DOG OWNERS EVERYWHERE REJOICE!!!  SNIFF THERAPY HAS RELEASED THEIR NATURAL FORMULA FOR YOUR DOG’S ANXIETY

Harrisburg, North Carolina – January 15, 2013  – You and your family consist of your dog’s pack.  If your dog is stressing due to its uncontrolled anxiety the pack as a whole is experiencing stress.  Sniff Therapy is the all natural relief formula that will ease your dog’s stressful moments and give you and your family the right peace of mind.

A dog’s sense of smell is said to be a thousand times more sensitive than that of humans.  A dog has more than 220 million olfactory receptors in its nose whereas a human has 5 million.  This keen sense of smell is why aroma therapy works wonders for your beloved four pawed family member.

Why Sniff Therapy? Lets face it, there are many products on the market today claiming to relieve your dog’s anxieties but most of these products are water based causing the essential oils in these products to lose their potency over a short period of time.  Sniff Therapy uses sweet almond oil as its carrier  which leads our product to not only be more effective but has a stronger shelf life.

Dr. James W. Moore, DOM is the founder of Sniff Therapy and is a graduate of the International Institute of Chinese Medicine (IICM).  He is a Master of Oriental Medicine.  Dr. Moore is nationally board certified in Herbology and Acupuncture.  Dr. Moore’s Sniff Therapy formula has the right combination of wild crafted essential oils to treat your dog’s anxiety.

Contact:

Felix Remigio

Sniff Therapy

snifftherapy.com

P.O. Box 1045

Harrisburg, N.C. 28227

888-684-2871

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A problem waiting to hatch
Within as little as eight weeks, just two fleas can produce up to 2,000 eggs. Your pet shakes these tiny white specs off himself and into your home where they quickly develop into maggot-like larvae and spin silken cocoons, becoming pupae. In their pupae stage, fleas can lay dormant for up to a year waiting for the right conditions to hatch into adults. That means, as long as you have eggs, larvae and pupae hiding in your home, you’re always at risk for a sudden, itchy infestation. Consider these uncomfortable facts from SentinelPet.com:

* The adult fleas a pet owner sees represent only 5 percent of the flea population. The other 95 percent – eggs, maggot-like larvae and pupae – hide in your home.

* A female flea can lay up to 50 eggs a day.

* Eggs hatch into maggot-like larvae in two to four days.

* Larvae are repelled by light and burrow into the fibers, cracks and crevasses of your home.

* In their cocoon stage, fleas can lie dormant in your home for up to a year.

Why infestations thrive
Most flea products only treat adult fleas. The eggs, larvae and pupae are allowed to thrive in your home, hatching into repeated adult infestations. Not only do many products fail to prevent an infestation, they also leave a sticky residue on your pet that can wash away, or rub off onto furniture, carpets and even children. To truly prevent an infestation, you must break the flea life cycle. And that means killing flea eggs and larvae before they become adults.

Break the cycle
The way to prevent a flea infestation is to rid your home of developing flea populations. That means making sure those flea eggs never develop into nasty maggot-like larvae. Many veterinarians prescribe an insect growth regulator to stop flea eggs from hatching. When female fleas feed on your pet’s blood, they’ll pass on potent killing power to their eggs and any existing larvae that feed on excreted blood. Products like SENTINEL (milbemycin oxime/lufenuron) Flavor Tabs even combine flea prevention with heartworm and internal parasite protection in one monthly tablet.

Before peak flea season hits this fall, talk to your veterinarian about making sure your home isn’t playing host to a vicious flea infestation cycle. To locate a veterinarian or get more information on protecting your pet and family from parasites, visit www.SentinelPet.com.

Dogs must be tested for heartworm prior to use. In a small percentage of treated dogs, digestive, neurologic, and skin side effects may occur. Please see full product insert for more information.

Sure, squirrels have to eat, too, and no one wants to harm the persistent critters. But that doesn’t mean you have to put up with squirrels scarfing down the seed you put out for the birds, damaging your feeders and bumping up your blood pressure. It’s possible to discourage squirrels – and even outsmart them – with the right seed mix and some nature-friendly squirrel-control tactics.

Plant the seed

Birds, like people, are selective – even picky – when it comes to food. Seed is the best option to attract the most birds to your feeder. Unfortunately, squirrels also love seed. And while birds will sort through mixed seed to find what they like – and ditch the undesirable filler, like red milo, on the ground below the feeder – squirrels are not so picky. They’ll eat the cast-offs on the ground and then move on to the good stuff in the feeder, and devour that, too.

To entice birds, avoid brands that wash or coat seeds with chemicals and mineral oil. Look for brands manufactured by companies that focus on bird feed, like Cole’s, rather than treat it as a sideline business. Some feed mixes are full of cheap filler seeds, crop leftovers and the lowest quality oil sunflower. Cole’s uses only high quality seeds, and each blend is designed to attract specific groups of birds.

Taste aversion – serving seed that birds find delicious, but squirrels consider down right distasteful – is an effective way to keep squirrels out of bird feeders. Check out a squirrel-proof birdseed blend that uses hot spicy flavor to repel squirrels. Cole’s offers “hot” products that are designed to appeal to birds while dissuading squirrels. Its Hot Meats blend infuses top-quality sunflower meats with a Habanero chili pepper and Safflower oil that birds find delectable, but squirrels simply detest. Or, you can opt to add Flaming Squirrel Seed Sauce to any Cole’s blend. It’s a safe, effective and human way to feed birds and thwart squirrels. You can learn more at www.coleswildbird.com.

Squirrel-proof your bird feeders

Another option is to try to make your feed less accessible to squirrels – although that can be hard to do since squirrels are smart problem-solvers. You may find the best results from a combination of methods, including:

* Locate feeders far from trees, wires, porches or other launching points to make it more difficult for squirrels to reach the feeder. Remember, squirrels can jump distances of 10 feet or longer. Mounting feeders on a smooth metal pole at least 6 feet high with no surrounding branches or bushes within 12 feet may also work.

* Place a wire cage around the feeder with openings just large enough to admit birds but too small for squirrels to fit through. This can also help keep larger birds, such as starlings or pigeons, from accessing the feeder.

* Try specially designed feeders that have doors which close when triggered by a squirrel’s weight on the feeder. The doors keep squirrels from reaching the seed. And if you’ve had plastic feeders gnawed to destruction by squirrels, try switching to metal which they’ll be less likely to chew through.

If you can’t beat ‘em …

Sometimes you just can’t win the war and the squirrels refuse to leave. Or maybe you have a soft spot for those fluffy-tailed felons. When you can’t convince squirrels to vacate your yard, another option is to serve them something they’ll find even more appealing than bird seed. If you can lure them away from your feed, squirrels can be an amusing addition to your backyard landscape.

Squirrels love whole, dried corn-on-the-cob and loose dried corn. Cole’s offers Critter Munchies, a blend of whole yellow corn, striped sunflower, peanuts in the shell, black oil sunflower and raw peanuts. Serve on an open platform-style feeder. Or place an ear of dried corn on a stick. A stake or pinecone can be coated with peanut butter.

Set up your squirrel feeding station away from bird feeders and make it as easy as possible for the squirrels to access their feeder filled with temptations like nuts, corn and berries.

If you can make peace with the squirrels, these intelligent characters and their antics can be a welcome sight in your backyard.

“Many public shelters that are set up for disaster victims don’t accept pets so you need to find out in advance which shelters or hotels along your evacuation route will accept animals,” says Lyman Munson, vice president of risk services for Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company. “It is tragic, but people have actually died because they were ordered to evacuate a disaster area but stayed because they did not want to leave their pets.”

With so many different potential disasters, advance planning is the best way for everyone to survive a catastrophe and get their lives back to normal as soon as possible.

Fireman’s Fund offers the following tips to protect your pets in the event of a disaster:

1. Have a disaster plan

Put together a list of boarding facilities and veterinarians along your evacuation route and outside your area that might be able to shelter your pets in an emergency.

Talk to your vet, the local humane society or the local emergency management agency for information regarding community evacuation plans that include pets.

Make advance arrangements to have a friend or neighbor pick up your pets in the event you are not at home when a disaster strikes. And, plan where you will meet or how you will reach each other.

2. Make a grab-and-go disaster kit for your pets

Just as you should have a disaster kit for your family, containing important papers and other key items, you should prepare a similar kit for your pets. It should contain the following:

* Medication and medical records (including proof of rabies vaccination) in a waterproof container.
* Leashes, harnesses, crates and carriers for transporting your pet.
* A muzzle, if your pet requires one.
* Food and water for at least three days.
* Cat litter and litter box.
* Comfort toys.
* Recent photo of your pet in case you become separated.
* Name and phone number of your veterinarian.

3. If you must evacuate, take your pets

Be prepared to leave early; do not wait for an official evacuation as you might be ordered to leave your pets behind.

Make sure your pet is wearing up-to-date identification. Include the phone number of a friend or relative outside your area in case your pet gets lost and you cannot be reached. And mark the crate or carrier with similar information.

Birds should be transported in a secure travel cage or carrier.

4. After the disaster

Once you return to your home, do not allow your pets to roam loose right away. While you assess the damage, keep dogs on a leash and other animals in their carriers.

Familiar landmarks and smells might be gone, and your pet may become disoriented. Pets can easily get lost in such situations, so give them some time to get used to their “new” surroundings. Be patient. Try to get your pets back into their normal routines as soon as possible, and be on the lookout for stress-related behavioral problems; if these persist, talk to your veterinarian.

“Planning for your pets ahead of time will relieve stress and help you and your family to focus on safety during and after a disaster,” says Munson. “Safety should be your primary consideration.”

With so many four-legged friends among us, pet health is a concern from coast to coast. To help you protect your pet’s health and well-being, Dr. George Banta, department chair of the Veterinary Technology program at Brown Mackie College – Akron, offers professional advice.

“Many owners commonly overlook the weight of their pets,” says Banta. “It is much more common for a household pet to be overweight than underweight.” Veterinarians judge weight according to the body condition score. This scale assesses an animal’s age, weight, height and proportions of muscle and fat. Pets with lean bodies attain a more ideal body condition score. “It’s not so much the number of pounds, but how each animal carries the weight,” says Dr. Banta. “If the animal looks like it swallowed a watermelon, that’s an issue. On other hand, if looks like hasn’t eaten in two weeks, that’s also an issue.”

A study conducted by scientists at the Purina Pet Nutrition Research Department and specialists from universities around the United States shows that leaner pets live about two years longer than overweight pets. These eye-opening results prompt many people to take a second look at the food they provide for their pets. “I see pet food in four categories: great, good, I don’t know and not for a dead animal,” Banta says. “I like Hill Science Diet, Eukanuba, Iams, and Royal Canin. I would argue big name brands like Purina are fine. Even with quality food, good weight management still depends on the amount of food your pet eats.”

Banta recommends feeding pets two small meals a day rather than one large meal. Some owners fill the bowl and let the pet self-feed, or graze. “Some animals will eat the correct amount,” notes Banta. “Others will keep eating when food is always available. If a pet is overweight, it is best to oversee the portions of each meal.”

What about treats? Many of us offer a treat as positive reinforcement in training or housebreaking our pets. Banta advises giving a kibble of food instead of a pet cookie. When it comes to table scraps, Banta says, “Almost never. Table scraps can upset a pet’s stomach and cause diarrhea. In addition, many foods are toxic to pets. Garlic, onions, grapes, raisins and chocolate can be deadly toxic.” Table scraps with high fat content, such as roast trimmings or a ham bone, can cause vomiting and diarrhea. “There is association with sudden high fat content and pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas which can lead to life-threatening complications,” he says.

Exercise goes hand in hand with a good diet. “Exercise helps strengthen the body and is good for their minds,” Banta says. Similar to children, it is best to give your pet time to digest after eating before tossing his favorite ball around. “Older dogs and cats have a tendency to develop arthritis. Large dogs, such as German shepherds, labradors and golden retrievers, are prone to hip dysplasia. Keeping them lean and providing regular exercise can make pets of any size more comfortable as they age,” he continues.

Banta recommends regular check-ups for pets and annual vaccines. “It is easier to keep a pet healthy and prevent disease than it is to diagnose and treat an illness,” he says. Regular visits to the veterinarian provide the doctor with baseline blood work for your pet, making it easier to diagnose any problems that may develop. For older pets, he advises two exams a year. “Things can happen quickly. The earlier a problem is detected, the sooner treatment can begin. It’s all about quality of life.”

One important pet safety precaution to keep in mind involves household poisons. Antifreeze and rat poison are two of the most common poisons regularly found in homes. “It doesn’t take much time for antifreeze to become lethal,” Banta says. “On the other hand, many rat poisons can be very insidious, taking as much as a week after exposure to show clinical signs. Most animal poisoning can be treated if caught early.” The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) offers an animal poison control hotline for pet owners: (888) 426-4435. There is a fee to place the call. In return, you get unlimited consultations with emergency veterinarians, who are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Ask any pet owner about the benefits of having a dog or cat. Many describe their pet as part of the family. “Every client tells me their pet is the best pet on the planet,” says Banta. “That’s how it should be.”

To help you make sure you’re giving your dog the very best in life, think of it as sharing a lifestyle – what’s good for you is also good for your dog. If you’re a couch potato, it’s likely that your dog will be as well. If you stay healthy and active, then your dog will have reason be healthy and active along with you. After all, they were born to play.

To give yourself and Fido a healthy-living makeover, start with these tips.

* Boost nutrition: We’ve long known the benefits of healthy eating, but convenience foods and mass-produced meals have made it easier to be lax about eating fresh foods that are beneficial to the body. Consider remodeling your refrigerator with foods that are good for you like local produce or fresh chicken from farms in your area. While the farmers market isn’t the most plausible place to get dog food, you can choose foods made from high-quality ingredients that meet all of your dog’s nutritive needs. Nutro Ultra food for dogs combines the perfect blend of nature’s finest ingredients to help keep your dog healthy, including lean proteins like farm-raised chicken and pasture-fed lamb for strong muscles, sun-ripened fruits and farm-grown vegetables packed with antioxidants for a strong immune system, and a mix of whole grains and natural sunflower oil for a radiant skin and coat. Visit UltraHolistic.com to learn more and take the Ultra Challenge to help you make the best choice for your dog.

* Get moving: According to a recent survey, thirty percent of dog owners are looking to increase the exercise their dog gets this year. Putting down the remote control to take a walk or a run has countless benefits, from building muscle to giving your mood a lift. And the benefits are the same for your dog, including the opportunity to manage weight in a healthy way. You’ll both see the positive effects if you make the effort.

If you’re not a fan of doing the same thing over and over, draw up a list of activities that you and your pet can do together. Put it on your refrigerator to give yourself inspiration at a moment’s notice. Add activities like hiking, playing catch at a local dog park and going to a nearby lake for a swim, or make a list of new neighborhoods you’d like to explore.

* Challenge yourself: It can be easier to get motivated when you have something to work toward, so set fitness and health goals for you and your dog. Remember that it can be more than an exercise checklist; include activities such as a family challenge to eat more fruits and vegetables, including “superfoods” that are nutrient-dense like blueberries, pomegranate and pumpkin. And – good news for your pet – your pooch can benefit from these superfoods as well. Ultra food for dogs includes nutrient-dense superfoods and high-quality proteins which keep your dog healthy and active at every age.

* Cut your stress: Pets and people get stressed out, and stress is increasingly recognized as having a negative effect on health. While some bad stress is unavoidable, do what you can to give yourself and your dog a bit of relaxation by spending time doing things you both enjoy.

Luckily for people, simply spending time with a pet is one way to de-stress – that’s something you can take advantage of every day. Also consider the stress-busting effects of giving yourself a little indulgence every now and again. You might want to allow yourself a favorite healthy dessert and give your pup a healthy treat of his own – you’ll both get to enjoy a tasty little “extra” that can put a smile on your face and a wag in his tail.

Here are some simple tips to keep your fish happy and healthy:

Keep the water clean. Water is a fish’s air, and when it isn’t clean it’s very difficult for them to get the oxygen they need. A water filtration system helps keep it the water pure on a day-to-day basis, but to really ensure a good environment for your fish, change 20% of the aquarium’s water twice a week.

Clean the tank monthly. Once a month, do a complete deep-clean of your aquarium. Completely replace the water, wash the gravel, change the filter and thoroughly clean every inch of the tank. Do not use soap or detergent to clean the tank-hot water works just fine and won’t make your fish sick.

Check the temperature and pH regularly. Too much fluctuation in water temperature can be very stressful for fish. Make sure your aquarium is in a stable place away from A/C vents or direct sunlight. Test the pH of the water when you’re doing your twice-a-week replacement, and if it’s off, you can add chemicals to balance it (you can find them at your local pet store).

Watch your fish. If your fish are sick, they’ll show it. Watch for patches on their scales, sliminess, clamped fins, erratic behavior…just about anything that doesn’t look normal. If you have a fish you think is sick, quarantine it while you figure out what’s wrong with it. There are a lot of good websites out there to help diagnose fish diseases and appropriate treatments. And of course, be sure to feed your fish regularly!

Finally, don’t get suckered into buying expensive chemicals or treatments that you really don’t need. The best way to keep your tank clean and well-maintained is by doing it yourself using the steps above.

Article by Holli Gayle

Cat parents share a powerful bond with their furry friends in a relationship only they understand. For most cat parents, cats are confidants, friends and even considered part of the family. This deep connection fosters a strong sense of understanding. So much so, that one-third of cat parents revealed they communicate better with their cat than their significant other, according to a survey conducted by Kelton Research for Meow Mix Tender Centers.

“Cats are members of the family and we rely on them for companionship,” says Sue Resnicoff, director of Cat Food Marketing at Del Monte Foods. “There is a bond formed between cat parents and their cats that extends well beyond ‘meows’ to an intuitive relationship that includes a deeper understanding.”

Cat parents are so confident in their connection, they know their furry friends will be there for them. In fact, 31 percent of cat owners would rather speak with their cat after a long day than their best friend, children or parents. Felines are also great at listening, providing fun entertainment and just “being” there. Many cat parents even report their cat can sense their change of mood – faster than their spouse.

This communication isn’t just from the cat parent. For cats, the communication comes through tail twitching, blinking, purring, hissing and of course vocal “meows.” Many cat parents say they get a great deal of information from the tiniest gestures or sounds that felines make, revealing their mood, or even a specific request.

For example, eight out of 10 survey respondents say a cat meowing indicates hunger, and four out of 10 report wagging of the tail shows happiness. Pet owners overwhelmingly say their cats are also happy when purring, and are angry or scared when they hiss.

In addition to knowing how a cat is feeling, cat parents also report their feline friends respond to words. Seventeen percent of the respondents report their cats understand five words, while nearly a fifth say their cats know 11 words or more.

Cat parents cultivate relationships with their cats, both at the end of a long day at work and also on those lazy weekend afternoons with plenty of snuggles and playtime. The strong relationship between cat parents and their cats reveals the tender center cat parents have for their cats.

There was a time when parrot food was only about seeds. This really is so simply because seed products are thought to contain the the majority of vitamins and minerals that are essential for bird development. Seeds are likewise the most typical element in a bird’s diet plan. The commercially created ones usually might have the balance and various types that a normal bird will need. But these times, seeds aren’t the sole ones that are being given to these avian species. As bird breeders grow in knowledge and expertise in coping with their pets, they are now a lot more mindful of the numerous outcomes of diverse foods to their pet parrots. The pellet is yet another choice apart from seeds. Some would probably declare that pellets are actually healthier for a bird’s diet plan than seeds. One of the explanations may be that pellets give ideal nutrients and the entire nugget is digestible. Compared to the seed that leaves the hull behind, the pellet is completely edible and therefore there is absolutely no waste product that comes about along the way.

Another food alternative that bird breeders have is to get organic and natural. Whatever this entails is offering food item that is natural or fresh or home made. This might possibly include fruits, pasta, vegetables and some vitamins and mineral supplements. But bird breeders should always understand that just before offering their bird any of these or picking out this sort of eating plan, an overall consultation with a veterinarian should be done first. A veterinarian can really help pick which combination of a range of food would have the correct quantity and right form of nutrition the pet bird should have.

Some of the concerns for this would be that table food or “human food” that is fed to birds may not be acceptable for them if they possess an excessive amount of sodium or if the size is not suitable for the bird. Small sizes should be taken into account when serving these especially when giving nuts. A justification that this kind of feeding is looked at is for variation. In reality, avian species also get tired of having to eat the same thing again and again. Not to mention that they may not be receiving adequate and assorted nutrients from the same food. Bear this always in mind when giving parrot food. Furthermore, do not ignore the need to consult with a veterinarian first before making a choice which diet program to pick.

It’s well known that we now have food sorts which are good and helpful for your bird’s health and fitness. In contrast, there are also food varieties which should be prevented at all costs. Samples of these would be foods that are too salty or too sweet. Those with alcohol and caffeine should also be prevented. Also included in this list are garlic and onions. Curry powder is a no-no. Mushrooms are not motivated too because some forms may contain fungus that can detrimental to your bird’s health. As well as leaves that are found in tomatoes. Avocados in their entirety are also unhealthy for your bird as they can cause cardiac arrest. Stay away also from plants such as amaryllis, shamrock, azaleas, lantana, and daffodil among a good many others. These types of plants could bring different kinds of health issues that can range between gastrointestinal problems to depression.

Certainly, picking out which parrot food to feed your bird is something that is not done flippantly. Nonetheless just do bear in mind that what is healthy for you may also be healthy for him but consider so when you have got the consent of the veterinarian. You would know that you are doing a fantastic job at taking care of your pet if his feathers are gleaming, his beak is smooth and solid, his stool is well formed and his eyes are clear and glowing.

Article written by Paul Nedrich

Now that warm weather is here, it’s time to hang up your coat, put away the paw-protecting booties, and bring your dog outdoors so he can enjoy real, natural living.

Here are a few ways you can help your dog rediscover their naturally active characters to help keep them healthy – you might just find that you belong outdoors, as well.

Take a hike
Though it provides slight exercise for your dog, going up and down the same set of stairs day in and day out isn’t exactly the kind of easy activity for which your dog’s body was built. Climbing stairs in one’s home does not provide enough exercise to get your dog’s heart rate going. In fact, your dog might give up on the stairs all together and stick to the main floor, as the scenery typically does not change since the last time he escalated those stairs. So, grab your leash, some water and a few treats and hit the trails. As you take in the new scenery and fresh air, your dog is able to enjoy his real, active lifestyle outdoors – not to mention, you both get a great workout as speed walking and running can help to increase your heart rate and shed extra pounds you may have accumulated during the winter months.

Play ball
Playing fetch in the living room can help your dog stay active and provides the opportunity for you both to play, however, how far are you actually able to throw before you knock over a lamp or the ball rolls under the couch? If your dog has the catching skills of a wide receiver, find a park or field to play fetch and help bring out your dog’s natural talents. Or, if you think your dog would likely sit on the sidelines, he might just need that open space to bring out the MVP in him. While you’re both enjoying the outdoors, you’ll be amazed at how quickly time flies, and how much fun you’re having bonding with your dog.

Be a social butterfly
While humans are able to interact at work, dinner or in other social settings during the winter, the social schedule of a dog seems to decrease as they are not able to frolic in the park for an afternoon. Instead, they are taken on brief walks a few times a day. Like humans, dogs like to interact with other beings, and they need that interaction to help them stay healthy and active. Help unleash the playfulness of your pup by bringing him to a local dog park. You’ll be all smiles as you watch your dog playing, running and communicating with other dogs. Just be sure you read up on the rules and guidelines for that specific dog park.

Eat right
When it comes to helping your dog live up to his full potential, what you feed your dog is just as important as the activities you do with him. In fact, while the activities mentioned above can only be enjoyed for a limited time when the weather is warm, providing your dog with food containing real and natural ingredients can be a year-round routine. Nutro Natural Choice dog food uses only high-quality ingredients like farm-raised chicken, deboned lamb, and whole brown rice with added vitamins and minerals – each targeting a specific need to deliver a visible difference in your dog’s health. Not to mention, Nutro Natural Choice dog food comes in multiple varieties to meet your dog’s breed size and life stage. For more information about a natural diet for your dog, go to www.nutro.com.

So, what are you waiting for? Get off the couch, grab your pooch and head for the door. While you’re taking in the sun’s rays you’ll also help your dog get back to the real activity they like to do – explore the great outdoors with you.