Carrie Underwood as seen in the photo below with Bags on Board, a compact, refillable dispenser that attaches to any type of leash, is a big advocate for pets and has designated the Humane Society of the United Sates (HSUS) as her favorite charity, and her support has included donations, as well as a public service announcement recorded in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, urging people to care about animals and to help the HSUS.

Carrie Underwood has recorded a rendition of Motley Crue’s hit song, “Home Sweet Home” which is being used as a farewell theme each week for contestants leaving  American Idol, but also is being released as a digital single and partial proceeds will benefit the HSUS.

Several celebrities are considered important and influential icons in American culture and many are using their celebrity status to make positive changes – particularly in the pet industry. Celebrities have the power to influence millions of people and to positively promote the joys and benefits of pet ownership. Through the media, these celebrities highlight responsible pet ownership and all the exciting services, products and activities that make spending time with our pets even more gratifying!

One of the most exciting events for a family or an individual is bringing home a new puppy. Puppies bring so much unconditional love and joy into our lives and in observance of National Puppy Day today, we have listed a few items to consider before bringing home a new puppy.

Puppy Necessities

The most obvious step in preparing for a new puppy is making sure you have all the things a puppy will need including food and water bowls, soft washable bedding, chew toys and play toys, leash and collars of the appropriate size and food. 

Everything in the world is new to a puppy and they’ll want to explore it – so encouraging a puppy to play with his or her toys and not other objects around the house at an early age helps to prevent destructive tenancies later on. Bite sized treats are ideal as of opposed to huge chew bones as their jaws and teeth are not yet as strong as those of an adult dog.

Safety Considerations

Puppies learn a lot by chewing and mouthing. By spending time ‘puppy proofing’ your home, you can be assured that your puppy will be safe while chewing and sniffing new things.

How to ‘Puppy Proof’ Your House:

• Remove all electrical cords from the puppies’ reach to protect the cord and keep the puppy safe if wires are plugged in.

• Make sure all hanging items such as tablecloths, floor length curtains or hanging plants are out the puppies’ reach. Dangling items such as curtains and blind pulls can easily become wrapped around the puppies’ neck, so it is important to make sure these are not easily accessible.

• Several pet owners are unaware that a majority of common houseplants are poisonous to dogs. Unless you know for sure that the plant is not poisonous, remove it from the room to make sure your puppy is unable to munch on it.

• If you want your household items to remain in tact and un-chewed, remove everything that could potentially be fun to play with such as shoes, backpacks, remote controls, children’s toys and pillows.

Bathing Your Puppy

Bathing puppies at a young age is very important for more reasons than just keeping the puppy clean and smelling fresh. It is important for pet owners to begin having their puppy bathed or groomed once they have their two sets of puppy vaccinations. Having a puppy bathed or groomed at a young age allows for the puppy to get experience and grow more comfortable with pet grooming, especially when having their ears cleaned or nails trimmed. As your puppy grows older, you want them to enjoy the spa experience to the fullest!

Simple Solution® carries a line of grooming products, including a tearless shampoo made specifically for puppies. Simple Solution® Shampoos keep your puppy clean and fresh smelling with gentle deodorizers that are tearless as well as gentle on your pet’s skin and coat.

If your new puppy is too busy running around and exploring the new house, it might be a good idea to use Simple Solution® Pre-Moistened Bathing Cloths for a quick cleaning. No water or rinsing is required, simply use the pre-moistened bathing cloths to quickly wipe away dander, dirt, loose hair, dust and odor leaving your pet clean and fresh smelling!

Housetraining is also a challenge when brining home a new puppy.  See our previous posts for tips on housetraining.

There is nothing more fun than celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with your pet and treating them to some great gifts and tasty treats! St. Patrick’s Day themed toys like a stuffed lucky clover, a green chew bone or a green ball to play with will make your pet’s holiday one to remember. Your pet deserves the playtime and exercise too, so make sure you take him out to the park with his new toy for some extra playtime. 

You can also celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by sporting your ‘Kelly’ green attire.  If you start looking now, you can find your pet the ultimate shamrock sweater, green tie or a leprechaun costume!   If an outfit isn’t your idea of fun, there’s green accessories such as green collars, pet collar charms or even a cute St. Patrick’s Day cap too.

If you do decide to dress your pet up this holiday, please post photos of your pet on our Facebook wall, become a fan and send us a message with your photo attached! 

Oh, and, don’t forget about the treats!  You can purchase St. Patrick’s Day cookies or cat treats from almost any pet bakery or online shop. You can find anything from natural shamrock shaped peanut butter dog treats and St. Patrick’s Day pumpkin dog biscotti to St. Patrick’s Day freezable mugs for your pet’s treats! Although the Irish dish corned beef and cabbage is a standard entrée for this holiday, refrain from sharing with your dog to avoid possible digestive issues!

Celebrities like Amanda Bynes and Naomi Watts are fans of Bags on Board^® Dispensers!

Amanda Bynes with her Bags on Board Dispenser

Naomi Watts walks her dogs with a Bags on Board Dispenser

Owning a dog is not just a privilege-it’s a responsibility. Our pets depend on us for of course food and shelter, but also deserve a great amount of affection and time. In light of Pet Responsibility Month, this blog is meant to remind those looking to invite a dog into their household to think seriously about the commitment dog ownership entails and if you already have a dog, consider the obligations and responsibility that must be met as a responsible pet owner.  Responsible pet owners clean up after their pets and dispose of the waste in a sanitary manner. Bags on Board for Dogs is a great product for picking up after your dog. This compact, refillable dispenser houses a roll of 15 large doggie clean-up bags and attaches to any kind of leash – standard or retractable ensuring you always have bags with you.

Keeping your dog on a leash at all times when outside the home is part of being a responsible pet owner as well. Bags on Board makes a retractable leash that extends up to 15 feet with a built-in bag dispenser great for keeping your dog near at all times while making it easier than ever to clean up after your pet. The Bags on Board retractable leash includes a role of 15 doggie clean-up bags that fit neatly inside a leash appropriate for all dogs up to 110 pounds. This leash helps responsible pet owners comply with local ordinances and leash laws.

Part of being a responsible pet owner also means, ensuring pets are licensed and outfitted with visible identification at all times either with a collar and tag, tattoo or microchip and spaying or neutering your pet helps improve their health and behavior as well as prevent the problem of pet overpopulation.

A responsible pet owner must also make sure the dog has all vaccinations, including rabies vaccinations. The key to a healthy, long life for your dog or cat is responsible pet ownership, awareness, and a yearly round of preventative pet vaccines.