A couple of months ago, Wisconsin Pet Care wrote a blog series about the importance of quality dog and cat food.  We stressed how imperative it is to carefully read the ingredients and determine whether your pet’s food contains meats and vegetables or grains and chemicals.  The choice is clear: chicken will always beat Red Dye #5.  However, we are not the only animal-loving organization who seeks better food choices for our favorite furry friends.  The growing concern over what the big box manufacturers are putting into Fido’s kibble, combined with the public scrutiny over their ingredient lists, has caused some of them to step up their game.  As consumers become more knowledgeable and aware, the better these companies will have to be…at marketing.

Marketing efforts can make or break a brand.  The best marketers can take a horrible product and make it a best-selling product.  In some cases, they can make it a “trusted” or “household” brand.  Take the cat food brand, Fancy Feast (Purina).  Here’s an example of amazing marketing efforts, with an absolute mess of a product.  With “entrees” such as “Turkey Florentine with Garden Greens in a Delicate Sauce” and “White Meat Chicken and Cheddar Cheese Soufflé with Garden Greens”, how could this food not be the best meal your cat has ever had?  They sound delicious…for humans.  Their new line of “Delights with Cheddar” canned cat food is just ridiculous.  Cheese is one of the hardest things for a cat to digest.  Studies show that while kittens are able to tolerate small amounts of dairy (their mother’s milk), adult cats do not have the digestive system to handle milk or cheese.  Still, cheddar cheese is right there in the ingredient line-up. Does anyone over at Purina have any sort of knowledge of pet nutrition?  The only way this line will “delight” your kitty is if she really loves an upset stomach and bouts of diarrhea (try using those side effects in your ad campaigns!).

This past week, I compared a well-known company’s 1-pound bag of cat kibble ($2.89) to that of a new product in my grocery store called, Fresh Is Best.  This food-as close to the raw carnivore diet as one can get is substantially superior and something that I have fed my animals. It is outstanding and WPC highly recommends as close to a prey diet as possible. Another alternative, a raw dehydrated blend by The Honest Kitchen is a wonderful choice. If you are seeking samples, I am happy to give them to you. We also recommend Prcise-made by a family owned business with amazing results.

So, without getting an advanced degree in pet nutrition, how in the world are you supposed to find a nutritionally balanced food for your pet if you can’t trust that pet food manufacturers out there?  Here are Wisconsin Pet Care’s Rules of Engagement for the Battle Against Bad Pet Food Manufacturers:

*Ask for food recommendations from a trusted veterinarian, pet care provider or pet professional. Stores in the Milwaukee area-The Natural Pet in Bayview and Bark and Scratch Outpost in Milwaukee are EXPERTS IN THEIR FIELD.

*If the food in question sounds like something you’d prepare for your human family members, it is most likely not something you want your pet family members to consume.  Pet foods shouldn’t sound appealing to you, but rather what would appeal to the carnal needs of your pet.  Meat.  Vegetables.  Perhaps, some supplements.  Remember: they eat for fuel, not sport.

*Be a savvy shopper.  Don’t be afraid to try new products even if they are unfamiliar to you.  Do your research, read the labels and let your pet give it a try.  Maybe there is no fancy packaging, or coupons in the Sunday paper, but the ingredients could be exactly what your pet needs for optimal health.

*If your pet doesn’t enjoy a particular “healthy” brand, don’t give in to the broad appeal of nutritionally deficient food.  Sure, we’d all like to eat pizza every meal of the day, but we would not live very long or feel too well.  There are many better-for-your-pet brands out there, and at least one of them will be a success!

*”Holistic”, “Organic”, “Healthy”, and “Natural”: These are all marketing “buzzwords” that have recently infiltrated the market as humans have become more interested in the quality of their own food.  Just because the ingredients are labeled as better-for-your-pet, does not mean that they are.  For example, if a product has “organic” by-products, it just means that you are feeding your dog or cat organic scraps of nutritionally deficient food.  You know that “real” food is better for your pet than buzzwords.

*Challenge the manufacturers.  You are going to be feeding your pet their food, and the least they can do is provide you with a copy of their clinical feeding trials.  Will they let you speak directly to their on-staff nutritionist?  If the manufacturer cannot provide you with the nutrition information you request, if they do not have a pet nutritionist endorsing their product, or if they have no control in the overall quality of their product, it may be time to find a new food.

It has been said that, “the nervous system holds the key to the body’s incredible potential to heal itself.”  Chiropractics are, oftentimes, an overlooked area of specialty care.  However misalignment and malfunction of the spine don’t just limit joint mobility, they also prevent the body from functioning optimally.  When the same old “tried and true” veterinary methods aren’t working for your favorite furry friend, you might try an “alternate” approach.  This is the first of a three part series that Wisconsin Pet Care is featuring on holistic pet care: Are chiropractics just what the doctor ordered?

If your dog suffers from joint pain (either from injury, arthritis or advancing age), difficulty standing up or lying down, bowel or bladder issues, TMJ or jaw problems, neurological issues, or simply an ailment that has not been resolved by other medical methods, chiropractic care could be a solution.  Chiropractic therapy uses manual spinal manipulation to correct misalignment of the vertebral column.  It utilizes the relationship between the spine and the nervous system to restore and maintain good health.

What can you expect from a visit with a Veterinary Chiropractor?  First you will be asked to disclose your dog’s medical history (be sure to bring previous x-rays).  It will also be helpful to advise the chiropractor of Fido’s lifestyle habits.  Next your pup will be given a neurological assessment, gait evaluation, and range-of-motion tests.  During this examination, the doctor will take note of any abnormalities in your dog’s spinal positioning.  These abnormalities will be “adjusted” through spinal manipulations.

Will it hurt?  No.  Your pet will most likely tolerate the treatment very well.  Animals are instinctually aware of problems that exist within their bodies.   Some chiropractic veterinarians have reported that certain pet patients have actually changed their positions in an effort to help the doctor treat the misalignment.

Are chiropractics safe for my pet?  Generally speaking, yes.  But not without one word of caution: Be sure to find a certified Veterinary Chiropractor.  Your human chiropractor may say he can adjust your dog’s spine, but human physiology and canine physiology are extremely different.  It is vital to find a specialist in the field to be sure your pet is receiving the best care possible.

After my dog sees the Veterinary Chiropractor, what are some things we can do to keep him moving freely at home?  First, you will want to maintain a regular schedule with the Chiropractor.  If you think of chiropractics like a “workout for your back”, you’d understand that it doesn’t take just one visit to the gym to get your body physically fit.  In the same way, it does take regular visits to the chiropractor to keep your dog feeling his best.  However, what may start as a weekly visit could eventually become a less frequent visit (like once every few months), as the spine is realigned and the muscles are strengthened.  It is also very important to maintain any spinal exercises your pet’s chiropractor has assigned in between visits.  These exercises help strengthen the muscles and keep the spine aligned after adjustments.

Now that spring has officially arrived, you will notice that the trees are budding, the grass is growing and the flowers are blooming.  Who can blame bugs and dandelions for wanting to join all the fun?  If you are like most homeowners, this is the time of the year you begin bug-bombing, weed-and-feeding, mosquito spraying and rounding-up!  And while a well-manicured lawn and an ant-free patio are essential components of creating a comfortable outdoor space, there are some precautions that pet parents should take to keep their furry friends safe and pesticide-free.

Grass is a magnet for dogs.  They nibble on it, play in it and use it for their personal bathroom.  To keep them off of the grass for an entire season would be nearly impossible.  So if you can’t keep them off of the grass, how can you keep them from ingesting pesticides?

1. Don’t use commercial pesticides.  Round-up and Weed & Feed are very effective pesticides, however they are also extremely toxic to children and pets.  Organic farmers use everything from apple cider vinegar to garlic oil to control bugs and weeds from infiltrating their plants and grass.  Companion planting is also an effective method to control pests.  Planting certain plants close together can help fight off diseases, keep bugs at bay and enrich the soil for neighboring plants.  Finding alternative pest control is the easiest way to know your pet will be safe in his own backyard.

But what if you don’t control the pesticides that are added to your backyard?

2. If you live in an apartment building, or have maintained property, it is important to fully read and understand all of the pesticide information.  Be sure to ask your landlord for a 24 hour written notice, as well as a copy of the pesticide information, before any chemicals are sprayed in or out of your home.  Once the lawn has been treated, do not allow your dog to come in contact with the sprayed area for at least the time indicated on the pesticide label.
3. If your lawn has been chemically treated, stake it with “Keep off the grass” warning signs.  It is important for dogs strolling by to stay away from your lawn until it is safe as well.  Having this warning clearly visible will help other pet parents keep their companions from getting sick.  Ask your neighbors to do the same for your dog.

What should you do if you suspect your dog or cat has been exposed to/accidentally ingested a pesticide?

If you notice your pet is having difficulty breathing, convulsing, having tremors, seizing, bleeding or is unconscious, contact your veterinarian, or the ASPCA Poison Control Center (1-888-426-4435, you may be charged a $65 consultation fee) immediately.  Be sure to bring in the pesticide information to your veterinarian so that it is easier to determine the best treatment options for your pet.

With big eyes, whiskered faces and unassuming, velvety soft ears, who could be afraid of a little kitty cat?  Unlike dogs, which, if provoked, do tend to pose a very loud, very intense threat to most creatures; cats seem so small and punitive in comparison.  But since the domestic cat has been in the mouse-killing business since King Tut was building pyramid empires, they’ve got to be scary to something.  Lest we not forget that our domesticated housecats are a part of the same Felidae Family Tree as their own kind of KINGS (of the jungle).  Your humble ball of fur does share some of the mighty lion’s anatomical qualities – a strong body with flexible properties, lightning fast reflexes, razor-sharp claws and teeth that are designed to shred the flesh of their prey.  Combine that with their ability to see in near-blackness, a keen sense of smell and highly-evolved hearing capabilities and you’ve got yourself a worthy soldier in the fight against extinction.

But some cats have a different fight brewing inside of them.  According to the ASPCA, “aggression issues in housecats” is the second most common reason behavior professionals see cats.   What triggers acts of aggression is a long list, but these are a few of the most common causes of feline attack:

Playful Aggression occurs when your cat gets a little too intense during his playtime.  Kittens are especially prone to this type of aggression (they have not yet learned how to separate playtime from non-playtime).  Expect to see cats showcase some of their amazing hunting skills, such as chasing, nipping your ankles or swatting your feet as you walk.

Predatory Aggression is what creates the impressive hunting abilities that exist inside every cat.  Muffin may appear to be nothing more than a sleeping purr baby, but watch the next time she spots a squirrel infiltrating your garden.  Perched high upon the couch, she will lock her gaze upon the enemy.  As her pupils dilate, she will instinctively begin making a chattering sound, almost like a computer processing data.  In the wild, that nut-stealing rodent wouldn’t stand a chance against Muffin.

Petting Aggression is rather common in cats.  Contentment can change to annoyance in a matter of seconds.  Most cats will either whip their heads around and give your hand a warning nip or just jump off your lap and run away.

Pain-Induced Aggression is sometimes the first sign that something is wrong with your cat.  If your ordinarily docile cat becomes agitated when touched, there could be something causing her pain.  Pain-induced aggression is also evident when having to medicate your cat (like putting salve on infected eyes).

Defensive Aggression – When a cat is frightened, it will exhibit outward defense mechanisms in an attempt to protect itself.  Hissing, puffy tail, laid back ears – these are all signs that your cat is scared.

Knowing the types of aggression in cats is just half the battle.  Now that you know the motives, what are some of the warning signs that your cat is annoyed?

*A twitching tail

*Laid back ears

*Dilated pupils

If the cause for aggression continues, you might notice your cat’s demeanor change further:

*Growling

*Hissing

*Puffed tail

*Straight-leg stance

*Intense stare

*Swatting

Finally, if the provoking continues, a cat will attack:

*Striking the opponent with her paws and swatting with her claws

*Biting

*Growling and howling

*Laying on her side to utilize all four paws in an all-out attack

The act of cats attacking humans is rarely fatal.  However, the transmission of rabies, deep lacerations from their claws (which also can be disfiguring to the skin) and causing a flu-like infection called Cat Scratch Fever are all very serious dangers that cats pose to humans.

If your cat exudes aggressive behavior for no apparent reason, it is important to seek veterinarian assistance.  The reasons for chronic cat aggression are not simple and finite, and require professional assessment and testing.  Issues such as adrenal fatigue, medication reactions, thyroid abnormalities, cognitive dysfunction, orthopedic issues, and even diet, can all be contributors to feline aggression.

Every cat personality is different.  Most important is to know what triggers aggression in your cat and be very aware of how she reacts when she is annoyed.  Removing the stressor from your cat’s environment is the best way to prevent feline attack, and learning to understand your cat will continue to strengthen your companion bond.

Spring is in the air (with these record temperatures it almost feels like summer)!  You know what damp, balmy temperatures bring – that’s right, BUGS!  It looks like nature is getting an early start on flea and tick season this year, but that’s no reason to keep Fido indoors.  With Wisconsin Pet Care’s helpful hints, you can protect your pup and enjoy the weather together!

Flea and tick control can be summed up in four simple steps:

CHECK your pet’s skin, daily, while they are being groomed.

REMOVE any ticks that have been found.

TREAT existing pests.

PROTECT your dog or cat from future bug invasions.

Because fleas and ticks can find their way into your pet’s fur very easily, the first step in protecting your cat or dog is to do daily skin checks (this can be done while grooming, which is also very helpful in keeping these pests at bay).  There is no reason for your animal to suffer needlessly.  Early detection of a flea or tick infiltration (and the prompt removal of the pest) will reduce symptoms of flea allergy dermatitis, tape worm, cat scratch fever and, of course, Lyme disease. Next, you will want to continue feeding your pet high-quality food.  This will keep their immune system strong and capable of battling pesky hosts.  Also tidying up indoors (and outdoors) will reduce the chance of any bugs sticking around.  If there is no place to hide, they won’t be as inclined to stay.  And while your kitty won’t be too fond of it, regular bathing has also been proven effective.

Removing a tick can by tricky.  However, according to the FDA, removing the tick within 24 hours can greatly reduce the contraction of Lyme disease.  Using a fine-tip tweezers, grip the tick as closely to the skin as possible (be careful not to crush the bug’s body with the tweezers) and pull gently.  Once the tick has been removed, disinfect the bite site thoroughly.  It is also recommended that you save the tick in a container for your veterinarian to look at.  Remember, if you are having trouble removing the tick, you will want to visit your veterinarian (or emergency pet hospital), immediately, to have it professionally extracted.

What if my veterinarian has suggested a prescription medication to control fleas and ticks?  It is important to protect your pet against fleas, ticks and other pests, but you don’t have to necessarily resort to chemicals and/or medications.  There are many natural approaches that don’t subject your favorite furry pal to a lot of toxins.  For example, Dr. Mercola’s “Natural Flea and Tick Defense” claims to act as an ‘invisibility cloak’ for your dog or cat.  Simply spray it on the fur for protection from harmful bug bites (including those annoying mosquitoes).  Another wonderful product is the “Shoo Tag” which works with an electromagnetic shield and doesn’t involve sprays. You simply hang it on your dog’s collar for four months of protection. We used this last year and we had great success with our four dogs.

Now that you are prepared for spring’s inevitable pests, shake off the cabin fever and get outside to enjoy the season!

Don’t forget that if you’re planning a vacation, Wisconsin Pet Care offers TLC for your pet while you are away.  Dates fill up fast, so don’t delay.  We’d be happy to schedule our signature ‘meet and greet’ service, with one of our elite pet sitters, for you and your pet today!

To vaccinate or not to vaccinate, that is the question plaguing a lot of pet owners.  For years now, we’ve heard the news about human vaccinations and the side effects on our children.  However, there hasn’t been much reported on immunization issues concerning our four-legged friends.  From distemper to rabies, our veterinarians have led us to believe that everything injected into our dogs has been thoroughly researched and deemed safe.  Unfortunately, the latest information suggests that may not always be the truth.  This week Wisconsin Pet Care will uncover the latest pet epidemic: over-vaccination.

It isn’t that vaccinations are all bad.  Many lives have been saved, and even more have been improved with the invention of vaccinations. Most of the research on vaccinations suggests that the risks associated with vaccinating your pet are far outweighed by the benefits that these vaccines provide.  On the same hand, vaccinations are one instance where more is not the merrier.  Scientists(a) have discovered that the most important element to consider when vaccinating your pet is timing.  When you give your pet their core immunizations, has shown to be more important than how many they receive during their lifespan.

So when is the best time for a dog to receive their core vaccinations?  Studies have shown that anytime after four months old is an optimal time to vaccinate your dog.  The reason is because up until then, your puppy benefits from the antibodies provided for him in his mother’s milk.  These antibodies can oftentimes counteract the properties of a vaccination, rendering them less effective in the fight against the disease they are supposed to be protecting your dog from.  When a vaccine is administered after four months of age, it has been proven that dogs can experience sustained immunity.  Simply put, longer lasting immunity means less vaccination — which also means less risk for your dog.

Before the days of hydro-therapy, MRI scans and advanced surgery, dogs rarely visited the veterinarian.  In fact, a lot of dogs never received a vaccination in their lifetime.  Even today, besides the rabies vaccination (which is required by law), you have the right to choose if (and when) your dog receives additional vaccinations.  But most of us rely on our veterinarians to help us decide the best course of care for our dogs.  So if they say we should vaccinate, that is typically what we do.  The thing is that we know our dog’s lifestyle, and not every vaccination needs to be considered for every dog.  Just because a vaccination exists doesn’t mean it needs to be administered. One great example is, my dogs will never be boarded, therefore, they simply don’t need bordatella vaccines. My vet respects my wishes.

The key is to create a good relationship with your veterinarian.  Do not be afraid to ask questions or refuse care that doesn’t align with your health beliefs.  As a pet parent, you are the first line of defense in the health and well-being of your pup.  Educate yourself on the risk factors that are associated with each of the core vaccinations and determine which ones will be necessary for your dog to receive.

(a)http://www.news.wisc.edu/8413

There was a time when a fleeing pup could be found by way of “Lost Dog” signs hung up around the neighborhood.  Those were the good ol’ days, but unless you live in an “everyone-knows-each-other” kind of town, those times have passed.  Many great organizations and rescue shelters dedicate their lives to reuniting lost dogs with their owners, but they can’t do it without your help.  That is why two of the most important things you can do for your pets are to have them tagged and micro chipped.

Just yesterday I saw a flyer at a local store including the words “CHILD HEARTBROKEN” regarding their missing cat. Not only will your family be heartbroken…think about your animals and the potential stress they will be dealing with!

Isn’t a collar and tag enough?

While you should definitely put a collar and tag on your dog or cat, it is still necessary to micro-chip.  If your pet should slip out of his collar (outdoor cats should always have a breakaway collar to prevent them from getting caught on branches while climbing), the microchip will help him find his way home.  Don’t forget that there are still animal lovers out there who will help a lost dog or cat find his way back to you.  However, they most likely will not have a microchip scanner on hand.  A tag with your pet’s name and your current phone number will allow them to get in contact with you much easier. Another good idea is to put your rabies tag and identification on two separate rings, just in case one gets lost. With one still remaining, you have a better chance of recovery. At Wisconsin Pet Care llc, we provide each new customer a 1-800-Help 4 Pets tag at our meet and greet.

But my cat stays indoors, is a collar and tag really necessary (especially if they are already microchipped)?

Yes.  Cats like going outside.  That “dart at the door” game they play while you have your hands full isn’t just for fun.  They are on a mission.  The possibility exists that your indoor cat could get outside.  Therefore, they should always wear a collar with an updated tag.  Yes, we know that the little fur ball hates to have it around their neck, however, the chances of return are slim without identification

How does the microchip know who the dog or cat belongs to?

If the microchip isn’t registered, there is no way to know.  If you received your dog or cat from a rescue shelter, and they’ve already been micro chipped, it is important to ask your vet the microchip manufacturer (they can scan it at your dog’s first check-up).  You will then want to register your pup’s microchip immediately.  If your vet is the one inserting the microchip, they will keep the number on file.  However, it is still important to register directly with the manufacturer and to update the information if you move or change your phone number. Each year you must keep your payments up to date or its moot!

Do the microchips ever stop working?

No.  However, they can move.  If they would migrate to another part of the body, an unskilled scanner may miss your pet’s microchip if ever they ever get lost.  It is important to incorporate scanning your dog’s microchip into his vet checkups.  This is the best way to verify that it is scanning properly and that the microchip is located where it should be (on his back between his shoulder blades).

But do these microchips really work?

In short: Yes.  Chris Bucci (one of Wisconsin Pet Care’s highly-skilled Pet Sitters) had this to say about a recent lost dog experience of her own:

“Lori,

Here is my lost dog story. While eating lunch I spotted a dog running through our yard that I have never seen before. Long story short I was able to get the dog into our garage with tips we used from “Lost Dogs” (when a lost dog is found, how to “capture it”). When I had the dog, and after I felt it was ok to touch the dog, she was very friendly. She had a pink collar on with no tags. I called HAWS, the local police and the sheriff, but no lost husky was reported… after my sits I took the dog to North Lake Vet who scanned the dog. It was micro-chipped!!! 

They called the micro-chip number in and the owner was found. I left the dog at the vet and the owner came later to pick the dog up. The vet clinic said they are always surprised by how many people have collars on dogs/cats with no tags. I wonder how many of these pets are micro-chipped and their information is up to date if they are lost without tags. People think their dog will never run away, but things do happen.

Our vet now scans all pets that come in to check their micro-chip, but it only shows the chip’s number, not the owner’s name. You need to call the company for that.

Thanks for reading my “short” email,

Chris”

At Wisconsin Pet Care llc we hope that you will consider doing the best for your pets-always. Be ready for emergencies-of any kind!

http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2012/03/05/146583986/pet-therapy-how-animals-and-humans-heal-each-other

As the proud parent of a mousin’-machine named Carmel, I love to foster her natural tendencies to hunt.  Cats love to play with their humans and really just have one request: PUT THE LASER POINTER DOWN.  Sure it’s fun to see your little bundles of fur chase the mysterious red dot until they are dizzy, but it causes a lot of frustration and offers no gratification of the catch!  Besides, your kitty can tell whether you are laughing at her or laughing with her.  She gets embarrassed just like you or me, and doesn’t enjoy it one bit.  Her usual acrobatic dance of graceful play turns into a spastic endeavor to capture what doesn’t exist, all while you knee-slap yourself at her expense.  But this is a dog’s world.  Outside of the laser pointers, cat toys haven’t really evolved much from a ball of yarn.  Wisconsin Pet Care has cat-tested several toys on the market, and these are a few that made our list of purr-fect toys:

Cat Dancer – The Cat Dancer Toy (Did I mention that it is manufactured in Wisconsin?) gets Carmel’s paw print of approval for being the toy that never fails to capture her interest.  When I first brought this toy out of the package, I thought: “You’ve got to be kidding.  It’s a piece of wire and some little pieces of cardboard!”  But I soon found out it was much more than that.  I watched as my big kitty did flips and pounces reminiscent of her kitten years.  At just $3 each, I keep the Cat Dancer as one of her toy box staples.

Da Bird with Rod – As I’ve mentioned, Carmel is a “hunter” type of player.  She loves the thrill of capturing her prey.  A chaser’s dream, this unassuming gem drove her cat nip crazy!  Da Bird is as simple as bundled feathers attached to a stick with string.  However, the way it is designed mimics the natural movement of a bird (it even makes the swooshing sound of wings flapping as it soars through the air!).  $7 is all it takes to transform your living room into a kitty-pleasing aviary.

Fur Mice – I’m embarrassed to tell you how many places I have found a stray mouse in my house!  Since the beginning of Carmel’s kittenhood, I have been buying fur mice in bulk.  There is seldom a time you will see her without one (and seldom a time she doesn’t cover my bed with them).  This is a toy I feel safe leaving her alone with while I’m at work.  While cats do prefer interactive playtime, they will engage in independent play if left with toys they enjoy.  Remember: A bored cat is a mischievous cat!

Blanket and Paper Bag – No, I’m not losing it.  I know that a blankets and bags aren’t technically “toys”, but I wanted to make the point that cats are not hard to please.  There is no game Carmel loves more than “Blanket Hunter” (she can chase a moving hand under the covers for a very long time without getting bored).  And a Saturday morning grocery run turns into an exhilarating “what’s in the bag” gag in minutes!  She gets especially giddy if I take the time to cut some holes in the bag and stick her mice through them (CAT EUPHORIA!).

The Mint Stick – Every pet parent needs a “rainy day” favorite in their cat’s toy box.  When Carmel is feeling under the weather, or has a hard day at the vet’s office, I pull out her absolute favorite toy: The Mint Stick.  As an added bonus, it gives her fresh kitty breath (and a quick teeth scrub).  But I mostly love it because she loves it.  Be it a ribbon wand or a plush toy she can rabbit-kick to her heart’s content, a favorite toy can make everything right in the world for your cat.

Toys are not just for kids; they are for kids at heart.  Playing keeps the mind and body young, and every pet needs play to keep them active, healthy and happy.  But searching through the endless array of toys offered at big box pet stores can be a daunting task.  From toys that clean his teeth to those that promote muscular structure, how do you even begin to choose?  Let’s start by what not to get:

Rawhide Bones.  Rawhide bones are to dogs what bubble gum is to humans: Hard to digest if swallowed, filled with nasty preservatives.

Humunga ‘Stache Toy.  This one is all the rage with the hipster-crowd.  I’ve got a good sense of humor, as do you.  After all, watching the dog piddle on your brand new rug takes a certain “go with the flow” outlook on life.  However, placing a ball gag in your pup’s mouth for mustached amusement is not cool.  As a general rule, anything that makes you laugh at your pet is not only embarrassing for them, but it also puts a damper on your bonding time.

Squeaker Toys.  One day this toy is a harmless plush bone with a covered noisemaker.  The next day it is a disemboweled shell of a toy that once was, with the noisemaker already making it through your dog’s digestive system.  These toys can be safe in a supervised environment.  However, once you notice punctures or tears, it’s time to throw them away.

What should you get?

Soft Frisbee.  The Frost Bite Frisbee remains soft even in cold temperatures.  Best of all, it doesn’t shatter like the traditional Frisbee fare (it punctures instead).  This interactive activity gets both of you filled with endorphins!

Planet Dog Toys. Not only are the indestructible, they also donate money to their Planet Dog foundation. It’s a win win for Fido and for humans needing service dogs.

Kong Toys.  This food/treat-dispensing favorite comes in different chew strengths (softer for puppies and seniors, tougher for big adult dogs) and sizes to meet the needs of a variety of breeds and life stages.  Chewing is a natural behavior.  Much like cats need to scratch, dogs need to chew.  The treats dispensed from the Kong during this chewing exercise, encourage him to stick to gnawing his toys, not your shoes.

A Big Femur bone. A better choice is a big, raw femur bone that you can get at any supermarket with an active meat department..

Collar and Leash.  Nope, these aren’t technically “toys”.  But a good old fashioned walk will create a bond with your pup, as well as give him the exercise he needs to refresh his mind and body.  A full-sensory activity, a walk (or jog if you’re up for it) let’s a dog be a dog.  There’s so much to sniff, so many new “friends” to meet and so much fresh air!  No wonder a tuckered pup always looks like he’s smiling!