Embrace Pet Community blog

Fashionable and Functional Raised Feeders

After reading this two part series on the causes and prevention of Bloat I have a new appreciation for the severity of this condition.  Second to cancer, Bloat is the biggest cause of death in dogs.  There are some simple prevention steps we can take, including cutting back on the amount of fat intake, feeding several smaller meals, and avoiding activity for an hour after eating.  But the two biggest, and easiest changes we can make for our pets are to feed using raised feeders, and slow down bowls.

There are lovely raised feeders out now, like these custom mosaic feeders from Pawsitively Elegant.  They're made with stained glass, wood, and steel bowls, to include your pet's name.  So, as one of their pet parents says, "Not only are they functional, but they are visually appealing and the ability to customize the pieces is fantastic!"  These platforms come in three heights, and start as little as $65 for the single bowl version.

There are also lots of bowls to help slow down speedy eaters, like the Brake-Fast Dog Food Bowl ($26).  But, there are a couple of ways a trainer might suggest slowing down an eater, using your existing bowl and raised feeder.  First off, if your dog's bowl has a inverted bottom, like this bowl, just flip it upside down and feed them in the outside ring.  Another quick fix: stick a kong or durable toy in the bowl, so your dog has to eat around it.  Either trick will slow down your dog's rate of intake, aiding digestion.

And, while we can never completely prevent bloat, it's a good idea to consider an Embrace Pet Insurance policy, just in case.  As Bloat is always an emergency, it often requires ER visits and surgeries, starting at $2000.  Read how Embrace's accident coverage helped Kylie (shown left.)

 

 

Fish Oil-coat care for canines

After meeting this handsome black Labrador recently, I had to know what was making his coat look so shiny.  His dad let me in on the secret: Fish Oil.  I had heard that fish oil helped to reduce shedding, but after further investigationit does much more than that.  In addition to cutting down on dander and itchy skin, it reduces inflammation associated with arthritis, and even improves brain function.   It seems that dosage does depend on the pet's specific size and needs, so check with your vet.

And as with most products that are produced for both pets and people, the "people product" is cheaper, but is just fine for dogs.  I found some bottles of fish oil tablets at a pet store chain for about $25, but you can also find them "buy one get one" at Puritan's Pride for about $8. 

Do any of you (or your pets) use Fish Oil-and what do you think?

All Pet Naturals-for all pets

All of Embrace Pet Insurance's policies cover alternative and homeopathic treatments, (when performed by a licensed vet) but All Pet Naturals has an excellent argument in favor of the benefits for holistic supplements for your pets.   From their site:

"In the wild, animals medicated themselves for thousands of years. But today, with the advent of mass produced commercial pet foods that are superbly marketed what's tended to happened is these products have, through the refining process, lost many of their essential nutrients and vitamins...Used properly, and in consultation with your veterinarian, herbal products can stimulate the body's natural biological defenses in fighting illness allowing the animal to heal itself thus improving the holistic health of your pet in a softer, less physically taxing and more natural way."

I'm really quite surprised by the number of remedies available.  They offer treatments to aid in allergies, kidney and liver function, joint and muscle support, and even anxiety, among other things.  They have treatments for both canine and feline, and offer free shipping on all orders over $75.  What remedies can your pet use?

ADOPTABLE ALERT!: The cute doggie left above is Ginger.  She is one of the many darling pups available for adoption from A New Leash on Life in Olmsted Falls, Ohio.

 

Guest Blogger @ Paw-Talk

Ava at Paw-Talk invited us to do a guest feature on their new blog, and we were glad to do so.  (Far be it from me to pass up a chance to discuss my Rottie rescue girl elsewhere on the web.)  Just a bit of the post on her ongoing recovery from disc disease:

"Though steroids and rehabilitation have been helpful, we were looking for some supportive gear to improve her mobility around the house.   It was our friends at Bella’s Pain Relief that helped me select a pair of  Neo-Paws™ orthopedic shoes to help her keep her feet stable, and prevent “knuckling”... "

Read the rest at Paw-Talk here.

Penny Pinching for Pets in 2009!

With the economic state being what it is, many pet parents are cutting back on pet spending.  (Everywhere our four legged readers are hoping we don't mean skimp on the treats!)  Our kitties need a warm place to snuggle up during this awful freeze, so we thought we'd share a few fun ideas for alternative or recycled cat beds, and perhaps it will inspire your own creative solutions...

CraftyCrafty posted a geeky cat hideout (notice the converted "mouse")  in this converted monitor and ThreadBanger included this charming recycled suitcase cat bed.

You canfind the instructions for this cardboard cat chaise at Evil Mad Scientist Laboratories.  Or put a little money back into the economy, and check out the great recycled pet rugs from Emily Kircher at Etsy.

The treat your cat has been waiting for

Doctors Fosters & Smith is offering 4 flavors of high protein cat treats, low in fat and high on taste!  These strips are 100% real chicken breast fillets, fortified with supplements such as glucosamine, antioxidants, parsley for fresh breath, or lavender for calming.  The strips are about 5 inches long, so it's a treat that kitty will savor.

$17.99 for about 50 strips (16 oz).  Since they come in a seal tight jar you'll be able to spread the treats out over a while and not worry about them going bad.  Of course, your cat will be dancing around the cupboard pleading for one, so I doubt that will be an issue.

Senior Greenies perfect for older dogs

Greenies now offers a specially formulated treat for Senior dogs.  The same Greenie your dog has always known is now flexible for more delicate teeth and gums, with a softer texture and more break points, so your older dog can better enjoy the chewing experience.  These treats are low calorie to aid in weight management and include Glucosamine and Chondroitin for those older joints.

4 sizes available for senior dogs big and small, and just $12.99 for 12 oz at Direct Pet Superstore.