Cosmick Media SEO Blogs

Blog

  • Great DIY Pet Projects to Create at Home!

    Cat lovers love their homes, too, and sometimes their BFFFFs (best four-footed forever friends) shred their furniture, making them have to choose between their homes and their cats. In days-gone-by, declawing was the way many people solved the dilemma, but today we know that declawing actually amputates the first part of every one of the cat’s toes, a cruel and unnecessary process.  The cruelty is obvious, but why unnecessary? Because you can easily make a great-looking cat scratcher that kitty will much prefer to your sofa and will not look like “cat furniture.” We found this project on we-are-scout.com.

    Creating this wonderful cat scratcher starts with the IKEA Rast bedside table ($14.95) and a few other supplies. All the instructions are available on we-are-scout.com. An easy evening or weekend project and your decor is safe from kitty’s claws!

    Cats aren’t the only pets that can be destructive. When dogs are left at home for an extended period of time (like when you’re at work), they can get bored and look for ways to entertain themselves. Sometimes, they get destructive. Even if Spot isn’t destructive, if he likes to chew, here is a way to make a no-sew chew toy that will allow him to entertain himself for hours on end.  It  may look complicated, but these easy-to-follow tutorials will have you churning out these delightful chew toys in no time. You can find the tutorial here

    Cats love to get inside things, as all cat lovers know. An empty box or paper shopping bag is alluring to cats, but they are kind of, well, trashy-looking lying around your home. Instead, find a brightly colored t-shirt at your local resale shop (or recycle one only our own), add a piece of cardboard and a couple of wire coat hangers and voila! A great-looking cat hide-out that is as much fun to look at as it is for kitty to hide in. To find the simple tutorial, just follow this link. Make several to go in every room your cat lives in to match or complement the colors and patterns in the room.

    With a few tools and some imagination,the folks at The Owner Builder Network have put together this fun self-groomer for cats, but small dogs would love it, too. It comprises a board, a couple of toilet-bowl brushes, and a little time that produces this innovative groomer that takes some of the grooming chore off your hands and puts it in the cat’s paws. Fun and useful, and it only uses basic tools and techniques. 

    To find even more pet projects to make great things for your cat and dog, why not check out Pinterest? There’s a wealth of fun things to make and do for you and your BFFFF’s!

  • Natural Disaster Preparedness For You and Your Pets

    This year has been one of unique challenges due to COVID-19, forcing us to stay at home. But the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season has already had 9 named storms, “the most ever recorded since the satellite era began in 1966,” according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.  The fire season in California is expected to be worse than ever this year, and there have already been 672 tornadoes so far. 

    Chances are, you have a preparedness plan for your family, but did you include your pets in that plan? If not, today is not too soon to prepare in case you need to vacate your home in an emergency. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognizes that masks and social distancing are not the only ways we need to protect ourselves in this unusual new “normal.” They remind us that leaving your pets out of your evacuation plans can spell disaster for you, your pets, and first responders. Here’s what they suggest.

    Before an emergency, familiarize yourself with the kinds of disasters that are not uncommon in your area. Make a list of pet-friendly hotels where you can take refuge if you have to evacuate your home. Ask a trusted neighbor to check on your pet in case you’re not home when an emergency occurs. Make an animal hospital and veterinarian’s contact information part of the important information in your own preparedness kit. 

    Other critical things to do before disaster happens include making sure your pet wears a collar and tag with up-to-date contact information. If you haven’t done it already, seriously consider having your pet microchipped. Be sure you register the microchip with the manufacturer and update your contact information immediately when anything changes.

    You should have a leash and carrier near the exit and be sure your car is equipped with equipment for traveling with your pet. To be thoroughly prepared, check out the CDC’s Pet Disaster Preparedness Kit (free) and gather all documents and items just in case 2020 throws more surprises at us this year!

  • National Deaf Dog Week

    Every year in America, the last week of September is set side to celebrate our four-footed friends that are deaf. This year National Deaf Dog Week falls from September 24 to October 1. And around our nation, people are finding good reasons to celebrate!

    One of the most endearing qualities of dogs who are deaf is that they “hear with their hearts.” Not only do they love their human BFFs, they also love their deaf buddies as well. Yes, all dogs love their humans, but deaf dogs seem to have a greater capacity for emotional bonding than do their hearing counterparts. 

    Many people believe that when a dog loses one physical sense—such as the ability to hear—their other senses become sharper to “take over.’ But according to science, that’s not actually what is happening.

    In his ground-breaking work on deafness in dogs, Stanley Coren (How Dogs Think: Understanding the Canine Mind) describes eight different modalities that allow deaf dogs to substitute touch for hearing. Their adaptation to sensing the world differently is truly amazing, and you see it demonstrated in pet dogs that cannot hear. 

    These special canines are called “Velcro” dogs, because they stick to their human handlers like the hook-and-link fastener. Laughably, other reasons deaf dogs rock are because they don’t freak out during thunderstorms. You can sneak into the kitchen for a late night snack, open a bag of potato chips and your deaf dog doesn’t wake up and they don’t lose their cool when surrounded by other barking dogs. 

    Deaf dogs make excellent therapy dogs, emotional support dogs, and even service dogs because they don’t react with fear and anxiety exhibited by some hearing dogs. Not only do they tolerate lots of strange hands petting them, they revel in the attention.

    Some people have the mistaken notion that all white dogs are deaf. Of course, some dogs (of any color) become deaf through accident or illness, but the inheritance of deafness does seem to go along with white coloration.  The reason for that lies in the fact that the cells that enable the ability to hear and the cells that determine coat color come from the same stem cells. Congenital hearing loss occurs frequently in breeds with white,  piebald, or merle coats. Some of the breeds with these color patterns include Bull Terriers, Boxers, English Setters, Dalmatians, Old English Sheepdogs, Dachshunds, Welsh Corgis, and Border Collies.

    Remember this about deaf dogs: the loss of hearing seems to sharpen one sense above all others… the sense of love!

  • End of Summer Vacays With Fido

    Dogs love the outdoors. They notice everything, not only with their eyes but with their whole bodies. Watch Fido, and you’ll see him sniff, move his ears, cock his head, wag his tail, raise his hackles, paw at things, maybe even dig. And if he finds something really, really stinky, watch out! Chances are, he’ll want to roll in it.

    One of the best vacays with your dog is hiking. He probably likes that more than any other activity because he gets to explore sights, sounds, and smells he doesn’t usually get to enjoy. Your dog lives with his whole being, so hiking is right up his alley. Parks and lakes, beaches, or pools are also wonderful vacation spots.

    Important questions when you plan your time outside with Fido:

    1. Where do you want to go?

    2. Are dogs allowed?

    3. Do you have absolute control of your dog off-leash, or do you plan to keep him on a leash?

    4. Is he healthy enough for activity in the sun? For how long?

    5. Are you going with other dog owners or just you two?

    Be sure your dog is wearing a sturdy collar with a proper license. Today it is easy to have your dog microchipped, and many veterinarians and shelters have scanners to read them. This will facilitate getting Fido back to you if he should get lost.

    You never know what you might run into on trails. Other dogs and animals are possible, so be sure your buddy is current on all his vaccines. Even if your state does not require a rabies vaccine, if you are going to hike with him, it’s a good idea to vaccinate against rabies anyway.

    Especially in areas where there is a lot of undergrowth or high grass and weeds, your dog may pick up ticks and fleas. Ticks can carry Lyme disease, so if that’s a risk in your area, consider vaccinating Fido against it. Petland has a variety of flea/tick products to choose from.

    Not everyone appreciates dogs and you should brush up on his manners before exposing the world to him. Don’t let him approach anyone uninvited.

    Musts:

    ●   Keep your dog close

    ●   Clean up after him

    ●   Bring plenty of clear water and a bowl

    ●   Bring a spray bottle of water for spritzing his body, but avoid his face

    ●   Be aware of trail side hazards

    ●   Bring along a first aid kit and check paws often

    Must Nots:

    ●   Don’t let your dog run around loose

    ●   Don’t let Fido enter private property (even through wire fences)

    ●   Don’t let him drink any water but what you bring

    ●   Don’t let your dog approach strangers

    ●   Don’t let him bark excessively

    ●   Don’t let Fido eat anything off the ground

    Most importantly, have tons of fun with your pooch as we continue through the rest of the Summer and stay safe!

  • How To Take Great Fall Photos With Your Pets

    No matter the species, we can all agree that our pets are family. We raise them, we adore them, and we want to hold onto the timeless memories that we’ve shared with them. Luckily, we live in an age where every phone has a camera attached to it, so you don’t have to shell out hundreds of dollars for a professional photographer. 

    However, you can get the same eye-catching pics by applying these simple, effective methods.

    Polly Want a Cracker?

    Dogs aren’t the only animals that are motivated by food. Cats, birds, horses, and just about any rodent can be persuaded through the prospect of a tasty snack. Don’t waste time trying to capture 0.003 seconds of your pet listening to the screech of some nearby katydid; the best you’ll get are a few questionable, blurry photos once they become distracted again.

    Instead, capture their attention by holding their favorite treat or toy up to where you want them to focus. For example, if you want your dog to look directly at the camera, use your other hand to hold the morsel just above the shutter. Once you’ve got the shot, give them the treat!

    Pro Tip: Cut the flash. It’s usually counterproductive and frightens most animals.

    It’s All About the Angles, Honey

    Don’t let the Instafluencers trick you into thinking that it’s necessary to travel to exotic lands, or even outside of your neighborhood to find a fantastic backdrop for your pet. You can take something as simple as an old brick house and make it beautiful with a few props. Using the wall as your canvas, add some “antique-like” items to the foreground. This could be a pair of boots, an old cowboy hat, even a small wooden chair. Placed in between the wall and the props, your pet becomes the focal point. 

    Move items around as needed, and don’t be afraid to get eye-level with your animal. Both owners and photographers tend to lean on shots from above, but experimenting with juxtaposition will give your photos a more unique look.

    Pro Tip: Too many additional elements can turn an otherwise beautiful photo into a cluttered mess. Keep it simple.

    Keep it Natural

    There’s no need to try to force your pet to recreate something you saw another owner do on social media. Allow your dog to sniff as they normally would. Throw a toy or have them perform a trick for you while someone else takes the photo. 

    The best pictures are the ones that make us smile. Sure, the artificial situations and setups we see on social media are certainly cute, but they won’t provoke the same kind of emotions or memories that a walk in the park or a swim in the lake would. Keep your camera on guard, and be ready to snap a pic when your dog looks up at the sky and smiles.

    Pro Tip: If you can’t find an extra person and the timer on your camera is too short, you can also use your phone to record a video. Then, screenshot the stills you like and have them edited!

  • National Dog Day

    Your dog has been there for you through the best of times, and the worst of times. They’ve given you loyalty and unconditional love since the moment you walked into their life. Don’t you think they deserve a special day to celebrate all the amazing memories you’ve created together?

    Well, it just so happens that you can make one more, because August 26th is National Dog Day! Here are some fun ways to honor your furry best friend on this wonderful occasion.

    Take Your Pup Shopping

    Everyone likes surprise gifts, but who wouldn’t love a surprise shopping spree? Hit up your local pet shop or pet store and let your dog browse the toy aisle. Allow them to take a good long gander and sniff the objects that interest them. If your pup gives you mixed signals, just grab the first couple of items that make their nose wiggle the most.

    Don’t forget to pick up a few yummy snacks along the way!

    Get a Puppuccino

    You probably love your regular Starbucks coffee, and you know that your dog loves their car rides. While you’re in the drive-thru, add a delicious puppuccino to your order. It’s just a bit of whipped cream in a small dixie cup, but it’s free and your pal will think they’re getting an extra-special treat.

    Have a Date Night

    Between working to take care of bills and making time to take care of our own needs, it can be difficult to live in the moment. Since today is all about showing appreciation for your best bud, set up some one-on-one time. Head out to a dog-friendly bar or social setting where you can show everyone how cool your pup is and let them meet and greet.

    If you’d rather have a “Just the Two of Us” kind of evening, cook up a tasty feast that you and your pet can enjoy. Canines can actually eat quite a bit of the same ingredients we use in our meals. Steak, carrots, celery, potatoes, peas, green beans, and broth all fine to serve. While you’re hanging out, be present! Take a few pics for your Snap and IG, then put the phone away and get back to your dinner date.

    Give Your Pet a Spa Treatment

    Anyone who’s been to a spa, or seen a spa on TV, knows that it’s all about getting pampered. After a day of facials, foot massages, back rubs, and aromatherapy, you walk out feeling like a whole new person. Recreate this relaxing environment for your dog! 

    Set up some soft music, warm towels, and put some home-made treats in the oven for “aromatherapy” purposes. While they’re baking, take the time to massage your pup’s legs and paws. For the canines who don’t particularly like people touching their feet, move on up to the head, neck, and shoulders. 

    It won’t take long for your little buddy to doze off into dreamland. Once they wake up, Fido (or Fida) will be ready for their Dog Day snacks.

  • All About Catnip

    Does your fur baby love catnip? Well, here’s why!

    Cat owners respond with laughter when they see their cat’s reaction to catnip, an herb in the mint family. Their normally lazy feline rubs her nose and cheeks in the catnip, rolls around on the ground, leaps around like a kitten, and then in roughly 10 minutes falls asleep. Most cats enjoying catnip also vocalize more than usual, but not all cats are equally respondent.

    Some people question the ethics of giving what appears to have the effect of a recreational drug in human use to an animal. But is it really the same? What exactly is going on when our cats act silly around this “magic” cat herb?

    There are many varieties of what is commonly known as the catnip plant (Nepeta cataria and other Nepeta species). They are all members of the mint family Lamiaceae that also includes such herbs as rosemary, sage, oregano, and basil. Catnip contains tannins, volatile oils, acids, and sterols. Although not native to North America, they were imported from Europe, Asia, and Africa and are now commonly seen in herb gardens. The plants also grow widely as weeds. The volatile oil nepetalactone found in the stems and leaves of the catnip plant is the component that cats react to. It is nonaddictive and completely harmless to cats. Domestic cats as well as their wild cousins seem to love the smell.

    They look high—are they? Jim Simon, a professor of plant biology and co-director of the Center for Sensory Sciences and Innovation at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey, says no. The behaviors exhibited by cats when they smell catnip are those common to queens in season (females in heat.) The response to catnip is hereditary. Seventy to 80 percent of cats, both male and female, act this way when exposed to the plant. Kittens under the age of 6 months (when they reach sexual maturity), however, do not react to catnip. If it induced a high like marijuana does in humans, age would have no bearing on it.

    It’s not only nepetalactone in catnip that stimulates a response, says Simon. Other compounds are similar in molecular structure, but not as strong. The odor of nepetalactone binds to receptors in their noses and the resulting behavior may appear euphoric.

    According to Dr. Bruce Kornreich, an associate director for education and outreach with the Feline Health Center at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine in Ithaca, New York, these other compounds affect neurotransmitters, “resulting in inhibition of central nervous system activity.”

    A study published in Science Direct says that virtually 100% of cats respond to catnip, although the reaction in some is passive, seen in the sphinx-like posture they exhibit. Whatever their response, it’s definitely a pure pleasure for the cat that smells catnip. Check out your local Petland for a variety of fun catnip treats!

  • Baby, It’s Hot Out Here!

    How to keep your pet’s paws perfect.

    Summer is hot, and when that sun is still beating down on the asphalt, rocks, and cement, it can really do a number on your pet’s toe beans, regardless of size.

    Most dogs show signs of distress when they walk on pavement that is too hot. How hot is too hot? The general rule is “if it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for his paws.” It’s hard to believe that when your temperature reaches 77° the pavement can be 125°, but it is true. Pavement that hot can literally burn your dog’s paw pads off.

    In the summertime, it’s best to walk Pal during early morning hours or late evening hours. If your dog can’t go that long between walks, carry him—if he’s not too big—to the grass. But even grass can be too hot in the midday sun. If he starts to whine, limp, or simply stop walking, take him home immediately. Examine his feet to make sure not damage has been done. Wash them gently in room temperature water and soothe them with balm formulated specifically for canine use (ask your vet for a recommendation).

    If you see signs of burned, torn, or injured pads, there are some things you can do until you can get him to the vet.

    1. Clean the wound. Use room-temperature or cool water to wash away dirt and debris. If there is something deeply embedded, do not attempt to remove it—you can cause further damage. Use mild antibacterial soap or betadine to cleanse the area
    2. Stop the bleeding. Firm pressure against the wound should stop the bleeding within ten to fifteen minutes. If it doesn’t, an emergency trip to the animal hospital is in order—NOW.
    3. Bandage the wounded pad. Use gauze to cushion the foot and absorb the blood. Hold it in place by using self-sticking Vet Wrap to wrap the entire foot, including toes and up to the top of the ankle or wrist. Don’t make the wrap too tight, though, or you can cut off circulation. You should be able to fit a finger between the bandage and the foot.
    4. Change the bandage every day. Look for swollen toes or a foul smell. These can indicate an infection and definitely require a vet’s help. Antibiotics and pain medicine can promote faster healing. Keep the bandage dry. You can use a “cone” or a spray-on product to stop licking or chewing on the bandage.

    If it’s still too hot outside for the two of you, especially for those that live in the southern half of the US, find some fun games to play while you’re inside. Teach your dog some new tricks or do some indoor workouts with him. Either, way, stay safe, and keep your pup’s paws perfect!

  • Cat Sounds and What They Mean

    As adorable and bubbly as they are at times, our feline companions are still highly intelligent, athletic, hunting machines. In their transition from feral to domesticated, the roar of a lion has dwindled down to a meow. However, that tiny meow serves a purpose. 

    Since our cats have sort of gotten used to life indoors, they’ve also figured out how to use their voice as a means of letting us know what they’re thinking, how they’re feeling, and what their needs are. 

    Purring

    We all know how much our kitties love to be stroked and pet by the gentle humming sound that it produces. Happiness and comfort aren’t the only reasons that cats purr, though. While scientists are still testing this theory, it is believed that felines emit a low-frequency pitch of 25 to 150 Hertz that discourages osteoporosis.

    This could be why cats are able to sleep for 17+ hours a day without losing strength or bone density. Perhaps, it is an evolutionary response to a more sedentary lifestyle. Cat owners may benefit from the sound of purr as well; statistically, they’re ⅓ less likely to suffer from a stroke!

    Chirping & Chattering

    You’ve probably seen your kitty click or chatter at birds, squirrels, and other small prey. They might even make a chirping sound toward you every now and again. So, what does it mean? Currently, the most accepted theory is that it could just be their internal predatory hunting instincts kicking in. 

    When hunting, felines use a grinding motion to sever the spinal cord of the animal they’ve caught. The prey is dispatched quickly, and the cat can eat without a struggle. Some owners notice that the chattering is accompanied by flicking of the tail or repositioning of the ears.

    However, mother cats use clicking as a means of getting the attention of their kittens while on the move. If your cat appears to be chattering toward you, they may just be hungry or wanting to play. 

    Yowling vs. Growling

    For the most part, growling is a pretty universal sound that we as humans recognize as “stay away.” Cats growl too, and when they do, it’s best not to disturb them. That said, if your kitty appears to be more agitated or grumpy than usual, it could be a signal that they’re in pain or not feeling very well.

    Yowling is a bit different and sounds more like a distress call. Think of it as a long, drawn-out, higher-pitched growl. It’s usually not a good sign, especially when coming from a cat that’s typically on the quiet side. Yowls are often a representation of pain, injury, confrontation, or a call for help when felines find themselves stuck in tight places.

    Now, keep in mind that it’s not always an indicator of trouble. Siamese cats in particular are extremely vocal about what they want, and they’re not shy about yowling to the top of their lungs to get it! Caterwauling is also used to find potential mates in the area.

    Your Kitty is Special

    Sure, the sounds that our feline companions make have somewhat of a universal meaning. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they don’t have a unique set of meows and yowls that indicate something other than what’s listed here. The only way to know for sure is to spend some time with your cat and observe their “talkative” ways. Who knows, you might be meowing back soon enough!

  • National Microchipping Day is August 15

    The what, why, and how. Make sure your pet is safe!

    When I was small, we moved from one neighborhood to another pretty far away. During the move, our Boston Terrier, Chippy, got lost. We searched high and low for her until finally she was found in the trunk with some of the things we were moving! If Chippy had been lost in the new neighborhood, chances are highly unlikely that we would have gotten her back.

    Today, your pet is much more likely to be returned to you if it has a microchip implanted. (Yes, I get the irony of my Boston’s name being Chippy!) In fact, the American Veterinary Medical Association says that after a study of 7,700 shelter animals was undertaken, they discovered that cats with microchips were returned to their owners 38.5% of the time compared with the dismal rate of only 1.8% of those without microchips. Dogs without microchips fared better, being returned 21.9% of the time, but not even close to the return rate of 52.2% for microchipped pups (Lord et al, JAVMA, July 15, 2009).

    What about those with microchips that weren’t returned? Usually, it was because the owners didn’t keep the information on their registration updated, or they had never registered the microchip in the first place. When the lost or strayed animal is picked up and taken to a shelter or vet, the first thing they do is scan to see if there is a microchip. If the information the database has is accurate, it is usually pretty simple to get the pet and owner reunited.

    The good news is that all Petland puppies are microchipped and entered into a national database at petkey.org. If your pet doesn’t have a microchip, you should definitely consider getting one. Let’s dispel some myths that might make you hesitant.

    1. A microchip can allow others to access my private information. FALSE. The only information available is what you choose to share with the database. The chip carries no other information at all.
    2. Microchipping causes cancer. Mostly FALSE.  While it is true that microchips have been associated with cancer in mice and rats, these were in laboratories that raised cancer-prone animals for study on treating cancer. Cancer was found in two dogs and two cats, but in one dog and one cat, the microchip could not be directly linked to the tumor.
    3. Removing a microchip will keep your pet from getting cancer. FALSE. Inserting a microchip is an easy procedure but removing one requires anesthesia. Since no proof has been found that microchips cause cancer, removing a chip is much more dangerous than leaving it in.
    4. Microchipping does not help pets be returned to their owners. FALSE. As we talked about above, the chances of a microchipped pet being returned to its owner are much higher than for those without microchips.

    Are all microchips the same? Actually, no. Microchips are manufactured by different companies that can choose to make chips that respond to scanners that detect 125, 128, or 134.2 kHz (kilo Hertz frequencies). The ISO (International Standards Organization) recommends 134.2 kHz chips because that is the largest database. However, the other frequencies are also widely used, so shelters and veterinarians that use universal scanners can detect both kinds of chips. Since the information is stored in the manufacturer’s database, the scanners actually read the name of the manufacturer and not the information stored in the database. Then the search of the manufacturer’s database will contain the information available for locating the owner. That’s why it is so important to keep your information current.

    If your pet isn’t chipped, call your vet for deals on microchipping. Sometimes, they can be free or deeply discounted. Don’t lose your pet, get her chipped!