The Importance of Managing Our Pets Weight

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As many of us know, the importance of managing and watching ourown weight is vital to our health. Well, it’s just as important to watch our pet’s weight- but many pet owners are slacking in this department. 


In the past 5 years, the number of overweight cats has increased90%, and the number of overweight dogs has increased by 37%. Not impressed?Last year, veterinarians of Banfield Pet Hospitals reportedly saw over 2million dogs and nearly 430,000 cats. “It’s an epidemic,” says Dr. Jeffery Klausner, medical director for Bandfield. 



Although it’s the animals who are overweight, it’s the owners who are directly responsible. It is important for animal owners to schedule routine visits with the vet to check on their pets health conditions. 


By visiting your veterinarian regularly, you could prevent your pet from harmful diseases, such as arthritis, diabetes, and kidney disease. 


Click HERE to find out other facts and figures about pet obesity. For a full line of pet supplies including healthy food options,visit AllPet.com.  

2011 List of Household Items Ingested By Pets!

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It isn’t unusual- if you have a pet- that at one point or another you’ve pulled an object out of their mouth! Every year, a list is generated by Veterinary Pet Insurance that announces all the objects that were ingested by pets. In the 2010 list, there were 2000 claims for events in which a pet consumed something they weren’t supposed to and needed veterinary care. This cost pet owners about $3 million!

 

The number of claims made by pet owners in 2011 shot to 6500 and the cost of care climbed to $5.2 million! The 2011 list contained many household items along with some unusual ones including a dead porcupine, a rat swallowed whole, two foot wire hangers, 100 rocks, fish hook and line, three needles, a package of fluorescent light bulbs, a box of razor blades, deer antlers and a dental retainer!

When pets swallow these items, it becomes a huge risk for them. A majority of these items cannot be digested or passed thru the intestines and therefore results in obstruction.

It is important for pet owners to “pet-proof” their homes and outdoor property. Any items that can be a risk to your pet should be kept out of their reach and especially off the floor.

Has your pet ever ingested anything harmful? Let us know on All Pet’s Facebook page linked here!

What Kind of Pet Would Best Fit Your Family?

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Pets are amongst one of the many things that children want. However, many parents are apprehensive about letting their child get one, no matter what the type. Several parents have a hard time deciding what kind of pet would be the best fit for their family.

Recently, a number of people who have been infected by salmonella are linking this issue to their pet turtles! The number of cases has increased from 66 in March to 127 in May, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Amongst these cases, two-thirds of those infected were under the age of ten. 

Who knew that a small little turtle could bring about so many health issues? Many parents think sticking with a cat or dog is always a safe bet, however, not all breeds are kid-friendly and possess many potential risks for children. Parents also think about smaller pets like hamsters or rabbits because they seem to be easier for a child to care for. Although, when it comes to cleaning the hamster or rabbit cage, these tiny animals quickly become extremely troublesome.

Do you have any tips about what pet best suites a family? Let us know!

Expecting a Baby? Prepare your Home & Pet for the New Addition!

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When families are expecting a new baby, often times they have to prepare their homes and make many changes to accommodate their new little one. A baby changes your world and environment, along with your pets! 

After bringing home a new baby, there are many new smells, scents, sounds and routines that can cause some anxiety and behavior changes for your pet. You need to gradually introduce baby-related items to your pets!

Start by using baby powder and lotions to allow your pet to get used to the new scent. Also, play CD’s or online recordings of baby sounds to familiarize your pet with what they soon will be hearing around the house. Some suggest placing the baby’s car sear and toys around the house so your pets can investigate these items. Also, before bringing the baby home, you may want to bring home an article of the baby’s clothing that they’ve already worn and let your pet get familiar with the baby’s scent.

It is also important that pet owners don’t scold or strike their pets around or near the baby. This allows for the pet to associate bad or negative feelings with the new baby. As a safety precaution, parents shouldn’t leave their baby alone in the same room with your pet.