The Benefits of Licensing & Microchipping Your Pet

You work hard to make sure your furry family members are safe and secure. But aside from securing leashes and making sure the fences are strong, one safety measure that you shouldn’t overlook is getting your pet licensed and/or microchipped. Both of these methods will help you recover your furry friend more quickly should you ever be separated.

Licensing in Salt Lake County

Before your furry friend turns five months old or within 30 days of bringing him home, whichever happens first, you’re required to apply for a license if you live in Salt Lake County. Most cities and unincorporated areas of Salt Lake County require all dogs and cats to be licensed, and three different areas–Herriman, Holladay and unincorporated county areas–require ferrets to be licensed as well. The only requirement to be licensed is that your pet should have a current rabies vaccination. Some cities give you a discount on the registration fee if you provide proof of spay or neutering, too.

You can license your pet in person at a local shelter, through the mail or online. Find out how at the Salt Lake County Animal Services site. Whichever method you choose, include proof of the current rabies vaccination, sterilization (if applicable) and the licensing fee.

Not only will licensing your pet help ensure a quicker reunion with your pet, it also ensures that your pet gets emergency veterinary care should an animal control officer find him/her injured. So it can literally mean the difference between life and death.

Licensing your pet helps give you peace of mind, increasing your chances of a reunion should he/she become lost. Photo courtesy of MLife.

Microchipping Your Pet

While licensing your pet improves your chances of a reunion, having a small microchip placed under your pet’s skin increases that chance more than 200% than licensing alone. This chip is no bigger than a grain of rice and is usually embedded in the skin in the back of the neck by your veterinarian or a shelter worker. Contact information for you is embedded in the chip, so if your pet becomes lost the shelter can scan the chip and call you to come get your pet.

Microchipping your pet increases your chance or reuniting with him/her more than 200% than licensing alone. Photo courtesy of Cherry Ridge Veterinary Clinic.

Microchipping your pet increases your chance or reuniting with
him/her more than 200% than licensing alone. It is very affordable – it’s a one-time cost of approximately $40-50. That’s about the cost of 1-2 months of pet food–and it’s a small investment on your peace of mind.

Getting your pet licensed and/or microchipped takes a little time and a little money, but it is completely worth the investment when you feel that relief and happiness of being reunited with your pet.

Water for Your Pet’s Health

During the summer heat, there’s nothing more refreshing than cool water. Whether we’re playing in it or drinking it, water is a key tool to beating the heat, for humans and animals alike.

Drinking water to stay hydrated not only helps your pet keep cool, it also helps his overall health. Like us humans, most animals’ bodies are made up of mostly water, so drinking water allows the systems in their bodies to run better. Dogs drink about an ounce of water per pound of their body weight, unless they exercise and need more. At Merry Pets, we’re committed to keeping your pets hydrated and healthy, so we

*make sure your pets have plenty of fresh, clean water in clean bowls daily when we pet/house sit.
*bring water along on dog walks and hikes to ensure your dog’s getting plenty of refreshing, clean drinking water.

*take your dogs on hikes in places with higher elevations, shady trails or running water to keep them cooler overall.
*carry water in cars while transporting your pets to and from their destinations for pet taxi and hikes.

Keep your dog cool and healthy this summer with plenty of hydration for optimal health.

Pet Care in Emergencies

Preparing ahead for emergencies for all the members of your family—both human and animal—will give you peace of mind. Check out these tools to get started preparing today.

Be aware of after-hours veterinary clinics. Sometimes illnesses and emergencies happen outside of business hours, so keep a list of after-hours emergency clinics on hand, like this one from Pets in the City Magazine.

Place a rescue alert sticker on your home. These stickers, recommended by the ASPCA, alert first responders that there are pets in your home. That way, they won’t be overlooked in an emergency.

Put together rescue kits. Keeping a few days’ supplies on hand will ensure you have what your pet needs for the time following an emergency. You’ll find free lists for pet 72-hour kits on the Pets in the City Magazine website.

Help Pets Beat the Heat

Labor Day may be the unofficial end of summer, but there’s still plenty of summer left to enjoy. And while summer is a time of fun in the sun, its heat can really be tough on pets, especially dogs, who are outside more than most pets. Follow these tips to help your dogs beat the summer heat to stay healthy and cool.

Provide shelter. Make sure your dog has a doghouse, patio or other shaded space to get out of the sun and stay cool during the hot summer days.

Make sure your dog has shelter to keep cool. Photo courtesy of DIY Network.

Leave your dog at home on hot days. It’s fun to bring your pets on errands with you when the weather is nice. But most stores and restaurants don’t allow pets, and leaving your dog in a car on hot days can be not only dangerous, but fatal. Leave your dog at home on hot days to stay cool and healthy.

Avoid strenuous exercise and hot surfaces. In the scorching heat of the afternoon sun, taking long hikes or even walks on hot surfaces can be painful and even dangerous to dogs. That’s why Merry Pets takes dog hikes in higher altitudes on trails with lots of shade and water to keep your pets cool and safe. And why we walk dogs on grass rather than hot concrete.

Provide lots of water. The best way to keep your dog cool in the summer heat is to provide lots of clean, fresh water to drink and play in. Get more tips on the benefits of water in this blog post.

Keeping your pups cool in the summer heat will help them stay healthy to enjoy the dog days of summer.

Easy Tips for Brushing Pets

Brushing your pet’s fur is great for her hygiene, skin and overall wellbeing. While Merry Pets offers brushing and other pet spa services for the times you’re away or unable to, when you are home, brushing your pet can also be a very relaxing activity and a wonderful bonding activity. Follow these quick tips to brush your pet with ease.

Get your pet ready.  If your pet hasn’t been brushed before, a little prep work can take the activity from something she fears to something she looks forward to. Some specialists recommend you try stroking your pet with a clean oven glove or the back of a brush several times before using the bristle side of a brush, just to get her used to being pet with something other than a hand. Then slowly introduce brushing with bristles after you feel she’s ready.

Get the right brush. The right brush can make this grooming activity more of a massage while the wrong one can feel pretty painful. As a good rule of thumb, bristle brushes will work for most pets’ coats. According to Drs Foster and Smith, the longer your pet’s hair is, the more widely spaced the brush bristles should be, and the more coarse your pet’s hair is, the stiffer the bristles should be. Wire pin brushes with rubber tips make good choices for curly or wooly coats and slicker brushes work well for mats and tangles.

Get the right attitude. Brushing your pet can be a relaxing activity for you both, but it starts with you taking a relaxing approach with a positive attitude. If you lack confidence on how to brush your pet, your approach can be fearful, which she’ll sense. (Try watching videos on YouTube or reading tips on your favorite pet specialist’s site to build your confidence first.) Approach your pet with a relaxed, positive attitude and she’ll sense that too.

Following these tips can make brushing a positive experience that improves your pet’s health and wellbeing.

3 Tips for Good Pet Dental Health

Preventing tooth and gum disease in your pet is just as important to his health as preventing respiratory diseases or parvovirus. And with February being National Pet Dental Health Month, it’s a great time to check in on your pet’s dental health by following these simple tips.

February is National Pet Dental Month, so follow these tips to keep your pet’s teeth and gums healthy.

Tip #1: Do a breath check. It’s ok if your dog or cat’s breath doesn’t smell minty fresh all the time, but chronic bad breath can sometimes be a sign of gum or periodontal disease. Check your pet’s breath regularly to know how it usually smells. And, according to the ASPCA, if it’s changed or become worse, it’s a good idea to schedule a vet visit, especially if you also notice your pet losing his appetite, drinking or urinating excessively or vomiting.

Tip #2: Provide treats for dental health. Treats and toys aren’t just great for reinforcing desired behavior in your pet–they can also be great for dental health. Chew toys and treats, particularly, help reduce tartar and bacteria build up on your pet’s teeth. They also keep teeth strong. So the next time you’re at the pet store, stock up on chew toys and treats to keep your pet’s teeth healthy and strong.

Chew toys help promote pet dental health by strengthening teeth and reducing tartar. Photo by Nyla Bone.

Tip #3: Clean his teeth. One of the best things for your pet’s dental health is regular teeth brushing. You can do it yourself at home with pet-formulated toothpaste or just baking soda and water. Use a smaller, pet-safe toothbrush, too. For tips to safely and effectively brush your dog or cat’s teeth regularly, talk to your vet or watch this short veterinarian video.

Doing regular cleanings, giving him chew toys and treats, and checking your pet’s breath are three ways to ensure good dental health for your pet. For even more tips, visit this article.

Poison Prevention for Pets

Pets can be as mischievous as little children, getting into things when you least expect it. Keeping your pets safe from poisons definitely means keeping household chemicals, medications and the like out of their reach, but it also means knowing which non-chemical items may be poisonous to them. In honor of Poison Prevention Awareness Month for Pets, here are some common items that may be toxic to your pets. Some may surprise you!

Avocados, Garlic and Onion. These make fabulous guacamole, but all three are toxic to birds, dogs and cats.

#2 Pencils. These back-to-school staples are harmless on their own, but if your dog or cat chews them up, the effects can be hazardous.

Keep pencils stowed safely away so pets don’t chew on them and harm themselves.

Tulip Bulbs, Oleander and Chrysanthemums. As you get ready to plant your garden, avoid these three and a handful of other plants that may harm your pets. See more toxic plants on this list from the ASPCA.

Mothballs. These helpful balls may keep linens and clothing free from pests, but keep them well hidden from pets, as they can be toxic. If you don’t use mothballs, read the labels of air fresheners, potpourri mixes and other items you’re considering using to ensure they are safe if pets accidentally consume them.

A Variety of Human Foods. Some food and drink that are ok for humans to consumer are poisonous to pets, so don’t share chocolate, caffeine, coffee, alcohol or yeast dough. Also, be sure to not serve your dog cooked bones, as they splinter and can be extremely harmful to their digestive systems.

These are just a handful of items to avoid. For a complete list of possible poisons, consult this list from the ASPCA. And if you’re concerned your pet has ingested something that may be poisonous, call one of the 24-hour veterinary clinics around the Salt Lake Valley:

Advanced Veterinary Care  801-942-3951

Cottonwood Animal Hospital   801-278-0505

Utah Veterinary Center 801-871-0600

Be prepared ahead of time by printing this free list of 24-hour veterinary hospitals around the Wasatch Front from Pets in the City Magazine.

Pet-Friendly Establishments Around Salt Lake City

If you’re planning on taking your pet along with you for errands, a meal or a trip, there are several establishments in and around Salt Lake City that welcome companion animals. Whether you want to stop for coffee or stay in a hotel, check out some of the best pet-friendly establishments in the area.

Coffee Shops

Coffee Garden. In the 9th & 9th district, this hip coffee shop allows pets on their patio year round.

Kafenio. This multi-purpose coffee shop allows pets on its patio and in its black box theater.

Higher Ground Coffee on 2000 East and 3300 South allows pets on its patio.

Many restaurants around Salt Lake City welcome pets, especially dogs.

Restaurants

Citris Grill. This delicious grill, known for its unique grilled cheese sandwiches,  welcomes pets on its patio.

Em’s Restaurant. Located just north of downtown, this lovely farm-to-table restaurant welcomes pets for brunch, lunch or dinner.

Oasis Café. Spring and summer see the patio of Café Oasis opening up, ready to bring your pet for brunch, lunch or dinner.

Log Haven restaurant up Mill Creek Canyon is a popular romantic and wedding destination, and they welcome pets.

Hotels

Hotel Monaco and Sheraton Salt Lake City. Pets of all size are welcome with no additional pet fee.

La Quinta Inn & Suites Salt Lake City Airport. Up to two pets of any size are welcome with no additional pet fee.

Traveling with pets is easier with pet-friendly hotels around Salt Lake City, Utah. Photo by Pet360.com.

This is just a sampling of the pet-friendly establishments in and around Salt Lake. If you don’t see a favorite place of yours, talk to the manager or owner to see if they may welcome your pet the next time you stop by!

Tips to Keep Pets Safe During Fireworks

July in Utah brings not one, but two amazing holidays where we commemorate the birth of our nation and the founding of our state. Between Independence Day and Pioneer Day, the surge of patriotic pride is everywhere, and we celebrate with concerts, picnics, parades–and fireworks. While these colorful explosions are as American to us as apple pie, to pets the loud, unpredictable noises can be unnerving and unsettling. They can also make them run in fear; in fact, more pets run away during fireworks season than any other time of the year. But there’s more you can do to help your pets than just reinforcing your fences and gate latches. Read on for 4 tips to keep your pets calm and safe during fireworks time.

1. Prepare them ahead of time. Dog whisperer Cesar Milan suggests slowly acclimating your pet to the sound of fireworks so he’s used to them. That way, when the real things go off, your pet isn’t startled by the sound and stays calm. He suggests playing a recording of fireworks at increasingly louder volumes before regular activities like play and walk time to integrate them naturally. For more info, visit his website.

Fireworks are beautiful, but their loud noises scare pets and make them more likely to run away in fear. Photo by Mamas-Spot.com.

 2. Keep them at a safe distance. If you live near a stadium, park or other venue that will be hosting fireworks, or if you live in a neighborhood that particularly loves to shoot fireworks off, take your pet away from that area for the time being to minimize exposure to the noise. Have him stay at a friend’s home or at a day care or boarding facility he’s familiar with so he’s in a calm atmosphere away from the noises and stays safe.

3. Keep them company. We’re usually planning barbeques, picnics and other get togethers for Independence Day or Pioneer Day. And while it’s fun to be social, staying with your pets once the fireworks begin is one of the best ways to keep them calm and safe. Stay indoors or make sure they have harnesses on if you’re outside. If it helps your pet feel safer, put him in his crate. Keeping your pet company will increase his sense of safety.

4. Help them holistically. If all else fails, there are many ways to provide extra calm for your pet around the time for fireworks. Wearing compression sweaters helps to ease the nervous system, and holistic drops added to your pet’s water or favorite treat can help calm him naturally.

Compression jackets can help ease your pet’s nervous system to keep him calm during the commotion and loud noises of fireworks. Photo of Thundershirt.

6 Frozen Pet Treats for Summer

During the dog days of summer, one of the best ways to help your pet beat the heat is to give him or her some frozen treats. The refreshing cool taste of your pet’s favorite flavors will be a switch from drinking plain water and a delicious treat. Try one or more of these fun recipes to give your dog, cat or parrot a memorable, tasty frozen treat this summer.

Frozen Treats for Dogs

Frozen Banana Treats. Mix four cups of plain yogurt, 2 tablespoons of peanut butter, and 3 mashed, ripe bananas together till smooth. Spoon the mixture into disposable cups or ice cube trays. Freeze; remove from the cups or ice cube trays and serve in a dish or bowl. (from Food.com)

Chicken pops. Spread pieces of cooked, chopped chicken breasts evenly into disposable paper cups. Mix 2 cups of water and 1 tablespoon of dried parsley in a bowl; pour the mixture over the chicken pieces. Freeze; remove from the cup and serve in a dish or bowl.  (from Doggy Dessert Chef)

Frozen chicken pops make for delicious treats for your pup on hot days. Photo by Doggy Dessert Chef.

Frozen Treats for Cats

Seafood treats. Mix a can of water-packed tuna or salmon with approximately a ½ cup of water together in a bowl or food processor. Spoon into ice cube trays and freeze. Remove from the trays and serve in a dish or bowl. (from Modern Cat)

Seafood treats for cats are made fancier by putting them in ocean-themed shaped ice cube trays like seahorses. Photo by Modern Cat.

Goat’s Milk-sicle. Spread ¼ of a packet of The Honest Kitchen’s Pro Bloom Instant Goat’s Milk into four disposable cups. Mix well with water, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Freeze; remove from the cups and serve in a dish or bowl. (from Catster)

Frozen Treats for Parrots

Summer Treats. Freeze water or 100% fruit juice in ice cube trays about 70%. Add cut up fruit pieces to fill each partially frozen ice cube and freeze completely. Remove from the ice cube trays and serve in a dish or bowl. (from Birds N Ways)

Frozen fruit in water or juice makes a delicious summer treat for your pet bird. Photo by Pip and Ebby.

Frozen Yogurt for Birds. Blend 4 cups of plain yogurt, I cup of mashed fresh fruit, 2 tablespoons of peanut butter and 2 tablespoons of honey together in the blender. Place in disposable cups or ice cube trays. Freeze; remove from the cups or trays and serve in a dish or bowl. (from Cockatiel Cottage)

These frozen treats are nutritious and delicious–and your pets will love them!

Tips for Safe Car Rides with Pets

The sight of a dog with his head out the window of a car is usually one of pure joy. Many pets enjoy taking trips around town and out on the open road, and taking your pet along on car rides is a fun activity to do together. Read on for tips to keep your pet safe during car rides.

Keep windows rolled down partially, rather than all the way, to keep your pets safe during car rides. Photo by Dognition.

Drive a car in good working order. It may seem obvious, but the first thing to keep in mind is whether or not your car is up for taking your pet for a ride. Cars in working order are best for pet car rides. Strong locks and windows that work keep your pet in the car, preventing them from escaping or falling out while you’re driving. A working temperature control system keeps your car cool during warm rides and warm during cold ones so your pet is comfy and healthy.

Use safety devices. Pet carriers, harnesses and gates help keep your pet contained in the car, keeping him or her safe. Free-roaming pets in a car can be distracting to the driver as well as unsafe for sudden stops. Confer with your veterinarian or check out sites like Pet Auto Safety to find a safety device that works best for you.

Keep your pet calm and comfy. Calm pets make the best travel companions for car rides. Make sure your pet is comfy in the car by getting him or her used to it prior to long rides. Place a mat or padding in his car riding area, and make sure you have water for him in portable water dishes. Consider covering the crates of nervous pet riders or giving them a holistic relaxant like Rescue Remedy for Pets just before you head out.

Keeping these tips in mind will keep your companion pets safe for car rides, long and short.

5 Tips to Keep Pet Boredom at Bay

There’s a lot of debate about whether pets experience boredom like people do, but one thing’s for sure: sometimes when pets act out, it’s because they are restless and trying to keep themselves occupied in new and different ways. This is especially true of cats, dogs and parrots. If your pet suddenly acts out, becomes anxious or clingy, or displays some of the signs below, he or she may be bored.

• Destroying part of your home or yard

• Urinating or defecating outside appropriate places

• Grooming too much

• Barking/meowing/calling more than usual

• Being disobedient

Follow these easy tips to keep boredom at bay so your pet and you will be happy.

Pets that suddenly start being destructive or disobedient may be bored or restless. Photo by Daily Puppy.

1. Rotate out toys. Pets are stimulated by new sights, smells and textures. Playing with the same toys over and over can get monotonous, so purchase new toys regularly, and switch them out for old ones to give your pet a variety of toy experiences.

2. Teach them tricks. The process of learning a new trick–including being rewarded with praise and treats–challenges your dog’s or parrot’s mind, preventing boredom. Plus, it gives them something to show off to friends and family for further praise!

3. Make sure your pet gets plenty of playtime and physical exercise. Physical exercise keeps pets from building up restless energy and keeps them at a healthy weight. Play chase games with your cat around the house or peek-a-boo with your parrot. Take dogs for regular walks or hikes (or hire Merry Petsto help!), or try an agility course for fun.

4. Supply activities or toys that challenge their minds. Making pets solve puzzles or work for their food stimulates their minds and their tastebuds. Place food bowls in different places around the house for your cat to keep his hunting instincts in tact. Attach a foraging toy to a parrot’s cage or hide a treat in a puzzle toy or maze toy to challenge dogs or cats to retrieve them.

Foraging toys help pets that naturally graze keep their minds active. Photo by Northern Parrots.

5. Provide social time. Social interaction keeps you and your pet bonded and keeps boredom at bay. Introducing your pets to new games, people or places keeps their minds active as they take in new stimuli. According to Cesar Millan, “Every time your dog meets a new person or fellow canine, they are introduced to new sights, sounds and butts to sniff. Taking your pup to places like the dog park will provide him with ample opportunity to engage his senses.” Don’t hesitate to ask Merry Pets to help by taking your dog on a group hike or dog park trip!

4 Tips for Optimal Pet Nutrition

A healthy pet is a happy pet! And experts recommend many things for keeping pets physically healthy, including making sure they have vaccinations and regular checkups and get good exercise and nutrition. Read on for four tips for optimal pet nutrition to to keep your pet healthy and happy.

1. Provide clean water. Like humans, pets need clean water to drink to keep the systems in their bodies working well. While pets can get water/moisture from some of their food (such as wet food for dogs and cats and fruits and veggies for lizards, rodents and birds), providing clean drinking water each day will help them stay hydrated and healthy.

Providing clean drinking water in clean dishes helps pets stay healthy and hydrated. Photo from Discover Magazine.

2. Give your pet a balanced diet. Pets get most of their nutrition from their food and treats, so choose a quality food that provides a balance of the nutrients they need. Reptiles, rabbits and birds need fresh fruits and veggies daily, but aside from that, table food is rarely good for pets, and many can be toxic. Do your research to avoid giving your pets food that can be toxic to them, and consult with your vet to find the right balanced diet for them.

3. Supply essential vitamins and minerals. Vitamins and minerals help your pet’s metabolic functions. Most vitamins will be provided by a balanced diet, unless your vet diagnoses a vitamin deficiency that requires supplements to balance. It may be important to provide minerals to some pets, such as salt licks to rabbits and horses, and cuttlebones to birds.

Salt licks help horses and rabbits absorb essential minerals for their health. Photo by PBS.

4. Include essential fats. Fats give pets energy and provide protection for internal organs, and maintaining a healthy level can help keep skin problems at bay. Many pet foods include essential fats, but adding some in the form of coconut or palm oil may be important to maintain healthy levels.

Follow these steps and consult with your veterinarian to for optimal pet nutrition for your pet’s health and happiness.

Essential Apps for Pet Parents

Mobile apps make keeping track of your appointments, contacts and social media easy–and they can help you keep your pet happy and healthy, too. With these mobile apps available for Android and iPhone, you can track your pets’ health and whereabouts, keep them entertained and even train them. Read on to discover Merry Pets‘ picks for essential free apps for pet owners you can download and start using today.

Health & Wellbeing

Pet First Aid from The American Red Cross

Be prepared to answer everyday pet first aid questions with this app, full of professional advice from vets. Check it out in your phone’s app store to be prepared for emergencies today.

Symptom Checker by Pet MD

If you’re concerned about your cat’s limp, your dog’s sneezing or anything else, check symptoms on the this app, full of 2000 useful articles to give you more info to help your pet.

Check your pet’s health on your mobile phone with these apps from Pet MD and The American Red Cross. Photo by My Pet.

Tracking & Training

Tagg by Whistle

Track your pet’s whereabouts from your phone with this easy-to-use app. It works with a tracking device you put on your pet’s collar to give you peace of mind about her whereabouts.

Dog Whistler by Mobeezio Inc.

This convenient app allows you to switch the whistle around your neck with one in your phone to help you train your dog.

Entertainment

Cat Fishing by Nestle Purina Petcare Company

Exercise your cat’s mind and keep her entertained with this fun, free game app, which swirls fish around on a screen for her to try to catch.

Dog Translator by Ronald Bell

Amuse yourself with this free app by recording your dog’s bark and seeing what the translation says. See if it matches what your feel your dog is trying to communicate.

3 Tips for Flea & Tick Prevention

You see your pup or cat scratching and think, “Uh oh. Fleas?” And you may be right. Fleas and ticks can be a health problem for a variety of pets year-round, but they tend to thrive in warmer weather. Aside from the skin irritation they bring you and your pets, these pesky insects also bring other diseases along with them, such as tapeworms and Lyme Disease. Since an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, read on for several ounces of tips to keep you and your pets healthy and pest-free.

Fleas and ticks come in from the outside but they live inside, too. Photo by Wired.

Tip #1: Make your home hard for pests to live in. Fleas and ticks are resourceful and hardy, and they love to live in and outside of your home. One of the best ways to keep them off you and your pets is to disrupt their environments, both inside and outside.

To prevent fleas & ticks outside your home:

• Regularly clean your pet’s outdoor habitat, home and bedding.

• Keep yard weeds and plants from getting overgrown.

• Rake or sweep up piles of debris, weeds and yard clippings where fleas and ticks love to live and breed.

• Don’t feed wild or feral animals, who carry and transmit ticks and fleas.

• Clean shady and cool areas where these pests hide, such as patio corners, garages, under decks and porches, etc.

• Clean out and treat your car with pest prevention products if your pets or yard equipment spend time in them.

To prevent fleas & ticks inside your home:

• Regularly clean your pet’s indoor habitat, carrier and bedding.

• Vacuum thoroughly and regularly, especially entry/high traffic areas and where your pet sleeps. Studies show that vacuuming alone can remove up for 50% of flea eggs. Be sure to move full vacuum bags quickly outside.

• Clean shady and cool areas where these pests hide, such as basements, cellars, baseboards, under furniture and inside drapery folds, etc.

• Use foggers or carpet powders to treat your home for fleas, ticks and eggs your regular cleaning may have missed.

Tip #2: Use prevention products for pets. Keeping your home environment clean will help fleas and ticks be in limited supply, but using products specially designed for this purpose will keep them away even more effectively. There’s a variety of great sprays, pills, topical products and even anti-flea collars that will be very useful in keeping these pests off your pets. Consult with your veterinarian to find the best product for your pet.

Tip #3: Prevent pests with regular grooming. Keeping all your family members–both human and fur–clean and well groomed will help nip fleas and ticks in the bud and prevent them from spreading. After being outside, especially camping or hiking, check everyone for ticks, which can hide easily and then burrow into the skin. Use a flea comb regularly on your dog, cat, rabbit or other pets to weed out both adults and eggs. And make sure to regularly bathe your pets using anti-flea shampoo to keep their coats free from these bugs.

Keep these tips in mind to keep you and your pets free from the irritation and disease of fleas and ticks.

2 Ways Pets Reduce Your Stress

Being a pet owner is rewarding in a lot of ways, but did you also know it can reduce your stress? Between scientific studies and stories from pet parents around the globe, there’s lots of evidence that pets bring stress reduction just as effective as meditation and yoga.

1. Companion animals relax us. Being a pet parent promotes relaxation and eases any anxiety you have about the pressures of life or your to-do list. The companionship and love from animals give you emotional comfort, but there’s physical ways they relax you,too. When you look at their adorable faces, oxytocin, the “love hormone” from your brain, is released, making your heart happy. And whether you walk your dog or play with your cat, the exercise you do with them increases endorphins in your brain to relax you. Additionally, several studies have found that petting or playing with your pet increases dopamine and serotonin in your brain, chemicals that calm and relax you, too.

Playing with your pet helps you relax. Photo by Yoppy.

2. Pets can also help you worry less. Watching your pet for any amount of time will show you they are amazing examples of finding joy in the simple things and enjoying the moment. Companion animals don’t worry about deadlines or stress about bills. Following your pet’s example to live in the moment can help you be more mindful, lowering your overall stress as well as your blood pressure.

Prepare a Pet First Aid Kit

Just like humans, pets sometimes get scrapes and other injuries that need quick attention. Preparing and stocking a pet first aid kit will help you be ready for quick action when trouble strikes. We at Merry Pets take pet first aid education at the American Red Cross and carry first aid kits with us to be ready in case of injury. You can easily purchase a pet first aid kit online, but if you’re interested in doing it yourself, grab a small container and stock it with the following basics:

• A list of important phone numbers, such as your vet, 24-hour emergency vets and poison control.

• Quick-reference guide to pet first aid for reference

• Gauze pads and rolls

• Adhesive tape

• Cornstarch (to mix with water to stop bleeding)

• Pet-safe antiseptic wipes

• Saline solution

• Ice pack

• Tweezers

• Clean rag

• Rectal thermometer and petroleum jelly

Purchase or put together a pet first aid kit to be prepared in case of injury.

To build a more involved check out the comprehensive list of supplies from the Humane Society online. Whether your pet first aid kit is simple or complex, having one on hand will save you time, help reduce stress and can even be a lifesaver.

3 New Year’s Resolutions You Can Make (and Keep!) with Your Pet

A new year is here, and, with it, comes the opportunity for new beginnings for you and your pets. If you’ve ever tried to set a New Year’s resolution, you know that they are easier to make than to keep. And you know that having a buddy with a similar resolution helps you keep your own. Why not work on resolutions along with your pet for bonding, enjoyment and better accountability? Here are three ideas to try together.

Resolution idea #1: Serve others. Put a smile on people’s faces in the new year by choosing a charity or cause you and your pet can volunteer for and help with. Try:

• volunteering to walk dogs at the local shelter or rescue together

• a 5K walk or fun run to raise money for a charity you believe in

• going through training to become a certified therapy animal certified to visit those who are ill and in need of cheering up.

Going on a fun run with your dog can help you bond while you raise money for a good cause. Photo by Mauna Kea Realty.

Resolution idea #2: Get active. Everyone can do with a little more activity and fun in their lives. Look for ways you and your pet can get out and walk, hike or play more to get your blood flowing, your heart rate up, and be healthier overall.

Resolution idea #3: Try new tricks. Learning and trying new things helps both you and your pet expand your mind, be flexible and have fun. Try some of these new things this year:

• Get a new hobby (working in the yard, puzzles, agility, etc.),

• Take a new route on your walk or hike,

• Change your scenery by taking a trip together to a new place.

Take your pet on a road trip to change up your scenery and learn something new this year. Photo by Bone Jour Pet Supply.

Working together on resolutions with your pet can help you be closer, healthier and happier. Have fun together with resolutions this year!

3 D.I.Y. St. Patrick’s Day Treats for Your Pets

St. Patrick’s Day is around the corner, and that usually means tasty treats for humans like shepherd’s pie and green beer. But who says humans should have all the fun for this festive holiday? Give your pets a little luck of the Irish with these tasty and fun St. Patty’s Day treat ideas.

1. Top it with green. Turn everyday treats into a St. Patrick’s delights by adding a layer of pet-safe green icing! Just follow this recipe from Entirely Pets to mix yogurt, milk and tapioca starch together; add a dash of natural green food coloring, and voila! You can top any hard treat with green icing for a festive twist.

2. Give them gluten-free green cookies. Mint and parsley not only give these these tummy-friendly treats their green color–they help your pooch’s breath stay minty fresh for the holiday! Mix these few ingredients following the recipe from Downtown Native for a taste-o’-the-Irish cookie that helps even allergy-ridden pooches celebrate in style.

3. Try green libations. Not all St. Patrick’s Day treats need to be edible – some can be drinkable. Like we do with human beer, you can add natural green food coloring to beer for dogs. Or, try sharing a green smoothie with these recipes from Dogster to celebrate the holiday while increasing both of your veggie intake.

They look so good you could eat them up!