Identify and Care

What are some of the important ways to care for your pets and help identify cancer as early as possible? Here are some tips:

• Check your dog or cat every month for irregular bumps on their bodies. Bring them to the vet as soon as possible if you find some sort of bump, growth, or tumor-like irregularity.
• Track your dog or cat’s behavior. Increasing levels of fatigue or listless behavior could indicate a change in health. Again, plan a visit to the vet if you notice your dog or cat behaving oddly and showing little to no interest in activities.
• If your dog or cat is diagnosed, provide a high quality diet that will promote optimal health levels. Talk to your vet about your pet’s diet throughout treatment and care protocol.
• Maintain your pet’s routine with as much regularity as possible. Your pet will recognize and respond with a positive, energetic attitude as best as she can under the circumstances.
• Talk to your vet about various supplements to support your dog or cat’s overall nutrition throughout care for cancer. Your pet may experience a loss in appetite, weight loss, or increasing levels of fatigue. If so, a supplement may be able to help your pet in a significant way.
• Your pet should not have to suffer severe pain. Make sure your dog or cat has what she needs in terms of pain management solutions.
• Talk to your pet, and spend as much time with him as possible. He needs you; he needs your love now more than ever! Cherish each moment you have together.

Supporting Important Research

The Morris Animal Foundation seeks to provide funding for important research regarding cancer in dogs and cats. They have funded many studies on ways to prevent and treat the disease in our animals. Pets Head to Tail supports the efforts of the Morris Animal Foundation. As their partner, we want to invite our own readers and fans to support this worthy organization as well. As a pet owner, you can play a role in helping prevent and treat cancer in dogs and cats! Imagine the impact you could have. Visit their site for more information.

Pet Cancer Awareness Month is an important time of the year. How will you help raise awareness and funding for cancer research and treatment options? How will you make a difference this month in the lives of pets and their families everywhere?

Reasons to Adopt a Pet

In light of how wonderful parenting truly is, there are so many reasons to adopt a pet. As National Pet Week is drawing to a close, we would like to offer up some additional reasons to pursue pet adoption.

• The unconditional love of a true friend. Your dog or cat will live with you consistently, expect that you come home, and show love and affection even when you are at your worst. What better reason to pursue pet adoption than this significant benefit?
• Opportunities to serve. Owning a dog or a cat gives you a reason to serve selflessly. Even when you do not feel like taking care of your dog, she expects you to walk her and feed her. You are essentially challenging yourself to respond selflessly on a routine basis. This type of challenge always brings about great growth and even greater joy.
• Make memories that last a lifetime. As a parent to a dog or a cat, you will require a pen and a journal everyday to write down the memories that you create with your pet! Most pets fall into some type of neurotic, silly behavior, and most pets get themselves into some sort of mischief from time to time. As a parent to a pet, you will create memories with your pet that will last forever and provide endless entertainment!
• The provision of a routine. If you are searching for meaning in your life, and you know you need the structure of a routine, adopting a pet is a great way to accomplish this. Your pet will provide you with a daily routine on which to fall back — throughout life’s stresses, joys, challenges, and endless changes, your pet will give structure to the days and weeks of your life.

Have a wonderful Mother’s Day celebrating parenthood! Enjoy spending time with your family — your pets, your children, and your spouse (and any other family members who have made their way into your lives)!

The Health Benefits of Pet Ownership

Many people decide to pursue pet ownership because of the health benefits inherent in owning a pet. Here are just a few of the many health benefits:

• Pets have the ability to improve our mood and decrease our stress levels. Their presence in our lives brings joy, and they help us beat stress and anxiety by reminding us we are not alone.
• Pets decrease our sense of loneliness and isolation. Even those of us with families, parents, siblings, spouses, etc. spend time alone, and during those times, it is important to have a pet to rely on.
• Pets have the ability to decrease cholesterol and blood pressure. Petting a dog or a cat on a regular basis helps keep our blood pressure and cholesterol in check. Because the human-animal bond decreases stress and anxiety, our bodies respond to that bond favorably, and our hearts literally benefit from it.
• Pets provide us with the opportunities for socialization. Social interaction on a regular basis improves our overall health and wellness.
• Having a pet — particularly a dog — requires consistent exercise on the part of both human and dog. If you are looking to get fit, lose weight, or increase your cardiovascular health, a dog will accomplish all of these objectives within a relatively short amount of time. Dogs don’t let you forget a day or sleep in. They don’t understand that you’re tired or sore — they force you to push yourself in new ways, getting into shape and staying there!

As you consider pet adoption and what it could mean for your health and long-term wellness, adopting seems like a no-brainer! Although having a dog or a cat requires a significant investment in terms of time, there provide so many more benefits in terms of our overall health and happiness. Have a lovely week enjoying your pet!

Most frustrating of all, perhaps, is the seemingly futile exercise of chasing one’s dog around the house while he has possession of that full-price, ridiculously expensive shoe in the clenches of his jaw — slober already destroying what is dear to one’s heart. How does one make said animal release said object before destroying it completely? A simple (but not easy) command: DROP IT!

Teaching your dog to drop whatever he or she has ahold of in the moment is a way to consistently and specifically communicate to your dog without saying merely the word, “No!” Use the Drop it command, along with Leave It command consistently  in order to truly train your dog to leave things in their place, and after temptation becomes too great, to release your dog’s hold of a precious item. Here’s how to instruct your dog in this command:

1. Gather two or three of your dog’s favorite toys. Allow your dog to grab onto one of these toys.
2. Ennunciate the words, “Drop It” in a forceful, yet loving, tone.
3. Once your dog actually releases the toy, give your dog a treat.
4. Repeat this process several times in various rooms around your house. This will help your dog understand that this is a command that will be used throughout your home life in various situations.
5. Consistently use and reinforce this command with your dog until he seems to understand and grasp the concept of dropping delicious (to them) items.

Using the Drop It command will provide a clarity to your dog that the word “No” simply cannot provide. Utilize Drop It with your dog to protect your cherish items around the home. Enjoy your new level of satisfaction and peace knowing that your possessions are safe from the clutches of your dog.

So, you have a dog. Your dog may be all things sweet, hilarious, and let’s be honest — neurotic. This same dog, on other days, may exhibit frustratingly bad behavior that makes you want to rip your hair out — for example, eating entire bags of bagels, running sopping wet through the house and onto your freshly laundered bed (despite your efforts to contain him), or jumping up on your husband’s boss and his wife as they enter your house as dinner guests. No matter what the behaviors may be (and these behaviors’ corresponding degrees of naughtiness), your dog can work to overcome the urge to partcipate in these bad behaviors, and you can help your dog begin to understand the language and vocabulary that you use – BUT  it is up to YOU to utilize language your dog can understand.

What Word NOT to Use

Most dogs respond when we speak loudly and harshly at them. They have the ability to sense our moods and respond to harsh language, particularly when it is out of the ordinary. So, in short, saying strongly and forcefully, “No!” may alert your dog to the fact that he or she has done something wrong. However, it will not necessarily prevent your dog from participating in bad behavior before it happens. Before it happens is key. Imagine encouraging your dog to avoid gobbling your freshly baked apple pie and your dog listening and backing off. Avoid using “No!” and begin using a command that is much more effective.

The Leave It Command

To teach your dog how to leave stray cats alone, to leave a plate of cookies alone, or to leave the stick they picked up outside by the door, use the command, “Leave It.” Teaching your dog the “Leave It” command requires the following steps:

• Get in a quiet room with your dog, free from distractions.
• Have plenty of treats on hand. Hold out a treat to your dog. As the dog comes to snatch it out of your hand, close your hand to her, until she begins to leave you alone.
• Then, continue to use treats to teach your dog to “Leave It” as you continue to close your hand until your dog displays the ability to actually leave a treat.
• Reinforce this command as you walk your dog daily and spend time with your dog at home. Make sure to remain consistent and forceful in your use of the command.
• Continue to practice this command with your dog until it becomes an integral part of the routine.

The “Leave It” command can be useful in a variety of situations. As you begin to use it on a regular basis, be sure to ennunciate your speech so that your dog truly learns and understands its meaning.

Food and Treats

As you  feed your pet on a regular basis (and provide special treats), it is important to choose food wisely. What you feed your dog or cat DOES have an impact on the environment. The ways in which your dog food or cat food is grown, harvested, and produced may involve the use of genetically modified organisms, pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, and other chemicals that may be harmful to the environment. Moreover, most conventional pet food involves the use of filler ingredients that are often not helpful for your pet’s health — ingredients such as conventionally-grown corn, soybeans, and wheat. As you consider ways you can go green and boost the environment, also consider that your pet’s overall health may benefit from organically grown food, or even a raw food diet.

Holistic Supplements

As your dog or cat ages, they will most likely experience various symptoms as a result of their breed’s tendencies, level of activity (or inactivity), or other various habits common in cats and dogs. There ARE ways that you can continue to support your pets health without necessarily using traditional medicinal support. Utilizing holistic supplements may be an option that can work for your cat or dog. (Please consult a veterinarian prior to using supplements.) As you seek to use these supplements, make sure you select ones with high quality, all natural ingredients. Here is a list of holistic supplements we recommend:

• Herbsmith Inc.
• Pet Naturals
• Wholistic
• Earths Balance
• ecoPure
• Prudence
• SoundDog
• Hilton Herbs
• Natural Pet
• HomeoPet

Your dogs and cats deserve the best, and so does the environment. As you make choices regarding your pet’s food and health care, consider environmental factors, ingredient quality, and your long-tem goals for your pet.

Lawn Care and Its Impact on Your Dog

Traditional lawn care products contain herbicides, pesticides, fertilizers, and insecticides that although deemed “safe” can actually have a negative impact on the health and wellness of your pets. These products are designed to artificially kill bugs and weeds, and they are powerful. If they have this detrimental impact on ants, spiders, and other insects, imagine the harm they can do to your pets (and other family members). We love the resources of RaiseAGreenDog.com — they point towards a site with lots of facts on the true nature of pesticides and harmful chemicals used on plants at BeyondPesticides.org. Take a look for more detailed information on the negative impact of these chemicals on your family members and pets.

Green Lawn Care Tips

So, you ask, how do we keep our lawns looking fabulous for spring and summer without using standard products for our yards? Here are a few tips:

• Fertilize with organic fertilizer. This may go without saying, but organic fertilizers contain no synthetic ingredients or petro-chemicals (chemicals derived from petroleum). Rather, they contain organisms with a naturally high level of necessary fertilizers — things like seaweed and ingredients derived from fish and chicken droppings. These ingredients will not harm your pets.
• Mow your grass high. This keeps the sun from getting to your weeds. The sun, however, will nourish your grass instead, naturally killing weeds but encouraging continued growth in your grass.
• Pull out weeds instead of pouring on poisons. Pass on the herbicides and weed killer solutions. Instead, physically pull out weeds from the root. This is the most effective way to rid your lawn of weeds permanently.
• Water your grass early in the morning, if you must water. Your grass is resilient, and it will learn to cope with little to no water. If you must water, though, water early in the morning to reduce evaporation.
• Reduce the area of your lawn by planting diverse vegetation. This supports the ecosystem anyway, and it reduces the need for additional lawn care and maintenance.

We hope these tips help as you seek to keep your animals and your family happy and healthy this summer!

Raising a Green Pet

Raising a green pet has never been easier! So many unique, eco-friendly products are available, and lots of information on going green is out there for families with both dogs and cats. As you search for ways to celebrate Earth Day this year, consider changing your entire routine, and raise your pets in a way that does not strain the environment, but supports it instead. Here are a few easy ways to begin raising a green pet:

• Change your pet’s diet. If you are raising a dog or a cat, make sure that your pet eats 100% USDA organically grown, all natural food. Food that is organically grown does not utilize pesticides, herbicides, or other chemicals made from non-renewable resources like fossil fuel. Rather, farmers utilize natural processes to support the ground. Chemicals do not run-off into the water supply, and natural, organic fertilizers support the nutrients present in the soil.
• Walk your pet. Raise a dog or cat who enjoys being (safely, on a leash) outside. Spending time outside increases your family’s appreciation of nature. Give your dog or cat the same level of appreciation for the outdoors by regularly exercising in your neighborhood.
• Neuter or spay your pet. Failing to spay or neuter your pet increases the dog or cat population unintentionally. As a result, the surrounding eco-system experiences an imbalance.
• Purchase all-natural products free from harmful chemicals and dyes. Be responsible in what you purchase for your pet. Understand how specific products are made, where they are made, and what they are made from. Check out our eco-friendly products for more information.

Have a wonderful Earth Day! Enjoy spending time with your family and your pets, celebrating the wonderful gifts we have been given in this life.

Ways to Celebrate Earth Day

There are lots of great ways to celebrate Earth Day throughout the country — local events abound! But, what are some specific ways as a pet owner that you can contribute on Earth Day?

• Attend a dog-friendly Earth Day celebration in your local area. Find an event in your area by visiting your local paper’s website.
• Organize a neighborhood clean-up day, and work together with your neighbors and pets to clean up a local park or area in need of work.
• Plan a community hike with your neighbors and their dogs. Get outside and enjoy the unique beauty of your neck of the woods.
• Commit to identifying one product in your home that you can switch out permanently. Using harsh chemicals in your home impacts the environment and potentially, the health of your pets and family. Find eco-friendly cleaning products, and forego the use of bleach or chemical-based products.
• Choose an environmentally-friendly cat litter that does not contain chemicals. This type of cat litter is bio-degradable and does not emit silica dust that can be harmful to your cat’s lungs.
• Purchase recycled toys, dishes, collars, leashes, etc. rather than their regular counterparts. There are a wide array of eco-friendly, non-dyed, recycled products available on Pets Head to Tail’s website.
• Buy food and treats in bulk. Doing so saves non-renewable resources like gas and time, and other resources like paper.
• Identify animal organizations that promote second hand or trading situations. These are pet stores that allow for donations, and then re-sell items. Purchasing items like crates, blankets, leashes, collars, etc. at a second hand store helps reduce the need for production and uses much less non-renewable resources.

Help the environment this Earth Day 2012! Identify and plan ways that you can reduce your pet’s consumption of non-renewable resources.

Pugs have also gained popularity through their use in several animated movies. These pugs become very special in they eyes of movie watchers, and have helped the breed gain recognition.

Famous Pugs and Pug Owners

• Arguably the most famous pugs and pug owners were the Duke and Duchess of Windsor (Edward the 8th and Wallis Sampson). They owned about 11 pugs; these dogs went with them to social events and activities, ate their meals with the family, and enjoyed being purfumed in the Duchess’ favorite fragrance.
• Queen Victoria bred and raised many of her own pugs throughout her years in public service. Her most favorite pug, Bosco, is buried under his own memorial stone in Frogmore House Gardens.
• Pugs were and are famous amongst kings and queens, political leaders, and other dignitaries. They were also popular amongs the literati and other socialites, including Voltaire, George Eliot, Andy Warhol, and Valentino.
• In the movie Pochahontas, Governor Ratcliff owns Percy, a very spoiled, small, obese pug who later befriends Pochahontas and other characters in the movie.
• The movie Men in Black and its sequel features Frank the Pug.
• Lady Bertram in Jane Austen’s novel, Mansfield Park, owns a pug that sits around with her all day as she lounges.
• Other celebrity pug owners include Micky Rourke, Jessica Alba, Gerarld Butler, and Jenna Elfman.

Pugs have enjoyed a rich and luxurious lifestyle throughout history with their famous owners. They continue to enjoy life with families around the world.