Keeping your Pooch in Shape

Now that spring is here, you may be thinking about getting into the swing of things and embracing your workout routine. However, there’s no reason that you should leave your dog at home while you’re working on your beach bod! According to the ASPCA, there are many engaging activities that can improve dog wellness and help your furry friend lose a few extra pounds. Here are a few suggestions that can shake up your workout routine and help your canine get in on the act.

On-leash biking
Going for a long bike ride with your dog in tow is a wonderful way to let off some steam. While this can work if you’re biking through a park or a traffic-free suburban area, it can be difficult when you’re dealing with high levels of traffic. As a result, many pet wellness companies now manufacture bike leash holders that elevate the leash a foot or two away from the bike frame. This will allow your pooch to run alongside you without having the leash or your pooch getting tangled up with you.

Obstacle courses
Whether you create your own using furniture and boxes in your yard, or explore a course in your community, this is a wonderful way to improve your dog’s agility, reports Total-German-Shepherd.com. Whisking your dog through one of these courses will give you a surprising amount of exercise and it can help your canine release a bit of pent-up energy.

Fishing line
Start by removing the hooks from your fishing pole and then attach one of your dog’s chew toys on the end. You can then go in the front yard and practice your cast, while your dog races back and forth trying to chase after the toy.

Swimming
On an especially hot day, nothing will make you or your pooch happier than going to take a dip in the nearest lake. Bring along a tennis ball that your dog can chase into the water and bring back to you to help him increase his heart rate. After a long winter, you and your canine may need to lose a bit of weight, but now is the best time to amp up your fitness level.

Using these fun activities, you can create many warm memories and finally get back in shape when it’s time to hit the beach. How do you combine you and your pooch’s workout routine?

To know more about the Hartz Flea products, log on to http://hartzflea.blogspot.com/

Getting your cat to a healthy weight

Over a long winter, you may begin to notice your waistline expanding from a lack of activity, but if you’re not up and moving, there’s a good chance that your pet is doing the same. For cat owners, weight gain is a huge problem that can directly affect cat wellness and can lead to a rash of ailments such as diabetes, joint issues and can inhibit your cats quality of life. However, getting a cat to lose weight is far more difficult than working with a canine, so you’ll have to put in the extra effort to get your feline back in shape. According to SFGate.com, you should keep the following tips in mind to help your furry friend regain his vitality and get back to a more fit and healthier state.

Take him to the vet
Before you embark on any weight loss plan, you should take a trip to your veterinarian to get blood work done and begin a course of action to help your feline lose weight. This will let you know the ideal weight for your feline, considering size and age, to ultimately slim down to the perfect proportion. Additionally, this is a good chance to get your feline’s spring vaccinations and other regular tests done to protect against the many seasonal risks.

Make a commitment to regular play
Getting your feline up and moving is one of the most effective means of accelerating heart rate and helping burn calories, but unless you bring your cat on regular walks, you’ll have to get a bit creative. Invest in a few engaging cat toys that make sounds and can pique interest. Hide the toys inside of a paper bag or search for feathery toys that can dangle behind you and can be chased. Avoid products like laser pointers – while it will get him up and moving, they will frustrate your furry friends since they can never be caught!

A change in diet
Upping the nutritional quality of your feline’s food and limiting portion sizes is another effective means of dropping excess weight. Look for products made with mainly natural ingredients and free of corn, grain and other fillers. It may cost a bit extra, but it may just improve your feline’s longevity and overall health.

To know more about the Hartz Flea products, log on to http://hartzflea.blogspot.com/

Hartz Named one of America’s Greatest Brands

We are very proud to announce and share with all of our fans, that we were recently named one of America’s Greatest Brands. Take a look and see what the organization had to see about us or read the whole the entire article here.

“It’s hard to think of another company as synonymous with pet supplies as the Hartz Mountain Corporation. For the past 85 years, anyone who has ever had a family member with fur, feathers, or scales is likely to have used a Hartz product.
Whether it was the bright orange packs of bird seed of the forties and fifties, the original flea and tick collars of the sixties and seventies, the ever-present
hamburger squeak toys, the can of Wardley Goldfish flakes, or some of its latest innovations, Hartz has been the iconic brand of pet supply products for generations of pet-loving households. In 2010–2011, over 25 million pet-owning households bought a Hartz product for their loved ones. No other pet supply company can make that claim.

Hartz understands that the relationship you have with your pet is unique and special, and Hartz honors that relationship every day, in everything the company does. The pet people at Hartz don’t just strive to understand the human-animal bond, they live it. Hartz offers the finest-quality pet supplies to help your pet live a healthier, happier, and longer life.”

To know more about the Hartz Flea products, log on to http://www.hartz.com/

Pets and your Kids

Kids and Pets are a great combination. Many adults fondly remember their first childhood pet, and it can set them up for a lifetime of animal companionship. Yet pets can also present certain dangers to children, who may not know enough to keep themselves safe. For this reason, it is important that you monitor the interactions of kids and pets. Here are some things to think about:

Pets and Infants:
If you welcome a baby into a family that already has pets, be sure you introduce your pets to the infant slowly over time. It is important that they become familiar with this new family member under your constant supervision. As the child grows older, realize that he or she won’t have a full grasp on what the pet really is, whether it is a cat or dog or anything else. This means they may not respect the pet’s space the same way adults do, something you should watch for and prevent. Additionally, try to keep any pets that are naturally aggressive from interacting too closely with an infant or smaller child.

Teach Proper Bite Prevention:
One of the greatest dangers that pets pose to children, most notably dogs, is pose to children “biting.” Teach your child the signs that a dog is being aggressive or moody and let them know that they should not play with them in these situations. Be sure your child knows to react to a biting dog by curling up and protecting their hands and face while calling for help. If you are worried about dog bites, supervise your kids’ interactions with dogs and teach your child to use your dog’s stop-commands such as “stop” or “sit.”

Keep Toys Separate:
Remember that your child’s toys will not be safe for your pets to play with and vice versa. Especially when your kids are young, you should keep their toys separate.

Good Pets for Kids:
Pets and Your Kids If you’re buying a new pet and have young children, you should take all of their abilities and needs into consideration. Children under twelve or so will not be able to take on much responsibility for a pet such as a cat or dog, but can manage very well with pets like goldfish for example. A guinea pig is a good pet for young kids since it is gentle and easily handled. You shouldn’t let a child shoulder the responsibility for a pet alone though, it is up to you to make sure the pet is receiving the proper care.

Interacting Alone:
Once a child is older than four or five and has demonstrated adequate understanding of the behavior of family pets, it is alright to let them interact without close supervision. This is only if the animal has demonstrated a good demeanor as well. It is up to you to make sure the dog is trained not to jump up, bite, or be aggressive with children. When first allowing them to play together, try games that don’t require much physical contact, but rather ease your children into more intimate play with your pets.

For more information on Hartz Flea Control products for cats and dogs, logon to www.hartz.com

Preparing Your Pet for Spring

Springtime is here and it’s time to get your pal ready for the warmer weather ahead. You’re doing it for your home, your car even your pet needs some spring cleaning to stay comfortable and well-groomed as the weather heats up.

Grooming

When the weather gets warmer and the days get longer, we pet owners know what’s coming: your pet shedding its winter coat in large fluffy clumps. Without proper grooming, your pet’s coat will blow in your house, your car and on your newly dry-cleaned spring coat (creating even more spring cleaning!) The easiest way to stop the fur from flying, is to start a weekly brushing regimen (keep it outside if possible). Removing the loose fur on a regular basis will keep your pet comfortable in rising temperatures. Many pets love their brushing time, the sensation and bonding time is important to your furry friend.

Claw and nail trimming is always important but during your pet’s spring cleaning it’s a great time to clip them a little closer than usual. Here is our top tip, go to a vet. Using a professional such as a vet, groomer or pet salon will result in a closer nail trim. If you do prefer to clip on your own, invest in a nail grinder.

Allergies

Both you and your pet can see an increase in allergies in the springtime. Keep an eye out for symptoms like a runny nose, coughing, sneezing and watery eyes in your pet. If your pet seems uncomfortable, it’s a great opportunity to bring your pet in for a vet visit! Pet dander can also increase human allergies, so increased grooming may need be needed.

Flee the fleas

If your pet is not on year-round flea and tick preventatives, the warmer weather is the first signal to begin giving them. Be sure your pets are protected, and after playing outside make sure to check your pet’s entire body for ticks so they can be removed immediately


For more information on Hartz Flea Control products for cats and dogs, logon to www.hartz.com

Hartz - Selecting the Right Vet for Your Dog

Next to you, your vet is one of your pet’s most important caretakers. Finding and establishing a relationship with the right vet can be critical to the long-term health and well-being of your dog. Whether you’re new to pet ownership or just need to switch vets, here are some key points to consider during your search.

Solicit Recommendations
Start by asking friends, family or neighbors – preferably those who own a dog – for recommendations. Inquire about their own experiences with their pet’s vet. Is he gentle with their dog? Is he a good listener and easy to talk to? Does he communicate in easy-to-understand terms? Remember, that you are your dog’s best advocate – if you’re not comfortable with the vet’s bedside manner, it’s unlikely that your dog will be either.
Chances are, if you purchased your dog from a local breeder or animal shelter, they have an established relationship with the local vet community and can refer you to a trusted practice. Even with a recommendation, however, be sure to double-check references yourself!
If you’re moving into a new area, ask your current vet if he can give you the name of a trusted colleague or clinic, or refer you to someone who can.
If possible, choose a vet that is close to home. Short car rides will help minimize stress for your dog, especially if she is sick or injured.

Conduct a phone interview
Make an initial screening call to the vet’s office to ask some basic questions about the vet and his practice.
Check credentials:Hone your list down to a few reputable doctors who have graduated from a veterinary program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association and holds a current state license. Also check your state’s veterinary medical board website to see if there are any formal complaints filed against them.
Schedule an office visit:Once you’ve narrowed your list to two or three possibilities, ask to schedule a meeting with the vet and have a tour of the facilities. If you already have a dog, bring her along to see how she and the staff interact.
Office hours:Make sure they are compatible with your own. Find out the average wait time for a non-emergency visit.
Fee/rate structure:Vet care can be expensive. Ask what they charge for office visits and annual exams, as well as standard care items such as vaccines, heartworm tests and spaying/neutering.
Insurance:Make sure they accept your coverage if you have or plan to buy pet insurance
During your visit, take note of the general clinic environment. Is the waiting room spacious, clean and organized? Is the building free of strong or unpleasant odors? Is the staff friendly to you and at ease with your dog?

Some items to discuss with the vet may include:
Multi-practice:If the clinic has more than one vet, find out who will care for your pet if he is unavailable. Some practices rotate and share cases; if this is the case, be sure to meet and evaluate his colleagues.
Emergency availability:How does the office handle daytime and after-hour emergencies? Is there a vet on-call 24/7? Can they provide night-time coverage if necessary?
Specialties:What types of injuries or diseases is the staff trained to treat? Do they consult with a wider veterinary network to treat cases outside of their specialty? Do they utilize the services or facilities of a local animal hospital?
Staff turnover:How consistent are staffing levels for vets, technicians and office staff? Low turnover usually indicates a positive work environment and can mean a better experience for you and your pet.

Careful Planning Pays Off
Trust your instincts. Even if a vet comes highly recommended they may not be the right one for you or your dog. Take time to research and ask questions before you need a vet’s services; it will help you establish a positive rapport with the right doctor and ensure a better experience for your dog.

For more information on Hartz Flea Control products for cats and dogs, logon to http://hartzflea.blogspot.com/

Hartz – Caring for feral cats in the winter

While you have your own feline at home to worry about, you may be starting to notice that the feral cats in your neighborhood could struggle with the onset of winter. It’s only natural to want to help these felines and bring them to a shelter to find a good home, but they are feral and the outdoors is essentially their home year-round. Worse yet, if you did happen to bring a feral cat into a shelter, they would probably euthanize it since it wouldn’t be able to be socialized with humans.

This also applies to bringing a feral cat into your home – he won’t be able to adjust and actually belongs in the outdoors. According to CatChannel.com, there are a few cat wellness steps that you can take to give a helping hand to the less fortunate furry friends in your community and give you peace of mind that you’re doing something to help. Feeding the cats is probably one of the easiest ways you can help, but you need to be sure that bringing food to the felines won’t cause them to be a problem with people that may live in the neighborhood.

Bring the food to a spot that is away from traffic and other people, and try to bring it every day at a scheduled time. While some cats will learn to catch food for themselves, you can ensure that they have a steady supply of food throughout the winter. If there’s a large family of cats, they probably need a shelter to be able to get through the winter. You can build one yourself or ask around at animal shelters for a kit that will work for your purposes. This will provide a dry and warmer place for the cats to get through the season – just be sure to ask the person who owns the property if it is allowed to provide this kind of shelter for the cats.

Feral cats are a fact of life in rural and urban areas, and it can break your heart to know that you can’t provide a good home for them. However, there are some simple animal wellness improvements you can look into that will improve their lives throughout the coldest months of the year.

For more information on Hartz Flea Control products for cats and dogs, logon to www.hartz.com