Does Your Pet Look Spooktacular?

Teddy’s Pride Halloween Pet Costume Photo Contest 2010

If you like to dress up your pets in their Halloween finest, you’re invited to join the Teddy’s  Pride Halloween Pet Costume Photo Contest 2010! All you need to do is send us a picture of your pet looking super spooky (or super cute!) in their Halloween finery by November 1.

First Prize – One full year’s supply (for one pet) of Teddy’s Pride Oral Care Probiotics for Cats and Dogs, the simple probiotic sprinkle that eliminates bad breath in cats and dogs while whitening and cleaning teeth.

Ten lucky runners up will win one jar of Teddy’s Pride – a two-month supply for one pet!

Steps For Entering

1) Make sure you are a friend of Teddy’s Pride on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/profile.php?id=100000371177855).

2) Enter your photo by posting it to the wall of the Teddy’s Pride page (http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/TeddysPride).

3) Start self promoting! Direct your friends and families to your photo. Spread the word on Facebook and Twitter. Have them friend Teddy’s Pride and the more “likes” and comments you can get, the more likely you are to walk away with our grand prize!

This contest is sponsored by Teddy’s Pride, the first 100% natural Oral Care Probiotic for Cats and Dogs. Click here www.teddyspride.com to learn more about this innovative new product.

Taking Care of Your Family Pooch

Researchers Say You Can Prevent Dog Bites

Researchers at London’s University of Lincoln have launched a new study aiming to reduce the risks of children being bitten by dogs.

By teaching children to interact safely with their dogs, Dr. Kerstin Meints and Dr. Nelly Lakestani, from Lincoln’s School of Psychology, say they can help prevent the relatively minor dog bites from family pets – the most common area of concern according to Dr. Meints and Dr. Lakestani.

“The biggest problem is not the very serious injuries you hear about on the news. The biggest problem is children getting relatively minor bites from their pet dog at home,” said Dr. Lakestani, who is a Research Fellow in the Lincoln School of Psychology. She has been studying dog bite prevention for the past seven years. “Most of these accidents happen because there is a misunderstanding between the dog and the child. Children under the age of six are most at risk of being bitten. That means we need to teach them early on about how to interact with dogs.”

Families who are participating in the study have been asked to use an educational and fun piece of software designed to teach children how to stay safe around dogs. This software was developed by an international team of experts to help parents and children under six years understand safe behaviors with dogs. It features a series of animated situations involving a dog and a child. The child can choose to see different situation outcomes, one of which is safe and one of which is not.

The software, which is available in more than a dozen languages, has already been shown to be effective at teaching basic safety principles in an evaluation by Dr. Meints and Dr. Tiny de Keuster, an internationally-recognized expert on dog bite prevention. Now the research team wants to assess how the interactive lessons are applied in practice in the family home.

According to Dr. Lakestani, the issue is not just one of child safety but also animal welfare. Pet dogs which bite children are often taken to animal sanctuaries, abandoned or even put down.

“Some accidents may be more difficult to prevent because they are due to the dog being ill or in pain. However, if people and children can learn how to interact safely with their pet, and how to understand what their pet is trying to communicate to them, then many accidents may be prevented,” added Dr Lakestani.

The software being used in the study is not yet available to the public.

Doggy Dental Downers

What’s Happening In Fido’s Mouth?

Whether your pooch has stinky smooches or crooked teeth, it’s a good idea to keep a close eye on what goes on inside his mouth. Just ask your veterinarian – your dog’s mouth is the gateway to his good health.

Here are some common oral conditions dogs may encounter:

Calculus, or tartar. Tartar looks a little different in dogs than it does in humans. In dogs, calculus is generally brown (instead of yellow, as it is in humans). This condition, which overlaps both the tooth and the gum line, is one of the most common dental problems that dogs may encounter. If left untreated, calculus can lead to abscesses and tooth loss. Moreover, an extreme case of calculus can lead to internal organ damage because bacteria can travel from the teeth into the blood stream.

Brushing your dog’s teeth, or gently rubbing his teeth with gauze, will help prevent the buildup and subsequent hardening of plaque and forming of calculus.

Malocclusions. This dental problem that is commonly faced by puppies when an adult tooth erupts before the baby tooth has fallen out. This can cause inflammation and tooth breakdown, and, if left untreated, sometimes causes an infection. Malocclusions can also cause adult teeth to erupt in the wrong position. Malocclusions cannot be prevented, but keeping an eye out for them can keep them from causing any harm. The critical window to monitor your puppy’s mouth is between 14 and 24 weeks old. If you suspect an adult tooth is growing in below or behind a baby tooth, call your dog’s veterinarian.

Gingivitis. Just like in humans, harmful bacteria in the mouth can build up on teeth, causing inflammation. This is called gingivitis. This inflammation can, in turn, lead to receding gums, loose teeth and, eventually, tooth loss. This is another reason to make sure your dog’s teeth are free from plaque.

Periodontal disease. Harmful bacteria strikes again! Periodontal disease is a serious, harmful condition caused by an imbalance of harmful bacteria in your dog’s mouth. One of the primary symptoms of periodontal disease in dogs is bleeding gum, so look for red or dark brown spots on your dogs chew toys. Severe periodontal disease in dogs has been linked to kidney failure, heart conditions and other life-threatening illnesses. If you suspect your dog has periodontal disease, be sure to contact your vet right away.

You can keep Fido’s breath sweet as a puppy’s and his teeth clean and white by adding a scoop of oral care probiotics to his food once daily. These beneficial bacteria crowd out the bacteria known to cause bad breath.

Bad Breath Might Be a Bad Sign

Is Bacteria Attacking Your Pets’ Organs?

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats show signs of oral disease by age three – Pet lovers are sure to find this statistic very startling, since most of us still thik of our pets as puppies and kittens at age three!

Does Your Pet Have Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is caused by the accumulation of dental plaque and inflammation of the tissues in the mouth. When the gums become inflamed, enzymes start to break down the connective tissues surrounding the teeth. This breakdown of tissues allows harmful bacteria that naturally reside in your pets’ mouths to pass through the tissue and into the bloodstream, where it can affect the liver, kidneys and heart.

The hallmark symptom of periodontal disease in pets is bad breath  -  the kind of bad breath that makes y0u not want to share a smooch, no matter how much you love your dog or cat.

If you mention that breath to your vet, he’s likely to recommend that you brush your pets’ teeth – a task that can be messy and stressful for both you and your pet.

I Love My Pets, But I Hate Their Breath!

Don’t worry! There’s a very simple way to eliminate stinky breath. By adding oral probiotics to your pets’ food once daily, you can improve the population of good bacteria in your pets’ mouths. These beneficial bacteria – or probiotics – eat the same foods and populate the same areas of the mouth as harmful bacteria. When you give the beneficial bacteria the upper hand, they return the favor by pushing out the harmful bacteria.

And with that, viola!

Bye-bye bad breath!

Stinky Kitty Kisses

What Your Cat’s Bad Breath Could Be Telling You

Does your kitty like to kiss your face? Your chin?

The old wives tale says that when a cat rubs against you with her face – be it your leg, your face, your hand… you get the picture! – she is being affectionate. That’s super cute and sweet, but if she’s rubbing against your face and she has fishy kitty breath? Yuck.

Why do Cats Develop Bad Breath?

Sometimes our cats develop bad breath for the very same reason we might develop bad breath if we never cared for our teeth. A simple build-up of plaque and tartar on your kitty-friend’s teeth can act as a fantastic breeding ground for the bacteria that produce the volatile sulfur compounds responsible for bad breath.

Simply learning to brush your cat’s teeth two to three times each week could eliminate her bad breath. If you’re not that patient, or if you think your cat might not be game for a good tooth brushing, you may consider sprinkling oral care probiotics on her food once a day. These friendly bacteria help reestablish the bacterial balance in your cat’s mouth, crowding out the bacteria responsible for foul-smelling breath.

If your cat’s bad breath cannot be resolved by basic oral care, it could be a sign that something is wrong. If your cat has consistently bad breath, take her to the vet.

If you notice that your cat’s breath smells, look for signs of dental or gum disorders:

• Does your cat seem to be in pain?
• Has her appetite decrease, or does she seem to struggle eating?
• Is you cat unable to keep food in her mouth once she gets it there?
• Does she paw at her mouth?
• Has she begun drooling?

All of the above are symptoms of a dental disorder, which could include an abcessed or damaged tooth, gum disease or even the presence of a foreign object lodged between teeth.

Other Causes of Bad Breath in Kitties

There are also several other underlying conditions that cause feline bad breath that can only be successfully diagnosed by your veterinarian, including kidney disease, feline leukemia virus and feline stomatitis.

Penny Pinching

Money Saving Tips for Frugal Pet Owners

As the national rate of unemployment has risen to numbers we haven’t experienced in America for decades, many are considering ways to trim their household budgets and generally spend less.

Luckily there are many simple ways you can trim the expenses of pet ownership.

Tips for Cutting the Expenses of Owning a Pet

Keep track of your pet’s medical needs. If you pet has special medical needs, your veterinarian may have suggestions about how to keep bills under control. If not, seek advice online or from a local shelter. Sometimes shelters sponsor clinic days with local veterinarians who are willing to impart services at lower costs.

Stock up and save. Buying in bulk is a great way to spend less on everything from kitty litter to dog treats. It not only saves you money per serving (or use), it also saves time and gas money.

Take care of oral care. One of the biggest health challenges for pets may be one of the least discussed, and that is, if you don’t take care of your pet’s mouth, it could lead to major health problems down the road. Poor oral care in pets is associated with kidney failure and other serious health concerns. Make sure your pet’s teeth are clean and healthy.

Keep on track with vaccinations and preventative medications. Giving  your pet the medications he needs to keep harmful illnesses and predators (such as ticks and fleas) is much cheaper in the long run than treating an illness or trying to rid a pet – and your house! – of an infestation. This is especially important as veterinarians are reporting a high rate of Lyme disease in pets in areas where Lyme is also epidemic in humans. Treating conditions like Lyme can be costly and time consuming.

Make sure your pet gets exercise. Pets that go for several long walks each week are less likely to have problems with weight and with their joints. Walking is as good for your pet’s health (especially your dog!). Again, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!

Taking simple steps to curb excess spending on pets is a great way to trim your budget and ensure that your pet has the best possible health.

Puppy (and Kitty!) Love

The Many Ways Our Furry Friends Improve Our Health

People have many reasons for welcoming pets into their lives. Some just love cats or dogs and can’t imagine not having them around. Some people simply like the company of having a four-legged companion.

However, there are far more benefits to having a cat or dog than simple companionship, especially when it comes to your health and well being.

Stress Reduction

Research has shown that spending time with an animal can significantly reduce stress and anxiety. You can spill your deepest secrets to your dog or cat and know your secret is safe. You also know your pets love you unconditionally and don’t judge you.

Recent research shows that, when conducting a task that’s stressful, people actually experienced less stress when their pets were with them than when a supportive friend or even their spouse was present!

Instant Mood Improvers

Spending time with your cat or dog is bound to improve even the worst moods on even the toughest days. Your cat or dog is always happy to see you when you arrive, and dogs in particular are ready to shower you with love as soon as you walk in the door.

Blood Pressure Control

Studies have shown that petting an animal can lower blood pressure more effectively than many medications. Pets have a calming effect on people. Those who work high-stress jobs might do well to welcome a pet into their home!

Encouraging Exercise

Studies have found that those who have dogs walk far more than those who don’t. And while walking your dog is no replacement for a good workout at the gym, it’s certainly better for your health than sitting on the couch!

Easy Ways to Save!

Simple Money Saving Tips For Grooming Your Dog At-Home

Taking your dog’s grooming into your own hands is a great way to cut back on the expense of owning a pet, especially this time of year when the hot, sticky summer weather requires more bathing and grooming.

Bathing, nail trimming and oral care are some of the many ways you can be involved in grooming your dog. Here are some tips to help you curb your expenses at the groomers.

Invest In a Good Shedding Brush

If you don’t brush your dog with a good grooming rake or shedding brush before putting him in the tub, his loose hair and dirt will end up everywhere – on your hands, in the tub and down the drain. The world’s best-selling shedding brush is called the Furminator for a reason – it truly does remove a lot of loose dog hair, especially if your dog sheds a lot.

Nail Trimming Tips

Nail trimmers are another area where you want to spend your money wisely. Buying quality clippers will help you avoid splitting a nail, which not only hurts your dog – it could lead to an infection.

Unless your dog is super calm and cooperative, you might want to try clipping his nails while he sleeps, at least until you get your technique down. Be sure to trim only the very ends of the nails and to not nip the quick, which can cause pain and bleeding.

Getting Into the Bath

When it comes to bathing, each dog generally has his own preferences. Some dogs don’t mind a soapy romp with the hose in the backyard. Other dogs may prefer to be immersed in warm water. If it’s the first time you’re bathing your dog, try to find someone to lend a hand, in case you need it. It’s nice to have one person in charge of soaping and making sure the soap is thoroughly rinsed while the other runs the water.

Cleaning Teeth

It’s recommended that we brush our dogs’ teeth three times each week, if not every day. If your dog has smelly kisses, you probably understand that recommendation. A much simpler way to keep your dog’s teeth clean is to simply sprinkle Teddy’s Pride Oral Care Probiotics on his food once a day. Unlike any other pet oral care product available, the ProBiora3™ probiotics included in Teddy’s Pride™ Oral Care have been formulated to inhibit the growth of the bacteria that cause bad breath.

You don’t need to know all the tips of the grooming trade to keep your dog clean and fresh smelling at home! Just roll up your sleeves, roll out the hose and say goodbye to doggy smell!

Problem Solvers

Towel Togs Dry Off Soggy Dogs

It’s that time of the year, when dogs spend endless hours jumping into lakes, rivers, streams, oceans and ponds, only to emerge later and shake their wet bodies all over their families.

Many dogs like to swim and frolic in water, but retrievers are perhaps the best-known swimmers. Other dogs that like to swim include the Spanish Water Dog, the Irish Water Spaniel, the English Setter, the Portuguese Water Dog and the Newfoundland, among others. In fact, the pet parents of many mixed breeds are surprised to learn that their dogs like to swim, too!

If your dogs like to swim – or even play in the rain! – you know how hard it can be to get them dried off before they come inside. Soggy dogs equal messy floors and furniture, and everyone knows that dogs smell more when they’re wet. If you’ve ever had a wet dog in your car, you probably remember that smell well!

Now there’s a perfect answer for getting wet dogs cozy and dry – Towel Togs, the wearable towel for dogs! Because they wrap your dog up, Towel Togs won’t slip off leaving you with a wet dog and smelly wet towel. Instead your dog is securely wrapped in a cozy microfiber towel.

You can quickly and easily dry your dog and not dread the next time it rains or you take him to swim. Simply pack your Towel Tog and you’re all set for a good time.

To learn more about Towel Togs, watch this video:

…or visit www.toweltogs.com.

Friday is…

National Take Your Dog to Work Day

Would you enjoy your work more if you could take your dog to work with you? If you said “yes,” you’re not alone. According to a poll conducted by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPA), millions of employees believe that pets in the workplace also lead to a more creative environment, decreased absenteeism, improved productivity and increased camaraderie amongst co-workers. Forty-six million of those polled admitted to believing that people who bring their pets to the office will work longer hours.

Willing employers will get the chance to see those numbers in action this Friday on National Take Your Dog to Work Day.

Moreover, the APPA says that employers are surprisingly supportive of the idea, with approximately one in five employers welcoming pets in the workplace on a daily basis. Be sure to make no assumptions, though. You must have your employer’s permission before you make your plans to take your pup to work on Friday.

Take Your Dog to Work Day was launched in 1999 by Pet Sitters International, which partnered with Dog Fancy Magazine and the Association of Pet Dog Trainers to celebrate the human canine bond and promote local pet adoption.
If the idea of taking your dog to your workplace seems a little relaxed for your workplace, consider a recent article published in the Washington Post focusing on members of Congress who bring their beloved puppy pals to work with them.

According to the article in the Post, up to two dozen dogs can be seen roaming the halls on Capitol Hill each day.

“Congress has a long history of lawmakers bringing their dogs to work, says Senate historian Donald Ritchie. In the 19th century, John Randolph of Virginia often strode into the Senate chamber with his hunting hounds at his heels. The late Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.) was known for walking his Portuguese water dogs, Sunny and Splash, in the grassy area next to the Russell Senate Office Building,” the article explained.

Go on! Get the OK from your boss and take YOUR dog to work this Friday