Natural Pet News February 20, 2007 Thank you for sharing this newsletter with your other pet-loving friends. To keep it from being dumped into your Junk Mail folder due to it's length, add our mailing list address to your Address Book: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
A NOTE FROM DONNA We returned a few days ago from a trip to Southern California. We had a business conference and extended the stay. Our itinerary after the conference was all natural areas so we saw some great wildlife and birds. You can access photo albums of each stop at our online photo gallery. Everything went as planned even with the flights so we had a very nice time. The only down side to it was missing our kitty, Squeek. Especially when it was time to go to bed and she wasn't lying beside me. We have a wonderful pet sitter so I knew she was being well entertained. Hug your pet a little bit more today :-) Donna TRAVELING WITH PETS Our Squeek is happier at home than traveling, but many pets would love to get away with their owners. State and local laws vary for pet-friendly lodging, so check out your options ahead of time at these sites: www.takeyourpet.com - This site charges a membership fee of $1.95. They offer lodging discounts and have over 20,000 listings of pet-friendly places to stay. www.TravelPets.com - Offers a free directory for US and international lodging along with travel tips for traveling with pets. Pets Can Stay Inc. is the national certifying and marketing body that has established the standard for accommodation providers that cater to the pet travel market. Pets Can Stay Travel Services™ is a full service agency that provides direct bookings to Pets Can Stay certified properties across North America at no cost to the traveller. PCS Travel Services is rapidly becoming the agency of choice for pet-toting leisure travellers, and corporate travellers that are loyal to properties that accept pets. For more information, visit www.petscanstay.com PETS IN THE NEWS Pets Boost Children's Health Children who have pet animals at home have stronger immune systems and are less likely to take days off school sick, a study suggests. Researchers at Warwick University in Coventry found that having a cat or dog exposed children to more infections early in life. However, this exposure boosted their immune systems in the medium term and meant these children attended school more often, on average, than pupils who did not have pets. Read entire article here: news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/2045704.stm DRIVING WITH CATS I've never had a cat that liked riding in the car. I've seen them in cars laying on the back window like they were sunning on the porch. My cats, whether in a carrier or out, must think like men do when they hit the shower. Their voice gets several decimals louder and they vocalize sounds which we call "singing." There's not much that sets me on edge more than to have a cat wailing on the way to the vet or during a move or flight home. I simply can't concentrate to drive. Many years ago I learned to handle this with an herbal formula, Stress-J, which has calming herbs and in a liquid or capsule. Some pets need a bit more of a knockout and we've seen many do well with Valerian. Awhile back I had a stray cat that I wanted to neuter and he didn't come around every day, so I had to make the vet appointment and hope that I would have him to go. In the scurry of it all, I forgot I was out of Stress-J , so I decided to use Lavender Essential Oil. It sure works to calm me down. I rubbed some in my hands and headed for the car. My husband was driving and I was in the back seat with the cat who was already "singing." I opened the cat carrier just enough to let the cat put his head in my hands. In less than a minute he was calm. He just nuzzled into my hands and laid still. I couldn't believe it! He was calm even through the process of checking him in at the vet. When I went to pick him up the next day they brought him out singing loudly and rather agitated to be in the carrier. I paid the bill quickly and took him out to the car realizing I'd forgotten the Lavender. I get so emotional about stray cats, but I always carry Peppermint Essential Oil in my purse since it has so many uses. I'd read about a vet putting it on the paws of animals feet to calm them for examination or for thunder phobia. I got the Peppermint Essential Oil from my purse and rubbed some between my palms to do the same thing on the way home. The Peppermint did it! It was so nice to have such a simple easily accessible solution. HELPING THE CHEW-A-HOLIC DOG by Cheryl Falkenburry, Animal Behavior Expert Some dogs just seem addicted to chewing. Everything in the house is considered a chew toy in their mind. A young dog needs to chew on things to help teeth break through the gums. Older dogs need to chew to exercise their jaws, and, well, and if a dog is bored, chewing is just plain fun! Unfortunately, there isn't much you can do to stop your dog's natural need and desire to chew. You can, however, redirect his chewing to appropriate items. When your dog begins to chew something inappropriate, trade him for an appropriate toy. He'll happily trade once he learns he will get something great in return, and you will be able to save many a shoe from destruction. The following are some suggestions for great, safe toys and games for the avid chewer. 1. Meet the KONG: Many people will turn to rawhide bones help satisfy some chewing, but as they disappear quickly, which means all that rawhide is going into your dog's intestines. Too much rawhide is very hard for a dog to digest and may get clogged up inside them. The best toy around to help with chewing is a KONG. It's a hard rubber toy shaped like a honeycomb. You can stuff yummy treats inside to help keep the dog chewing and playing longer with the KONG. There are a variety of sizes, so you want to make sure that you get the right one for your dog's size and strength. Be sure to look for the KONG brand as they are definitely made for the power chewer and are virtually indestructible. They may cost a little more than some of the other toys, but the up front expense is worth it to save all those shoes--and fingers--from getting chewed. 2. Turning your dog into a KONG-a-holic: You can stuff a variety of things into a KONG to make your dog really have to work at it. At first make it simple, mix a little peanut butter with some kibble and stuff it inside, and put a biscuit in the end to start your dog off with an easy treat. After your dog gets the idea, you can layer the items in the KONG by putting some biscuit bits in first, then some canned food mixed with kibble, then pack some peanut butter in and stick a biscuit out of the end. This will keep your dog entertained for a while. When you go away for the day, hide a few KONGS around the house so not only is your dog having fun eating the KONG, but he gets to hunt a little too. 3. Games with the KONG: Once your dog learns how much fun a KONG can be, try putting a rope through the end of the KONG, stuff the KONG, then hang it from a tree in the backyard low enough for the dog to reach it with her mouth. The dog will work hard jumping and running around getting the treats out. After a while, be sure to take it down and allow the dog the reward of finishing the KONG while lying quietly. 4. Cleaning the KONG: One great aspect of the KONG is that it can be put in the dishwasher after each use. Always clean all dog toys periodically, but the KONG needs to be cleaned more often because of the food that my stay stuck on the inside. If you decide to get a KONG, when you go to the store you will be amazed at the many types of KONGS available. The good ol' honeycomb one is the best for avid chewers. The retrieving toys with ropes are a lot of fun for playing and the rope feels good for teething, but this toy shouldn't be left with your dog to just chew. The nice thing about the retrieving toys is that you can replace the ropes through the KONG company, so the whole toy doesn't have to be replaced when the rope wears down. Always inspect your dog's toys to be sure they are safe to play with. Throw away worn toys and replace them with new. Keep a toy box of dog toys that you control and take out when you want to play with your dog; this way your dog will not get bored with his toys and will look forward to fun times with you. Ask Cheryl About Your Pet's Behavior Problem Cheryl Falkenburry has traveled the world helping people make sense of mind-boggling animal behavior. Working with animal behaviorists in Tucson, Arizona and England, majoring in psychology, and becoming a certified parenting educator prepared Cheryl to teach both humans and animals. Cheryl recognized that the concepts of positive parenting and loving leadership worked whether her clients were parents of human children or furry ones and applies her positive parenting skills to her animal training sessions. She has helped thousands of people develop new and exciting relationships with the animals who share their lives. Get details on phone and email consultations. FEATURED PET PRODUCTS Life's Abundance Weight-Loss Formula for Adult Dogs If your dog's weight is a growing concern, consider the nutritious, low-fat Life's Abundance Weight-Loss Formula. Formulated for effective use as part of a weight loss or weight control program, Weight-Loss Formula is a nutritionally balanced food that delivers the support dogs need to lose fat and maintain healthy weights. And like all HealthyPetNet products, this food contains no artificial flavors, colors, sugars or chemical preservatives. More Info. PET SAFE CLEANING PRODUCTS There are three ways toxic chemicals enter the body: by swallowing, by breathing, or by contact with the skin or eyes. An EPA report concluded that toxic chemicals in household cleaners are three times more likely to cause cancer than oudoor air pollution. In one study conducted over a 15-year period, women who worked at home had a 54% higher death rate from cancer than women who had jobs away from the home. The study concluded that the increased death rate was due to daily exposure to hazardous chemicals found in ordinary household products. What is not being reported are the slow poisonings that occur in every home from continual exposure to household cleaning chemcials. Cancer, birth defects, heart disease, genetic changes - almost any symptom imaginable, both physical and psychological, has been associated with certain chemicals in common household products. At greatest risk are fetuses, children, the elderly, pets, and those who are already ill. Microbest Safe Cleaning Products Sunshine Concentrate Household Multi-Use Cleaner HERBS FOR PETS Herbs for Pets Online Catalog by Health Topic Pet Success Stories Using Natural Remedies Herbs and Supplements for Pet Owners One reason to keep yourself healthy is because your pet needs you! Find a natural solution for yourself. Many pet owners do everything to keep their pet healthy, but neglect their own health. We use Nature's Sunshine Products. PET FOODS Flint River Ranch Oven-Baked Pet Foods The baking process results in a greater degree of nutrient absorption. All natural ingredients include chicken, lamb, fish, whole grains of wheat, rice and millet, vitamins and chelated minerals along with flax seed and herbs for super nutrition. No by-products, chemical preservatives or anything artificial. Read customer comments about Flint River Ranch. What's In Your Pet's Food? Diet is so important for health. Many health issues directly link to diet and can affect long-term health and life of your pet. Watch an online video clip about what might be in your in your pet's food. Free Samples of Pet Food, Treats, & Supplements Formulated by Dr. Jane Bicks Your pet depends on you to make the right choices when it comes to his or her health. HealthyPetNet wants the best for your pets. That's why they promise to provide products that are inspired by nature and made using good nutritional science. Free sample pack of food, treats and supplements. NATURAL HEARTWORM PROGRAMS Yes, there are herbal and supplement programs for pets. Robin Sockness has been working with people for many years and has helped over a thousand pets now. Read more about natural heartworm programs or read some success stories that Robin has shared with us. HEALTHY PET CORNER This site provides links and resources for dogs, cats, birds, horses, rabbits and reptiles. You'll find links to basic care, health, safety, etc. Visit Healthy Pet Corner. ANOTHER PET NEWSLETTER This complimentary monthly email Healthy Pet Newsletter contains: * Helpful Pet Information * Interesting Stories * Nutritional Advice * Insight From Veterinarian, Dr. Jane Bicks Register now to get the next issue or view a sample issue. EMERGENCY INFORMATION Poison Control Number: 800-548-2423 ASPCA Poison Control Number 888-426-4435 There may be a charge for these calls. ADOPT A PET Find the perfect pet for your family at PetFinder.com. You can search by breed, locality, age, size, gender, etc. It's so rewarding to take an animal who really needs a home. WHY AREN'T ALL THE LINKS BLUE TO CLICK ON? We are no longer linking to the sites referenced in the newsletters unless they are maintained by us or are a long-standing domain name link. Over the years we have archived newsletters on our sites with thousands of links in them. Sites disappear, they change programming which changes their links, and news sites do not hold old news very long, so for these reasons and others we end up with a bunch of dead links that have to be removed because it affects our search engine rankings. This has become very laborsome monthly, and although we will still have years of work with what we already have on there, we are not adding more. FORWARD THIS TO A FRIEND If you enjoyed what you read, please forward this newsletter to your pet-loving friends. If you are receiving this in email format, you can simply forward it. If you are on the blog site, forward by clicking on the white envelope below, or sending them the link to this site by email. COPYRIGHT & REPRINT INFORMATION © 2007 Healthy Pet Corner The stories, suggestions, and information in this newsletter are not meant to diagnose or prescribe. If your pet has amedical problem, you may want the advice and recommendations of a veterinarian. All stories and information content that is passed along in this newsletter is for informational purposes only and is not necessarily endorsed by its editor, Donna L. Watkins, its sponsor, HealthyPetCorner.com, or its owner, Sunshine Life Center, Inc. Forwarding and Use of This Newsletter You may forward this to a friend and/or use this copyrighted newsletter on a website if you include the following credit: Editor, Donna L. Watkins, of HealthyPetCorner.com, provides this free newsletter to subscribers. Healthy Pet Corner provides quality natural pet foods. Visit now to subscribe or shop: http://www.healthypetcorner.com ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~--> Something is new at Yahoo! Groups. Check out the enhanced email design. http://us.click.yahoo.com/kOt0.A/gOaOAA/yQLSAA/MJOolB/TM --------------------------------------------------------------------~-> " Lets talk about our wonderful little friends! Join today! " Yahoo! 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