The Pet HavenThe Pet HavenA discussion of all things pets, including news, tips, product reviews, fun stuff and more Articles
New Product - Pet Tents
2008-04-04 02:33:00 Although I haven't actually tried this product, I came across it recently. According to the manufacturer, when your pet enters the tent and lie on its buckwheat hull-filled pillow, they will feel safe, secure and special. Many of the tent designs allow owners to use closable doors to replace their pet's kennel. Each is lightweight and easy to move and assemble. They can be found on www.pettents.com. More About: Product
New Product - Pet Tents
2008-04-04 02:33:00 Although I haven't actually tried this product, I came across it recently. According to the manufacturer, when your pet enters the tent and lie on its buckwheat hull-filled pillow, they will feel safe, secure and special. Many of the tent designs allow owners to use closable doors to replace their pet's kennel. Each is lightweight and easy to move and assemble. They can be found on www.pettents.com. More About: Product
Baseball Dog
2008-04-02 02:39:00 I know I used this photo before, but in honor of the Yankees opening game, here is Rocco enjoying my Yankees Blanket.Happy Baseball Season!
Baseball Dog
2008-04-02 02:39:00 I know I used this photo before, but in honor of the Yankees opening game, here is Rocco enjoying my Yankees Blanket.Happy Baseball Season!
Stupid Joke - The Parrot
2008-03-30 18:44:00 An elderly woman was looking for a pet to be a good companion and not much trouble. The pet store owner suggested a parrot, showed it to her and guaranteed her it would be a wonderful companion. The woman asked if it would behave if she took it to church with her on Sundays. The owner said it shouldn't be a problem and that she could put him on her shoulder and he would stay there. She bought the parrot and for the next week spent time getting to know him. Assured that he spoke properly and was well behaved, she put him on her shoulder and went off to church. Just as everyone quieted down and the sermon began, the parrot looked around, squawked and said, "It's damn cold in here!" Everyone turned to look at her and she ran out of the church in total embarrassment!All the next week, she talked to the parrot explaining the necessity to remain quiet during church. The parrot understood so she put him on her shoulder and went to church the following Sunday. Once again, just as everythi... More About: Joke , Stupid , Parrot
One Year of the Pet Haven
2008-03-28 14:46:00 This week marks the one year anniversary of The Pet Haven Blog. I started this blog amidst the pet food recalls and crisis, as I was a pet owner concerned, frustrated and ticked-off at how the whole thing occurred. I couldn't believe how poorly the pet food companies handled the whole thing...from lies to denials to taking forever to take the product off the shelves. It was definitely not a lesson in good crisis management.Now here I am a year later, still blogging about a variety of topics within the pet world. The blog has taken me in several different directions, and although it's not always as focused on one type of subject as maybe a blog should be, it has allowed me to look at various things within the pet industry; including the good, the bad, and the very ugly. This blog has become a forum for all things pets. From news, to product reviews, to resources, to fun stuff, to pictures of my pets, and more. I hope everyone enjoys reading it as much as I enjoy writing it. I... More About: Year
Wet Pet Food Sales Struggle After Recall
2008-03-26 15:29:00 According to a recent USA Today article, more then a year after the massive pet food recall, people are still weary of buying wet, or soft, pet food. And, many products have not returned to the shelf.Personally, I'm not surprised. I boycotted all the foods that were part of the recall, and have not gone back. There really hasn't been any reason to go back. I found a brand that I trust (Wellness) and wasn't part of the recall, and I haven't had a reason to leave them to go back to the brands that have lost our trust. It's all about brand loyalty for me. I found a brand that my dogs like, that is high quality, and good for their allergy issues. Until they give me a reason to stop buying their products, why would I go to a company that showed no care for the pet owners?Enough of my rant, here is the complete USA Today Article:http://www.usatoday.com/money/ind ustries/manufacturing/2008-03-24-pet-food -recall_N.htm More About: Food , Sales , Pet Food , Recall
Fish Not Boring
2008-03-25 13:05:00 I've heard the familiar response when I tell people I have fish, that fish are boring. For any of us fishkeepers, we know that is far from the truth.Fish can recognize their caretakers. Maybe not as much as dogs and cats, but fish do come to the front of the tank when their keepers walk by. Naturally, it may have something to do with the fact that the fishkeeper is also the one that feeds the fish, but many of our furry friends are trained with treats and food as well.There are so many different varieties of fish, that you can put several fish hobbyists in a room, and they'll all have something different that they like to keep. Even the somewhat well known goldfish has a variety of strains, colors, and varieties. And each one has its own unique personality and habits.Fish, as most pets, aren't without controversy. A few years ago, it was the arguments against genetically engineering a "glowing" strain of danio fish. Recently, the debate has been whether it's human to inject... More About: Boring
Pet Food Recall A Year Later
2008-03-22 01:12:00 It's been a year since the mess first started with the pet food recall. The recall lasted several months, and shed light on an industry that was unregulated, and in a lot of ways, didn't care much about the pets they were supposed to feed. It also showed that the same company which was making the "commercial," i.e., inexpensive brands, was also making the high-priced premium brands that were supposed to help make your pet live a longer, healthier life....so much for that idea!Unfortunately, there is still more work to be done in order to stop this mess from happening again. For example, the legislation that was passed requires the companies to voluntarily recall contaminated petfood. Voluntary doesn't work quite as well as mandatory.Here is an interesting article about how things have fallen short.http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/2350521 8/ More About: Food , Pet Food , Recall , Year , Food recall
Out Sick
2008-03-20 17:14:00 It's been a few days since I've been on the computer, as we've been fighting off colds all week. People always say that our pets can tell when things are bothering us. It seems as though the puppies have been keeping an eye on things more then usual.My "guard" dog Kelso, who is all bark but no bite, has been barking more often the last couple of days, alerting us to every little thing that is going on around us. I think he wants us to know that he's looking out for us. I appreciate the gesture, but it sure makes it harder to take a nap. And Rocco, the one that doesn't bark, has been a bit more vocal, letting us know that he's here if we need him for anything.Hopefully the colds/flu/whatever we have will go away soon. Some more rest (and medication!) should hopefully do the trick. More About: Sick
Your Pet On A Stamp
2008-03-17 17:03:00 Think being on a stamp is reserved for heroes and legends? With Pictureitpostage.com you can turn your photo or logo into real US postage.On the site, you can simply upload your image or photo, select the options you want to use, and your customized postage will come within two weeks. Plus, with pictureitpostage.com, your image will be printed on a pretty large canvas for a stamp with the total size of the stamp measuring 2 – ½ x 1 – 9/16.The concept is great, especially when sending things such as greeting cards and invitations to friends and family. The only drawback is the overall price. For 20 stamps, the cost is $17.95 (including face value of postage) plus shipping. Since the retail value of 20 stamps is $8.20, you’re paying a bit of a premium for your customized stamps, but for it might be worth it for the conversation piece it will become. More About: Stamp
Buying A Dog From a Store
2008-03-14 17:10:00 This debate will probably never die down...should stores be allowed to sell big pets such as dogs and cats. Understandably, a lot of the stores get their dogs from puppy mills, and I understand that side of the debate. Still, there are countless dogs sold by pet stores every year.Purchasing from a pet store is like any other major purchase...you need to do your homework. Doing this, however, meant that you have to put your spur of the moment emotions aside every time you see a dog that you just "have to have."We purchased our first puppy from a store, but only after doing considerable research, asking the store for references of others who have purchased from there, and asking around to other pet owners for their feedback.We also took several visits to the store to see their puppies. The dogs at the store where we purchased from were always alert and awake. They were playful and, well, puppy like. The puppies also played in pens together, rather then being individually crated. The p... More About: Buying , Store
Fish Reference Site
2008-03-13 01:43:00 I always advocate doing your research before taking home any pet; no matter if it's furry, wet, or anything in between. I came across a pretty good fish reference site with a listing of many of the common fish (and some not so common) that you'll find in your local store.http://www.aquatic-hobbyist.com/fre shindex.htmlEnjoy. More About: Fish , Site , Reference
5 Human Snacks That Harm Pets
2008-03-11 21:22:00 HUMAN SNACKS & TREATS TO WATCH OUT FORWellness food brand sends out a periodical newsletter with information and tips for pets. Although they don't advocate giving human food to pets, they do identify 5 common everyday threats to your animals. This is from an article they sent recently :1. Xylitol – This sweetener is used in sugar free chewing gums and candies, and is available in a powdered form for use in baking. In people, this five carbon sugar alcohol is used in diabetic dietetics and does not impact insulin levels. However, xylitol is a strong promoter of insulin release in dogs leading to hypoglycemia. Common presenting clinical signs in affected dogs include vomiting, weakness, ataxia, seizures, and collapse. In 2007 ACVIM Research Abstracts, Dr. Lyman and Dr. Bichsel discussed toxic effects seen with ingestion of 150 mg xylitol/ kg of body weight; consisting of hypoglycemia and hepatic failure. That is about 680 mg xylitol for a 10 pound dog. (A teaspoon of xylitol ... More About: Pets , Snacks , Human , Harm
Morning Dog
2008-03-09 16:28:00 When we got our second dog, I never intended for either one of them to be more attached to either one of us. But it seems each one has taken to the habits of each of their owners.I'm a morning person, while Mrs. Pet Haven is a night owl. When I'm up early to start a new day, it's usually Kelso who's up and about with me. Sometimes he's awake even before I am. As soon as I'm up, he's right there with me, ready for to play with his toys and do "his business."Rocco, on the other hand, is the night-time dog. He'll lounge on his bed in the morning while Kelso is up and about. Getting them set for their morning walk, it's Rocco that usually fights me a bit. At night, however, when Kelso and I are falling asleep in front of the TV, it's Rocco who's running about, looking for food, and trying to play. Of course, my wife gets the full night time responsibility...since it's always my side of the bed that Kelso goes to in the morning when he wants to get up before we do.Who wou... More About: Morning
Black Dog Discrimination
2008-03-07 15:48:00 http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23472518/This is an interesting article about how dogs with thick, dark black coats usually take longer to get adopted at shelters. Apparently, the phenomenon is commonplace enough to have earned its own name: "black dog syndrome."According to one quote in the article, "They're the hardest to adopt out, they're in the shelters the longest and therefore, they're most likely to be euthanized if nothing happens."But what are the reasons?? Could it be a subconscious thing (like the fear of black cats?). Could it be that in some black dogs (the black pug comes to mind) that it's harder to see the dog's true features? Is it because they just look scarier?Other theories include:-Some people turn in their black dogs to the shelters because they've gotten new furniture and don't like the dark fur their pet sheds.-their black coats can make them invisible in poorly lit kennels.-Same problem happens with amateur photos on shelters' Web sites, which is how ... More About: Black , Discrimination , Black Dog
"Guard Dog"
2008-03-06 02:08:00 Kelso loves to keep watch out the window and bark at everything that walks by...but yet he's so harmless! More About: Guard
Secondhand Smoke Killing Your Pets??
2008-03-04 15:34:00 It’s no secret that secondhand smoke, also called environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), is associated with serious health risks for people, including heart disease, cancer, asthma and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). According to an article at Pets ide.com, "It makes sense that the same toxins that endanger human lives might also threaten the health of our pets. "The full link of the article can be found: http://www.petside.com/portal/site/PetSid e/menuitem.ab01e14a6f0d37e0cf306d28f93c2d 04/?vgnextoid=5700edf183da7110VgnVCM10000 075c1d240RCRD&vgnextfmt=defaultPerson ally, I don't smoke, so that's one issue I don't need to worry about. For for those pet lovers looking for another reason to quit, look no further then your furry friend.The article makes some interesting points, such as: "Lymphosarcoma is the most common feline cancer. It starts in the lymph nodes and spreads throughout the body. Studies suggest that cats who live with a smoker are twice as likely to develop lym... More About: Smoke , Killing
Dog Brushing
2008-03-02 15:56:00 Thanks to everyone who took my recent poll about brushing your dogs' teeth. I guess I'm not the only one who doesn't take the brush to my dogs mouth. 54% of you never brush their teeth. While a few of those answered that they do it on occasion, very few people do it on a regular basis.I guess this explains why there are so many 'alternative' products on the market. From special dental bones, to sprays, to gels, there are so many different ways to help your dog have good dental hygiene.
Hamden, CT Dog Dumping Controversy
2008-02-29 20:27:00 I have been holding off on posting about this subject since it's had both regional and national coverage. Plus, it's somewhat of a morbid subject. However, since I grew up in this town, I have been following this story and it is just disgusting. A story was revealed by a cyber paper called the hamdendailynews.com, which brought to light the fact that dead dogs and cats were being thrown into the town dump. Not buried, not cremated, not even hidden...just there, dumped in plain view at the local transfer station.As the story has unfolded, it was revealed that a change in policy was made....all in the name of saving money. Apparently it was costing the town over $2,000 a year to cremate and dispose of the dead animals. Dumping them, of course, would be free. The blame game started and no one really knew who changed the policy, or when, or how. It just suddenly changed. Plus, it's still unclear where these dogs are coming from....are they dogs found on the side of the road? Or... More About: Controversy
LA Pets Must Be Spayed or Neutered
2008-02-27 15:26:00 A new law in LA requires all pets to be spayed or neutered before reachine four months of age. The ordinance is aimed at reducing and eventually eliminating the thousands of euthanizations conducted in Los Angeles’ animal shelters every year.The ordinance does exempt some animals, including those that have competed in shows or sporting competitions, guide dogs, animals used by police agencies and those belonging to professional breeders.The average pet owner, however, must have their dog or cat spayed or neutered by the time it reaches 4 months of age (as late as 6 months with a letter from a veterinarian).First-time offenders will receive information on subsidized sterilization services and be given an additional 60 days. If they still fail to comply they could be fined $100 and ordered to serve eight hours of community service. A subsequent offense could result in a $500 fine or 40 hours of community service.--- My question: How does this get enforced? Is it up to the vets to en... More About: Pets
Acclimating You New Fish
2008-02-26 02:57:00 For those you enjoy the fish hobby, it's always exciting to take home that new fish. Assuming you've done your research and the fish you are adding to your tank is compatible with your current inhabitants, the next step to making sure your fish is healthy is properly acclimating the fish to the tank.The best thing to do when you get a new fish, is to put it in a "quarantine" tank for two weeks. This is a totally separate tank with no other fish, but with the same water parameters as the main tank. However, it is often difficult for many fish keepers to have an extra quarantine tank hanging around.Any pet store that is half-way decent will put your fish in a plastic bag. Take the bag and float it in your tank for at least 15 - 20 minutes. This will allow the water that is in the bag to become the same temperature as the tank water.The next step is to get a bucket and a fish net. Open the bag, and pour the fish out in a net over the bucket, so that the water in the bag doesn't get... More About: Fish
Pet Oral Care Product
2008-02-24 14:40:00 In continuing the theme of pet dental awareness month, the Healthy Pet Company (www.healthypetcompany.com) mentioned a relatively new oral care product to the market. It's called PetzLife Oral Care and comes in sprays and gels. According to the company, PetzLife Oral Care Spray & Gel "are revolutionary award winning products that thousands of satisfied customers agree not only remove plaque and tartar but also kill bacteria on contact, the main cause of bad breath in cats and dogs!"The products "kill bacteria on contact" while improving kitty and dog breath. There is also a version that contains omega-3 fish oils to not only clean teeth, but help promote a healthy coat. The convenience of the gel is that if you have dogs (like mine) who don't let you touch their teeth, you can put the gel on their lips and they'll lick it up. Now if they could just make one like that for humans, I'd be all set :-) More About: Product
Take the Poll!
2008-02-22 16:02:00 Since February is considered dog dental health month, I'm interested in how often, if at all, dog lovers brush their dog's teeth. Take a second to click your response and feel free to leave any other comments here. More About: Poll
Raid Busts Up Nation's Largest Dog Fighting Rings
2008-02-21 15:06:00 "TUCSON, Ariz. – A year long investigation ended Tuesday night with six people arrested and more than a 100 dogs seized in what is being called the nation’s largest dog fighting and dog-fight breeding ring.The raid took place near Tucson, Ariz., where Pima County sheriff’s deputies served warrants and the Humane Society of the United States took custody of 150 dogs. Ninety-nine percent of the animals were pit bulls.Authorities also found more than 50 weapons, thousands of dollars in cash, training materials and a rape stand used for breeding female pit bulls."Here's the link to the full article. http://www.zootoo.com/petnews/raidbustsup nationslargestdogfi--- I understand there is big money to be made in all forms of gambling, but I couldn't imagine making my dogs fight. In fact, my two were both cranky last night and starting fighting a bit...which is unusual for them...but made us a bit worried and upset. So, the thought of making any dogs fight just for fun is just unthi... More About: Fighting , Rings , Largest , Raid
Creating Bad Habits?
2008-02-19 20:53:00 I might be guilt! I think I'm creating bad habits in my dogs. I'm an enabler. You see, when my oldest dog, Rocco, doesn't particularly like his dinner (he has allergies, so I have to be careful what I feed), he usually goes to bed hungry. Until 3am, when he wakes me up and whines. Rocco isn't the type that usually goes to the bathroom at that hour, so I knew something else was bothering him a couple of weeks ago the first time he woke me up whining. I got up, gave him a treat, and he begged for more. Then a I realized that he didn't really eat his dinner, so he must be hungry. I got him some dry food, and he eat it up. A few days later, the same thing happens. He doesn't eat dinner (which was a nice mix of a high quality canned food and a dry food), and then gets hungry at 3am. He wakes me, I feed him. We both go to bed happy. But, as Mrs. Pet Haven points out, now Rocco knows that he can wake me up whenever he wants and I'll feed him....not something I want to have ha... More About: Habits , Creating , Bad Habits
Animal CSI: Solving horrendous pet crimes
2008-02-18 16:40:00 http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23185183/Inte resting article on how pet crimes are being solved using the latest in crime solving technology. More About: Animal , Crimes
Behind The Scenes at Dog Show
More articles from this author:2008-02-16 19:18:00 Thanks to Petside for sharing this clip..some behind the scenes grooming at the Westminster Dog show. More About: Show , Behind The Scenes , Scenes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 |
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