CRATE TRAINING YOUR CAT

Crate Training Your Cat
By: WCPS

When people think of crate-training a pet, they usually think of a dog. However, cats can be crate-trained too. Cats, while a little more finicky than dogs, can be conditioned to use their crate as their hang-out spot just as much as dogs can.

If you plan on flying with your cat, Petmate Cabin Kennel is a great cat-friendly travel carrier. It is built to fit directly under the airline seat in front of you. The Petmate Cabin Kennel is also great for automobile travel as well.  The Petmate Cabin Kennel also feature lots of ventilation holes, so that your cat gets a healthy airflow. The Petmate Cabin Kennel also comes in a model with a wire top, so that you can actually look in and interact with your cat while traveling.

Petmate Cabin Kennel

The Noz2Noz Pet Suite crates are also great multi-use pet carriers. They feature steel doors that open left or right, and some models also feature an overhead opening as well. Some of these models are airline approved, but it is good to look into the specific airlines to find out their particulars.

Noz2Noz Pet Suite

Using a crate is probably a part of your regular veterinarian routine. If your cat is familiar with her crate, trips to the veterinarian will be a lot less stressful. Lots of cat owners simply rely on their crate for times when they need to move the somewhere stressful.  However, the crate can be a regular part of your cat's life, thereby making it easier for times of travel, both good and potentially tense.

Your cat's crate should be big enough for her to remain comfortable for extended periods of time. One aspect of this might be the inclusion of a litter box. There are disposable litter boxes available by Van Ness that will fit into a cat's crate to add an extra sense of security. Van Ness makes a variety of odor and stain resistant, unbreakable, high impact plastic litter boxes.

Van Ness Disposable Little Pans

Part of the security that a cat may feel about their crate is that cats are territorial and will enjoy their own space. This applies whether in the house or on the road. One idea if you have a full grown cat is to leave a new crate in the room/territory that your cat spends the most time in. That way she will explore it on her own. The idea behind this is what is known as “free access crate training.” Placing treats and toys into the crate will also help to kickstart regular crate use. Even if your cat goes in and pulls the toy or treat out, half of the battle was getting her to go in there in the first place.

Another key issue is to get your cat used to being in this enclosed space. The use an over the counter pheromone like Comfort Zone might just reduce any notions of stress concerning this new object in your cat's space. Feel free to add bedding, lightly sprayed with the pheromone as well.

Comfort Zone

If you are looking to keep your cat occupied in her crate for an extended period of time, you might also consider hanging a scratching toy from the ceiling. Pieces of carpet for the cat to scratch on are also a good idea.

The Booda Hang-N-Scratch is a good example of a toy to hang in your cat's crate. This toy is made of 100% sisal which removes old claw covers.  This removal of old claw covers is why cats scratch in the first place.

Booda Hang-N-Scratch

Climatizing your cat for a crate should be a pleasurable experience for your cat. Outside of whatever treats you may have already placed inside of the crate, when you go to pet her, have some extras on hand.

Petting your cat while she is in the crate and actually giving her treats while she is inside will be extremely useful in getting your cat used to her crate. Also, as you experiment with shutting the door for short periods of time treats will be a key part of selling this action. This isn't something that should be done immediately. This should be after several days of your cat having the crate in her space and finding that it is a safe place to hang out in. If you close the door on her too quickly, she may not be so anxious to make the crate her hang-out spot.

Innova Cat Treats are perfect for this. Innova Cat Treats are made with elements from all five food groups and are also rich with important fatty acids. As a matter of fact, these treats are evenly cooked so that there is a minimum of value lost from the nutrition as they are being prepared. Innova Cat Treats are also preserved with Vitamin E. These treats are 40% protein and if given sparingly, can be a healthy addition to your cat's diet.

Innova Cat Treats

It is very possible to crate-train your cat. Cats aren't the same as dogs, but with the right balancing of treats, attention, and possibly even pheromones, your cat should take to a crate with little or no problem.

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INDOOR AND OUTDOOR RABBIT HUTCHES

Indoor and Outdoor Rabbit Hutches
By: WCPS


There are essentially two different ways to house your pet rabbit. The most common is an outdoor hutch. Of course, there is also the indoor cage. Outdoor hutches demand a bit more vigilance, but they do keep your house clear. Indoor hutches are probably the safest but require a level of constant attention. Whichever hutch that you choose, rabbits are relatively flexible creatures and if their housing is handled properly, their location will work well for both you and them.

Outdoor rabbit Hutches

If you are thinking about choosing an outdoor hutch, the first concern should be the effects of the weather on both the hutch and the rabbit. In a perfect situation, it should have a tiled or even asphalted roof. An outdoor hutch should be able to resist wind, rain, and sun. The location of the outdoor hutch needs to be thought through, and part of that process should be the weather that the rabbit will be exposed to. Also consider the walls that come with the hutch and if the rabbit will be protected enough in the case of both a serious storm or extreme heat. Rabbit hutches tend to be up against fences, houses and garages. If possible choose a wall for the hutch that will help the rabbit with the outside weather.

With an outdoor hutch, safety is something that a rabbit owner should be concerned with. Chances are that where your rabbit stays won't be akin to “the forest.” However, rabbits are still in a position to be bullied by neighborhood dogs, raccoons and even cats. Something to consider is that your rabbit should not be left in a position where their floor is unguarded. Many outdoor hutches have wire floors because rabbits do generate a lot of waste and a wire floor allows it all to fall through.. However, outdoor rabbit hutches should have a space where there is wood or some sort of platform between the ground and their feet. Even if it seems that there is no way for a potential predator to get into the hutch, a rabbit's feet can be attacked if it has no safe place to stand. Also, it is good for rabbits to have different surfaces to stand on rather than just wire.

Indoor Rabbit Hutches


Choosing an indoor rabbit cage isn't quite as difficult an choosing an outdoor one. Weather and the potential for predators outside of other household pets aren't really a part of the equation. This gives you a bit more freedom to choose an indoor rabbit cage based on your own needs, as well as those of your rabbit.
In regards to rabbit waste, indoor rabbit cages typically offer a tray under the wire floor which can slide out for easy cleaning. The other type of indoor rabbit cage is the plastic “catch-all” base that detaches from the rest of the cage. Usually this base is rather deep, so that any waste that the rabbt generates can be caught in bottom of the cage and it can easily be dumped into the trash. Plastic bases efficiently stop bedding and litter from being kicked out of the sides of the cage by your rabbit.

Your rabbit should be able to get in and out of the cage (if it is to be left of the floor, and the door is open), and you should be able to reach inside as well. The entry should be easily accessible because you will need to be able to reach in and touch your pet in the center of the cage, spot clean, refill and clean food bowls, and remove old food or treats.  A door on the side might be all that you need. Some cages are made with a door on the side and a door on the top for better accessiblility. There are several different options for an indoor cage.  There are even indoor cages that come on casters.  These are good if you need to move your rabbit into different areas of the house while cleaning, etc. A lot of the decision-making depends on where you will be keeping the cage and also the temperament of your rabbit.  Whatever the case may be, you should be able to reach all parts of the interior easily. An indoor rabbit cage with one side door and one top door is probably best.

Indoor cages also need to be cleaned regularly.  The best is once every three days.  Rabbit fecal matter doesn't particularly smell, but rabbit urine can be quite pungent.  Also, rabbit urine will stain anything that it is on after a period of time. One nice thing about rabbits is that they pick a corner to use for their urine, and they stay with that corner.  However you choose to work with your pet rabbit, whether a pile of hay in that corner or newspaper, this is something that needs to be cleaned up regularly. If not, you will receive an olfactory notice every time you are near the cage.

It is possible to keep a pet rabbit happy both outside and inside.  If you are considering keeping your rabbit outside, a key benefit is that the rabbit will be out in the fresh air.  If you are considering keeping your rabbit inside, the rabbit wil be safer from potential issues with other animals.  Whatever way that you choose to house your pet rabbit, if you do it correctly, their location will be something that you and your pet will be happy with.

Click Here For All Rabbit Supplies Here at West Coast Pet Supply
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BIODEGRADABLE PET WIPES

Biodegradable Pet Wipes
By: WCPS

Biodegradable Pet Wipes are made by The Green Pet Shop. The Green Pet Shop is an Earth-Friendly company that looks to provide products that are safe for people, pets and the planet.

With a strong consciousness concerning the potential carbon footprints that we and our pets can leave on the planet, The Green Pet Shop strives to bring pet products to the market that won't compromise the environment. By recycling materials and using organic and natural ingredients, The Green Pet Shop manages to maintain their “green” attitude with all of their products.

West Coast Pet Supply currently offers The Green Pet Shop's Biodegradable Pet Wipes. These aren't your average pet wipes. The first thing that you will notice abut them is that they are big, they measure 9”x 5”. They are also strong. They will handle the paws of a frisky dog, and not leave a stickiness. These wipes are fragrance free, and only contain natural plant ingredients. Biodegradable Pet Wipes are safe for people, pets and the planet. With a 3 in 1 purpose of cleaning hands, paws and coats, Biodegradable Pet Wipes fulfill a pet-owners almost daily need to “clean something up.”

Biodegradable Pet Wipes are great for removing dirt from your pet's feet after a walk. They are also good for pets that don't like to bathe. They are safe and gentle enough to use around eyes, ears, cuts and minor scrapes. Furthermore, they can be used to control dander and loose hair. In fact, Biodegradable Pet Wipes can help minimize hairballs in cats, by picking up loose hair before it can be ingested. Biodegradable Pet Wipes also are made with natural moisturizers which will help your pet's coat look healthy and shiny.

Each pack contains 80 wipes, and the pack is small enough for a coat pocket or a glove box. Because they are biodegradable, you won't have to feel bad about “wasting paper” in order to touch up your pet or get him clean. All of the natural ingredients in The Green Pet Shop's Biodegradable Pet Wipes will decompose back into their natural elements.

Biodegradable Pet Wipes by The Green Pet Shop are safe for people, pets and the planet.

Click here for Biodegradable Pet Wipes
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Great Dog Co.'s Antler Chews

By: WCPS

In 1991 Great Dog Co.'s first product was Michael's Great Dog Biscuit Mix. The idea was a wholesome one, with an organic product that you would bake at home. The product failed, but Great Dog Co. has kept the original standards that they started out with. One of those standards is evident in the fact that Great Dog Co. manufactures in a human grade facility. Their chews and treats are made for dogs, but prepared as if they were being made for humans. Furthermore, Great Dog Co. doesn't use soaks, colorants, washes, nitrates, BHA, BHTs, or sorbates.

Great Dog Co's Antler chews are a sturdy dog chew that last for an incredibly long time, sometimes as long as six months! Sold as “natural, mineral rich and renewable” Great Dog Co.'s Antler Chews will not splinter.Not only that, they are teeth whitening, all natural, and tougher than just about any other chew that you could give your dog. If you have been shelling out money regularly for dog chews that get destroyed immediately, or neglected, perhaps one of Great Dog Co.'s antler chews are for you and your pet.

Elk and Deer shed their antlers every year. It is interesting to know that antlers are actual bone, and not some other sort of material. Deer shed their antlers in December and elk shed theirs in the springtime. The animals re-grow their antlers again every year. A strong “rack” on one of these creatures is a sign of a healthy, calcium-rich diet. A full antler rack grows rapidly on a deer or elk in just three to four months. It is said that the rate at which deer and elk antlers are renewed makes them the the fastest growing formation in the animal kingdom. Similarly, it is said that the detachment and eventual shedding of the antlers is the fastest deterioration. Obviously, the antlers are a determining factor in whether the animal will have a chance during mating season in the autumn.

Great Dog Co.'s Antler Chews come in three heavy sizes. There is the Medium, which will slow down a chew toy destroying dog that's 15-45 lbs. The next step up is the Jumbo which is for dogs that are over 45 lbs, and then there is the Monster size, which is for dogs over 65 lbs. These are great new products now available at our online store here at WEST COAST PET SUPPLY.

Medium Antler Chew


Jumbo Antler Chew


Monster Antler Chew

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CAN I GET HARDWOOD FLOORS IF I HAVE A DOG?

Can I Get Hardwood Floors if I Have A Dog?
By: Peter Demmon

One should never question whether or not to  get hardwood floors if they have a dog. Hardwood floors require a heightened level of vigilance and diligence.  If a dog owner is able to embrace this heightened floor consciousness, there really shouldn't be too much of a problem.  The issues that a dog owner/hardwood floor owner needs to address are rather simple. The main one being, "If there is a dog in the house, how are you going to be able to maintain a decent looking hardwood floor?" The answer for a hardwood floored house with a dog is attention to detail. The hardwood floor will take damage, by both dogs and humans. There are many, many different angles to consider on this subject.  Hopefully this post will shed some light on more than a few of them.

The first point to consider is the size and temperament level of the dog. If the dog is big or heavy and likes to  run through the house, hardwood floor damage will be a regular thing. Similarly, a high strung dog that is smaller can also damage to your floors too. Most people think that smaller dogs won't be able to seriously damage a hardwood floor. But a smaller dog can bring its own "scratchy damage" to the floor. In short, the floor is going to get damaged no matter what size dog you have.  Your best bet is to consider what brings out the hyperactivity in your dog and act accordingly.  A great example of this is when someone knocks on the door.  Dogs historically have been known to spring into action when someone is at the door, and that makes the front doorway area a place that will sustain damage.

There are several solutions for this type of damage. One obvious, yet simple solution is to place a throw rug in active areas. Placing mats and rugs in areas that get lots of traffic is logical.  This logic holds even if there is no dog in the household. Another method is to keep the dog off of the hardwood floors period. If this isn't an option, well-placed floor mats should suffice.  Another issue to consider is if your dog slobbers, and where he slobbers.  There should be a mat for this behavior as well.

Probably the most important thing for a potential hardwood floor owner to consider is the length of his dog's nails. Regular nail clipping for a dog is going to really put a damper on potential floor damage. Also, if your dog grows an excess amount of hair between the pads of his paws, he is going to find the floor to be slippery use his nails to compensate. Another thing to watch out for with dogs that slip on the floor is that the dog himself might get hurt. Simply put, the installation of a hardwood floor means that you will have to pay closer attention to your dog's paws.

Some owners with a lot of time on their hands choose to put dog booties on their dogs when indoors. This is a tedious method of dealing with dogs potentially tearing into the hardwood flooring. Another solution that some dog owners use is dog nail covers.  If you look at the picture at the top of this post, you will see that these are plastic caps that you can buy for your dog's nails that stay in place with the glue that they come with. They can be purchased in an array of colors and even come transparent.  These caps stay in place for about 8 weeks. One issue that some dog owners have cited with the use of such caps is that sometimes the nail grows within the cap and the cap needs to be cut off. Dog nails have nerves, unlike human nails. If the nail gets too compacted, the dog could begin to limp.

A dog's fur is another part of this puzzle to consider. If the household dog is particularly hairy, it is now officially time to stay on top of your dog grooming practices. Regular bathing and the use of stripping combs like the Mars Coat King are perfect for this. Also, it is time for the hardwood floor owner to focus on daily rituals of sweeping, vacuuming, and mopping regularly.  A hardwood floor doesn't hide the daily dust and grime that a carpet might.

Dog hair can also get in between the boards and catch on most surfaces on the household. One of the bonuses of keeping your dog's coat regularly groomed is the fact that the hair won't be constantly building up in corners of the hardwood floor. The hair of your dog should also help you decide the kind of hardwood flooring that you plan to install. Some types of pre-fabricated tongue-and-groove flooring feature gaps between the pieces. Sometimes the gaps are subtle, but there is a gap nonetheless. These gaps will eventually be filled with doggie dirt and grime. One report that I read was from a woman who said that once grime gets into these cracks, it would never completely come out.  The solution to this is to get hardwood with the smallest gaps possible between the boards.

Another item that isn't too high on the list, but should be considered is the potential for urine stains. If your housebroken dog manages to "sneak" a urine puddle past you, this can be extremely damaging to the floor. The damage is twofold. The first aspect of a dog's urine stain is olfactory. The wood is going to stink.  The urine will sink deep into the wood because it is porous. The second is that the stain will be dark, possibly black. If the hardwood you have is darker in color, then the smell aspect will be the biggest worry. However,  if your hardwood floor is light in color, there will be a visible dark stain. There are several products available for this kind of issue. One of the most reliable is Nature's Miracle Stain and Odor remover.  There are home remedies as well, an example of this would be used if the floor coloring is really light.  Drops of hydrogen peroxide can be left overnight on the stain. The hydrogen peroxide should be used sparingly though because a  large amount of it will give bleach-like results.  The key is to pay attention.  Sometimes those rugs and mats that you have left around high traffic areas have absorbed liquids (possibly even urine), and it is good to check them regularly.

The fact of the matter is that maintaining a hardwood floor with a dog in the household is a lot of work. The hardwood floor owner has to embrace a newer, more vigilant level of floor consciousness. The floor will definitely take some damage as a result of your dog, but it will also take damage as a result of you too. Hardwood floors can be maintained with a dog in the household, but there needs to be a deeper consideration of the potential damage a dog can bring.

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