You may have heard a lot of advice about fleas and ticks. But there are surprisingly many untruths or myths about them that are still circulating today.

MYTH: Fleas and ticks are a warm-weather problem
In certain areas, they’re a year-round problem. Even in states with cold winters, fleas can survive in microclimates. These areas (under decks, in sheds or elsewhere) are warm enough to keep a population of fleas or ticks alive during the winter.

MYTH: Indoor pets don’t need protection
Think your indoor puppy or cat is safe from fleas and ticks? Think again. These pests can hitch a ride indoors on other visitors, both human and animal.

MYTH: Fleas live best in carpeted spaces
Believe it or not, wood and tile floors can also harbor fleas. In fact, it may be harder to treat these areas as flea larvae and eggs can survive in small crevices, along baseboards and under furniture.

MYTH: It’s best to remove ticks with Vaseline, burning matches, nail polish, alcohol or…
These and other common folk remedies claim to solve the tick problem. But they may worsen it by leaving the tick’s head embedded in the skin or releasing disease-laden fluids into your pet’s blood. Focus instead on removing the tick as quickly as possible. This is best done with a tick removal tool or with tweezers used close to the skin.

MYTH: A few fleas are not a “serious” problem
Once you spot a few adult fleas, you can expect there to be hundreds of eggs, larvae and pupae on your pet and in his favorite areas. Act quickly to treat your pet, home and yard with flea and tick control products. Better yet, use a flea preventive to protect Fido year-round.

MYTH: A flea infestation can be eradicated in a few days
It’s more likely to take three to eight weeks. That’s because new adult fleas are emerging every day as part of their lifecycle. Keep cleaning and treating each area consistently to combat the problem and see results.

Visit Pet Supermarket to see all products to help protect your pet.

As a dog owner, you must inevitably deal with doggie odor. But it doesn’t have to be difficult to manage. Use these tips for a better smelling dog and home…

Find the cause
It’s best to find out what’s causing your dog’s odor first. Does Fido love to roll in smelly things or does he have a skin condition? Check with your vet if you suspect the latter. Also, some breeds have an oily hair coat that can build up odor, while others are predisposed to skin problems. Don’t forget, ear infections and gum disease can cause odor as well. Determine the cause and ensure there are no health problems before choosing the best solution.

Bath time
Barring any health issues, the smelly dog problem could be cleared up with regular bathing and the right shampoo. Dog shampoos have gone beyond the flea and tick variety. There are now medicated shampoos, anti-bacterial shampoos, formulas with oatmeal or chamomile, waterless shampoos and others. Choose one that suits your dog’s needs and bathe and groom him regularly.

Grooming all over
Besides bathing, your dog has other grooming needs that can affect his smell. Be sure to clean his ears, check his skin, clean his teeth and brush his fur. Some breeds have oilier fur, but if your dog suddenly develops an oily coat and smelly, flaky skin, he may have seborrhea, a skin condition that should be treated by a vet. Anal glands can also cause odors due to oily secretions and are a common problem. Check with your veterinarian to see if the glands should be expressed. Some groomers may do this as well.

Odor from within
Does your dog have a flatulence problem? If so, take a closer look at his diet. This type of issue can point to an intestinal problem or may be a matter of improper nutrition. If your dog is usually gassy, switch to a high-quality dog food that provides a proper diet.

Home and bedding
Once Fido is clean, eliminate the doggy smell at home by treating his bedding and other areas often. Your dog’s bed, for example, should get washed or have a washable cover. Extend the cleaning indoors with vacuuming and carpet cleaning. Pet cleaners are a must as well. Pet Supermarket offers a variety of stain and odor removers formulated to tackle all types of stains and odors. Our sales associates can assist you in choosing the exact formulas and products to meet your specific needs.

A regular schedule of grooming and preventive care can lead to a fresh-smelling dog and home! Visit Pet Supermarket for cleaning and grooming products to get you started.

With the first day of spring approaching, we offer answers to an important question for pet-loving gardeners. Follow these tips to ensure your pet enjoys a fun and safe playtime outdoors.

A pet-safe garden grows…

With care for chemicals
While pesticides and herbicides protect your garden from pests, they may also be toxic to your pet, even in small amounts. Be sure to follow instructions and consider watering the pesticide into your yard after applying it. Then wait 48 hours or the directed time period before allowing your pet into the area.

With enclosed organic fertilizers & composts
Organic fertilizers and composts are not necessarily less dangerous for pets. A fertilizer such as bone meal can obstruct the digestive tract, for example, while blood meal can cause diarrhea and pancreatitis. Another area to be mindful of is composting. It may be good for the garden, but eating moldy, organic food waste can lead to vomiting and seizures for pets. Fence off your composting area for pet safety.

With pretty, not poisonous, plants
Do you know which plants are poisonous? Use the ASPCA’s poisonous plants list as your guide. There are many popular varieties that make for a beautiful garden, but are harmful to pets. Sago palm can cause liver failure, for example, while azalea, oleander and rhododendron can affect the heart.

With garden-tool safety
Storing tools off the ground is safer not only for humans, but also for pets. Sharp tools can harm a curious pet’s paws or nose. Dogs are also susceptible to tetanus from rusty tools.

With an eye on pet reactions
Even after following guidelines for pet safety, it’s best to keep a close eye on your pet and his reactions. If he’s acting strangely and you suspect poisoning, call the Animal Poison Control Center or your vet immediately. By acting quickly, you may be able to keep your pet from feeling the harmful effects of garden hazards.

Also, don’t forget to keep your pet busy and off your garden by providing toys for outdoor entertainment. See the best pet toys at your local Pet Supermarket!

Does your dog greet you with a jump for attention? It’s his natural way of saying hello, but it can become a problem, especially if you have a large dog.

Training him out of this behavior is possible and easy, with consistency and the right rewards. Read on for a few tips.

Negative attention can be a reward
Jumping is a common behavior issue that is often reinforced, inadvertently, by the pet owner. What you may not realize is that any attention you give you dog after he jumps on you, even if it’s to say ‘no,’ can be positive reinforcement. Your goal then is to offer no reward for jumping or to ignore him. This will help him learn that only dogs with their paws on the ground will get your praise.

Consistency is key
Does your dog get the same response from you and others? Think of it from his point of view. If he has a 50/50 chance of getting the attention he wants, he’ll continue to jump for it. This brings up the issue of consistency. It’s one of the key ingredients for success when training Fido. If your dog is sometimes rewarded and sometimes punished for the same action, he won’t learn to change his behavior.

Training tips

• Use the same response when your dog jumps to greet you. Ignore him, turn your back or walk away and wait for him to get down. As soon as he does, you can turn and reward him with praise or a treat.
• Does he respond to the ‘sit’ command? Teach him to sit before you will give him your attention.
• When he jumps, do not punish him by pushing him aside or yelling at him. Your dog may see this as a reward or reinforcement.
• When you do praise your dog, do it calmly so he doesn’t get excited and lose control again.
• If the jumping often happens at the front door, try a short training session. Walk in and if he jumps, ignore him (keep your hands to your sides or at your chest) and walk out again. Close the door or leave it open a little and tell him to sit. Enter and if he jumps again, walk out again. Repeat this until he stops jumping and you can reward him.
• Ask some friends or relatives to help you as well. Explain the process of walking out if your dog jumps. When they arrive, go to the door with your dog and ask him to sit before opening it. If he jumps, your visitor should leave and repeat the steps.

There’s nothing wrong with a little canine excitement at your arrival! But with these tips, greetings from your dog can be a safe pleasure for everyone.

Is exercise on your list of New Year’s Resolutions for 2013? Man’s best friend can be your best exercise partner.

With your dog as your workout companion, you’ll get a loyal and eager exercise partner in return. Research has shown that you’re more likely to stick to your fitness program if you exercise with your furry friend.

Here are a few tips for exercising with your dog:

Walk or jog your way to fitness
Ready to turn your dog walks into short exercise routines? It’s the easiest way to start and a brisk walk can be great exercise for both you and your doggie. Start slowly (10 to 15 minutes) and work your way up to longer walks or jogs. Up to 20 or 30 minutes should be OK for most dogs, depending on their breed and health.

Beyond the walk
While walking and jogging can be great activities, why stop there? Add more variety with dog-friendly activities like…

• Swimming – Water dogs like Labradors, Retrievers and Poodles enjoy swimming, especially during hot weather. Keep it short, fun and safe.
• Obstacle course – Set up a homemade obstacle course in your backyard or visit a dog park with a course. While your dog runs the course, sprint with him to get your own exercise.
• Fetch or tag – Take the average game of fetch or tag even further. Throw a ball or toy and race him to it or play tag where you’re “it.”
• Canine dancing – Choreographed dancing with your dog is a sport called musical freestyle. Create a dance routine to upbeat music and burn some calories! Here’s an example on video.
• Dog frisbee – This fun outdoor game can turn into a competitive sport for you and your pet. Keep it casual or join a “Disc Dog” club for more motivation.
• Doggie soccer – Can your pooch kick it like a canine Beckham? Find out if he can push a large dog ball with his nose or paws for a game of soccer. It’s OK to use a soccer ball too, just avoid kicking it at his nose or body.

Check with the vet (and your doctor) first
Make a vet visit your first priority. During the vet check, learn of any breed-specific limitations that could affect Fido’s workout. You should get checked by your own doctor as well, before any new exercise routine is started.

Make the workout work for your dog
You may push your own limits in a workout, but don’t do the same with your dog. A Chihuahua, for example, can’t do a mile-long run, but he may be up for a brisk 20- to 30-minute walk. Be careful with smaller breeds in general and be extra careful with short-nosed breeds (pugs, boxers, chow chows, mastiffs, etc.). They can have problems breathing and cooling down effectively.

Mind the signs of health and safety
In his eagerness to keep up, your dog may overdo it, so it’s up to you to watch for signs of exhaustion or overheating. Heavy panting, pale gums, walking unevenly or lagging behind you are all signs that it’s time to stop. To stay safe, exercise in the mornings or evenings when there’s less heat and take a water bottle for you and him on long sessions.

Best of luck and we wish you and your pets a happy and healthy 2013!

There are six to eight million pets in shelters each year, according to the Humane Society. We know that many of our customers adopt shelter pets, care for them responsibly and provide them with great lives.

But did you know you can do more? Besides offering a donation, you can also offer your time as a volunteer. Here are a few things you can do to help pets in your area:

Volunteer at a shelter

Shelters are in desperate need of volunteers to help care for animals at their facilities. Just one or two hours a week of your time is enough to make a difference in the lives of shelter animals who need feeding, bathing, petting and socializing. You can also ask about providing administrative support work from home.

• Visit the Humane Society to learn about local volunteer needs.
• See the ASPCA’s Top Ten Ways to Help Your Shelter.
• Visit VolunteerMatch.org. Enter “animals” and your zip code for opportunities in your area.

Help an animal rescue group

Rescue groups are small, independent organizations working to rescue a particular type of animal or breed. Your help as a pet foster parent is needed for those pets who are waiting for adoption. Donations of food and supplies are helpful as well.

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• Use the ASPCA’s tool to find a rescue group or shelter in your area.

Join an animal disaster response team

The aftermath of Hurricane Sandy highlights the need for volunteers who are ready to respond after natural disasters or emergencies. Animals are often lost, abandoned or hurt during these events and need special care. As a team member, you could be called into action to rescue these pets. Learn about the Humane Society’s animal rescue training program in your area.

Support animal rights with online activism

If you can’t volunteer time at a shelter, you can still do your part from home. Email lawmakers to support animal-friendly legislation or help spread the word online to raise awareness about animal rights.

• Visit the ASPCA’s Advocacy Center for more information.
• Learn about the Humane Society’s advocacy efforts in your state.

Ready to take action? There are many things you can do from home or at shelters to support animals! Pet Supermarket works with many rescue groups to provide pet adoption events in our stores. Stop by to see these adoptable pets or to speak with the organizations about volunteering.

With recent media reports of an obese Dachshund and other plump pets, we feel it’s a good time to review tips on caring for your overweight dog. Like humans, dogs need exercise and a sensible diet to stay healthy. Otherwise, they risk getting diabetes, liver problems and other ailments. Here are a few suggestions on how to help Fido reach a healthy weight.

Curb your loving attention
Yes, we know you love your dog. But try to avoid expressing your love by feeding them human food. Your dog enjoys getting your attention, whether it’s food related or not. The next time he begs, think playtime instead!

How to avoid temptation…

• Move Fido to another room while your family eats.
• Stay strong! Don’t reward his begging with food.
• Place all meals and treats in your dog’s bowl only.
• Feed only healthy dog treats in moderation.

Focus on portion control
Do you know how much food you should serve your dog? There is general information available, but your dog’s size, health and energy level are all factors. The dog food bag will give you guidance, and you can also ask your vet. Here are some additional tips:

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• Choose a premium, natural or holistic food with less filler or consider feeding a “weight management” or “light” formula if your goal is helping your dog lose weight.
• Follow the manufacturer’s feeding recommendations on the amount of food and treats he’ll get each day.

Do the canine workout
Is your dog getting enough exercise? Remember, he needs to expend more calories than he’s eating and extra activity will help him keep that balance. If you have to exercise with him, just think of it as a healthy side benefit for you too.

• Take your dog for longer walks.
• Visit the dog park or set play dates with other dog owners.
• Encourage your dog to play fetch.
• Take him swimming during warm weather.
• Consider a doggy day care center.

Treating your dog’s weight problem now might avoid serious and costly health problems later. To get your dog on a healthy diet, start with a visit to your local Pet Supermarket for quality dog food and dog treats!

Here are a few questions that will help you find the best doggie for you:

Why do you want to get a dog?
What’s your main reason for getting a dog? Is it for your kids, for companionship, or to have a pet for play and exercise? Thinking about this first will help with your breed choice later.

Level of activity: couch potato or fireball?
This answer will depend on your lifestyle and how much time you can devote to your dog. In other words, don’t get a sporting or hunting breed if you can’t spend time outdoors with him. Keep in mind, puppies and toy breeds need play time too.

Size: From tote-sized to massive
The cute puppy will eventually grow to full size and that size needs to be accommodated. Whether you live in an apartment or home, your space may dictate the size of your dog. A Chihuahua will be at home either way, but an Akita will have a tight fit in a small space.

Personality traits count
Your dog will be a part of the family for many years, so make sure he has a personality you can live with. Is his breed known for being playful or stubborn? Does he take to training easily?

Exercise needs
Active breeds need time and space to run off their energy. But if a long walk or exercise is the last thing you want to do after work, a cuddly low-energy breed may suit you best.

Grooming needs
Do you have time to groom your dog a few times a week? If not, consider a breed with a short, low-maintenance coat.

When looking for your family’s new best friend, make sure he fits your lifestyle and time commitment! Even when adopting, it’s possible to find specific breeds through rescue groups and shelters.

Ready to find your breed match? Try the Dog Breed Questionnaire by Animal Planet, then stop by Pet Supermarket for top brands in dog food and supplies.

Do you know how to remove a live tick from your dog’s skin? It’s a skill every pet owner should have. It’s especially important if you live near wooded areas or have a year-round pest season.

Here are our tips for tick removal…

Ditch the home remedies
You may have heard a few remedies for handling ticks, including using a lit match or petroleum jelly, among others. But these remedies don’t always work and may even make things worse. If the tick gets stimulated, it could release more (possibly infected) fluids into the bloodstream-the opposite of what you want to achieve.

Your mission: speedy removal
While ticks can infect their hosts, this usually occurs after an infected tick has been feeding for 12 to 24 hours. This is why speedy tick removal is crucial to avoiding tick-borne illnesses.

The tick-removal process

• First, put on latex or rubber gloves to avoid contact with any infected fluids.
• Using tweezers or a tick removal tool (see below), grab the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible.
• Pull the tick upwards with steady pressure until it’s removed. Don’t twist while doing this as it may break off the tick’s mouth parts and leave them embedded in the skin.
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• Don’t squeeze or crush the tick’s body to avoid secreting its body fluids, which may be infected.
• Keep the tick in a jar or container of rubbing alcohol with a lid and hold onto it for a few days. If your pet becomes sick, you can take the tick to the vet for testing.
• If the tick’s mouth parts are left behind, try to remove them. If you can’t, disinfect the area and let the skin heal.
• Clean up by disinfecting the site, washing your hands with soap and water (even if you wore gloves) and sterilizing your tweezers.
• Watch the site for signs of infection or growing redness and inflammation. If this happens, take your dog to the vet with the tick.

Tick removal tools: Make sure you’re ready to handle any ticks safely. New tick removal tools are generally better than tweezers at removing the entire tick and are inexpensive. They’re also easy to keep at hand if you live in a tick-infested area.

Visit your local Pet Supermarket store, which carries two new products: The Tick Key, an easy tick removal device, and Resultix, which can be sprayed on pets to kill ticks on contact.

Most dogs like taking a ride in the car (especially if they’re going to Pet Supermarket), but it’s important to remember a few tips to make sure both you and your friend arrive at your destination safely:

Dog distractions can be dangerous

According to AAA, looking away from the road for only two seconds doubles your risk of a crash. Yet in a survey, more than 55% of drivers admit to petting their dog while driving and 21% allow their dog to sit in their lap. It may seem harmless, but it could be dangerous. To avoid distractions, it’s safest to keep Fido in the back seat.

Restraints are recommended

AAA says only 17% of people use one, but restraints protect your pet in case of an accident. They also protect other passengers since an unrestrained dog can become a flying projectile during a crash. A fender bender or hard stop can cause a small dog to be launched forward as well. Pet Supermarket stores carry a full line of Coastal Easy Rider Car Harnesses in all sizes.

Keep your dog’s head inside

Your canine buddy may enjoy hanging his head out the window, but it’s not safe for a couple of reasons. First, road debris can fly into your dog’s ears, nose or eyes, causing injury or irritation. Also, your dog might be tempted to jump out or could fall out during an accident.

Safe car restraints for your dog

Whether you’re going on a road trip or driving around the corner, there are a few things you can use to make the trip safe for everyone.

• A crate or carrier. There are a broad variety of crates and travel carriers available. If you use a soft-sided crate or small carrier, make sure it’s secured in your car.
• A dog restraint or dog seat belt. These restraints attach to your car’s seatbelt system and are tested for the same safety standards as human seatbelts.
• A dog car seat. Just like a child car seat, it will secure your pup with a three-point restraint system and allow him to see out the window.