The Pet Supplies Blog - Pets, Dogs, Cats, Pet Supply Reviews, Equine, Rabbits, Aquariums

Today's pets are more pampered than ever and so buying the perfect Christmas gift has become increasingly difficult. But this Christmas, pet owners everywhere can breathe a sigh of relief as they avoid the Christmas rush and long queues and shop online at GregRobert Pet Supplies.

Inspired by haute couture, this year GregRobert offers a range of clothes and accessories, for every discerning dog or cat, which combines warm urban style with that aristocratic English touch. Perfect for all Christmas parties the City Sport Dog Sweater is a sporty two tone sweater featuring wide ribbing, turtle neck and racing stripe on both sides.

For the dog that just loves to party the Rhinestone Collection offers a sparkling collection of collars in pink and clear that will impress the pup with the hardest to please tastes: Rhinestone Collar Collection

If you are traveling or staying at home this Christmas, GregRobert Pet Supplies has the perfect answer. Approved by most major airlines for in-cabin travel, the Kennel Cab Sky Blue Pet Carrier by Petmate has an ergonomic cushion grip handle, and is designed to be as comfortable for long hauls as it is for a short train journey.

Alternatively if you are staying at home over the festive period a sumptuous Heated Pet Wellness Sleeper Bed Heated Wellness Sleeper Bed means that your dog can recline in luxury, after his Christmas feast, whilst adding a certain warmth to any room.

On a more personal note we all love our dogs, but prefer the scent of the season: The Pine Holiday Fresh Spray - 8 oz gently counters that of your dog's - leaving the gentle smell of fresh pine.

Happy Shopping and Stay tuned for our next rant on Pet Shopping for the Holidays!

Labels: Dog Clothes, Pet Christmas Gifts

Labels: Four Paws, K and H Manufacturing, Pet Beds, Petsafe

In a different article I discussed the three types of outdoor electric fences available for pets, Inground Fencing, Instant Fencing (known as a Wireless Fence), and Above Ground Fencing. Here I will explore the wireless fence system. At the time of this article the electric wireless fence product that dominates the market is made by Petsafe which is a RADIO SYSTEMS CORP brand. Radio Systems makes both Petsafe and Innotek products.

Why purchase a wireless dog fence?

You can read the benefits of electric pet fencing in a previous article. Basically it offers pet owners and pets significant freedom over other containment methods. They also cost less than traditional fencing. The specific benefits of wireless electric fences are:

• The units are portable and can be taken with you. Although you need to consider retraining your pet to a new boundary area. This is not a one day event.
• You basically turn on the unit to operate. There is no installation to speak of. Inground systems require that a trench be dug to lay the wire which defines the boundary. This can be a time consuming process. The boundary wires also need to be attached to the transmitter which must be mounted in an enclosed area (garage for example) that has access to the boundary wire.
• The boundary is formed by a signal emitted from the transmitter that forms circle with the transmitter as the center. This circle boundary can be increased or decreased with the turn of a knob. There is an inherent flexibility with this feature.
• The basic draw backs of wireless fences (as compared to inground fences) are are cost and boundary definition. Inground fences can have larger available boundaries and more complex boundary definition capability.

Note that you can use this product with a cat if they will tolerate the collar receiver size and weight.

How Does Wireless Fencing Work?

Installation is performed by setting the transmitter in the center of the circular boundary you wish to define and adjusting the transmitter signal strength to get the desired boundary diameter. The signal is received by your pets collar receiver while they are within the boundary area. When your pet approached the perimeter the collar receiver then responds by emitting a warning tone. If the dog approaches further and/or hasn't retreated, the tone is followed by a mild electrical stimulus. The receiver stimulus can be set to different levels to match pet temperament. Animals properly trained typically learned to avoid the boundary very quickly and do not test the perimeter. The system also detects if a power failure occurs and will shut down the collar receiver so that it will not shock your pet.

What to consider when buying

Fortunately, the wireless fence product offered by Petsafe has an LED indicator on the collar receiver when the battery is low on power. This is probably the most important product feature as a low collar battery is the most common reason that pets breach the boundary. Therefore this is not a consumer concern.

Make sure that a circular boundary is sufficient for your needs. Consider things like gardens, flowers, pools, etc. that you may not want your pet to have access but are within the boundary area. If this is a major concern than perhaps an inground system is more appropriate for you.

Also consider the maximum boundary diameter of the product. You can extend the range of the boundary by adding a second transmitter who's boundary overlaps the first transmitter. This works if you have a second location protected from the elements that has electrical power the second transmitter can be located in.

I currently use a wireless electric fence and have no complaints with it's performance. As I stated before, I would not do without an electric dog fence. The freedom it offer my pets as well as myself is worth far more that the cost of the item.

Labels: Containment, Electric Pet Fence, Innotek, Petsafe

There are three types of outdoor electric fences available for pets, Inground Fencing, Instant Fencing (known as a Wireless Fence), and Above Ground Fencing. Above ground fencing is typically used for larger animals, although there are some products available for pets. The most popular electric fencing is inground fencing. I will focus on this type of product. The main manufacturer that I am aware of is RADIO SYSTEMS CORP . They make Petsafe and Innotek products.



An electric pet fence allows your pet to roam in the front and rear of your residence. This allows your pet to enjoy the activities and surroundings all around your house as opposed to just the backyard (if it is fenced in). Pets are naturally curious and enjoy being able to monitor the activities, sights & sounds that surround their house. Note that there are models available for cats and dogs.

With no perimeter fencing (I have this situation) we need to contain our pets in a pen or on a lead if we are not present. This allows for very little mobility. I have found that an electric fence offers a tremendous amount of additional freedom for myself and my pets by having the ability to open my front or rear door and let them out without worry. Pet ownership has enough responsibilities and restrictions without having to personally take your pet out every time they want to go outdoors. The safety this provides our pets is immeasurable. This is evidenced by the ASPCA's support for the use of wireless fences.

Fencing also allows you to create restricted areas that you do not want your pet to enter such as pools, flower beds as an example.

Finally, this saves you from the expense of putting up what can be an unsightly traditional fence. Some home owner associations do not allow this. Additionally dogs can dig under a traditional fence to get out creating multiple obvious issues.

There are a few features that I have found to be very important while others are nice to have but necessary. The following is a list you should consider.

• The transmitter needs to have a warning light or audible tone when the boundary wire has been broken. In this situation the fence is no longer operating properly and it is necessary for you to know this immediately. Most units now have this feature. When installing the fence use some natural boundary markers so that you are aware of where the wire is buried. I have been frustrated by trying to find the wire location without an aid in the past.
• The receiver collar should have an indicator (typically an LED light) to tell you when the battery is getting low. A low receiver battery is the number one reason pets breach the fence boundary. Unfortunately, at the time of this writing only the more expensive models have this feature. This is a critical feature I will not do without. I would expect this feature to be more universal in the future. Note that battery life is typically less in the winter months.
• In some cases with the more expensive models that Innotek and Petsafe make, the stimulus can be set to different levels to match pet temperament. Some may add the feature that the stimulus is boosted as a pet further approached the boundary after an initial correction to help prevent run-through. I have not had the need for this feature but depending on how aggressive the nature of your pet it may be necessary.

Labels: Electric Pet Fence, Innotek, Petsafe

I could not resist posting these stats. (#9 surprised me). Christmas Pet Gifts are abundant already at GregRobert's - stop by!

1. 83% of pet owners refer to themselves as their pet's mom or dad
2. 70% of pet owners sign their pet’s names on greeting cards (along with thier kid's names)
3. 18% of dog owners say they have included or would include their pet in their wedding
4. 66% of dog owners say they would refuse to date someone who didn’t like their pet
5. 21% of dog owners say their dog sleeps in their bed with them
6. At least 25% of cats are obese or likely to become obese (not sure how you categorize likely?)
7. Between 25-40% of dogs are considered obese
8. 63% of US households own a pet
9. 45% of US households own more than 1 pet
10. 40% of US households own a dog
11. There are 90 million cats in the USA and 73 million dogs
12. 78% of dog owners buy their pets several Gifts a year
13. 51% of cat owners have bought their pet a gift within the last 12 months
14. 60% of dog owners purchase Dog Chew Toys for their dogs
15. 30% of dog owners own Dental Care Products - Treats & Toys for their pet. This includes toothbrush, floss, mouthwash and whitening products.
16. 30 million dogs traveled with their owners in 2006

Labels: Dog Gifts, Pet Owner Statistics

Experts Meet to Tackle Equine Lameness Research

I was thrilled to learn that the AAEP Foundation hosted a Lameness Research Meeting and Panel in Fort Collins, Colorado this last August. Twenty-four researchers and lameness experts from around the world met to prioritize future equine lameness research needs. "The group also explored specific questions about the direction and cost of future lameness projects. "

Why would I be thrilled about this? - Because they are called to develop strategic priorities to effectively and economically address important diseases that cause lameness in our beloved horses.

We lost a horse to lameness a couple of years back :(

This research meeting and panel would not have been possible without the support of the following sponsors: AQHA Foundation, Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation, IDEXX Laboratories, and Morris Animal Foundation.

Horse Medical Supplies

This cooperative effort is helping to identify priorities for the equine industry and will benefit the owner, veterinarian, supporting industries and, most importantly, the horse.

Kudos to these wonderful sponsors

Labels: Equine Lameness, Horse Medical Supplies

Halloween is just around the corner and it’s time to pick up that Halloween costume for your dog.

Yes, we said dog!!
GregRobert, http://www.pet-dog-cat-supply-store.com/shop/doghalloweencostumes.php, an online pet retailer carries Halloween costumes and accessories for pets.

GregRobert Pet Supplies

Today, GregRobert announced its grand fall price reduction sale as well as an exclusive coupon for Dog Halloween Costumes.
Save $5.00 on all in-stock Halloween Costumes at GregRobert.
Use Coupon Code: hallgr12

Choose witch, black cat, ballerina, skunk, giraffe, superman costume and others."We are extremely excited to unveil our extensive selection of dog costumes for this Halloween," says Ray Joyce of GregRobert. "Costumes are an integral part of Halloween parties and this year, there will be more dogs on the block with costumes.

It is important to us that customers enjoy and have great fun with new and creative costumes that are absolutely comfortable on their dogs. Our range- from the all-time classical favorites to some exotic, wild and whacky ones- ensures that there is a costume for every dog and every dog owner."

In preparation for the grand dog Halloween costume sale, GregRobert recently revamped its website to enable dog costume hunters find the ones that catch their fancy easily and quickly. In addition the site features a selection of thousands of dog supplies including winter sweaters, treats and dog training products.

Some of the popular costumes on display on the site include all time favorites like superman, ballerina, the all-popular skunk and giraffe costumes, to name a few.

About the GregRobert Discount Pet Supplies

GregRobert has been in the online retail business for over seven years, and has evolved as an industry leader in providing discounted pet supplies to pet owners in a secure, easy to use environment.

Labels: Dog Halloween Costumes, Pet Coupons

Technorati Profile

The Chickadee Nest Box by Droll Yankees can also be used for Titmouses and as a Wren Nest Box. It is designed with all the right features for cavity nesting birds.

It has an exaggerated roof overhang which keeps rain and sun out, keeping eggs and birds dry and temperatures stable on the inside. Its unique entry hole replicates a natural tree cavity.

Side door - easy access for monitoring and cleaning
Ventilation - under eaves and in the floor, for proper air flow
Kerfs on inside front - help fledglings climb out of the box
Predator guard - increase depth of entry (Not pictured)
Correct wood thickness - insulates against heat and cold
Our nest boxes are made of pine, a resource that renews itself rapidly so that habitats are quickly restored
Can be painted or stained and coordinates with artwork
Statistics:

Height - 10 in., hole size 1 1/4 in. x 1 3/4 in.

Labels: Bird Feeders, Droll Yankees

Loofa Sport Dog Toys - Your pet can get in on team action with the Loofa Sport toys. Each Loofa Sport Dog has a squeaker for additional interest.
Assorted sports include: baseball, basketball, and football.
Collect all three for your canine friend!

Available in a 12 in. and 18 in. size.

This funky style terry covered pet toy can be used as a retriever and a back scratcher. Either way, this toy will be your pet's favorite snuggly companion.

Each Loofa Dog has a squeaker for additional interest
Made of non-toxic materials
Great for interactive play

Labels: Dog Toys, Multipet