For most people, nothing is better than lounging in the backyard on the Fourth of July with good friends and family – including four-legged ones! While it may seem like a great idea to reward your pet with scraps from the grill and bring him or her along for the fireworks, in all reality some festive foods and products can be potential hazards, such as alcohol and sunscreen. Never use sunscreen or insect repellent on your pet unless it is specifically labeled for use on animals. According to the ASPCA, ingestion of sunscreen products can result in drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst and lethargy. A safe alternative for pets is Sun Relief Spray by Vet’s Best, which is specifically made for animals and uses natural ingredients.

Here are a few tips from the Humane Society of the United States for keeping your pet safe this Fourth of July:

• Resist the urge to take your pet to fireworks displays.
• Do not leave your pet in the car. With only hot air to breathe inside a car, your pet can suffer serious health effects—even death—in a few short minutes. Partially opened windows do not provide sufficient air, but they do provide an opportunity for your pet to be stolen.
• Keep your pets indoors at home in a sheltered, quiet area. Some animals can become destructive when frightened, so be sure that you’ve removed any items that your pet could destroy or that would be harmful to your pet if chewed. Leave a television or radio playing at normal volume to keep him company while you’re attending Fourth of July picnics, parades, and other celebrations.
• If you know that your pet is seriously distressed by loud noises like thunder, consult with your veterinarian before July 4th for ways to help alleviate the fear and anxiety he or she will experience during fireworks displays.  A natural supplement, such as Vet’s Best Comfort Calm will also alleviate stress.
• Never leave pets outside unattended, even in a fenced yard or on a chain. In their fear, pets who normally wouldn’t leave the yard may escape and become lost, or become entangled in their chain, risking injury or death.
  • Make sure your pets are wearing identification tags so that if they do become lost, they can be returned promptly. Animals found running at-large should be taken to the local animal shelter, where they will have the best chance of being reunited with their owners.

If you’ve been wishing you could take your dog to work, then we’ve got the perfect way to ask your boss: tell him/her that Take Your Dog To Work Day is coming up… this Friday, June 25th – and it’s for a great cause!

Now in its twelfth year, Take Your Dog To Work Day was created by Pet Sitters International to show your dog-less co-workers what wonderful companions dogs make and encourage them to adopt a dog from a shelter or rescue organization. This year, thousands of businesses throughout the world will be participating in the event!

First and foremost you’ll want to make sure your dog is well groomed, fresh smelling and well mannered. You’ll also want to make sure he or she has a place to go to the bathroom and you have some waste bags with you. To be on the safe side, you might want to bring along some pet-safe cleaning supplies… just in case. For more tips on planning a successful work day with your pup, visit Pet Sitter’s official Take Your Dog To Work Day website!

Father’s day can be tricky. Unlike moms, who are often very receptive to the fool-proof formula of flowers or fancy soaps, dads can be a bit harder to please. So, we’ve pulled together a few ideas to inspire you with great gift ideas that will go over great with dad and help animals out!

Donate to a local shelter

Consider donating to a local shelter in your dad’s name. Many people don’t know that local Humane Societies operate independently from the Humane Society of the United States. This means that they rely on donations for funding. The Nevada Humane Society, for example, is one of the nation’s largest no-kill animal shelters and operates solely on donations. For them, and other local shelters, every dollar counts, and they look toward pet-loving people like you and your dad for assistance.

Bags on Board Ball Caddy Dispenser

If you’re looking to give dad something he can unwrap, consider the Ball Caddy Dispenser from Bags on Board. This nifty device attaches to any leash, holds 15 waste pick-up bags and even a tennis ball for some doggy entertainment. Picking up after your pet is important not only because the bacteria in waste posses a serious health risk, but it’s also the law. So with the Ball Caddy Dispenser you can make walks for dad and dog much more enjoyable and pleasant.

June is Adopt-A-Shelter Cat Month! Now is the perfect time to give a homeless cat a chance at love.

Established in 1975 by the American Humane Association, Adopt-A-Shelter Cat Month is a time to bring special attention to the need for adopting homeless cats and making a commitment to provide them with a lifetime of loving care. This year, Congress officially recognized the special month as Congresswoman Susan Davis read a statement identifying June as Adopt-A-Shelter Cat Month on the floor of the House of Representatives.

Here’s an excerpt from Congresswoman Davis’ statement:

The American Humane’s Adopt-A-Cat Month serves as a sobering reminder of this staggering reality: every year, approximately 4 million cats and kittens end up in animal shelters in the United States. Each of these cats is in need of a “forever” home, but tragically, only a small percentage will eventually find one. During Adopt-A-Shelter Cat Month, American Humane – in partnership with The CATalyst Council – urges Americans to adopt a homeless cat from their local shelter or rescue group and provide it with a lifetime of love, as well as a lifetime of proper veterinary care.

So take some time this month and head over to your local shelter. You’re sure to find the perfect cat companion. You can find a shelter near you by visiting www.petfinder.com

Pets aren’t pets anymore. They’re full-fledged members of our families. In fact, 70% of dog owners consider their pet like a child or a family member, according to the 2009/2010 American Pet Products Association National Pet Owners Survey. And as a result human products have found their way over to the four-legged market.

Here are some examples of products that have made the leap from human to pet. Some are pretty interesting and others are just down right funny!

Luggage for Dogs

For all those jet-setting pups out there. This one has holders for your pet’s collar, water bowl, leash, favorite toy, and even passport (or vet records). Not to mention it’s covered in Scandinavian leather. An old duffle bag just doesn’t cut it anymore. Your pooch has a reputation to maintain after all.

Doggie Diapers

No one likes accidents from puppies or babies. So why not put them both in diapers? These pet diapers from Simple Solution absorb wetness and eliminate messes to protect your shinny hardwood floor or new couch. They’ve even got a customized tail hole for comfort – can’t forget that!

Strollers

They’re for pets too! Pet strollers are great for those pets who love going on walks, but might not be able to because they’re recovering from illness or are a bit to old to run along side of you.

Canine Mansions

Believe it or not, this is a dog house. The makers of this one actually build a smaller version of a real home for dogs and they can even include furniture, curtains, air conditioning, satellite TV, internet and even a phone line. Don’t ask us what a dog is going to do with a phone line.

Bags on Board

No matter where it comes from, poop is poop and you need somewhere to put it. Diaper disposal bags that fit onto strollers, are also available for pets –  Bags on Board developed a waste bag dispenser that fits onto any leash!

Costumes

Just in case you wanted everyone to match! Halloween isn’t the only time of year to dress up your pet. There’s also National Dress Up Your Pet Day on January 14th!

Chihuahua Urinals

Just kidding! You won’t see these popping up at your local dog park. This picture is just a visual aide of an ad campaign. Kind of makes you wonder what they were advertising.