Archive for April, 2011

Treat Your Pet to Something Nice

by Rupert Brown

The UK is a nation of animal lovers, with almost half of the population sharing their lives and homes with a cornucopia of mammals, birds and reptiles.

We buy pet insurance, pay exorbitant vet bills and purchase the best quality food. We groom them, exercise them in the rain, sing to them and pick up their mess. You wouldn’t do some of these things for another human being, but are rewarded with devotion, trust and hours of fun.

‘Pet power’ has real benefits to humans. Pet groups claim that contact with animals can reduce stress, help prevent allergies and illness, lower blood pressure and boost the chances of survival after a life threatening illness.

We love our pets and what better way to show it than splurging on the odd pet accessory here and there? Dressing pets can seem amusing, but animal clothes can prove practical in some cases. Raincoats for dogs are a good idea if you are on a long walk and the weather is damp and chilly. These garments are easy to put on your pet, with one zip they provide extra protection from the elements. You wrap up warm, so why shouldn’t Rover?

Or perhaps treat your cat to an indoor entertainment system? Incorporating a scratch post, toys and cat beds, these systems comprise multiple bases and poles which can be contracted in a number of configurations; providing your feline friend with hours of fun, stimulation and exercise.

If you don’t want to encourage your pets to sleep on the sofa, buy them a cat or dog bed. It’s hard to discipline your best friend; however, if they’ve got a nice bed to rest on, you won’t feel so guilty. All dog beds ought to be easy to clean, obviously, and ensure they are constructed of supportive and comfortable materials.

Some designs resemble chic sofas, upholstered in faux leather and ideal for the most discerning pet. Others come complete with a matching cushion and wouldn’t look out of place in an upmarket bistro or bar.

For sophisticated aquatics, why not treat your fish to a swanky tank which has day and night light settings? Furnish their underwater paradise with lots of plants, rocks and little models. The Spongebob Squarepants range is particularly entertaining. Watch as your fish swim to the Crusty Crab or play with Patrick the pink starfish.

2d1b7 author Treat Your Pet to Something Nice

Rupert Brown as a freelance author writes articles on various topics. To learn more about dog bed and dog blankets he recommends you to visit Muddy Paws.

Wordless Wednesday – Maddy and Baxter

Dog Days Checks
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Classic cats checks
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Consider the Cost of Adopting a Dog

by Jane Sanders
The joys of owning a dog can be tremendous, but there is a lot of responsibility that comes with ownership as well. From mental health, an increase owner life span to unconditional loyalty, man’s best friend really has a lot to offer. Still, adopting a dog can be a economically, as well as physically taxing endeavor. The costs associated with adopting can vary greatly, depending upon the shelter or breeder a person does business with. The most common form of adopting in the US is of shelter dogs, which are often rescued.

How Much Do Shelter Dogs Cost?
Prices vary substantially depending upon the type of dog, and the particular shelter. Prices can range anywhere from virtually free, to hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars. Potential owners should remember that these animals may come with a lot of baggage as well. Although the shelter is a safe place, their original owners or situation may have been less than ideal. That’s not to say, however, that the majority of these dogs won’t make great pets, most often they do.

Costs Continue Long After Adoption
This is the most important factor to consider when looking into adoption. Recurring costs continue to add up over the life time of your pet. Obvious expenses include food, toys and pet sitting. Budgeting for food can be fairly easy once you determine the average adult size of the dog you would like to take home. Toys are a necessity that must be purchased to keep the animal entertained and support their quality of life.

Maintenance Care
Like humans, dogs need to be groomed and kept clean. Owners should factor in costs like brushes, shampoo, collars and nail trimmers. If you don’t wish to do all the grooming yourself, there are many professionals that can help, for an additional fee of course. Licensing is often required for all dogs within a city as well. Usually this takes the form of a yearly fee for each adopted animal you have.

Expensive Costs That Might Arise
Medical expenses are often overlooked when people look into adopting dogs. At the very least, you should expect to be visiting the Veterinarian at least once per year. Initially there may be shots required, as well as the recommended flea, tick and heart worm medicine. These are just the baseline costs. If your adopted puppy gets sick, costs might increase dramatically.

Most owners fall in love with their pups, and happily provide whatever care and materials they need for a long, healthy life. Owning a dog is a simpler version of trying to raise kids. There will be continual financial commitments long after the initial adoption.

28707 author Consider the Cost of Adopting a Dog
This post was written by Jane Sanders. If adopting a pet has caused you financial difficulty, check out my Debt Management site.

Wordless Wednesday – Playful Kittens

Dog Days Checks
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c2344 242PCHK m Wordless Wednesday – Playful Kittens

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Pet Hotels of America

by Lisa Porter

Pet Hotels of America Launches, Simplifying the Search for Pet-Friendly Hotels and Hotels for Pets

I like to travel with my pet. So does my business partner. But it seems that up until now, it was a hassle. This is why we decided to build a website for one-stop pet-friendly travel planning.

Pet Hotels of America is the first website designed solely to provide comprehensive pet-friendly travel services so animal lovers can get specific information and reserve pet-friendly hotels, airlines and cars. The site eliminates the need for travelers who want to take their pets along to be forced into surfing multiple sites or thumbing through magazines to find what they need. We think anyone who feels this way will be glad that there’s finally an online community that understands this.

Our goal was to make traveling with pets in America as easy as possible. If you visit the site, you’ll see we did just that.

On the other hand, those that want to leave their pet at home can look through the website’s growing list of kennels, pet hotels, doggie day care centers and other pet lodging. The listings are searchable by city and such establishments can add a photo of their facility with a link to their site for only $4.95 a month. What’s more, the Kennels page is an easy solution for those who want to travel with Boxer, but for one reason or another, need a nearby kennel or pet resort.

We believe the days of having to leave your pet at home or wondering what your pet is doing while you’re away, are over.

Either way, traveling with your pet is now as easy as traveling without. And take it from me, I much more enjoy having Lola by my side when room service arrives.

At Pet Hotels of America, our goal is to keep abreast of our visitors’ travel needs, likes and dislikes to keep providing helpful traveling services. To this end, you can find extensive travel information through our blog.

We also want to keep Pet Hotels of America fun. We invite everyone to submit a pet photo to our “Pet of the Week,” where friends can “Like” your submission, giving you the opportunity to win an e-gift certificate to PetSmart. A new winner is chosen every Monday.

Visitors also enjoy an assortment of funny pet-related videos and, on a more serious note, listings of rescue dogs waiting for someone to claim them.

Pet Hotels of America was made for you! Please help spread the word. The more people that travel with their pets, the more hotels, airlines and car rental companies are going to offer in the way of amenities that cater to us pet lovers.

Visit our Pet Hotels of America Facebook page. Go ahead. Submit your pet. Make travel arrangements to go to New York, Boston, Sedona. Then, have a paws-atively great time!

Visit Pet Hotels of America for more information or call (877) 375-1946.