How to Choose Healthy Food for Your Pet

Pet food labels include a lot of information on nutrient content. However, sometimes it is challenging to understand these labels and here is how to do it.


Choosing the right food for your pet can seem confusing sometimes. Do you even know what labels like “all natural” and “real beef flavor” even mean? It is often the case that animal protein gets added to pet food in the form of byproducts and scraps left from processing of food. Premium dog food often contains chicken byproducts like chicken feet as a source of protein.

Each state has its own regulations on pet food ingredients. Although the national standards for definitions, ingredients, and nutrient levels are regulated by the Association of American Feed Control Officials, the body has limited enforcement authority. AAFCO provides standards for what pet food labels should include but it doesn’t regulate pet food. What this means for you is that if you wish to choose the best and healthiest food for your pet, you should not only read the labels but also understand the basics.

Regrettably, food labels for pets are often misleading. The following outlines what you should look for.

– The name indicates what the content includes. Unless it includes 95 per cent pork, a label on pet foot cannot read “Pork for dogs”. If the type of meat is clearly mentioned on the food, it is usually what you get and it is safe to assume so.

– Beware of the word “dinners” on dog food. The 95 per cent rule has exceptions and these occur when manufacturers of pet food combine the name of meat with words such as platter, dinner, formula, nuggets and entrée. When you see such words, have in mind that the percentage of meat behind the label can be as low as 25 per cent.

– Stay away from the words “with” and “flavor” on dog food labels. According to Ulvilden German Shepherds, if a package of food is labeled “Pork Flavor Dog Food”, the food only needs to taste like pork, and it could solely consist of pork byproducts. Both words require from producers to include only 3 per cent meat per food.

– Pay no attention to superlatives. Clever terms like “gourmet” and “premium” are not subjected to regulations and have no meaning whatsoever.

– “Organic” and “natural” are not the same thing. There is no official definition for the term natural, which means it is indiscriminately used. In contrast, there is a strict legal definition behind the word “organic”, meaning the term can only be used if the food complies with the standards of the US Department of Agriculture.

Always be mindful of the health of your pet

Although regulations exist, manufacturers of pet foods use a lot of terms to label their products, and there have been a lot of cases in the past of inferior pet food making pets ill. In 2007 alone, thousands of dogs became sick and some 20 percent died as a result of eating pet food contaminated by melamine.

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Summer Tips for New Pet Parents + Petsmart Coupons 2015

Summertime is Finally Here!

For some, summer is all about the food – berry pies, watermelon and ice cream. For others, summer is pool parties and park visits. And for most, summertime is travel time, where we pack our bags and take off for an adventure! But by now you have probably asked yourself, “What does summer mean to me now that I’m a pet parent?” Yes, you love that cute, fluffy, little furry guy who just peed on your rug, but having a new puppy or kitten means that summer travel isn’t going to be quite the same this year.

As a first time pet parent, we’re about to show you a whole new meaning to summertime – one filled with wonder, laughter and fun. Trips to the pool or park, and bigger adventures by car, truck or SUV, can take both of you to places you’ve never been before. But before you grab your Pet Passport and hit the road, we have some tips to keep you and your pet safe no matter what adventure you take.

Puppy + Pool = Perfect Summer Day

Many puppies love the pool and are naturally curious about the ‘ocean of water’ in front of them. But the backyard swimming pool can pose risks without taking the right precautions.

Here are some tips to keep your pet safe:

1. Help make your puppy’s first pool experiences positive. Take things slow - rushing them could create a negative association with the pool, particularly if they are a little apprehensive about dipping their paws in for the first time.
2. Be by their side as they get used to the water. You’ll be able to see their growth as they go from cautious to confident in their ‘doggy paddle.’
3. Teach your puppy how to get in and out of the pool. Many first time pet parents don’t think about this, but not knowing how to get out of the pool can cause a puppy to get tired, disoriented and panic. Take your little guy to the steps and shallow area of the pool and show them multiple times how to enter and exit the pool.
4. Don’t leave them unsupervised. If you do have to step away for a moment once they become frequent swimmers, try a pet life vest – it can give your puppy the added protection they need. Just make sure it fits correctly!
5. If your puppy becomes an avid swimmer, keep in mind ear care (especially for breeds more prone to ear infections). It’s important to dry your dog’s ears after they have been swimming. Visit a PetSmart Grooming Salon for regular checkups and help keeping those ears clean and infection-free.

Now that your puppy is protected in the water, let’s talk swimwear. We have a variety of fun, fashionable gear for pets! We’re fans of the Martha Stewart Pets^® Swim Tank – it’s stylish and a steal at just $13.99. And once your pet gets their confidence in the water, they’ll love to chase down the Chuckit!^® Paraflight Dog Toy – a perfect plaything on land and in the water.

The Heat is On!

Summertime means hot weather, and puppies and kittens are particularly vulnerable to the rising temps. Here are some things to remember:

1. Bring fresh water! For new pet owners, make sure you have plenty of clean drinking water on hand to keep your purring pet hydrated. Make sure your kitty or puppy stays away from not-so safe water sources like puddles, pools or even a leftover glass of water on the table. For puppies, a great way to keep cool is to add ice cubes to their water. They’ll have a blast licking away at the frozen treats.
2. Find shelter. When outdoors, make sure to find plenty of shade to play under. Sometimes, we understand it’s just too hot to be outside, but your new puppy has plenty othe Top Paw® Hard Sole Outdoor Dog Bootie Setf pent up energy. Take them to a PetSmart Doggie Day Camp. They’ll love being indoors with the air conditioning on full blast, expending excess energy as they socialize with other dogs (and an added benefit: your puppy might be more focused and easy to train after getting out all that extra energy).
3. Find fashionable and functional clothing. Those poor puppy paws can easily burn on hot pavement. As a solution, we recommend the Top Paw^® Hard Sole Outdoor Dog Bootie Set.

Hitting the Road

Puppies and kittens can thrive on the road – with a little bit of preparation. Just like the pool, the car can be either a thrilling or frightening new place. Be sure to make their first car experience a positive one. Here’s a few ways to make that happen:

Cars get hot very quickly. Never leave your little guy in the car on a warm day, even for a quick trip into a convenience store.

Keep your puppy safe with car specific products like Top Paw^® Pet Safety Harness or Top Paws^® Seat Belt Strap.

And for kittens, carriers are the best way to go. Whisker City^® Soft Sided Carrier and Petmate^® Compass Fashion Pet Carrier keeps your kitty safe without sacrificing fashion.

If your trip is long, factor in potty breaks. And don’t forget to bring lots of water to keep your puppy or kitten hydrated. When you do make pit stops, make sure to keep safety in mind as new environments can be distracting to a curious puppy. Your pet should have their collar on with an ID tag, and have a leash on hand. Teaching your puppy a recall command to ensure they come when called is also a great idea. Learn more with our PetSmart Training classes.

For more information, check out our car safety video.

Enjoy the Dog Days of Summer!

We think it’s pretty clear that if you’re prepared, summer with your new furry family member can be a lot of fun. But if you aren’t able to bring your newest addition along on vacation, book an overnight stay at the PetSmart PetsHotel.

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Hope you (and your pet) have a great summer!

Pet Odor Eliminator : Taking Care of When Tinkle Happens

Pet Owners, let’s face it, at some time or another, maybe the worst time ever, tinkle happens. Something else happens too sometimes, but let’s not go there!

We were interviewing a family of girls that were interested in baby sitting. As they were all active in sports and school activities, the idea to hire them all was that there would always be 1 of the 4 girls available. As the girls and their mom came over, our normally pretty well behaved dog just lost it. Too many girls out of the blue must have made him a hot mess on the spot. 8 teenage girls cooing and petting him led to his nerves going south as well as his bladder.
 2015-04-26 19.03.52

See, tinkle happens at the worst times!

Pet Odor and Stain Eliminator by Unique Natural Products saved the day. While there was tinkle tinkle every where… I had no issues cleaning it up. I followed the tinkle trail with this natural product, and guess what? There wasn’t a trace of evidence of the accident.


This stuff is going to eliminate all stains and odors naturally, or you will get a refund. It is that great of a product! This product is a must have for all pet owners. If you follow the directions you will have impressive results.

So now when tinkle happens… I try not to fret. I grab my Pet Odor and Stain Eliminator and the issue is taken care of.

PetSmart now offers 10% OFF Sitewide + extra  $5 OFF on Orders of $100 or more! No code required! Ends June 14. 2015! Visit here

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4 Common Pet Dental Problems

Your dog is a happy fellow, it eats well, goes for daily walks, sleeps in your bed and kisses you and all these activities keeps you happy.

However, of late, you have noticed that when your dog kisses you, his breath are not that fresh and is foul.

Time for a reality check for pet lovers as this could be a start of some common pet dental problems that they face. Let’s unlock 4 common pet dental problems you must not ignore!

Bad Breath

Bad breath of your pet is the first sign that your dog’s dental health is facing some issues. Bad breath sometimes is okay, but either repetitive bad breath smells or foul smells must not be ignored and must be reported to a known pet vet.

Gingivitis

It is the inflammation, bleeding of the gums and irritation that develops from bacteria build up between the teeth and gums. Signs of gingivitis are bad breath, swollen or red gums or gum bleeding easily when touched.

Periodontitis

Periodontitis occurs as a result of untreated, gingivitis when plaque builds up and further becomes a tartar. It’s an oral cavity disease affecting gums, bone and fragile tissues. The blood left on the toys could be the first sign of Periodontitis.

Mouth Tumors/Oral Tumors

Large lumps around the gums near teeth or the jawbone vicinity could be how mouth tumors or oral tumors could appear which can be surgically removed under the guidance of a noted pet vet.
As a pet parent, you shall keep checking your pet’s mouth from time to time and always bring to the notice of a renowned pet vet so that things could be restored before the time runs out.
You can also opt for some quality online dental care products for dogs and keep their oral health in top form.

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Home Remedies for Pet Urinary Tract Infections

When your dog gets a urinary tract infection (UTI), it will surely develop some awful signs that can make your pet depressed and miserable. But you can treat these UTI infections (or bladder infections),if you noticed the issue in its early stage, using fresh natural food as well as herbal remedies. Generally the affected dogs will show the following indications:

• Straining to urinate
• Increased drinking
• Blood in urine
• Licking genitals
• Increased urination
• Inappropriate urination

Check out these home remedies (other than health products for dogs & cats) with which you can treat pet urinary tract infections.

Water

• Water help flush out any harmful bacteria effectively; so make sure that your pooch has a constant access to clean & freshwater and encourage it to drink as much as it can
• But be careful &make sure that the dog does not drink way too much water “at once”as it may cause it an upset stomach

Vitamin C

• C vitamin will help your pet acidify the urine. It will also deter the recurrence of UTIs
• However, extra caution is required as acidic urine may cause some stones

Apple cider vinegar

• Although this is widely used in people health, your pet can benefit from it, too. Its acidic content is helpful; acetic acid in it effectively neutralizes any harmful bacteria that may cause an infection
• Add 1–2 tsp apple cider vinegar to plain yogurt or to your pet’s water or food

Cranberry Juice

• Juice of cranberry may help lower the pH levels in the urine as well as it can help avert bacteria from attaching to the bladder wall
• However, just like vitamin C, you must be cautious while using cranberry juice as it may make the pet’s urine to become acidic thus, it is advised to consult with your vet before you start using this fruit juice or extract

Healthy & Safe Pet Supplements

You can also use safe products for dog health such as, Cranimals Supplement Original which has properties such as anti-carcinogenic, anti-angiogenic, anti-viral, & anti-bacterial. It effectively hinders any bacteria that can cause UTI. It also helps with dental health&proper kidney functioning. You can get this safe product on PetCareShoppe(www.petcareshoppe.com) at affordable price.

Urinary tract infections in canines can become serious, so take care of your pet and visit your vet regularly for general health tests and keep an eye on any indications &report them to your vet promptly.

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Foods to Help Pet Digestion Issues

Although, it is very normal for canines to get a frequent stomach issues, such as indigestion, just as humans do, a persistent poor diet can cause harm to your furry companion. The causes of upset stomach in pets can vary from changes in environment to changes in bodily functions caused due to food or seasonal allergies, weather, eating something inappropriate, or even due to aging.

So if your pup displays some or all of the following signs, take it to your vet immediately as it can be a bit hard to know if the problem is mild or severe, unless the pet has a medically detected stomach issue.

• Eating grass
• Changes in appetite
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Dehydration
• Clearly audible gurgling stomach
• Passing gas (more than usual)
• Profuse salivation

Consider giving these foods to your pup if it is having digestion problem; these foods will help enhance the health of its gastrointestinal (GI) tract, letting it absorb the essential nutrients & various beneficial components.

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Beet Pulp

• It is a great source of insoluble fibers and thus is moderately fermentable
• It will add bulk & moisturize your pup’s stools
• It provides an energy source or beneficial bacteria that can help enhance the health of your pet’s colon

Barley & Grain sorghum

• Combination of these foods provides carbohydrates and improves digestibility
• These foods also provide a balanced & steady energy source throughout the day

Probiotics

• It promotes the growth of natural & good bacteria in the pet’s gut keeping any harmful bacteria in check
• It takes out any bad bacteria supporting the good bacteria

Dog Health Supplements

Try using good quality health products for dogs and cats such as Animal Essentials Plant Enzyme & Probiotics Powder for Dogs & Cats—digestive enzymes for dogs which you can get, with a range of other good quality pet health care products online on PetCareShoppe at affordable prices. It is a mixture of plants & microbial enzymes that will help in the absorption of essential nutrients, minerals, vitamins, as well as other valuable components, such as fish oils.

Also be careful and take your pup to your vet if the dog is still having digestion problems—in spite of giving it healthy food—to avoid any further complications and risks.

Taking Your Pet on Outings & PetSmart Grooming Coupon

Planning to take your furry love along on your hiking or camping trip? Here are some important points to be kept in mind before taking the pet out for trip. First of all take your vet’s appointment & visit him/her before your plan. Because before you take your furry companion outdoors, you should take some steps to protect it against outdoor pests such as, fleas.

• Fleas: To protect your pet from fleas, uses good quality, year-round and monthly flea prevention flea treatment medications such as, Frontline Spot On For Dog & Cats, Frontline Plus, and so on.

• Ticks: Apart from fleas, ticks are also one of the biggest concerns of pet health. Ticks can carry & transmit a lot of dangerous diseases, such as Lyme disease, to your pet as well as to you. Consider using year-round flea & tick treatment for dogs & cats.

• Scabies: Scabies are intensely itchy rashes that are caused by some mites, generally carried on by foxes in the wild.
Wooded or grassy & meadow parts and areas are the good places for scabies and such areas harbor fleas & ticks, too.

Sun Protection

Usually a dog’s coat is enough to protect it from the heat & sunrays, however, if your dog has de-pigmented nose or bare patches, use a good sunscreen lotion for it. And you know your dog best—a hound that lounges belly up in a sunny meadow for too long could get a bit of a burn there, too.

Preventive Products & Their Application

Consider using good quality pet health care products such as, Frontline Plus, Fiprofort Plus, Advantix and so on for an effective pet flea tick control. You can get all such quality pet flea control products online at PetCareShoppe at affordable prices.

Also, if you have any doubt or your pet is already undergoing some other treatment, consult with your vet and ask him/her to recommend the best suitable product for your pet to prevent ticks & fleas, according to your pooch’s activity levels & the place where you are planning to travel with the pet.

Medications

Remember to take any medications that your canine friend takes daily because packing your pet’s medications is just as important as packing your own.

Overall Pet Health

Also ask the vet if your furball is up to the levels of the activities you have planned for it or to do with it; especially if the pet is undergoing any treatment.

So remember these points while planning an outing with your furry family member to make your trip safe & pleasant for you and your pet.

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