We heard an interesting story recently about the local government in one Japanese prefecture that staged a disaster drill specially geared toward pet owners to help people plan. People in Japan own more than 22-million pet cats and dogs, and many Japanese shelters don’t allow pets. The drill gave people a chance to think about and practice what they should do in case of an earthquake or other natural disaster. Nearly 1,500 people participated in the drill, which included cages for dogs and cats lined up ready to go, and a specially-designated area for dogs.

In the US, tornadoes, wildfires, floods, earthquakes and hurricanes are all realities in different parts of the country, and require a little advance forethought. We all heard the heart-wrenching stories of pets trapped in homes and on roofs during the Katrina catastrophe, and even after they were rescued, the difficulties of reuniting pets with their owners. We recently posted on Fire Safety and Your Pet, and many of the same suggestions apply. Here’s a rundown:

1) Put a sticker in a visible spot on your window to let rescue workers know how many pets are in your house, their names and breeds, and their favorite hiding spots. If you evacuate with your pets, be sure to write “EVACUATED” across the sticker (if there’s time) so rescue workers don’t waste valuable time searching for pets that aren’t there.

2) Chip your pets. We’ll say it again, “Chip Your Pets!” If you and your pets get separated, microchips are the most reliable way of making sure you are reunited in case the tags come off. The BlanketID system also helps bring lost pets home faster, and your pet should always be wearing tags.

3) Prepare a portable disaster pet supplies kit including medications, medical records, current photos of your pet, and information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems, and the name and number of your veterinarian in case you have to foster or board your pets, all stored in a waterproof container. Also include sturdy leashes and/or cat carrier (make sure the carrier is big enough to keep your cat comfortable, with a small litter pan, in case he has to be there a while), potable water, and about a 2 week supply of food.

Because natural disaster can hit anytime, anywhere, and not only your house is the one effected, here are a few more things to keep in mind:

1) Get the names and addresses of people in your neighborhood who can help you out in case you’re away when disaster strikes. Exchange keys with someone you trust. If you work all day, make sure someone who isn’t out all day has your key, so they can easily evacuate your pets for you in case of the unthinkable.

2) Know the animal shelters in your area. If you do get separated from your pet, more than likely your fuzzy friend will be taken to a shelter.

3) If you have a dog, and he rides in the car with you, make sure you bring a leash. Disasters can happen anywhere, even when you’re in transit.

4) If you have a horse, it’s even more important that you plan ahead of time, because evacuating a horse safely is not a simple matter of putting him a carrier with a pan of litter! Find other horse owners in your community and plan together.

Each breed category features great stocking stuffer ideas, and whimsical gifts for any dog lover. Frame your favorite poodle pup in a poodle picture frame. Celebrate the season with a Chihuahua nut cracker ornament. Watch young eyes light up when they find a German Shepherd stuffed animal waiting in their stocking!

Most of the breeds featured have their own versions of monopoly as well. Bulldog-opoly, Poodle-opoly, Beagle-opoloy, or just Dog-opoly for the indiscriminate dog lover! Each of these monopoly games is all about the world of dogs, from being board kingpin as the butcher shop owner, to taking game hits by getting fleas, having an accident, or getting sent to the kennel. It’s tail-wagging fun for all!

We hope all our dog lovers out there enjoy these fun gifts as much as we are!

Dogs Are Pawsome Listeners

For little ones struggling with fluency and comprehension, the R.E.A.D. program provides much needed support for them to take their skills to the next level. The idea is that therapy dogs are non-judgmental and offer unconditional love while the handlers offer quiet encouragement and the undivided attention of a caring, supportive adult.

Kindergarten students first learning to read often struggle with frustration and low confidence, and need encouragement to practice their new literacy skills.  Teachers and parents are incredibly excited to report that the program seems to be a success. These young students are spending weeks practicing reading their books in preparation for when they will read aloud to the visiting therapy dogs.

The people at Pet-Source can relate to the idea that pets are emotionally supportive.  It sometimes seems like our pets are the only ones in the world who understand how we’re feeling! Why not reward them for their loyalty with a delicious treat from Pet-Source?  Our pets never cease to amaze us!  We salute the people behind the PAWsitive reading program for their efforts.  Let’s add “educational support”  to the already long list of known benefits to owning a pet.  That’s pawsome.

Kittens instinctively purr when they are nursing, and their mother automatically purrs back. Mom cats also purr when they are giving birth, and it’s been suggested the purr acts as a soothing “mantra”. Cat purrs come in a full range of sounds from a deep rumble that shares the same 26 Hertz range of a diesel engine, to a high-pitched whirr of about 150 Hertz, and everywhere in between. And one cat can make a full range of purring sounds, depending on his mood and physiology.

Before we tackle the why, there are two theories about the physiology of purring – that is, what little engine is rumbling to produce that soothing feline sound? One theory believes that purring involves the activation of nerves from within the voice box, which causes the vibration of vocal cords, while the diaphragm acts like a pump, pushing air in and out of the vibrating cords. Another theory has it that the sound comes more from vibrating blood vessels than from the voicebox itself. Scientists still aren’t 100% sure, but these are the top two theories on what causes a purr.

Wherever the sound originates, though, a cat’s purr has interesting properties. The feline purr lies between 25 and 150 Hertz, which, it turns out, is the same sound frequency range that can stimulate bone growth and healing. On top of that, a new theory suggests that purring releases endorphins. Cats often purr when they are in pain, so that would support this theory. Cats are known to have remarkable endurance, which could be partly attributed to the purr. And perhaps the therapeutic benefits of the purr spill over to cat guardians. It’s fairly well known that cat owners tend to have lower blood pressure. And it makes sense. There’s no sweeter sound than the gentle humming purr of a relaxed cat curled up on your lap, enjoying a nap and your undivided attention. It’s hard to feel stressed and overwrought with a cat in your lap. Perhaps that’s the greatest gift our cats can give us.

Whyever your cat purrs and whatever the purr sounds like, be sure and return the love to your cat with healthy food, lots of treats, and plenty of attention. This is the fuel your cat’s engine needs to keep it purring for a lifetime!

The Healing Presence of Pets

In fact, the health benefits of owning a pet are becoming so obvious to doctors and researchers, that many hospitals and nursing homes are changing their policies to allow “pet visits.”  Statistically, families with pets are happier and more active than families without pets.  Children who grow up with pets tend to be more confident and successful in school.  It’s amazing that our animal friends could have such a positive affect on human health!  One pet-loving doctor describes the presence of a pet to have the following affects on people: reduced loneliness, reduced anxiety, lower depression rates, improved short and long term memory, increased feelings of responsibility and nurturing, improved motor skills, better balance, improved speech, and distraction from pain.

At Pet-Source, we strongly believe in the positive healing power of pets.  Next time you’re feeling a little down, depressed, stressed or under-the-weather, do something special like cuddle up with your kitty, take your dog on a long hike, or just stare into your fish tank for a while. You’re likely to feel better right away! Want to reward your loving pet for how they positively impact your life?   Try a new toy like the Flying Squirrel dog toy available at Pet-Source or say thank you to your furry friend with some special Etta Says! treats (cats love them too)! Remember, when you care for your pet, you’re caring for yourself!

Secretariat winning the Belmont Stakes

Just a few days ago, Disney released their film adaptation of Secretariat, the story of the American Thoroughbred racehorse, who in 1973 became the first U.S. Triple Crown champion in twenty-five years, setting new race records in two of the three events in the Series. During the Belmont Stakes he ran the fastest 1½ miles on dirt in history, at 2:24 flat. No horse has ever broken 2:25 to this day. Needless to say, Secretariat was bigger than life, and certainly a horse worthy of his own block buster hit. He was a beautiful, big chestnut colt, nicknamed “Big Red” who had the Midas touch on the racetrack.

With all the build-up over the new movie, we started thinking, what makes a race horse faster than an average horse? Following a more than impressive career on the racetrack, Secretariat died at 19, and it was discovered that he had a 22-pound heart – more than 2 and a half times as large as that of the average horse. Apparently, it’s a genetic condition sometimes found in Thoroughbreds, and carried through the dam line. But recent research shows that may not be all there is to it.

Earlier this year, ground-breaking findings were announced  from research led by Dr. Emmeline Hill, a leading horse genomics researcher at University College Dublin’s (UCD) School of Agriculture, Food Science and Veterinary Medicine. The research team announced they had found the ‘speed gene‘ in thoroughbred horses. The thoroughbred horse racing and breeding industry is an international, multi-billion dollar business, so this was no small announcement. Racehorse owners and trainers around the world will be able to use this gene to identify if a horse is best suited to racing over short, middle or middle-to-long distances, and breeders, stallion managers, and bloodstock agents will be able to use the test to make more precise selection and breeding decisions to optimize the genetic potential and commercial value of their horses.

All of this is fascinating, but we have to wonder how much of Secretariat’s success was science, and how much was, well, heart? We know Secretariat’s physical heart size was much larger than normal, but what about his winner’s “heart”? That spirit, that elusive drive that pushes a horse, or any athlete, just a little bit further than the competition to give them the winning edge? During the Kentucky Derby, Secretariat won with a still-standing track record of 1:59 2/5. The legendary horse ran each quarter-mile segment faster than the one before it, with the first quarter-mile time at 25 1/5 and the final at 23. He was still accelerating as of the final quarter-mile of the race! While his breeding may have brought him to the track and prepared him to win, there was a winning spirit in Secretariat that propelled him to victory, time and again. And that, we’re just not sure science can fully quantify.

That being said, we appreciate science for the advances in medicine that have allowed even non-racing horses to live longer, healthier, and happier lives. Pet-Source.com appreciates the unique spirit in each of our customers’ horses, and we hope the full line of horse med products we offer will help them be well, and win their own personal “Triple Crown” successes, be they on the racetrack, in the arena, in the pasture, or at the stable.

The Three-Headed Monster!

For many families, Halloween is a very special and exciting occasion.  It’s an excuse to dress up and be someone else, eat a ridiculous amount of candy, and walk around on a crisp fall night demanding treats from neighbors who dare not be empty handed for fear of being the recipient of some mischievous trick! However people choose to celebrate, this special harvest-season holiday offers a wonderful feeling of lightheartedness and whimsical sense of magic.

Doggie as Dorothy

In recent years, families have been involving their pets in their unique Halloween traditions—dressing them up in hilarious costumes, taking them out on a “trick-or-treating” adventure, and even spoiling them with delicious treats! Creating these wonderful Halloween memories with our pets is tremendously fun, but here are a few safety tips to keep in mind:

If you decide to dress your pet in costume, make sure it’s something they can wear comfortably and safely, and never leave your dog unattended while in costume.  Avoid buttons or stringy details, which can be a choking hazard. For many parents, bringing the family dog out trick-or-treating reassures them that their kids are safe and protected. If you decide to take your dog out after dark for a trick-or-treat walk, or on any night of the year for that matter, keep them safe and visible to drivers with a Black PupLight from Pet-Source.com. This lightweight dog collar is powered by bright white LEDs, can be worn in any kind of weather, and is especially helpful to older dogs with vision loss.

Back at home, many pet owners find that their worrisome pup has a hard time with Halloween, what with the repeated ringing of the doorbell and heavy traffic of strange visitors running through the yard.  Pet-Source.com carries a range of wonderful products to relieve your pet’s anxiety. Storm Stress For Dogs, for example, is a safe, gentle, and clinically effective homeopathic remedy for calming fearful dogs and puppies. It works to quickly calm anxious behavior related to storms, loud noises, or frightening Halloween spooks!

Pirate Kitty

One of the most fun ways to celebrate Halloween with your pet is to give them a tasty treat and watch them wolf it down like children devouring candy.  Keep the sugary people treats in the Halloween bag, and opt for something healthier. Pet-Source.com has plenty of delicious treat options for dogs and cats.  Etta Says dog treats are so popular with our canine friends, Pet-Source has decided to send them out for free with all orders over $49—now that’s a deal that dogs and their owners will salivate over!  Finally, keep in mind that animals can get cavities just like kids who’ve had too much candy, so keep their teeth clean and healthy with one of the many pet dental products available at Pet-Source.

All of us at Pet-Source wish you and your pets a SPOOKTACULARLY fun and safe Halloween!

We are so happy Kiwi and his distraught owner found each other in the end (the article said the owner lost 12 pounds during the ordeal!).  We hope the scoundrel who put Kiwi and his owner through such heartbreak comes to justice. In the meantime, we offer these tips to other pet owners in hopes that it doesn’t happen to them.

1)      We encourage you to never leave your pet unattended in a car unless absolutely necessary. It goes without saying, NEVER leave your pet in a car in the summer, no excuses, even with the windows rolled down, as that can be lethal to your pet.

2)      Make sure your pet has updated ID on him at all times. Collars with tags can come off, though, so consider chipping your pet. If your pet is taken to a shelter, they can scan the chip for all your contact information. BlanketID is also a great program worth considering that brings pets home faster.

3)      Consider registering for the Amber Alert for Pets network. This large network has people all over the country on the lookout for lost pets, and can reunite pets and owners more quickly.

4)      The Pet Source Pet Tracker is another great tool for tracking lost pets. The GPS unit is small and attaches to your pet’s collar, allowing you to follow your pet with a smartphone or computer wherever she goes, with accuracy down to 18 inches. While the device is especially useful for canine fence jumpers, it’s also a great idea for anyone who travels with their pet much. It’s so easy for an animal to escape from a car, and they’re much more vulnerable in an unfamiliar environment. For anyone interested in the device, the Pet Source Pet Tracker can be purchased for 5% off with free activation using the coupon code FIDOVIIP.

5)      Keep current pictures of your pet available for posters in case he does become lost. This is not a problem for most of the pet owners we know who have pictures of their beloved furry friends to spare!

October is National Fire Safety Month, so it’s a great time to plan for the unexpected. While you wait for your hometown fire department to get their own pet-sized oxygen masks, we encourage everyone to take a few simple measures to ensure their pets’ safety in case of a fire.

According to the National Volunteer Fire Council, an estimated 500,000 pets are affected by home fires every year. There are three steps every pet owner should take before disaster strikes:

1)      Attach a rescue sticker alert in a visible spot to let rescue workers know that pets are inside your home. The sticker should list the types and number of pets in your household, the name of your veterinarian, and include your veterinarian’s phone number. If you must evacuate with your pets, and if time allows, write “EVACUATED” across the stickers.

2)      Make sure your pets all are chipped and have up to date tags with easy-to-read information. In the chaos of a fire, it’s easy for pets to run away scared, and get lost. Consider something like the BlanketID system, which helps bring lost pets home faster.

3)      Prepare a portable pet disaster supplies kit that’s easy to access. According to the American Red Cross, the kit should include the following:

• Medications and medical records stored in a waterproof container, and a first aid kit.
• Sturdy leashes, harnesses, or cat carrier.
• Current photos of your pets in case they get lost.
• Food, potable water, bowls, cat litter/pan, and can opener.
• Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems, and the name and number of your veterinarian in case you have to foster or board your pets.
• Pet bed or toys if easily transportable.

No one wants to think about their place going up in flames, but a little planning can minimize the trauma of the unthinkable, and help keep your beloved four-legged family member safe.

It’s safe to say that many pet owners feel a little guilty leaving their pets at home alone for any extended period of time, especially dogs. Of course, no adult dog should be left alone for more than 8 hours (puppies 2 to 3 hours tops), but even that can seem like an eternity to the scared pup. Even though cats generally do better on their own for extended periods of time, they can also suffer from debilitating anxiety. Owners of hyper-active or overly anxious pets feel awful leaving their pets home alone, even for a little while, fearing that any ambulance siren or afternoon thunderstorm could cause serious stress in their beloved pet.  Thankfully, there are a variety of products available designed to calm and reassure frightened and uneasy pets.

One example of an anti-anxiety pet product available at Pet-Source.com is Sprinks Relax Chewables. These treats are veterinary formulated using a unique blend of calming ingredients that help ease dogs through stressful events such as travel, boarding, grooming, storms, and separation anxiety.  Another option for calming a tense pet is the Sprinks Calming CD. This CD uses soothing classical music, familiar sounds and unique frequencies heard only by pets to help reduce stress and anxiety.

If you think there is no hope for comforting your little worry-wart, try one of the many pet products designed to calm and reassure pets at Pet-Source.com. Remember, puppies