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In years gone by, New Years was not a time of celebration for me. I owned several horses and lived near a city center in north Texas. When others were watching the fireworks in awe and excitement, I was standing watch over my horses. Panic ensued when the rockets’ red glare burst over my pasture, frightening not just my horses but my other pets as well. Fido tripped me up as he tremblingly tried to stay literally under my feet. Fluffy took to the closet and wouldn’t come out until the next day.

Since then, I’ve learned some tips to keeping household pets calmer and consequently lessened my own stress along the way. I also found a few products that are especially helpful with fearful pets. I’d like to share them with you.

Prepare, prepare, prepare.

There is no reason you can’t welcome the New Year just because you have pets. Preparation is key to a happy and safe celebration.

Having a party? With people coming and going, you’re going to want to have a place your pets can relax away from the crowd and without the fear of them getting outside by accident. Keep one room off-limits (lock the door if you have to), and close the windows, blinds, and curtains. Turn on some soft music and leave it playing on a radio or other device so that your pets can hear something besides the sounds of fireworks exploding overhead. Keep a low light on and be sure you leave a blanket, pillow, or other personal item with your scent for your buddy to snuggle up to during the party. Ask friends to stay away from that part of the house so noise isn’t overwhelming.

Do not, under any circumstances, leave your pet chained up outdoors. Being frightened by noise is bad enough, but feeling simultaneously trapped and exposed at the same time is overwhelming.

If you are going to a fireworks display, be sure Fido stays at home, even if you usually take him everywhere with you. If he suffers from separation anxiety, stay at home and watch the fireworks on TV.

During the day of New Year’s Eve, make sure your pup has plenty of exercise. A worn-out dog is more likely to sleep than one that’s fresh and alert. Making sure he has eaten well, gone outside to do his business, and has water close at hand are also important. Don’t wait until the last minute—remember that the sun goes down early in the winter and celebrations start as soon as it’s dark.

You don’t have to suffer an anxiety-ridden New Year. There are so many ways to help your pets relax during stressful times like fireworks and holiday parties. 

There is little that can rival the excitement of seeing a box wiggle and squeak under the Christmas tree for kids and adults alike. To make it the best Christmas gift you’ve ever given (or received), take a few tips from us on how to make it successful.

What is the lifestyle of the recipient? Apartment? House? Country or city? Work? School and other activities? 

The considerations mentioned above are only a few of those you would think about when planning a pet present. If your lifestyle, time, and finances afford it, should you think about giving two animals? Take a look at this list of what to consider.

1. Is the pet for an adult or a child?
2. What is your living space like? Apartment or home?
3. Do you travel a lot or work from home?
4. Are there adequate finances to ensure the new pet’s safety and health?
5. Does anyone have allergies?
6. Do you have adequate time to supervise and train a pet?
7. Are you a first-time owner?
8. What kind of pet do you want?

After carefully examining all the factors that impact your decision, finding the right pet is next on the list. There are basically three ways to give a pet as a gift.

1. Enlist the recipient’s help deciding on the right pet.
2. Buy a pet as a surprise.
3. Give a gift certificate for a pet.

Once you’ve determined how you are going to go about this monumental task, get started early. You don’t want to wait until the last minute when you are rushed and don’t have time for a considered purchase.

1. Puppy or kitten?
2. What breed?
3. What gender?

The timing is the next issue. Ideally, you will have had the pet vetted before giving it to the recipient, but if not, making an appointment with a veterinarian within 3 days of purchase is often required by the seller. Even if it isn’t, making sure the pet is healthy is the most important step you can take.

Other gifts to accompany the big one.

For puppies:

1. Food
2. Collar
3. Leash
4. Bed
5. Pet crate
6. Food and water bowls
7. Toys
8. Grooming tools

For kittens

1. Food
2. Break-away Collar
3. Pet carrier
4. Food and water bowls
5. Litter box and litter
6. Toys
7. Grooming tools

So now you’ve made the decision; where do you go for all the things this will entail? One prime location to get it all is Petland.com. Petland maintains the highest standards both in the puppies it sells as well as the plethora of products to take the best care of the new pet you’ve chosen. 

There are more than 140 Petland locations worldwide, so chances are very good there is one near you. If not, you can still order products from this world-leader in pets and pet products. Take a look at how Petland does buying a puppy the right way.

Petland also has all the supplies you’ll ever need, nutritional necessities, to behavioral training accessories, to maintenance needs, and even to environmental needs. Petland is the place Santa Claus goes to reward all the good kids with puppies that will warm their hearts and wiggle their little tails into your family’s life from day one.

Petland’s Credit Card. Rather than having to lay out all the money at once, charging your purchases on the Petland Credit Card helps spread out the initial costs so you can enjoy your new friendship without a huge financial outlay. Then, throughout the puppy’s lifetime, you can buy what you need when you need it without hassle or stress.

Christmas is a magical time of year. Make this one a really special one with a puppy under the tree from Petland.

2020 has been a hard time for dog lovers. COVID has made it difficult to take care of them, be it getting to the vet for treatments or even adopting one in the first place. And the stress it’s putting on their owners isn’t great for them either.

But for all of the disruptions, there’s still a great way to get a dog to love and support you. Service dogs have been considered an essential service by the federal government. This makes it fully possible to get a dog to help you through these trying times.

Let’s take a look at the process, and a few of the many benefits a canine friend can bring you.

The Benefits of Service Dogs

Service dogs have been a great option for a long time. And now, with all the restrictions in place to fight the pandemic, it’s one of the easiest ways to acquire an animal.

Service dogs are provided to those who have some kind of physical, mental, or emotional need that the dog can meet. One of the most obvious examples would be a seeing-eye dog for people who suffer from blindness. But these aren’t the only examples.

Emotional support animals have been shown to have positive effects on people suffering from a wide variety of problems or conditions. People with bipolar disorder, clinical depression, and chronic anxiety are eligible for a service dog. Studies have shown that they work wonders in helping to manage these issues.

Service dogs have also been shown to be highly beneficial in the management of autism, particularly in children. They help provide emotional support, and a comforting atmosphere.

How to Get a Service Dog

Acquiring a service dog is a more complicated and involved process than simply adopting a dog. Emotional support alone does not qualify the dog as a service animal. Instead, it has to be trained in some way that actively aids in the management of a disability, illness, or other condition.

Physical examples of this, such as support dogs for people with blindness, or people who suffer from seizures, are the most well known. Nowadays, it is also possible to qualify for a service dog for mental health reasons.

A clinical diagnosis of conditions such as clinical depression, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or PTSD qualifies you for a service animal. However, a clinical diagnosis of the condition is often a prerequisite for obtaining a service animal.

Service Dogs Make Perfect Companions

Service dogs are wonderful companions and a great choice for many people. They have been shown time and time again to provide help to people struggling with all kinds of illnesses, disabilities, and other issues. They provide comfort, stability, and a sense of relief. In these trying times, we could all use that.

So if you’re struggling, and feel that a service animal could help you, see about adopting an animal as a service dog. Or, if you already own a dog, look into registering them as a service animal.

The year 2020 has been different than any year we have experienced, and with the holidays right around the corner, we don’t see that letting up. So Thanksgiving may look different this year. Perhaps the meal will be a bit smaller and the gathering less crowded, but something that absolutely will not change is that our pets will celebrate the day with us.

While it is not unanimous that people-food wisely given is okay for most pets, there are a number of factors to keep in mind. It’s not only your pet’s physical health that is affected when you feed them from the table according to Malia Friesen, a veterinarian writing for PetMD.com.

●     Establishing a habit of feeding from the table usually starts with just a taste. But just as Fido has us trained to pet him when he nudges our hand or take him outside when he barks, he can train us pretty quickly to feed him whenever he smells something you are eating. It’s better not to start a habit that is difficult to break.

●     Giving our pets food from the table can result in their consuming toxic foods that are completely safe for us but potentially hazardous for them.

●     Once Fido and Fluffy get used to people food, they may become unwilling to eat their own food, preferring yours. They may even refuse to eat any form of pet food or need to have their food constantly change as they quickly decide they don’t like that one, either.

To be sure, that turkey smell will certainly pull Fido into the kitchen and have Fluffy demanding her share, too. Here’s what to know about the turkey and trimmings to keep them safe and healthy this year.

10 things your pets can enjoy this Thanksgiving

1. Turkey with all fat, skin, and bones removed. If the meat has been roasted with spices, best to skip it (or wash it off) as some spices can be toxic. Feeding skin can cause pancreatitis.
2. Although both dogs and cats can eat mashed potatoes, regular potatoes contain solanine, a defensive poison designed to keep animals from chomping on them. A better choice would be sweet potatoes, which don’t contain solanine. However, give them the sweet potatoes before you add the sugar, butter, and spices from candied yams, advises Gary Richter, MS, DVM and author of The Ultimate Pet Health Guide: Breakthrough Nutrition and Integrative Care for Dogs and Cats.
3. Pumpkin is a great treat for pets, dogs and cats alike.  Pumpkin itself is a very healthy snack, inches explains Dr. Richter.  Pumpkin helps with digestive health and it’s great for a dog’s skin and coat. Also, if feeding canned pumpkin, make sure it’s just pumpkin and not the pre-spiced pie mix. ^[1]
4. Carrots are a favorite food to give your dog anytime of the year, so Thanksgiving is a good opportunity to give him this treat. Although cats are not usually particularly fond of carrots, some like them as much as their canine counterparts. When preparing your special carrot dish for your family, just set aside a few pieces of carrot that is washed so you can indulge your pet without any additional ingredients.
5. Many people favor the traditional green bean casserole and the holiday just wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without it. And green beans are nutritious and healthy for your pets, too. Once again, set aside cooked green beans before you add all the other ingredients.
6. Corn off the cob is fine for dogs, but it’s best to avoid giving your cat corn. She probably won’t eat it anyway, since it should be served plain without any embellishment. The majority of commercial dog foods contain corn, so serving him a little bit of corn is fine, so long as it is just corn. Corn cobs are very hard to digest and can cause blockages in the digestive tract. Best to just cut the corn off the cob before giving it to Fido.
7. Dogs can eat bread, as grains are a large part of most dog food. But yeast can cause bloating and gas, so go lightly on this treat. A whole roll, even for a big dog, is a bit too much. Same for cats.
8. That apple pie should be served to your guests, not your pets. But since most dogs (and some cats) do like apples, freshly sliced apples are fine. The seeds in the apple core contain arsenic, though admittedly a small amount. Still, why risk it?
9. Cranberries are fine for dogs, but keep them away from cats. This, of course, it not talking about cranberry sauce, which contains lots of sugar and other ingredients pets should stay away from.
10. The best dessert for a pet during Thanksgiving is a slice of banana. Fresh or frozen, most dogs and some cats, enjoy bananas. Again, don’t feed them banana pudding, but just the plain fruit.

 10 things not to feed your pet on Thanksgiving

It goes without saying that sugar is as bad for your pet as it is for you, so if the recipe calls for sugar, don’t give it to your pet. Here are some more foods you should avoid.

1. Alcohol. There is no circumstance under which your pet should drink alcohol, and Thanksgiving is no exception. Alcohol can cause vomiting, diarrhea, decreased coordination, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, abnormal blood acidity, coma and even death.
2. Never give your dog or cat chocolate in any form. All forms of chocolate contain substances called methylxanthines, which are found in cacao seeds. When your pet eats chocolate, these substances can cause vomiting and diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and even death. And yes, just one piece is enough to cause harm.
3. Grapes and raisins have an unidentified toxin in them that can cause kidney failure. More research is needed to identify why this happens, but the point is that it  does happen, and often very suddenly. (Dried, unsweetened cranberries are fine.)
4. Onions (and chives, in the onion family) are very toxic substances to pets. If your recipe calls for onions, avoid allowing your pet to even get a tiny lick in.
5. Garlic is often included alongside onions in Thanksgiving dishes, but it, too, should never be given to pets. Cats are more susceptible to the toxins in onions, chives and garlic, but dogs are vulnerable, too.
6. Nuts (except cashews) should be avoided by animals, especially macadamia nuts. Because of their high fat content, they can cause digestive upset or even pancreatitis, which is very painful and can actually lead to death, according to ruffhero.com.^[2]
7. Milk and dairy products can cause significant digestive upset in pets because they do not possessive adequate amounts of the enzyme lactase which is necessary to digest dairy.
8. Raw or undercooked meats or eggs. This one is controversial, but since salmonella and e.coli are both potential hazards of feeding these foods to your pet, it is best to simply be sure that meat and eggs are thoroughly cooked.
9. Candy and other sweet treats are on the absolutely not list. You may be under the impression that it is the sugar in these foods that make them unhealthy, but zero-sugar products often contain artificial sweeteners that may be toxic. One particularly dangerous sweetener is xylitol, often used in candy, mints, gums, and even toothpaste. Xylitol can cause death within hours of ingestion.
10. Caffeine is very bad for your pets. In fact, within 1-2 hours of consuming caffeine, your dog or cat could experience hyperactivity, restlessness, vomiting, elevated blood pressure or heart rate, tremors, seizures and death.^[3]

This year, our holiday celebrations may be different from any we’ve celebrated before, but with wisdom and care, it can be healthy, happy, and fun for all participants, from a large family right on down to just you and your pet.

 ^[1] Kearl, M. (2019, November 26). Safe Thanksgiving Foods To Share With Your Dog Plus Those To Avoid. Retrieved October 04, 2020, from https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/thanksgiving-foods-to-share-with-your-dog-or-avoid/

^[2] Ruffhero. (n.d.). Pancreatitis In Dogs Can Be Fatal. Is Your Dog At Risk? Retrieved October 04, 2020, from https://www.ruffhero.com/pancreatitis-in-dogs/

^[3] 24/7 Animal Poison Control Center. (n.d.). Retrieved October 04, 2020, from https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/

You and your family made the decision to bring a new puppy into your home, found the one that stole your heart, and now that puppy you dreamed about is a reality. And reality has hit home—hard! Perhaps you hadn’t realized that raising a puppy would be quite the task it’s turning out to be, and you wonder if there are easier ways to get it done.

Well, take heart. There are! Here’s a list of the ten best hacks for living with a new pup.

1.  My puppy chews on everything! You’ve done the obvious and bought plenty of chew toys and kept valuables up off the floor, but Puppy is still chewing. Your computer doesn’t work because he chewed the power cord and the baseboards are looking the worse for wear, too. What to do? Spray bitter apple on a cloth and wipe those surfaces down well. Dogs hate the taste of bitter apple and will steer clear once they take the first bite.

2.  My large-breed puppy pulls my arms off when we walk. In a matter of a few weeks, that rolly-polly puppy has increased in size, weight, and strength. Even the word walking is misleading—he’s doing the leading and dragging you behind! Switch to a front-clip harness, which puts you in control. Harnesses that clip to the back encourage pulling.

3.  All he wants to do is play—and I have studying to do. Yes, the main goal in a puppy’s life is to get in as much play and attention from you as he can. Most pups like to play tug, but you need to be careful of their developing teeth. Make a tug toy by putting a knot in an old sock toe and making a loop at the top end. Stick your foot through it and let him tug away. Gently moving your foot back and forth gives him all the tugging attention he needs.

4.  I don’t think he’ll ever catch on to potty training! Make each success rewarding with special treats reserved only for that purpose. Many dogs love carrots, but whatever your pup goes nuts over is the treat to choose. He’ll catch on faster when his behavior brings immediate rewards.

5.  He doesn’t seem to understand what good behavior is. Puppy’s don’t have a value system like ours. Whatever rewards him is good, whether it’s a treat you give him or something he chooses for himself (and we certainly don’t always agree on that one!). Unfortunately, whatever he’s doing at the time you give him a reward is what he thinks he’s getting rewarded for. Any time delay between the behavior you want and the reward will make him misunderstand what you are telling him is good. Try a clicker training! Clicking and immediately rewarding will pinpoint to him what he’s doing that is right.

6.  My puppy is afraid of new situations, people, and other dogs. The first three months of your puppy’s life have a permanent effect on his temperament. Getting him out where new people, situations, and other dogs are is paramount in his development. Not only does it help encourage interaction, it also helps reduce fears that may pop up in unusual situations, such as thunderstorms. Socialization builds confidence and a happy outlook on life.

7.  He’s digging up my garden! Yes, some dogs love to dig. Whether he’s a terrier (the name comes from a word meaning “earth”) or he just enjoys digging, the urge can be destructive. Best hack? Give him his own place to dig! Dig a small pit and mix some sand in with the soil to keep it loose and improve draining. Bury his favorite toy and reward him when he digs it up. Before long, his digging pit will be the only place he makes a mess.

8.  He tears the stuffing out of toys and then isn’t interested in them anymore. Some pups just love to rip the stuffing out and that seems to be the only thing they like to do. Replacing stuffed toys can get expensive, though. Here’s how to make a reusable stuffed toy that will save you tons of money. JW Pet Company makes a durable, rubber ball full of holes, appropriately called the Hole-ee Roller Ball. Stuff fabric scraps into the ball. Pupster will enjoy pulling the fabric scraps out again and again.

9.  Pet poop bags are so expensive! That’s true, they are. But cleaning up after your dog is not only socially responsible, it’s quite often the law as well. Instead of buying expensive poop bags, use cheaper diaper-disposable bags instead. The house-brand will almost always beat out the name-brand.

10.   My vet says I should brush my puppy’s teeth, but he hates it! Some dogs don’t seem to mind having their teeth brushed and others will fight you, well, tooth and nail. Rather than make each experience a fight, spread doggy toothpaste on a chew toy and let him brush them all by himself!

Today, November 1, 2020, is Go Cook For Your Pet Day. Here are a few great recipes to honor your BFFF (best four-footed friend) in the kitchen this year.

Animals can have sensitive stomachs, so cooking for your pet challenges you to use healthy ingredients that your buddy will love while still maintaining his health. Drool-worthy recipes are abundant on the internet but keeping his preferences and needs balanced requires sifting through the lot. We’ve compiled three each for dogs and cats so you can make this special day truly that.

Special considerations

Remember NOT to include these ingredients in your pet’s special food.

●  Raisins

●  Grapes

●  Onions (including shallots and chives)

●  Garlic

●  Tomato

●  Chocolate

●  Avocado

●  Yeast dough

●  Caffeine

●  Alcohol

●  Artificial sweeteners

●  Xylitol

●  Macadamia nuts

What should I cook for my dog?

Rather than cook a whole meal for your dog which could upset his digestive system, consider making special treats and feed them small-scale so his balanced diet isn’t compromised.

Pumpkin Ginger Dog Biscuits

Dogs love these tasty treats and the ginger is good to settle an upset tummy (so save some for later).

Ingredients:

• 3 cups whole wheat flour
• ½ cup pumpkin
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
• ¼  to ½ cup water

Directions:

1.      Preheat the oven to 275° F.

2.      Mix flour and ginger together until completely combined.

3.      In a large mixing bowl, beat together pumpkin, coconut oil, and egg.

4.      Add flour mixture and blend together with pumpkin mixture.

5.      With the mixer on low, add water a little at a time until dough forms but isn’t sticky.

6.      On a floured surface, roll the dough out to ¼” thickness.

7.      Cut into shapes with a cookie cutter, a glass turned upside down, or a knife.

8.      On an ungreased baking sheet, put the biscuits about 2” apart and bake about 2-½ hours or until lightly browned. Note that the tops may crack.

Sweet Potato Fries

This is one you and Fido can actually share!

Ingredients:

• 1 whole sweet potato
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon turmeric

Directions:

1.      Preheat the oven to 425° F.

2.      Wash and peel the sweet potato, cutting it into long, thin “french fries.”

3.      In a bowl or plastic bag, toss the potatoes with the coconut oil and spices.

4.      Place on an ungreased baking sheet in one layer. Do not overlap potatoes.

5.      Bake for 15 minutes, flip potatoes over and cook for another ten minutes.

6.      Cook completely before letting your pup enjoy this treat with you!

Treats for diabetic dogs.

Don’t leave your beloved pup out even if he has diabetes. Here’s one just for him (other dogs like it, too).

Ingredients:

• ½ cup whole wheat flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1-½ pounds of beef liver, cut into small pieces

Directions:

1.      Preheat the oven to 350° F.

2.      Line a jelly roll pan or shallow baking dish with baking parchment.

3.      Pulse a food processor to finely chop the liver.

4.      Add remaining ingredients and continue to process until smooth.

5.      Spread evenly in the prepared pan.

6.      Bake for 15 minutes (the center should be firm).

7.      Cut with a pizza cutter and store refrigerated in a sealed container.

What can I cook for my cat?

Favorite Biscuit Treats for Cats

Here’s one variety, but feel free to substitute your cat’s favorite ingredient for the catnip.

Ingredients:

• 1-½ cups whole wheat flour
• 1-½ teaspoon organic catnip
• ⅓ cup dry milk
• ½ cup milk
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 large egg

Directions:

1.      Preheat the oven to 350°F.

2.      In a large mixing bowl, combine all dry ingredients and mix thoroughly.

3.      Add all the wet ingredients and mix to form a firm dough.

4.      Roll on lightly floured surface using a small hor d’oeuvres cutter or a knife.

5.      Bake for 20 minutes, turning half way through to crisp both sides.

6.      Cool completely before giving these treats to Fluffy.

7.      These keep on the counter in an airtight container. They also freeze well.

Cheesy Kitty Treats

They smell good enough to eat, but save them for your kitty!

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ¾ cup whole wheat flour
• ¼ cup sour cream or plain yogurt (I used Chobani 0% fat Greek yogurt)
• ¼ cup cornmeal
• 5 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• Several tablespoons of water

Directions:

1.      Preheat your oven to 350°F.

2.      Line a cookie sheet with baking parchment.

3.      Combine all ingredients except water and stir together.

4.      Add water a tablespoon at a time until the dough comes together in a ball.

5.      Roll out on a lightly floured surface and cut into shapes with a small hor d’oeuvres cutter or a knife.

6.      Place on the parchment paper and bake for about 25 minutes.

7.      Cool completely before serving and store in an airtight container.

Treats for Finicky Eaters

If you have a cat with tummy issues or who is picky, these nutrient-dense treats will really tickle her fancy!

Ingredients:

• ½ cup quinoa flour
•  ½ cup brown rice flour or oat flour
•  1 tablespoon dried catnip
•  4-5 ounces sardines, tuna, or salmon (choose your cat’s favorite)
•  ¼ cup parsley, chopped
• 1 egg
•  ½ tablespoon olive oil

Directions:

1.      Preheat the oven to 350°F.

2.      Line a cookie sheet with baking parchment.

3.      Pulse all ingredients in a food processor until thoroughly combined (dough will be sticky).

4.      You can either pat the dough into a ¼” round and cut out shapes or simply pinch pieces off and make them into little balls.

5.      Place on the parchment-lined cookie sheet and bake for about 10 minutes. They should be dry to the touch.

6.      Let cool completely before delighting Fluffy with these treats.

7.      Store in an airtight container.