4 Tips for Fire Safety with Pets

The heat is rolling in, and it is important to be planned and prepared.

Unfortunately, those hot and humid conditions can escalate the possibility of a fire within our household.

House fires are not something any of us hope to have to deal with in our life time. However, it would benefit us as pet owners to be aware of some tips that could be helpful in limiting the chances of it occurring. Shockingly about 1,000 fires are started by pets annually.

Here are 4 tips on how you can take action in your home today

1. AVOID OPEN FLAMES

Candles provide a comforting glow, but can easily turn dangerous. Never leave your pet in a room unattended with an open flame. When we leave open flames available to our pets, we leave room for an opportunity.

Cats can be especially fascinated and may try to explore by either touching the flame themselves, or they could try and knock the candle over. Being cognizant and placing the candle within constant supervision is important should you choose to use one. There is also the availability of battery or electric powered candles that are flameless, but give off the same effect. Eliminating open flames also include those with a fireplace. Make sure your fireplace is protected with a screen and that your pet has a restriction when it comes to their distance in relation to the fireplace itself. 

2. NO STOVES OR COUNTERTOPS

We keep a lot of cookware and potentially dangerous items in our kitchen. Additionally, our stoves can also be a potential hazard as the knobs can be easily turned into the “On” position.

Covering the knobs on your stove can help to prevent this from happening. Trying to train your pets to avoid the kitchen in itself could also help to avoid any unwanted tools or equipment from being turned on unknowingly. Always make sure to double check after you utilize them yourself that everything has been turned off.

3. AVOID GLASS BOWLS OUTSIDE

As temperatures continue to rise during the summer months, the sun is doing a good job of heating things up. Many of us want to keep our pets cooled off and properly hydrated when they are outside.

In doing this, we typically provide a bowl of water for them to access. Without even realizing it, we may forget the bowl when everyone comes inside and could be causing a very serious situation if we have used a glass bowl on a wooden deck.

After time, the bowl will heat up and can start to be used as a magnifying glass on the deck, resulting in a potential fire. Something so little can do a lot of harm, so try to use stainless steel or even ceramic bowls to avoid this danger. 

4. CHECK YOUR WIRES

Our electronics are important to us, and if you are like most Americans, there is a high probability that each room in your home has an outlet in use.

Whether your pet is younger or a bit more mature, it is always a good idea to pet proof the rooms they have access to, especially if they are ever left alone. Go through each room to ensure there are no loose wires exposed.

It is also important to examine all cords that are plugged into outlets and organize them to avoid any opportunity for an animal to get entangled. You may want to also properly conceal any wires that could be considered as a tempting chew “toy.” By taking these precautions you are creating a much safer environment for both you and your pet. 

In the event that a fire does occur, you can be as well prepared as possible.

Always check your smoke detectors, leave leashes and collars in a place of quick and easy access, and provide the necessary decal on your window. Should emergency personnel need to enter your home, the decal will alert them that there are pets residing in your home.

Keeping yourself knowledgeable and do your best to protect your home.

By doing these things, it could result in saving the life of either yourself, a family member, or even your animal! 

4 Tips to Help Treat Your Pet's Allergies this Spring

Bite the Itch

We have just arrived in March and it’s feeling like summer already here in Florida. Along with all the colorful flowers and long-awaited beach days, arrive the seasonal allergies that not just you, but also your pet may be dealing with.

Like most good pet parents you don’t enjoy watching your animal suffer after coming inside from a nice run or from rolling around in the backyard. It is highly encouraged for you to schedule time with your veterinarian to have your pet and their symptoms thoroughly examined. However, if medicines seem to be a temporary solution, or if you are looking for alternative or additional ways to help fight seasonal allergies, there are other options available for you.

In addition to personal research and experience, I decided to stop into a local pet store that is highly focused on providing your pet with a quality diet and improving their overall health.

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Here’s what I discovered:

1. Food

Just as is it crucial that we ourselves are putting healthy whole foods into our own bodies, we must consider the same for our animals. Unfortunately, many of the dry kibbles and wet foods made available are not filled with the most beneficial ingredients, and sometimes even contain harmful fillers. If we want our pets to combat sickness and allergens, we have to work on their insides.

Ensuring that your pet is getting optimum whole foods themselves can start with buying food that is an LID or Limited Ingredient Food. These LIDs limit the ingredients that break down into sugars, which in turn is also eliminating the potential to fuel a yeast infection. The most important thing is to read what is actually being put into your pet’s food and see if there are certain triggers that may also be causing them to have a reaction of some kind. This may not be the overall solution, but it is only going to help build the immune system of your baby and keep them living so you can love on them longer!

2. Treatment Bath

If your pet is dealing with itchy/scratchy skin, sometimes it can help to wash those factors off of the surface of your pet’s fur. Make sure to use an appropriate shampoo for the specific needs involved. If you are dealing with a yeast infection, please keep in mind that it is likely not best to use products containing grains. Therefor, if you were looking to find a soothing shampoo for yeast buildup, don’t grab the oatmeal one off of the shelf considering oatmeal contains a grain. While this could be of great relief to one animal, it could do a lot of harm to the other.

It is just extremely important to be aware of what you are actually looking to help treat, and how certain things could help or harm them. Do your research and ask for information whether it be when searching at the store or at the vet office.

3. Supplements

Another way to help protect your pets from seasonal and yearly threats is with supplements added to their daily/weekly diet routine. Including Omegas 3 and 6 to their diet can really help to reduce inflammation. Omega 3 can help to promote a shiny coat and give benefits that can help relieve painful symptoms produced by factors within our environment.

Along with skin benefits, Omega 3 can also help to improve the function of the immune system itself. Another supplement recommended and a customer favorite is called “Seasonal Allergy Support” by Vet’s Best. If you are looking for a supplement that could help relieve some discomfort for your animal make sure to check it out. You do need to be aware of however, that it’s important to be consistent with these supplements to see results. Do not expect to see results after a one time or interrupted use.

4. Raw Goat Milk Formula

The most interesting thing I learned while researching additional options was how incredible goat’s milk is! I had personally never heard of the healing properties and serious benefits that this stuff can provide, so I was really excited to be able to share it with you. The ultimate goal is to improve your dog’s, or cat’s, overall immune system right? And, as we discussed the food we feed them really and truly isn’t always fulfilling all of the desired ingredients for an an overall premium and balance diet. So what’s so great about goat’s milk? How about the fact that it truly is “the most complete food known,”  according to the Journal of American Medicine. All 12 amino acids are contained in it, giving it a nutritional value that most raw foods provide, but it can be a fraction of the price. Not only is it also filled with probiotics, but it will boost natural antihistamines within the blood to fight off those allergic reactions. Just as other supplements, consistency is key when adding the fermented goat milk to your animal’s (or your) diet. Grab some on their website or at the store like I did. I bet your animals won't be able to resist- mine couldn't!!

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Don’t make it difficult on your fur baby or yourself during these seasonal challenges. It certainly isn’t enjoyable seeing them in discomfort, and if we have the opportunity to help improve the situation, make the changes needed for them.

Make sure your pet is getting the nutrients their body craves and that they are receiving those whole foods to boost their immune system. Pay attention to triggers and make sure to confide in your veterinarian. I hope this information helps answer some questions you may have had and gives you some insight.

If you are local to Tampa / Seminole Heights, make sure to stop in to the Health Mutt and ask any questions you might have regarding foods or supplements specific to your pet’s desires/needs. All products discussed are available at Health Mutt and they are extremely helpful and informative!

**Special thanks to Justin with Health Mutt for sharing your wealth of information and input**

Happy Dogtober: Treats for the Season!

Happy Dogtober!

As the season fall is upon us, most of us are getting out the decorations, making seasonal goodies, and pulling out our calendars to mark fun upcoming events. Family fun activities are always a focus during this time of year, so we’ve decided to share a few recipes and events with you that help you to include ALL members of your pack this fall!

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1. Halloween / Fall Inspired Dog Treat Recipes

Not only is pumpkin festive, but it is extremely healthy to give your pup as well. Aiding in digestion, when paired with peanut butter, this is a hard combination to beat for an easy to make treat.

Peanut Butter Pumpkin Dog Treats
Ingredients:
2 ½ cups of whole-wheat flour
2 eggs
½ cups of canned pumpkin
2 tablespoons of peanut butter
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Preheat to 350 degrees. Whisk ingredients together in a bowl and add water as needed to help make dough workable. Dough should be dry and stiff. Roll into ½ inch-thick roll and cut into 1/2 inch pieces. Bake in oven until hard, about 40 minutes.

2. Cranberry Pumpkin Cookies

Another wonderful addition for any treat is cranberry! What makes this treat pawfect is you and your pup can both enjoy munching them down at the same time. Keeping the process a pretty basic one, here is how you can make them yourself.

Ingredients:
1 (15ounce can) Pumpkin Puree, Approx 1 1/2 cups
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1 cup powdered milk
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
3 cups whole wheat flour

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet. Mix all of the ingredients in a bowl while kneading well. Knead dough into a ball and onto a floured surface 1/4 inch thick. Cut with a cookie cutter (you can always make ghosts or pumpkins to really get into spirit) and poke with fork to prevent air bubbles. Place on baking sheet and bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until browned. Cool and refrigerate

3. Candy Corn Frozen Dog Treat

I may not be the biggest fan of candy corn itself, but these frozen treats will be appreciated by any pup! These can also be made with just four ingredients, which you might already have in your kitchen.

Ingredients:
1- 1 1/2 cup plan non fat yogurt
1-2 small bananas
1/2 cup canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)
3 oz paper cups

First, put a spoonful of yogurt at the bottom of the paper cup (about a 1/2 cup). Freeze for  1-1.5 hours  and then mix 1/2 cup yogurt and 1/2 pumpkin. Add the mixture, or just canned pumpkin to the paper cups and then freeze for 1- 1.5 hours. Mash 1-2 bananas and then mix bananas with 1/2 cup plain yogurt, can use blender as needed. Add a spoonful of the yogurt/banana mix or just mashed bananas to the paper cups and then freeze again for 1-1.5 hours. Peel off the paper cup and serve.  

4. Pumpkin Spice Puppuccino

While the pumpkin spice lattes and cappuccinos are long awaited for by the humans, this treat is one your pup will be looking to his/her personal barista for. Next time you grab a coffee, ask for a couple sample cups so you can create this easy mix for your pooch.

Ingredients:
3/4 cup (unsweetened) coconut milk
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup pure pumpkin

Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until well mixed. Pour into small serving cups.

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Looking for some fun events to attend around the area?

Halloween Yappy Hour
October 11, 2017 (6:00-8:00p)
7813 Mitchell Blvd, New Port Richey FL 34655
Fiddlers Green Trinity Irish Pub- Admission is free

This annual event includes raffle prizes and a costume contest, so make sure your pup is dressed to impress!

Party For The Paws

October 21, 2017 (6:00-9:00p)
Ferg’s Sports Bar 1320 Central Ave St. Petersburg, FL 33705
Admission $5 and includes BOGO drink ticket

“Come howl with us at our 7th Annual Party for the Paws Fundraiser for Pet Pal!
This is a dog and kid friendly event with TONS of festivities including:

Live Music: Screamin’ Donkey
Doggie Biscuit Bar: Provided by TBA
Raffles: 50/50 Raffle, Raffle baskets
Tye Die Creation Station: (shirts provided or bring your own)
Doggie Costume Contest Categories TBA

AND MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED!”

Barktoberfest

October 22, 2017 (9am-3pm)

Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park
$2 fee for park admission

“The Annual “Barktoberfest” Super Pet Adopt-a-Thon Event will be held this year on Oct. 22rd 2017 in beautiful Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park. Event will include music, food, vendors, dog agility course, entertainment, dog pet tricks contest, most unique pet contest, and the largest pet costume contest!! This even will also include a Barking Bash 5K Run/walk & 1 mile stroll (run or walk with your dog, or without!) sponsored and organized by Mayor and Princess LLC. This years event will help raise money for 4 local non-profit pet charity groups. Please email jaanajala@mayorandprincess.com for additional information, vendor and sponsor information.

Groups to benefit:
LRRoF, SPCA Suncoast, Hands & Paws Rescue, and Raffle Rescue Inc Pet Food Program of Pasco Co. FL.
To sign up for 5K with, or withou a dog, or 1 mile stroll, visit www.mayorandprincess.com for info and links.

HOWL-O-Ween Pet Fest & PAWrade

October 28, 2017 (11a-4p)
3 Daughters Brewing 222 22nd St S, Saint Petersburg FL 33712

“FREE Event & PAWrade! Pet Adoptions! Live Music, food, pet related products, training tips & demos, and more!

Push, Pull or carry your furry friend in the most spook-tacular PAWrade of the year! If a FLOAT is your hearse of choice, you can create one from a wagon, baby carriage, dog bed on wheels, anything imaginative - just NOT motorized.

The PAWrade is free to enter. One prize will be awarded to the 1st place winner in each category: Best Float, Best Pet/Owner Costume and Judges Choice.”