_new_veteri.html http://site.petstruly.com/blog/2010/05/first_recipients_of_new_veteri.html Wed, 05 May 2010 10:53:27 -0500 Flea and Tick Season Folks, the flea and tick season is back! You can use the flea and tick seasonal map below to see the duration of your state's season. Be aware that flea and tick season has slight regional variations.

Flea and Tick Seasonal Map

The best way to keep your pet away from fleas and ticks is to take preventative steps before an infestation occurs. Fleas are the most common pet parasite, and the nasty bugs your pet is most likely to encounter. Ticks, although occurring less frequently, will pose just as much of a nuisance to you and your pet.

For some helpful tips to save your furry friends from the itch please click here.     

Some of the products that have proven effective in treating and preventing fleas and ticks include K9 Advantix,  Advantage, Frontline Plus, Frontline Top Spot, and Program among others.

]]> http://site.petstruly.com/blog/2010/04/flea_and_tick_season.html http://site.petstruly.com/blog/2010/04/flea_and_tick_season.html Fri, 16 Apr 2010 10:24:32 -0500 Interesting Statistics
"Pets can provide their owners with unlimited affection and unconditional love," says Dr. Jay Geasling, president of AAHA. "In return, many people treat them like members of the family."Significantly, 50 percent of dog and cat owners said they had given their pets a human name such as Molly, Sam or Max. More than 60 percent include news about their pets in their holiday postcards, and 36 percent include a photograph of their pets with correspondence. An amazing 27 percent said they had taken their pets to a professional photographer to be part of family photographs or to be photographed with "Santa Claus" or the "Easter Bunny."

Nearly 50 percent take their pets in the car on errands and 53 percent vacation or travel with them. Twenty-Five percent blow-dry their pets after bathing them, 45 percent provide a special bed, and 75 percent buy special premium pet food. Nearly 60 percent of pet owners said they love their pets so much that when the pets die, they will bury them on family property. Although nearly 80 percent of the respondents were dog owners and 61 percent cat owners, 11 percent had birds, 6 percent own "pocket pets" such as a gerbil or hamster, and 5 percent own a reptile. Another 13 percent had other types of pets ranging from fish to horses.

Walking in a public place with a dog is one way to ensure it is unlikely you will be robbed. Lou Castle, the head of Los Angeles Police Dogs who has handled thousands of cases of robbery on the streets, said that he has not known one victim who had a dog with them at the time.
]]> http://site.petstruly.com/blog/2010/03/interesting_statistics.html http://site.petstruly.com/blog/2010/03/interesting_statistics.html Fri, 19 Mar 2010 10:00:00 -0500 Bad apples Sometimes we have to say "No!"  In this case our "No" means that we will never do business with these individuals.  The reasons for banishing them vary. However, we feel that the individuals listed below behaved dishonorably in their dealings with us or our affiliates and we do not want their business.

Name/AliasAddressCityStateZipPhone
Betty Hugo
Betty Pater
Barbara Martin
Annette Torgerson
7234 Belmont AveMays LandingNJ08330609-625-2704
609-625-8909
530-736-9836
Susan Mitchell1081 CampanileNewport BeachCA92660949-463-9451
Amanda Walla5829 W Sam Houston Pkwy NHouston TX77041713-937-0802
Karen Whitby58 Nicklaus CircleSo. Burlington VT05403802-343-5405
Dirk Wells6585 E. 250th St.ElkoMN55020952-461-2123
Chris Meyers 242 South McMillan St.Church pointLA70525337-234-2445
Janice Henderson 383 Fawntrail Place.Big Bear LakeCA92315909-936-9462
Dorothy Bachop 145-89 10th AveWhitestoneNY11357917-460-8856
Barbara/Kenny Brice11206 W. Beach ParkwayLake WalesFL33898863-696-2352
Kisha White-Farrar4005 Carey St.Ft WorthTX 76119817-992-4496

]]> http://site.petstruly.com/blog/2010/02/bad_apples.html http://site.petstruly.com/blog/2010/02/bad_apples.html Tue, 16 Feb 2010 16:21:37 -0500 From actual users of our products: It is always great to hear from folks who use and love products they bought from us. Some are great stories that we loved to hear and want to share, like this one about Anxitane M & L: "Mariah is our third Rescue Italian Greyhound. She came from a horrible BYB/puppy mill situation. She was on Prozac for awhile and we have been able to wean her off the Prozac by using the Anxitane tablets. She is doing very well with new situations and people. I hope to eventually wean her off the Anixitane but we aren't going to rushit! She is doing so well on it! The prices here are the best I have found. "   OK, the plug for our site did not hurt either :) 
And another one about Pet-Tinic Pediatric Drops: 
"This is an AWESOME product! My cat has Kidney disease and was rail thin, lethagic/low appetite.MY friend told me about this product.. This supplement not only helped him feel better but it increased his appetite so that he put on much needed weight and is a more active and thriving lil guy.. This is a MUST if a cat has CRF ( kidney disease)"

 

And how about this one about Dermoscent Essential 6 Spot-On Skin Care for Small Dogs: 
"I am completely sold on this product. My French bulldogs have had dry flakey skin and after just a few treatments they are already improved. I got it first from the Vet at double the price and am thrilled to get it so inexpensive through you. I will continue using this product. "

 
For more of these please see our Product Reviews

 

]]> http://site.petstruly.com/blog/2010/01/from_actual_users_of_products.html http://site.petstruly.com/blog/2010/01/from_actual_users_of_products.html Sun, 17 Jan 2010 19:54:58 -0500