Embrace Pet Community blog

Perfect Paws from Bamboo

Perfect Paws, from Bamboo, is the newest tool to come on the market for pet nail care.  Having never used a dremel style nail trimmer, I was pretty impressed by the amount of power the tool carried with just a couple of batteries.  The unit fits nicely in your hand, and offers several speeds and two different grinding surfaces.  You can use the small holes on the sides for the rotating stone, or the wide open surface at the top, depending on how much grinding you need to do and the size of your pet's nails.

We tried the trimmer on Lula first, and while she didn't really mind the sound or feel of the tool, it took a long time to make any impact on her gigantic nails.  She did tolerate it much more than she does her clippers, and the gradual grinding action means I wouldn't have cut her to the quick.  Then, we tried it on Buckley, but his anxiety over the sound or feel of the vibration on his feet was too much.  (Buckley's not a fan of his feet being touched, so no surprise there.

But then, we tried it on little Guizmo, the Maltipoo.  His mom sat on the couch with him, and used the trimmer while she was watching TV--and Guizmo fell asleep while the tool was in use!  The unit is that quiet and that painless that this little guy actually fell asleep!!

So, if your dog is not averse to vibrations, and you prefer a more gentle, mild nail trimmer, you might want to try Perfect Paws.  You can't overdo it, which means less over-trimming and messy clean up.

FURminator Tub Time

FURminator has extended their product line beyond their deshedding tool, with skin and coat products like the TubNub Bathing Brush and deShedding Shampoo, and the Waterless deShedding Shampoo and Conditioner.

I am a big fan of waterless shampoos, as Lula becomes very oily and dirty quickly, especially when she's outdoors so much in the summer.  I hate hoisting my 85Lb. dog into the tub every few weeks, but we can certainly cut down on regular baths by doing short clean ups with a waterless shampoo.  FURminator's waterless shampoo ($9.13) has a very clean, pretty scent, and really softens the fur and reduces that "dirty dog" feeling.

I've never tried a tub brush before, but we did a combo with the Tub Nub ($9.50) and the de-shedding shampoo for Lyger's last bath.  The shampoo was light and clean and did seem to help his coat.  The Tub Nub helped me massage the suds and pull out that nasty loose hair that falls out in the tub.  I think the rubbery nubs grip the fur a bit to help pull the loose fur out. 

One of my pet peeves is having a handful of wet dog hair--I hate how it sticks to my fingers!  But the tub nub caught a lot of that hair before I had to touch it.  And, because I could just shake the fur off into the trash, it cut down on the amount of fur that I had to clean up in the tub or going down my drain.

As always, my dogs enjoyed the FURminator products.  The smells and tools are gentle and safe, so your pets won't dread tub time.

All of the above products are eligible for Free Super Saver Shipping at Amazon.

Read our review of the FURminator Deluxe

The Furminator Deluxe!

I've never known Lyger to shed this much, but it's been a very warm summer here in Cleveland.  I've been busting out the shop vac daily and pulling his "tufts" out in chunks, so the timing was perfect for me to test out the FURminator Deluxe!

The new Deluxe FURminator is the same concept as the previous model, but with a new and improved handle (better gripping) and the push-button (aka FURejector) to pop the hair out of the de-shedder edge.

I didn't think that there would be any way I'd like the FURminator more, but that FURejector makes the job go so much more quickly!  I got a shopping bag full of fur off of Lyger in under 10 minutes, and the best part is that he enjoys the whole process.  As you can see in the video, he just sits down the moment we start and relaxes while I get him cleaned up.

FURminator is now available directly from the FURminator Amazon shop.  The medium version ($28.99) is what we use, but they have smaller, larger, and feline versions available.

We've also tested the new FURminator De-shedding shampoo and the FURminator Tub Nub brush, so check back for those reviews!

Contest: Post Cards from Pets

It's summertime, and we at Embrace Pet Insurance keep hearing all these stories about camping, kayaking, and traveling with pets.  What a great way to enjoy the summer and bond with your pet.  Whether you're enjoying a national park, visiting the grand canyon, or enjoying a cottage on the shore, you'll have more fun when you share the experience with your best friend.

As an added luxury for your travels, Martha Stewart Pets is sponsoring our Post Cards from Pets photo contest!  One lucky pet will win a leather collar and leash, and this super cool 3-piece bowl set!

How To Enter:

E-mail us your best photo of your pet traveling, and be sure to tell us where the photo was taken!  We'll post your digital "post card" to our Facebook, and you'll be entered into our random drawing.

One entry per person.  U.S. Entrants only.  Embrace staff not eligible to win.  Entries must be e-mailed to lj@embracepetinsurance.com to qualify.  Contest ends at midnight on July 26, 2010.  Winner will be contacted by e-mail for their mailing address for prize fulfillment by sponsor.

Related:

Embrace Pet Insurance
Win a Cyber Shot digital Camera
Martha Stewart Pet Massager Brush & Squeak Toys

  

Product Review: Martha Stewart Massager Brush

Classic.  We expect nothing less from Martha Stewart, and the Massager Brush ($11.99), (available in PetSmart now) doesn't disappoint.  One of several new grooming products, this brush is clean and simple, made for all hair types.  The wood is coated with an Intelligrip surface, so it's comfortable to use.  More importantly, the dogs enjoy the light massage that the rounded ends offer:

Every dog I tested this brush on LOVES it.  Tahlula closed her eyes and relaxed, Lyger wagged his tail, and I think Cooper's video speaks for itself.

In addition to the Massager Brush, the line also includes various brushes and de-tangling tools, shears, a pocket towel, and a grooming tote.  All practical and stylish ideas from the domestic diva.

Happy Father's Day

Sunday is Father's day, and we like to celebrate all of you Father's with two-legged and four-legged kids.

I'd like to send a happy father's day greeting to my Dad, from all of his kids, human and feline.  (Shouldn't it also come from his canine grandchildren?)  Thanks Dad, for all the smiles and support you give us all year round! 

P.S.Your cat Daisy would also like to thank you for maintaining her swimming pool-the one you call a fish tank.

We'd like you to post your pet dad stories, greetings and Father's Day wishes to the special dad in your life.  Whether he's your doggie's daddy or feline's father, give him a shout out in out comments section.  On Monday we'll randomly draw one of the comments to win a free food sample from Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul! 

For more info on our contest sponsor, visit them on Facebook and Twitter.

One entry per person.  U.S. Entrants only.  Contest ends at 12:AM June 21, 2010.  Winner will be contacted by e-mail for their mailing address.

Related posts:
Mystery Mixed Breed Heritage Maker giveaway
Waterdog Photo Contest

Contest!: Waterdog Giveaway!

We've got another fun photo contest and great summer giveaway for you! Here's the scoop:

We're giving away a WaterDog, courtesy of Contech. (read our rave review)  To enter, email me (lj@embracepetinsurance.com) a photo of your pet with water.  It can be in the bathtub, the ocean, the pool, a mud-puddle...anything to do with water!  Your photo will be entered into a random drawing, and one lucky winner will win their own WaterDog! 

We'll post the photos to an album on our Facebook, so be sure to view the fun summer snapshots!

Contest rules:Contest open from 6/14-6/21 at 12:01am.  Submissions must be e-mailed to lj@embracepetinsurance.comto qualify.  (Facebook wall uploads will not qualify for drawing.)  Winner will be notified and prize will be shipped within one week of contest closing.  Embrace staff and families not eligible to win.  One entry per person please. 

Other contest: Mystery Mixed Breed Givaway!

Product Review: Waterdog

Keeping fresh water outdoors for dogs is a hassle in the summer.  You have to leave enough out to quench their thirst on a hot day, but extra water can become stale or form a breeding ground for mosquitoes and bugs.  Water bowls get spilled or dirty.  That is why I was so excited to test out the eco-friendly and clean pet water alternative, WaterDog.

The Waterdog hooks right onto your outdoor faucet, and a sonar senses when your dog approaches the unit.  It turns on, and releases a stream of fresh water for a few seconds, so your dog gets clean water on demand.  The unit has a "y" adapter, so your existing hose or sprinkler remains connected.  It eliminates the risk of dehydration or illness from drinking stagnant water, and remains on all through the warm months on just four batteries.

The Waterdog is durable and works just as described.  It's height is adjustable for pets of any size, even very large dogs.  My only advice would be that the unit is not well suited to high traffic areas, since it turns on whenever a person or pet comes within 3 feet of the unit.  We're still working on training our dogs to use the unit because they're both averse to the hose, (probably from getting spontaneous baths after rolling in "yuck").  But the manual offer several methods to train your dog to use the unit, and offers additional customer support, so we're making fast progress.  This product is so helpful, since Lula likes to spend the entire day outside on the back porch.  No more bringing her inside for water breaks!

Check out their video, or our personal trial video:

WaterDog from Lea Maxwell on Vimeo.

WaterDog is available online ($48.20 at Amazon) or at PetSmart or Costco.  Check back Monday when we'll announce our WaterDog Giveaway!

Read more pet Product Reviews

Bamboo Disposable Waste Bags

I used to be that person with a big grocery store bag sticking out of my pocket on our walks.  It's practical and easy to just grab and go.  So, I always thought that people with disposable dog poop bags were just wasting money on fancy poop bags.

But I've come to see the light.

At BlogPaws, I picked up one of Bamboo's Disposable waste bags & dispensers.  It's a hard plastic case, containing a small roll of baking soda smelling plastic bags.  I took the unit out on our walk, and instantly liked the idea of having out bags hanging neatly on the leash.  No bulky pockets.  Nothing to grab on the way out.  Just keep the container on your leash (or by the litter box), and you'll never be left without one.

The bags roll out neatly, and if you pull out an extra by accident, they roll right back in. The baking soda aroma really does mask the stinky contents of the bag, and the bags are plenty big, tie up nice and neat, and help keep your hands clean and away from the mess. 

So, now I'm one of "those" people that walks their dog with a "fancy" bag dispenser. But I'm not ashamed to admit it. In fact, it's one of the few luxuries that come with picking up poop.  They start at about $4 at a store near you, with 24 count refill rolls are also available.  Try the luxury for yourself!

Giveaway! Pet Adventure Contest from Kakadu

Our friends at Kakadu are giving you the chance at adventure of a lifetime, an Adventure Mat that is!  We loved the Kakadu Pet Adventure Mat, and you will too!  Enter our Pet Adventure Photo Contest on Facebook for a chance to win your very own portable pet mat.

Entrants must post a photo of their own pet's adventure on the Embrace Pet Insurance Facebook page, and write a little caption about the adventure photo.  Share with your friends and followers, and the entry with the most "likes" will win a Pet Adventure Mat, courtesy of Kakadu.

Contest open 5/17/10-5/23/10.  Employees of Kakadu and Embrace not eligible.  Winner will be notified by 5/28/2010.  One entry per pet, please.  Prize valued between