3 Boys And A Dog » Pets

Dogs and People are Living Longer Than Before!

Momof3boys — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 18:40:33 +0000

That’s right, in this day and age, dogs are living longer. What does that mean for their owners? Aside from the fact that our best friends will be with us for longer, it also means that as our dogs age, we need to take measure to insure that our dogs are as comfortable as possible. A large part of that responsibility is in choosing the right dog beds for our canine best friends. In choosing the right dog bed, you have many factors to take into consideration: size, build and age are all significant factors to take into account when selecting the right dog bed for your pet. Example: if you have large dogs, you need large dog beds. Thankfully, I have a little dog. Her very first Christmas present was a basket like you see in the picture above, but obviously MUCH smaller.

The shape of your dog’s bed is also very important. You can find flat dog beds, donut beds, and even dog beds that are shaped like armchairs! The best way to choose the right one, is to observe how your dog sleeps. The position they choose will help you decide on the right shape of dog bed for your home.

To add to your dog’s comfort, you need to check out large dog beds that are anti-bacterial and hypo-allergenic. Be sure that what you choose will help you safeguard your pet’s health. Beware of the cheaper dog beds that are made using materials that contain unsafe chemicals! Those materials aren’t good for your dog or yourself!

Remember, we domesticated the dogs, now it is our responsibility to see that these no longer wild animals are cared for properly!

*IMAGE Courtesy of FlickR*

Americans Confess – Wags Not Words!

Momof3boys — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 21:36:00 +0000

New Survey by Pup-Peroni® Reveals that the Majority of Canine Pet Parents Believe They Can Communicate With Their Dogs, Perhaps Even Better Than With Their Human Best Friends

A new survey, commissioned by Pup-Peroni® dog snacks, asked canine pet parents across the country about the ways in which they communicate with their canine best friends. The survey found that, despite the obvious
language barrier, dogs and their pet parents understand each other. Nearly three in four (74 percent) pet parents surveyed report that their pooch’s body language or facial expressions let them know how their pet is feeling, while seven in ten (70 percent) believe they have “shared a look” with their dogs on at least one occasion. Additionally, more than a third (34 percent)
report that at least once, they’ve had an entire “conversation” with their dogs without saying a word, highlighting that when it comes to the human-canine relationship, wags speak louder than words.

You know how I feel about my Little Orphan Annie, she is my only girl, after-all . So, when Del Monte Foods asked me to post about their survey, I agreed. The results of their survey was staggering and I was really curious what my pet owner, readers think! I was nodding my head along with most of the statistics! You?

Survey Facts

Woof is NOT the Word:

Many dogs and their human best friends find it more effective to communicate without speaking. Almost three in four (74 percent) respondents believe their dog’s body language or facial expressions better indicate how their pet is truly feeling than barks or other sounds
More than a third (34 percent) of respondents report that at least once, they’ve had an entire “conversation” with their dog without saying a word
Seven in ten (70 percent) respondents say there have been times when they “shared a look” with their canine companions
Nearly three in four canine pet (74 percent) parents surveyed say that not having to talk if they didn’t feel like it is why they would prefer the company of dogs

Dr. Weimaraner:

Americans are confident about the relationship they share with their pooches, estimating that they know what their dog is thinking nearly half (49 percent) of the time
Overwhelmingly, 89 percent have sensed that their furry friends have tried to comfort them during times of need, according to our survey
Survey results indicate that dogs must be a miracle cure as dog parents report that an hour spent with their pooches make them feel:

Happy (75 percent)
Relaxed (72 percent)
Loved (63 percent)
Energetic (22 percent)

The majority of pup parents (59 percent) surveyed think they have the same personalities as their dogs

Partner or Pawtner?

When not at home, a third (33 percent) of pet parents surveyed admit they miss their dog more than they miss their significant other
Out of those dog parents in romantic relationships, 37 percent say that their canine pals pick up on their feeling quicker than their human partners
More than six in ten (61 percent) dog parents surveyed believe their dogs are quicker to catch on to their daily routines than their sweethearts
A whopping 89 percent say that their pooches are typically more excited to greet them than their significant others

Best Furiends Forever:

Surprisingly, 62 percent of canine parents surveyed believe their pups are more dependable than their human best friends
More than four in ten (40 percent) say that their dogs are more likely to notice that they’ve had a bad day than their best friend
When having a bad day, almost three in four (72 percent) pup parents would rather blow off steam by taking a walk with their canine pals then their human best friends
More than two in three confess that when they’re out of town, they’re far more likely to feel guilty about the pooches they leave behind than friends or family

Survey Methodology

The survey was conducted by Kelton Research in January 2010 via an email invitation and an online survey to 1,001 American dog owners ages 18 and older. Findings in this report have a margin of error of +/-3.1%.

About Kelton Research

Kelton Research is a full service market research consultancy with offices in Los Angeles and New York. Kelton serves as a strategic partner to both Fortune 500 corporations and smaller companies, utilizing a wide range of qualitative and quantitative methodologies to drive tactical recommendations for clients. For more information about Kelton’s services, please visit www.keltonresearch.com

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(CLOSED) I Resolve To… Remember My Pets! PetSmart Giveaway

Momof3boys — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 14:28:53 +0000

Don’t forget to take care of your pets when you are making resolutions this year! My little Annie is my only girl, so she gets spoiled!

Puppy KONG Stuff-A-Ball Dog Toy

Special teething rubber formula soothes sore gums, gently cleans teeth, and promotes good chewing behavior. Treat dispensing feature enhances intellectual development.

Price $9.99, on sale for $7.99

Mom Says: This is the neatest toy! You insert a treat into it and your puppy chews and plays to try to get the toy out. Annie loves it! She throw it in the air and everything! I highly recommend this toy for any dog owner!

8 in 1 Dental Kit

Veterinarians recommend a daily dental hygiene routine to reduce the effects of plaque and bacteria build-up that can lead to tooth and gum disease. Includes everything needed to keep your pet’s teeth and gums clean and healthy. Premium active ingredients in D.D.S. toothpaste and D.D.S. breath mints promote healthy teeth and gums while leaving breath minty fresh. Includes a mint flavored toothpaste, pet toothbrush, soft pet finger toothbrush for hard to reach places and gums, 6 extra strength breath mints.

Price $10.99 on sale for $9.99

Mom Says: Annie was not really happy about this item. She didn’t like me sticking the toothbrush nor the finger brush into her mouth and after fighting her forever, we finally gave up.

PetSmart has many other fun and unique items for the spoiled pet in your life!

One Reader Will Win BOTH Hygiene Sets for Their Dog!

REQUIRED: Fan PetSmart on FaceBook

BONUS #1: Visit the PetSmart site then come back and tell me something you want, learned, or liked

BONUS #2: Follow PetSmart and 3 Boys and a Dog on Twitter and tweet the following:

RT I Resolve to remember my pets in 2010! I want 2 win @petsmart and @momof3boys3702 #giveaway http://tinyurl.com/yaaucqd #2010resolutions

Other Bonus Entries

#1. Spread the word about this review by: email, forums, twitter, Digg, or putting the link in a meme. (one entry per thing done)

#2. Follow my blog.

#3. Subscribe to my RSS feed.

#4. Follow me on Twitter

#5. Fave me on technorati

#6. Put my button on your blog.

#7. Leave a comment on any other post (excluding giveaways!)

#8. Grab the New Year Resolutions Guide button and post it on your blog or website

*The PR company for PetSmart provided a 8 in 1 and Puppy KONG for review and one set for giveaway, but any stated opinions are strictly my own!*

Keep Your Pets Safe This Holiday Season!

Momof3boys — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 15:52:21 +0000

You all know that little Annie is important to me. Consequently, when Petsmart asked me to share this article with you guys, I simply had to. The greatest thing is that a bunch of the following tips and tricks can be used to also keep our human kids safe!

Tips to keep your pet safe this holiday season

By: Pets.com

Deck the halls with tape and cord covers, fa-la-la-la-la la-la-la-la. Holiday lights mean extra electrical cords and plugs. For pets, these items can present quite tempting “chew toys.” Taking an extra minute or two during decorating to tape down or cover cords will help prevent shocks, burns or more serious injuries. (kids like to pull on these things, also!)

Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree, how anchored are your branches? Christmas trees are sure to attract a pet’s attention. Secure Christmas trees to keep them from toppling over if a pet should try to climb them, use them as a scratching post or simply bump into them. Anchoring the top of the tree to the ceiling with a strong cord will help keep it in place around frolicking pets. Keep tinsel decorations high on the tree. Cats are inclined to eat tinsel and/or ribbons hanging from trees, which have the potential to cause an intestinal obstruction. (Human kids could easily pull a tree onto themselves, too!)

Bells are ringing, children singing…pets need a quiet place to retreat. During holiday parties, pets may not understand why their usually quiet home is filled with people and noise. Provide pets with a quiet place to retreat. This way, they can choose whether to come out and visit or keep to themselves.

All I Want for Christmas Is My Two Canines… A special treat in their stocking helps pets enjoy the holidays and keep their teeth pearly white: when it’s chew products specifically designed to satisfy a pet’s natural inclination to chew, that is. Including the right chew products in a pet’s dental care program is an important part of keeping a dog’s teeth and gums healthy, along with regular checkups with a veterinarian. Chews, such as bones, rawhides and compressed vegetable treats, are an easy choice for pet parents who want to improve their dog’s oral hygiene – or who just want to freshen their pet’s breath.

I’ll be home for Christmas… if I have an ID. Keep an eye on pets when doors are opening and closing frequently. And all pets should wear ID tags because they can slip out easily in all of the commotion.

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire… aren’t good for pets. Pet parents often think they’re “treating” their pets with table scraps from their holiday meals. The danger, say PetSmart veterinarians, is that dogs do not have the same digestive system or nutritional needs as people. Products like holiday rawhide are made especially for pets and make a safe, appropriate holiday treat. Chocolate contains the heart stimulant theobromine, and in small quantities can be toxic to dogs and cats, causing vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, seizures, rapid and irregular heartbeats, muscle tremors, comas and, in large quantities, even death.

Oh by gosh, by golly, don’t let them eat mistletoe and holly. Mistletoe, holly berries and poinsettia plants can be poisonous to pets, causing severe upset stomachs. Pine needles can irritate a pet’s intestine and cause an emergency visit to the vet. Consider using repellent sprays or a doggie gate to help keep pets away from areas and objects that may be harmful. (Same goes for the human babies!)

Oh, the weather outside is frightful. With a sweater on, I’m just delightful. For the most part, pets should stay warm and indoors during the cold winter months. Some dogs may not adjust as well to the cold weather, so pet parents may consider sweaters to keep their pets comfortable. Pet parents can also ask their vet for good ideas on “winterizing” pets.

Rockin’ around the Christmas tree, separate gifts for you and gifts for me. Pets don’t know which gifts are meant for them, and which are meant for their parents. Gifts for pets, and any gifts that could be food, should be stored safely away from curious paws and noses.

Over the river and through the woods… for families and pets on the go. Pet parents boarding pets during the holiday travel season should look for facilities that are clean, and have a friendly staff and strict policies on health and safety issues. Visit the facility ahead of time, meet the staff, check the cleanliness, and confirm that the facility has 24-hour supervision and an on-call vet.

For pet parents traveling with their pets, research can be done in advance to find hotels that accept pets. AAA offers a travel guidebook with this information.

Here are some additional tips for travel:

• Visit your veterinarian within 10 days of departure to make sure your pet is healthy and current on vaccinations. Remember to get a copy of the pet’s health records from the vet, most airlines and boarding facilities require proof of immunization/vaccination and if necessary, an interstate Health Certificate.

• Many products are available to keep pets safe in the car, including car harnesses and barriers for SUVs that keep pets in the back of the vehicle. There are even elevated seats that allow pets to look out the window.

• For air travel, there are several different kinds of airline-approved carriers and crates.

• Because travel can be a stressful experience, always have plenty of water available for pets. High stress levels and little water can accelerate dehydration. If your pet is unusually anxious, talk to your vet about prescription or over-the-counter relaxants that may help keep him or her calm for the trip.

• Prepare pets ahead of time for the trip. At home, set up the crate or carrier that will be used for travel and let pets get used to the look, smell and feel of it. When it’s time to leave, they’ll already be well acquainted with their mode of transportation.

*Thanks so much to PetSmart for providing me with this article so that I could share it with my readers.*

CLOSED: PetSmart Dog and Cat Halloween Costumes Review & Giveaway

Momof3boys — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 15:40:51 +0000

Can you believe it is already October 6th? Goodness, where is this year going? Are you ready for Halloween? Hopefully, after my Spooktacular Soiree is over, you will be a little closer to being ready. I and Kim at Mission Mommy have teamed up to bring our ready some super fun Halloween reviews and giveaways!

Mom Says: Isn’t my little girl absolutely adorable in her Cinderella Costume? Annie has never worn clothes because I was afraid she would tear them up. After a bit over a week of wearing her new little costume, she is a pro. My husband says she is spoiled because now I am going to have to get her some other outfits. Hey! She is my only girl. I have taken her several places just to show off her dress. LOL!

According to a recent PetSmart® survey, one out of every eight pet parents dressed their pets in costumes for Halloween last year. With more than 160 million dogs and cats in the U.S., there are millions of pet parents seeking the perfect costume this year.

PetSmart has the latest Halloween pet products and costumes to show-off spooky pets. Fashionable pets this year seek new PetSmart costumes such as firedog, dragon and Disney character costumes including Mickey Mouse and Tigger. Favorites like the bumble bee, cow, pumpkin and devil will also be seen around town and at the annual free PetSmart Howl-O-Ween in-store event on October 20.

PetSmart has offered to send one costume to a reader! Plus, Kim is also running her PetSmart review and giveaway today, so that gives you more chances to win!

To Buy: You can purchase them at your local PetSmart or online at PetSmart.com!

REQUIRED: Visit the PetSmart website, look around, then come back and tell me which costume you would want if you were to win. Be sure to say if it would be for a cat or dog as well as the size!

BONUS #1: Go visit my partner in the Soiree, Mission Mommy and leave a comment on her Spooktacular Soiree, PetSmart post for a chance to win! Don’t forget to come back here and let me know! (you get 3 entries for this, plus if you go over there you get a chance to win hers and will get bonus comments for posting here! Win, Win!) Don’t forget, you must post 3 separate comments about this!

BONUS #2: Follow @momof3boys3702, and @bkkihega on Twitter. Then, tweet about this Review & Giveaway

BONUS #3: Put the Spooktacular Soiree button on your blog (found on sidebar)

Other bonus entries:

#1. Spread the word about this review by: email, forums, blogging, twitter, Digg, or putting the link in a meme. (one entry per thing done)