Tips for Happy Pets by Anne

Christmas Safety Tips

2009-12-04T01:36:00.003-06:00

It's almost the holidays. We think the following are important tips to keep your pet safe and happy this holiday season:

1. Don't feed your pet the dinner feast. I just learned that turkey skin is not good for dogs and cats, nor are the spices that are generally found in many holiday dishes. And, don't forget, keep the bones away from your pets, as they can shatter, splinter or break, and can cause damage to your pet's throat and/or digestive system.

2. Keep ribbons and other wrapping materials in safe places away from your pet.

3. Do not let your pets ingest Christmas tree "icicles" (tinsel). This material can cause major problems for your pet, that would require a visit to the vet.

4. Be sure you know where there is a 24-hour emergency vet clinic, in case of an emergency, as extended holidays hours by your vet may require that you make a visit to all-night clinic when you can't get a hold of your regular vet. I ran into this problem many years ago, when my cat, Pussytoes, became sick on Christmas Eve, and we had to go to an emergency clinic for help. Unfortunately, they were only open when regular vet offices were closed, so we had to pick up Pussytoes from the emergency clinic and take her to the regular vet during the day, but then take her back to the emergency clinic at night, as that was the only way to give her 24-hour care. She did not survive, however, and we lost her at 3:00 am on December 27.

5. Keep holiday cheer - such as punch, liquor, wine, beer - away from your pet as well. The alcohol is not good for your pet and can make them quite sick.

6. Have a safe, quiet place for your pet to stay when you have holiday parties, with lots of strangers coming in and out of your home, as the constant activity may be over-stimulating for your baby. Don't let all the guests overwhelm your pet at one time. Let your pet approach whomever they want, when they want. Your pet may not want to be picked up and kissed by all the "strangers", even if they are family to you.

7. Have an extra warm blanket available for the much cooler temperatures now becoming evident. Many times if you see a lump in your bed, look under the covers, and voila, your baby appears.

We hope you have a wonderful holiday, including Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. May Santa Claus be good to all of you.

Pit Bulls and Parolees : TV : Animal Planet

2009-11-12T18:00:00.002-06:00

There's a new television show on Animal Planet on Friday nights at 9:00 pm CST (10:00 pm EST) that is focusing on giving Pit Bulls a second chance. Along with Rescue Ink and The Dog Whisperer, which are on National Geographic Channel, as well as It's Me or the Dog on Animal Planet, this is another of our favorite shows. This show just started last week, so be sure to check it out at the link below. Whatever we can do to spread the word about how wonderful Pit Bulls can be, despite some of the bad publicity, is an important step to acceptance.

Pit Bulls and Parolees : TV : Animal Planet

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New October Member of Topcat's Panel of Experts

2009-10-30T18:19:00.005-05:00

We want to welcome our newest member of Topcat's Panel of Experts that joined this month. His name is Duffy, and he is an 8+ year old, 17 pound Cairn Terrier (like Toto in the Wizard of Oz). He lives in Homosassa, Florida, with his mom, Judy. We think he is a very handsome boy, and know that he's in charge of the condominium development where he lives. He tells us that he is looking forward to seeing his "snowbird" friends soon, and hopes that they bring lots of doggie treats with them. Welcome to our family, Duffy, we love you.

Happy Halloween - Keep Your Pets Safe

2009-10-30T18:04:00.004-05:00

Happy Halloween!!

While everyone gets excited by the idea of all the candy that is available for Halloween, be sure to keep your pet safe, and keep the candy away from it. Chocolate is very toxic to both cats and dogs, so don't let your baby have any. In addition, there are ingredients in "candy corn" which is also not good for cats or dogs.

Be sure to keep your pets inside during Halloween trick-or-treating, as many times animals can be "spooked" by all the activity going on outside with trick-or-treaters, or others that may not have such a benign agenda. Many pets get stolen during Halloween (especially black cats), and many times these animals are abused or harmed by those that are unbalanced, cruel, or just being stupid.

Consider keeping your pet in a quiet room during trick or treat hours, as the continuous ringing of the doorbell can upset some pets, or get other pets too excited. Repeatedly opening and closing the door might allow your pet a chance to get out the door, and then to get lost, which would be a horrible way to end your Halloween.

As to costumes, well, it's your call, but in my opinion, many pets do not like to be dressed in costumes. Of course, your baby might really love it, and then, just be sure that your pet's costume is safe. Never have the costume fit too tightly, and don't cover their eyes or paws, so they can still see clearly and be able to move freely. In my experience, leave the cats out of costumes, as they don't like them at all. If you insist, keep the costumes away from their heads. If you must, try a "tutu" or such decoration which does constrict their movement. Make sure there are not strings, ribbons, or other similar items that could get your pet tangled.

If you want to give your babies some special treat for Halloween, try their favorite dog or cat treat, or give them a holiday-themed toy. But keep most human food away from them.

If you light candles, be sure that they are not in reach of your pets, as a cat can easily brush a candle with its tail, and either burn themselves, or knock over the candle and start a fire. If you are planning on leaving your house, be sure that all candles are extinguished.

Those are our tips for a safe and happy Halloween. Enjoy your candy, and enjoy the companionship of your cats and dogs.

Fundraising for the 2009 Walk for Farm Animals

2009-10-14T01:48:00.002-05:00

It's almost time for the 2009 Walk for Farm Animals, organized by the Farm Sanctuary, in DeKalb, Illinois. The walk will be on October 25, 2009. One of our friends, Cindy Mattera, is walking in the 2009 Walk for Farm Animals, along with some of her friends. We've donated to this walk through her website at First Giving. Will you join us in helping this cause. You can click on the widget in the top right corner of this blog to donate through Cindy's page. Together we can work for better conditions for farm animals, so they don't have to keep suffering.

Way to go, Cindy and training buddies. We are so proud to support you and this very important cause.

New September Members of Topcat's Panel of Experts

2009-10-04T23:28:00.010-05:00

During September, Topcat Pet Products, Inc. welcomed three new members to our Panel of Experts.

Mocha lives in San Jose, CA, and is celebrating a birthday. What a beautiful dog. Welcome to the family. We love you.

Jackson and Sophie live in Orlando, Florida, and are beautiful Maltese. They also joined our Panel of Experts in September, and we are very lucky to have them with us. We know that Santa Claus has them on the "nice" list. These cuties couldn't be on the "naughty" list.

We can't wait to add your pets to our Panel of Experts. Just e-mail your pet's pictures, and I'll add them to the website as soon as I can.

Fall/Autumn Tips for your Pets

2009-10-04T23:13:00.007-05:00

It's October, and the weather is changing in Illinois quickly. It's been down in the 40s already, and will probably keep getting cooler as the days shorten.

When the weather gets cooler, it's always a good idea to get your dog groomed prior to winter, as they go through a shedding phase before their winter coat comes in.

Now is also a good time to think about a sweater or coat for your dog or cat, although they already come equipped with their own fur coat. Especially small dogs, or older dogs, and pets with arthritis can benefit from a sweater. It will help keep them warmer and more comfortable.

Another idea is a thermal pet mat/bed, that reflects the pet's own body heat back to them. These thermal mats do not require any wires, and are perfectly safe to use all around the house. We have these in our pet products store, and TC wouldn't want to be without them during the fall and winter. Here's the link or click here:

http://www.shop.TOPCATPETPRODUCTS.COM/Thermal-Cat-Mat-or-Bed-ZW9243.htm

Although the cooler weather is a nice change for many people, if you are now keeping your windows open to enjoy the cooler weather without the air conditioning, be sure that all screens are secured and locked, so that your pets can't get out of the house, or fall from any upstairs windows. Pets can easily push out a screen that is not secured.

Be sure that when you are ready to fire up your fireplace during this season, that you keep your pets well away from the open flames. Most fireplaces have screens that will help to keep your pets safe, and also think about hearth rugs that are fire-resistant, in case in sparks fly from the fire. Be sure that your flue is open, as well, as the carbon monoxide is harmful to both humans and pets.

I'll post again soon.

Halloween Dog Toys

2009-08-31T18:36:00.007-05:00

I know it's still summer, technically, but you will be surprised how soon Fall gets here. Here in Illinois, the weather already feels like Autumn.

My tip for today is to order your Halloween Dog Toys sometime this month, so that you will have a witch, Count Dracula or a scarecrow for them to play with at Halloween. It makes for such a cute picture, when you take pictures of your dog with their themed toys. My friend, Sandy, takes pictures of her dog, Bailey, for all the holidays - bunny ears for Easter along with the rabbit plush toy; Santa hat at Christmas with various Christmas dog chew toys; and a costume for Halloween and a matching dog toy. It's so much fun, and your dog will enjoy the new toy as well.

Aren't they cute?

One of Topcat Pet Products, Inc. newest members of their Panel of Experts is Brownie. He lives across the driveway from us, and is one of the most loving dogs you will ever have the pleasure of meeting. He loves everyone, and just loves attention. He also likes all kinds of chew toys as well, and will run and play and bring them back to you, so you can play some more. I put a picture of Brownie here so you can see just how cute he is.

Isn't he a beautiful boy???

Does your cat or dog want to play @ 3:00 am?

2009-08-01T18:17:00.002-05:00

Does your furry baby wake you up at 3:00 am because they want to play, or eat, or just to get attention? Many times, this is due to the nocturnal nature of your pet, especially cats, that were hunters at night before domestication, and still have some of that hard-wired into their personalities. You must learn to either ignore their efforts completely, as any interaction with them will reinforce the behavior, or try to delay their waking time to closer to your own time. Does your cat kick things on your head from the headboard of the bed? Do they try to knock things off of the dresser or the nightstand, and then look at you expectantly when you open your eyes? Do they crawl under the covers with you or on top of you and stare lovingly into your eyes until you pet them? Your first thought should be - How sweet, they do love me. Then the second thought can be - How can I get them to stop so I can get some sleep?

One way to try and do this is to feed them a little bit of canned (wet) food right before bedtime, as full tummies generally help them sleep, and will delay their hunger reflex for a little longer. It doesn't have to be whole can or a whole bowl, but a bedtime snack sometimes will placate them for several hours.

You might also try a "play" session with them right before bedtime. Let them chase a laser light/laser toy, chase some furry mice, play ball, or some other interactive pastime that they enjoy, such as "hide and seek". A tired and satisfied pet will generally sleep longer than one that has not had much attention from their pet parent for hours. Dogs might also enjoy a walk on a treadmill, which will also drain some of their energy, but I wouldn't suggest this for a cat. Five minutes of one-on-one undivided attention can work wonders with your baby. Whether they like to be cuddled, petted, brushed, or just right next to you, they will thrive on the extra time that you spend with them right before sleepy time.

You can also put some treats in a "treat ball" and leave it out near their bed, so that when they get bored, they can try to get the treats out of the ball and stay occupied for a while. This is also good for mental stimulation. For cats, also leave out their scratching posts or other toys that they can use by themselves for amusement. However, be sure that whatever you leave out for them is appropriate for solitary play, and not something that can harm them if left by themselves.

If you have other tips for a full night's sleep with pets, please e-mail me and we will post them next month. Here's to a great night's sleep for both you and your pet.

New July Members of Topcat Pet Products

2009-07-30T00:39:00.008-05:00

New July Members of Our Panel of Experts

Sam and Max are foster kittens living with Robin in Arizona, and looking very cute and cuddly in this picture. Robin also lives with Gladys, the beautiful black cat in the picture below. It looks like a fun household, Robin. I bet Sam and Max can be very rambunctious. Robin is also a volunteer for a non-profit, no-kill animal rescue group – Pets in Need - with locations in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. They are having a silent auction in December, so if you’re in the area this winter, look them up. Topcat Pet Products, Inc. will be providing a gift certificate for the silent auction. We want to help all the rescue groups we can that try and find loving and permanent homes for all the wonderful cats and dogs out there.

Another new July member, is Taru, a beautiful little boy, Shih Tzu, that lives in Waukegan, IL.

Taru lives with his pet parents, Gene and Yoko, as well as two sweet cats. Taru loves to play with his squeaky toy, lick faces, and be the center of attention. He is a very good boy that enjoys long walks.

We're so happy that each of you have joined our Panel of Experts. You have so much to teach us about being sweet and loving.

Television for Pet Parents of Happy Pets

2009-07-30T00:25:00.005-05:00

Although Topcat and Sweetie are cats, they love to watch The Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan. He just seems to know how to interact with the dogs and make them happy and focused. He always talks about “calm and assertive energy”, and it appears to work well with the canines and their pet parents. New episodes are generally aired Friday nights @ 8:00 pm (Central) on National Geographic Channel. Repeats of previous episodes are generally shown Fridays @ 7:00 pm, with a repeat of the 8:00 pm show at 11:00 pm.

Another show that we have been watching lately is DogTown. Dog Town is part of the Best Friends Animal Society in Kanab, Utah. This show generally shows a variety of dogs that need medical attention, training, or behavioral issues addressed. It is inspiring to know that there are dedicated people who will travel 1,000s of miles to help and rescue dogs that have no other options. Although not in the last few weeks, new episodes were being shown Friday nights @ 9:00 pm (Central) on National Geographic Channel (immediately following Dog Whisperer). We have been a contributor to Best Friends Animal Society for several years, and think that they are a very worthy organization. They are also fighting against puppy mills, which is another cause which is near and dear to us.

We also enjoy watching It’s Me or the Dog with dog trainer, Victoria Stillwell, on Animal Planet. She has a totally different style of training, but it is all about positive reinforcement. You can catch these episodes at various times on Animal Planet, especially early in the morning, such as 8:00 am most weekdays, although we generally watch the program Saturday nights at 7:00 pm (Central).
Be sure to check out our pet products store at http://www.shop.topcatpetproducts.com for some of the items you might see on these shows, such as backpacks for dogs, leashes, harnesses, pet strollers, etc. Our passion is your pet's happiness.

Newest Members of Topcat Pet Products Panel of Experts

2009-07-21T00:29:00.007-05:00

Newest Members of Topcat Pet Products, Inc. Panel of Experts

Savannah expressing her opinion.

Savannah and Cassie live with their pet parents, Chris and Clayton, in Jasper, Georgia

Cassie looking regal at 12 years of age.

Company enjoying her Drinkwell Pet Fountain.

Company lives with her Mom, Lauren, in Summerville, South Carolina.

Two other new members of our Panel of Experts are Rosemary and Boo. They currently live in Waukegan, Illinois, with their pet parent, Don.

Rosemary
Boo

Rosemary is seven years old and loves attention. She is also very cuddly. Boo is five years old and a “sweetheart”, but somewhat shy, and this picture shows her under the bed. They both typically spend most of their day in the “spare” bedroom, as there is a rambunctious dog in their household, as well - Wilson, the Weimaraner, who can make most kitties a little jumpy. As their pet parent loves them very much and wants the best for these two kitties, he is looking for a loving home to adopt the two girls. They don’t have to be adopted together (although that would be nice), but he would love for his girls to have a family that could devote more time to them, and perhaps provide a little more “peace” without a dog, or at least with a dog that likes cats. If you live in Illinois or Wisconsin, and would like to adopt either one of the girls, please leave a comment on this blog and let me know. I can put you in touch with Rosemary and Boo’s pet parent, and you could work out the details. Both cats have been spayed, have all their shots, are very healthy and have their own carriers. Think about, and ask your friends, if they are looking to adopt and/or expand their furry, four-legged family.

Heartworm Preventative for your Pet

2009-07-21T00:25:00.002-05:00

Heartworm is a disease that is common in dogs and cats in all areas throughout the world. Dogs are considered to be the definitive host for heartworms, but cats are prone to infection as well. Most heartworm infections are caused by mosquitoes. Adult heartworms can range from 4” to 6” in length (male), with female adult heartworms ranging from 10” to 12” and causing the most damage. Adult heartworms taken about one year to be fully grown, and can live in your pet for up to five to seven years. They can also reproduce, and the microfilaremia (offspring) can cause additional problems for their hosts. Adult heartworms cause medical problems by clogging the heart and major blood vessels near the heart. They can also interfere with the valve action in the heart. If heartworms are present, the blood supply to other organs in the body is reduced, particularly to the lungs, liver and kidneys. If heartworm disease is not controlled, these organs eventually may fail and your pet may suddenly dies during exercise or excitement. Adult heartworms can also cause destruction to these organs leading to coughing, anemia and weakness.

Signs of heartworm disease can be confused with other diseases in your dog or cat, but symptoms generally include a cough (mild heartworm disease), exercise intolerance, coughing and abnormal lung sounds (moderate heartworm disease), breathing difficulties, coughing, abnormal lung sounds, enlargement of the liver, temporary loss of consciousness due to poor blood flow to the brain, fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity, abnormal heart sounds, weight loss, and loss of stamina (severe heartworm disease). If untreated, heartworm disease can result in death for your pet.

Two tests are generally administered by vets to check your pet for heartworm disease. 1) Antigen tests which detect specific antigens primarily found in adult female heartworms, although these tests do not detect infections less than five months in duration. 2) Microfilarial detection and differentiation, which requires a blood sample be taken from your pet, and then tested by one of the two concentration tests available to find the heartworm offspring in the bloodstream. If the blood tests are positives, most vets will then perform x-rays to look for the signs of heartworms in the organs or the arteries. Enlargement of the arteries in the lobes of the lungs, the pulmonary artery and the right side of the heart are all signs of heartworm infection. Inflammation is also often found in the lung tissue.

Once diagnosed, treatment to rid the animal of the adult heartworms as well as the microfilariae is started. Treatment to eliminate the adult heartworms includes an organic arsenic compound, administered by injection, and thus requires your pet to remain relatively calm and sedate for several weeks. Drugs are also used to rid the body of the offspring as well. While treatment is usually successful, if caught in time, prevention of the disease is much safer, more economical and easier on your pet. The American Heartworm Society recommends year-round prevention, even in seasonal areas. This year-round treatment schedule (mostly on a monthly basis) helps the owners stay on a regular schedule, and most heartworm preventatives also help rid the pet of other intestinal parasites that might infect people as well.

Although dogs are generally more susceptible to heartworm disease, cats as well can be infected, even indoor cats, as the disease is spread through mosquitoes. Heartworm disease is harder to diagnose in cats versus dogs, and is easily overlooked by some owners and vets alike. Although symptoms of heartworm disease in cats can be very non-specific, many may mimic other feline diseases. Therefore, look for vomiting intermittently, lethargy, anorexia, weight loss, coughing, asthma-like signs, gagging, difficulty breathing or rapid breathing.

All in all, it is much better to prevent heartworm disease in your dog or cat than treating it after the fact, and we recommend that you visit your vet to get on track with heartworm prevention. If you don’t want to purchase the heartworm medication from your vet, you can always get these preventatives from 1-800-PetMeds or another pet pharmacy throughout the country. Please take care of your dogs and cats and try to prevent heartworm infections.

Doggie "back packs" for dogs that want to work

2009-07-21T00:03:00.000-05:00

Both large and small back packs for “working” dogs have been added to the pet products page of www.TopcatPetProducts.com . If you’ve ever watched the “Dog Whisperer” Cesar Millan on National Geographic Channel, many times when pet parents are having trouble with their dogs because the dogs are bored or don’t have a specific “job” to do, Cesar recommends a back pack. Most working breed dogs love to do things for their pet parents, and these cute backpacks give them the idea that they are working. They are convenient for walks, as the dog can carry their own pet canteen/water or other items and feel that they are “useful”. Both small and large back packs are available and they might just help your baby to feel more balanced.