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Trying to save money? Start making your own dog treats at home. Not only will you be saving money but you’ll know exactly what your pooch is eating. Get free dog treat recipes at All-Natural-Dog-Treat.com today! Check out this great recipe below to beat the heat this summer:
“These easy frozen doggie treats can be made in ice cube trays or those tupperware-type popsicle trays. Your dog will love the cool treat!
Frozen Doggie Treats
- 1 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons peanut butter
- 1 ripe banana –
- 16 ounces plain yogurt
Mix the peanut butter, honey, and fruit together until well blended—mash with a fork or use the blender. Add the fruit mixture to the yogurt and mix well. Freeze in ice cube trays. Crack trays and release treats as needed!” |
Happy Modern Pet Savings!
by Melissa on March 16, 2012
Many pet parents are familiar with the Kong brand of toys, which is known for making highly durable, rubber chew toys for dogs. The Kong brand has since expanded with more dog toys, and even toys for cats! The Kong Hugga Wubba Cat Teaser is one of those toys, and it will keep your cat happy and busy time and time again.
The product description reads:
Kong Hugga Wubba Cat Teaser offers fun, interactive play with your cat. Simply assemble the two-piece teaser pole and let the fun begin! Kong Cat Wubba is specifically developed to appeal to a cat’s instinctive desire to stalk and capture prey. All Cat Wubbas rattle and are infused with natural catnip.
The design of the toy has the classic, bulbous Kong shape on top, and is covered with a bumpy, fuzzy wrap that extends past the bottom of the toy with four soft “legs” that dangle to entice cats. These legs also let them pull the toy around if they capture it. The inside of the bulb has a jingle bell to wake up Kitty’s ears during play time. The toy is attached to a string with a long stick so the human can move the toy around accordingly.
The Kong Hugga Wubba is very durable and won’t shred or come apart during play sessions; however, the handle that the toy is attached to tends to split apart easily (it is packaged so the stick breaks apart for storage) during play, and isn’t as durable as the rest of the toy. Two two pieces of the stick screw together. The elastic that attaches to the string is also easy for cats to chew through, so if your cat likes to chew, it is a good idea to put the toy away when it is not being used (which is also important for safety).
Even if the stick breaks or your cat chews through the string, this “octopus-style” toy is still a winner for cats, as they will chase it and wrestle with it as is.
Kong Hugga Wubba Cat Teasers are often featured on pet deal websites like Barking Deals, so if you want to try it out with your cats, keep checking back to get a discount. The toy is also available on Amazon for $5.71 with free shipping (prices may fluctuate with time).
This article was written by My Pet Saving’s contributor Melissa. She has a master’s degree in creative writing, owns several pets and runs her own online pet magazine. To learn more about this author check out the contributor profile page.
by Melissa on February 27, 2012
Since cats have a nocturnal instinct thanks to their keen night vision and hunting drives, some toys on the market that cater to cats are specifically formulated to be played with at night. There are glow-in-the-dark toys, toys that light up, and toys that flash when they are batted at or touched. The Play-N-Squeak TwinkleMouse by OurPets is one of these toys designed to provoke the natural hunting instinct of cats.
The Play-N-Squeak TwinkleMouse is packaged with the mouse out in plain view against a reflected, textured cardboard that has the glowing eyes of a cat against a deep blue background. Thanks to this packaging, the mouse is easily felt and seen. The structure of the body is hard and the eyes of the mouse light up and blink rapidly when touched, which is a big positive for those that have both deaf and hearing cats. The hard body houses the squeaking mechanism inside of the mouse. The mouse also has white ears that slightly fold in the middle.
The body of the mouse is blue and soft like a bath towel, and the tail resembles knotted rope. Interestingly, there is a stretchy lip on the end of the tail. This could be used to tie a string onto to play with if one wanted to add some more interaction to the toy.
The big selling point of the toy is the very loud squeaky mouse sound that it makes while playing with it. The squeaking sound is a lot louder than most mouse toys that are on the market that will have cats clamoring to play and catch it.
The price of the mouse is reasonable, but varies by vendor. Here is a price sampling of the toy:
Wal-Mart: $4.98
Petco: $6.99
Amazon: $6.88
The Pet Place: $4.49
NewEgg.com: 4.16
Overall, the toy is durable; however, cats with claws may unravel the rope-like tale and cause some damage to the fabric body, but the light up eyes and loud sound make this a good toy for cats that are active in the dark evening hours.
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This article was written by My Pet Saving’s contributor Melissa. She has a master’s degree in creative writing, owns several pets and runs her own online pet magazine. To learn more about this author check out the contributor profile page.
by Melissa on February 24, 2012
A new television channel just for dogs is making waves in the pet world this week. Called “DogTV” and launched in San Diego, this cable network costs $5 a month- a price that some are happy to pay to keep their pooch happy while they’re home alone during the day. Co-founder Ron Levi developed the idea when he noticed how lonely his cat was before he left for work in the morning. Levi pitched the idea to the media, and spent nearly four years working with Israeli-based Jasmine Group to develop the channel’s content, which is completely tailored to how a dog experiences the world.
According to Today.com,
DogTV has created nearly 800 programs for dogs, each around three to five minutes long to fit with a dogs’ limited attention span, and is constantly creating new content. The programs are designed to “relax, stimulate and expose” dogs to situations they come across in daily life, like car rides and romps around the park.
There are talks to expand the network beyond San Diego in the future. Seem absurd? Television for pets is not a new concept in the pet world, with many DVDs on the market that cater to dogs and cats as the audience; however, an entire television channel is something new. Because dogs are pack animals and may get lonely during the day, especially if they are the only pet in the family, leaving the television on can help them feel less lonely, and relieve separation stress and anxiety. When this happens, dogs are less likely to get bored and destructive.
When asked about DogTV, Cesar Millan stated that “what they see is much less important to dogs than what they smell”, but added that it might help pets.
DogTV’s website has an extensive list of frequently asked questions, and claims that the “programming meets a dog’s typical daily cycle and helps prevent mental fatigue, depression and boredom.” DogTV also notes that some of the content may look strange to humans, because the colors and brightness were developed to stimulate what a dog sees, not what a person sees. They also have some videos on YouTube where you can experience DogTV.
DogTV is available on Cox and Time Warner in San Diego.
Would you pay for DogTV? Have you ever left the television on during the day for your pets?
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This article was written by My Pet Saving’s contributor Melissa. She has a master’s degree in creative writing, owns several pets and runs her own online pet magazine. To learn more about this author check out the contributor profile page.
by Melissa on February 21, 2012
In 1995, the Doris Day Animal League created Spay Day, and this program became part of the Humane Society of the United States in 2006 when DDAL partnered with HSUS. Spay Day is an international day of activism devoted to promoting the spaying and neutering of pets. The celebration of Spay Day is part of recognizing that over four million animals are euthanized in shelters every year, and the spay/neuter procedure prevents even more unwanted pets from being born and suffering the same fate. According to HSUS, Spay Day has celebrated several successes since the first year, including spaying and neutering over 1,457,200 animals.
There are many ways to participate in World Spay Day. The event is held on the last Tuesday of February. All over the world, veterinarians participate in sterilization events at low-cost or free. This year, the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association has teamed up with the Dane County Friends of Ferals group (in Wisconsin) to spay and neuter 200 feral cats.
Another humane organization, the Acadiana Humane Society in Cajun County, Louisiana, is participating in World Spay Day by using their funds from the month of February to provide half off or free spay/neuters for the pets of low income people and families. To be considered for this program, it is necessary to submit an application. If funds are not available, the AHS will help redirect people to other, similar programs in the area.
Veterinarians and humane societies aren’t the only ones that can participate in World Spay Day. Even if you aren’t part of a rescue organization or the animal medical community, there are many ways to get involved. Even simple tasks like talking to people and handing out information on the importance of spaying and neutering go a long way. It is easy to forget that not everyone understands that spaying and neutering pets is one way to save lives in the future, and that the procedure also calms down the hormones of male dogs and cuts down on the risk of cancer in female dogs. Another way to help is to volunteer at shelters and rescues that are participating in World Spay Day. They will need help transporting animals, cleaning the facilities, and processing spay/neuter participant paperwork.
This year’s World Spay Day happens on February 28, 2012. Spread the word!
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This article was written by My Pet Saving’s contributor Melissa. She has a master’s degree in creative writing, owns several pets and runs her own online pet magazine. To learn more about this author check out the contributor profile page.
by Melissa on February 19, 2012
With millions of shelter of animals dying every year, spaying and neutering is more important than every. Unfortunately, some people don’t like the idea of altering their male dogs, and some companies have noted this and turned it into big business by offering testicular implants for pets, including dogs, cats, and horses. Is this a good alternative that supports alteration, or does this further continue the message that male dogs are not cosmetically desirable if they are neutered?
Neuticles are the most well-known testicular implant, made in the United States with “FDA medically-approved solid silicone.” They are not made from the gel or saline silicone implants. The implants imitate the look and feel of the animal’s testicles in “size, shape, weight, and feel.” Neuticles offers four different models for customers to choose from, and suggests that the implants be done when the pet is neutered. They are careful to note that this should happen at eight months of age in order to get the right sizing, but implants can also be done up to five years after the neutering procedure. The procedure is considered an easy and uncomplicated one.
Neuticles argues that this is not just a cosmetic surgery, but that it saves lives. They state that:
Neuticles go far beyond ‘cosmetic surgery’. Each day we receive calls or emails from delighted pet owners telling us in one way or another that ‘I would not have neutered had it not been for Neuticles.’ As a result, pet owners are not only helping to control pet overpopulation- but now have a happier, healthier pet which will live a longer life.
Testimonials from veterinarians also agree, that if it is something that helps people have their dogs neutered, then this procedure is a positive. One veterinarians offering a testimonial for Neuticles claims that these implants boost the dog’s self-esteem.
Neuticles also has a very famous celebrity client: Rocky Kardashian. When the neighborhood complained about wandering Rocky and his drive to mate, Kim and Kris Kardashian found Neuticles to be the perfect trade for getting Rocky neutered.
Have you heard of the Neuticles procedure before, and what do you think about it? Does the procedure encourage people to be responsible with their pets?
[photo credit]
This article was written by My Pet Saving’s contributor Melissa. She has a master’s degree in creative writing, owns several pets and runs her own online pet magazine. To learn more about this author check out the contributor profile page.
by Melissa on February 14, 2012
Yes, what you’ve heard is true: Cats are taking over the world and the internet. Not only are cats the most popular pet in the United States (you read that right, dog lovers), there are also the very famous LOL Cat memes, and cats that have their own Twitter accounts. If you’re on Twitter, consider following these famous kitties!
Anfield Cat: This guy is a bit of a sensation already as he made his debut when he ran out onto the Anfield Stadium soccer field in Liverpool on February 6, 2012. Just hours after he dashed out onto the green, Anfield was on Twitter with over 13,000 followers. If you’re a fan of soccer, this is the cat to follow! Anfield’s tweets have a bit of fun teasing to them too: “Fernando Torres reportedly jealous…I got a bigger cheer than he has all season.”
Sockamillion is easily the most famous cat on Twitter with over a million followers! Sockamillion was even nominated for a Shorty Award, which is an award given to influential people (and pets!) on Twitter for best short content. Sockamillion’s tweets are amusing to fans everywhere with gems like this one: “JUST GRABBING A QUICK NAP BEFORE I GO TO SLEEP no idea how I fit all this in TRULY A MODERN CAT zzzzz”.
Penny Cat is also hovering around 13,000 followers, and is a sister and pal to Sockamillion. One of her more famous tweets mimics Casablanca: “Of all the litter boxes in all the world, he (@Sockington) had to walk into mine.” Penny and Sockamillion are also the leaders of a website called Sockington.
Simon’s Cat: Simon’s Cat is a YouTube sensation that made his way to Twitter and now has over 50,000 followers. A creation of English animator Simon Tofield (who has four cats!), Simon Cat has been the subject of numerous books, videos, and comic strips. Simon Cat is most famous for the film Cat Man Do, which is a short animated film that can be seen here.
If you’re on Twitter, do you follow any of these famous felines, or do you think the Twitter trend is ridiculous and silly?
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This article was written by My Pet Saving’s contributor Melissa. She has a master’s degree in creative writing, owns several pets and runs her own online pet magazine. To learn more about this author check out the contributor profile page.
by Melissa on February 8, 2012
Neem oil has a lot of uses for both humans and pets, and is widely known for its ability to repel pests. With history dating back 3-5000 years ago to India, neem oil has been used in cosmetics, greenhouses, and as an Ayurvedic medicine. Neem comes from the leaves, bark, and natural oils of the neem tree, and is a wise organic choice when it comes to pest control in pets, and also benefits the immune system, and skin and coat health.
Neem oil is a wonderful pest repellent thanks to the terrible odor of the oil. If you use it, prepare to smell something disgusting! NaturalNews.com recommends adding 1/2 ounce per eight ounces of shampoo when using as a flea or tick shampoo. The oil can also be mixed with water for use as a flea and tick spray. The spray can also be used on the pet’s bedding to keep fleas away. Neem leaves and turmeric have been documented for use as a mange remedy in dogs.
These methods should not be used on cats. Neem oil should not be left on the skin of cats as it can be ingested, but it is safe to use as a shampoo that is rinsed off. Because of the poor smell of neem oil, it is often mixed with other oils, like tea tree, to make it smell better. Many essential oils (including tea tree) is not safe for cats, so it is best to purchase 100% pure neem oil and add it to the shampoo mixture.
Neem oil should never be used without being diluted, as the oil is strong. It can be diluted with water or oil (almond, olive, sunflower). When purchasing neem oil, make sure it is from a reliable brand and that it is certified organic. Some products state “with neem oil”, when in reality the concoction is filled with toxic chemicals. Always read labels for safety, and ask a holistic veterinarian if neem oil is something that you want to try with your pets.
Have you used neem oil before? Would you consider using it?
[photo credit]
This article was written by My Pet Saving’s contributor Melissa. She has a master’s degree in creative writing, owns several pets and runs her own online pet magazine. To learn more about this author check out the contributor profile page.
