Summer Pet Fun

Summer is officially here. With that brings more outdoor fun and added heat. Let’s take a look at some of the summers best pet toys and cooling devices.

Chuck-it (my personal favorite) – If you don’t know what this is you are totally missing out. This handy ball thrower is a great way to keep your dog entertained while keeping your hands clean. The device allows you to pick up the ball hands free without bending over. They come in many sizes to fit your particular breed’s needs. They can be purchased at most pet retailers. For more information and other products from Chuck-it, check out http://www.caninehardware.com.

Another favorite summer toy is the standard throwing dummy. These have been in use by dog trainers for years. These durable dummies can take the abuse and they float on water. You simply give it a toss into a body of water and your dog takes over. These are a great way to give your dog exercise and training, and this activity keeps them very cool. These items can be purchased at most pet stores or from training professionals

The last product is not a toy at all, but a cooling aid for the hottest of days. The Cool-It cooling bandanna can be used during the summer to keep Fido cool. Simply soak it for 15-30 minutes and wrap it around your dog. The cooling effect will last for hours. For extra refreshment, you can place it in your refrigerator and then put it on your dog. For more information or to purchase please visit this online pet store.

Pet Laparoscopy

This surgery also known as minimally invasive surgery is now making its way to pet surgeon’s offices. This procedure has been in use for quite some time with human patients, but technology has been improved to the point where it can now be used on family pets.

With a combination of fiber optics, cameras and small and precise incisions, the Laparoscopy procedure can reduce the pain and recovery time in routine surgeries. Since the procedure is using updated and advanced techniques, bleeding is reduced and the chance for mistakes is lessened. These factors have led to diminished pain and shortened recovery times.

Pet Laparoscopic procedures are being used for many routine procedures that used to be more invasive and painful. The most common procedure that this newer technique is being used for is the Spay procedure. Surgeons’ have reported that recovery time is much faster and less pain is felt. They have also reported that the stay time in the pet hospital is shortened. Other procedures that Laparoscopy is being used for include alleviating bloat in large dog breeds and biopsies. The procedure tends to be more expensive, but the surgeons and owners of patients say it is well worth it.

National Pet Week 2008

Did you know that one week out of each year is designated National Pet Week? For 2008, May 4-10 is designated with this title. During this week, pet owners are encouraged to pay a little more attention to their pet’s needs. This is a great time to get your pet into the vet to make sure they are healthy and all of their vaccinations are up to date. Many vet offices offer discounts during the week to encourage people to bring their pets in for checkups. This is also a good time to evaluate your pet’s nutrition and exercise habits. If either is lacking, now is a great time to make a change in the positive direction.

National Pet Week was created in 1981 to promote responsible pet ownership, the human-animal bond and promotion of the advances in veterinary medicine. National Pet week was founded by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the Auxiliary to the AVMA. It is celebrated across the United States and in other parts of the world.

National Pet Week is not just for dogs and cats. It is important to make sure all animals are healthy and well cared for. Whatever kind of pet you have, this week is your chance to pay special attention to them and get them into the vet for routine checkups.

Eco-Friendly Pets

With going “Green” being as popular as it is these days, it’s no surprise that pet owners want to do more with how they live with their pets and making that lifestyle more eco-friendly. Many companies are popping up on the net and elsewhere that are featuring green pet products and more eco-friendly items. It is estimated that recycled pet products save as much as 30 million plastic bottles from going to landfills each year. Many products that are made from these recycled bottles include beds, toys and other pet products. You can find many of these products in your local stores and on the internet by searching for eco friendly pet products.

Another area where green pet owners are making great strides is with disposing of pet waste. Nearly 2 million tons of cat litter gets dumped in landfills each year. New biodegradable litters are available that are made from whole kernel corn and green tea mixed with sawdust. Some cities have instituted dog cleanup stations with biodegradable “mitts” for picking up pet waste. San Francisco and other cites in the Bay Area are on the forefront of this initiative by recycling pet waste into bio fuel and striving to help eliminate the impact of pet waste on landfills by 2010. Some homeowners are even hiring people to come and clean up their yard. These companies remove the waste, recycle it and keep yards free of parasites and disease.

Going green with pets can be fairly easy. Check out your local store for ideas, surf the net and talk to other pet owners. As time goes on, more green pet products will be available for you and your pet.