New ‘magic’ bowl designed for stages of a dog’s life

August 13, 2022August 13, 2022bullingtonb2013 1 Comment

Reading Time: < 1 minute

The Pawaii Magic Bowl was recently introduced to the market, and while it might not be actual magic, it does appear to be highly functional.

According to a press release, the Pawaii Magic Bowl integrates four functions:

double bowls,
slow feeding,
an elevated dog bowl
and thermal insulation.

For puppies, the bowls can be separated into a main bowl and a base bowl, one for drinking, and the other for feeding.

Image from: https://petsplusmag.com/pawaii-rolls-out-the-pawaii-magic-bow/

If your dog eats too much and too fast, a slow feeder insert can be added onto the dog bowl, which can help prevent digestive problems.

As dogs get older, the double bowls can be stacked together to form the elevated dog bowl and a comfortable dining experience for your pet.

In summer, you can add ice cubes to the main bowl and in winter, you can fill the main bowl with hot water.

The stainless steel bowls can be washed by a dishwasher.

As a new design brand in the pet industry, Pawaii is “committed to breaking human-pet interaction barriers by fashionable, quality and intelligent products,” according to the press release.

Larry Kay and rescue dog Spider will perform dog tricks and training exercises at SuperZoo 2022

August 11, 2022August 13, 2022bullingtonb2013 2 Comments

Reading Time: < 1 minute

Dog behaviorist, award-winning author/lecturer and filmmaker, Larry Kay, and his rescue dog “Spider” will be performing dog tricks and training exercises in the Barkworthies/PawLove SuperZoo 2022 (booth 1956) on Aug. 23 and 24 at Mandalay Bay Hotel in Las Vegas.

Kay and his dog, Spider, perform tricks for live TV, exhibitions, and conferences. More than two million dog lovers follow Kay on his Positively Woof Facebook page for resources, guidance, and his Dog Hugs video podcast.

For a look at Spider’s talent at performing, check out this short youtube video:

Kay is the author of award-winners, ‘The Big Book of Tricks for the Best Dog Ever’ and ‘Training the Best Dog Ever.’ In addition, Kay has written, produced, and directed for Disney, PBS, and The Muppets.

Barkworthies/PawLove will also be introducing the following new products:

Barkworthies All-Star, All-Natural Dental Chews
Barkworthies MooChew Bully Sticks
PawLove Chicken Lickin’ Snack Sticks
Chicken Lickin’ Love Bone

Barkworthies was created as a new class of dog chews; premium products free from artificial preservatives, additives, and ingredients.

For more information please visit www.barkworthies.com or www.pawtreats.com

Source and featured image from: https://petsplusmag.com/larry-kay-teams-up-with-barkworthies-for-in-booth-trick-dog-demonstrations-at-superzoo-2022/

What is your cat saying and can technology help with decoding their meows?

August 10, 2022August 10, 2022bullingtonb2013 3 Comments

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Ever wonder if you can communicate better with your cat? ExcitedCats, a cat-focused website with a team of writers and expert veterinarians, is sharing some information and advice about how to interpret your furry feline’s behavior.According to excitedcats.com, cats communicate with each other primarily through physical contact, body language, and scent. The only real avenue of communication cats use humans is vocalization, especially meowing.Meowing at humans is a learned behavior. Adult cats reserve meowing almost exclusively for human interaction—they rarely meow at each other. Kittens may meow at their mothers to get their attention when they’re hungry or hurt, but once they reach adulthood, they mostly stop.

According to Dr. Paola Cueves, a veterinarian at ExcitedCats.com, “studies have found that meowing is a tool for cats to communicate emotional states to their owners—but our interpretation is limited to our experience with our cats and influenced by our affinity towards them.”

Dr. Tabitha Henson, another veterinarian from ExcitedCats, relates, “I definitely know my cat’s different meows. She has one asking for food, one when she’s excited and has caught a bug or critter, one when she’s stressed in the car (and about to vomit), and one when she sees a stray cat out of the window.”

So, one key to understanding your cat is likely listening carefully and paying attention to the context. Owners should also pay close attention to body language as well.

Can technology help us better communicate with our cats?

New technology and apps like MeowTalk claim to help tell us more about our cat’s meows. Since each cat’s meow is unique to their relationship with their owner, the vocalizations are not compared with a central database but rather tailored to each individual cat. In other words, the app must learn what your cat’s meow means via your input.

This creates a lot of space for the interpretation of different cat owners rather than standardized and likely more accurate data. Dr. Cueves notes that “while something similar could be done in a professionally controlled context and might have some interesting results, in real life, people are forcing cats to vocalize—putting cats in abnormal situations, and even meowing themselves. The algorithm will, of course, be negatively affected by this.”

If cats primarily use meowing to communicate with humans, should we be worried if they’re not meowing or meowing a lot?

Dr. Cueves says no—most of the time. “Some cats are simply quiet and that’s alright, too. On the other hand, if your cat usually meows frequently and has stopped doing so, you should make an effort to find out what is going on.”

Dr. Henson says meowing too much is not typically an issue either. “Just make sure your cat’s needs are being met and have them checked out for any underlying health problems. Some cats are just chatterboxes!”

Learning to communicate with your cat takes a concerted effort on your part, and with some time and dedication, it’s certainly possible to get more accurate over time.

10 great ways to have an eco-friendly pet

August 8, 2022August 10, 2022bullingtonb2013 2 Comments

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Reducing our carbon footprint and making our everyday lives greener have become important to many people in recent years. Here are 10 ways eco-conscious cat owners can reduce the ecological footprint of their pets.*

1. Kibble is a massive contributor to CO2 as industrial production. Reducing your cat’s daily kibble intake can help, plus help prevent pet obesity.

2. Beef has a carbon footprint of almost four times that of chickens. Try to stick with chicken, animal by-products, or sustainable fish as your cat’s main protein source.

3. While cats are obligate carnivores, they can process and gain nutrition from insect and plant sources in well-balanced commercial cat foods, and these alternatives may help to reduce the reliance on meat production.

4. Try and use second-hand toys or cat trees when possible, or make your own DIY cat playgrounds from reclaimed materials. Cats can use their hunting skills to chase and pounce on a homemade teaser toy or even simply have fun leaping around in a cardboard box before it goes out to be recycled.

5. Consider using cat litter made from recycled paper, corn fibers or pine shaving.

6. Fleas and ticks are a problem for all pet owners, but some of the ingredients in shampoos are potentially environmentally damaging and contain pyrethrins and organophosphates, which can be harmful to your cat. Using flea combs, non-toxic and organic shampoos with biodegradable ingredients can help with flea prevention.

7. Planting a cat-friendly garden including cat grass, catnip, valerian, cat thyme, cat mint, and rosemary will provide enrichment to your cat while also helping to clean the air. Additionally, cat mint flowers help to feed honeybees.

By Barbara Bullington

8. Opt for collars and leashes made from sustainable materials like hemp. You can also purchase bedding made from bamboo, and toys, bowls, and collars made from recycled plastic. Also, try using stainless steel bowls as they’ll last longer and are not as harmful to the planet as plastic.

9. Remember to keep your cats indoors. This way, they are less likely to kill birds.

10. Lastly, help reduce the pet population by getting your cats neutered or spayed. This helps reduce everything discussed above and helps to make sure fewer cats are living without loving homes.

If you want to learn more about ways to reduce your cat’s carbon footprint, ExcitedCats.com covers all this and more!

*Please consult your veterinarian before making any changes to your pet’s diet. It is also recommended that you consult a veterinarian for advice regarding cat litter choices and flea prevention.
Source: https://pressroom.journolink.com/excited-cats/release/reducing_your_cats_carbon_footprint_11275

Featured graphic and other illustrations in this post: by Barbara Bullington

Airy, a shy sardine-loving cat, voted most ‘fabulous foster’

August 5, 2022August 5, 2022bullingtonb2013 4 Comments

Reading Time: 2 minutes

The ARM & HAMMER™ Feline Generous program and the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), announced “Airy” has been named the nation’s most “fabulous foster” cat.

To celebrate Adopt a Shelter Cat Month (June), cat lovers were invited to vote on the ASPCA’s Facebook and Instagram for their favorite “fabulous foster.” As the winner of the “Fabulous Fosters” contest, Airy will be the new face of the ARM & HAMMER™ Feline Generous program and will be sent to his new home with a one-year supply of ARM & HAMMER™ Cat Litter and an adoption starter kit.

Airy will also be featured on the brand’s website and in its new Feline Fostering Guide, a free resource written by Pam Johnson-Bennett, certified cat behavior expert.

Airy, a shy sardine-loving cat being fostered in NYC, was voted the nation's most “fabulous foster” in a contest hosted by the ARM & HAMMER™ Feline Generous program and the ASPCA. — Airy, a shy sardine-loving cat being fostered in NYC, was voted the nation’s most “fabulous foster” in a contest hosted by the ARM & HAMMER™ Feline Generous program and the ASPCA.

Airy’s former ASPCA foster family in New York City describes him as loving to eat, especially sardines.

Since being featured in the contest, Airy has been adopted. He now lives with his new mom in Bronx, NY and has been adjusting wonderfully.

According to the ASPCA, every year approximately 3.2 million cats enter U.S. animal shelters and rescues nationwide and of those approximately 2.1 million cats are adopted each year. Adopting or fostering a pet helps shelters conserve their space and resources, and provides people with comfort and companionship.

“We’re thrilled to have Airy as our Feline Generous ambassador and raise awareness for all the benefits of fostering purrfectly impurrfect cats,” said Rebecca Blank, Associate Director, ARM & HAMMER™ Pet Care in a press release. “Typically, these cats are overlooked for adoption due to age, illness, appearance, or misunderstood personalities and can benefit from loving foster homes the most.”

ARM & HAMMER™ Feline Fostering Guide

For those who may be curious about whether fostering a feline could be for them or have questions about the commitment needed to foster purrfectly impurrfect cats, the ARM & HAMMER™ Feline Fostering Guide is a place to start. The ARM & HAMMER™ Feline Fostering Guide can be downloaded here.

Each person who downloads the guide will be entered for a chance to win a year’s supply of ARM & HAMMER™ Litter and other items to help set up a loving feline home. Please see https://www.armandhammer.com/-/media/AAH/Feature/Promotion/pdf/felinegenerous-rules.ashx for official rules.

The ARM & HAMMER™ Feline Generous program is an online platform that easily connects people to a network of local cat shelters across the country to help increase adoption and generate product and monetary donations, with a specific focus on cats who tend to be overlooked due to age, illness, appearance or misunderstood personalities.

For more information about fostering through the ASPCA or adopting Airy’s other “fabulous foster” friends, please visit www.aspca.org/foster and aspca.org/adopt.

SOURCE Church & Dwight Co., Inc.

Researchers look at what draws some people to pet insects

August 4, 2022August 5, 2022bullingtonb2013 3 Comments

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Keeping insects at home as pets may sound strange to some, but thousands of people all over the world have already adopted praying mantises or stick insects, according to a press release.

These insects, sold at fairs and pet markets or collected in the wild and then reared by amateurs or professionals, are becoming more popular as pets.

Some are elegant, with flower-like coloration (the Orchid Mantis, Hymenopus coronatus), and some are funny-looking like Pokémons (the Jeweled Flower Mantis, Creobroter wahlbergii). Many can be safely cuddled and may have big, kitty-eyes (the Giant Shield Mantis Rhombodera basalis).

When choosing a pet insect, “customers” consider shape, size, colors, and behaviors. They might also take into account how rare a certain species is or how easy it is to look after.

So, who are these adopters of pet insects?

Understanding that answer, as well as how this market, still mostly unregulated, is changing, may be crucial to the conservation of rare species and promoting awareness of their habitat and place in the ecosystem, according to some researchers.

Roberto Battiston of Museo di Archeologia e Scienze Naturali G. Zannato (Italy), William di Pietro of the World Biodiversity Association (Italy) and entomologist Kris Anderson (USA) recently published the first overview of the mantis pet market.

The research, “The pet mantis market: a first overview on the praying mantis international trade,” published in the open-access Journal of Orthoptera Research, identified buyers as mostly curious enthusiasts but with poor knowledge of the market dynamics and related laws, even if they seem to generally care about their pet.

Based on a survey of almost 200 hobbyists, enthusiasts and professional sellers in the mantis community from 28 different countries, results showed that the typical mantis breeder or enthusiast is 19 to 30 years old and buys mantises mostly out of personal curiosity or scientific interest. Willing to spend over $30 for a single individual insect, most prefer a beautiful looking species over a rare one.

The research abstract relates that, “This market is not well known, and its implications on the biology and conservation of these insects are complex and difficult to predict” but that pet mantis adoption comes with “both problems and opportunities.”

One problem is illegal trade. Data suggests the mantis trade might not always be on the legal side. About one time out of four, the lack of permits or transparency from the seller is perceived from the buyer.

On the plus side, adopters of insects might provide needed insight. Mantises and other insects are poorly known in terms of biology, distribution and threats, with many species still unknown and waiting to be discovered. This lack of knowledge limits their protection and conservation. But, the researchers believe hobbyists and pet insect enthusiasts produce a huge quantity of observations on the biology and ecology of hundreds of species.

The researchers also noted that strengthening the dialogue between the science community and insect adopters might help discourage buying the insects from the black market.

Featured photo:

Credit: William Di Pietro

The orchid mantis Hymenopus coronatus is one of the most requested mantis on the market.

Sources:
Battiston R, Di Pietro W, Anderson K (2022) The pet mantis market: a first overview on the praying mantis international trade (Insecta, Mantodea). Journal of Orthoptera Research 31(1): 63-68. https://doi.org/10.3897/jor.31.71458

https://www.newswise.com/articles/are-people-swapping-their-cats-and-goldfish-for-praying-mantises

Study finds that neighborhoods with lots of dog-walking tend to be safer than other places to live

August 3, 2022August 5, 2022bullingtonb2013 2 Comments

Reading Time: 2 minutes

In a study conducted in Columbus, researchers found that neighborhoods with more dogs had lower rates of homicide, robbery and, to a lesser extent, aggravated assaults compared to areas with fewer dogs, at least when residents also had high levels of trust in each other.

As most people probably would predict, barking and visible dogs can keep criminals away from buildings where the dogs are found. However, being active with your pet also seems to play an integral role when it comes to a safer place to live. According to a press release, the results suggest that people walking their dogs puts more “eyes on the street,” which can discourage crime.

“People walking their dogs are essentially patrolling their neighborhoods,” said Nicolo Pinchak, lead author of the study and a doctoral student in sociology at The Ohio State University. “They see when things are not right, and when there are suspect outsiders in the area. It can be a crime deterrent.”

Pinchak added, “When people are out walking their dogs, they have conversations, they pet each other’s dogs. Sometimes they know the dog’s name and not even the owners. They learn what’s going on and can spot potential problems.”

The study was published recently in the journal Social Forces

For the study, researchers looked at crime statistics from 2014 to 2016 for 595 census block groups – the equivalent of neighborhoods – in the Columbus area. They obtained survey data from a marketing firm that asked Columbus residents in 2013 if they had a dog in their household.

Finally, they used data from the Adolescent Health and Development in Context study (which Browning runs) to measure trust in individual neighborhoods. As part of that study, residents were asked to rate how much they agreed that “people on the streets can be trusted” in their neighborhoods.

Research has shown that trust among neighbors is an important part of deterring crime, because it suggests residents will help each other when facing a threat and have a sense of “collective efficacy” that they can have a positive impact on their area, according to the press release. Among the high-trust neighborhoods, neighborhoods high in dog concentration had about two-thirds the robbery rates of those low in dog concentration and about half the homicide rates, the study found.

Results showed that the trust and dog-walking combination helped reduce street crimes: those crimes like homicides and robberies that tend to occur in public locations, including streets and sidewalks. More dogs in a neighborhood was also related to fewer property crimes, like burglaries, irrespective of how much residents trust each other.

The protective effect of dogs and trust was found even when a wide range of other factors related to crime was taken into account, including the proportion of young males in the neighborhood, residential instability and socioeconomic status.

Ohio State’s Institute for Population Research supported the study.

Other co-authors of the study were Bethany Boettner of Ohio State, and Catherine Calder and Jake Tarrence of the University of Texas at Austin.

Source: Ohio State University

Company announces mobile diagnostic testing services for dogs and cats

August 2, 2022August 5, 2022bullingtonb2013 2 Comments

Reading Time: < 1 minute

Labs and diagnostic testing are an essential part of pet care, but in-office visits can cause stress for both people and pets.

PepiPets has announced that dog and cat owners can now access their new PepiPets Mobile Diagnostic Testing services. PepiPets’ mobile diagnostic testing services provide diagnostic care from the comfort of any pet parent’s home.

PepiPets will work with clients and their veterinarian to ensure that the necessary diagnostic care that a pet’s health requires is delivered quickly.

After booking an appointment at a time that works best for the customer, an experienced PepiPets Veterinarian Technician will come to their home and collect the necessary samples for diagnostic testing. Results are provided in as little as 24 hours following sample collection.

For more, visit https://www.pepipets.com.

SOURCE PepiPets

Researchers develop quality of life assessment to evaluate the well-being of dogs

August 1, 2022August 5, 2022bullingtonb2013 2 Comments

Reading Time: < 1 minute

Researchers from Mars Petcare developed a quality of life (QoL) assessment that evaluates dog health and well-being.

“Well-being is a focal point for dog owners and veterinary professionals alike,” said Nefertiti Greene, President, Science & Diagnostics, Mars Petcare in a press release. “This assessment will allow us to consistently capture dog health and well-being data…advancing our purpose: A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS.”

The assessment is based on a 32-item questionnaire for pet owners to report on their dog’s behaviours and activity. When processed, survey results provide a multi-faceted view of a dog’s health and well-being, covering domains such as energy levels, happiness, mobility, sociability, and appetite.

A new study published in Scientific Reports supports the validity of this QoL assessment for measuring and quantifying canine health and wellbeing.

Results from the study also suggest this assessment can identify general malaise that could otherwise have been undetected when a dog is suffering from underlying pain that may not be easily identifiable.

“From a veterinarian’s perspective, the QoL assessment will deliver valuable information on how veterinary care can help improve pet outcomes,” said Jennifer Welser, DVM, DACVO, Chief Medical Officer, Mars Veterinary Health.

Researchers from Mars Petcare, including Waltham Petcare Science Institute and Banfield Pet Hospital®, developed the quality of life (QoL) assessment. For more information on the assessment and the study visit https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-16315-y.

SOURCE Mars Petcare

Featured artwork by Barbara Bullington

New poetry book celebrates dogs

July 29, 2022July 30, 2022bullingtonb2013 2 Comments

Reading Time: < 1 minute

A recently released book of poetry is being described as “an nspirational poetic tribute to dogs.”

“No Bones About It: A Dog Lover’s Inspirational Poems” (2nd Edition), was penned by author and dog lover, Jill Meunier,

Meunier’s poetry speaks of her emotional connection with dogs and of her common bond with dog lovers who find comfort in their pets in good times and in bad times. She rhymes a tribute to a dog she rescued in “Weenie’s Story.” In “Lady in a Dog’s Life,” she shares what goes in the life of a dog lover. In “A Wish Upon a Dog,” she expresses her desire to own a dog despite her landlord’s refusal. “Dear Neighbor” speaks about a dog owner’s concern for a neighbor’s dog.

The book also contains poems written from a dog’s perspective. A dog leaves a message for its human in “Old Dog.” “She’s A Mess” talks about a dog’s description of – and gratitude to – its human. In “Vices Versus,” a dog shares how its human deals with after-work stress at home. In New Puppy,” it shares what it thinks about a newcomer in the house. “I’m Lost” deals with a dog getting lost after it wanders away from home.

Order a copy on Amazon and ReadersMagnet Bookstore.

“No Bones About It: A Dog Lover’s Inspirational Poems” (2nd Edition) is available on Amazon and ReadersMagnet Bookstore.

Meunier is also the author of “No Bones About It: More Doggone Good Poems.”

Source (and feature photo from): https://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=291759