Category Archive : Pets

As any Pit Bull owner will tell you, Pit Bulls are very sociable and crave a lot of time and attention from their owners. They are very devoted and loving. Pit bulls often have a hard time coping when their owners have to leave them alone. Your Pit Bull doesn’t understand that even though you love him very much, you can’t stay with him all the time. It is important to train them well so that they can better deal with this separation anxiety.

Pit bulls often suffer from separation anxiety for a number of different reasons. Often times, if you’ve had your Pit Bull since he was a puppy, and if he has a strong bond, he just can’t deal with you being away from him. This is often made worse if you’ve always made it a point to keep your pit bull by your side, and all of a sudden you can’t. Young puppies will occasionally suffer from separation anxiety when separated from their mother.

Pit bulls don’t know how to handle separation anxiety symptoms and will often give in to destructive behavior to try and feel better. If they have free rein in your home while you are away, they may give in to the urge to chew on furniture or belongings that are within reach. If you are away for an extended period of time, or if your Pit Bull is very susceptible to stress, he may also suffer from diarrhea, nausea, and may use the potty in the house when he is otherwise not housebroken. Most dogs that suffer from a case of separation anxiety will show symptoms usually in the first hour or so when the owner is away.

There are a few things owners can do to help alleviate or eliminate separation anxiety in their Pit Bulls. Cage training is often very helpful because it gives the Pit Bull its own safe space so that it will generally feel comfortable and safe even if you are not around. Sometimes having a special chew toy that you only give your Pit Bull when he has to go can help eliminate anxiety, or at least give him something safe to chew on while he is away. Some owners also say that leaving the radio or television on while they are away also helps. Pit bulls that have gone through obedience training courses are generally less affected by separation anxiety.

In extreme cases of separation anxiety that seem untreatable, your vet may prescribe some medication to help, at least treat the symptoms. You can also recommend other methods of keeping your Pit Bull calm when you are not at home that may be successful. Pit bulls crave a lot of love and attention, so sometimes all it takes is a little extra time when you’re home to make them feel better when you have to be away.

PitBull puppies for sale; You read it in the newspaper, on lawn signs, on store bulletin boards, and anywhere else you can think of; Sale of pitbull puppies. But what exactly are they selling? What is the general pedigree of these pitbull puppies for sale? Are they mixed with another race? Will they be mentally stable when they grow up? Do you want this close to your family?

All puppies are cute, cuddly, sweet and innocent little creatures that we can’t help but like them; It’s no wonder so many people want puppies, especially from their own dogs. So they cross their dog to the street guy who has the same breed or the same breed type without considering or even thinking about the outcome of these puppies when they are fully grown. There are many people who will raise their dog with their neighbor’s dog with the idea of ​​adorable puppies in mind. Everyone will love them and sell them in the newspaper, on a sign in the yard, or in an advertisement hanging on a post board in the store. But a big problem arises when the occasional breeder or backyard breeder starts raising and selling puppies. They may not necessarily be concerned about the quality of the puppies; is that the idea of ​​the quality of the puppies never enters their minds. They’re just thinking of adorable puppies that everyone will love and can sell. These backyard breeders get just what they want, adorable adorable puppies as expected. It is when these puppies that are raised without quality control and without selective breeding standards grow up, that is the problem. This is when the fully developed dog’s bad temper arises and becomes dangerous.

These backyard breeders do not know what they are doing and do not know that they do not know what they are doing (unconscious incompetence). They don’t have to breed dogs. Unfortunately, it is these flawed breeding practices combined with one another that have damaged the reputations of many breeds, Rottweilers, Dobermans, German Shepherds, and especially Pit Bulls, to name a few.

Well-behaved dogs that win competitions and titles are bred by experienced breeders who have the knowledge and lots of foresight to raise a litter of puppies. What is required to help ensure the quality and integrity of all breeds, including pit bulls, is knowing which dogs to breed together, be it line, double, triple, or cross, along with proper selective breeding standards. Getting a puppy from a knowledgeable and experienced breeder is important when considering who that puppy is going to be with (when fully grown); your family, friends and children. You will obviously want a quality, well-behaved dog from an experienced breeder who practices proper selective breeding standards.

With the arrival of hurricane season, it is vital that residents of hurricane-prone areas are prepared. From having an emergency plan in place to making sure you have an emergency kit ready to go to knowing in advance what emergency numbers to call and where your nearest hurricane shelter will be if you need to evacuate. Unfortunately, all too often people overlook their pets when it comes to hurricane safety. And whatever you do, don’t leave your pets at home when you evacuate. The chance of your pet surviving a hurricane is slim and unlikely. If it is not safe for you, it is not safe for your pets. It is critical to have an emergency plan in place for your pets in the event of a hurricane and that your plan involves having your pets relocated to safety.

In the event of a hurricane, if you must evacuate to a shelter, you will most likely not be able to bring your pet. Although Red Cross and some other shelters will allow service animals with their owner, many shelters will refuse entry. Therefore, it is necessary to prepare the nest in advance rather than being left without a safe place to go with your pet during a hurricane.

According to the Florida Division of Emergency Management, more and more communities are developing pet-friendly shelter plans. The key is to do your research ahead of time and find out if any local shelters will admit your pet (s). If you can’t find a pet-friendly shelter, the next step is to contact out-of-area hotels or motels to find out what their pet policies are and if they would waive a “no pets” policy in the event of an emergency. You may also want to contact your vet to ask if they have any suggestions. As you do your research, be sure to keep a list of pet-friendly resources with phone numbers and addresses. If a hurricane is coming and you need to evacuate, you’ll be grateful you prepared the list.

Next, it is also important to have an emergency kit ready for your pet. As with all emergency kits, pet kits should be pre-assembled, left in an easily accessible area near the exit (preferably with your emergency kit as well), and ready to use. Pet kits should contain important documents (veterinary records, etc.), medications, first aid kit, food, bowls, leashes, toys, folding pet bed, blankets, cage, flashlight, and portable water. Keep in mind that you need to reserve enough food and water for at least a week. When reserving food, if your pet eats canned food, reserve a can opener or buy the easy-to-peel cans. If your pet has special needs, such as cat litter, litter box, heat lamp, salt fang, pine bedding, etc., be sure to set those items aside as well. It is important to note that if your pet is a bird, you will still want a ready-to-use blanket so you can cover his cage and reduce stress while traveling. Keep all items in a waterproof container that is sturdy and can be easily transported. Also, it is important to keep a photo of your pet in the container in case your pet gets lost. The key is to have your pet’s emergency kit ready to use at any time. One part of your emergency kit that will not go in the trash is to securely attach your current contact information to your pet’s neck or legs (birds), if possible. If you have birds, small animals, or reptiles, you may also want to tag your pet’s cage. In the event that you are separated from your pet, emergency teams will be able to contact you using the information you provided on your pet’s collar. Lastly, get a rescue alert sticker. By visiting the ASPCA online, you can get a free sticker by completing an online form.

When you have a pet emergency kit and list of pet resources ready to go, the next step is to stay informed. Track approaching threats by listening to weather information on TV, radio, or the Internet. If an evacuation warning is to be issued, you will often have some time to get yourself, your family, and your pets to safety. If you learn of a hurricane approaching, call the pet shelter or motel ahead of time to confirm shelter arrangements. It is also important to have all your pets with you and inside, even if you are not at home. In the event that an evacuation order arrives while you are not at home, it is essential to have a contact, such as a neighbor or friend, who can pick up your pets and meet you elsewhere.

In addition to having your resources ready, you may want to think ahead about what you can do to keep your pet calm during a hurricane. There are several natural remedies now available to help keep your pet’s stress level low. Products such as Bach Flower Remedies or NaturVet Quiet Moments Gel are helpful for dogs and cats that may experience anxiety. Also, you may want to buy some treats to “keep them busy” while your pets are indoors for the duration of a hurricane.

If there is a possibility of a hurricane, the best plan if possible is to go to a safe place with your pet. If you cannot find a shelter that allows pets, you may need to leave the area and evacuate to a safe place where you can stay with your pet.

In addition to this article, there are excellent resources available for pet owners on the FEMA and ASPCA websites. In the event of a hurricane or disaster evacuation, you can never have too much information, especially if you have a pet. Our pets trust us to care for and protect them. With preparation and knowledge, all pet owners can ensure that their pets stay safe during a hurricane.

Puppy Broker: a Puppy Mill reseller

Thinking of buying a dog and considering buying from a middleman rather than directly from the breeder? Buyer beware! Here are some tips on how to educate yourself to determine if the person you are buying a dog from is reputable or really a puppy mill reseller.

What is a Puppy Broker?

A puppy runner is someone who buys bulk “lots” of animals for resale rather than raising dogs within their own kennels. Since these dogs are not seen in pet stores, they can pose as quality dogs, or champion lines, or whatever the puppy brokers want the buyer to believe. Someone who sells an entire litter that they did not raise themselves is probably selling puppy breeding animals. A reputable and contentious breeder would never sell puppies in bulk or in “batches”.

Puppy brokers, also known as puppy mill representatives, know well how to market themselves to potential buyers and take advantage of an individual’s lack of knowledge. They will pose as people who care about dogs and want to protect the integrity of a certain breed.

Import brokers

A trend among puppy runners is to present dogs as quality imports that come from “healthier and more studious” European lines. Such claims that the lines are healthier are often false and may be dogs purchased from overseas puppy mills. The only way to protect against potential medical problems is by detecting genetic defects within a breeder’s program. Request sanitary authorizations and get them in writing.

The actual journey from Europe is very hard on dogs. It is now said that out of every three dogs imported in this way, two die. Many die in flight or shortly after arrival. The stories of puppies dying shortly after being bought are very numerous.

How to Identify a Puppy Runner

There are two factors that allow a puppy runner to do business: their ignorance and their impatience with having a dog of a certain breed. If you want a healthy, quality dog, don’t let these things be used against you! Educate yourself and be patient! You could pay for your impatience for the next 15 years.

What to look for:

Puppy runners always have dogs available. How is this? If they don’t have one available for you today, they will have one for you shortly. They just know a great brood of the champion lines about to be ready for new homes! Use common sense! Parenting is not an overnight process! Quality breeders have waiting lists for their dogs and the puppies are often sold before the actual birth. How did this runner find you such a great dog in such a short time?

Know the dam

Always meet the mother of a litter and pick up the puppy at the place where the dogs are locked up / live. If a seller does not allow you to go to the real property where the dogs live, be very suspicious. If they hesitate to let him know the prey, either they have not raised the dogs themselves or the prey is not who they claim. The father is usually not on the property, but he always has the right to contact the father’s owners. Be careful – they will do their best to cover up the fact that they themselves are not the actual breeders of a litter and may lie about this.

Champion Dog Lines – Maybe not

Does the seller claim that their potential puppy is of champion lineage? In the internet age, it has become common for puppy runners to take photos of champion dogs from reputable kennel sites and claim that these are the parents of their puppies. Often the actual owners of the father and mother have no idea that their dogs are being used in this way. Contact them. If a puppy broker doesn’t give you the contact information, search the internet and get in touch with them yourself. Good breeders will not hesitate to tell you about their litters. We cannot emphasize enough how often this happens.

References

Consult references. Those who sell dogs should be able to produce a list of referrals from breed clubs, previous buyers, and at least one vet. Contact all references! We have found dog resellers who are negligent with the severe medical care their personal dogs need, who have a bad reputation for being barred from breed / sports / show clubs, or who don’t vaccinate puppies but sell them too old early. to avoid “unnecessary” expenses.

Before buying:

Don’t support this growing puppy mill reseller industry. There are many ways to determine if you are buying from someone who wants to make a quick profit. Do your research, ask the breed / sports / show clubs, which often have online forums, and make an informed decision about where your pup comes from.

Poodle dogs are my favorite breed of dog. They were long thought to have one of the highest intellects of any purebred canine. Poodles are versatile as they come in a variety of three sizes: small (the toy poodle), medium (the miniature poodle), and large (the standard poodle). This great breed also comes in a wide variety of colors including: black, white, blue, chocolate, silver, red, and many other striking colors.

Poodle dogs are also known to excel in modern dog sports competitions. They are extremely agile, which makes them very competitive when it comes to the exciting sport of agility. Poodles also display exceptional obedience skills and are excellent trackers. They are also known to do an excellent job of herding. Poodles are very strong in Conformation competition, assessing the correct structure and temperament in dog shows. They are known as the aristocrats of the ring and have proven it time and again with Best In Shows at such prestigious events as the Westminster Kennel Club and the World Dog Show. Whatever type of competition a Poodle may be involved in, you can bet that he will “wow” the crowd with his elegance and grace.

Temperament

The Poodle temperament has been bred to have an aptitude for the recovery of ducks, which makes most poodles feel at home in the water. For decades Poodle dogs They have stood by the hunter’s side and are now known as precision hunting dogs. “Pudelhund” is the origin of the current name of the poodle breed and is reminiscent of the water dog developed over the years. The English language relates “puddle” with “puddle”, also avoiding the water dog in this fine breed. The French are credited with the Poodle’s range of sizes and refer to the breed as the Poodle. The word “poodle” refers to ducks and water. In the US, the Poodle has been transformed from a utilitarian-looking, heavy-boned dog to the graceful and refined dog we see today. This refinement was exported to Europe and is now the standard we all strive for. Elegance, attitude, and hard work – that’s the Poodle in modern times.

The coat

The texture of the fur of Poodle dogs It must be rough and very plush. Tight curls are a must. Poodles do not molt like other dogs, however they go through a “coat change” around 9 months of age that requires additional brushing and grooming to remove the coat from the puppy that is being expelled. This stage fades around the middle year. At this stage, it is recommended to keep the coat very short so it does not tangle, or brush the coat daily to help keep it tangle-free. Poodles should have a solid colored coat according to kennel records, however poodles come in two multi-colored patterns. Silver and blue poodles are born black and “light” to platinum tones over the course of about three years.

Poodle health

Poodle health problems include epilepsy, Addison’s disease, cancer, sebaceous adenitis, juvenile kidney disease, hip dysplasia, thyroid problems, floatation / torsion, and tracheal collapse (mostly in toys). In most cases, these can be avoided through proper breeding practices, proper nutrition, and proper care. The average age of poodles at death is around 12 years, however, there have been those who have lived to be 20 years or more.

The Shih Tzu is a proud and regal breed of dog that would rather do things its own way rather than listen to anyone else, including you. You can imagine that a dog with that kind of attitude will probably be difficult to train and that includes breaking and entering. It takes patience and many Shih Tzu owners turn to Shih Tzu litter box training when regular housebreaking doesn’t work. You may want to give it a little time before breaking the litter box.

Even in the best of cases, it can take up to six months for a Shih Tzu to learn how to go where you want to go, so if you’ve only been in the process for a couple of months and it’s not working, you need to be patient. You’re going to want to try everything you can to train your Shih Tzu and allow him as much time as he needs, before even thinking about a litter box.

Your Shih Tzu is a very stubborn dog and does not always associate everything in the way you would like. For your dog, Shih Tzu litter box training can be an invitation to potty anywhere in the house rather than just the litter box. That’s why you shouldn’t give up on standard housebreaking methods for your Shih Tzu, as litter box training could make the situation worse.

A Shih Tzu can grow to quite large sizes even for a toy breed and that can be a big problem if you are considering Shih Tzu litter box training. A larger dog will not adapt well to a litter box and could end up making a big mess instead of the controlled chaos you expect. Ask your breeder or vet if they think your Shih Tzu may be too big for litter box training.

You think you’ve tried everything else and Shih Tzu litter box training is your last resort. Get a large litter box and place it in the area where the Shih Tzu has gotten the most dirty. Take your dog to that litter box several times a day and praise and reward the dog for using the litter box. Never punish a Shih Tzu as that will nullify all the training he has done and cause him to have to start over.

Litter box training is not housebreaking and can actually cause more problems than it could solve. Make sure you have the same dedication to litter box training that you did with the housebreaking because litter box training can take as long or longer than litter box training and may not give the results. that I wanted. Never give up on breaking and entering until you’ve tried everything there first or you may regret it later in your dog’s life.

My magical cat, Silver, approached me in a dream. And then he brought me Jezibel.

When my previous cat, Miss Winters, made the transition, I was deeply sorry. Friends kept calling me to tell me they knew of a cat that needed a home, but I knew she wasn’t ready for another. If she had taken another cat before she was done crying for Winter, she would have been comparing the new cat to her. That just wouldn’t be fair to the new cat.

A couple of years after Winter’s death, I had a dream about a gray cat. It was as if I was lying on the ground and the cat was walking towards me. That’s. About 15 seconds of a dream, but it stayed with me all that day and the next.

Three days after the gray cat dream, a woman I knew who worked at my vet’s office called me. “We have a cat here from the shelter that is ready to be adopted and I think you should take a look at it. His name is Silver Cloud.”

When he said his name, I was stunned. My first thought was, “It’s here! The gray cat from my dream is here … and I don’t even have cat food or a litter box!” I made arrangements to go see him the next day.

On the way to the vet’s office I stopped by to pick up a friend who wanted to go with me and see this dream cat I had told her about. When we got to the vet’s office, we walked in and were shown to a room with huge cages. The vet assistant pulled Silver out of a cage and gave him to me to hold. He was so excited that he could barely stay still, and he kept moving from my left shoulder to my right and back and then he would flop back and look at me, almost like he couldn’t believe I was really there.

While this was happening, my friend was telling the vet and her assistant about a black cat she had had, but she gave up because she got married and her husband hated cats. He still deeply missed the cat. The vet assistant turned and pulled a small black cat out of another cage and handed it to my friend, probably hoping that she would fall in love with the cat and adopt it.

Before anyone could say a word, Silver saw the little cat, threw himself back into my arms, reached out and wrapped around the little cat’s neck and pulled her closer to him. He began to lick her face as if covering it with kisses.

Both the vet and his assistant were stunned. “Those two cats have never seen each other,” the vet finally said.

We watched the love party for a while and I finally told them that I would be taking Silver with me and coming back the next day to pick him up, having bought cat food and other essentials.

The next day I came to pick up the cat of my dream, but a surprise awaited me. “We let Silver and Jezibel, the little black cat, stay out of their cages in the room and play together, eat together, sleep together and basically they were inseparable … and you have to take them both,” said the vet announced. .

“No. I just want a cat,” I replied.

Well, this discussion went on for a while until he finally said, “You keep both of them or you won’t get Silver. I won’t even charge you for Jezibel.”

And so I ended up with two cats.

Fifteen years have passed since that day and every day I have been very grateful that the vet made me carry both cats. They have loved each other so much every day since that first day. They still sleep close to or next to each other, eat together, have lick parties, and basically just love each other.

Or they did, until yesterday. Recently, Jezibel had become weak, eating less and less, and beginning to have difficulty breathing. Soon it got so bad that she couldn’t cross the room without having to stop to catch her breath. So I took her to the vet yesterday and the determination was that she had a tumor that was causing fluid to fill the area around her heart and lungs, making it difficult for her to breathe. There was nothing that could be done to improve it. So my husband and I made the most difficult decision to allow the vet to put her to sleep.

I am very sad that I cannot enjoy Jezibel and the special connection we had. Still, I am grateful to be able to enjoy it for so many years. And I’m even more grateful to have been able to witness the deep and lasting love that she and Silver had for each other.

I think she and Silver had a communication towards the end about her departure from this plane. At one point, he just sat beside her silently as they looked into each other’s eyes. He doesn’t seem to miss her, doesn’t look for her or anything like that. I believe that when beloved pets transition, their spirit lingers for a period of time. It’s almost as if the pet wants to keep sharing his love for a while to help those left behind adjust to their loss. I think Silver feels like his spirit is still here … and so do I.

Remember … love is forever

While writing this article, I remembered another one that I wrote years ago after the death of a dear friend. One day I was talking to a wise friend about my reaction and my deep sorrow over the death of my other friend. I reflected on the fact that we either come from love or fear, and since this pain did not feel like love, it must be some kind of fear. But fear of what?

She did not disappoint and instantly gave me the wisdom I was looking for. “The pain,” he said, “is the fear of heartbreak.”

It makes a lot of sense. When someone, or something like a beloved pet that we love, dies, then we fear that the love we share with them will also die. But here’s the truth: once energy is created, it exists for eternity. Love, like all emotions, is energy. This means that when you lose someone or something you loved, the energy of that love still exists. And you can access it anytime you want to be able to enjoy it again.

It is easy. All you have to do is remember an instance or event with that person or thing that created the feeling of love within you. And you will feel it again in an instant, whenever you want. And the best part is that you can never, never lose a memory that creates the energy of love for you.

So if you feel yourself starting to sink into the sadness of grief, remember that it is a sign to you that you are afraid that you have lost love. Know that you can never lose love because it is eternal. And then remember a moment or an experience that brought you the feeling of love. By doing so, you will feel that love energy again.

If you are like some pet owners, you may have a mixed pet household. Pet owners with ferrets may wonder if a cat tower is a safe place for their ferret to play. Another concern is whether a cat and a ferret can share the same tower. Many also want to know if it is better to buy more than one cat tower.

Ferrets love to climb and enjoy finding special places to hide. They would really enjoy the little tunnels and boxes that are part of many cat towers. However, even though ferrets are considered intelligent animals, they do not seem to fully appreciate heights, or more accurately, how tall is too tall. Due to this lack of height recognition, it may be a good idea to purchase a cat tree that is on the shorter side.

Ferret owners have reported that their playful ferrets have fallen from the unit without injury. making sure the base is fully secured so it cannot easily tip over.

There doesn’t seem to be a conflict with cats and ferrets using the same cat tower for enjoyment. In fact, one owner revealed that his older cat enjoyed perching on a high platform to keep away from ferrets as they frolicked on the lower levels.

One caveat is that your ferret may decide to use one of the lower boxes as a litter tray. Just be sure to take a few necessary steps to keep clutter to a minimum. After all, they are animals!

Choosing the right cat tower for your pet requires some thought. Like anything else, the furniture you buy for your cats and ferrets is only as good as the use it gets. If your cat enjoys the comfort of a soft chair or pillow, look for a cat tower that has a perch or padded rest. If you prefer to rest on top of your table or shelf, then a harder carpeted surface will work better.

You can also condition your ferret and cats to use the tower for rest and play instead of using their “human” furniture. Very quickly, they can be trained to choose the landing of your cat tower that is at kitchen table level instead of lying on the table where you eat.

As for how many cat towers you should buy, that depends on how many pets you have and how much space you have. Homeowners who have limited space find that a cat tower adds vertical space for their cats and ferrets to play. Some prefer to get a cat tree for more than one room in the house, providing maximum enjoyment. Ultimately, the choice is up to you … with your pet’s permission, of course!

One of the biggest costs associated with owning a dog is food. Some expenses are negotiable. Your dog will probably sleep just as comfortably on an old, folded down comforter as that expensive memory foam dog bed, but good food is a must.

To keep dogs happy and healthy, owners should provide food made from high-quality ingredients that meet the individual pet’s lifestyle requirements (for example, puppies need puppy food and overweight pets should follow calorie restricted diets). There is a “you get what you pay for” element with dog food, so higher quality foods tend to be more expensive. But, with just a little effort, owners can save a lot of money without compromising the health of their pets. That is how.

Choose your dog food wisely

Dogs do best when they are on a consistent diet. People like variety in their food, but there is no benefit to constantly changing the type of food you feed your dog. This can also increase the risk of a dog becoming fussy, always waiting for the next tasty bite to come with tomorrow’s food.

Most dogs thrive when they eat high-quality, but not necessarily high-quality dog ​​food. If you don’t eat organic, does your dog need to? And some manufacturers spend a great deal of money marketing niche products – for example, foods that are supposedly designed for particular breeds. You pay a premium for these formulations, but in all honesty, they are excessive for most people within the breed.

So look for a dog food that is moderately priced but still contains ingredients that sound like real food. Two brands that fall into this category are Iams and Purina One. These products also have the advantage of being widely available.

Comparison of purchases and coupons

Once you’ve found a food that works well for your dog, shop around. Prices can vary widely between retailers. Consider becoming a member of a wholesale operation like Costco or Sam’s Club. These companies usually let you enter their facilities as a guest so you can see what they offer. Walmart, Target, and Kmart also tend to have good prices on pet food, as do large pet retailers like Petsmart and Petco. In general, you will pay more for food at smaller pet boutiques, but they tend to offer a wider selection of premium or specialty pet foods. Be sure to sign up for the rewards programs offered by stores.

Be on the lookout for announcements posted by your local retailers; dog food is often on sale. And keep your eyes open for coupons. Online sites like retailmenot.com or couponcabin.com are a good way to keep up with current offers. Simply googling the name of dog food with the word “coupon” is another easy way to see what’s available. The manufacturer’s own website is another excellent resource. Many offer coupons to encourage people to try their products.

Supply

If you’ve found a great price on your dog’s food, stock up if you have the storage space. Most pet foods have a shelf life of about a year. Check the expiration date on the bag and buy whatever you think your pet will eat at the time. As a general rule of thumb, larger bags of food are much less expensive in weight and volume compared to smaller bags, and dry food is always cheaper than canned food.

Don’t forget the internet

While many of us use the internet to shop, shopping for pet food online is in its infancy. However, this can be a convenient and inexpensive way to obtain many of your pet supplies, including food.

Big price comparison sites like nextag.com and shopping.yahoo.com are a great way to find the lowest prices on food. Just type in the exact product you are looking for and voila, all the information you need will appear. However, be sure to compare apples to apples. Note that all prices are for the same food bag size, and don’t forget to add shipping costs for sites that don’t offer free shipping and taxes, if applicable.

Amazon.com offers a wide selection of pet food, as do major pet retailers petco.com and petsmart.com. Other options to consider include petfooddirect.com, petflow.com, 1800petmeds.com, and nationalpetpharmacy.com. If you are having trouble finding a website where you can order your dog’s food, go to the manufacturer’s website. Many have links to retailers that offer their food.

However, beware of websites that fly at night. Buy only from reputable retailers to ensure you receive high-quality products, not knockoffs. Websites should have a customer service phone number that is prominently displayed. Call and ask some questions. You just want to get an idea of ​​their legitimacy and customer service. You can also view customer ratings on sites like Yelp.com or search for a business on the Better Business Bureau’s bbb.org website.

Special situations

Some dogs require very specific diets to handle medical problems, and these products tend to be more expensive than typical dog foods. If your pet is on a prescribed diet, you can still shop around. You don’t have to buy the food directly from your vet; he or she must provide you with a written prescription upon request. Many of the websites listed above (for example, petfooddirect.com and nationalpetpharmacy.com) sell over-the-counter and prescription diets.

If you feed your dog a homemade diet, use the same cost-cutting techniques that you use when buying your own food. When the meat goes on sale, buy a lot of it and freeze it. Frozen vegetables can be used in place of fresh ones and can be stored for much longer periods of time. But don’t be tempted to buy low-quality ingredients or make unapproved substitutions for what would otherwise be a nutritionally balanced recipe. These types of changes can save money in the short term, but they often lead to health problems and expensive treatments in the long term.

In conclusion, you never want to skimp on your dog’s food, but there is nothing wrong with spending your money wisely.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a dumb teenager or a slightly less dumb adult, planning a date night is exciting because it means you get to see that special someone who makes you smile from ear to ear. If you are in southeastern Texas near the Gulf Coast, then your planning is sure to include seeing all the fun things to do in Kemah, TX.

Kemah is a city located in an area of ​​Texas known as the Houston Bay Area. The area encompasses the vast area of ​​land between the southeastern border of Houston to the Texas Gulf Coast. It is difficult to put into words the astonishing natural beauty of the area’s landscapes, beaches, outdoor activities, and diverse population. When you consider all of this, choosing something fun to do on a date night doesn’t sound all that difficult.

Here are some things to consider for your next date night in Kemah, TX:

Kemah Boardwalk – Kemah Boardwalk is open daily and has fun for everyone! Located just 20 miles from downtown Houston and covering 35 acres, the Kemah Boardwalk is home to fabulous waterfront restaurants, amusements, charming retail stores, festivals, and seaside shows every day. This could be the ideal place for a date night simply because you have everything you could want in one place.

Escape from Kemah – Working as a team, your job is to escape in less than an hour. Each escape room game not only provides the opportunity to challenge your logical thinking and puzzle solving skills, but also has the challenge of being a team member. Word to the wise: this may not be the best idea for a first date, as the results of your ‘escape’ can dictate whether there is a second date.

Space Center Houston – If you are a fan of “the last frontier”, you will love the Space Center Houston. Space Center Houston, the Official Visitor Center of NASA’s Johnson Space Center, is Houston’s premier attraction for international visitors. It is the only Smithsonian affiliate in the greater Houston area. Exhibits, attractions, and activities at this 250,000-square-foot educational entertainment complex tell the story of America’s human spaceflight program, providing guests with an experience like no other.

Clear Creek Vineyard – Clear Creek Vineyard is a good choice if both you and your date are 21 or older. Try wine flights and tours of the facilities. Note that vineyard tours and wine tastings are pretty fancy right now.

Coffee art – Let’s say you watched a movie and you both have great opinions to share. Why not skip the “big box” coffees and keep the date low-key and relaxed over a cup of coffee in this little place. They have earned a reputation as a must see in the heart of the city.

Finding fun things to do in Kemah, TX for a date night is not only easy, it would be hard to have a better time anywhere else. With a perfect blend of old school and new school, Kemah, TX has the magic you’re looking for in a great date night.