Iams Home for the Holidays

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Iams Home 4 The Holidays – among the world’s most successful pet adoption programs – includes nearly 3,000 worldwide partner animal organizations that are dedicated to helping place orphaned dogs and cats into happy, loving homes.

Iams Home 4 The Holidays has set a goal to place 1 million orphaned animals into happy and loving homes this holiday season from October 1, 2008 to January 5, 2009.

Award-winning actress and pet parent Felicity Huffman has teamed up with Iams Home 4 The Holidays to help raise awareness for the millions of homeless dogs and cats in North America.

We’re asking everyone to open their heart and/or home to a homeless pet this holiday season. Visit Iamshome4theholidays.com for a myriad of ideas and ways to help orphaned pets.

Since it began in 1999, Home 4 The Holidays has helped place more than 2 million pets into happy homes. Last year alone, Iams Home 4 the Holidays helped nearly 500,000 families experience the joy of pet adoption.

Founded by Helen Woodward Animal Center and supported by Iams, Home 4 The Holidays began in 1999 with just 14 participating animal shelters in San Diego County. Today there are nearly 3,000 shelters in 15 countries around the world helping orphaned animals find loving homes and families.

Every cat, dog, puppy or kitten that is adopted during Iams Home 4 the Holidays will go home with an Iams Adoption Starter Kit that contains food samples, coupons and important tips and information about pet care, behavior, training and nutrition.CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL FACT SHEET

DID YOU KNOW...

• There are as many as 8 Million homeless pets looking for a home in our country?
• As many as 4 million orphaned dogs and cats will be euthanized this year due to shelter overcrowding and lack of awareness about these homeless pets?
• More than a quarter of all dogs in animal shelters are purebreds?
• Iams Home 4 the Holidays has helped more than 1,047,000 Dogs, 962,000 cats and 66,000 "other" animals, such as rabbits, reptiles, birds and more, find homes over the past nine years?
• That you can be a hero to a pet by visiting www.iamshome4theholidays.com to find participating animal organizations or other ways to help.

Petsecure Gives You Confidence

Petsecure is for all the reasons you can imagine, but more importantly, for all the reasons you can't.

Some Things Are Simply Out of Your Hands. When you first brought home your new dog or cat, you likely imagined all the joy, the fun and the companionship that furry bundle would bring to your family. Very few of us stop and think about the likelihood of our pet coming down with common illnesses or medical problems associated with their breed, or make allowances for the accidents that inevitably pop up in every pet's life. But that's why there's pet health insurance.

Pet insurance is the best way to have a plan in place, and peace of mind in the event of any accident, illness or expense associated with preventive care. Things like routine heartworm checks, medication for ear infections, fights with other pets and even household mishaps such as swallowing toxins like chocolate, or other 'foreign' objects are covered. So are pricey diagnostics like x-rays, dental care, surgery, emergency hospitalization, and prescriptions too.

Benefits:

• Enables you to provide the best possible care for your pet; especially when the unexpected occurs.
• Provides for responsible pet ownership; much the same as providing plenty of love and attention, good nutrition, proper exercise and a safe environment.
• Helps you budget and control the cost of care, by keeping you aware of monthly costs and ensuring you won't be caught unprepared in the event of an emergency.
• Provides you (and your pet) with greater access to life-saving treatments. Crucial decisions are easier to make.
• Gives peace of mind, knowing that pets are covered before they develop health problems, illness or conditions normally associated with their breed or age.

Best of all, getting started with us is as easy as 1-2-3!

Fall and Winter Holiday Plant Toxicity in Cats

Flowers and plants add beauty to any holiday, and they make great holiday gifts. But if your family includes pets, you may want to learn which plants are safe and which ones you need to avoid.

Remember that ingesting bulb plants often cause the most severe illnesses. Here are a list of some popular winter holiday plants and their potential toxicities.

Holly (Ilex sp.). This plant, commonly found around Christmas time, can cause intense vomiting and diarrhea. Mental depression can also occur.

Amaryllis (Amaryllis spp). Ingestion can result in vomiting, diarrhea, depression, lack of appetite, tremors, drooling and abdominal pain.

Mistletoe (Phoradendron spp.). This plant, another Christmas plant, can also cause significant vomiting and diarrhea. In addition, this plant has been associated with difficulty breathing, slowed heart rate, collapse and, if a lot is ingested, death has occurred.Some animals may even show erratic behavior and possible hallucinations.

Poinsettia (Euphorbia). This plant can cause irritation to the mouth and stomach and sometimes vomiting. It has a low level of toxicity and is overrated as a toxic plant. Many people consider it basically non-toxic.

Christmas cactus, Thanksgiving cactus, Easter cactus (Schlumbergera or Zygocactus). In dogs, if large quantities of this plant are ingested, vomiting, possibly with blood, diarrhea, possibly with blood and mental depression have been reported. With small ingestions, typically there are no signs of toxicity. These plants are considered low toxicity plants.

Some less common toxic winter holiday plants include:

American bittersweet (Celastrus scandens). Ingestion results in weakness, vomiting and seizures.

European bittersweet (Solanum dulcamara). Ingestion results in drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, lack of appetite, weakness, confusion and low heart rate.

Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium). Ingestion results in vomiting, diarrhea, depression, drooling and lack of appetite.

Christmas rose (Helleborus niger). Ingestion results in abdominal pain, vomiting, bloody diarrhea and delirium.

Jerusalem cherry (Solanum pseudocapsicuni). Ingestion results in vomiting, diarrhea, mouth ulcers, seizures, mental depression, respiratory depression, shock and death.

Autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale). Ingestion of the bulbs results in mouth irritation, blooding vomiting, diarrhea, shock, kidney failure, liver damage and bone marrow suppression.

Thanksgiving cactus (Zygocactus truncactus). Ingestion results in vomiting, diarrhea and depression. Cats also can develop staggering.

Christmas palm (Veitchia merrillii). This plant is considered nontoxic.

Christmas orchid (Cattleya trianaei). This plant is considered nontoxic.

Christmas dagger fern (Polystichym spp). This plant is considered nontoxic.

Mistletoes cactus (Thipsalis cassutha). This plant is considered nontoxic.

Burning bush (Euronymous alatus). Ingestion can result in vomiting, diarrhea, depression and lack of appetite.

Hot Pet Products to Help Your Dog Brave the Winter

We all know that the time is coming. Those dark and cold winter nights will be upon us soon and it’s not just a painful experience to be out in the cold for us – but for your pets as well.

Here are a few items that will help keep you and your furry ones safe and sound on a cold winter night.

Salt on the sidewalks is a big concern when I have my dogs on their daily constitutional. If you haven’t ordered your EPIKS dog boots, made with special memory foam insole combined with the Thermoplastic Rubber (TPR) sole to reduce the load on a dog's legs and energize with each step, you can help apply some TLC to their paws by rubbing on Cain and Able’s Paw Palm. This all natural paw rub is formulated to protect, heal, and moisturize. It is made with human-grade ingredients that are safe if ingested. It is also great for dry skin, chapped noses and chapped lips (for you!).

Get tired of having to bring along the flashlight in order to find your pets favorite ball? With the sun setting so early in the day during the winter months – it’s important for you and your pup that you don’t lose their favorite toys in the snow. That’s why the Night Wubba is the perfect solution. With night reflective tape on the Wubba’s tails and a reinforced orange nylon ball with squeaker you and your pet will be able to spot this toy without searching in the snow banks.

Of course, on those days that you just can’t face outside time because the weather is so bad, you need to find something to occupy your pet’s time and energy indoors. The Rudy Holiday Plush toy is made from a soft, yet durable corduroy fabric, non-toxic poly fill and an enticing squeaker. Rudy will be sure to entertain your pooch for hours this holiday season and this silly looking reindeer will warm any heart! If your pup doesn’t favour the squeaker toy (or maybe does too much) you can also spend some quality time inside with your pet by making them their own, home-baked dog treats with the Pet Cookie Cutter Gift Set. A cute and clever gift set that's packed with kitchen favorites, the kit includes two bone-shaped and two star-shaped cookie cutters, a red & white cotton dish towel, and a 1-quart stainless steel bowl.

So, whether you chose to brave the outside elements or stay warm indoors, these smart buys can help you and your furry friends through the cold season with skill and style!

Monday Madness

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In the News

Benefits of Elevated Bowls & Feeders

Has your dog been using the same old dog bowls for years? Are they chewed up, dented, scratched or even chipped or rusted? Would you eat or drink out of them? Even if your dog’s bowls aren’t in serious need of replacement, an upgrade may be in order. Providing the right dog feeder for your pet’s unique size, body structure and feeding habits can contribute to his or her health and comfort.

The Benefits of Raised Dog Bowls (aka Dog Feeders)

Many dog owners have heard about the benefits of raised dog bowls or “feeding stations” but think they’re only necessary for large breeds. The fact is eating and drinking from bowls placed at an appropriate height will aid any size dog with digestion. Raised feeders minimize the amount of air dogs swallow while gulping and chewing food. They also help prevent vomiting and choking while reducing the likelihood your dog will suffer from stomach bloat. Not having to lean, bend or stretch for food and water contributes to good posture and puts less strain on your dog’s neck, joints and hips. Insects, rodents, dust and dirt are also less likely to reach food and water raised off the floor or ground.

Raised dog feeders now come in a variety of sizes, shapes and materials that allow you to truly customize your dog’s dining station. What sort of bowl and stand combination will work best for you and your dog? Certainly you will want to choose an attractive design that suits your home’s décor. With wooden, wrought iron, stainless steel, rustic and trendy designs to choose from, you’re likely to find whatever you’re looking for. Look to suit your dog’s needs as well as your personal tastes to make the most of your dog feeder upgrade.

Key Considerations in Dog Feeder Selection

If you have a new puppy, consider an adjustable feeding station that will accommodate his or her growth. Many raised bowls are of such high quality they will literally last a lifetime. If you are thinking long-term, be sure the feeder you select can accommodate your dog’s needs throughout his or her lifecycle.

Consider your dog’s unique physical features in addition to his or her size and age. If you own an Irish Setter or an Afghan Hound for instance, a single raised feeding bowl that stands separately from a water bowl will be most practical for your dog. Single feeders allow long ears and facial hair to drape over the sides of the bowl to prevent messes and keep your dog more comfortable. If your dog has a pug face, choose a broad rather than deep bowl to allow your dog to pick food up more easily. Bowls featuring rims that turn inward are helpful for toothless or older dogs that tend to have trouble ingesting food.

Your new dog feeder should also match your dog’s eating style. Some dogs are playful eaters and enjoy dumping food bowls or tossing them to the floor. If this describes your dog, choose heavy ceramic bowls instead of stainless steel and solid stands with non-skid feet. If your dog prefers to drink water while eating, a double style raised diner is ideal.

Single-bowl raised feeder units provide more flexibility. You may keep your food and water bowls in separate areas of the house or wish to offer water in different locations throughout the home. Perhaps you want to keep a raised water bowl outdoors. In all of these cases, single feeder stands are ideal.

Last but not least, consider how convenient the bowls will be for you to fill and clean. Bowls that sit flat into raised feeders may be held in place securely, but they are not always easy to lift out for cleaning. People with arthritis or limited hand mobility may find them inconvenient. Similarly, ceramic bowls are much heavier than stainless steel options and may break if dropped.
The key to selecting the ideal dog feeder is to balance your own preferences with the needs of you dog. For example, your dog’s eating habits might make a ceramic bowl the best choice for feeding, but you may be able to use lighter weight, unbreakable stainless steel bowls in waterers. With a bit of planning, both you and your dog will benefit from an upgrade to beautiful, functional and practical dog feeders.

Source: http://hubpages.com/hub/raised-dog-bowls