Recently ALPO® sponsored us with some of their Chop House chucks in gravy or Homestyle Prime cuts gravy cravers in the form of gift certificates to get them and since we did… our dog has never been happier!

This wet dog food line left our dog so happy that he was literally wagging his tail and looking up at us for more, we had our hearts melt!

Surprisingly the food actually smells better to humans then a lot of the other options out there so we were very happy for that too!

Check out ALPO’S HOMEPAGE to learn more about their products and the high quality ingredients that are in them which help make your dog stronger and happier!

Here you can see our dog very happy and “licking his chops” from the ALPO® that we gave him!

Wan’t to make your Dog happy? Then you should not only check out their website but visit your local food store or pet store to grab some!

If you like to be social then don’t forget to stop by ALPO’s Facebook Page and give it a nice like! Here you can stay up to date on their latest articles and special offers!

Let us know your thoughts on ALPO® in the comments below and why your dog loves it! Again this is a premium and nutritional product that will surely make your dag happy on the inside and out so don’t forget to try it soon!

ARTICLE BY: Josh Bois, Co-Founder Global Good Networks

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As anyone who has ever owned a pet knows, it can be extremely expensive to deal with healthcare issues. Therefore, many pet owners opt to purchase pet insurance to cover the majority of their medical expenses, but there are some people who believe that the annual cost is not worth absorbing because many owners will not end up using the insurance often enough to get their investment back. However, unless you would apply this same logic to your home insurance for instance, it makes more sense to ensure that you will have the financial resources to be able to properly take care of your pet.

What can I Expect from a Pet Insurance Provider?

Although each provider will have their own specific guidelines for exactly what they cover, it is common for a policy to include a provision that will limit the amount of money that will be covered per occurrence, per year or throughout the life of the animal. For example, comparison website, Monkey.co.uk can provide quotes from U.K. pet insurance providers who offer a tiered program that will let you select how much coverage you will get.

These coverage amounts often begin at £1,000 for vet fees, but the more advanced policies will typically offer coverage of £7,500 or more. It is also possible to receive additional benefits such as burial expenses, coverage during overseas travel, theft insurance and even financial assistance with offering a reward if your animal is lost.

Is Pet Insurance Worth the Annual Expense?

Pet owners have a responsibility to make sure that their animal companion is properly cared for throughout their life. If your pet were to become very ill tomorrow, it is likely that you would not have the extra £5,000 or more available to take care of their necessary medical expenses. Therefore, it is always a wise investment to purchase pet insurance. After all, most providers offer policies for less than £400 a year, and it is possible to get a basic policy for a much lower price.

Buying a pet insurance policy will give you peace of mind, and it will also make it much easier to care for your pet if they happen to contract a serious illness. When you consider the alternative, buying a pet insurance policy clearly becomes the better option. 

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Pets are a part of your family and deserve to enjoy to holidays as much as you do, so it is very important that you take extra precautions to keep your furry friends safe in this season of toxic plants, house guest and unhealthy table scraps. Try to keep them on as close to a normal routine as possible this season and be sure to avoid these pet safety issues well into the New Year.

Secure your Christmas tree

Pets love to play with Christmas lights and ornaments so be sure to firmly secure your tree. Also place fragile ornaments out of your pets reach to avoid broken glass that can cut feet and paws alike. A secure tree is less likely to spill stagnant water that your pets could drink and become ill from.

Avoid Tinsel

Sure it’s beautiful, but it is also extremely appealing to cats of all ages. Unfortunately if your cat swallow a bit of this holiday cheer it can block up their digestive track leading to dehydration, vomiting and even surgery.

Skip the mistletoe

It may seem like a great way to cozy up with your sweetheart but mistletoe is dangerous to your pet’s health and can cause upset stomach and heart problems. Lilies and holly are also toxic to pets so opt for artificial flowers or pet safe plants.

Watch the table scraps

Entertaining is an important part of the holidays but can mean lots of plates of unattended food that an enterprising cat or dog can get into. Make sure to keep a lid on trash cans and keep all spicy, fatty, and sweet food away from pets.

Choose your pet toys wisely

If you are Christmas shopping for your pet this year be sure to pick safe options for them to play with. Look for toys that are virtually indestructible like Kongs as dogs can rip apart stuffed toys and swallow the pieces. If you have a cat, stay away from anything stringy like yarn or ribbons as they can become stuck in your pet’s intestines and may even require surgery.

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Just like a brown-haired person would not select a shampoo formulated for a blonde, your dog also has specific skin and coat needs. Dog shampoo formulations take into consideration everything from sensitive skin allergies, to flea protection so it is important to know and understand what you are looking for in order to narrow it down to the right dog shampoo for your furry friend.

You can’t just use your own salon-quality product on Fido, here’s why – Dog shampoos have a lower pH level more appropriate for canines. In most cases, the dog shampoos are also non-tearing in case you get some in your dog’s eyes. It may seem like a cheap and easy alternative to just grab your own bottle and share it with your dog, but a bottle of dog shampoo will likely last you months so spend the extra time (and if necessary money) to select a formulation that suits your dog’s needs.

Step #1: Determine your dog’s skin/ coat type and any specialty needs

Oily/ dry or normal – If you notice flakes then you should suspect dry skin. For a dog with oily hair, you can typically feel this oily residue when you run your fingers through your dog’s fur, or see it when you part his hair. If you can rule out these two, then your dog probably has normal skin.

Long/ short – This is easy enough to spot. Some shampoo is formulated to suit a specific breed or hair length.

Problem zones – This includes situations like flea/ tick dips, shampoos formulated to help with excessive shedding, or sensitive skin formulations for dogs with allergies or other skin conditions. While an Aloe Vera shampoo may help a dog prone to scratching, if the condition is more serious, a medicated shampoo is something you can discuss with your veterinarian.

When in doubt about your canine’s needs, talk to a groomer and veterinarian. Your vet can rule out more serious skin conditions, and chances are good that a groomer has tested and tried many of the dog shampoos and conditioners on the market.

Step #2: Look closer at the ingredients

You’ve eyed the claims on the front of that bottle and now it is time to take a deeper inspection of the ingredients. Once you’ve selected a shampoo label that looks like it fits your dog’s needs, turn that bottle around. If you have a hard time pronouncing and recognizing the majority of the ingredient names then it is likely mostly synthetic. The ‘all natural’ dog shampoos are increasingly popular over the synthetic versions especially for dogs with sensitive skin.

Step #3: Take a moment to sniff through the scent selections

Finally, before you purchase that shampoo you want to make sure the scent is something you can live with. If possible, let Fido take a sniff too to see his reaction. Remember that heavily scented shampoos run a greater risk of irritating a dog’s skin and coat since it can contain extra fragrances and dyes. However, if the lightly scented or unscented versions just leave you smelling ‘dog’ that may not be appealing either. After all, your hound should get out of his bath looking and smelling better than when he entered it.

Susan Wright is a practicing veterinarian, dog owner, author, great neighbor, and a dog product expert with dog training collars.

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You may not layer your dog in sunscreen, and you may not cover their face with a hat, but there are plenty of things that you can do to ensure that your furry friends is also being monitored in the heat.

1. Give them shade.

Like you, a dog should never be exposed to the sun and only the sun for extended periods of time. If your dog enjoys being in the yard, make sure there is a place that can provide the dog with shade, such as a dog house or covered patio. Though they may still be outside, the shade keeps them directly out of the sun, which is much safer on their overall health.

2. Give them plenty of water.

Dogs can easily dehydrate too, especially with the thick coats they have. Make sure that all water bowls are constantly filled during the summer. If your dog is going to be outside for a while, it’s a good idea to place a bowl of water outside too. This way, your dog doesn’t have to wait until he gets in the house before he can have something to drink.

3. Use sunscreen.

No, we are not joking. Though you don’t have to lather them in sunscreen like you do for yourself, you should place it on your dog’s nose, ear tips and any part of their body that contains exposed skin. Make sure to use a strong SPF and apply it at least 15 minutes before your dog goes outside. This will help keep your dog from becoming sunburned.

4. Give them a trim.

If your dog has a lot of hair, you should have them groomed. Getting rid of some of that extra fur can help keep your dog stay cool during the summer months. Just make sure that you don’t take too much off, which could expose their skin and put them at greater risk of getting sunburned. If you have a long-haired dog, you should have them groomed every four to six weeks.

5. Give them a bath.

Bathe your dog in lukewarm water to help them cool off from the hot sun. If you can give them a bath weekly, that is the most beneficial, but if you can’t, bathing them at least once per month is good.

If your dog likes going in the pool, you need to give them a bath after swimming, otherwise the chemicals in the water will dry out their coat and skin.

6. Avoid hot surfaces.

A dog’s paws are not resistant to the elements. If you bring them onto an asphalt pavement that has been in direct sunlight for hours, it will burn their paws. If their paws become cracked or burnt, you will need to invest in soothing ointments to help relieve the pain.

7. Leash your dog.

If you take daily walks with your furry friend without a leash, you may want to start leashing them during the summer. Too many things can spark your dog to take off, such as numerous children at the park or the nice loud crack of a firework. To avoid losing them, make sure that they’re leashed.

8. Let them in the house.

If it’s extremely hot outside and you have the A/C running, let your dogs in the house for a while. Chances are they’ll be so hot that they’ll find a place to lay comfortably and pass out. Like you, your dog can also benefit from the luxury of the air conditioning.

Make sure that your dog is constantly being looked after during the summer. Always check to make sure that they’re given shade as well as plenty of water. Following all of these tips will help keep your dog safe.
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Animal testing is one of the most controversial topics of the decade. Many people, especially vegans, protest that it is unethical to do medical and cosmetic testing on animals. Others say that is is necessary to test products on animals because it is against the law to test on humans, therefore we do not have a choice. Well, here are seven reasons why it is wrong to test products on animals.

1. Harms Animals
When products are tested on animals, these animals are often harmed severely. These animals experience skin irritation, eye irritation, and being exposed to toxic chemicals. For example, there is the Draize eye irritation and skin irritation test. Rabbits are shaved of their skin and immobilized. Afterwards, a substance is dropped into their eyes or smeared onto their skin and the reactions are recorded.
2. Kills Animals
Millions of innocent animals have been killed because of companies who choose to test products on animals. Some of these animals are bred for testing, while some of these animals were taken from the pound. There is the LD50 test, which involves testers giving animals huge, unrealistic doses. In real life, there is very little chance of a human being exposed to these high levels of chemicals because of the product.
The testers force the animals to eat the substances, and then they record how many animals died from the substance. Believe it or not, but the LD50 test still goes on today.
3. No Consent
Unlike informed humans, animals are completely incapable of giving consent to having a product tested on them. They have absolutely no say in the matter, and are often hurt or even killed during the experiment. These animals never agreed to be testees, and what they are doing will not benefit them at all. Basically, we are forcing animals to be testees, so the human race could supposedly benefit.
4. Not Always Effective
Animal testing is not always effective. There are animals that are similar to humans, such as monkeys and other similar species of animals. However, there are many big differences that exist between us and animals, making animal testing not very efficient. What harms animals may not harm us, and vice versa because we have many significant differences.
5. Alternatives
Instead of testing products on animals, scientists are capable of producing alternatives that are not harmful to animals. For example, they can use computer programs and stem-cell research as alternatives to animal testing. Some scientists are considering micro-dosing as an alternative. Micro-dosing is where a small amount of skin is collected and some of the product is exposed to the skin.
Unfortunately, these alternatives are not proven to be as effective as animal testing. However, changes and improvements are being made to these alternatives all the time.
6. Misleading
Animal testing can be extremely misleading when it comes to whether or not a product will negatively affect a human. Human product testing and animal product testing only agree with each other 25 percent of the time or even less. About 90 percent of stillbirths are related to drugs that were said to be safe because of animal testing. Also, animals catch less than two percent of the sicknesses humans can catch.
7. Not Required
Finally, animal testing is often not required. According to the United States Food and Drug Adminstration (FDA) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission, household products and cosmetics do not need to be tested on animals to be eligible to be released to the public.
There are many things that are wrong with testing products on animals, such as the fact that many animals are killed and harmed. Animal testing is unethical, misleading, not alway

This article was written by Jet Russell who blogs for Huntington Life Sciences Company. In his spare time he likes to write articles on all different topics on things that interest him – from Search Engine Optimization to Gardening, and in this case, what people should know about product animal testing.

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We take a look at some common animals and their eyesight, comparing it to that of a human.

Rabbits

Incredibly, over half the world’s population of rabbits live in North America but they are found all over the world; from the hot climate in South America to the hills in Scotland.

Rabbits can see color; but there color vision is nowhere near as developed as us humans. They can see colors of green and blue well, but not others so clearly as we can.

The element of rabbits’ eyesight that is impressive is their ability to easily detect predators creeping up on them – and from almost any direction. A sneaky snake in the grass is likely to be detected before it even has the chance to advance on the rabbit.

The rabbits’ eyes are placed high up and to the side of their heads. This helps them see almost 360° around them and they can also see above them, making that swooping eagle’s ability to grab them unnoticed rather difficult.

The downside of a rabbit’s eyesight however is the blind spot which is located right in the front of their eyes; however their large ears and incredibly sensitive nostrils make up for this.

Deer

The deer is a delicate and beautiful creature which is often seen amongst tundra and snowy landscapes across the world. Often active at night, deer are often sadly injured or killed in accidents involving cars when they get startled by headlights.

Deer have a tapetum lucidum which is the layer of tissue at the back of the eye which reflects light entering the eye and illuminates it, allowing them to see clearly at night. Deer get startled by headlights as they assess the threat of the lights, and in doing so don’t move out of the way in order to do so. Many years ago, if deer were faced with an unknown threat they would freeze on the spot and assess the threat – usually of a predator. Now, with the threat of the car itself many deer will stop to assess the threat and in doing so freeze on the spot – with disastrous consequences.

Whilst deer have large eyes, their eyesight isn’t great and they don’t have the ability to se sharp images. However, they do have near-360° vision and they have large horizontal pupils. They also cannot see in color but will detect blaze such as fire as it is a contrast to the background of the forest.

Amy writes about eyesight for Direct Sight, a leading provider of online specatcles helping you buy glasses online.

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Among the many patterns, colour and appearances, one thing in this group of vertebrates I noticed was their eyesight. None of them appeared to have eyelids; I wanted to find out more.

Can fish sleep?

A question often asked by children (most likely owing to the apparent absence of the ability of the fish to close its eyes), I often wondered just how fish could sleep. I knew they had to, but how?

With the lack of eyelids, fish have a protective film over their eyes which stops them from having a constant force of water pushing against their cornea. Whilst asleep, most goldfish will delicately balance, perfectly still in the water, whilst other types of fish may rest in coral or balance between plants.

Most fish have colour vision, too, meaning they are able to see differences in pattern and appearance. However, most fish have a semi-blind spot right in front of their eyes, and the position of their eyes – on the side of their head – is really important. They also have really bad depth perception, so that explains why they will sometimes bump into the side of the tank or bowl!

Fish have a 3-second memory

This is a total myth; fish do have brains and within it memories which last a lot longer than 3 seconds. They will come to recognise your face and movements, and sometimes (depending on the species), even your voice!

Fish will only grow to the size of their tank

This is untrue, and so many people overstock their tank to allow for many different types of fish. The myth is that your fish will only grow as your tank allows; but this is untrue. Larger types of fish – and common goldfish in particular – will often need a whole pond, or at least a large tank, in order to live a healthy life with no problems. Never overstock your fish, the general rule is 1cm of fully-frown fish = 1 gallon in your tank capacity.

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Image: Tracy-Anne

I haven’t seen war horse – and I don’t have the desire to. I like animals as much as the next man, well, I like cows – well, I like steak. But I’m sick of Horses getting all the plaudits.

I am here today to pitch to you as a member of the general public and as internet friends; the most general of all the public’s, my revolutionary movie idea that will no doubt be picked up by a huge movie studio as soon as this reaches press.

Today, I look to secure funding for production of my big screen epic adaptation of a real life, true story, actual event, non-fiction, accurate representation, painstakingly reconstructed film of the real animals of war – part one. To provide best value for money for you the punter, I have included a selection of 5 animals that will all feature as comrades fighting side by side.

This will make Noah’s Ark seem like a cruise-class Destroyer.

1.     Marine attack mammal

Since the U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program was declassified in the 1990s people have known that dolphins, sea lions and other mammals (I’m hoping manatees) have been used in mine detection. Sure there has been no proof that our watery friends have been transformed into mechanised killing machines, but I feel that artistic license in delivering a big screen blockbusting hit could allow for some… leeway.

2.     Camo Camel

Camels have been used to cross deserts for centuries and with no better way for soldiers to cross endless expanses of utterly boring sand, the camel was the natural choice. Horses get to play polo and run round in circles, Camels have to trek hundreds of miles in sandstorms. Have you ever tried walking up a sand dune? Hard work. It’s enough to give anyone the hump. And they might get shot too.

3.     In Soviet Russia, Dog Walks You

Soviets used dogs with explosives attached to their backs to blow up tanks. Admittedly, this is more of a support role in my film. But an important document of the sacrifice dogs made in the pursuit of bravery*.

(*the tasty treat under an enemy tank)

4.     Homing Pigeon

Pigeons were used for messaging during both World Wars, but in the Second World War it was taken a flap further – a rather unimaginatively named Project Pigeon was created to train them to guide bombs. I’d like some nice aerial shots in my masterpiece so this is a great fit.

5.     Pte Bear

Wojtek the soldier bear was formally enlisted and drafted into the Polish Army as a private in order to make him eligible to travel on a British transport ship. I’m not even sure whether they let guide dogs onto ferries anymore. Wojtek retired and was moved to a more bear friendly environment in Scotland where he lived out his last days in peace catching salmon with military precision (probably).

So there we have it, the greatest war story never told, I’m going to sit back and wait for the plaudits. Hey ‘War Horse’, why the long face?

Oh, the war… right.

Dan Izzard dabbles in everything from Jazz flute to gardening, he writes for Pest Control Group who provide pest control products like the classic mouse trap to stop pests invading your home and/or country.

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Video Overview

Consistent Companionship

Regardless of how big or small your family is a pet dog is an outstanding addition to your family. They are superb sources of consistent companionship. They are always there for you when you need them the most and help fill any void that you may currently have within your family. If you are single and do not have a family at all, a pet dog can still give you the warm greeting that a family can each time that you walk through the door. If you and your spouse do not have any children, a pet dog needs your love, affection and care just as a human child would.

They Are Great For Your Children

If you do have children in your family, pet dogs make great additions because they are able to teach them responsibility. At a young age, your children will have to learn how to care for a living creature – feeding them, cleaning up after them, caring for all of their needs, etc. Many families buy their dogs as puppies while their children are still babies. Why is this so beneficial? The children will literally grow up along with their dog, forming an emotional bond of companionship that will last a lifetime.

Security for Your Home

Another great benefit for having a pet dog for your home is the heightened amount of security that they can provide for your home and your family overall. While you are away, they can guard your home both indoors and outdoors. Many thieves, vandals and trespassers are easily repelled by the “Beware of Dog” signs that homeowners have posted around their homes and on their fences. Dogs seem to have an inborn instinct to protect the people that they care about. It is nothing that necessarily has to be taught to them, although a lot of people train them in different ways to enhance their protective skills overall.

Dogs Are Great Pets, Friends and Family Members!

Making the choice to purchase a dog is a lifetime investment. In most cases, dog owners are there to see their dogs when they are born up until they die. Many of these owners agree that having their dogs is an amazing experience that they would never forget. If you want to have a memorable addition to your own family, buying a dog will be one of the greatest purchases that you will ever make.

Videojug is one of the world’s leading video websites specialising in professionally-produced free factual content. They provide many video tutorials such as how to get the best dog care.

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Authorities and humane organizations rely on reports from concerned parties to uncover, rectify, and prosecute people involved in animal cruelty in the form of abuse or neglect. It’s important to come to an educated decision to file a report with police or a local humane organization.

What may look like neglect can be a misunderstanding. For example, a dog that seems stuck outside may have access to a doggie door you can’t see. An animal’s low body weight may be caused by a medical condition the owners are doing everything in their power to manage. In addition, many cases of neglect stem from ignorance rather than malicious intent. Sometimes, if there are alternative explanations to abuse and if you feel secure doing so, having a polite conversation can correct an unfortunate situation.

Usually, however, it’s best to let authorities handle possible animal cruelty. Experts can make determinations and gather evidence. Children abusing animals may be mimicking abuse inflected on them. There are numerous reasons to limit your involvement to making an anonymous report.

Below are some telling signs of animal cruelty, abuse, and neglect. If you observe any of the following, please file a report with police or a local humane organization.

When and What to Report: 15 Warning Signs of Animal Cruelty

1. You witness physical abuse, such as hitting, clubbing, kicking, strangulation, lighting an animal on fire, or holding an animal’s head under water.

2. An animal with untreated wounds, injuries that do not heal, recurring injuries, or scarring or other indications of repeated wounds is most likely being abused.

3. An animal wears a collar that is too tight or embedded in their flesh. This often results from failure to adjust the collar as an animal grows and can cause pain, strangulation, and death.

4. An animal is emaciated, possibly to the point of seeing bones. This is a likely indication an animal is not being fed.

5. An animal is kept outside for extended periods without access to fresh food and water or shelter. This holds especially true during particularly cold, hot, or otherwise inclement weather. Animals also need shade in hot weather.

6. An animal is kept in an unhygienic or potentially dangerous environment. This may mean a house or yard full of trash, broken glass, chemicals, feces, or other hazardous materials.

8. You notice an animal with sores or considerable hair loss, as if from mange. Other untreated skin conditions, including rashes, excessive itchiness, or scaling may indicate neglect, too.

9. An animal has untreated parasites. Fleas, ticks, and lice are relatively easy to control. Of course, sometimes re-infestations occur, so use your best judgment as to whether an animal’s condition is becoming worse or is being ignored.

10. An animal is inadequately groomed. Overgrown hair causing extreme matting or even sores, long and dirty nails, a perpetually unclean coat, and other signs a pet isn’t being properly groomed indicate neglect.

11. An animal limps, has difficulty standing or walking normally, or appears weak. Such problems can be the result of injuries, malnutrition, or other forms of abuse. An animal may also appear confused, dizzy, or disoriented.

12. An animal is kept in too small or cluttered a cage. Often, multiple animals are cramped in together. Other times, an animal is kept in an enclosure that doesn’t provide room for moving around or that is piled up with other items.

13. An animal has a heavy discharge from the eyes or nose.

14. An animal has an obvious medical condition or other health concern that is going untreated.

15. What about an animal that acts vicious, fearful, or otherwise maladjusted? While these can certainly be concerning, emotional signs of animal cruelty, abuse, or neglect are the most difficult to read. Animals may display such behaviors for a variety of reasons. If you observe what appears to be an emotional disturbance, look for other signs of animal cruelty listed above. If you notice any, if the behavior continues long-term, or if an animal seems to be a genuine threat to the safety of other people or animals, file a report.

Citations:

• Reporting Animal Cruelty FAQs

Article provided by discount pet medications and supplies retailer VetDepot.com.

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