Dealing with pet waste is one of those things everyone dreads, however, it is our duty as responsible pet owners to pick up after pets. This Scoop the Poop Week reminds Pet owners of how they can create a cleaner environment for both the family and  the dog by maintaining a clean yard on a weekly basis. Keeping the yard clear of pet waste keeps the dog clean and prevents them from playing in the mess and also gives you and your dog more exercise space.

Remember, cleaning up after your pet doesn’t end when your dog leaves your yard. There are probably fewer things that aggravate the community more than a dog that ‘goes’ in the middle of the street or on a neighbor’s front lawn. Pet owners need to clean up after their pet every time they go to the bathroom.

A majority of our community’s pet waste problems results from the inappropriate handling of this waste. Recent studies from the Environmental Protective Agency (EPA) have shown that pet waste is a significant contributor to bacterial contamination in ocean water after a storm. Storm water carries litter, pet waste and other pollutants directly into the ocean. Storm water does not receive any treatment prior to discharging into the ocean.

To make sure you contribute to a cleaner environment, grab a Bags on Board refillable dispenser  before heading out of the house with your pup. Bags on Board has 15 large doggie clean-up bags that can be refilled if needed. Bags on Board dispensers attach to any kind of leash – retractable or standard, so you’re never unprepared to pick-up after your pet. This practical invention dispenses bags quickly making it easier than ever for pet owners.

If your furry friend has an accident in the house, clean up the scene with Simple Solution’s Stain and Odor Remover. This product uses unique enzymes and Pro-Bacteria to breakdown the glue-like proteins in urine. Enzymes break down organic residue, and the Pro-Bacteria eat the residue entirely to permanently eliminate stains and odors from carpets, upholstery or any other water-safe surface.

Celebrate Scoop the Poop Week by picking up after yoru pet and educate others on the importance of doing so – it is a dirty job, but somebody’s gotta do it!

The Associated Press recently announced Obama’s family has introduced a new family member to the White House – a 6-month-old Portuguese water dog named Bo!  Bo was a gift from Senator Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass., who owns several Portuguese water dogs himself.  The Washington Post reported in its online editions Saturday night that Obama’s daughters chose the name Bo because first lady Michelle Obama’s father was nicknamed Diddley. The name for the dog was an obvious reference to the singer “Bo” Diddley.

Throughout the day Saturday, celebrity websites and bloggers were abuzz with rumors of the first family’s selection of a Portuguese water dog and one site even claimed it had pictures of the future first pet!

The rumor turned out to be true and Obama’s promise to his daughters was honored. When Obama appeared on Jay Leno’s talk show last month his response to bringing home a new puppy for the girls was, “This is Washington. That was a campaign promise.”  The audience roared with laughter as he then continued, ”No, I’m teasing.  The dog will be there shortly.”

The president and first lady had said their choice was down to either a Portuguese water dog or a Labradoodle because they were considered good pets for children who have allergies, as Malia does.

Most of this stuff we all already know, but it’s always nice to have a reminder before a holiday. For most people, Easter brings fond memories of egg hunts, chocolates and bunnies. Festive decorations and plastic eggs are what make Easter so special, but they also make the holiday a potentially dangerous one for pets.  Thoughtfurpaws.com and vetmedicine.about.com have some great tips on how to keep your pet safe this Easter.

Hazards to look out for this Easter and spring season:

Candy

Chocolate is commonly known as a lethal treat for your pet so make sure to tell your kids that sharing with the family pet could make them very sick. It is also important to remember all candy can be hazardous to your pet. Sugar can cause digestive problems and the foil wrapping candies come packaged in can cause internal damage.

Easter Grass

Cats love anything that move and are especially attracted to these shiny shreds. Stringy things like Easter grassare dangerous because if ingested, they create something called a Linear Foreign Body which could be lethal. Call your veterinarian if you suspect that your cat has sampled the Easter grass.

Easter Lilies

Easter Lilies are nice to have this time of year, but this plant is highly toxic to cats if ingested. Easter lilies are one of the most poisonous plants for pets and if ingested will cause vomiting and lethargy, and if untreated, may progress to kidney (renal) failure and death.

Eggs – Dyed and Plastic

Shiny plastic eggs may look like toys to your pets. If they chew and swallow the plastic, it can cause intestinal problems that may require surgery. Fresh, hardboiled eggs are not dangerous, but eggs spoil quickly. If days later your pet finds and eats an egg that was undiscovered during the Easter hunt, it can make them very sick. Try to keep track of the number of eggs hidden and make sure all are accounted for at the end of the hunt.

Every April Fools’ Day the ritual is the same. Outrageously false facts or stories — issued by a variety of sources. The challenge for all of us is to sort out the ‘April Foolery’ from the weird claims that are actually true.

Listed below are ten pet-related claims. Some are true and some are false. Can you tell the difference between the two? For each question, select either TRUE or APRIL FOOLS.

 Click Here for the Quiz!