Back to School Time!

Our furry friend in New Jersey! Thanks Pat!

Now that it's September and all school age kids go back to school, don't forget about your pets!  Sometimes, kids are given the duties of taking care of their best furry friends during the summer and when they aren't around anymore during the day, the chores must be taken over by someone else.  A caregiver that can be a neighbor, a relative or of course, the pet parents.

Try to keep your pets on as close a schedule as possible.  They like that and they're bodies become acclimated to the schedule and become hungry at a certain time everyday.  Usually, they'll be sure to remind of this time in one way or another.  By barking at you or their food bowl or with some cats, biting or licking their pet parent's hair! lol  Remember, they only have limited ways of communicating to you.

Gates help keep pets safe

Remember to keep toys available to them so that they do not use rugs and furniture or whatever else they can sink their teeth into when they get bored.  You can get all types of dog and cat toys at your local pet store or even the grocery store.  Make sure you also get some interactive toys for them so they can play by themselves.  Also, you can keep them in crates and pens or separate them from the rest of the house with gates if you need to do that.

Our little furry friends are part of the family and they need you to help them and take care of them.  In return, they'll love you forever unconditionally!

Tiffany Star!

Tiffany Star loves her new Bergan Turbo Track!

 This is a story about a sweet, beautiful, loving Ragdoll cat.  One day this little cat, named Tiffany Star, received a present in the mail which her mother (owner) ordered for her.  Tiff was so excited.  However, she had to wait until her mother put it together.  It was a Bergan Turbo Track from FurryPetStore.com!  It came with a little ball that Tiff pushed around the track with her little paw.  She rolled over and jumped, and just had a ball.  Not only did she love this Turbo Track, but, she got daily exercise from playing with it.  Since her devoted owner worked, the Turbo Track gave Tiffy something to do while her mother (owner) was gone. 

Tiffany is 8 years old, so it’s so good to keep her physically and mentally healthy.  You can change the way Turbo Track is laid out, just to make it interesting.

Tiffany love to help the ball along a little quicker!

 The moral to this story is that every little kitty should have a Turbo Track.  It’s safe, you can’t eat it (unless the dog sees it), and it doesn’t take up a lot of room.  It’s just a fun, healthy toy for your little, furry friend.  Thanks, FurryPetStore.com!!!  Tiffany thanks you, too!!

Thanks sooooo much to Joy for writing a guest blog for FurryPetStore.com!  We're so happy that Tiffany Star loves her Bergan Turbo Track!  

Pet Pens

Midwest Small Animal Exercise Pen

Pet pens come in all sizes and varieties of colors and depending on the size, they can can very cheap or very expensive.

Pens can be used to keep your dog in an enclosed area while you are at work so that he can move around and exercise and stretch.  This is very important for your dog.  Being in a small crate all day can make him very excitable and rambunctious when you let him out finally. 

Another reason for owning a pet pen is to keep puppies contained in one area of your house so that they do not get into trouble and chew and/or swallow items that can harm them before they are trained.  If they are still nursing, buy a pen so that the mother can still jump inside the pen, but the pups cannot get out of it.

Midwest Small Pet Playpen

Crates can be very small and your dog can become very frustrated and irritable or depressed inside of one for hours on end while you are at work or simply not home.  They can start to bite on the crate and tear it apart and swallow harmful pieces.  They can urinate in it and lay in it for hours which of course is not healthy. 

Pet pens are a very good way to keep you and your home organized and clean while at the same time making your dog or puppy happy!

How to Play?

Bergan Starchaser TurboScratcher

Interesting enough, there actually is a way to play with kittens and cats.  You don't want them to become aggressive and attack you or your guests.

Never use your hands to play with them.  You are teaching them that it's ok to bite and scratch a human hand.  Use toys to play with them.  You can roll a ball away from them so they can chase after it or use a toy with a poll with a feather attached to it at the end.  This way you are using the cat's natural instincts to hunt.

If your cat or kitten starts to bite or scratch your hand, walk away.   You can say "No" and walk away.  You do not have to shout and definitely do not hit or slap at your cat.  This will make matters much, much worse and could turn into a nightmare of a problem.  Always positive reinforcement!  Just walk away for a few minutes every time your cat bites or scratches you and he will learn that if he bites or scratches his human friend, he will lose his playing buddy and all the attention.  He will soon learn not to do that action.

Cat Dancer Cat Charmer

There are many types of toys out there, either in your local stores or online.  Just make sure that when you take your new cat toy out of the package that there are no parts or pieces of the toy that your cat will swallow and choke on.  Cut off all parts that you think could harm your cat such as loose eyes, tags and prices and sometimes even tails!  Some cats just love to chew off and swallow tails of little toy mice.  Just pay attention to your new toy and what it looked like when you gave it to your cat and you will soon learn what he likes to chew off of it.   Interactive toys are also a great alternative so that your cat can play by himself and keep himself amused when your not at home or asleep.

Petmate Cat Wheel

Good luck and have fun playing with your cats!  It's so rewarding and a healthy way for your cat to exercise too!

Using a Pet Stroller

Well well, so it comes down to this! Placing your cat or dog into a stroller, like a baby and pushing your small pet along the sidewalk.  What a show you can put on and attention...Oh yeah!  There are lots of reasons to push along a stroller with your pet inside watching the world go by.

One reason can be from age related illness's or any type of illness as to inhibit your pet from walking on his own for a distance, really whether it's a short distance or long.  An amputation can cause this also.  Another reason is if you, yourself, the pet parent cannot take your dog on a leash or you just want your cat to see the outdoors and get fresh air without the nuisance of getting fleas and ticks or just plain dirt on the paws of your pet.

Whatever the reason may be, it's a fun and easy way to get exercise for you and to take your pet with you without having him tug and pull on a leash or to give your cat some new and exciting scenes to look at and listen to.  Your cat might see birds or rabbits and he/she will feel like he's right next to them!

Please take a look at our "Dog Travel" page on FurryPetStore.com.  We have different sizes and colors and even a double-decker!  Check it out now @ FurryPetStore.com!

Tips for a Kitty Appointment

In the United States there are more pet cats than pet dogs, however more pet dogs visit the local Veterinarian than pet cats.  This is mainly due to cats having anxiety and fears and making even getting prepared to go to the Dr. stressful for cats and their owners.

First you have to have a carrier that can make your cat feel secure and safe inside.  The cheapest carriers sometimes are the best.  Just make sure you have a secure closing carrier with maybe 2 different doors in it so that it's easy to take your cat out of it without too much trouble.  Sometimes, your Veterinarian can do some of the exam while your cat is in the carrier.  It's also a good idea to ask at your Vet's office to weigh the carrier and place the weight on a piece of tape and put it on the carrier somewhere it that it won't come off easily.  This way, when you take your cat to the Dr's the next time, they can just weigh your cat in that same carrier and subtract the weight of the carrier to get your cat's weight.  Less stress all around!

Another tip is to place your carrier in a place that your cat frequents a lot.  This way he can get used to seeing it and smelling it.  Maybe place a toy or catnip inside of it.  You can also place a blanket or a piece of your clothing in it so that your cat feels and smells the scents of his "secure" place.  Practice placing your cat inside of it without closing the door(s).  When he gets comfortable just sitting in it without the door(s) closed, then close the door(s).  Practice this a few times and then practice walking with your cat inside of it.  Then practice taking your cat inside the carrier to the car a few times, driving around the block then coming home.  I know it sounds like a pain in the neck to do all this, but it could save a lot of time and stress when it comes time for a real appointment.  Also, find out if your cat likes to look out of the carrier or he likes a blanket covering it so he can't see out.  More than likely, it's better when they cannot see out.  Less stress with less to look at that they do not understand.

Good luck cat parents and stay calm because your cat can sense your fears and anxiety.   Take a look at FurryPetStore.com for a carrier that's safe and secure for your Veterinarian appointment!

Tips For Positive Reinforcement Training

Use a KONG Goodie Bone for Positive Reinforcement!

Positive reinforcement training for dogs is a good and fun way to train your dog.  Before you start, you need to have a variety of treats in your pocket or in a little baggy in your pocket or in a fanny pack.  Anything that can be taken out quickly to reward your dog as he does the correct action, hence positive reinforcement.

It takes everyone living in the household to be consistent.  This mean kids as well as adults.  Everyone has to be on board.  Everyone must say the same command and everyone should say the same command as they correct the action and give the dog a treat if done correctly.  Consistency is key.  If people in the household are not saying the same things and not being consistent then your dog will be confused.  Remember, they do not know what you are saying.  Your reward must be immediate, within seconds if your dog does what you want him to do. 

The commands can be, according to the Humane Society of the United States;  sit, stay, come, down(as in lie down), off(which means off of me or off of the furniture), stand, heel(walk beside me) or leave it.

KONG STUFF'N Treats are great for training

If he's chewing on a toy, instead of on a shoe, you can secretly place a treat inside a Kong type of chew toy, for example.  Also, do not reward your dog for bad behavior such as putting him outside every time he barks inside and you don't want him to bark inside.  You are rewarding him and giving him yard time for a bad, unwanted behavior.  Also, do not use his crate as a punishment.  He will learn to not like going into the crate.  Place a leash on him and teach him to lie down...say down, push him very gently down and immediately give him a treat.

Also, if your dog is small, give him small treats.  Soft treats that are very small and he can gobble them down in one bite and he'll look at you for more.  Every time he lies down, give him a treat.  Remember, positive reinforcement and consistency is key.

Good luck and take a look at the Humane Society of the United States web site for more info.

Info About Senior Cats

(kitty of one of our customers)

Here's a comparative chart to take a look at:    cat years of 1 is to human years 15, cat years 2 is to human years of 24, cat years of 5, human years is 36, cat years 7 is to human years 45, cat years 12 is to human years 64, cat years of 15 is to human years of 76, cat years 18 is to human years 88 and cat years of 21 is to human years of 100.
                                   
Interesting isn't it?  I'm sure other charts vary slightly, but this is a guide that you can go by.   As you can see, it doesn't take too long before our little furry kitties are seniors.  By this time they know us as well as any best friends can and we owe it to them to make the senior years just as special as they're younger years.  They've given us so many days and moments of happiness and each one is so very special.

available at FurryPetStores.com

Just as we age, so do our cats.  We and they can develop issues such as heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, thyroid disease, cancer, diabetes, etc....   It's up to us to notice changes in their habits or actions that tell us that there is something wrong, something out of character.  Sometimes, even at a wellness exam, we cannot detect an underlying disease and therefore it cannot be caught early enough to treat the issue properly and maybe even cure it before it goes too far.  They should  have blood tests and other tests to detect early.

(Smudge from Maine)

They may need a special diet.  Teeth may have been lost or maybe they're just not eating really hard crunchy food anymore.  You may need to buy softer food and if needed, consult with your Veterinarian for a special diet such as KD for kidney issues.  Make sure you have nice cat beds, maybe that are heated for them and always have an endless amount of fresh water in their bowls.   They deserve the very best!

As always, enjoy your little furry pet friends!

Pet Dental Disease

It is very important to catch dog and/or cat dental disease early in their little lives.  It is actually seen in 80% of pets over 3 years old.  If not caught and treated it can cause kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, low birth rate and early death.

If you notice your pet has a loss of appetite, bad breath, shaking his head to a bothersome amount, swollen face or chin and sneezing excessively then take him/her to your Veterinarian ASAP.  The sooner a mouth or tooth problem is corrected, the better, not only for health reasons, but to make your pet feel more comfortable.  They depend on you for everything and they deserve the best of care.  Can you imagine having a toothache and not going to your dentist?  You couldn’t live with it and neither can your pet. 

Be sure not to use human toothpaste when brushing your pet’s teeth and gum.  Human toothpaste has a foaming additive that pets cannot use or swallow.  Use pet toothpaste that can come in flavors such as seafood or chicken/poultry. 

You can also use pet toys and chew toys to help break up the plaque and calculus that forms on pets’ teeth.   Many pet stores in your area and of course, online pet stores such as Furrypetstore.com carry these toys and bones that will help with this process.  

In addition to brushing and toys and special bones, there are additives that you can place in your pets’ food and water bowls.  Ask your Veterinarian or call their office for advice on these additives.

Your Aging Kitty

Your aging kitty needs you now more than ever.  A senior kitty, according to the American Association of Feline Practioners and American Animal Hospital Association, says that senior cats between the ages of 11-14 are considered "senior" cats and age 15 and older are geriatric cats.

Xena, from Ca, enjoying her nap on her favorite bed!

Your cat cannot tell you that his senses are dulling with age.  You have to pay attention to different signs of age related problems that your cat may be experiencing.  Cats use their sense of smell to find their food and water bowls.  Also they use their sense of smell to locate their litter box.  Yes, sight absolutely plays a part in finding these things, but they rely mainly on scent.

If your aging kitty is not eating like he used to, then try getting a food that has a stronger smell to it.  Also, there might be a dental issue going on with loose teeth or a problem with inflammation of the gum tissue.  He might miss the litter box or go just to the side of it or directly in front of it.  Try investing in another litter box.  Your cat may be just saying that he has sore muscles or is developing arthritis and it's painful to walk further to get to where the litter box is located.  Place more litter boxes around the house or apartment or on all levels of the home.

As always, however, upon noticing any change in your pet, always take your pet to your Veterinarian immediately.  You may not have noticed right away or your pet is hiding his symptoms very well and by the time you notice the changes, it may be in the advanced stages.

Missy loves her covered, heated bed from FurryPetStore.com!

If arthritis or sore muscles are a problem, try investing in an orthopedic bed.  One that is a little thicker and doesn't scrunch down to the floor when your pet lays on it.   Also, you can look at all types of beds.  You don't have to buy a cat bed just because it's labeled, "Cat Bed".  You can look at the dog beds for cats.  Some of them are thicker and wider for your kitty.

Remember, they depend so much on their humans to help them.  They cannot talk to you, well with words anyway!  They do speak to us in their own language and sometimes we understand!  Always have fresh water for them and try to keep to a schedule.   They thrive when on a feeding schedule.  Just pay attention
and love them the best that you can and if you notice any changes, make an appointment to see your Veterinarian.  That's all we can ask of ourselves! Just enjoy every minute with your aging cat!  You're very lucky to have each other!

Summertime Fun Can be Hazardous to Pets

Summertime can mean fun and barbeques.  It's been extremely hot this summer all over the country, however I know for sure on the East coast since that's where we are located.  In a previous blog, I mentioned the dangers of the heat when your pet is exposed to it or kept in a car.  I won't repeat that danger, however please read that blog since it can mean death to your pet if you don't understand that a car can heat up to 120 degrees in 10 minutes!

Even though you love eating barbequed chicken and corn on the cob, don't give the bones to your pet.  The chicken bones can splinter and break off in your pets esophagus and/or stomach and intestines and cause serious issues.   Also, fatty foods that we love at times can lead to pancreatitis in our pets.  The symptoms for this are; pain and acting restless, sitting with their back arched, vomiting, lethargy, panting, crying, wincing or laying with their front paws down and their rear end up.  If you notice any of  these symptoms get your pet to the Veterinarian office ASAP.

Also, be careful about putting your bones, etc. into the trash can and not wrapping them in something that your pets cannot smell through.  Try aluminum foil or plastic zip bags.  They can get into the trash easily enough while your chatting and having a good time with your friends.

Have a safe and fun summer with your furry friends and check out FurryPetStore.com for all your pet needs!

Tips on Talking with Your Pooch

Your dog cannot say the words to you, "please open the door so that I can do outside and use the bathroom."  Now maybe some of you think they can, however you are interpreting what they're actions are telling you to do.  Sometimes you can train your dog to ring a bell and this alerts us as to when they need to go outside.  Some of us have pet doors so that we don't have to interpret their actions and they can go outside when they want to.  I just wanted to let you know, from a pet trainer, what they're actions are telling us or asking us to do for them.

Some dogs will do things in their own special way,  For example, my Aunt's dog used to go in circles around and around in the same spot.  This meant she had to go outside.  Cute, right?  Other dogs will bark at you go to the door that you always use and bark there.  This is the only way dogs have of communicating so please let them outside when they're asking.  Don't ignore them or else you're dog will find another way of communicating, like chewing up the furniture or doing something else you may not like. 

Something else that they do is bark at strangers outside or inside.  They are warning us and that is what they are meant to do from birth so don't yell and get upset with them.  Tell them all is well, pet them and then show them a toy or take them in another room to get their minds off of it.  Always a positive reaction is best from you.  If you scold them and yell at them, you're telling them it's not good to bark and then you'll be sorry when a burglar is approaching.  Toys are always a good distraction and interacting with them.

Remember, positive reinforcement and treats and training is always best.  Always treat them as you would want to be treated, the "Golden Rule".  Not enough of this is followed in this life and not enough people even know what it is!  Here it is, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you".  Follow this rule throughout life and you and your pet will live a long, happy life!

A Longer and Healthier Life

Your pet can have a longer and  healthier life with wellness exams from your Veterinarian.  He/She can also live a healthier and longer life if not made to live outdoors.   Just the heat alone can bring illness and/or death to your pet.  If you do have to have an outside pet, then at least give him a nice outside pet house with heat and a comfy bed and always make sure they have never ending fresh water.  We've all heard the horrible and devastating neglect stories on your local news.  Please do not be one of them.

You can get dog houses or cat  houses at FurryPetStore.com or any of your local stores.  Please do not even own a pet if you choose to not take care of it properly or do not have the means to do so.   Just picture yourself in your pet's position and treat your pet as you would want to be treated.

Take your pet to a local Veterinarian for shots, blood work, dental work and a full examination upon receiving your pet for the first time.  This means from a shelter, from a friend, from a neighbor and anywhere else.  Keep them separated from your other pets as you don't know for sure that your new pet is safe yet unless checked out from your Vet.  It's always a good practice to introduce new pets to your established pets slowly.

If you notice anything unusual about your pet, take him to your Vet.  Your pet can't speak to you in words so it's up to you to notice any changes.  Take notice of his behavior, appetite, urinary and defecating issues, drinking water excessively or not drinking enough.   It's up to us to watch out for all symptoms.  Of course, spay and neuter your pet.  This is linked to a decrease in cancer, a closer relationship with your pet and a healthier and longer living pet.  Let's all take care of them so they can take care of us!  Check out special treats and new items for your pet at FurryPetStore.com.

The Rainbow Bridge

In the past few months, I've come across information about "The Rainbow Bridge".  Have any of you heard of it?  I never did prior to stumbling across this info online.  What a great concept.  Those of us that believe in God believe there is a better place for us to go after we pass from this earth.  The same holds true for our pets.

Wouldn't it be fantastic to see our loved ones and our pets again all in one amazing and peaceful place?  A friend of mine recently lost her pet.  We've all pretty much been down this path before.  It's inevitable if we love and own pets.  The fact is that pets just do not live as long as most of us and we all will have to endure this devastation at least once if not many times in our lives.  It's a much nicer and easier way to think about the Rainbow Bridge when this happens.  Whatever helps is a wonderful thing.

There are also other tributes that we can do to memorialize and give tribute to the love that your pet has given to you and/or your family throughout his/her life.  You can set up and plant a tree or flowers, you can have a pet funeral or you can save the ashes in an urn.  There are pet urns available  and one in particular is called the Pet Urnament.  This was invented and created not that long ago with your pets in mind and Christmas in mind.  Take a look at it at FurryPetStore.com!  You'll be glad you did!

Car Traveling with Your Dog

I found some tips for traveling with your dog and wanted to share them with you.  First, you can have your dog just sit in the car to get him used to just getting into it.  Let your dog jump into the back seat and don't go anywhere.  Do this a few times or until it seems he's ready to jump in on command.  Next, you can just take short rides.  Make sure you get a crate, carrier or harness to restrain your pet.  Some states, such as NJ now have restraint laws.  You can be fined and also face animal cruelty charges if caught.

After taking short rides, you can increase the travel time.  See how your dog likes it with the short rides though.  If it's not for your dog, you can always try asking your veterinarian for anti-anxiety medications or Dramamine for  motion sickness.  If this is the case, make sure your pet has not eaten for a couple hours prior to traveling.  Make sure you have plenty of ventilation for your pet and plenty of water.  Also, stop frequently on longer trips to your pet can get a little exercise and have a potty break.  Take bags along for clean ups.

Do NOT let your dog put his head our of the car or truck window.  This is very dangerous and can lead to eye injuries, nose injuries, face and head injuries.  I see this all the time.  Although, you think he's just getting fresh air, it's not a good idea.  Plus, you can be fined in those states that have the restraining laws.  Don't let your children tease or bother the dog while riding.  This can also lead to injuries and aggression issues in the dog.

So all in all, after he gets used to getting into the vehicle, restrain him in the back seat and relax and enjoy the ride.  Take a look at FurryPetStore.com for all your restraining, crates and harness needs!

Reasons for a Cat to Scratch

There are several different reasons for a cat to have to scratch and sharpen their claws.  One reason is very clear and all wild cats do this outside with trees or logs.  They scratch to let other animals know that they are here and it's their territory.  The little pads on the bottom of their paws have scent areas that put a scent onto whatever they scratch.

Another reason some people say is to sharpen their claws.  They really don't sharpen their claws, but they remove the outer layer of their claw which is very important to them.  It's kind of like shedding their claws like an onion skin does.  This is important for cleanliness and to keep infections away.

Also, we can learn a great deal from cats when they stretch.  They stretch a great deal and while scratching something they also stretch.  It's also good to keep down their stress levels.  They seem to really be in a relaxed and happy state of mind while scratching.

It's very important to give them specific furniture and scratching posts to use early, when they're kittens if you adopt them when their young.  You can place catnip on the scratching surface that you'd like them to use instead of your couch or other furniture that you don't want them to use.  Always speak to them in a positive way when they scratch the correct spot.  You can use treats also to train them to use the right scratching post.

Visit out cat furniture page to pick out the right piece for you and your cat at http://www.furrypetstore.com/cat_furniture.html

Overview of FurryPetStore.com

Hello and welcome to our blog posts page.  I hope someone out there is reading my blog posts.  I believe there's a lot of important information about pets and in particular, cats and dogs.  We have been doing research on the subjects that are written and then write up a small blog in our own words.  We really are enjoying reading and writing about all these subjects!  We love all pets and love getting to know them even better.

As far as the business goes, we're doing well so far and understand that it takes time to get the web site out into the world of the web.  Sometimes I think the business is not going very well if we don't get any sales, however the stats say otherwise.  We always run promotions and discounts so keep checking back to catch the sale that you're interested in taking advantage of.

We sell lots of different items  and we keep the prices at a lower price than our competitors.  We sell dog beds, cat beds, dog toys and treats, dog travel items, cat toys and treats, cat furniture, dog agility training equipment, dog crates, dog gates, pet urnaments and other items.  We believe that's good business.  If there is anything specific that anyone is looking for, please email us at Support@FurryPetStore.com and we'll do our best to either post the item or help you find what you're looking for.

Also, if there are any wholesalers or retailers that would like us to sell their products, just email us and we'll definitely consider the offer.

Once again, please visit our site and take a look at our pages of items and don't forget to read our published articles.  Any comments or suggestions are always welcome!  Thanks so much and have a purrrrrfectly happy day!

Top Ten List for Dogs

According to Kori Ellis, these top 10 breeds are the lowest maintenance dogs.  If you just don’t have a lot of time to groom and play, but you’d like to own a dog, these breeds are for you.  A Chihuahua is the smallest dog on the earth, weighing 5 lb.’s or less usually.  However, they are not a breed to choose if kids are around.  They are sometimes a little too loyal and can be snippy and high strung.  A Puggle, a cross between a beagle and a pug are very friendly with everyone, including kids and need a walk every now and then.  A Japanese Chin weighs up to about 10 lb.’s and needs a regular 

brushing, but very little exercise and training.  The Chinese Crested is the most hypoallergenic with very little hair.  They are very good with kids and are very low maintenance dogs.  The Bichon Frise and Welsh Corgi are very smart dogs.  The Corgi will just need a little exercise since he tends to become overweight easily.

Her top 10 large dog breeds are the Burmese Mountain Dog, the Collie, the Mastiff, the Great Dane, the German Short-haired Pointer, the Rottweiler, the Standard Poodle, the Golden Retriever, the German Shepard and the Labrador Retriever.  

Also, Kori says that the top ten hypoallergenic breeds are as follows; the Bichon Frise, the Schnauzer, the Yorkshire Terrier, the Bedlington Terrier,  the Shih Tzu, the Poodle, the Italian Greyhound,  the Basenji, the Chinese Crested and  the Samoyed.

Choosing the right dog breed for you and your family can be a big undertaking, however, it will be worth the research and effort if you’re happy with your choice.  Please spay and neuter your dog if you are not a breeder.  

All dogs will need a crate, a bed, toys, a leash or easy walk harness.  Also, check the new restraining laws for your state.  Some states now require your pet to be restrained in the back seat properly or you may pay a steep fine and may be at risk for other animal cruelty charges.

 Please feel free to shop for these items on our web site at www.FurryPetStore.com.  If you don’t see something that you’re looking for, feel free to email us at Support@FurryPetStore.com and ask!  

Thanks for this helpful information Kori Ellis!

Sleep Habits of Dogs and Cats

There seems to be varying information on how long dogs and cats sleep in a day.  It really depends on the breed, the age and what's going on around the pet at the moment.  If it's busy and there is activity, then more than likely, your pet will be awake and participating.  If  nobody is home and you have an older cat or dog then more than likely he or she will be asleep as long as it's quiet in the home and area.

For a cat however, they tend to sleep about 10 to 16 hours a day.  This is a very average amount.  Do not get anxious if it's longer and at times shorter.  Although they sleep longer than humans, they tend to awaken more.  This goes for dogs too.   Cats will sleep where they feel safe and secure.  Sometimes that will be away from the family or in an enclosed bed that they feel safe inside of and warm of course.

Dogs will sleep on their designated dog bed, if trained to do so.  There are all types of dog and cat beds available in pet store, department stores and even some grocery stores will carry dog or cat beds.  Of course it's always more efficient to shop online.  You won't be paying for those expensive gas prices by going to all different stores to find the best one for you and your pet.  You can shop from the coziness of your home and have it delivered right to your door in a few days.

Take a look at our dog and cat beds at www.FURRYPETSTORE.COM.   You won't be sorry!

Kids and Allergies

I know it’s unbelievable; however researchers have discovered that kids that grow up with a dog or cat are less likely to develop allergies.  The same goes for kids that grow up on farms.  They are less likely to develop allergies to bigger animals such as cows and horses and of course dogs and cats.   Increased levels of immune system chemicals will help them stay healthier as they grow older.

Also, sounding rather counter intuitive, but researchers have found that families with cats and infants at risk for Asthma are less likely to develop Asthma as they grow older.  One exception to this rule is children with Mothers that have allergies to cats are 3 times more likely to develop Asthma after early exposure to cats.  Also, they are less likely to develop Eczema.

ADHD kids also benefit from working with and keeping a pet.  They learn to plan, schedule and learn to be responsible.  They have to plan the pet’s meals, their grooming and cleaning up after them.  They also can release excess energy by playing with a dog outside or walking a dog on a leash.  They might have an easier time falling asleep at bedtime and they also learn self-esteem.

For Autism, dogs and horses can help with the senses of touch, smell and hearing.  Children find it calming to work with animals.  

So, all in all, pets are a good investment whether it be for health or just for fun.  Visit your local animal shelter and pick out the perfect pet for you and/or your family. 

Please visit our web site at www.FurryPetStore.com and pick out a dog toy or cat toy for your new or older pet.  Your pet will need a dog bed or a cat bed or cat furniture to scratch.  Take a look and pick out something that you think they'll love!

Pet Urnaments

Recently, FurryPetStore.com has started to sell a new item called Pet Urnaments.  They're a way to honor your pet and place their ashes or a toy that they’ve played with or anything really that you would like to place in your pet urnament.  They were created with and an urn and a holiday ornament in mind.  They come in 7 different colors.

 

They open up in the middle and you can also buy a bright, shiny brass hanger to hang up your pet urnament.  Get multiple hangers and it will really make your pet urnament pop in your home.  You can place your urnament on a mantle, a shelf, a curio cabinet or any flat surface that you would like to display it.  

At first, it will be completely sad and uncomfortable, however later on, after the initial sadness becomes bearable, you will be happy that you still have a little part of your little furry best friend with you forever.  

Please visit www.FurryPetStore.com and visit out Pet Urnaments page and pick up yours today!