HAPPY EASTER!

April 24, 2011

On this wonderful and joyous day, we at Sweet Samurai would like to wish you all a very Happy Easter and to remind you that common Easter items contain dangers for your pets. In particular, please keep Easter Lilies and chocolate out of the reach of your beloved four-legged family members. For a list of other springtime poisons, check out our previous blog entry here: http://sweetsamuraikennels.blogspot.com/2009/03/spring-time-poisons.html.

If you're looking for a sweet treat to give your pooch this Easter, why no go the natural route with these tasty options:
Apple slices
Strawberry tops
Peach slices
Red bell peppers
Green bell peppers
Romaine lettuce
Watermelon

But most importantly, don't forget the real reason why we celebrate this holiday - Jesus is Risen!!!

Helping Your Pet Adjust to New Situations (Entry #4 - Tips for Calming an Anxious Pet)

April 10, 2011

Since unfamiliar situations or disruptions in routine can sometimes make your pet feel uneasy, try these simple tips to help soothe your pet's frazzled nerves.

• Make an extra effort to retain as much of your pet's familiar schedule as possible.
• Choose specific key phrases to say each time you perform a certain action, so that your pet begins to identify repeated cues and establish a new sense of routine. For example, each time you leave the house, calmly say something like, "Be good."
• Stabilize your pet's routine by feeding meals at the same time each day and incorporating a set daily playtime.
• Provide stimulating, interactive toys to give your pet a distraction.
• Play soft music or leave a radio or TV on in the background.

Above all, its important to recognize that your pet needs time to adjust. Be patient and give him ample time to regain his bearings.

* Information provided by VPI Pet Insurance (VetPetHealth.com / 866-Vet-Pets)

Fire Safety

April 3, 2011

According to the National Fire Protection Association, 500,000 household pets are killed in household fires each year. Following these safety steps (provided by Dog World magazine) might protect your dog from a fire.

1. Adhere pet decals on your home's front windows to alert first responders that you have a dog inside. Pet decals can be found at pet-supply stores, local fire departments, home-security companies, and online. (In fact, SunBear Squad provides a great decal: http://www.sunbearsquad.org/files/wallet_rescue_cards.pdf)
2. Give an extra set of keys to a neighbor.
3. Consider investing in a monitored alarm system with remote access control. This will automatically alert the fire department if smoke or carbon monoxide is detected in your home.
4. Maintain a clean yard and keep hedges trimmed to decrease the likelihood of a brush fire igniting near your home.
5. Have your heating system inspected for gas leaks each fall. Every year, carbon monoxide is responsible for more than 400 human deaths and 20,000 trips to the emergency room.