On Line Pet Shop Blog

Overfeeding Pets Is no good in the long term

2011-12-28T09:08:00.000Z

It’s all too easy to give your pet food treats between meals – they are so appealing, after all – but according to animal charity PDSA, more than a third of British dogs are already overweight, and this proportion could rise to 50% by 2013. The charity has been highlighting the dangers of over-feeding pets in recent months, with slimming competitions for tubby tabbies and corpulent canines encouraging pet owners to do something about the situation.

So, what are the dangers to overweight animals – and how can owners help pets whose paunches have become a problem?

Portly pets?
The simple case is that – like humans – pets which are overweight have a reduced quality of life. They are likely to be less sprightly generally and less keen to exercise – in short, they are going to be less fun.
But in addition to this, they are also likely to suffer from a range of conditions linked to their obesity. Again, as with humans, this can include heart disease, diabetes, respiratory problems, high blood pressure and even cancer.

The RSPCA calls obesity “an extremely serious welfare issue”, highlighting that it causes a large amount of unnecessary suffering to pets. Ultimately, it can lead to reduced life expectancy.

Obesity can be a result of disease, and there are also a variety of factors that can have a bearing on weight for both cats and dogs. For example, some breeds are more prone to obesity than others, while being neutered and the ageing process also increases the risk.

However, a more common reason than any of these is that a pet is getting more energy from its food than it is using up in exercising; either it’s eating too much, or not being active enough.

With cats and dogs, you should be able to feel the ribs – though they should not be sticking out – and the animal should have a waist which is visible from above, along with a belly which is tucked up when viewed from the side. If it does not have these features then it may be overweight, or even obese, depending on the scale of the problem, and it could make sense to contact your vet.

What owners can do
It is suggested that owners feed their animals commercial pet food – as recommended by a vet – as opposed to providing a home-made diet, as pet foods make it easier to gauge the level of nutrients they are getting. Try to follow the guidelines on the packaging so you don’t under- or over-feed.

While giving treats can work well in training to reward good behaviour, owners should try to avoid sugary or salty food – in fact, the PDSA suggests that most dogs like chopped carrot.

The other part of the equation is ensuring that your pet gets plenty of exercise. In addition to taking a dog for walks – and allowing it to run off the lead in safe, contained areas – there are a number of ways to encourage it to take exercise. Playing ‘fetch’ with a tennis ball or even a Frisbee is a common example, while allowing your dog to swim is a good option for animals with joint problems. If you are up to it and if you have a dog which is calm enough, you could even try a ‘springer’ – a fixed lead with a built-in spring – which allows you to cycle safely alongside your pet.

Cats – particularly those which spend their time indoors – may also need to be encouraged to play, with owners setting aside time to interact with them. In addition, a cat which has a relatively soft life can be encouraged to ‘work’ for their food by using toys which release food when they are pushed around.

Ultimately, a slim pet is likely to be healthier than an overweight one which can always be acheived by selecting the correct dog food.

City Makes It Illegal For Dogs To Bark

2011-12-28T09:01:00.000Z

The Ukranian city of Kherson has enacted a law which makes it illegal for dogs to bark between the hours of 10pm and 8am in an effort to make the community quieter for residents.

The law also covers cats miaowing and pigs grunting, so say reports.

Owners of barking dogs caught breaking the new rule will be subject to a fine of up to £65.

Opposition to the law has come in the form of complaints that it may be hard, if not impossible to enforce.

Maybe if they spent more on their dog food the dogs wouldn't bark so much in the first place.

Dog Food and Weight

2011-12-27T06:34:00.002Z

Just like people, dogs need to watch their weight, too. The type of dog food you feed your pet greatly impacts their health. Veterinarians agree that as a dog gains weight, their overall health and life expectancy decreases. It's not uncommon for pet owners to want to feed their dogs table scraps or extra dog cookies to reward good behavior. But the more calories your dog takes in, the more pounds they pack on.
For a puppy, excess calories are essential because a puppy's natural nature to run and play burns off the excess. But as dogs age, and their activity levels decrease, it's much easier for them to gain weight, even if they're still eating the same type of dog food that they have for years. Find out how you can help improve your dog's health and help them lose weight by feeding them the right type of dog food.

Avoid Fillers
Many veterinarians recommend a meat-based diet for dogs needing to lose weight. The dog food found in most retail stores that's sold for a cheap price is usually full of fillers that calculate into empty calories once it's digested. If the kibble or canned food says it's lamb, chicken, or beef based your dog has a better chance of losing weight. Even though it may seem like a lot of heavy ingredients to add to your pet's food, the protein provided allows your dog to fill up faster and metabolize what it ate at a quicker pace. Dogs are more similar to people than most realize. If it is full of empty carbohydrates, they will get a surge of energy and then feel sluggish as their body digests the excess sugars and calories.

Watch Out for Fattening Snacks
If your dog has a relatively good diet and eats quality food but still gains weight, you need to assess the snacks you feed your dog. If you're filling their dinner bowl with table scraps, you are adding hundreds of excess calories to their daily intake. If you only feed them treats designed for dogs, read the labels. Snacks manufactured to look and taste like popular table items, such as bacon, also have a lot of sodium, fat, and calories to make them taste like the real thing. Consider limiting your dog's snacks or omitting them altogether. By analysing the types of dog food your dog eats daily, you should be able to pinpoint the source of the weight gain.

Contact Us For Advice
If you are still unsure and want some impartial and helpful advice contact the Pet Food Shop

Unique Fainting Kittens

2011-11-22T07:04:00.002Z

Fainting Kittens Could Be Unique

Charlie and his brother Spike have become an Internet hit due to their unique condition suspected to be myotonia congenita, also known as "fainting goat" syndrome, is a disorder that affects the muscles used for movement. It is extremely rare in cats - Charlie and Spike are the only known cases in the UK, according to the Royal Veterinary College. There have been six reported cases outside the UK, two from the US and four from New Zealand.

The cats owner Edward Scarr said he realised there was a problem soon after taking Charlie home.

"I noticed that he was having trouble standing up properly and that something wasnt right," he said. "He would be walking around and then at the slightest sound collapse into a rigid paralysis for a while before returning to normal.

"When I took him back to the pet shop I was told that Charlies brother had been returned with the same condition, and that he was going to be put down. I ended up taking both cats home."

He said: "Sadly Spike has since died. His condition was more extreme and it affected his respiratory system.

"Charlie is now going to be treated with drugs that have never been used on cats before. He is being put on a long-term course of drugs which will stabilise the membrane of the muscles so they wont contract as much,"

Be a Responsible Owner – Treat your Pets Like Family

2011-03-30T15:53:00.002+01:00

The Correct Meal Plan

The size and breed of your pet will often dictate the type of food you choose for their diet. For instance, if you have a large dog like a mastiff, they need a higher calorie dog food specially formulated to support their bones and joints and active lifestyle whereas a small breed dog will need something entirely different. The age of your family animals also need to be taken into account because as they grow older, their dietary needs change. Trying different food manufacturers to see if your pet prefers one brand from another, at K9 Capers you can buy James Wellbeloved dog food as well as many other well known brands.

Tools to Promote Exercise and Playtime

Family pets, when left to their own devices, often create their own activities – some of them destructive. Have you ever come home to find your shoes or furniture chewed on? With the right toys and activities, you will not only keep your pet entertained and happy, but you could also prevent destructive mishaps around the home. Balls, kongs filled with treats, chew toys, and tough, durable cotton or plush toys are just a few of many options for pet entertainment.

Training and Grooming Care

A trained pet is often a happy one. When taught a basic set of "rules" and acceptable behaviours, the animals in your family will flourish under your care because they know what to expect. There are many items that help in the training process such as special head collars, whistles, clickers, small treats to reinforce model behaviour and even training books and videos for pet owners.

Grooming is an essential part of pet ownership as it can also directly tie into their overall health. For instance, an ungroomed cat that is not brushed often can develop hairballs which can cause discomfort in their digestive tract. Flea and tick shampoos and conditioners are important as are preventatives so that your family animals do not develop any diseases or illnesses as a result of these pests. Of course, prescriptions and supplements for health maintenance may be a factor in overall care at some point in time.

As you can see, taking care of your family pets is quite similar to raising children. Both need proper pet food and nutrition, exercise, play, grooming and personal attention in order to thrive. Keep these things in mind before your family purchases or adopts a pet.

Additional Services Offered by Pet Store Staff

2011-03-30T15:47:00.002+01:00

Pet Food Advice
Not all online stores are the same when it comes to advice on the best food for your pet, at K9 Capers you'll find staff ready to help you with helpful advice about food and nutrition. Many times pets are unwell through diet and a call to a company like K9 Capers could save a large vet bill. At K9 Capers you can buy a wide range of pet foods including James Wellbeloved dog food.

When you have a pet, finding the right pet store is important to getting the right food, bedding, toys, and medical necessities. But many pet stores offer more than just the traditional pet supplies. Many stores specialise in bathing and grooming, adopting out pets, and providing obedience classes. This is beneficial for pet owners who feel comfortable working with a particular store. All of the services a pet owner could need are provided in one place by a company that has already built up trust and confidence with the client. Most stores advertise their extra services, but you can always enquire with your pet store to find out if they plan on offering extra or specific services.

Bathing and Grooming

Most dog owners take advantage of grooming services offered by their pet store. However, there are cat owners and small animal owners that also like to take their pet for pampering by a trained professional. Most stores allow you to make an appointment for bathing and grooming, and then you can shop while your pet is cleaned and groomed. By using the pet shop as your groomer, you can purchase the same products used at the store for use on your pet at home. This allows you to use the same products on your pet's skin and fur, reducing the chances that your pet will suffer an allergic reaction to different products.

Pet Store Training Classes

Pet stores work with certified dog trainers to bring classes to their customers. Some stores have classes meet in a sectioned off area of the parking lot, while others have enough space to hold certain classes indoors. The benefit of using your local shop for classes is that the trainer can use and recommend certain treats for your pet available from the store. This allows you to provide consistency when training and you don't have to worry that the trainer will provide tastier treats than what you have at home.

If you prefer to work with an Internet store, you can still take advantage of certified trainers. Many online stores such as www.petsparadise.co.uk build relationships with local trainers who may offer incentives if you sign up for a class through the store. The online shop will also carry the items you need for training, meaning that you don't need to worry about visiting a store. The next time you're visiting your favourite pet shop, whether online or in person, remember to enquire about additional services that could benefit your pet.

Does It Matter What and Where You Buy? Dog Food Buying Tips

2011-03-14T13:38:00.002Z

If you have a dog and are tired of having to run out to buy dog food on a regular basis, consider buying it online from a reputable source. There are more resources than ever that offer great dog food products you can buy. Pricing is often competitive enough to make it fully worth your while and doing this through the internet could even help you access better quality products than you can access locally.

More people shop online for their pets than ever. There are basic supplies, you'll find upscale boutique supplies, and there are innovative products from supplies, toys, and feeding standpoints that you may not find offline in your city or town. Online pet stores are also often a good source of information. The internet can help you learn about effectively feeding your pet as well as about care and training tips also.

Not All Dog Food is Equal

Have you ever read the label of your dog's food? A lot of people default to familiar brands when they buy dog food out of habit or lack of options. Some are astonished when they find out how nutritionally inferior their products are when compared to some of the better dog foods on the market. Maybe your local pet shop or market doesn't carry a brand that you want. The internet could be an excellent place to start looking to improve your pet's health as well as treat any issues that could be food related.

What's the best dog food brand?

You'd be hard pressed to find two people that agree on what is the ‘best' dog food out there. Many factors need to be weighed, including: ingredients, nutritional content, ethical business practices, availability, and value. Some pet parents prefer wet food and some prefer dry food. Some are of the opinion that certain ingredients as the staple protein are more advantageous than others. Your dog's breed, your dog's age, his or her size, and any food sensitivities are obviously going to be factors you consider. Taking time to think before you buy your canine's food is going to help you make the best decision for the health and longevity of your four-legged friend.

When buying pet supplies online, you'll want to deal with a reputable company with a high standard of customer service. That company will also need to be competitive. You will want to look at shipping charges, lead time for orders, and how comprehensive their offering is. Once you start shopping to buy dog food and other pet supplies online, you might never find the need to set foot into the local pet shop again. But whether you use the web for certain purchases or for all your purchases, being an informed shopper will help you do the right thing for your pet(s). One of the best selling dog foods at The Pet Food Shop online store is Royal Canin Dog Food

Dog Breed and Overall Health Should Be your Guide when You Buy Dog Food

2011-03-14T13:27:00.002Z

Your dog will enjoy and practically devour anything you put in their dish but you should be careful when you buy dog food. Your pet does not think about vitamins and minerals and whether they are eating a balanced diet because that is your job as the owner. It is up to you to choose the right meals that will help them be strong and stay healthy.

One of the hardest parts about dog ownership is figuring out which food on the pet market will best provide the proper nutrition your dog needs – from puppyhood to senior status. Veterinarians and pet experts don't always agree on the right formulations which is why you will see a variety of foods from moist to dry kibble on the market. The only thing you can do is make an educated decision based on your vet's advice for what your growing dog requires.

Needs Change

When you buy dog food, it is important to remember that their nutritional needs change. Puppies often need kibble with a higher level of fat content and nutrients because their bodies are still developing whereas a young dog reaching adulthood will need a different formulation.

Transitioning your dog from puppy food to regular dog food to senior formulas requires a gradual switch so their digestive systems will learn to tolerate a new food formula. Take a week or two for the transition, mixing the old and new dog food in proportionate amounts over time until you phase out the old formula.

Food Choices

A balanced diet is essential for optimal health but how do you choose from the many formula variations? You should keep in mind what a balanced diet for your particular dog breed requires. Your pet needs a balance of fats, proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals in addition to clean water daily.

One of the best ways to ensure your pet is getting the right dog food formula is to conduct weekly inspections. Do their gums look healthy? Are their eyes clear and bright? Is their skin well-hydrated with a shiny, healthy-looking coat? If one or more of these indicators seem off, you may need to change your dog's food formula or perhaps the brand.

Maintaining an Optimal Weight

One of the hardest things to maintain in humans is a healthy weight and body mass index and dogs are no different! If you find that your pet is gaining weight, you need to look to the amount and frequency of their feedings. Another thing to keep in mind is any treats they may be receiving each day as these count towards their overall calories in their diet. Of course, adding some physical exercise may help with maintaining an optimal weight too.

Finding the right formulation may take some trial and error when you buy dog food. As long as you keep an eye on your pet's health and monitor their size and weight, you should be able to keep them healthy with no problem. One of more popular dog foods that the pet food store Pet Food Shop sell is Royal Canin Dog Food

Pet Supplies for Birds

2011-02-28T12:02:00.002Z

Owning a bird for the first time or owning a new breed of bird may mean that you may not understand all of the pet supplies you need. Some birds can be higher maintenance pets and require a bit more than just food, water, and a cage. Depending on the type of bird you own, you will need to consider supplies for both the regular cage and the outside play area. Although owning a pet bird can be time consuming, the bonds most owners form with their bird often far outweighs the inconvenience of needing to spend a little extra time caring for it.

Basic Pet Supplies for a Bird

The most important purchase you'll make is a cage. Depending on the size of your bird, you will need a cage large enough for them to move around comfortably. Since it's natural for a bird to want to fly, the cage should provide enough space for them to flap their wings and flutter around the cage. You'll need to pay extra attention to the bar spacing, since you don't want a cage with too large spacing if your bird is small, or it could get its head stuck.

Food is the next investment. You can speak with the pet store about which food is best for your bird, but most birds do well on a diet of pellets and fresh foods. Most pet stores have professionals that know which types of fresh fruits and vegetables your bird is able to eat. You'll also need dishes for food and water. After purchasing food, you'll need to focus on pet supplies for the cage.

Cage Supplies

Perches are probably the most important pet supplies needed for inside the cage. In the wild, birds have a variety of perches to choose from including trees, wires, bird houses, and fences. It's important that you provide perches of different sizes and textures. Since birds will peck at perches, you will need to replace these occasionally.

Toys are another supply you'll need. Different birds like different types of toys, so find out if your bird prefers toys they can shred to make nests, wood toys to chew, mirrors to look at and talk to, or puzzle toys that provide a treat as a reward.

If you're going to put your bird in a central part of your home, you may want to invest in a cage cover. Birds need at least 10 to 12 hours of sleep, and you can trick them into thinking it's dark by putting a cover over the cage. This helps prevent your bird from getting nasty and biting you when you try to play with it. While there are quite a few more pet supplies available for bird owners, investing in the basics is a good way to make sure your bird is happy and comfortable in its new home.

Signs You Are Choosing the Best Online Pet Store for your Pet Needs

2011-02-28T11:58:00.000Z

Shopping at an online pet store for all your pet's needs is not only convenient but also provides the best deals, especially over a store with a brick and mortar location. Online shopping allows you to compare prices as well as determine product availability. However, do you know which store online is best for all your pet needs? Understanding overall quality and business practices can help you choose the best internet venue.

Cost of Delivery

Most online stores will have cheaper pricing so they will sometimes make a greater profit margin by charging high delivery rates or shipping and handling fees. When you select an online store for pet products, look for one that offers free shipping once you reach a certain price mark or offers affordable pricing comparable to standard mail rates. If at all possible, choose an online store that has warehouses within your region as this can reduce shipping and handling charges too.

Product Options

Look for a store online that offers a wide variety of products which will cover all aspects of pet ownership from food and grooming to training, toys and accessories. In addition, the description of the products on their website should offer enough information such as size, colour, weight and more so you can make the best informed decision possible. When feasible, look for an online store which goes into detail as to the benefits for your pet would be should you choose a certain product. Do the products pass inspection from governing agencies? Are there testimonials from satisfied buyers?

Rewards and Return Policies

Many online stores offer special rewards to facilitate repeat business. Does the pet store you are interested in offer rewards? These rewards can often be used as cash or as a discount for future purchases – a great incentive for return customers. Sometimes, you may even garner discounts just for joining an email mailing list exclusive for customers.

Of course, sometimes an online purchase just doesn't work out for your pet. Does the online store have a return policy? A reputable online store will have several options for product replacement, returns and refunds.

Overall, it is the convenience and product selection that makes shopping in an online store for all your pet needs worthwhile. Check with your vet as well as friends who have pets to see where they shop for pet items. Chances are between their recommendations and your research you will find a reputable online pet store that will make future purchases for your pet an easy task.

Does It Matter What and Where You Buy? Dog Food Buying Tips

2011-02-28T11:50:00.001Z

Be a Responsible Owner – Treat your Pets Like Family

2011-02-28T11:47:00.000Z

If you view your pets as young children, you will ensure that you always have happy, healthy animals around your home. Just like children, they require a healthy diet, exercise, personal attention, play and training to understand right and wrong. If you do not enforce all of these principles, misbehaviour could result which can affect their health and safety.

The Correct Meal Plan

The size and breed of your pet will often dictate the type of food you choose for their diet. For instance, if you have a large dog like a mastiff, they need a higher calorie dog food specially formulated to support their bones and joints and active lifestyle whereas a small breed dog will need something entirely different. The age of your family animals also need to be taken into account because as they grow older, their dietary needs change.

Tools to Promote Exercise and Playtime

Family pets, when left to their own devices, often create their own activities – some of them destructive. Have you ever come home to find your shoes or furniture chewed on? With the right toys and activities, you will not only keep your pet entertained and happy, but you could also prevent destructive mishaps around the home. Balls, kongs filled with treats, chew toys, and tough, durable cotton or plush toys are just a few of many options for pet entertainment.

Training and Grooming Care

A trained pet is often a happy one. When taught a basic set of "rules" and acceptable behaviours, the animals in your family will flourish under your care because they know what to expect. There are many items that help in the training process such as special head collars, whistles, clickers, small treats to reinforce model behaviour and even training books and videos for pet owners.

Grooming is an essential part of pet ownership as it can also directly tie into their overall health. For instance, an ungroomed cat that is not brushed often can develop hairballs which can cause discomfort in their digestive tract. Flea and tick shampoos and conditioners are important as are preventatives so that your family animals do not develop any diseases or illnesses as a result of these pests. Of course, prescriptions and supplements for health maintenance may be a factor in overall care at some point in time.

As you can see, taking care of your family pets is quite similar to raising children. Both need proper nutrition, exercise, play, grooming and personal attention in order to thrive. Keep these things in mind before your family purchases or adopts a pet.

Pet Supplies and Advice for Your Child’s First Pet

2011-02-07T08:48:00.000Z

In need of a pet and some pet supplies for your son or daughter's first pet? Before you buy all your pet supplies, it's important to carefully weigh the situation. Talk to your kids and carefully weigh the pros and cons of the situation.

Pets can be a great thing for a child. It teaches them responsibility and when children love animals, it can be an invaluable gift to them to have a pet of their very own. You'll need to obtain the pet and you'll need pet supplies, too. Here's some info in that regard and here's some additional information to get prepared as well:

Setting Expectations

A lot of children beg for a new puppy or a new kitten without the slightest regard for the expense, the work, and the supplies that a pet takes. Regardless of whether your child is asking for a goldfish, a guinea pig, or a puppy or kitten, it's important to research and set expectations with them.
Sit down and look at resources that provide information about care. If buying a puppy, your child will need to understand the training, the walking, and the feeding required on a daily basis. If buying a small animal that will live in your child's room, you'll want to be sure they understand how to change bedding, feed, and care for the animal on a continuous basis.

Setting a Budget
It's important to factor in the price of the pet, initial pet supplies, ongoing pet supplies, and vet costs. Perhaps your child will be responsible for all or a part of these fees through a part-time job, paper round, or allowance. Talk this over with them so that expectations are clear.

Monitoring
The right pet for your child will depend on a lot of factors including his or her age and personality. Smaller children may not be compatible as being solely responsible for certain animals whereas others may be perfectly acceptable. Be prepared to monitor the situation so you know that your child is able and willing to meet their responsibilities. You'll want to be sure that you can see that the pet is thriving so you might, depending on the type of animal, keep it in a communal area of the home rather than your child's bedroom, for example.

Being Ready As A Family
Are you prepared for what to do if your child doesn't mesh well with the new pet or shirks their responsibilities? Are they really truly ready for the responsibility of a pet? Are you ready to pick up the slack of caring for the animal if your son or daughter doesn't do a good job on their own?

A lot of factors should be considered before bringing a new animal into the home and it should never be an impulse decision. If you're in a pet shop or on a website and are looking at pets and pet supplies online, it might be advantageous to consider the purchase for a good week or so before taking the plunge. That way you and the rest of your family can carefully weigh the pros and cons and ensure that everyone is ready for the responsibilities that a new pet brings.

What Is The Perfect Pet For You?

2011-02-07T08:42:00.000Z

Looking to buy a pet, but feel overwhelmed with all the options out there? There are four questions you should ask yourself to help you arrive at the perfect conclusion for you.

#1: How will the pet interact with the people in my life?
This one is a sizable factor in most living situations. If you have children, how will they and the pet interact with each other? A dog or a cat works better with small children than a parrot or a guinea pig. A bad match could be harmful to the child, but will more likely be harmful to the animal. Are any of the people in your life allergic to a particular animal? Cat and dog allergies are common. Also, one last person to consider if you rent a residence... what will your landlord think?

#2: How much space do I have?
Space is another big factor. If you don't have much, then something small that stays in a cage or tank, such as a mouse or goldfish could be ideal. Bigger houses lend themselves to pets like ferrets, cats and dogs respectively.

#3: What is my budget?
In most instances, there is an initial purchase then an "upkeep cost" for pets. For example, a rescue cat an be picked up for free from a shelter, or can cost 300+ pounds for a purebred from a breeder, with food, litter, trips to the vet, etcetera that same cat should cost around 125+ pounds per year. Interested in an aquarium? Fish can cost a few quid to hundreds for the full aquarium setup plus the fish, but annual upkeep is only a few pounds --- unless you're looking for saltwater setup. In the middle of the road, most rodents will run about 30 pounds for the animal plus the cage and equipment, and will cost around 20 pounds annually.

#4: Really, what is the reason you're getting a pet?
This is the bit where you must be honest with yourself. Is it because you wish for companionship? Because you wish to teach your children about responsibility? Or are you getting a pet just for the sake of getting a pet? Remember, getting a puppy or kitten just because they are cute will fade as they become grown up dogs and cats. If you think you are about to buy an impulse purchase pet, do yourself and the animal a favoUr. Come back in twenty four hours, if you still want it and have rationally considered the other three factors in this article, than here's hoping the two of you are very happy together.

Now you should have some sort of idea of what you'd like to get. Now you should do some more specific research on the pet or pets you feel are right for you so you can enjoy them and have all the pet supplies you need.

Your Dog Isn’t Eating his Dog Food. Why?

2011-02-07T08:35:00.000Z

There's nothing quite like a fresh bowl of dog food to get you going in the morning...assuming you have four feet and a tendency to wag your tail when excited. However, sometimes our loving pets just turn their noses up at food, and us humans can't exactly ask them why. Fortunately some troubleshooting can help you with this.
First and foremost is medical issues. If not eating is the only symptom then it could be a dental problem or an injury to the inside of your dog's mouth. To be really sure, you should take Sparky to the vet.
Though it isn't quite a medical "problem" per se, if your dog is female and she's in heat, or male and around a female in heat it's natural to see a dog lose it's appetite. Give it a few days and they'll be fine.

What you can easily diagnose at home is your dog's eating habits. This can take a few forms. For example, if you just switch brands of dog food and your dog is simply turning the new stuff down, try mixing some of the old stuff with the new. Less and less of the old dog food every day for a few days and you are good to go. Also, no more giving the dog table scraps. It could be that your dog is used to the "good stuff" and no longer finds dog food appealing. You may have to talk to the kids about this one. This is also why it is a mistake to mix people food in with the dog food to get your dog to eat. It forms bad habits and expectations.

If nothing so far is adding up for your situation, you don't need to panic just yet. A healthy adult dog can go up to three days between meals without a complication, a fact that your dog is very much aware of. Dogs, as pack animals, love structure, so try a scheduled feeding time. Twice a day feed the dog, if it refuses to eat after fifteen minutes, take the food away. A dog will be more likely to eat if it knows this is its only opportunity. Another easy trick that has been proven effective is to move the dog's feeding place to somewhere away from noise and distraction. Consider helping your furry friend build up an appetite as well.

Help him get some exercise.
The right pet food should be enjoyable and nutritious for your furry friend speaking to a reliable and experienced pet store such as K9 Capers and you should find your dog eating problem resolved.

Using a Pet Store for All Pet Needs

2011-01-31T11:29:00.000Z

A pet store has become more than just a local shop to pick out food for a new addition to the family these days. The right pet store should not only offer a wide selection of choices, but the materials needed to care for them on every level. Mix a combination of materials and educated staff, and a pet owner has an inviting shopping experience waiting for them each and every time their pet has a need.

Toys

Pets have a lot of down time during the day, so finding an assortment of toys to keep them occupied is a great way to keep them from getting in trouble out of boredom. Most behaviour problems stem from a pet being bored and having too much time on their hands. Keeping them occupied with different toys can not only give them something to do when their owner is not around, but also help cut down on behaviour problems, too. Toys offer a pet a way to burn extra energy, and give pets and owners a bonding experience when time is spent together. Consider offering special toys for crate time that aren't available other times.

Food
Every pet has essential needs, and the need at the top of their list is food. Picking out a pet's food has become one of the hardest decisions an owner has to make since the right food can not only provide their basic essential needs, but offer a way to enhance health and vitality. A good store offers a variety of food for every type of animal ranging from their lifestyle, age and health needs and the right food choices can even help minimise vet bills! Look at natural and holistic pet food suited to your animal's breed, age, and /or health status.

Health
Keeping pets healthy needs to be high on your list of priorities. Retailers can offer a range of healthy food, vitamins, grooming needs, and safety additions to the home. When you find a good pet store, you'll have a variety of options for your feathered, gilled, or furry friend. And today, you'll find a plethora of online options as well that can save money and offer a wide variety of products with the added convenience of shopping from the comfort of your computers.

Shopping for Dog Toys - Know What to Look for in Regards to Safety

2011-01-31T11:19:00.000Z

Safety is number one when it comes to purchasing dog toys for your pet. Instead of turning common children's toys or household items into toys for your pet, explore your options and purchase toys made specifically for dogs as this is a safer option to pursue. You will discover that the right balls, chew bones, knotted ropes, squeaky toys and plush stuffed animals can thoroughly entertain your dog and curb their mischievous actions like chewing on shoes and furniture!

Double Duty Toys
There are some toys for your family pooch that not only entertain but also provide health benefits as well. You can find nylon bones with baked in flavours that also have little nubs or raised areas that massage your dog's gums and help break up tartar build-up and plaque on the teeth. Regular nylon dog toys also may have these raised areas for beneficial dental care.

Exercise and Mental Stimulation
If you want to reward your dog for chewing on a toy instead of your shoes, select toys like a Kong made of hard rubber that also houses a doggie treat. They will have to work hard to find their way to the treat but that is part of the reward. There are also special games and activity toys that use the reward system and release treats when your dog masters an activity.
Throw and fetch toys are excellent ways to get your dog to exercise. You can find rope and ball combinations to sling as well as Frisbee or boomerang shaped toys. If your dog loves the water, some toys are flotation-ready so you can test their skills by tossing the toy in the water for retrieval.

What to Watch For

Purchase toys for your dog that are labelled child-safe, pet-safe or both. Physically inspect each toy to ensure there are no potential choking dangers such as weak seams, sewed-on buttons that could easily be chewed off and more. Avoid toys that have detachable parts such as string, pom-poms, zippers, feathers and ribbon. If you purchase plush toys for your pet, make sure they are machine washable and do not contain harmful stuffing or fillers that could make your dog sick.

Choose balls that are larger than ping pong size as they are less likely to slide down your dog's throat, creating a choking problem. Do not purchase any toys that have sharp corners or edges that could injure your dog or potentially break off, creating a throat obstruction issue. If you notice that your dog toys are becoming ragged such as seams unravelling or pieces chewed off, you should know it is the time to purchase new ones. Inspecting the toys regularly will ensure that your pet will avoid potential injury and stay healthy and safely entertained.

Types of Dog Beds and Dog Bed Accessories

2011-01-31T11:13:00.000Z

Many pet owners like dog beds for their dogs because it provides a comfortable place for their dogs to rest and helps keep them off the furniture. There is a large variety of dog beds available to pet owners, with some being overly stuffed and others being flatter, pillow-type beds. There are also some simple accessories that go along with the beds, meaning that pet owners can customise to fit their pet's bed to fit their dog's style and personality.

Easily Washable Beds

A favorite of many pet owners is the easy-to-clean dog bed. Most are washable, but some are easier to clean than others. Plastic dog beds are great for puppies who may have frequent accidents before they're completely potty trained. Since these are made from plastic, you can put a small blanket or something simple as the bedding. There are vinyl mats available for plastic beds, but each owner has different preferences and you may prefer something softer. You may want to choose something that you can throw in the washing machine. If your dog does have an accident, all you need to do is wash the blanket and wipe out the plastic bed. Once your dog is potty trained, you can move onto a more comfortable cushion.

Fancy Dog Beds
If you want your dog to rest in style, you can opt for a more fashionable choice. There are sleeping furniture options made from fleece, faux fur, and cotton. If your dog is an outside animal, there are also comfortable waterproof beds that dry quickly. This is great if your furry friend is a cattle dog that gets dirty or if they like to swim and are frequently wet. The fancier you go with furniture, the harder it is to clean. It's best to choose a more expensive bed if your canine stays mostly indoors and is completely potty trained.
When looking for a fancier bed, make sure to choose a material that won't make your canine too hot. If your dog has extremely long, thick hair, a faux fur bed may be too warm. If he or she is a small or teacup breed, choose a thicker options with cushioning and warmth, since these dogs tend to chill faster than larger ones.

Accessories
Typical accessories include blankets, mattresses, and roll-up beds. Blankets can be designed to match the style of the bed, or they can be added to a low-warmth bed in the winter months. Mattresses fit a variety of beds and can be vinyl, cotton, fur, or fleece. Roll-up beds are typically used for travelling, but they can also be used as a temporary bed. These beds deflate and roll up in a storage sleeve for easy portability. With the variety of dog beds on the market, you should be able to find a bed that fits your dog's needs and your style.

Controlling Your Dog's Weight With the Right Dog Food

2011-01-31T10:52:00.000Z