Travelling with a pet can be difficult at times if you do not have the proper carrier for them.  Pet carriers are a must when travelling in a car as it not only provides for a safe road trip but it also prevents injury to your pet while travelling in your vehicle.  The last thing you want is your dog to be sitting in your lap or running around your vehicle while you are driving on the highway.  Not only is this unsafe, it’s against the law. 

Cats require basic needs in life: food, water and shelter. How we interact with our cat can be a factor in how they will behave. That’s why it’s always important to provide your furry friend with top of the line accessories. Having perches, scratching boards, & toys will keep them happy. It will also occupy their curiosity and time. Visit: Cat Perches and Play. We have searched high and low, just like our kitties, and have come up with the Top 5 Most Accessories for Cats.
 
 1. Cat Tree Condos provide multiple functions for cats. A variety of Cat Trees with and without Condos featured on Best Pet Kennels is composed of recycled rope paper. They provide a platform, which is great for relaxing and grooming.  Some of them also have a castle on the top of the tree so they can overlook the entire room. The Cat Castles and Perches with and without a Condo are perfect when positioned against a window so your little one can see outside at birds, trees, insects, and the other wonders of life!
 
2. Coming in at number two is The Kitty Sill™. This unique accessory is just what are sounds like it is: a windowsill specifically made for kitties. The Kitty Sill is perfect for curious cats as they can gaze outside and make sure they don’t miss a thing! It also includes an orthopedic sleeping surface, washable cover, and one-year warranty. The accessory features Velcro fasteners, so there are no tools needed and the installation process is easy. 

3. Cat Fun Tunnels are also something to look into if your cat likes to play hide and seek. It’s a perfect place for cats to take a quick nap or hide while they’re playing with their human or pet companions.
 
4. Cat scratching platforms are also one of the most unique accessories. They provide multiple functions in that they can be used for cats to scratch, instead of messing up your furniture! They also feature platforms that cats can take a quick snooze on or simply use to look out the window again! 
 
5. Lastly, are you looking for an accessory for multiple cats? Best Pet Kennels offers the Double Seat Feline Furniture Perch. This stylish accessory features solid wood construction and is easy to build, with build in hidden fasteners. It has large seating areas (20” x 13”). This means the perch can even accommodate different size cats!
 
Remember that cats are curious pets.  They will always find something to do.  This is why it is important to provide them with fun products that will occupy their time and playfulness. By visiting Best Pet Kennels, you will find a large selection of cat products to choose from. 

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© Maryann Piccini 2012
 

As dogs and cat age, they suffer from many of the same illnesses and conditions as humans do. Therefore, it makes sense to invest in pet accessories that will make your pet’s aging process as comfortable as possible.

It is difficult to predict how or when a dog or cat will show signs of aging as there are many factors to take into consideration. A few important factors include the breed of the dog or cat followed by size and genetic makeup. As soon as you see a difference in their behavior or see them having difficulty with activities such walking or climbing stairs, you should consider pet accessories to make them more comfortable.

Arthritis and Joint Pain:

As pets get older they are susceptible to conditions such as arthritis, hip dysplasia and other joint pain. There are two types of pet beds manufactured specifically for joint pain: a memory foam bed and an orthopedic foam bed. Ortho Bliss, a memory foam bed, is one option for dogs whose mobility is impaired due to joint problems. A memory foam dog and cat bed is ideal as it molds to the animal’s body heat and weight relieving pressure points and improving circulation. A memory foam bed is not the same as an egg crate bed.
Another type of bed  for older dogs and cats are orthopedic foam beds.  Often manufactured with a cushion-like material they, too, can provide relief to a pet’s painful joints. The memory foam and orthopedic foam beds should be pre-treated to repel odors, bacteria and insects. Ideally, the pet bed that you choose will feature a pillow zipper out for ease with washing, are eco-friendly and machine washable. 

If you have a senior dog or cat that is not experiencing arthritis or joint pain, or have a smaller pet, there is a wide selection of bumper dog beds, bolster beds, or donut dog beds  and an assortment of cat beds designed with comfort in mind.   

Other Accessories for Mobility:

Some dogs have difficulty climbing steps or jumping into a truck or van as their only symptom of aging. Pet ramps or pet steps provide a flat surface angled for ease of ascending to a higher location. A selection of pet ramps or pet steps come in a variety of sizes and lengths that are sturdy enough to hold larger dogs without bending. They can easily be used to help your dog get into a truck or onto furniture without having to maneuver to a higher level. Many pet ramps comes with carrying handles for ease of transporting them from one location to another and most have a safety release available.

Pet strollers: 

For those who want the company of their older pet along side of them while jogging, hiking or walking a pet stroller can provide the opportunity to continue with your cardio routine and still have your pet be part of the event. Most pet strollers accommodate one or two pets at the same time, are sturdy, waterproof, safe and fold up for easy storage.

Couch covers

Older pets experience problems with frequent urination, leaky bladders or incontinence. This can especially be a problem if dogs are allowed on the furniture or sneak on the furniture while you are at work. A line of pet couch covers protect furniture from pet leaks, shedding hair and stains from the oil in their fur.

By visiting Best Pet Kennels, you will find a wide selection of products that will accommodate your older pet.  The variety of pet products like their pet beds, strollers, steps, ramps and couch covers will help you in making the changes that he/she is going through more comfortable and headache free.


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© Maryann Piccini 2012

 

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Pets are being pampered by their owners to the tune of $50.96 billion a year including everything from food, toys and other pet products such as pet beds. One of the pet beds currently available to pet owners is orthopedic memory foam model. Originally designed by NASA for use in space by astronauts, memory foam is highly regarded as being of premium quality since it relieves pressure from certain areas of the body and returns to its original shape when left on its own.

Reason #1: Memory foam pet bed to comfort for an aging or ill pet

Pet owners often think of aging pets or pets with physical limitations such as arthritis or hip dysplasia as benefiting from sleeping on a memory foam pet bed because the memory foam conforms to their body. If your goal is to minimize or reduce your pet’s discomfort consider investing in a pet bed that provides comfort such as an orthopedic memory foam pet bed. The difference in cost between a pillow-type pet bed found at most big box stores and orthopedic memory foam pet bed is well worth the time and investment. 

Go To the Article on Five Reasons to Invest in a Comfortable Pet Bed

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© Maryann Piccini 2012

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A dog in the family can certainly help your children develop a sense of responsibility from an early age. It has been shown that children raised with animals are generally more sociable with people that have animals. They also tend to develop better communication skills and are less likely to develop allergies to animal hair. But sometimes children appear a little too enthusiastic in their relationship with a pet. Education and supervision of the child are needed, especially at a young age.

Newborns - According to its genetic heritage, personality and experience, each dog will have a different reaction with the newborn. To avoid any incident, ensure that the dog’s bed be far from the baby's room.  When the child starts to walk, your dog will eat, rest and sleep in a secure area that you can close off with a baby gate. A niche inside (or credit) is an ideal den for a dog. Try to install it before the baby arrives so that your pet can get used to it. When the dog is in its den, it will have a haven of peace and you will know that your child can walk safely about. The arrival of a baby can affect the odor of your dog's territory and result in possible disturbances of mood. Some dogs sulk, others become agitated.  They’re trying to attract the attention of the older members of the family.  More attention will help the dog to associate the presence of the baby with good things! If the appearance of a baby worries you, try not to hug or comfort the dog, since it only reinforces his anxiety.  Instead, wait until he relaxes.  Then you may start playing with him and cuddle with him in another room.  But many dogs naturally play the role of nurse with a new baby.  Gradually, as the child grows, they become useful protectors and playmates with the child. Make sure that pieces of food do not fall off the high chair because they could easily become a source of food for your dog!

Teach young children to treat the dog respectfully.  There some very important rules that parents should follow. Parents should teach their children how to gently stroke their pet; and teach the dog to respond to the instructions of the child in exchange for rewards.  Teach children that the best place to pat the dog is on top of the head and along the back.  Teach children not to pull the tail of a dog.  The dog must always be left alone when he eats, sleeps or is in her dress.  Children should wash their hands after petting the dog.

What are the benefits of a relationship between children and dogs?  Beyond the physiological benefits brought by the pet, it reveals some interesting results over the psychological ones.  Some studies have shown the positive effects of an animal not only on the physical activity -- including walking them -- but also the psychological welfare of dog owners. Thus, the animal could contribute notably to reduce daily stress.

During hospitalization and convalescence, it is recognized that the linking of pets with patients is beneficial because it compensates for the lack of human contact. This relationship helps to fight against the depersonalization of the individual related to the atmosphere of being in this type of institution.
Similarly in the elderly, the animal is acts like real company. It fills an emotional need.  It maintains the identity of the elderly person and conveys a sense of confidence and security. The animal acts as a secure, accountable, maintains balance, avoiding inactivity and reduces feelings of loneliness.

Several studies and conferences have been conducted in children and troubled teens. This is especially true in children with autism, who have changed their social behavior not only with the animal, but also with their surroundings.

Professor Hubert Montagner, who is a relations specialist with children and animal life.  He stresses that bringing out or making functional core competencies that enables the child to continue its successful life skills.

According to Hubert Montagner, the animal used in school would allow the autistic child, mute or self-centered, out of its isolation and to express his true personality.  Furthermore, it would channel aggression.  Affiliative behaviors have emerged, and has eventually helped in socializing-with educators.  Finally, the animal would better structure the awkward gestures of children and those experiencing difficulties in coordination.  An example of this is the recent experience in the United States during in which children with autism or mental disabilities have made significant behavioral progress when in contact with tame dolphins.  It is a perfect illustration and opens new therapeutic perspectives for man.

Hubert Montagner wrote: 

"Who has not seen children deemed unstable, hyperactive (who "do not take up"), unable to focus their attention, become more stable in their behavior and attention, less turbulent or "erratic", since their gaze found itself caught by the "spectacle" of animal life? By focusing on a cat playing with a cap, a dog bringing the stick that he launched, a hamster that puts food in reserve in his jowls, etc.., the look is organized. Both mobile and supported, it allows children to capture extensive information, give them  meaning and organize information and consistent questions. L 'unstable, hyperactive, one that did not seem to be able to fix his attention, show and prove on this occasion, they are able to develop capabilities, visual attention.  Whereas, usually, their eyes scanning the table or the book without stopping, or it is fleeting (which does not allow them to capture, and thus deal with the information essential to the construction of knowledge and learning), and structure themselves as individuals arranging attentive responses adapted to the information they receive from the animal. "

Sociologists and specialists in communication and education found that there are major virtues to having an animal.  Thus, one of the essential contributions of owning a pet is its ability to facilitate contacts and interactions, not only with friends but also with strangers.
Animals are primarily a vehicle for communication.  Among adults, this function is exercised particularly during the promenade of the animal. Moreover, children recognize that owning animals helps them make friends. The companion animal appears as a substitute for emotional support, a motivator and games.  Finally, within the family, the animal plays a wide variety of roles.  Addition to providing a vehicle for communication, the pet is a driving force of socialization and social integration.  The role of the animal in adolescents has been studied extensively, especially in rehabilitation centers.

Several experiments in adolescents in the Paris suburbs led to the following result:

- The animal facilitates maturation in psychomotor development in the adolescents. It channels and contains aggression, stabilizes, empowers, organizes time, connects with nature, reflects and enhances the image of its owner. It also helps the adolescent manage time.

- The animal restores or creates a family atmosphere and interprofessional relations.  It stimulates the relationship with parents, relieves tension and conflict, and is the bearer of messages.

- The animal can help to prevent withdrawal and depression. It gives a sense of purpose to something or someone; can avoid the fear of others, crowd and solitude. The pet can be loved while providing the family with companionship and company.

- Finally, the presence of pets in the prison system seems to undoubtedly improve the internal climate of these institutions, both on the side of the prisoners and the staff.

© Maryann Piccini 2012
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We donated pet toys and treats to the Burlington County Animal Shelter.