Dog Days of Summer

Can’t really believe that Memorial Day has come and gone!

Your pet will be outside  much more so make sure you have up to date name tags on your pets.  They may have become worn during the winter months; plus there are some great summer colors and shapes to choose from; how about a red white and blue tag?

There are some really cute summer clothes for your dog also; colorful dresses, tees and even swim trunks.   What dog would not like a new bathing suit?

We like to keep our cool during the summer months; so do our pets.   How about some cool icy natural treats from your pet store’s freezer?  Or another favorite of mine; a JW Pet Megalast Bone…fill it with water, freeze and you have a wonderful hot weather treat for your warm dog.

Take a look at your dog seat harness, car seat or carrier.  Does it need updating?  Wow, there are some really nice summer patterns and colors available.  And, while you are at it; how about a nice new collar and leash…how about lime green, or aqua-water blue?

Also remember the hot pavement and sand can wreak havoc on your dog’s feet.  There are plenty of waxes you can coat them with; or you can use disposable booties.

Most of you know our store mascot; Turbo the tortoise.

He loves all his dog buddies and wants to let everyone know a few of his hot weather tips:

Turbo’s Advice for Hot Summer Days

Well, you all know that I spend most of my time in an air conditioned store.   But I can usually see the blazing sun from my windows and feel some of the heat.   Sometimes I even hear clients saying that it is “too hot out there”.

It’s not just you and I; please be aware that your pets can feel the heat and all the other summer stresses that occur.   In light of this, I want to take just a few moments to remind you of some great hot weather tips.  I am a pretty smart tortoise and have learned a few things over the years.

First, I want to remind you that when the temperature gets to 90 and above; make sure your dogs and cats are inside.   I know that they can overheat quickly and even though they release heat through sweat glands on their paw bottoms, they can have a hard time regulating their body temperatures.

I love water and so do my buddies.   Please ensure that whether your pets are indoors or out that they have plenty of clean cool fresh water in their bowls or bottles.   When filling these items, please make sure that you also clean and scrub them to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.   Also changing the water several times a day in really hot weather would be appreciated by your pets.

If you decide to venture outdoors for a walk with your pet on a hot day, bring along plenty of water for both of you.   Although puddles might appear tempting for your friends, please be aware that they may contain antifreeze or pesticide residue.  If you’re pet begins to pant, please stop and head back indoors.

Also, while walking on the street or pavement you must be careful of hot concrete or asphalt.   They get extremely hot on sunny days and can burn the surface of your pet’s paws.   Ouch!  That would not be good.   Also be aware that the temperatures closer to the ground are hotter than the air temperatures.

In doing some reading, I understand that signs of heatstroke can be:

Panting

Drooling

Weakness

Fever

Vomiting

Collapse

Rapid Heartbeat

Warm Dry Skin

Staring

Refusal to Obey

(Please remember to seek medical advice if any of the above occurs.)

Staff members at Animal Kingdom take me on fields trips from time to time.   But, they always remember not to leave me in the car!   Always take your pet out when you stop.   Remember, a closed-up car can overheat very quickly and become like a hot oven.

I know I cannot swim, but some dogs can.   Don’t assume that your dog knows how to swim.   You can practice in a shallow wading pool and there are also many floatation devices available.   Don’t forget your dog can use your outdoor sprinkler also.   They love to cool off.

I hope this has given you a few tips for the hot “dog days” of summer.   At least they don’t call them tortoise days!   Have a fun and safe season.

Turbo

Labyrinth Fish; Don’t You Love Them?

We have seen the beautiful colors of the dwarf gourami, the comical antics of the kissing gourami, the interesting shape of the paradise fish, the unbelievable color patterns of the pearl gourami and the magnificent presence of the Betta.  But what do these fish have in common?

The main characteristic of this species of fish is that they have an additional piece of breathing equipment!   It is a labyrinth organ which is adjacent to the gill behind the eyes.   This feature allows the fish to survive at very low oxygen levels.   They can also breathe air from above the surface of the water.   These fish originate in the poorly aerated waters in Asia and Africa.

Another characteristic of the labyrinth fish is that they also have long pectoral fins that extend to the front of their bodies.  This fin enables them to search and find food.

Most labyrinth fish are very hardy, peaceful and make perfect additions to a community tank.   This is true for all except for the male Betta.

The labyrinth species enjoy water temperatures between 76 and 84 degrees and survive best in a well-planted tank with hiding spots to avoid bright light.   They can be kept with larger schooling tetras and with more peaceful barbs such as cherry barbs or gold barbs.

Most of the fish in this species are also interesting breeders.   The male builds a “bubble nest” of small air bubbles at the top of the tank or on floating plants if they are in the wild.   Below the nest the pair has an active courtship and the eggs are fertilized and deposited in the nest.   The male cares for the eggs and the young.   He will keep them in the nest until they are able to swim and search for food on their own.  To breed these fish, they are best kept in pairs.  The males are usually more intensely colored and generally have a more pointed dorsal fin.  A few pairs can be kept together in a single tank.

An example of a labyrinth fish that cannot be kept together is the male Betta.   If in the same tank, they will usually fight until death.   If you wish to breed the Betta, it is best to carry it out in at least a ten-gallon tank with one male and three to four females.  In this way the male will not stress out one female; as he will constantly be on the chase.   There are, of course, other ways to breed the Betta; you can use a smaller tank with one male and one contained female (until the time is right to let her out).  Just pick a method you think will work.  Once the nest is built and the eggs deposited, the females must be removed.   The male will guard the nest and take care of the eggs until they start hatching.   At this point you will probably need to take the male out of the tank.   Breeding the Betta is a lot of work, but if you have time and patience, it can be a rewarding hobby.

One of the more difficult fish in this species to keep and breed is the Chocolate gourami.   This fish is a mouthbreeder, but sometimes they will build a small bubble nest with a few plant pieces.   The female can carry the eggs around in her mouth for a bit and then spit them out into the nest.  The chocolate gourami is not an easy fish to maintain and the fry are extremely slow growers.

One of the most popular fish in this labyrinth species is the dwarf gourami.   It comes to us in colors of turquoise, flame red and powder blue.   This fish, however, does like a lot of light.   It encourages the algae to grow which encourages this fish to breed.   They build a very large bubble nest with quite a bit of plant matter attached to it.

The kissing gourami is also quite fascinating.   When looking for food and algae, the lips on this fish become quite protruded.   These fish also touch each other with their lips (this is why they are called “kissers”).   Unfortunately, this really cute habit is generally a sign of threat or dominance.

The pearl gourami is definitely one of our favorite community fish in this species. They love to live in groups in a well-planted dimly-lit tank.   When they become acclimated, their orange color with a dotted pattern is simply gorgeous.   The male of the species will tend to have more color.   The pearl gourami will also spend most of its time toward the top of the tank, so remember to use gentle filtration.

As you can see, there are many interesting fish in this colorful, active and peaceful species.   They would make a great addition to your tank, even if you have no intention of breeding.

I know we love having these fish at the store….how about you?

Weeds And Pets

Since it is that time of year, I was doing some gardening and yard cleaning today.

Weeds on the concrete, weeds on the driveway; what is it will all the weeds?

I have a new puppy in the house and I did not want to use any weed killer that would be dangerous to him.  There must be something safe to use I thought.  So, I did some research and wanted to pass the information I found out along to all the pet lovers and gardeners.

We are all concerned about those pesky weeds; but what about weed killers and our pets?   Many are unsafe to use with pets and children.  So what do you use?  Believe it or not, boiling water……

The boiling water cooks the weed into the ground.  It is great to use on a sidewalk or driveway where weeds are coming through.  Just be careful not to put it on plants you wish to keep since it will kill them too!

Another great weed killer to use around pets and children is vinegar.  Put it into a spray bottle and spritz those weeds you want to destroy.  Some of the tougher weeds may need a few doses.

After doing some research, I also found out that corn meal is another weed deterrent.  It apparently stops them before they even appear.  The corn meal actually stops seeds from germinating.   So, if you have an area where plants are growing, and want it to be weed free, sprinkle some corn meal.  It will not hurt the existing plants but will keep the weeds out.

I found all this information extremely helpful; hope you do too.

After a trip to the grocery store and boiling a few pots of water, I am happy to say my weeds are in check!

How About Those Dogs?

How about those dogs?

We all know they are man’s best friend; but could we really learn some important lessons from our four-legged friends?

Take a moment to look at your dog’s life and see how closely it might resemble yours.

They want to get outside and play….Dogs love and need to exercise.   Whether it is walking, running, fetching or playing ball; they just want to be outside doing it.   This daily routine is something most dogs look forward to.  A dog needs physical stimulation as well as mental stimulation.   And, most of the time it just has to be fun.   It does not matter how silly they look doing something…as long as it is fun.

It is part of our responsibility as dog owners to make sure your pet gets the exercise and fun it needs; and while your dog is at it; how about you?   Are you exercising?   Are you having fun?

After all the exercise your dog will take a nice long drink to rehydrate.   Smart ones they are!  How many of us drink enough water every day?   Another reason to take a cue from our pet!   They know when their bodies need water and don’t hesitate to drink.

Even though they love to exercise, they also know when to relax.   And, when they relax there seems to be no stress involved.    Just relaxing and chilling when needed.   Close their eyes, drift off to sleep…hum……

You know the saying “if it does not seem right speak up!”   Well, dogs have no problem with that either.   We all know when a dog senses something is not right it will bark and bark until everything is back to normal or the problem is investigated.  Even if barking is not involved; we all know when our pet senses something is not quite right.   It could be it seems anxious or won’t leave a family members side.   Whatever it is, we always seem to check it out or investigate.   We sometimes even resort to other people’s help.  This is another instance where we can take the lead from our pet.  Too many of us fail to speak up when it is needed most.   Trust your instincts; they are normally correct.

Back to the mental stimulation; we really know that all dogs need this or they will be bored and may become destructive.   Yes, this can happen to humans too!   We all need to use our brain and so do the dogs.   There are so many interactive toys, puzzles, chew toys and various other objects to test the brainpower of your pet.   They know what they like and know what they need.   Think of all the toys you have purchased that they did not enjoy or took one sniff of and turned away.    But…think of the ones they love!   We all know what we like and don’t like.   Some of us like to read, some of us play sports, some of us ride bikes, some of us do puzzles; yes we all have ways to keep our minds stimulated.

Many of us have trouble when it comes to eating.   We will eat and eat until we are stuffed.   Think about your dog.   We portion out their food and they seem happy with it; the ultimate portion control.   And, they are extremely happy with the occasional treat.   They look forward to them and really relish them since they are “occasional.”   Maybe they are on to something?  Of course, there are those that always need more food, but like us humans it could a sign of something lacking in their nutrition or other health issues.

What about love and hate?  Your dog loves you no matter what.   You could have been in a bad mood; you may have forgotten to replace a water bowl, you may not have had time to play….it does not matter.   Your dog will still love you no matter what you have done or did not do.  How many of us always love and can always be so forgiving?

Dogs also have an appreciation for people in their lives.   They say goodbye to you when you leave.   They wait in anticipation for you to return.   They do this not only for one person in their life…it can be entire families and friends.  Do we always appreciate everyone in our life?   More to think about!

I think we might all be able to learn a few things from our dogs:

Learn to play and have fun on a regular basis

Learn to always rehydrate our bodies

Learn how to truly relax

Investigate or get help when something does not appear right

Keep our minds stimulated with things we like to do

Portion control our food and learn to really relish those treat items

Learn to love and forgive more

Learn to really appreciate the people in our lives

Seems simple; guess those dogs may already have a leg up on us!

Crazy Weather And Your Pets

Who knows what kind of weather we will have next week?   It’s has been a crazy time with weather patterns; a warm winter, tornados, hurricanes, floods, you name it, and someone has experienced it.   It is a good idea to always be prepared for the worst.   You may never need to act quickly, but you never know……

We have been told to have a “go” bag packed with water, flashlights, change of clothes, medications, etc., but let’s not forget about the pets.

It is a good idea to have sufficient water and food stored for all your pets in your home.   Make sure that you have a leash and collar for all cats and dogs, or carriers for them.   In case you have to make an emergency exit, your pet will be ready to move.   Also, make sure they have identification tags on them in case they should happen to escape in all the commotion.   Make sure you have a bag packed with four or five days’ worth of pet food and any medications for them that you might need in preparing for evacuation or power loss.

If you have a bird, reptile or small animal, make sure you clean the cage as soon as a hurricane warning or bad weather warning is issued.  In this way, it will be sanitary for a few days if you have no power.   It is also a good idea to have a small travel cage in case you need to take your pet with you in case of evacuation.      If you stay in your home with a pet in a cage, make sure you cover it.   This will keep them more secure and prevent things from flying into the cage in case of window breakage.   If you have to leave in an emergency situation it is always best to take your pet with you.   However, if you cannot, ensure that you place extra food and water into the cages.

If you have a fish tank, as soon as you hear about a hurricane or a bad weather pattern, change at least 25% of your water.   This will ensure that the water quality will be good if you should happen to lose power.   If the power does go out, feed your fish sparingly.   This will help the water stay clean and clear and prevent fish loss.   If it is out for a few days, try to do some water changes if possible.   Make sure you clean your filter before the power comes on.   All the scum, excess food, etc., will be hanging out in the filter; you do not want this going back into the tank.   There are also battery operated pumps that will help your fish survive by giving them oxygen.

If you have a pond, make sure you put a cover or net over it.   This will prevent the fish from escaping should the water get too high with huge rain fall, and will help prevent a lot of debris from falling into it.

Hopefully some of this information will be remembered if you run into some bad weather or power loss; if we can be of any further assistance, please call Animal Kingdom at 845-278-6400.   We are here to help.   Let’s be prepared for the worst, but expect the best!

“Natural” Fish

The aquarium hobby has seen different fads throughout the years.   Fish, in particular, have seen many changes.   There are hybrid fish, genetically engineered fish and even painted or injected fish.   Everyone has their own opinion on these, some are in agreement, and some are not.

You can still, however, create a visually stunning tank with natural fish.   There are some beauties out there and we would like to mention just a few.

The Black Emperor Tetra has to be one of our favorites.   This fish is a vibrant purple and blue with a broad horizontal stripe.   It even has an interesting shape!   Some of them have blue eyes and some green depending on the sex of the fish.   How much more beautiful can you get?   They are extremely hardy, love to swim in the middle of the tank and will really show up against the backdrop of green plants.   Keep them in schools of six or more, and you will have a very beautiful tank.

Another colorful all natural fish would be the Silvertip Tetra.   The males are more colorful, being a shiny yellow-copper color.   The females are a little paler.   They also have bright white on the tips of their fins (hence the name), and black at the base of the caudal fin.   They have an interesting trait; at night when they are resting, their color will fade and then come back when they become active again in the morning.   These fish will also lose color if they are frightened.   They love to be in a planted tank and will show up great on a dark color substrate.   These fish also like to be in shoals.

The Von Rio Tetra is another beautiful choice of fish.   They have a beautiful red color on their back when they become established in a tank.   If they are frightened, or if water conditions are not healthy, they tend to lose their color.   They love to be in groups of six or more and are very hardy.   A great choice for a community tank!

The Congo Tetra is another great colorful choice for a tropical tank.   When they are small, the color is not very good, but as they mature…wow!   These fish get greenish/blue/gold bands on their bodies, and their fins get elongated with white streaming tips.   They prefer soft water and low light.   They are hardy but tend to be shy.   They are considered to be the rarer of the tetras, but if you have these fish, hang on to them.   You will not be disappointed.

Another beautiful fish we have to mention is the Paradise Fish.   This fish has been around for a long time, almost as long as the goldfish.   Their colors of red and blue are stunning.   And, their unique shape is beautiful as well.   These fish can survive in cooler water and can be somewhat aggressive.   They are a labyrinth fish, which means they can obtain additional oxygen by breathing air from the surface of the water.

Last, but not least, we have to mention the Pearl Gourami.   A mature male is probably one of the most colorful and striking fish you could ever own.   He will have white polka dots with a black stripe going down the body.   A bright orange red color will extend from the mouth down the bottom half of the body to the tips of the anal fins.   Just gorgeous!

There are, of course, many more au natural fish.   Many love clown loaches, neon tetras, cardinal tetras and the dwarf gourami.   They all share vibrant colors and would be great additions to the appropriate tank.

We hope you will seek out some of the above fish and learn more about them.   We also look forward to learning what some of your favorites are.

Feeding Pond Fish

It is almost that time of year again.   We have pushed the clocks ahead one hour and the days are getting a little longer and warmer.   If you have not already, you will see life emerge in your pond.   You will see movement, you will see fish picking at algae and maybe even coming to the surface.   As it gets warmer and warmer, you will soon need to start feeding them.

Once the fear of freeze is gone, you can start up the filters.     Now would be a good time to scoop out dead leaves and other debris accumulated on the top and bottom.    And, add some type of biologic starter or enzymes to help get rid of sludge.

When the water reaches fifty degrees, you can start feeding the fish.   Do not feed them before this time.   They will not be able to properly digest the food in the cooler temps and will just put it back into the pond as waste product.   It can also cause health problems for the fish later on in the season.  In addition, the bacteria in the pond will not break the food down until the temperatures are almost sixty degrees.   So, you can see, the nitrites and ammonia will quickly build up and could be detrimental to the fish.

The food to use in the spring would be a wheat-germ based food.   The fish are still in slow motion, and they cannot use a high protein based food at this time.   Many companies make great foods with wheat germ.   Wheat germ is extremely palatable and easy to digest.   Also look for no corn or corn starches which are nearly impossible to digest.   Always look for foods that contain high quality ingredients, which in turn will provide your fish with excellent nutrition.

As a result, your fish will not require as much food and less waste is produced.   You can see how this would help with clean clear water.  And, help you to enjoy your pond more!

You should use the wheat germ based food until the water temperature reaches about seventy degrees.   When you do switch your food from wheat-germ based to higher protein based, make sure you do it slowly.   Use a little of both until the fish get familiar with the new food you are using.

Hopefully, this has given you some insight as to when to start feeding your pond fish.   Remember, your fish associate at your favorite store or nursery can help answer any other questions you may have.

I bet you can’t wait to be sitting by the pond listening to the waterfall and watching those beautiful Koi.

Wildlife and Spring

The phones are starting to ring off the hook at the Wildlife Hotline! People are calling about hurt or abandoned animals almost every day; a sure sign that spring has arrived.

I would like to take a moment to go over some guidelines as to what to do in case you come across an animal that looks like it may need assistance.

Some common calls are about fawn and bunnies.

First, you should try to make sure that the animal really needs your help. Fawn will sometimes leave their moms for short periods of time as they go out to explore. But, rest assured the mom is usually not too far away. The mom will not come back if she senses a person is nearby; and will wait for you to leave. If you happen to see a fawn in the middle of the road; please do not put it in your car. Move it to the side, off the road, where the mom can see it and come to retrieve it. Move away and give it an hour or so and see if the mom returns; most likely she will. If she does not, please call a wildlife hotline or rehabilitator.

Fawns also use a camouflage position where they lay close to the ground; they are not injured in this position. This is just a means of protection. Remember not to move a fawn or handle it unless it is in the middle or the road or injured.

Of course, if you see the animal is hurt; you should take action. If it is in the middle of the street; take care and think of your safety first! If it is a fawn, a light towel over the face may calm it while you retrieve it. Putting the injured animal into a nice box lined with a non-frayed blanket or towel would be the best thing to do until you get further help. Always use gloves and do not put an animal near your face. You can wrap it in a towel to lift it and place in into the nice cozy box. Do not attempt to take care of an injured animal by yourself and never attempt to feed it or give it water. You could potentially cause it more harm even though your intentions are good.

Your next step should be to call a wildlife hotline. We have one here at Animal Kingdom. 1-866-wild-331. The people answering the hotline will give you instructions as to what to do or where to bring the animal. Keep the box in a nice quiet area to keep the animal calm and stress free.

Most do not realize that rabbit moms will leave their nests for most of the day.  If you see a nest with babies; do not touch them. The mom should return. They only come back to nurse their young twice a day.

Baby squirrels are in abundance in the spring. If you find abandoned or hurt babies; pick them up with a non-frayed towel and place them in a box. You can put a gentle heating pad on them, under the box. Remember not to feed or water them. Your next step should be to call 1-866-wild-331 or a wildlife center in your area.

Birds are another matter of rescue.

If you spot a nestling on the ground, try to find the nest and put it back into it. This would be the best chance of survival for a nestling. If you cannot get to the nest, try to make a simple one and place the baby bird into it. Place it in a nearby tree or on a branch. Hopefully, the parents will see it and feed it. If not, please call a rehabilitator or 1-866-wild-331.

Try to make this call quickly as the babies need to eat a few times an hour at this stage. Keep the bird in a box in a warm stress-free area until you receive further instructions.

If the bird is a fledgling, the parents must be close by. You can pick up the bird and place it into its nest if you can, or in a tree or branch. Hopefully the parents will see it and coax it back to the nest. If the bird is injured, or the parents do not come back, please call the rehabilitation number. Again, do not attempt to feed or water any baby birds.

If you see a baby bird that is being circled by flies; it must be rescued. Flies will definitely cause the death of a bird if it is not dealt with, even if the bird is not injured.

There are other birds such as crows and raptures. Remember, they are stronger and can cause some serious damage to you. Make sure you have gloves to pick up these stronger injured birds; you may also have to use a heavy towel or blanket for retrieval. Again, put the bird into a box to keep it calm and secure and place it into a quiet area while you make your phone call.

As you can, see the best means of survival for any animal is to place it in the care of someone who is licensed in wildlife rehabilitation. Please don’t be afraid to rescue an animal in need; just make sure to make the important phone call as soon as you do. 1-866-wild-331!

Is Your Dog Spring Ready?

As we all know, spring is a fantastic time of year.   Most of us love being outside and we do love to take our dogs along.   It is important to remember the safety of our pets while enjoying the beautiful days outside.

If you plan on going for a car ride with your dog, think about making sure your pet is secure in the car.   There are a variety of ways to do this.   Besides crates and carriers, there are harnesses and vests that fasten to car seatbelts.   There are also many size car seats available.   The same type of securing is suggested if you are going on a boat ride.   May I also recommend including a life jacket if boating is your mode of transportation?

In addition to properly securing your pets, it is a good idea to have current identification on them just in case you get separated.      If your dog has not travelled much in the car or boat, a good suggestion is that you start out with small trips in the beginning to ensure that your pet reacts well.   You can slowly increase the trip durations.  Don’t forget to bring a leash to use when you reach your final destination.  And, if you are planning on being away overnight or longer, make sure you have checked ahead to ensure your favorite friend is welcome.   Also remember to pack a supply of food, bowls, a favorite toy and any medications your pet might be using.

Also be careful of open car windows.  Try not to travel with your pet’s head sticking out of a window.  This could be very hazardous and can also lead to eye injuries.  If you do love to drive with the windows open, just make sure your pet is safe; there are also doggie goggles available!

Remember your dog will be meeting many new people while outdoors.   A well behaved pet will be willing to make new friends.   Try to ensure that any newcomers follow a safe plan to greet your dog.   If they ask to greet your dog, make sure they initially approach you slowly.   If you say yes, make sure they curl their hand into a closed fist with the back of their hand facing upward.   They can then extend their hand slowly toward the dog.   Your pet should sniff the hand and become familiar with the scent of the individual.   The dog should then allow the person to pet it under the chin or chest.   This procedure should make it enjoyable for you, your new friend, and your dog!

It probably is time for you to start spring cleaning around the home.   Please be careful with any chemicals you are using.   This includes lawn fertilizers, pesticides, paints, paint thinners and any other chemicals that help make your home look its best.  Remember your pet is likely to explore and get into situations that are not always the healthiest.   Why do these moments always seem to happen when our backs are turned?   Just remember to think “safety” and many problems should be averted.

Spring is also the time of year with lots of goodies and chocolate around the home.   The chocolate bunnies and candy eggs may look very inviting to a dog or puppy.  Make sure your pet is not able to get into the sweets or even the artificial grass that line colorful baskets and holiday displays.   These items can have serious consequences for pets that ingest them.   Please be extremely careful with these items.   Also be careful at holiday dinners with guests.   Encourage them not to give your pets any food that you do not authorize.   A trip to the veterinarian for a pet’s stomach problems should not be on your holiday “to do” list.

During the spring there are also many plants that are not safe for your pets.  Please keep them away from azaleas, lilies, oleander, tulips, daffodils and rhododendrons as they can prove toxic.   Also be careful with any plant bulbs you may have around.   You would not want your pet to ingest one of these!

The last thing you should be aware of is that your pet might be allergic to the great outdoors.   Some dogs may get itchy skin, get a rash, chew their tails, or may even lick their feet.   In this case, you can consult a veterinarian to help with a remedy.

Here is a wish for you to have lots of fun outdoors this spring with your family and pets.   Hopefully, this just served as a gentle reminder of the things you already knew.   Sometimes we just need a little nudge to help us remember the things we should be doing.

Coming Soon to a Pet Store Near You

Having just returned from an exciting pet show in Orlando, I can tell you there is no shortage of pet products.   Truthfully, I don’t know how any person opening a new store can decide on what to carry.

There are so many products to choose from.   Some are new and different, some are exciting, some are already existing products with a few improvements, some are rather silly, and some, well , we won’t even discuss.

But, all in all, it is great to go to these shows and see all the new foods, products, services, and organizations.   It is fun to keep up-to-date on all the progress in the pet industry.   It is a pretty impressive industry and, judging by the crowd many retailers try to keep up on the “newness” and “freshness” with their product selection.

So, what did I see…..?

A few brands of new “indestructible” dog toys; I will certainly have some pets put them through the test!   There are also some existing brands that came out with a new cast of characters.

Many new anxiety relief products such as calming shirts, hats and various supplements

New eco-friendly beddings, litters and even fertilizer

Many new desk-top aquariums that provide more room, better lighting and better heating than ever before

New and different grain-free dog foods; even an alkaline-based food

Many dog treats and chews now being produced in the USA; even one to lick out of a bottle

Puzzles, games, art kits, and foraging toys for all animals to keep them engaged

Collars, leashes, harnesses, dishes and clothes of every color and pattern to appeal to every consumer

New toilet bowl litter boxes and scratching items for cats

Exciting happenings with more aquarium fish being captive bred and a huge coral restoration project

Wow, this is just a sampling of what I saw.   So, keep your eye out in pet stores for some new and exciting products coming in the next few months….they caught my interest….hope they catch yours too!!