Monday, December 6, 2010

“The Paw-fect Holiday for Pets - msnbc.com” plus 1 more

“The Paw-fect Holiday for Pets - msnbc.com” plus 1 more

The Paw-fect Holiday for Pets - msnbc.com

Posted: 06 Dec 2010 04:56 AM PST

MISSION, KS — (Family Features) This holiday season, share seasonal celebrations and traditions with the entire family, including four-legged family members. According to a national PetSmart survey, 72 percent of pet parents include their pet in holiday festivities.

"The holidays are about being with our loved ones -- and that includes our pets, too," said PetSmart Veterinarian and Pet Care Expert Dr. Robyn Jaynes. "Whether it's including your pet in a family photo, taking them on a family trip or giving that perfect holiday gift or treat, it's important for pet parents to consider the unique behaviors of each and every pet."

As families everywhere kick off the season, PetSmart has a few simple tips to help pet parents make it a safe and enjoyable time for their pets.

Put Up Pet-Friendly Decor

Keep your pet's safety in mind and help furry friends steer clear of dangerous decorations.

  • Holiday lights mean extra electrical cords and plugs. For pets, these items are tempting "chew toys." Taking extra time to tape down or cover cords will help prevent shocks, burns or more serious injuries.
  • Christmas trees are sure to attract a pet's attention. Secure Christmas trees to keep them from toppling over if a pet should try to climb them, use them as a scratching post or simply bump into them.
  • Forgo small ornaments, especially balls, bells and tinsel that are attractive to pets -- but deadly if consumed.

Traveling With Furry Friends
Many families travel at this time of year. Whether pet parents are taking their pets along or leaving them at home, it's important to make sure their pets are safe and comfortable.

  • Pet parents who board their pets should look for facilities that are clean and have friendly, responsive staff and strict policies on health and safety issues.
  • If pets are included in a family's travel plans, many resources can help you find hotels that accommodate pets. Visit www.petswelcome.com for more information.
  • Many products are available to keep pets safe in the car, including harnesses and barriers that secure pets in the back of the vehicle.

Help Pets Get Camera-Ready
Just like the rest of the family, pets need to look their best for the holiday photo or the traditional shot on Santa's lap. Try these tips to prepare your pet:

  • Help your pets look their best with a pre-photo bath.
  • For pets that enjoy dressing up, holiday outfits such as a reindeer or Santa costume, cable knit sweater, elf hat or jingle bell collar are festive.
  • Having treats or special toys on-hand can keep pets from getting anxious while in line and also help them behave during the photo.

To find out when and where you can have your pet's photo taken with Santa Claws, visit www.petsmart.com.

Keep Pets Calm and Comfortable
The holiday season can be hectic for pets with the hustle and bustle of parties, travel and family dinners. To ease pet stress, pet parents should be mindful of the following:

  • Pets may not understand why their usually quiet home is filled with people and noise. Provide pets with a quiet place to retreat.
  • Pet parents often think they're "treating" their pets with table scraps from their holiday meals. The danger, say PetSmart veterinarians, is that dogs can become seriously ill from human foods because they do not have the same digestive system or nutritional needs as people.
  • For the most part, pets should stay indoors during the cold winter months. Some dogs may not adjust as well to the cold weather, so pet parents may consider sweaters to keep their pets warm.

The Best Gifts for Four-Legged Family Members
With an estimated 71.4 million pet-filled homes in the U.S., many pet parents will be searching for the perfect pet gift this holiday season. PetSmart offers special toys, treats and other great gifts that will make your pet wag their tails with joy. This year's must-have gifts are:

  • Chance and Lucky -- The adorable holiday collection includes stuffed animals, ornaments, slippers, boxed cards or gift cards which are perfect to celebrate the holiday season and support a good cause, too. Ten percent of all purchases will be donated to PetSmart Charities to save the lives of homeless pets. The collection ranges from $5 to $20.
  • Fisher-Price -- Inspired by classic Fisher-Price icons, the whimsical toys for dogs feature items such as the Xylobone, Chatter Pup Telebone and Ruff-a-Stack. Available in two sizes -- small ($7.99) and large ($11.99).
  • Martha Stewart Holiday Collection -- The holiday Nordic Fair Isle sweater from the exclusive Martha Stewart Pets collection keeps your four-legged family members cozy during the cold winter months. Available for just $19.99.
  • Stockings for Dogs and Cats -- PetSmart's classic holiday value pack stockings are filled with an assortment of toys for cats and dogs. Pet parents can pick a theme that matches their pet's personality, such as the merry pink gingerbread-man or the classic red and green reindeer. Price ranges from $4.99 to $19.99.

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Denver hopes to get more pets registered - Denver Post

Posted: 06 Dec 2010 12:10 AM PST

(HR) K.C. the Great Dane seems happy to be in the shade on such a sunny day. Dogs enjoy the open space, green lawns and no leashes at Barnum South Park dog park at West 5th ave and Julian street. This story is about the emotions, morality and ethics of dogs. Animal behavioralists think that dogs have, among other things, compassion and empathy for other animals and humans, a sense of fair play and cheating, guilt feelings, jealousy and so on. The play bow is a promise from one dog to another that they are playing and won't hurt the other dog. Big dogs tend to play more gently -- even handicapping themselves -- when they play with smaller or really young dogs. Or, even capture portraits of dogs looking sad, joyful, soulful or outraged. Helen H. Richardson/The Denver Post (THE DENVER POST | HELEN H. RICHARDSON)

If you have a pet in the city and county of Denver, chances are you do not have a license for him or her.

Fewer than 10 percent of pets in Denver wear a license tag around their necks, according to statistics from Denver's Animal Care and Control Department.

Denver animal-control officials say they want to improve licensing numbers, partly as a way to return pets to their owners but also as a way to increase the amount of revenue to pay for animal control and care within the city.

Because so few people license their pets, Denver is potentially losing $4 million a year, according to numbers provided by city officials.

Officials estimate there are 150,000 dogs living within city limits and 153,000 cats. Only 18,892 pets had licenses in 2009.

The $15 one-year licenses and $40 three-year licenses provide revenue to the city's general fund. Owners may apply for licenses online, by mail or in person.

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