Safety First: The Pet Poison Prevention Center

Celebrating Sled Dogs

The Walking Cure: 3 Tips For Creating The Perfect Dog Walking Routine

Natural Relief For Dogs From Spring Thunderstorm Fears

Featured Photo - Buster Brown

Check out our friend, Buster Brown. What a sweetie!
Thanks to Jeanette for sending in this awesome photo of her handsome boy.
Tips For Traveling With Your Pet

Common Poisoning Threats To Pets
Unfortunately, the biggest threat of pet poisoning is often found at home. Common medications like ibuprofen, antidepressants, acetaminophen and ADHD medications are major culprits. Not only do these medications, if not stored properly, pose a risk in the home, they also pose a risk to the environment if not disposed of properly.
In an effort to address this problem, the American Veterinary Medical Association and the National Sea Grant College Program have partnered to raise awareness about the proper storage and disposal of common, household medications.
Make sure you store all of your medication out of the reach of pets and children. Check that any medication you carry in your purse, backpack or briefcase is not accessible to pets. And, don't store medication in lower cabinets or shelves in your kitchen or bath.
Cats Need ID Tags Too

A new study by Pethealth, Inc. shows that more stray cats are being returned to their homes rather than taken to animal shelters. Increased use of pet tags and microchipping is helping to decrease the stray pet population and ensure that lost cats find their way home.
While this is good news for the cats that are returned home, overpopulation of cats and dogs in animal shelters continues. It's important to make sure your pets' tags are up-to-date with your current contact information. It's also a good idea to make sure the ring connectors on your tags are in good working order and that collars and harnesses fit properly.
Dogs & Cats - Good For Heart Health

A study in the American Journal of Cardiology reports that people with pets had better heart rate variability than those without. The study of 200 Japanese people with a chronic disease like diabetes, high blood pressure of high cholesterol, found that pet owners in the cohort had hearts that responded better to the body's changing requirements, such as beating faster during stressful situations. Reduced heart rate variability has been linked to a higher risk of dying from heart disease.
While the study was very preliminary, Erika Friedmann, a professor at the University of Maryland School of Nursing, said that it's a step forward from what is already known about the connection between pet ownership and a person's heart health.
Hooray for heart healthy pets!
His Royal Puppy-ness

The secret's out. Royal couple, Kate and William, have revealed the name of their new princely puppy: Lupo. This adorable black cocker spaniel has certainly landed in the lap of luxury! According to palace reports, Kate picked this special pooch to keep her company while her husband, William, is away on military assignment in the Falkland Islands.
Dogs In The Workplace

Photo credit: Evan Richman, Boston Globe
As animal lovers, we all know the value our pets bring to our lives. It turns out more and more employers are recognizing those benefits and allowing pets in the workplace.
According to a survey conducted by the American Pet Products Manufacturing Association (APPMA), over 50 million respondents believe that having pets in the workplace creates a more productive environment, improves interpersonal relationships and leads to more creativity.
- Keep dogs on a leash, unless they are in the employee's office or cubicle. Not everyone loves puppy kisses. Co-workers who want to pet your dog will likely come to you.
- Use a baby gate to prevent a dog from leaving your office unsupervised. Try to give the dog space to roam in your office.
- Certain areas such as bathrooms or dining halls should be designated as dog-free.
- Have a backup plan for taking the dog home if it isn't comfortable in the work environment.


