Flea Season – Summer means the dreaded flea season. Fleas are most attracted to weak or unhealthy animals, so the healthier your pet is, the less attractive she/he will be to fleas. While even the best nutritional program will not always prevent flea infestation, good nutrition and exercise is a great start. There are measures you can take for removing the fleas from your pet without toxic chemicals. Grooming and bathing are the two best ways of getting rid of fleas and then applying a flea-killing/repellent to your pet. We recommend an all natural spray, perfect for cats and dogs, that repels and kills fleas, ticks and mosquitoes on contact called ‘Flea Flicker! Tick Kicker‘ by Ark Naturals.

Water Toys – Whether playing with your dog in the backyard or at the lake, a must have toy is the ‘Bumi Flex Dog Toy‘. In addition to helping dogs get a great workout, Bumi’s design makes the toy fly far, float, twist, flexes out to twice its length and is easy for dogs to carry in their mouths. They are made in the USA, 100% recyclable, non-toxic and dishwasher safe. The bright colors make them easy to spot in the water, grass or snow. Summer Travel – If you are traveling with your pets, it is a good idea to check out the Veterinary clinics/hospitals in the area you are visiting, before a need arises. It is always better to be prepared for any emergency and not have one happen than to panic in an emergency situation, wasting valuable time. Don’t forget to pack your pets medication, special treats and their favorite blanket. A stylish tote for all your goodies would be a ‘Rhinestone Tote Bag‘. Great for the ‘Dog Mom’, ‘Cat Mom’ & ‘Rescue Mom’.

Summer Weather – Thunderstorms and fireworks are part of summer which means loud noises. First and foremost, make sure your pet is safe. If you are away, arrange to have a friend or neighbor check in on your pet during extreme weather to make sure he/she hasn’t done anything out of the ordinary due to stress and fear that could risk injury. Another option is the ‘Thundershirt‘. The Thundershirt is an excellent treatment for most types of dog anxiety and fear issues.

Have a safe and fun summer experience!

After a long winter with little outdoor activity, you and your pets readily welcome spring. While we realize cleaning and organizing are year-round chores with pets, there are a few, sometimes forgotten, tasks that should be on every spring cleaning checklist.

Clean the bedding and upholstery – After months of time inside the home, pet odors, oil, dust and dirt have ways of making a house dull, dingy and even smelly. There are many vacuums out there to choose from but we have discovered the Dyson DC31 Animal Complete and would never use anything else. It removes dust, allergens and pet hair from the home like nothing else can. Once your furniture is clean consider adding a Luxury Throver. Throvers’ look like a luxury throw blanket and work like a tough tarp. Another idea to limit pet hair, dirt and dander from getting on your bed would be a Quilted Bed Scarf…traditional high end hotel design to protect your bed linens.

Inventory your pet gear, toys and treats - Inspect the gear your pet relies on. Check your collars, leashes and harnesses for signs of wear and replace them as needed. Add a new ComfortFlex Sport Harness or maybe it is time to get that Swarovisk Crystal Lead you have always wanted. Make sure your have a reliable Carrier for your pet before it is time to hit the road. The A.U.T.O Designer Pet Carrier and the Aviator 3 in 1 Carrier are two we highly recommend. These two carriers are perfect for both Dogs and Cats.  Also, check the expiration dates on the treats you have on hand. Consider something new and healthy for your pets such as Just Chicken Treats for cats and dogs. This freeze-dried chicken treat is a high-protein treat that will make your pets sit up and beg for more!

Replace your Pets bedding with a new, clean and comfy bed – Your pets’ bed should be cleaned on a regular basis. Check for wear, flat spots, stuffing coming out, smells and stains that won’t come clean…etc. We understand you want your pets’ bed to reflect your style while being comfortable and cozy for them. For pet’s that love to sleep on your bed, why not treat them to a bed of their own. The Classic Paws Pet Beds come in several styles that are sure to complement your home decor and make for a comfortable (yet stylish) bed for your pet. Cats love a bed they can not only nap in but they can play on, in and around it such as the Decorative Cat Hut. You can stack several units as a play tower.

Prepare for flea and tick season before it starts – Unless your pets use a flea, tick or parasite preventative year-around, early spring requires a prevention plan. Whether opting for prescription preventatives, over the counter or all natural flea and tick repellents, it is necessary to plan early and adequately before fleas and ticks arrive. A natural botanical alternative to chemical pesticides in controlling fleas and ticks is the Flea Flicker! Tick Kicker! Spray.

Remember at the end of the day you are your pets guardian. Your four-legged family members count on you to make the best decisions.

Now you are ready to welcome your pets back into the house and enjoy the short time you have before they mess it all up again…and you wouldn’t have it any other way.

Use stain resistant fabrics such as Crypton. Crypton is a synthetic fabric that is stain, moisture, microbial and odor resistant. It is easy to spot clean and machine washable.

One idea with this super fabric is a Luxury Throver for the sofa or chair. These versatile, reversible go anywhere throws are pretty and protect wherever you put it. Or keep a Travel Camping Mat in the car at all times. These mats roll up for stow-and-go ease and make it very portable.

Pet hair is inevitable…why fight it, just vacuum regularly. A product we wouldn’t live without is the Dyson DC14 Animal. Pet hair attracts dirt wherever it sits…floors, beds and furniture. You may think your home is clean until you use a Dyson Vacuum. Amazing!

 Another way to handle pet hair is to just embrace it as these Platters and Mug suggest .

Groom your pets often. Brushing regularly removes loose hair before it ends up on your floor, your bed, pillows, curtains etc… (brings us back to the Dyson). It is easier and more fun for all to clean your pets than your upholstery. A great universal product for Cats and Dogs is the Earthbath Hypo-Allergenic & Fragrance Free Wipes. They safely and easily wipe away dirt, dander and odor between baths.

If your pets sleep with you, you know there will be accidents. Protect your mattress by using a thick mattress pad and use cotton sheets. Duvet covers work best since you can take them off and wash them regularly. Add a decorative, yet practical, Quilted Bed Scarf for your pet. These Quilted Bed Scarfs have the traditional hotel design to protect expensive bed linens from dirt, pet hair and dander. They come in several colors to compliment any decor.

Consider pet tidy treats and toys. There are all kinds of treats for your dogs such as rawhide bones but they are a bad idea for your home. They smell bad and are coated in nitrates and leave a greasy stain on your floors and furniture.

It is important to provide something for your dog to chew on. A much better alternative are durable, non-toxic toys such as the Bumi Flex Dog Toy by West Paw Designs.

Another great choice are nature’s own chew toy…Antlers! Unlike processed bones, Antlers are safe, they do not chip and will not splinter. They are clean, no residue and will not stain. Antlers are naturally shed. 

For cats, an alternative to the homely, carpet-covered scratching posts and plywood climbing trees is the Deluxe Double Seat Cat Perch. American craftsman styling presents clean, simple design to complement any decor. Perfect for Kitty to perch, nap and scratch.

There are many wonderful products and ideas to combine your home decor with your pet lifestyle needs.

There are a few reasons why tear stains occur and also ways to help treat them!

The most common reason for tear stains is – surprise! – genetics. You will frequently find that one, or both, of your dog’s parents also had this issue. Similar to other hereditary problems, such as arthritis, excessive eye moisture is passed down through your dog’s genes.

It’s also interesting to note that tear stains are nearly always found on breeds with more ‘bulging’ eyes (ex. Chihuahuas, Pugs), long facial hair (ex. Yorkies, Schnauzers), and facial wrinkles (ex. English Bulldogs). It is believed that dogs with protruding eyes produce above-average eyeball moisture due to the fact that their eyes are more easily exposed to things such as dry or fast moving air, debris, and so on. Dogs with longer facial hair, though they may not produce excessive eye moisture, can show tear stains for the simple fact that the excess hair around their eyes ‘wicks up’ the moisture. Long hair around the eyes can also cause irritation to the surface of the eye which will cause the eyeball to water more frequently. For our canine buddies with excess skin and skin folds, the folds are a breeding ground for yeast and have a habit of trapping moisture.

Where there is moisture, there is yeast, which is a bacteria. It is the yeast that causes the brownish-reddish discoloration of the fur around the eyes. This discoloration can also be spotted around your dog’s genitals or between their toes where moisture is prevalent.

By the way, have you ever noticed the scent of your dog’s feet? It’s most easily noticed when your dog is tired or sleeping and stems from the depressions around their pads and between their toes. Some people have described the scent as smelling like “corn chips” and most dog owners find it to be a pleasant, comforting smell. No matter what your feelings are about your pup’s smelly feet, the odor you smell is actually yeast.

Pet stores and vet offices may carry a few different products for removing tear stains, but we’ve found John Paul’s Ear & Eye Pet Wipes to be the best choice. This product not only does a wonderful job at removing stains, but it also helps to prevent stains from reoccurring and has the dual purpose of cleaning your dog’s ears as well (another icky spot for dirt and bacteria to hide). This solution uses sea water as a natural astringent, Boric Acid as a mild antiseptic, and Aloe Vera for soothing hydration to sensitive areas.

Given the dilemma of never ending pet hair in our homes, can interior design and pet hair be a working combination?  You bet! We’ll show you how to make it work…

First Step: Start at the source!

By brushing your pet on a regular basis, you’re not only reducing the amount of “surface hair” (or, “topcoat”) that’s waiting to fall on your floor and furniture, but you’re also helping to prevent future shedding by removing hair from the deeper “undercoat”. Hair management aside, routine brushing has many mental and physical health benefits for your pet. From relaxation and strengthening the animal-human bond, to stimulating capillaries and promoting blood flow to muscles and joints – regular brushing is a win-win for everyone! (And let us not forget that it also helps us work on our patience!)

There are a ton of grooming tools and brushes on the market, but there are only two types of brushes that we recommend: a soft nubbed brush and an edged brush. It doesn’t matter if you have a dog or cat, or a long-hair or short-hair, these are the only brush types you will need to successfully manage your pet’s shedding!  We love the Kong Dog Zoom Groom Brush with its soft, massaging nubs and comfort grip for our hands and the Furminator for its miraculous ability to remove loose fur from the undercoat so well that it reduces shedding by up to 90%! Buy these two brushes and vow to use them both on your pet several times per week or daily, depending on your pet’s breed and shedding situation, and enjoy seeing much less hair around your home!

Second Step: Choose your fabrics and colors wisely!

Furniture, carpets, rugs, linens and the like present the perfect opportunity to help your pet’s hair blend into your home rather than stick out like a sore thumb. Choose fabrics that release pet hair easier so that vacuuming, washing or wiping them actually removes the hair. Fabrics such as microsuede, flannel, corduroy, velvet and wool are the worst culprits when it comes to being pet hair magnets – avoid these at all costs!

Choose colors that are similar to the color of your pet’s fur. If your pet is multi-colored, aim for selecting patterns with integrated colors that are similar to the colors found in your pet’s fur. If your pet is darker, avoid light colors and vice versa. If you have a black Lab, avoid white, ivory, beige, yellow and tan like the plague, and instead select black, dark grey, rich greens, deep browns, dark blues and other similar colors.

Third Step: Protect, defend and plan!

Wondering how you’re going to afford to buy all new furniture now? Don’t sweat it! Thanks to today’s mind-boggling selection of covers for chairs, sofas, loveseats and more, you don’t have to buy brand new furniture – just slip on a brand new cover!

We absolutely LOVE slipcovers; they not only protect and preserve furniture and help pet hair be less conspicuous, but they’re easy to clean and also drastically expand choices for home decor by allowing you to change colors, patterns, fabrics and styles, and all while being highly affordable!  Furniture covers are readily available at stores such as Wal-Mart, Target, Bath Bath & Beyond, or can even be selectively ordered from slipcover specialists such as SureFit.

You can also help minimize your pet’s hair on furniture, bedding and clothes by providing your precious pooch or pretty kitty with their very own, and very accessible, lounging spots. If they have their own, it will help them stay away from yours. This is especially true if you place their own little VIP areas near where you or the family hang out so that your pet doesn’t feel lonely and wanders back over to the soft spot on the couch.

Give them their own comfy beds or blankets in key areas of the house such as the living room, family room, den and bedroom. You can entice them to stick to their own lounge areas by keeping toys, favorite items, treats, or even a water bowl right next to their spot. For cats and smaller dogs, consider adding a heating pad, hot water bottle, microwavable bean sacks, or a self-heating pet bed to provide the warmth that they find so addicting. (No matter how much we think they love us, they’ll choose a warm spot over us any day!)

Browse our selection of designer pet beds for dogs and puppies or designer pet beds for cats and kittens to find a large variety of pet beds suitable for every type of interior design or home decor style!

Fourth Step: Embrace the pet hair! (Not the same as giving up, mind you)

Maybe you’re proud to be your neighborhood’s “Crazy Cat Lady” or “That Dog Guy”. Maybe you’ve boldly decided that you will no longer let pet hair dictate your mood. Maybe you’ve raised your hand in declaration that no longer will you be embarrassed that your guests prefer to stand when they come to visit. In that case, we salute you! And, we support you, too!

Proudly show that your furniture belongs to your pets just as much as it does to you with bone shaped throw pillows, luxury throvers, and quilted bed scarves that make your furniture as pet-friendly as people-friendly.

Or, better yet, publicly show your embrace of pet hair with the quirky and humorous dog hair mug, cat hair mug, dog hair platter or cat hair platter.

Whether you choose to carefully design the interior of your home to help combat pet hair or vow to never buy another one of those “sticky rollers” while sipping your morning coffee from your “Everything tastes better with dog hair in it” coffee mug, you have to admit – our pet’s shedding is a very small sacrifice compared to the overwhelming love and joy they bring into our lives!

In our selection of contemporary pet bowls and dishes, you’ll find everything from ceramic to stainless steel, stoneware to elegant wood, and just about everything in between. Material, design and color all have a role of importance in choosing feeders, but the only feeder type that provides actual health benefits to your dog are raised feeders. Raised dog feeders, or elevated dog feeders, allow your dog to eat while maintaining a natural stance. By having their head, neck and back elevated while they eat, it promotes better digestion, helps minimize the amount of air being swallowed, and puts less stress on joints.

It’s a common misunderstanding that raised dog feeders are meant mostly for large, tall dogs, but today’s elevated feeders come in a wide variety of sizes and heights, some even adjustable, to accommodate dogs of all sizes, including puppies!

Our Recommendations in Raised Dog Feeders

MACY’S MAHOGANY STAINED RAISED FEEDER SET

This set is perfect for homes with a more natural, rustic décor where rich colored wood is an important element. Featuring removable stainless steel bowls, it is available in two sizes (small 5.5″ height and large 10″ height) for larger, senior dogs and smaller breed dogs, or even cats!

>> Learn more about or purchase this Mahogany Feeder Set

MESHIDAI RAISED DOUBLE FEEDER SET

Here’s another gorgeous wooden feeder set that’s well-suited for a natural, eastern themed décor that celebrates neat, clean lines and asian simplicity.  This double raised feeder set is available in four sizes from Extra Small to Large, two choices of finish, and comes with two white heavy ceramic bowls.

>> Learn more about or purchase this Meshidai Raised Feeder

MAX’S RAISED METAL FEEDERS

For more modern chic or country home decor, this metal raised dog feeder – which is styled like wrought iron – is a perfect addition to your home! It comes with two stoneware bowls, each 2 cups each, and the raised feeder itself is 6″. Perfect for small to medium sized dogs!

>> Learn more about or purchase this Max’s Metal Raised Feeder

SET THE TABLE RAISED DOG FEEDERS

These raised dog feeders by “Set The Table” are excellent additions to modern, contemporary, chic or country home decor. You can choose between the “Gizmo” size of 3″ height or the “Toby” size of 8″, both sizes specifically designed without bowls so that you can select your own color and style of bowls for these sets!

>> Learn more about or purchase the Set The Table Raised Pet Feeders

Our Vote Is For Raised Dog Feeders Every Time!

There are a multitude of different sizes, shapes, materials and styles when it comes to raised dog feeders, or elevated dog feeders, but we’ve just shared with you our Top 4 favorites based on craftsmanship and design.  Feel free to browse our whole selection of contemporary bowls and dishes for pets here at Max & Plugs to find what is perfect for you.  Just keep in mind the benefits of providing your pets with raised feeders as they get our vote every time!

Break out the Hoodies!
For you and your pup!  Everyone loves a good, warm, comfortable hoodie or sweater to wear around the house or out on those cool morning walks in the fall.  This adorable Argyle dog sweater will look great on your pup and will keep him warm on his morning potty break as well.  Our faux suede jacket is also great as something lighter weight but cozy to add a little warmth for your dog.  No one likes to be outside in the cold air long.  Fashion your pup with this little sweater or fuzzy jacket and he’ll have no qualms with sniffing around a few extra minutes with you!

You need to make sure you’re warm as well!  Our Adopt a Friend and Good Dog hoodies are perfect!  These are great for your morning walks or to wear while out at those evening football games.   Once the sun goes down, the temperature drops and you don’t want to be stuck outside in that cool air!  These hoodies are thick, comfortable and doubled up on the cozy!  Plus, who doesn’t like to brag about their pet?

What about your lounge wear?  No more shorts and tank tops for your pajamas anymore, unless you want to freeze!  Cuddle up on the couch with a warm blanket in front of the fire inside of a nice comfy robe, like our Cat Applique robe.  Its thick, cotton fabric will make you want to cozy up and never leave that couch!

Don’t worry, guys, we didn’t forget about you!  Relaxing is important for our men too and what better way to get comfortable than in a pair of pajama bottoms.  Our blue cotton flannel pajama bottoms are so comfy, you might forget you’re wearing them!  These are sure to please and make those fall evenings even better.

Get Your Decorating On!
Fall is a great time to use some of your creative talents and decorate your home with cool, unique accents.  No creativity, you say?  No worries!  We’re here to help!

Some neat decorating ideas we’ve seen are to use natural elements in your decorating – and it’s cheap too!  Go to a local park, your backyard, some woods around your home, wherever and find some acorns or pinecones and collect them.  Take them home, clean them up a bit to get off any dirt, bugs or leaf parts that may be hanging on.  You can then display them as a centerpiece to your table, coffee table or make some accents for shelves, end tables and desks.  You can even add a little extra element by purchasing a strand of battery operated lights to add to the piece.  Try adding some colored stones to help direct the light through the center of the piece and add more color to your project.  These stones can be purchased at craft stores such as JoAnn Fabrics or Michaels.  You can also look for fake fall leaves at these places to add in with your natural elements as well.

Great idea, right?  But what do you use as the container for your new centerpiece?  We have some great items, such as our crystal jars etched with paw prints or our crystal bowls etched with paw prints.  Buy a whole set or even one or two of each to mix and match and try out different displays in each container.  The possibilities are endless!

No matter what you wear or how you decorate, enjoy these autumn months!  Winter will be upon us soon enough and we’ll be bundling up even more to keep warm.

Whether you are decorating, entertaining or retreating to the solitude of your favorite room in the house, your home can reflect your pet lifestyle in a very stylish way.  A beautiful yet durable throw on your couch such as a Luxury Throver not only can add style and color to your décor it can be used as a wrap when you want to cuddle on the couch with a good book or movie. It then can be can be used for your dogs and cats to cuddle with you without getting the furniture dirty or covered in fur. Add a fun throw pillow such as an Embroidered Accent Pillow that says; “Home is Where My Dog Is” or “Love Me Love My Cat“ and you are set for an evening in.

Or how about next time you entertain friends and family you include a few pieces of bar or dinner ware such as Wine Bottle Cheese Server and some fun and whimsical Wine Glasses. Great conversation pieces that reflect who you are.

Pet lifestyle accent pieces can be include in every room of the home, such as a Cat or Dog Luminary in the powder rooms and kids room for a warm nightlight effect, Figurine Fans in the office or kitchen to keep things cool (both temperature and style) and Paw Picture Frames are perfect for living rooms, office, night stands and walls that showcase family (human and furry), friends and good times.

Look around your home.  Does it reflect the love you have for your pets and animals?  Does it reflect your pet lifestyle (besides the toys on the floor). Don’t you think it should?

Here are some Pet Treat’s Dos and Don’t:

1. Go easy (or avoid altogether) with giving your pets people food. Look for treats for your pets made with human-grade ingredients such as I Smell Bacon Biscuits for your dog or Extra Large Dried Bonito Flakes for Kitty.
2. Vets advise limiting treats to 10% of your pet’s total daily calories. Some treats can weigh in at more than 75 calories each!
3. Cats need fewer calories than dogs of the same size. Tailor your treating habits accordingly. Healthy, Edible Grass is a good low-calorie option. Your cat also may enjoy toys that encourage him to chase and hunt.
4. Avoid toxic foods: Avocados, grapes, walnuts, coffee, onions and chocolate, to name a few, can be toxic to cats and dogs. If you are worried your pet may have eaten something toxic, call Animal Poison Control Center 888-426-4435.
5. Make your own pet treats. A great cookbook such as The Organic Dog Biscuit Cookbook is loaded with ‘sure to love’ treats you make at home. Get a fun pet shaped cookie cutter to make your treats even that more special. Try our tasty *‘Frosty Paws’ recipe below for a perfect summer time treat. Or you can get tasty home-made treat kits such as PetCakes Kits. It is a good idea to run any recipe by your vet first, especially if your pet has health issues.
6. Certain pet treats can do double-duty by helping to keep your pets teeth healthy. Ask your vet about safe chew toys like the Bumi Flex Dog Toy and dental diet approved kibble.
7. Treats can encourage exercise. Some toys are made so you can hide a treat inside them. An example is the Extreme Kong Dog Toy. Your pup has to play, paw and tussle the toy to retrieve his yummy reward.
8. The best treat for your pet is…You! Making time daily to play with your cat or dog helps them bond with you, keeps them fit and bans boredom.

So give your pets a treat…just make sure they are safe and given in moderation. We offer a variety of treats for both your Pup and Kitty but keep in mind their favorite treat is you!

* Home Made Frosty Paws Recipe

Thank you to ‘Camp Run-A-Pup‘ for sharing this wonderful summer time Treat recipe. Let us know how your pets love them!

Ingredients Needed:

* 1 large container (32 oz) of low-fat, plain yogurt

* 3 handfuls of fresh (organic is best) blueberries

* 1 banana

* 2 tbsp of peanut butter

* Other fruit possibilities – like apple slices, orange slices, pineapple slices….

Instructions: Chop up the banana in small pieces (or mash) and mix all ingredients together. Place the mixture in ice cube trays and freeze for about 3 hours. Once frozen, run hot water over the underside of the trays, pop out the Frosty Paws, and serve. That’s it! For fun, use bone or paw-shaped ice cube trays.

Each spring during “Kitten Season” thousands of newborn kittens join the millions of cats already in shelters across the country. That means your local shelter has tons of cute, cuddly newborns, in addition to all the wonderful mellow, older cats and everything in between. Shelter staff are ready to help you adopt your very first cat — or to bring home a friend for another beloved cat!

There are many benefits to having two cats, but they apply only when the two cats are well matched and have enough physical space to live together comfortably. For one, two cats provide each other with exercise, social interaction, and mental stimulation. Cats housed together have more opportunity to “just be cats” by socializing and playing with each other, and this means they are less likely to be destructive or engage in other problematic behaviors. Another benefit of having two cats is that they are sometimes cleaner than “single” cats. Cats will groom each others ears and coats, often getting at places they can’t reach on their own!

It’s also important to be aware that sometimes cats can take a long time to learn to like each other. Dogs usually decide to be friends, or not, within a few hours or days. Cats, on the other hand, can take as long as a year to stop squabbling and start hanging out together…so be patient.

If you are adopting a cat who has already lived in a group at the shelter, consider adopting one of his or her friends. Introducing two friends to a new home can ease the transition, and you’ll be much more likely to have a successful merger.

The American Humane Association estimates four million cats and kittens end up in the shelters every year.

Shelters become overwhelmed with new litters of kittens each spring and summer. To highlight this overcrowding issue, the American Humane Association has promoted Adopt a Cat Month® since 1975. Shelters across the country participate in the cause including the ASPCA, with their Adopt A Shelter Cat Month Event.

CHECK LIST WHEN ADOPTING A CAT

1. If you’re thinking about adopting a cat, consider taking home two.
2. Find a cat whose personality meshes with yours.
3. Pick out a veterinarian ahead of time and schedule a visit within the first few days following the adoption.
4. Make sure everyone in the house is prepared to have a cat before it comes home.
5. Budget for the short- and long-term costs of a cat.
6. Stock up on supplies before the cat arrives.
7. Cat-proof your home.
8. Go slowly when introducing your cat to new friends and family.
9. Be sure to include your new pet in your family’s emergency plan.
10. If you’re considering giving a cat as a gift, make sure the recipient is an active participant in the adoption process.

source: American Humane Association & ASCPA