National Black Cat Day: The History Behind Black Cats and How You Can Help

If you took a poll of cat fanatics everywhere, most would admit to a soft spot for a cat of a particular color. For some it is because of a favorite childhood companion and others just because of personal preference. The truth is, each cat color has a particular reputation and is generally based on an individual’s memories. One feline of a particular pigment has a unique reputation based off a long history of both myth and chance encounters. Black cats are possibly the only domesticated breed in the world to have just as much good superstition behind them as negative.

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How to Help Your Dog Cope with the Back-To-School Blues

Your dogs are often the stars of summer activities, from running around in the backyard to trips to the lake. Once it comes time to start sharpening those pencils and filling up the lunchbox, though, your dog is in for a rude awakening as they find themselves alone for long stretches of time. Idle paws bring new mischief, especially if your dog is suffering from a mild case of separation anxiety. Here are some tips to minimize the chaos as both you and your family get used to your new routine as you head back to school this season.

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Choosing the Best Cat Litter for Your Needs

You can choose to be adventurous in nearly all areas of your life but switching it up in the litter box can lead to some messy outcomes. That’s why it is important to get the litter choice right the first time, which, in a world which offers more types of litter than coffee brands, can be difficult. Here is a run-down of different main brand litter types, alternatives that are up and coming, and the pros and cons of each:

Lightweight: Name brand cat litter companies have started a new trend, called lightweight cat litter. While the exact ingredients that cause it to be lightweight are not explicitly available, activated charcoal is listed as the primary ingredient. Charcoal, when included with traditional clumping clay litter, creates a litter that absorbs odors and liquids quicker, but also might create a bit more of a mess with both dust and tracking. Generic Viagra at the best price not suitable for cats 

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Water Safety for Your Pooch (Free Treat Recipe Inside)

Sunshine and beaches and pools, oh my! It’s that time of the year when the heat strikes and the prospect of cooling off in the water suddenly becomes irresistible. Before you pack up the pup to spend the day in the water with you, take a look at these important safety tips to make sure both you and you furry loved one enjoy your day in the water:

1. Dogs Have a Learning Curve:

While most dogs have the instinct for doing the doggy paddle when in (or sometimes just hovering above) water, not all dogs are natural or happy swimmers. Dogs who have a heavier build or a short snout, like Bulldogs, Pugs and Boston Terriers, may be less buoyant than their lighter cousins. Even puppies who are enthusiastic about their water time need to be coached through learning to swim and to build up their stamina. To keep your dog safe, whether they are a seasoned seafarer or just learning how to float, invest in a dog life jacket. This special floating vest will keep your dog’s head above water as they swim, and acts as a backup measure for if they get too tired to make it to shore. This is an especially good idea if you will be visiting open water with a current, such as an ocean or river.

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“Why Is My Bowl Pink?” and Other Important Questions

If your pet is anything like my cat, dropping random items into their water bowl is an Olympic sport (bonus points if they manage to get all of the water displaced onto the floor). Unfortunately, there is more than just bottle caps lurking in your pet’s bowls, and some of these additions can be very harmful to your health. Bacteria, introduced either through natural means or by transfer from your pet to their bowl, thrive on your pet’s water and food bowls. 

Read on to hear more about the bacteria and other microbes found in our pets’ bowls and how they can affect you:

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 7 Fantastic Collars and the Dog Personality They Fit Best

Ever feel overwhelmed looking at your local pet store’s wall of collars? In every color, type, length and style possible, it feels like there are hundreds of collar options! All the different types of harnesses are best for different types of dogs, but it can be confusing picking one when in the store. Here are the seven different types of collars (or harnesses) and which dog would best benefit from them:

1) The Classic Flat Collar: For the Perfectly Behaved Dog

This collar is the first type everyone thinks about when faced with a collar decision. Simple, thin and with a quick buckle to make it secure, this collar is excellent for holding your identification tags. This is for the dog who is perfectly behaved and rarely pulls on the leash, as dogs can easily choke themselves when pulling and can slip out of a perfectly sized flat collar. This collar also makes controlling your dog when on the leash more difficult due to the comfortable fit, even when pulling. Unless you have that mystical unicorn of a dog who is perfectly behaved when out and about, it is better to choose a different collar for walks to save your back and your dog’s neck. This is an excellent secondary collar for around the house to make sure your dog always has identification tags attached.

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8 Heartworm Facts to Know for Heartworm Awareness Month

As April is Heartworm Awareness Month, Crate Escape Pet Care has assembled a few facts you may not know about these heartworms. We often hear about these persistent little nematodes every trip to the vet, but not many know the finer details involved in this life-threatening infection for your pets. Read the following eight facts to know before you head out for your pets’ yearly exam:

1. Your Pet Can Get Heartworms at Any Time and Any Place: While many pet owners save a few bucks by only using heartworm prevention for those pets who go outdoors in the warm months, cases of new heartworm are reported all year round in all climates3. Residents of Alaska will be surprised to hear they are just as likely to need heartworm prevention as those in Florida. [Read more…]