Some Pet Tips for this 4th of July Holiday

Fireworks, picnics and other Fourth of July traditions can be great fun for people; but all of the festivities can be frightening and even dangerous for animals. Noisy fireworks and other celebrations can startle animals and cause them to run away; holiday foods can be unhealthy; summer heat and travel can be dangerous; and potentially dangerous debris can end up lying on the ground where pets can eat or play with it. On and around the Fourth of July, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) sees an increase in calls concerning pets who have ingested fireworks, or are having issues due to the loud noises they make.

Whether or not you’re planning your own Independence Day celebration, it’s important to take precautions to keep your pets safe both during and after the July 4th festivities.

Preparing in advance:

1. Make sure your pets – cats and dogs alike – have identification tags with up-to-date information. If you have horses, you might consider marking a safety (breakaway) halter with your contact information and leaving it on your horse during this stressful time.
2. If your pets aren’t already microchipped, talk with your veterinarian about microchipping. This simple procedure can greatly improve your chances of getting your pets back if they become lost.
3. If your pets are microchipped, make sure your contact information in the microchip registry is up-to-date.
4. Take a current photo of all of your cats, dogs and horses – just in case.
5. If your pet has historically been anxious on this holiday, or if you have reason to expect potentially harmful reactions, consider behavioral therapy to desensitize your pet and reduce the risk of problems. Some pets may need medication. Consult your veterinarian or a veterinary behaviorist.
6. Make sure the environment is safe and secure. If your neighbors set off fireworks at an unexpected time, is your yard secure enough to keep your pet contained? Are pasture fences secure enough to keep horses or other livestock confined? Evaluate your options, and choose the safest area for your animals; and make improvements if needed to make the area more secure.

Safety during July 4th celebrations:

1. Leave your pets at home when you go to parties, fireworks displays, parades and other gatherings. Loud fireworks, unfamiliar places and crowds can all be very frightening to pets, and there’s great risk of pets becoming spooked and running away.
2. Consider putting your pets in a safe, escape-proof room or crate during parties and fireworks.
3. Keep horses and livestock in safely fenced areas and as far from the excitement and noise as possible.
4. If you’re hosting guests, ask them to help keep an eye on your pets to make sure they don’t escape. Placing notes on exit doors and gates can help both you and your guests remain vigilant.
5. Keep your pets inside if you or your neighbors are setting off fireworks.
6. Keep sparklers, glow sticks, fireworks, charcoal and kabob skewers away from curious pets.
7. Don’t let pets get near your barbecue grill while it is in use or still hot.
8. Avoid the urge to feed your pets table scraps or other foods intended for people. Be especially careful to keep them away from these common foods that are actually toxic.
9. Remember that too much sun and heat (and humidity!) can be dangerous to pets. Keep them inside when it’s extremely hot/humid; make sure they have access to shady spots and plenty of water when outdoors; don’t leave them outside for extended periods in hot weather; and know the signs that a pet may be overheating.
10. Never leave your pet in your car, especially when it’s warm outside. Vehicle interiors heat up much faster than the air around them, and even a short time in a locked car can be dangerous to pets.  Even when the temperature outside is a balmy 72 degrees, the temperature inside your car can rocket to a fatal 116 degrees in less than an hour’s time.
11. If you’re travelling out of town for the holiday, consider leaving your pets at home with a pet sitter or boarding them in a kennel. If you need to bring them with you, be sure you know how to keep them safe.
12. Follow safe food handling and hygiene practices to protect your family and guests.

If your pet has a fear of or aversion to loud noises:

1. Something as simple as turning on some soft music and moving your pet into an interior room with no windows can be helpful.
2. An anxiety vest may work in some cases—if you don’t have one, try a snugly fitting t-shirt.
3. If you and your veterinarian do decide that anti-anxiety mediation is your pet’s best bet, there are a few things to remember. First and foremost, give a practice dose of the medication before the big night to see how your pet responds to the medication. Second, never share the medication with another pet or give more than the recommended amount. If you do, you may end up spending the holiday at your local veterinary emergency clinic.
4. While noise phobias are not as common in cats, they can and do happen. Fortunately, cats tend to hide when frightened. Checking in on your cats, having some quiet music on and keeping them indoors during the height of the fireworks is always a good idea.

After the celebrations:

1. Check your yard for fireworks debris before allowing pets outside to play or relax. Even if you didn’t set off fireworks yourself, debris can make its way into your yard, where curious animals may pick it up to play with or eat.
2. Check your pastures and remove debris to protect horses and livestock.
3. If you hosted guests, check both your yard and home for food scraps or other debris that might be dangerous to pets, such as food skewers.

Check out our website for some Calming Aids for Pets that will help stressful situations such as fireworks, thunderstorms, travel, etc! www.mickeyspetsupplies.com

What To Know About CBD Oil For Your Dog

What is CBD and will it make my dog high?

Cannibidiol (CBD) is a substance that is found in cannabis and hemp. Unlike its counterpart Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which gives marijuana its psychoactive properties, CBD is not a psychoactive stimulus, rather, it provides your dog with a calming sensation and pain-relaxing sensations without harming them with potential intoxicating effects. You may be interested to know that both humans and dogs have the same endogenous cannabinoid system. CBD acts by targeting these receptors located in the brain, organs, central nervous system, and immune cells that stimulate relaxing effects. In short, your dog won’t get “high” from CBD oil.

What benefits does CBD have for my dog?

The benefits of using CBD for your dog it incredible! Products containing this substance have opened up a whole new world for pet care and those who believe in natural remedies!

Anxiety
Does your dog suffer from separation anxiety or noise phobias? If you have ever suffered from anxiety, then you know that it is awful, and it would be the same for your dog too. Many dogs suffer from anxiety and have been known to be depressed and extremely anxious in certain situations. This can result in destructive behaviors such as chewing objects, urinating, pacing, and more. CBD has been extensively studied for its effect on stress and anxiety. It helps because it is a relaxing stimulant that calms your pet.

Seizures and Epilepsy
It is estimated that up to 5% of dogs suffer from seizures. Most dogs with seizures are put on drugs such as phenobarbital and potassium bromide. While they may help control the seizures, they can be extremely harmful to your dog’s liver and other organs. And the drugs don’t work in all cases. That is why many dog owners turn to CBD when their canine suffers from seizures and epilepsy. CBD has been shown to work well in drug-resistant epilepsy. In one study, 7 of 8 patients with epilepsy that were resistant to drugs saw a definite improvement within 4 to 5 months of taking CBD. High levers of CBD can manage your pet’s seizures, and over time, it has been known to reduce the frequency of them, and in some cases get rid of the seizures altogether.

Cancer
Unfortunately, dogs can get cancer too, and when they do, they have symptoms of nausea, loss of appetite, and chronic pain. CBD allows your part to feel comfortable during those difficult times and helps to reduce the side effects that cancer can have on your dog. Pet owners are also giving their dogs small doses of CBD daily as it have been proven to aid in preventing and killing cancer by: Helping the immune system to kill cancer cells, Blocks the cancer cells ability to produce energy, and Contains anti-tumor properties. CBD can also help increase the efficacy of conventional cancer treatment.

Chronic Pain/Arthritis
Even dogs can’t escape arthritis, but CBD can help with that. The cannabinoids in CBD work so well for pain that scientists are considering it as a new class of drug for the treatment of chronic pain. Arthritis is the inflammation of joints that case aching, pain, and other degenerative illnesses. As CBD is a pain reliever, it targets these aching joints and gives your dog relief. Not only that, but it soothes the chronic inflammation that prevents your pet from healing properly.

Boost Appetite By Decreasing Nausea
When a dog loses their appetite, it can be hard to know the reason why. Majority of the time, however, they lose it due to nausea. As a human, we won’t eat when we feel like that unless we take something to alleviate the digestive issue and receive pain relief. CBD can do this for your pet. The National Cancer Institute reports that CBD increases appetite and carries this extra benefit, in addition to controlling cancer. In animal studies, CBD has also been shown to help with vomiting and nausea, even when they’re the result of toxins and drugs.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Animal studies show that CBD can prevent colitis (IBD) and restore normal gut motility in inflammatory bowl disease. CBD also has antibiotic properties, including Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA).

Chronic Inflammation and Autoimmune Disease
CBD has been shown to decrease the production and release of inflammatory cytokins that can cause allergies, hypersensitivities and autoimmunity. It can also suppress something call Th17 dominance, which is a major cause of autoimmune disease. CBD also inhibits the production of inflammatory macrophages and decreases chronic inflammation. On top of all that, CBD is also a powerful antioxidant that’s shown to be more powerful than vitamins C and E.

Cardiovascular Health
Just as veterinarian Dr. Bassinthwaighte discovered, CBD has been linked to heart health. Studies show it can reduce the damage from damaged blood vessels and irregular heart rates, protect blood vessels from damage and dilate the arteries, and reduce heart rate and blood pressure associated with stress and anxiety.

Neurodegenerative Diseases
For dogs suffering from degenerative myelopathy and other spine and nerve issues, CBD shows a lot of promise. It’s been shown to help patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease by protecting the brain cells from toxicity. For senior dogs, CBD has been shown to protect the brain from cell death caused by free radicals and toxins.

Is CBD Oil For Dogs Legal and Safe?

With so many studies showing the health benefits of CBD, the most encouraging result is that CBD appears to be safe, even when taken in high doses and over extended periods of time. It can decrease the activity of liver enzymes used to metabolize many prescription drugs, so if your dog is on medication you might want to check with your holistic vet before using CBD. Most CBD oil for dogs and other pets is derived from hemp oil, so it contains no or very small traces of THC. Because of this, all 50 states have approved the use of hemp-based CBD for human and animal products. The bottom line is, CBD oil could be a healthy (or even life-saving) herb for your dog. More and more pet owners and holistic vets are drawn to its diverse and marked health benefits and they feel good knowing the side effects are mild and animals don’t appear to build up a tolerance.

Dr. Tim Shu, founder and CEO of VETCBD, says that interaction of cannaidiol with the endocannabinoid system in dogs can provide relief from a wide variety of physiological and neurological conditions, by ‘modulating the chemical components’ responsible for nausea, stress, anxiety, pain, and even gastrointestinal conditions brought on by infection.

Additionally, he goes on to say that unlike other traditional medications that veterinary clinics might suggest, CBD has no significant or life-threatening side effects if administered in the proper dose. It also does not do any damage to internal organs, nor does it get the dog high – unlike sedative medications which alleviate symptoms by simply ‘masking’ the underlying condition, cannabidiol is a physiological component that actively works to reverse “non-normal” functioning.

In addition to alleviating pain and nausea, CBD oil for dogs is also increasingly being used to mollify overly-aggressive dogs, or easily frightened/skittish dogs that are sent into panic mode by things like loud noises, mailmen, or their owner’s roommates.

Choosing a good CBD Oil for your dog

Not all CBD oils are created equally. You’ll want a high quality CBD oil that works, so here are a few things to look for:

• Make sure the product is organic: If it isn’t organic, your CBD oil contains pesticides, fungicides or solvents.
• Don’t cheap out: The higher the quality and purity, the higher the cost. Don’t price shop. Make sure your CBD oil is free of additives and has a good amount of CBD.
• Get the analysis: Ask for a lab analysis of the amount of CBD in the product. Many CBD oils contain only small amounts of CBD. The manufacturer should provide a certificate of analysis. You’ll also want to make sure there is little or no THC in the product.
• Buy CBD in a tincture: You can buy CBD chews but the best form is in the tincture. This way, you can adjust your dog’s dose drop by drop to make sure he gets the most benefit.

A few things to note that will come in handy

• Start your dog off slowly but don’t let the naysayers tell you CBD isn’t a good option for your dog. The research is being done and the results are very promising.
• Keep a journal of your dog before and for several days if you decide to use a CBD product. This will help you decide whether it’s having a positive effect. Better still, record video of your dog to document their progress, or lack thereof (this will help you overcome the flaws of human memory). Or ask friends/family whether they’ve noticed any difference in your dog without telling them that you’ve been giving your dog CBD (the closest you’ll get to a blinded study).
• Keep CBD safely locked away. Like so many other things, a dog that finds a stash of CBD or other hemp products will probably eat more than they should. This will be more of an issure for an edible product like a CBD dog biscuit, but to keep your dog safe be sure that you keep any CBD (and definitely any THC products) well out of your dog’s reach and, ideally, behind a locked door.
• Even if CBD lacks the same psychedelic kick as THC, you should be careful how much you give your dog. Also, be careful that an unwitting guest, or even a child, doesn’t accidently lay it on heavy with the CBD treats. Keep these treats separated from your regular treats and let people know if and when it is OK to give one to your dog.
• And of course, if you have the means to work with a veterinarian (particularly one that has experience in CBD products for pets) by all means make sure you do so. The only thing you might run into is a vet who’ll reprimand you for wanting to give your dog cannabis and tell you that you need to be using prescription meds instead.

What brand of CBD oil and treats do we recommend?

Treatibles--Why? Well, let us tell you a bit about this company and it's products.
Treatibles was founded on the values of compassionate care, quality ingredients, reliable information and integrity. All Treatibles products are Compassion Certified® and proudly made in the USA. Treatibles are reliable and benefical bag to bag, capsule to capsule, bottle to bottle and application to application. The full spectrum hemp oil is third party lab tested for cannabinoid content and to rule out heavy metals, pesticides and biocontaminants.

Additionally, final products are tested to ensure consistency and potency. Treatibles products are non-psychoactive, non-toxic and virtually free of THC. Lab tests are available here.

Their chews are manufactured in Safe Quality Foods (SQF) certified facilities using GMPs (Good Manufacturing Practices). This ensures accurate dosing and product uniformity, which cannot be replicated in a commercial kitchen.

Compliant

At Treatibles they take compliance seriously – in their manufacturing, packaging, marketing and more. Treatibles is a member of the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC), which operates under strict guidance from the FDA/CVM. 

Mickeyspetsupplies.com carries the entire Treatibles Chews and PCR Hemp Oil line.

• Check out our website for many more made in USA pet products! www.mickeyspetsupplies.com

Go Dog dog toys - Tough toys for tough dogs

If your looking for a toy to stand up against your pups tough play style, Go Dog may be just what you're looking for! Their toys are made with Chew Guard Technology, double stitched seams, and puncture-resistant squeakers to make them last longer than your average plush toy.

I'm sure now you're asking what's Chew Guard Technology? Well to answer that question I will take a passage right from Go Dog themselves.

Chew Guard Technology is a manufacturing process that adds a super tough, durable liner to soft plush toys. The Chew Guard lining was specifically engineered to withstand tough play. All seams are double stitched and reinforced!

Even though no dog toy is indestructible, Go Dog toys are tougher and last longer than standard soft plush toys, and they guarantee it! Go Dog offers a free one-time replacement within 30 days of your purchase date.

 You can find these toys and more tough dog toys by visiting our website at mickeyspetsupplies.com or by giving us a call at 877-863-5431.

Why a Kong is a great investment for your dog

We all know how much energy dogs can have, and it can sometimes put a strain on your day to day life when you can't seem to expend all of it. Somehow, no matter how much playing or how many walks, dogs always seem to have an excess of energy left over. If you ever find yourself questioning why that is, it's probably because while your dog has exerted his physical energy, his mental energy hasn't peaked yet. So how do you expend mental energy? By giving your dog a job to do! Now, by a job I don't mean you need to train your dog to do some kind of task, although it would probably be a fun training experience! You can help your dog expend mental energy by giving your dogs puzzles and dispensers that he has to try and figure out in order to get the kibble inside. This will keep your dog from running around the house like a mad-man and will keep them from chewing on things they shouldn't. So what does this have to do with Kong? It's one of the greatest treat dispensing toys every created! Many trainers swear by them as they are the perfect tool to help train your dog. It's great for crate training, teaching what is appropriate to chew on, helping with separation anxiety, and calming down an excitable dog. So let's dive more into it!

What is Kong?

KONG founder, Joe Markham, loved his trained police dog, Fritz, but did not love his destructive chewing habits. Where other dogs might have chewed your shoes or favorite purse, Fritz loved to crunch on rocks, sticks and other harmful items. Fritz’s teeth were wearing down and his need for stimulation and play was not being met, and Joe was frustrated.

One day, while working on a VW Bus, Joe began throwing out car parts to Fritz to lure him away from those rocks. Fritz was immediately taken with a rubber suspension part and dropped it in Joe’s lap to play. The erratic bounce and toughness of the rubber inspired Joe.

They’ve been making KONGs from their own proprietary, pet-safe, built-to-chew rubber ever since. Dogs love KONG. The way it bounces keeps them engaged and ready to play. It has a soft mouth feel for a satisfying chew and, of course, it’s super durable. Owners love KONG too; they can stuff it, throw it, leave it out in the yard — KONG keeps coming back for more.

Dogs and their owners choose the original KONG and all of their other favorite toys because they’re fun. KONG toys are the best of the best in quality, originality, variety, safety, and value. Give a dog a KONG. They’ll be the first to show you: it’s not just a toy, it’s a KONG.

KONG 101

Most dogs need to learn to use a KONG Classic. Follow these steps to ensure your dog knows how to enjoy all the benefits of this popular toy.

1. SIZE FOR SAFETY

It’s important to use the right size KONG so that your dog can have the safest, most enjoyable experience. Not sure where to start on sizing? Each Kong has an estimated weight range that tells you what size Kong would be best for your dog. There are even Puppy Kongs for young dogs, Senior Kongs that are softer for the older dogs, and the Extreme Kongs for the dogs that are aggressive chewers.

2. ENGAGE TO ENSURE SUCCESS

Get your dog excited about their new KONG. Show it off and talk about it excitedly; maybe even play a little hard-to-get to pique their interest and show them what their new toy can do.

3. STUFF TO ENTICE AND EXTEND PLAYTIME

Many dogs are motivated by food and KONG toys are perfect for stuffing with treats or kibble to keep dogs busy. The key is to stuff loosely so that the food will come out of the toy easily. To entice your dog, try using a little bit of peanut butter or their favorite treat in the KONG.

4. FREEZE FOR GREATER CHALLENGE

Over time, your dog will learn how to get treats out of the KONG quickly. To increase the challenge, put together a mixture of wet and dry ingredients, stuff the KONG and freeze it. A frozen KONG heightens the experience by creating a long-lasting, mentally stimulating task.

What can you stuff in a Kong?
So many wonderful things! You can combine dozen's of healthy options to create hundreds of different experiences for your dog! We'll name just of a few of the many things you can stuff a Kong with!

• Peanut Butter
• Canned 100% Pure Pumpkin
• Canned Dog Food
• Cottage Cheese
• Yogurt (Greek or Plain)
• Apple Sauce
• Dog Treats
• Dog Kibble
• Carrots
• Cheerios (Plain)
• Cheese Slices (American or Cheddar)
• Freeze-dried Liver
• Peas
• Cooked Chicken or Turkey
• Apple Slices (make sure your dog doesn't eat the core)
• Bananas

Check out our Website for all your Kong needs! Plus take a look at all our other products you can stuff with treats!

Probiotics For Dogs

Why Probiotics for your pets?

We all know for us, that yogurt is a good probiotic , but is it good for your pet?
Yogurt contains a lot of sugar and added flavorings which are not good for your 4 legged friend.

Why are Probiotics so important for your pets?
Boosting the immune system is the most important reason to supplement with Probiotics. 

Probiotics are the good guys- a friendly bacteria and necessary to a healthy and balanced stomach and intestinal tract. There are good bacteria and harmful bacteria.
Even though your dog or cat's body should supply it's own needs, there are factors that lead to an overgrowth of bad bacteria. Symptoms may show up that don't point to the gut.
So, what destroys the good bacteria in your pet's gut? 
1. Antibiotics or Prescription Drugs
2. Stress
3. Changes in the home- such as a new pet
4. Poor diet or lack of nutritional needs
5. Pollutants
6. Chemical Fertilizers

These stressors allow the harmful bacteria to multiply and produce too much toxins and carcinogenic agents. The toxins then inhibit normal function of the digestive tract, thus placing stronger demands on the kidneys and liver. With this, the whole body is affected, speeding up the aging process, leading to disease and painful physical symptoms.  All of this is because it has weakened the immune system. 
80% of your pet's immune system is based in the gastrointestinal tract (gut).
Symptoms that can display as a lack of this good gut bacteria are:

• Skin allergies with dry, itchy spots or hot spots; 
• Allergies that increase inflammation and mucus; 
• Gas, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, constipation
• An intolerance to certain foods; 
• Chronic compromising of the immune system.

Friendly bacteria types:

• Lactobacillus acidophilus
• Lactobacillus bulgarius
• Lactobacillus reuteri
• Streptococcus thermophilus
• Saccharomyces boulardii
• Bifidobacterium bifidum
• Bacillus subtilis

So, what are the recommended Probiotics for your dog and cat?
Give Probiotics in between meals.  It's better not to interfere with normal gastric juices. 

Many products today contain between 1 and 3 million beneficial bacteria per scoop. This is okay. Any amount of probiotics can be helpful. But, if you really want to make sure you're promoting optimal health and wellbeing, you can do far better.

“Ideally, you’ll want to find a probiotic formula with 20, 30, 40 million or more beneficial bacteria per scoop.

Purina Fortiflora Canine Nutritional Supplement Box, 30gm/30 Count - Individual packets of powder.  Purina’s Fortiflora is the number one selling probiotic for dogs, and our number one recommendation for dogs requiring occasional digestive support for loose stools and diarrhea. It can safely be used on pregnant and lactating bitches as well as young puppies and is highly palatable. 

Purina Fortiflora Feline Nutritional Supplement Box, 30gmPurina Fortiflora Feline- Individual packets of powder- 30 per box.  This is by far the most palatable digestive supplement we have found with our own 4 cats. We highly recommend this! 

Probiotics for Dogs with Natural Digestive Enzymes &x25CF; Dog Probiotics Chewable ● 4 Bill CFUs / 2 chews ● Dog Diarrhea Upset Stomach Yeast Gas Bad Breath Immunity Allergies Skin Itching Hot Spots  Pet Vitality Pro makes a great chewable complete digestive health and immune system supplement that works for dogs. With 4 billion CFUs per 2 chews it has added Maqui Berry. Papaya and a Super Green Food. Made and Manufactured in USA in an FDA inspected facility. All certified ingredients. We make sure, that our product is 100% SAFE for your dog. Every production batch is MICROBIOLOGICALY TESTED in a third party lab, to proof safety and purity. Produced in small batches - always benefit from a fresh product with long shelf life.

Raw goat milk is abundant in natural probiotics. It has very little lactose (the sugar that’s in cow’s milk) so doesn’t cause the same digestive issues as regular dairy.


Kefir1/4 Cup Live Organic Water Kefir Grains (Tibicos) Natural Probiotics- is high in probiotics and excellent at rebalancing intestinal bacteria, boosting immunity and correcting loose stools and diarrhea. If you have multiple dogs, renewable Kefir is the most affordable solution. This is great after a round of antibiotics. 
Kefir contains minerals and essential amino acids that help the body with its natural healing powers. Among them, Tryptophan, an essential amino acid, is abundant in Kefir. Well-known for its relaxing effect on the nervous system it may help calm high drive or highly anxious dogs.
You can now buy Kefir at almost any grocery store now, rather than trying to make your own. 


Mickeyspetsupplies.com is your source for made in USA Pet Supplies.
Save 10% on your first order with coupon code PROBIO. 

How to Help Your Senior Pet Maintain a Healthy Weight

It is just as important for pets to be at a healthy weight as it is for their human owners. Overweight pets are at a risk of developing arthritis, pain, and lameness. They also can develop intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) that can lead to paralysis, especially in long-backed breeds like miniature dachshunds. Overweight dogs take more time to recover from surgery and often experience sub clinical conditions such as inflammation, high cholesterol, and high lipids that lead to pancreatitis, diabetes, and gastrointestinal disease. Obese dogs frequently experience breathing difficulty and heart problems. When senior pets are overweight, their age and weight combine to contribute to a higher risk of developing these health concerns. That’s why it is crucial for senior pet owners to help their four-legged loved ones maintain a healthy weight.

Change your pet’s diet

Your veterinarian is in the best position to help you determine exactly how overweight your senior pet is, what his diet should consist of, and how often you should feed him. Your vet will guide you through helping your senior pet lose weight in a healthy and safe way. It is likely that your vet will instruct you to lower your senior pet’s intake of carbohydrates and help lose weight slowly over time rather than drastically changing his diet. Your vet will also most likely ask you to stop feeding your senior pet table scraps and other people food, as it is often high in sugar, salt, and carbohydrates. A balanced, nutritious diet is best for your senior pet. Orijen Senior dog food is a great choice. 

Sometimes, pet owners do not recognize how many treats they give their senior pets in one day. While we understand that you love your pet and want to reward him or show him affection with a treat, you are not doing anything to help him maintain a healthy weight. Consider tracking how many treats you feed your senior pet in a day if you think that you may be contributing to his weight problem.

Another option is to avoid giving your senior pet high-calorie, processed treats and instead choose healthier treats for him. Carrots are a healthy snack for pets, as are apples without the seeds or core, blueberries, green beans, and frozen bananas. Keep in mind that raisins and grapes are poisonous for dogs. You should also avoid peaches, plums, and persimmons because of their pits.

Be sure your senior pet gets plenty of exercise

No, your senior pet should not be running a marathon with you every day. But, your senior pet should be getting plenty of exercise. Of course, discuss your pet’s new exercise regimen with your veterinarian before you begin to ensure that you don’t overdo it. One of the best ways to exercise your senior pet is to go on vigorous walks. Dedicate time each day to at least one thirty-minute walk. If your schedule prevents you from walking with your senior pet, hire a dog walker who can get him outside when you cannot. Most dog walkers have flexible schedules, so you should be able to hire one who can work around your schedule.

Swimming is an activity that is ideal for older dogs because it is low impact and easy on their weakened joints and muscles. Swimming also builds strength and is relaxing and comforting for most dogs.

Playing tug-of-war is an exercise option that is great for exercising older dogs. This game strengthens their bodies and is good for their jaws, neck, and shoulders. Just be sure to be gentle and avoid hard or violent tugging or swinging that can cause your senior pet to strain a muscle or cause dental damage.

Other exercise options include playing with your senior pet. Fetching a ball or a Frisbee can be a fun exercise for your pet and yourself. He may not be able to chase a ball as quickly as he once did, but your pet will enjoy playing with toys with you and engaging in activities that get him to run, jump, and chase to the best of his ability.

Your senior pet deserves to be happy and healthy to the end of his days. By helping him maintain a healthy weight, you will increase the chances that he will feel good and play with you for as long as possible.

Visit Mickeyspetsupplies.com

This blog post is courtesty of Janice Miller.

Janice Miller is a veterinarian and also runs a non-profit that helps place shelter dogs with foster parents until they go to their forever homes. She helped co-create SafetyToday.org because she wanted to have a way to spread reputable pet health and safety resources to pet owners everywhere. The site seeks to provide homeowners, parents, and pet owners with the information they need to keep themselves and their loved ones out of harm’s way.

Image via Pixabay by bykst

15 Made in USA Dog Toys Your Dog is Sure to Love

Hugglehounds Made in America Bear dog toy

Made in Vermont from soft wale corduroy. It measures 12 inches. This handsome bear is stuffed with hypo-allergenic fiber fill with a large loud squeaker in its belly.

SodaPup Can Toy

Can Toy is a natural rubber chew toy that is sustainable, non-toxic, and biodegradable. Stuff this treat dispenser toy with treats, watch the fun begin, and keep your dog entertained for hours. 

American Dog Tommy Turtle dog toy

Made from 100% Cordura 1000D(An extremely resilient spec material being used by the military). Fabric is sourced in US from North Carolina. This durable toy has double stitched seams, tug straps for tossing and throwing and a squeaker for added fun! 

Unbreakoball

Virtually Indestructible Ball is gorilla tough, and constructed from safe, non-toxic polyethylene plastic. Provides hours of fun. Won't tear, break or burst!

Ruff Dawg Super Tug

Rugged and durable, made from a superior grade rubber.  This made in USA dog tug toy is gentle on teeth and gums and a great source of exercise. Perfect for large puppies that like to chew. Plus its Vanilla scented!

Doggie Styles and Kitty Too Moo Choo plush

Moo Choo cow is one of our favorite companion toys. Made of cow print plush material, stuffed with hypo-allergenic fiber fill, and a squeaker. Made in USA- from Vermont.

Jolly Pets Bounce N Play Ball

Puncture resistant, made in USA tough dog ball. This ball has amazing bounce and a each color is scented differently. This is like the popular tug and toss ball without the handle. It is made of a flexible plastic, so it gives to your dog's bite and bounces well. It will not deflate and does not need air. It's great for pouncing, bouncing, chewing, chasing and floating. 

Jolly Pets Jolly Egg

Designed for constant, erratic motion, the Jolly Egg has a fun oval shape that dogs love to chase. These egg shaped balls really get dogs moving and now little dogs can exercise too! The shape of the egg ball makes it shoot away when your dog tries to grab it, then the chase is on.They can never quite get a grip on the Egg, but they love to try! Since the toy constantly escapes your dog, it gives your dog a safe, fun outlet for their prey instinct. This is a very sturdy toy and we recommend this for those dogs who seem to destroy everything.

JW Pet Megalast Ball

Made of durable Megalastomer, bright translucent colors, and infused with vanilla for great taste. Not to mention it floats!

Planet Dog Orbee Ball

What could be more fun for your dog than this super tough and durable ball that has a map of the world on it. Plus it is Minty too- to keep your dogs breath fresh. This ball is rated a really tough and durable 5 out of 5 chompers- Great for aggressive chewing dogs. 

West Paw Design Hurley

These dog toys are designed to be recyclable and to create virtually no waste during our manufacturing process. Hurley dog toys are all the fun of a ball and a bone in one durable toy. West Paws dog toys are made from extremely pliable, one-of-a-kind material, Zogoflex. This versatile dog toy is bound to give your favorite dog chomper hours of enjoyment - Guaranteed.  

West Paw Design Floppy Toys

floppy, flat and fabulous, the stuffing-free Floppy dog toys are designed for dogs that have a tendency to love traditional plush toys to pieces. Great for pouncing, shaking, tossing and retrieving, these lively toys have two squeakers sewn inside. Because they’re made with baby-blanket soft material, Floppy toys are as soft and snuggly as they are fun.

Kong Wobbler

KONG- shaped food and treat dispensing toy that provides a new way to entertain and challenge your dog. The Wobbler sits upright until pushed with a dogs paw or nose, then wobbles, spins and rolls, dispensing treats through a KONG-shaped hole near the top. Dogs quickly learn that motion causes treats to fall out, but the unpredictable movement keeps the toy challenging, even for seasoned Wobbler users. The Wobbler is Made in the USA of durable, FDA food-approved, high-strength polymer.

Katie’s Bumpers Firehose Sqwuggie dog toy

The Sqwuggie has a strong sewn-in loop tug handle for playing fetch or retrieval and a muffled squeaker so they are quiet for the 2 leggeds among us but perfect for the sensitive ears of every dog. These dog toys are made of recycled USA fire hose. These toys are water resistant, machine washable and dryable.

Mutts and Mittens Timber Duck

This big duck measures 19 inches long and about 13 inches wide, making it great for a big dog. Soft, snugly, durable, washable and dryable! Superior workmanship, 100% Made in USA with US materials and labor, double stitched cotton thread. Each handcrafted plush toy contains a durable squeaker.

You will find the largest selection of all made in USA pet supplies of any store. We are proud to support our small local manufacturers here in the USA,

Take 10% off your purchase of  Made in USA dog toys with code  MUSTUSA at Mickey's Pet Supplies. 

Call 877-863-5431 to order by phone.

Low cost shipping and FREE on orders of $75 or more.