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Having trouble coming up with gift ideas for your pets?
Top Ten Gift Ideas from Maggie and her pals at Glenda's Pet Sitting and Dog Walking.
For the pooches
1. Bob A Lot
2. Thunder Shirt
3. Portable Pet Water Bottle with built in water bowl
4. Car Harness
For the felines
5. Buster Cat Food Ball
6. Peek A Prize
7. Cat Tunnel
8. Banana Catnip Toy
For the birds
9. Can O Nuts
For small animals
10. Run Around Wheel
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Thunder Shirt Product Review
Do thunder storms worry your pooch? With all the thunder storms we have been experiencing lately I thought I’d share with you a little piece of dog apparel that Maggie, my beloved pooch, has been trying out and I’ve got to say I’m very excited by the results I’ve seen to date.
My beautiful girl, like so many other pooches out there, turns into a ballistic quivering mess trying to climb over tables and crawl into or under anything whenever we have thunder and or electrical storms. Maggie knows well before we do that a storm is coming. The tail drops, she starts acting strangely; pacing; shaking and searching for a place to hide. We have tried a number of remedies to help calm her including herbal calmative; placing her in her crate and ignoring her but nothing seemed to work. So I did a little research on the internet and found a product called Thunder Shirt.
Thunder Shirts were designed to alleviate dog anxiety. The packaging states the Thunder Shirt can remedy problems such as fear of thunder; car anxiety; fireworks and leash pulling. A Thunder Shirt is basically a coat that you wrap around your dog to apply a constant pressure on their torso which the company claims to have a calming effect on your dog. I must admit I was sceptical but I just had to try something. Babies seem to settle when they are snug, so I thought there may be something to it and went ahead and bought one.
It is only early days but I am very pleased to report that I have seen a vast improvement in Maggie’s ability to handle storms. As per the instructions, we had Maggie wear the shirt a couple of times when the weather was fine. It did take several storms before we noticed a difference, in fact, the first two storms I think she may have been worse. However, during the last storm Maggie slept contentedly under the desk wearing her Thunder Shirt.
Pros
The Thunder Shirt is very easy to fit, it’s just a matter of fastening the velcro and it’s on. It’s made from light T-Shirt material and is fully washable. They come in a range of colours; are reasonably priced (I paid around $45) and look spunky. The Thunder Shirt also comes with a 45 day guarantee, so if for any reason is doesn’t work they will refund your money.
Cons
None to date. The only drawback for me is if I’m going out and there is any chance of a storm I would need to remember to put Maggie’s Thunder Shirt on before I left home.
Summing up
I’ve got to say I’m impressed and have already recommended the product to a number of people. Like anything, it may not suit or work for all dogs but it’s certainly worth a go and with a money back guarantee you really can’t go wrong. I know there are similar products out there but for me I can’t go past this one. It just such a relief to see a change in how Maggie handles a storm and we hope she will continue to be less stressed by them.
PS: If you are looking to buy a Thunder Shirt I can recommend My Dachshund Online. They provide a very professional and personalized shopping experience.
Glenda D
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If you're thinking of getting a pet you may be interested in this article.
Responsible Pet Ownership Starts Well Before You Purchase Your Pet.
Owning a pet can be such a rewarding and joyful experience but providing and caring for your pet takes time; effort and money. Have you ever wondered why so many pets end up at animal shelters? A large proportion of these animals are there because the 'pet parents' didn't do their homework before acquiring the animal. If you are thinking of getting a pet you need to consider a lot before going ahead. If you would like to read this article in full just click this link.
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In Home Pet Care - The Great Alternative to a Dog Boarding Kennel or Cattery.
Are you planning a holiday or business trip and wondering who will look after your pets or where you should leave them? Have you considered in home pet care? It's a great alternative to using a boarding kennel or cattery and an option that your pets will thank you for. Discover why so many people are making this choice.
Going on holiday is an exciting time for the human family. Some of us look forward to relaxing while others enjoy the thrill of new experiences. We get to meet new people, see fascinating locations, try new and interesting foods and stay in variety of places. Or there are those that holiday at the same place every year because they feel comfortable and don't like a lot of change, some even preferring to stay at home and 'holiday 'because nothing beats the creature comforts of home. The latter is how our furry family members feel.
Our pets, particularly our dogs and cats, don't like change. In fact big changes tend to make them stress which has a whole gamut of effects on their mental and physical health. Cats and dogs like to be in familiar surrounds and follow their everyday routine and this is where the services of a professional in home pet care provider can help.
Placing your pets in a kennel or cattery is quite a daunting experience, similar to you going to live in a foreign country knowing no one or the language. Their senses our inundated with unfamiliar smells, sounds and sights which can be very unsettling. Our dogs and cats are also very social animals and need the company of humans on a regular basis which is an important element often not offered or available when staying at a kennel or cattery. Your pets are typically fed a totally different diet to which they are accustomed, often leading to diarrhoea and weight loss. When changing your pet's food it should be a gradual process over a period of seven to ten days. When boarding, your beloved pets will also have a greater chance of contracting parasites and diseases due to the new environment and close proximity of other dogs and cats. A much healthier, safer and far less stressful option is to have your pets cared for in their own home environment.
Using an in home pet care provider is a little like having a pet butler. Quality pet carers will offer a choice of one or more visits per day. Twice daily services are ideal as they help to maintain your pet's normal routine. The visits can vary in length and are designed to ensure your pets remain healthy and content while you're away. Not only do they ensure they are fed and have clean water, your pet sitter will keep your furry friends entertained and will happily play; walk, talk; brush or whatever it takes to keep them happy (of course litter change and pooper scooping is always included).
No longer will you need to impose on family, friends or neighbours; worry about your pets travel sickness or waste time dropping them off as your pet sitter will come to you. As an added bonus, using an in home pet carer will give your home some added security. Most will include collecting mail and papers; putting your rubbish bins out/in; watering your plants; opening/closing curtains; lights on/off; even starting up the car.
So if you are a pet parent looking for a better option, arrange to board your pets at home. Be sure to use a professional pet sitter who will arrange to meet you and all your pets prior to your departure. They will tailor a care plan to suit you and your pets needs and take detailed information on your pet's likes; dislikes; eating habits; daily routines; health and temperament. A skilled pet sitter will have a broad range of pet care experience; will often hold Pet First Aid and CPR Certification and will always be happy to provide copies of reports from other pet parents. For added piece of mind they will hold public liability insurance and have Police Clearance.
Take the stress out of going on holidays. Let your local professional pet care provider care for your pets in the comfort of their own home. Your precious pets will eat their regular diet; sleep with ease and continue to do many if not all of their regular activities. They will receive daily social interaction, exercise and petting which makes for a much happier pet.
Glenda D
