First think is never bring home a new pet without first visiting the vet for full check-up and vaccinations.  You don’t want your pets to  be infected . They should also be  sterilized to prevent unexpected babies

I am fostering cats for a rescue cat organization. I have my own 2 dogs and three cats, and i found out that like people, cats (and dogs) have different character . Some are very friendly from day one, others are shy or frighten. Some are used to other pets and others never had contact with other cat or dog.  So taking all that in consideration is crucial for successful adoption.

Best practice is leaving the new cat in a room, behind closed door. Do not forget the litter box, water and food. Lot of action will begin on one side of the door. The “old” pets will be sniffing the unfamiliar smell , maybe some be little vocal. After a day or so, the new kitty feeling more comfortable, do the smelling too.  With an easy going cats you can start introducing them to each other under your supervision.  If fight starts, put her back to the room. Keep looking at both body language to identity what mood controls the meeting.

If things going smoothly, repeat few times a day for longer period and always supervised. Separate them at night. Keep doing it for few days. You’ll feel when it’s time not to use the separate room anymore.

Some times cats are very shy and frightened.  They’ll hide under beds, won’t eat and just be “a furniture”, as one friend described it to me, with her new kitty. Do not despair, it just takes more time for her. Visit her, pet her, show love and be tender.  Do not try to rush things.

Older cats you had at home, should get love and attention. This processes is hard and stressful for them too. They should have their familiar  bowl, litter box and rest place as usual. The cat should eat in a separate area.

Dogs are  not so gentle as cats are, they smell and jump and the cat can scratch  them. Trimming  the cats claws will help.

Remember, it takes time and patience, but it worth it!!!!

And what about your experience ?

Valentine’s day is the time to show our love, and who deserve it more then our dogs and cats with the unconditionally love they give us for 365 days a year.

We have collected the latest and most adorable pet clothes, toys, some blink and carriers that would make any pooch and owner happy.

Here are some examples:

Ruff Ruff couture adorable red and white corduroy polka dots dress. Pink accents and an oversized crystal heart bow, this dress is perfect for Valentines Day or anytime you want to feel and show the love.

More Ruff Ruff dog dresses and Thermal Tees  that are perfect for cold days.

I love you hair bow

Some owners prefer just a cute hair barrette and we have  cute hair bows that fits a dress and looks beautiful on any dog. The dog hair bows available on an Alligator Clip, Barrette, or French Barrette back for no additional cost.

This remarkable fabric actually repels pet hair, dirt and moisture.
In fact, most of our customers simply vacuum or
shake-off pet hair! The blankets are plush, soft and has mink feel.  Big selection of designer dog beds and blankets

Do you have lot of doggie stuff? We have the right furniture where you can organize all the clothing and  fashion accessories. Check this solid engineered wood wardrobe. Measures approximately 42″ high x 28″ wide x 11″ deep. White dog wardrobe also available.

For the Diva Dog  and much more – Lovely designer pet carriers, Swarovski necklaces…check it all at the Valentine’s dog gifts

It doesn’t have to be Valentine’s day to show love or to use these functional dog clothes and accessories.

Happy Valentine’s Day from 4-legged.com

Pusuke was a mix dog that lived in Sakura, Japan.

His owner said that all his life he ate his regular food and had his walks every day.

Two days ago he lost his appetite and had some difficulty with breathing.

His owner went alone for a walk, after she came back he peacefully passed away. “He was waiting for me” said his owner.

Pusuke was born on April 1985, a year ago he was recognized by the Guinness book as the oldest dog in the world alive. He was 26 years old and 9 month when he went to a better place.

But, the dog who lived the most years is not Pusuke but BLUIE who lived full 29 years and was put to sleep by his owner on 1939.

Now that the cold days are almost here, it’s time to think how to keep our pet warm, even when we are not at home, or at night.

The thermo beds are the perfect solution.  They are safe and comfortable for use. A dual thermostat 4?watt heating unit warms the surface of the bed to your pet’s normal body temperature. In some beds the heating unit is removable so you can use the bed all year round.

Other option is the self-warming beds where Self warming material radiates heat back to your pet. These beds come in 3 sizes to suit either a cat or a dog.

For outdoors cats thermo shelters available. These houses have 2 doors for quick exit from an unwelcome visitor.

New exciting styles and color . To see them all click Cat Beds

or visit http://www.4-legged.com/Cat-Beds/

Some breeds are use to handle the cold because the thick fur, but others, especially teacup, small breeds and short hair dogs do not handle cold so good.  Even if you do not like to dress your dog, it would be good solution to have a coat or sweater for the daily walk to keep pooch warm.

Booties protect the paws from the salt used on roads, that can irritate the skin. They also keep your house clean from the outside mud.

Antifreeze is extremely toxic for all pets, and even small amount can kill your pet. The main problem with the antifreeze is that it has sweet taste that dogs love.  Keep it in close place, be careful not to spill while using it. Pet that come in contact with the antifreeze should visit the vet immediately.

Try keeping your dog (and cat)  inside. If he has an outside house, it needs to be heated to keep the dog warm and preventing his water from freezing.  Heated bed and heated food and water bowls can help. But the best is if you can bring your dog inside during the winter season.

In areas where ponds freeze, do not let Fido run by himself on that area. The danger of ice breaking and the dog fall into the freezing water can cause hypothermia or even kill him.

When pets stays home alone, or during the night, keep the heat on a comfortable temperature for the pets.

If you’re bringing inside your plants before the first freeze, be sure the plants are not toxic for your dog or cat.

Don’t leave cat or dog unsupervised when the fireplace working.

Cats (and other small pets) are vulnerable to the cold as dogs are and even more. You can find heated beds for dogs and cats to keep them warm and prevent cold or even hypothermia.

Think about your pet in the same terms you think about humans and you all survive the cold winter days healthy and happy.

Bell ringing and lot of strangers with scary clothing in the house may frightened your dog and cat.  Some time they even try (and succeed) to escape.  Keep them on leash, with tag ID,  away from the entrance. Don’t forget water and food.  It can help calm them and prevent escaping.

Going out with your pet in costume….make sure he feels good in it and he can breath freely and move freely.

Happy Halloween  …   BOO

We added over 150 dogs and cats new items like Halloween dog costumes, Christmas and Hanuka clothes and accessories. Cute hair bows,socks, collars and scarfs. Cats can join the party with our holiday cat collars.

Designer sweaters made of cotton, wool and luxury alpaca wool. The Alpaca Fiber is a superb source of shine and texture. Alpaca is the only animal species worldwide, whose hair naturally displays a wide array of colors, going from black to white, through different shades of brown and gray.  Alpaca is a sheared fiber, never skinned.

This year we have nice selection of Halloween Dog Costumes.  The classic dog costumes: the pumpkins and the lil’ devil or the good fireman etc. They are all high quality from size xx-small up to x-large.

In addition we have this year dog costumes that can save you some money. If your little one belongs to the breed that i was made of the breed that suffers from cold, then i suggest you check the costumes that made with soft cotton with little additions parts – the costumes – pajamas.

Creature from the pre-historic era are big this year. Did you hear about the Stegosaurus or the  Triceratops ? If you like those unusual animals you should check them out.

Fun T-Shirts can be good substitute for a full costume.  They have nice Halloween prints to fit in the  holiday atmosphere. If you are afraid from the cold weather then Halloween sweaters like the Pumpkin Pup Sweater can be the answer.

The special Halloween collars : Halloween Cats & Witch , Halloween Spiders & Bats or Halloween Pumpkin are hand-crafted  consists of brightly colored chiffon ribbons with shiny holiday motifs.  These collars  will get any pet ready for the ghosts and goblins to arrive.

In the next two weeks we’ll have special offers for costumes. Every few days we’ll offer another holiday outfit for reduced price. If you like to have excess to even better offers read what is it that we offer and how to register to our FREE premium members list.

Now that  Irene threatening the east coast.  In addition to the preparations for your family make the necessary and easy steps to protect your pets too.

What should you do

*Keep pet carriers, leashes, harnesses and dog tag in good condition and reachable. Get an extra leash, if it get lost you’ll have to use the other one. A cheap leash will be enough. Put the prefer toy in carrier, bowl and blanket. You pet be less frightened with his beloved stuff with him.
*Place medications and medical records,including proof of current vaccinations,in a waterproof container.

*A two week supply of any medication your pet may be taking on a regular basis and familiar food and water

* Pack first aid supplies for dogs and Cats

* Blanket if it’s cold days

*An information sheet including: medical conditions and treatment schedule if needed, feeding instructions, name and phone number of your vet or a kennel outside your area in case you need it and any important information people needs to know.

*Have a photos of your pet in your bag,  in case it gets lost.

*Attach your name and information to the back of the dog tag, and on carriers, if you know the phone # where you’ll be,add it too and your cellphone #.

*Lots of plastic bags for poo pickup for dogs, pads if you use them. litter for cats.

*Today there are many friendly pet hotels/motels, make a list and phone #,  maybe you’ll need to use it.

*Consider having your pet micro-chipped in case it is lost or you are separated

*Place an emergency decal on your front home window and/or door,  if disaster strikes while you are not home, this decal will alert rescuers of the animals inside. Good idea for everyday. Also good idea to have it on your car window for everyday.

I know you know it all. But we usually postpone things and them we are sorry……..

If you think of something we skipped, please add your comment.

Give him a new treat or his favorite one.

Take him to the dog park for longer play time

Why not trying a new interactive dog toy.  Those toys are beneficial in many ways, and are great for spending fun time together.

Rub his tummy and show him your love.

Invite another dog parent for a plat day in your backyard.

Take him for a long walk in the park or trail.

While you are showing your love to your pooch, remember that there are numerous dogs and cats in the shelter that crave for love and a forever home. Animals that may not be lucky as your pet. Animals that all they want is to give love to someone who cares for them.

You can donate to your favorite shelter, you can volunteer, you can adopt another one.  Or, you can just spread the word  and tell the people who are looking to have a new pet, that by adopting from a shelter and not from a breeder or store, they’ll have a forever loyal, loving and grateful friend that they saved from an ugly destiny.