Posts tagged "treats"

If your cat is becoming gray around the whiskers, a number of products can help him adjust to the physical changes that come with getting older. Whether your senior cat needs a cozier napping spot or a gentler grooming routine, a few basics can keep him active and content.

To smooth your cat's transition to senior status, our friends at Zootoo rounded up some of their favorite products to comfort aging cats.


If your aging cat shies away from his regular brush during grooming sessions, try the Bristle Finishing Brush from Petco as an alternative. The plastic bristles of this brush are easier on sensitive scalps than wire bristles, and the product's design helps distribute healthy oils and stimulate skin without digging too deep into thinner coats. Cat owners will also appreciate the comfortable, easy-to-grip rubber handle.


Cats accustomed to grooming themselves may find that hard-to-reach places become impossible to reach as they get older. If your aging cat has difficulty reaching certain spots because of physical limitations, Deodorizing Kitty Wipes Instant Pet Bath from Petkin can help. The mildly scented wipes feature a nontoxic, no-alcohol formula that uses oatmeal, aloe vera and lanolin to moisturize and soothe senior skin.

We love giving our pets treats, whether to reward good behavior, keep them occupied or because we simply can't resist their plaintive stares or begging. But all those jerky treats, dental chews and milk bones are making our domestic animals fat.

"If I could only point to one factor causing the modern-day pet obesity epidemic, it would have to be treats," says veterinarian Ernie Ward, founder of the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention and author of "Chow Hounds: Why Our Dogs Are Getting Fatter – A Vet's Plan to Save Their Lives."

Vets and animal-nutrition experts point the finger at fattening pet snacks: Packed with sugar and carbohydrates, even the tiniest packaged cheese or bacon snack becomes what Ward calls "calorie grenades."

"It's that seemingly innocent extra 50 calories a day in the form of a chew or cookie that adds up to a pound or two each year. By the time a dog or cat reaches mid-life, it's overweight and health risks begin to skyrocket," Ward says. Obesity is being blamed for health problems such as diabetes, joint pain and breathing problems in pets.

That doesn't mean the snacks have to stop, but experts say treats should make up no more than 10 percent of your pet's daily calories. That's not much, considering a 10-pound cat needs less than 300 calories daily and a 40-pound dog should only get about 1,000 calories.

Making things trickier, manufacturers don't list calorie contents on their packages, and they don't have to.

There are several benefits to natural pet products. Natural pet foods and treats are made from organic ingredients of human-grade quality, meaning your pet won't be eating anything you wouldn't eat. Natural grooming products are made from organic materials that are safe to use, and will keep pets from getting rashes and irritations. Natural toys, collars, and leashes are biodegradable, recyclable, and have a low impact on the environment. These five natural pet products are tested and approved by pet owners and animal experts for their high-quality ingredients, safety, and enjoyability.

Wellness Pet Food
Wellness offers lines of all-natural dog and cat foods that are made to human-grade standard. Their dog food includes dry and canned formulas that have no artificial ingredients. The Wellness dog food lines are high in protein and low calories. The cat food lines include dry and canned formulas. Wellness cat food limits the risk of urinary tract problems -- one of the biggest reason cats end up in veterinary offices.

Dr. Harvey's Herbal Protection Shampoo
Made specifically for dogs, Dr. Harvey's Herbal Protection Shampoo is sulfate-free and made from organic ingredients. The Herbal Protection Shampoo is safe to use even on dogs with sensitive skin or allergy problems because it contains no artificial coloring or fragrance. Dr. Harvey's natural pet products are cruelty-free and come in biodegradable packaging.

With the economy in the state that it is, and pet-food prices already exorbitant, many dog owners are saving money by making their own dog food. We've already told you how to make dog bones, but we wanted to provide a comprehensive list of the best Web sites for all kinds of dog treats, including bones, biscuits, cookies, and everything in between.

Check out these Web sites, save money, have fun, and prove your doggy devotion by making your own treats.

There's that old wives tale about owners looking like their dogs, but can you and your dog share more than just looks?

In the video above, one Kentucky woman tries to convince us that her dog Opie has an opinion on our current president. This got us wondering -- should pets become unsuspecting campaigners?

We have a feeling Bo Obama would have something to say about this.

So go ahead. Add a little flair to your pet's next birthday party, doggy shower or other special occasion.

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