Mickey's Pet Supplies

The benefits of a dog chew- How to choose the right dog chew

2012-05-13T05:41:00.000-07:00

Dogs love to chew and we all know that. Sometimes they find things that they shouldn't sink their teeth into. So many pet parents wonder why their pup wants to chew on everything.

Dogs have an innate desire to exercise their jaws. This is part of nature that really stems from their origins. Thousands of years ago man domesticated wild dogs by introducing them into his pack of hunters. Man and beast worked together to find game for food. In order to tear apart the meat and bones of the kill, dogs needed to keep their teeth sharp. That desire still remains from their previous descendants.
There are just so many benefits of giving the right dog chew. It promotes healthy teeth and gums naturally. Chewing on the right chew will help keep tartar and calculus off your pet's teeth and saving you hundreds of dollars in tooth extractions and dental bills.

How do you find the right chew for your dog? There are so many options now compared with 20 years ago, but you need to give a safe, healthy and natural chew.

You should choose your dog's chew by the size of their jaw. You do not want to give a bone, rawhide chew, tendon or bully stick that is just too big.

For teacup breeds we recommend Free Range Eco Naturals bully junior sticks. They are thin and easy for dogs weighing 12 pounds and under to get their jaws and teeth into. Also, the 6 inch Free Range Eco Naturals Select size bully sticks are a good size. For rawhides, we recommend the Wholesome Hide twists. They are available in a 10 pack.
Dogs weighing 12-25 pounds can handle the Free Range Eco Naturals select bully sticks in the 9 to 12 inch size, the 6 or 9 inch braided bully sticks and the Wholesome Hide double twists, mini rolls or the 4-5 inch retriever roll or 4-5 inch and 6-7 inch knotted rawhide bones.
For dogs that weigh 25-50 pounds, the 8 inch Wholesome Hide retriever roll, 8-9 inch flat knot rawhide, the 10 inch retriever roll and the bacon in a blanket retriever rolls and in the bully sticks- we like the 12 inch supreme size and 12 inch braided.

For the larger breeds that are above 60 pounds, we love the Wholesome Hide Super Thick retriever roll.
It is double the thickness of your normal size roll and they are the only company that produces this made in USA rawhide.
Mickey's Pet Supplies is a natural pet store that specializes in dog chews.
You will find only the highest quality, natural dog chews. We have done our research to give you only the best choices for your pets.
We will be happy to help with your choices to give a healthy and safe dog chew.
Call us at 877-863-5431. We are always available to our customers.

Animal Warriors fundraiser in Wilmington

2012-05-06T06:17:00.000-07:00

Hundreds get free comic books in Wilmington

Fundraiser for Animalwarriors.org

Posted: May 05, 2012 7:04 PM EDT Updated: May 05, 2012 10:41 PM EDT

By: Will Tapper -Reprint of article by WECT

People dressed up in all sorts of costumes for Free Comic Book Day.

People could choose from several free comic books.

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) – People got up early to get their hands on some free comic books and free prizes. It was all part of Free Comic Book Day at Fanboy Comics in Wilmington.
The store had about 10,000 free comics to give away as part of the national celebration of comic books.
"Definitely fandom of all kinds types are welcome here. The Star Trek guys, the Star Wars guys, the Doctor Who ‘Whovians' everybody and we cater to all of them," said Fanboy Comics owner Thomas Gilbert.
There were door prizes, a costume contest and even a wedding.
"That was a first for free comic book day. I've already had two people come up to me and say they want to get married next year for free comic book day," Gilbert said. "So maybe we'll have a big mass wedding next year."
And comic books weren't the only thing people got to see at Free Comic Book Day -- they also got to help out some animals.
Animal Warriors, an organization that's hoping to build a facility in Wilmington in the near future, set up a table at the event.
Animal Planet Hero of the Year Scott Lope greeted folks, along with comic book artist Phil Iimenez.
Lope says currently, there are not that many places for animals to go, which is why they hope to open up a facility in the Port City.

Mickey's Pet Supplies- a natural pet supplies store, has teamed up with Animal Warriors and will be donating 5% of their sales to help their efforts to build a wildlife sanctuary in Wilmington, N.C.

Mickey's Pet Supplies owner/founder, Ann Shevin loves animals and wants to help raise money for Animal Warriors, a non-profit organization based in Wilmington.

Odor Free Braided Bully Sticks-Free Range Eco Naturals

2012-04-30T16:51:00.000-07:00

Free Range EcoNaturals braided bully sticks are a premium bully stick.
These are from grass-fed, free-ranging cattle in Argentina, South America.
What makes them different than other braided bully sticks?
They are unlike cattle here in the US. From start to finish the cattle in South America are completely pasture finished, allowed to graze in their lush natural habitat. They are not fed hormones, antibiotics or steroids in order to fatten them up.
These South American cattle are all natural and treated in the most humane manner.
That means that you are getting the freshest, most natural dog chew for your dog.

At Mickey's Pet Supplies- www.mickeyspetsupplies.com we believe in carrying only the best natural pet products for your dog.
We have lowered our price on our 12 inch Free Range EcoNaturals braided bully sticks to $6.95 each.
If you purchase 25 or more, you will pay $6.45. Plus, your order of $75 or more ships for free.
Nothing can compare to the natural beef dog chews from Free Range EcoNaturals.
Buy our Free Range EcoNaturals braided bully sticks from the most reputable source for dog chews.
Accept nothing but the best for your pets.
Call 877-863-5431 to order or visit us online at www.mickeyspetsupplies.com
Mickey's Pet Supplies is a natural pet store for natural pet supplies for cats and dogs.

Mickey's Pet Supplies: Dog Calming Treats

2012-04-29T06:51:00.003-07:00

Mickey's Pet Supplies: Dog Calming Treats

Mickey's Pet Supplies: Alternative to Cat Flea Collar-Shoo Tag for Cats

2012-04-29T06:51:00.001-07:00

Mickey's Pet Supplies: Alternative to Cat Flea Collar-Shoo Tag for Cats

Alternative to Cat Flea Collar-Shoo Tag for Cats

2012-04-28T12:48:00.000-07:00

shooTag Cat Flea & Tick Repellent tags are the natural way to keep fleas and ticks off your cat.

If you have a cat that is an indoor/outdoor or an outdoor cat, you need to keep fleas and ticks off your pet. The pesticides that are in the spot on treatments are harmful for your cat.
Cats are very sensitive to pesitcides and chemicals. Many cat parents report many problems with their cats after applying spot on treatments. Complaints include listlessness, hair loss, skin irritation and excessive salivation
This statement was issued in March 2010 by the EPA:
"Products intended to treat cats and dogs for fleas and ticks kill hundreds of pets each year and injure tens of thousands, the Environmental Protection Agency said Wednesday as it outlined plans to make the products safer. The EPA said it will develop stricter testing and evaluation requirements for flea and tick treatments that are applied to a pet's skin. The agency also will begin reviewing labels to determine which ones need to say more clearly how to use the products. The EPA's effort follows increasing complaints from pet owners that the "spot-on" products have triggered reactions in dogs and cats, ranging from skin irritation to neurological problems to deaths. Cats and small dogs appear particularly vulnerable, the EPA said, especially when given products intended for larger animals."

Shoo!Tag Cat Flea & Tick Repellent tags are easy to use - simply remove from the packaging and attach to the cat's collar with the provided split ring...that's it.

There are no toxic chemicals. That means there are no side-effects of any kind.

Shoo Tag Cat Flea & Tick Repellent tags are 100% safe and free of toxins. Each tag has an electromagnetic strip that starts working effectively after 24 hours and repels fleas for up to 4 months. Effective, economical and eco-friendly

Shoo!Tag Cat Flea & Tick Repellent uses your cat's own bio-energetic field to create a three dimensional electromagnetic barrier around your pet. Each type of shooTag is calibrated to specific animals and specific insects to repel targeted pests. Shoo!Tag products are waterproof (including saltwater).
The eco-friendly shoo!Tag is made of biodegradable, recycled plastic and are printed with soy ink.

Buy the shoo tag for cats at Mickey's Pet Supplies.
Call 877-863-5431
Low Price, and immediate same day shipping.

Dog Calming Treats

2012-04-28T08:23:00.000-07:00

Sam's Yams Calmly Chamomile sweet potato dog treats are an all natural dog treat that are infused with chamomile. Chamomile is known as an herb that helps calms and soothes the stomach.
Chamomile tea is known for it's calming effects. At Front Porch Pets, the owner decided to take their delicious, thick cut dried sweet potato treats and infuse them with chamomile.
These bone shaped treats are available as a sample sizes and in 8 oz. bags.
Isle of Dog treats- Chillout are whole food based, heart shaped dog treats.
These delicious baked treats contain Cyracos, a patented strain of lemon balm extract, and lavender. We highly recommend these for dogs with separation anxiety and tensions caused by changes in daily routines. All ingredients obtained from whole food sources including grains, fruits, vegetables and herbs with no addition of sythetic vitamins, fillers or additives. The natural herbs help calm your canine friend.
Visit us at www.mickeyspetsupplies.com
Use coupon code CALM to take 10% off your purchase of any of our dog calming products.
Call 877-863-5431 to order by phone.

Thundershirt Free shipping- Thundershirt for Dogs

2012-04-19T03:57:00.003-07:00

Thundershirt for dogs is the drug-free solution for dog anxiety.
#1 Recommended solution by veterinarians and dog trainers and behaviorists.
Mickey's Pet Supplies ships Thundershirt for FREE. Visit us online at: www.mickeyspetsupplies.com or Call 877-863-5431
Use coupon code THUNDER5
for an additonal 5% off your order
Coupon expires 4-30-12
This is so easy to use with velcro attachments. Thundershirt works with gentle constant pressure to calm your dog. It effectively eases dog anxiety, fearfulness, barking and more. It is not just for thunderstorms.
Over 80% of dog owners have had success with significantly reducing symptoms of dog anxiety.
Dog experts believe that by applying a gentle pressure that it has a natural calming effect on the dog's nervous system. T-Touch therapy has been used for years with proven results.
If your dog has separation anxiety, travel anxiety, noise anxiety, crate anxiety or excessive barking, the Thundershirt may help relieve those problems.
It is available in seven sizes. We recommend to go with your dog's measurement around the largest part of the neck and around the broadest part of the chest. Do not base your purchase on your dog's weight.

Elk Antlers for Dogs

2012-04-16T07:32:00.000-07:00

Have you heard of elk antlers dog chews?
These are antlers from Rocky Mountain elk that naturally shed their antlers each spring.
They are truly the longest lasting dog chew available.
They are safe because they do not splinter. They are so hard that your dog will naturally grind them down over time.
We recommend these for the most aggressive chewers.
They are 100% natural and rich in minerals such as calcium, chondroitin and glucosamine.
By giving your dog an antler dog chew you are also giving a supplement, in effect, that will help keep your dog's joints and bones healthy.
Find a large selection of sizes from XSmall to Large at Mickey's Pet Supplies with free shipping on your order of $75.
Use coupon code ELK for 10% off your first order.
Expires 4/30/12
Call 877-863-5431 or visit us at www.mickeyspetsupplies.com
We are a family owned company that specializes in natural pet supplies for cats and dogs.

Mickey's Pet Supplies: Da Bird-Cat Catcher Cat Toys

2012-04-06T15:01:00.002-07:00

Mickey's Pet Supplies: Da Bird-Cat Catcher Cat Toys

Da Bird-Cat Catcher Cat Toys

2012-04-06T15:01:00.000-07:00

Cat Catcher Wand

Da Bird Wand

Jackson Galaxy from Animal Planet uses these cat toys and highly recommends them for all cat lovers.
The Da Bird cat toy is a pull apart wand that has a feather toy at the end. It is not just your ordinary cat wand. Cats go nuts for this. The action of waving the wand with the feather toy at the end mimics a bird in flight, so it brings out your cat's natural prey instincts.
There are many different refills to put on the end besides the feather toy too.
Each toy attaches easily with a cotter clip- kind of like a safety pin.
There is Fur Fun, Sparkler, Kitty Puff attachments so you can rotate your toys. It's like getting a multitude of toys in one.
The Cat Catcher is a very durable wand with a pre-flexed wire attached. On the end is a very fancy corrugated mouse. Cats just love this. Be sure to get extra refills. Your cat will love to attack the mouse.
Find all the Go Cat Toys- cat wands, catnip toys, fur mice, fur pong, feather pong, wobble mice and more at Mickey's Pet Supplies.
Shipping is as low as $3.85 and we ship for free on your order of $75 or more.
Mickey's Pet Supplies is a family owned company that truly cares about cats.
Call 877-863-5431 anytime to order.

Rawhide bones-Made in USA-Free shipping

2012-03-28T13:54:00.001-07:00

Wholesome Hide rawhides are the highest quality rawhides available.
They are the only brand that Whole Dog Journal has ever recommended.
Mickey's Pet Supplies has the lowest prices and the best selection.
We offer FREE shipping on your order of $75.
We invite you try Wholesome Hide rawhides and use coupon code USAWH for $3 off your first order of $25 or more of Wholesome Hide.
Wholesome Hide rawhides are actually made right here in the USA- Chicago. They are certified made in the USA. They are the only rawhide company that is certified by USA certification and the only company that makes 100% of its production in the USA. It is common practice in the industry to mix import product with USA made product because import products are cheaper and more readily available. Unlike other certification entities, USA-Certification actually audits the supply chain to make sure all products are USA sourced and USA made. So, why is made in the USA so important? In Mexico, Brazil and China, hides are often brought into the urban processing plants after lying around in piles on rural farms for several weeks-unrefrigerated. These hides require a great deal of chemical processing to whiten and stabilize the deteriorated hides.
Wholesome Hide uses fresh hides that arrive in refrigerated trucks. They are naturally processed with fresh water to the get them ready to be made into dog treats. The hides are kept cold until they are cut, tied and put in the drying ovens. There are a lot of ways to cut corners when making rawhide treats. One is to stuff rawhide scraps and starch in the the bone to add weight. A lot of bones labeled made in USA found in the big box stores are simply a good looking shell of a very white rawhide that has a nice looking outside, but in fact when you open it, will find scraps of rawhide stuffed inside.
The Wholesome Hide rawhides are much more flavorful. They use fresh hides and water-based processing produces a rawhide chew that still tastes like natural hide. They are the ONLY company that keeps the tasty collagen layer intact. Their treats last longer. Because the composition of fresh rawhide is tougher than hides that have been chemically stabilized or split to increase yield. These bones are a longer lasting and a safer chew for your dog.
Not all Wholesome Hide rawhides look the same. They range in color from near white to golden tan and use no harsh chemicals in processing. Because these rawhides are made with fresh beef hide that is naturally processed, the thickness, color and texture of the hides vary depending on the breed of the cow. It depends even on the gender and season of the year. Not every piece is identical.
The reason why some import products have a uniform shape and white color is because they have been chemically stabilized, chemically beached and treated with titanium dioxide (an ingredient in white paint!)
One rawhide chew that is made just for aggressive chewers is the super thick 9-10 inch retriever roll.
This company is the only one that makes this double thick rawhide.

Dogs consistently choose these rawhides over imported chews. Dogs can taste the difference.
Why choose rawhide for your dog? It is only natural for your dog to enjoy chewing rawhide. After all, for centuries wild canines chewed on hides of the hoofed prey. Not only does it just "feel right" to your dog, chewing hide provides a natural cleaning action for teeth, exercise for gums, source of sport for puppies and just plain soothing for older dogs. Chewing on rawhide bones will help improve dental health by scraping away plaque.
Rawhide is high in protein, low in fat and has fewer calories per ounce than a typical dog biscuit.
You can satisfy your dog with a healthy treat that has many benefits and will not add to their weight.
A lot of people have asked- "Is rawhide safe for my dog?" Rawhide is one of the most natural things your dog can chew on. Dogs really have been chewing on hides for thousands of years. Not all rawhide is the same. Rawhide chews made in the USA with high quality U.S.A. beef hide are cleaner, thicker and more durable. That means your dog can spend more time wetting it down and tearing off smaller pieces than with other rawhide. When dogs chew on the thinner, chemically processed rawhide treats they can break off larger pieces of dry rawhide which can occasionally cause problems if swallowed.
This made in USA Company is the only rawhide that Whole Dog Journal has chosen to recommend.

Mickey's Pet Supplies- http://www.mickeyspetsupplies.com
Mickey's Pet Supplies is an online pet store specializing natural pet supplies. Free Range dog chews, Wholesome Hide Rawhides, Made in USA pet supplies, Holistic, Eco-Friendly pet supplies for cats and dogs A family owned store where their customer and their pets needs are their number one priority. This online discount pet supplies store only carries the highest quality products from top names. Most of their products are made in the USA. They believe that your pet is a part of your family and they deserve the best.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5838273
Author: Mickey Weaver

Mickey's Pet Supplies: Imperial Cat Scratchers

2012-03-28T13:23:00.001-07:00

Mickey's Pet Supplies: Imperial Cat Scratchers

2012-03-26T11:49:00.001-07:00

Mickey's Pet Supplies: Imperial Cat Scratchers

Imperial Cat Scratchers

2012-03-26T11:47:00.001-07:00

Imperial Cat scratchers are made in the USA of 100% recycled cardboard.
They are eco-friendly and are loved by cats.
These are not your ordinary cardboard cat scratcher. These are the unique way to offer your cat a special place scratch, rub and sleep on.
Although you can’t fight instinct, you CAN fight damage to your furnishings, and Imperial Cat Scratch ‘n Shapes make it easy!
The honeycomb texture of a Scratch ‘n Shape mimics the feel of natural tree bark, so cats will instinctively choose to sink their claws in for some serious shredding – or in cat terms, “mark their territory.” And the natural texture – unlike carpeted posts – is distinct from other textures in your home, making it easier to train your cat NOT to scratch your furnishings.

Each large scratcher comes with a bag of certified organic catnip too.
You will find many shapes from the Purr-fect Stretch, Large sofa, dolphin, whale and turtle combo scratcher.
The Vogue scratcher is brand new and has become a favorite for those of you with more than one cat.
It is 2 scratchers in one.
Mickey's Pet Supplies ships for free on your $75 order.
You will find great cat wands, natural cat toys and more.
Call 877-863-5431 to order anytime.

Made in USA pet supplies

2012-03-19T04:50:00.000-07:00

At Mickey's Pet Supplies we feel that supporting US workers is very important that is why most of our products are made in USA.
Pet parents should understand that paying a little more for a product made here should be expected. After all, we must pay our workers a wage that will support them and their families.
Planet Dog, West Paw Design, Doggie Styles, Animal Essentials, Arctic Paws, Cloudstar, Go Cat Toys, Happy Tails, John Paul Pet, Tomlyn, Kona's Chips, Overby Farms, Sam's Yams, Sojos, Zukes, Isle of Dogs, Jones, Smokehouse, Whole Life Pet treats, Wholesome Hide, some of Kong and JW pet are the companies that obtain all their products and manufacture all their products here in the United States.
Don't be fooled by companies that put stickers on their products that say manufactured in USA. That doesn't always mean that their materials are sourced from the USA. I have seen that many times on treats, especially.
We are always looking for more companies that produce their pet products here in the US.
There are a limited amount unfortunately. It is definitely cheaper to pay workers overseas a very small daily wage to work in a factory than it is to employ a worker here in the US, so the biggest companies go that route.
Support our country and buy made in USA pet products.
Take $3 off your $30 order with coupon code MAR312. Expires April 10, 2012
Shop now at www.mickeyspetsupplies.com or call 877-863-5431 to order.
We are a family owned company that truly cares about our customers. Every order is hand packed.
Feel free to call us anytime. We are available by e-mail or phone for our customers 24-7.

Health Benefits of owning a pet

2012-02-29T05:59:00.000-08:00

5 Ways Pets Can Improve Your Health

Repost of original article By Jeanie Lerche Davis
WebMD Feature

Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD

A pet is certainly a great friend. After a difficult day, pet owners quite literally feel the love.

In fact, for nearly 25 years, research has shown that living with pets provides certain health benefits. Pets help lower blood pressure and lessen anxiety. They boost our immunity. They can even help you get dates.

Allergy Fighters

"The old thinking was that if your family had a pet, the children were more likely to become allergic to the pet. And if you came from an allergy-prone family, pets should be avoided," says researcher James E. Gern, MD, a pediatrician at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

However, a growing number of studies have suggested that kids growing up in a home with "furred animals" -- whether it's a pet cat or dog, or on a farm and exposed to large animals -- will have less risk of allergies and asthma, he tells WebMD.

In his recent study, Gern analyzed the blood of babies immediately after birth and one year later. He was looking for evidence of an allergic reaction, immunity changes, and for reactions to bacteria in the environment.

If a dog lived in the home, infants were less likely to show evidence of pet allergies -- 19% vs. 33%. They also were less likely to have eczema, a common allergy skin condition that causes red patches and itching. In addition, they had higher levels of some immune system chemicals -- a sign of stronger immune system activation.

"Dogs are dirty animals, and this suggests that babies who have greater exposure to dirt and allergens have a stronger immune system," Gern says.

Date Magnets

Dogs are great for making love connections. Forget Internet matchmaking -- a dog is a natural conversation starter.

This especially helps ease people out of social isolation or shyness, Nadine Kaslow, PhD, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Emory University in Atlanta, tells WebMD.

"People ask about breed, they watch the dog's tricks," Kaslow says. "Sometimes the conversation stays at the 'dog level,' sometimes it becomes a real social interchange."

Dogs for the Aged

"Studies have shown that Alzheimer's patients have fewer anxious outbursts if there is an animal in the home," says Lynette Hart, PhD, associate professor at the University of California at Davis School of Veterinary Medicine.

"Their caregivers also feel less burdened when there is a pet, particularly if it is a cat, which generally requires less care than a dog," says Hart.

Walking a dog or just caring for a pet -- for elderly people who are able -- can provide exercise and companionship. One insurance company, Midland Life Insurance Company of Columbus, Ohio, asks clients over age 75 if they have a pet as part of their medical screening -- which often helps tip the scales in their favor.

Good for Mind and Soul

Pet owners with AIDS are far less likely to suffer from depression than those without pets. "The benefit is especially pronounced when people are strongly attached to their pets," says researcher Judith Siegel, PhD.

In one study, stockbrokers with high blood pressure who adopted a cat or dog had lower blood pressure readings in stressful situations than did people without pets.

People in stress mode get into a "state of dis-ease," in which harmful chemicals like cortisol and norepinephrine can negatively affect the immune system, says Blair Justice, PhD, a psychology professor at the University of Texas School of Public Health and author of Who Gets Sick: How Beliefs, Moods, and Thoughts Affect Your Health.

Studies show a link between these chemicals and plaque buildup in arteries, the red flag for heart disease, says Justice.

Like any enjoyable activity, playing with a dog can elevate levels of serotonin and dopamine -- nerve transmitters that are known to have pleasurable and calming properties, he tells WebMD.

"People take drugs like heroin and cocaine to raise serotonin and dopamine, but the healthy way to do it is to pet your dog, or hug your spouse, watch sunsets, or get around something beautiful in nature," says Justice, who recently hiked the Colorado Rockies with his wife and two dogs.

Good for the Heart

Heart attack patients who have pets survive longer than those without, according to several studies. Male pet owners have less sign of heart disease -- lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels -- than non-owners, researchers say.

Mickey's Pet Supplies is a natural pet store for cat and dog pet supplies.

We believe pets are a part of your family. We strive for the finest in personal service, being available anytime by e-mail and phone for our customers. We only carry the highest quality products for pets.

Call 877-863-5431 or e-mail: sales@mickeyspetsupplies.com

Shipping is Free on your order of $75 or more.

Help your dog adjust to baby

2012-02-27T07:44:00.000-08:00

Repost of article in Miami Herald February 27, 2012

American Kennel Club

Congratulations, you're having a baby! You spent nine months preparing for your newborn, but the American Kennel Club asks what about your other "baby" your dog?
"Most dogs are used to being the 'baby' of the family and many have difficulty adjusting to the new family dynamic," warns AKC's Canine Good Citizen and AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Director and Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, Mary Burch, Ph.D. "However, many gradual adjustments to your lifestyle can help prepare your dog for changes he will experience and ensure a smooth adjustment."
The AKC offers tips on how to ease your dog into this new phase and exciting period of your life. Among them:
- Start early. Begin to make adjustments to your dog's schedule before your baby arrives. Make a list of all the ways your dog's routine will be changed. For example, will your dog's daily walk be switched from morning to afternoon? Will your pup have less one on one time with you?
- Use sight, sound and scent. If any of your friends have babies, you can ask if your dog could be introduced to one of their new babies. Play a CD of a baby crying to acclimate him to the new sound. Before you bring your newborn home, bring a baby blanket home from the hospital so your dog can get used to the infant's scent. When your dog behaves well around these new stimuli, praise and reward him with treats.
- Exercise. One of the best ways to combat any undesired behavior in your dog is through exercise. Make sure that your dog has plenty of time to exert his energy by making the daily walk a priority or hire a dog walker so he doesn't become bored.
- Schedule time with your dog. After the baby arrives, things will be very hectic. To make sure the dog stays a priority, decide on times when you can give your dog a little extra attention-perhaps while the baby is napping or make it a point to have your dog accompany you on walks with your baby.
We highly recommend the Nina Ottosson puzzle toys for your dog. They are mentally stimulating and really help keep your dog from being bored. It is a great way to spend some one on one time with your dog.
Additional tips can be found on the American Kennel Club Web site at www.akc.org.
(c) 2012, The American Kennel Club, Inc., www.akc.org
Mickey's Pet Supplies is a natural pet store for cat and dog supplies.
Personal service and Free shipping on your $75 order.
We are all about customer service. You can call us at 877-863-5431 anytime with questions or e-mail sales@mickeyspetsupplies.com

Mickey's Pet Supplies: Glucosamine treats for dogs

2012-02-23T16:19:00.000-08:00

Mickey's Pet Supplies: Glucosamine treats for dogs

Glucosamine treats for dogs

2012-02-23T04:44:00.001-08:00

There is so much discussion regarding the benefits of glucosamine for dogs.
Everyone knows that it is great for dogs with osteoporosis, hip and joint dysplasia and arthritis, but are you aware of the benefits of glucosamine in promoting healing?
Studies have indicated that glucosamine may be rate limiting for the body's hyaluronic acid synthesis and that the supplementation of glucosamine following surgery or trauma may increase hyaluronic acid production in the wound and encourage more rapid healing and diminish scarring.
^{Did you know that the two major building blocks for cartilage synthesis is Glucosamine and Chondroitin.}

Glucosamine is responsible for the synthesis of hyaluronic acid and glycosaminoglycans within the joint.
Chondroitin, while being one of the major gylcosaminoglycans, also acts to inhibit degradative enzymes that promote the breakdown of cartilage.
These two important building blocks of cartilage in your dog break down with age. The incidence of degenerative joint disease increases with your dog's natural aging process.
Mickey's Pet Supplies- a natural pet store- carries easy to feed dog treats that make it so easy to give your dog the much needed glucosamine and chondroitin.
Wholesome Hide Happy Hip Chunkees are great tasting treats made by the made in USA certified Wholesome Hide. These treats are made of ground, fresh rawhide formed into a 3 inch breakable treat. They are fortified with 500 mg. of glucosamine and 200 mg. of chondroitin.
Zuke's Hip Action treats are a soft and chewy treat fortified with 300 mg of glucosamine and 50 mg of chondroitin. They also contain essential cofactor vitamins and minerals that aid in absorption.
They are wheat and corn free and available in Chicken, Beef and Peanut Butter flavor.
Find only the best healthy and natural treats for your dogs at Mickey's Pet Supplies.
Free shipping on your $75 order.
Call 877-863-5431 to order anytime.
Mickey's Pet Supplies is a family owned business that truly cares about our customers.

Canines for Service

2012-02-20T06:52:00.000-08:00

Mickey's Pet Supplies is rather new to Wilmington, NC and just recently discovered that there is a wonderful organization called Carolina Canines for Service.
We would like to share their information
Programs

Canines for Service – continues to be based from the Wilmington corporate office. Demands for services continue and we need foster families (individual, couple, traditional or non-traditional) to step-up to the cause. We cannot serve people in need unless we have puppies in training coming up the ranks to fill those needs in 2-4 years. The commitment is great, but the reward is even bigger. Our goal for 2012 is to bring the foster program to Charleston, SC. Our second goal for this program is to obtain our U.S. Department of Labor approval for service dog technician training program. Canines for Service continues on the forefront of service dog training standards and the U.S. Department of Labor approval confirms a level of standards for the trainer. This apprenticeship program approval will make it possible to offer a vocational curriculum in service dog training.

Canines for Veterans – continues to serve our wounded and injured service members from 1991 – current. We know the demands are high and Canines for Veterans is on track to meet the needs with 10 to 15 service dog partnering planned for this year. Working with the brig to increase the number of prison handlers and then increase the number of dogs in training is a goal for this program.

Canines for Therapy – continues in Wilmington and in Raleigh taught by Teamworks Dog Training. To meet the continued needs in Wilmington, two staff members are in the process of becoming AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluators so our enrollees will be able to complete this evaluation before enrolling in the therapy class. Our goal is to bring this program into Charleston within the first quarter of 2012.

Canines for Literacy – continues in the greater Wilmington area in 5 elementary schools. Request for the program have never been higher, but we need certified Canines for Therapy teams so we can increase the number of children served.

Events

Southeastern Wildlife Exp (Charleston) on Feb 17^th- 19^th

^{6th Annual Walk for those who can't (Wilmington) on March 24th}

Carolina Canines for Service
Juggling and balancing it is all good

Sometimes in life, even the life of a non-profit, one is pulled in many directions almost all at the same time. The day-to-day mission becomes a balancing act of what has to get done, what needs to get done and what would just be nice to do. One month into the new year and Canines for Service has already been presented with wonderful opportunities.

We are planning are 6th Annual Walk for Those Who Can't on March 24th at Hugh MacRae Park in Wilmington, NC. In-kind sponsors have been generous and include CBS 10WILM, Sunrise Broadcasting and the radio groups of Sunny 104.5, Z 107.5, Jammin 99.9, 98.7 Modern Rock, ESPN Radio, Carrabba's Italian Grill, DogLiving Magazine, StarNews Media, Queensboro, PawPrints Magazine, Indian Springs Water Company, Port City Java and Dock Street Printing. These donation help tremendously, but we also need financial sponsors that can help with the costs of providing services in our community. Registration is open for the Walk and people are beginning to register and raise money. Some of the folks are being quite creative like StarNews Media holding a pet photo session on February 4th at 11 am or Blissful Living challenging all their Facebook fans to donate just $5.00. Our goal is to raise $60,000 that will help us provide service dogs to people who are waiting, continue to offer a comprehensive animal assisted therapy program for owners and their dogs to volunteer in the community and support our children through the Canines for Literacy program. None of this can happen without funds to make it possible.

Rick and Pat Hairston were recently invited to Ft. Myers, VA to share an afternoon with some of the countries bravest as we gathered to enjoy the American pastime of football. One of our clients, Leslie Smith and Service Dog Issac were on Days of Our Lives. Canines for Veterans was recently honored as a finalist in the Joining Forces Community Challenge for our innovative program supporting military members and their families. People can continue to help us with this honor by voting daily for as a the People's Choice. Representatives of the organization will be invited to the White House to celebrate the honor of being a finalist later this spring.

Grant research and writing is in full swing with the hope of funding opportunities that will help us to continue our work. The Harry Barker Canines for Veterans product line continues to gain attention in the retail world, Raising the communities awareness with attendance at upcoming events like the Conscience Fair in Wilmington on February 4th, Run for the Roses on February 12th in Raleigh, the Southeast Wildlife Expo in Charleston February 17-19th, Coastal Living Show March 17-18th, the Walk on March 24th and a Pet Expo in Jacksonville, NC on March 31st.
Mickey's Pet Supplies is a online natural pet store based in Wilmington, NC
We carry the Harry Barker silhouette food and water bowls and are proud to be associated with a pet product that lends it's support to the Canines for Service.

Mickey's Pet Supplies: Dog anxiety- Music Therapy

2012-02-19T14:28:00.000-08:00

Mickey's Pet Supplies: Dog anxiety- Music Therapy

Cat Saves Owners Life

2012-02-19T06:32:00.000-08:00

Repost of article in Green Bay Press Gazette February 19, 2012
STURGEON BAY — A Sturgeon Bay woman has a lot to be thankful for after her newly adopted cat woke her from an insulin reaction just hours after bringing him home.
Amy Jung and her son, Ethan Jung, originally went to the Door County Humane Society on Feb. 8 to play with the cats, not to bring one home. Then Jung, 36, saw Pudding lying on a counter. She made a quick decision to adopt Pudding and his pal Wimsy.
When the Jungs arrived home, the 21-pound, orange-and-white Pudding made himself right at home, acting as if he had always been there.
"He just really took right over. Really second nature," she said.
At around 9:30 p.m., she went to bed and about 1½ hours later, the prodigious kitty came to her rescue.
Jung, who was diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 4, started to have a seizure. According to Jung, Pudding planted his weight on her chest and, when he could not wake her, began swatting her face and biting her nose.
"Anything he could to pull me out of it (the seizure)," she said.
It worked. She woke up and the convulsions stopped long enough for her to call to her son for help. When Ethan did not respond to the calls, the cat ran to his room and jumped on his bed.
Ethan later told her that he didn't know anything was wrong until the giant cat landing on the bed woke him up.
Jung is convinced that she would not have survived the night if Pudding had not intervened.
"If something or someone hadn't pulled me out of that, I wouldn't be here," she said.
The next day she spoke with her doctor about her seizure and her cat's unusual actions. The doctor told her he had heard of animals alerting their owners to a health crisis but had never known anyone who had experienced it.
"Realistically you can't be without him," he told her. Jung is registering Pudding as a therapy animal.
Pudding will also sit at her feet and meow when her blood sugar is low, she said.
At first sight Pudding's only significant attribute is that he is really, really big. As Jung, wearing a red Humane Society fleece, told her story, Pudding lay curled on the couch apparently unaware of his new role in her life.
Carrie Counihan, Door County Humane Society executive director, has known the laidback cat on and off for years and finds the story believable.
"I think it's an amazing story, and I knew Pudding pretty well from his time at the shelter," Counihan said.
Pudding, born July 2003, was originally surrendered to the Humane Society in February 2008 due to his owner's allergies. In April 2008 he was adopted and lived with his last owner until January, when she died.
When Pudding and Wismy came to the shelter, Pudding would lounge on Counihan's desk, never acting pesky.
Hearing that Pudding had acted out of character was enough to convince her.
"That, for me, makes the story really stand out," she said. "That he was sensing something and reacting to it."
The Humane Society is glad that there is a happy ending for both Pudding and Jung.
"We're glad that she called us (about what happened) and that Pudding went into her family that day," Counihan said.
Article written by Samantha Hernandez writes for the Door County Advocate.
At Mickey's Pet Supplies we love cats.
You will find a great selection of cat wands and toys at great prices.
Call 877-863-5431 to order. We are available by phone for our customers anytime.

Dog anxiety- Music Therapy

2012-02-18T06:24:00.000-08:00

This is a repost of an article By Dr.Jeannie on Sep 13, 2011 in Animal Naturopathy, Dog News The Latest Poop, Featured

Music has a powerful effect on our pet’s health, physically, emotionally and mentally. Research in music therapy supports its effectiveness in a wide variety of healthcare educational and every day settings.and heart rate are lowered, emotions are stabilized, and mood is elevated. Music therapy has been found to be helpful to:
Promote Wellness
Manage Stress
Lowers Blood Pressure and Heart Rate
Elevate Mood
Stabilizes Emotions
Alleviate Pain
Enhance Memory
Promote Physical Rehabilitation
Harmonic music with pleasant sounding chords of piano, strings and cellos who’s size and reverberating chamber produces tones that resonate within the body to provide overtones and undertones that resonate sympathetically. The higher purer tones of the flute create a sympathetic resonance which reverberates into deeper levels and the responses can be in the range of pure joy and happiness. The reactions release hormones that rid the pet of stress, elevate mood and provide a sense of well being.
Classical music definitely has a calming effect on animals, it is known to be effective to:
calm and soothe
quiet kennels
calm during thunder storms
calm during and after surgery or sickness
aid in healing
aid sleeping disorders
aid in emotional stress when settling into a new home
soothe when being left alone (separation anxiety)
Composer, Robert Boyd states: “that all too often an animal’s ability to appreciate music is underestimated. Animals are very responsive to sound. Dogs are walking ears and noses and it is well known that they hear higher frequencies than humans. They have a better range of hearing not so much in the low frequencies, but in the high. You can drop a pin close enough to a cat and its ear will twitch towards that noise which you wouldn’t have heard at all.” Robert Boyd Music
Dr. Deborah Wells, Belfast, Ireland In 2002, Belfast-based psychologist and animal behaviorist Deborah Wells undertook a research program to determine the influence of five types of auditory stimulation: human conversation, classical music, heavy metal music, pop music, and a silent control (no music at all).
From Dr. Wells’s study, we came to understand that classical music had a marked soothing effect on dogs in animal shelters when compared to the other types of auditory stimulation. In the discussion section of her published research, Dr. Wells stated, “Classical music resulted in dogs spending more of their time resting than any of the other experimental conditions of auditory stimulation. This type of music also resulted in a significantly lower level of barking.
Alianna Boone, a harpist who plays for ill family pets and produced a CD “Harp Music to Soothe the Savage Beast” – conducted one of the few studies on harp music’s effect on animals. In 2000, she performed for recently hospitalized canines at a Florida veterinary clinic. The hour-long sessions immediately began to lower heart rates, ease anxiety, and respiration in most cases.
It is believed that the harmonic overtones in classical music work at a cellular level and reduce stress levels. It appears that dogs must hear at least three minutes of music for it to take effect. Generally at this point, most dogs will start to sit down. Within 10 to 20 minutes, most lie in a resting state with some sleeping soundly.
Resources:
Audio – Dr Susan Wagner – Interview and Book review of Through A Dog’s Ear
THROUGH A DOG’S EAR, MUSIC CALM YOUR CANINE VOL. 1 AUDIO CD
THROUGH A DOG’S EAR – MUSIC TO CALM YOUR CANINE COMPANION, VOL. 2 AUDIO CD
THROUGH A DOG’S EAR, MUSIC CALM YOUR CANINE VOL. 3 AUDIO CD
There are also now numerous other CD’s and downloads of calming music available designed especially for calming anxious dogs. Why not give a couple a try?
Mickey's Pet Supplies is a natural pet store with natural cures for dog anxiety.
The Thundershirt, Bach Rescue Remedy and Sam's Yams calmly chamomile treats are great products that you may find work together to help with your dog's anxiety.
Call 877-863-5431

Mickey's Pet Supplies: Made in USA pet supplies-Free Shipping on $75 order

2012-02-17T15:04:00.000-08:00

Mickey's Pet Supplies: Made in USA pet supplies-Free Shipping on $75 order