Pet Supermarket Blog

Fun Feline Facts

December 3rd, 2012

You might know your cat and her favorite things, but how much do you really know about cats in general? Here are a few fun feline facts that might surprise you:

Cats do not have sweat glands, except in their tongues and the pads of their feet.
A cat can jump as much as seven times its height.
Cats have five toes on each front paw, but only four toes on each back paw.
Cats have more than one hundred vocal sounds, while dogs only have about ten.
A pack of kittens is called a kindle, while a pack of adult cats is called a clowder.
An adult cat can run about 12 miles per hour and can sprint at nearly 30 miles per hour.
A cat’s tongue is scratchy because it’s lined with papillae-tiny elevated backwards hooks that help to hold prey in place.
The nose pad of each cat has ridges in a unique pattern, not unlike a person’s fingerprints.
Cats have better hearing than dogs – up to 60,000 hertz.
Cats’ bodies are extremely flexible; the cat skeleton contains more than 230 bones (a human has about 206), and the pelvis and shoulders loosely attach to the spine. This adds to their flexibility and allows them to fit through very small spaces.
Cats have better memories than dogs. Tests conducted by the University of Michigan showed that while a dog’s memory lasts no more than 5 minutes, a cat’s can last as long as 16 hours-exceeding even that of monkeys and orangutans.

Your cat is a remarkable animal with sharp senses and fine muscle control. Keep her healthy and happy with cat food and supplies from Pet Supermarket.

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Weight Control for the Pudgy Pet

November 20th, 2012

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!

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Have a Kitty-Safe Holiday

November 20th, 2012

It’s time again for holiday meals, festive décor and visits with family and friends. While you’re enjoying the season, make sure your pets are thankful as well with these holiday safety tips.

About the bird
Turkey and all the trimmings make for an enjoyable meal, but spicy or fatty items should be kept from pets. If you give your cat a small bite of turkey, make sure it’s well cooked and boneless. Above all, keep her away from any bones, which can be sharp and brittle.

A kitty-friendly feast
It’s OK to offer a few bites of turkey or a bite of sweet potato, but don’t indulge your cat too much or she’ll have a stomach upset or diarrhea. To make the occasion special, give your kitty her own feline-friendly treat instead.

Mind the sage
You might use sage and other herbs on turkey or in stuffing, but beware of the stomach upset it causes cats. The essential oils in certain herbs can affect your cat’s stomach and central nervous system.

No eating while baking
Homemade cake and bread may be part of the holiday meal, but should be fully cooked before eating. Like humans, pets shouldn’t eat raw cake batter or raw bread dough. Cake batter with raw eggs could contain salmonella bacteria and raw dough can expand in a pet’s stomach, causing pain and vomiting.

Keep the fires unlit
If holiday candles are part of your décor, keep kitty in mind. Fires are caused every year by candles that have been knocked over by pets. Holiday candles should be kept out of kitty’s reach or displayed unlit.

Say no to holiday stress
An enjoyable family celebration should also be stress free for cats. Give kitty a quiet space-a room or area where she can retreat, get food or water and stay away from the added guests and noise.

We hope you enjoy the holidays with your human and pet families!

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Introducing New Fish into Your Aquarium

November 20th, 2012

Have you ever moved to an area with a different climate? It might have taken you a while to get acclimated. The same holds true for fish when moving to a new aquarium. In fact, fish are very sensitive to their environments. Subtle changes in water temperature, pH and nitrates can affect your fish’s health and survival.

New additions to your tank can also affect your existing fish. To keep your aquarium healthy, we offer the following suggestions:

Research the new fish species – Is it compatible with your existing fish? How large will it grow? These are things you should know about any species you add to your tank.
Fish quarantine – One of the cardinal rules of fishkeeping is to quarantine new fish before adding them to an aquarium. Otherwise, you risk introducing a parasite or disease that could infect all of your fish.
Quarantine tank – A small 10- to 20-gallon tank with a basic setup is sufficient. Include a sponge filter, fluorescent lighting, a heater and plastic plants that will offer a few hiding places. It’s a little extra work, but this investment will protect your main aquarium in the long run.
Quarantine process – Fish should spend two to three weeks in quarantine before being transferred to the main tank. During this time, you should watch closely to make sure the new fish aren’t carrying parasites or diseases.
Test water quality of your main tank – When the new fish are ready for your tank, they should be transferred into water with the least stressful conditions. This means the chlorine level should be at zero and the pH and other levels should match those of the water holding your new fish.
Check the neighborhood first – Make sure your aquarium has plenty of hiding spaces for the new fish. Also, feed your existing fish so they’re less aggressive. Keep in mind, your current fish may still harass a new tankmate. To combat this, try to add more than one new fish at a time or rearrange tank decorations first to distract your current fish into establishing new territories.
Adding the fish – When adding the new fish from the quarantine tank or Pet Supermarket, first dim the lights in the tank and your room, then float the sealed bag with the new fish on the water’s surface. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes to adjust in temperature. Then open the bag and add half a cup of aquarium water to it. Reseal it and let it float. Add half a cup every 5 minutes. Once the bag is full, use a net to transfer the fish to your tank (don’t add the water from the bag into your tank). Keep your tank light off as your new fish explores his surroundings.

Watch your fish for signs of illness or aggression and enjoy the beauty of a thriving aquarium with different species! For advice on compatible fish species and aquarium accessories, visit your local Pet Supermarket.

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How to Find Your Dog Breed Match

October 12th, 2012

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.

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Kitten Proofing Your Home

October 12th, 2012

A kitten’s life is driven by play and exploration. But don’t let her curiosity get her into trouble at home. Follow these tips to kitty proof your home for her safety.

Before kitten arrives
When kitten proofing your home, focus on hazardous or poisonous items first. For example, keep chemical cleaners safely stored. Also, take a closer look at your house plants. You’d be surprised how many might be toxic or irritating. See the ASPCA’s list of toxic plants.

Unplug and play keep away
As your kitten explores her new home, she may try to investigate cabinets, book shelves and breakable items. Keep fragile items out of reach and cover or unplug electrical cords in case she chews on them.

Hanging items are tempting
Do you have hanging drapery cords within her reach? They will be too tempting to your kitty and can pose a choking hazard if she gets caught in them. Believe it or not, the tablecloth may be a tempting hazard too. A cloth-climbing kitty could lead to broken china and a vet visit.

Close the lid
The clothes dryer door and toilet bowl lid should be kept closed as they’re too dangerous if your kitten climbs in. Keep dresser drawers closed as well.

Food safety
If you have kids, remind them not to leave food out as certain items may harm your kitten. Here’s a list of food you should keep away from her.

And remember, kitten’s needs lots of play time to grow healthy. A good scratching post and a few toys for entertainment will help your kitten grow into a healthy, loving cat.

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When You Should Upgrade to a New Fish Tank

October 12th, 2012

You’ve cared for your fish tank and it has blossomed in to a beautiful aquatic exhibit. You’ve added fish, plants and decorations to your aquarium over the years, but how do you know when it’s time to upgrade to a bigger tank? Read on for a few guidelines…

Having problems with water quality?
Has it been hard to maintain safe levels of pH, ammonia, nitrates and nitrites? If so, a larger tank may help. Water quality and temperature are easier to maintain in larger tanks. These levels don’t spike as quickly in tanks with more water volume.

Crowded fish
Are there too many fish in your tank? And how many is too many? The rule most often used is one inch of fish for every gallon of water, but this doesn’t provide enough room for larger fish and full-bodied fish, like goldfish. If you have larger fish or if they’ve grown, you may want to adapt that rule to one inch of fish for every two or three gallons of water. Also, smaller fish tend to be more active and may be happier with more room as well.

Want to include live plants?
Live plants provide a natural habitat for fish, but like any live addition to your tank, they will affect water chemistry. While they can help inhibit algae and offer benefits, they can also cause waste from decayed plant matter. For a healthy, vibrant ecosystem with live plants, a bigger aquarium is recommended.

Need more help making your decision? Get personalized help deciding or choosing fish tanks at your local Pet Supermarket.

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Why You Should Spay or Neuter Your Indoor Cat

September 7th, 2012

Once you bring your cute, new kitten or cat home, you might think you have plenty of time to have them spayed or neutered. But here are a few things you might not know:

Your female kitten can get pregnant as soon as she’s 6 months old.
Female cats can have up to 3 litters a year.
One cat can have 100 kittens in her lifetime.
Male cats can sire hundreds of kittens in their lifetimes.

These numbers make a compelling case for spaying or neutering. We list a few more reasons below.

Spaying or neutering your cat will:

Help prevent pet overpopulation
You can help save lives by preventing unwanted litters. Millions of cats and dogs are left at shelters every year and an uncounted number live as stray animals with shorter lifespans.

Keep your cat healthier
Spaying your cat will reduce the risk of certain cancers and infections, especially if it’s done before puberty or before a feline’s first litter. It’s a common myth that a pet should have her first litter or heat before being spayed. But in fact, there are greater benefits to having it done before she reaches puberty. It’s an easier medical procedure at that time as well.

Prevent territorial spraying
Neutering or spaying early is the best way to prevent spraying. This hormonal urge starts once a cat reaches puberty, but if fixed, a cat might never learn to spray.

Decrease aggressiveness or howling
Your cat’s behavior can improve with sterilization as well. Female cats won’t howl all night from being in heat, for example, and male cats are generally less aggressive and territorial.

There are many low-cost spay/neuter programs available. Programs around the country now offer low-cost options. Contact your local Humane Society for referrals.

If you haven’t spayed or neutered your cat, consider doing so now. It will help her live a longer, healthier life and will lead to a better experience for you and your pet overall.

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Dos & Don’ts of Rabbit Housing

September 7th, 2012

Bringing home a new rabbit? Every bunny needs a safe haven where he can eat, play and rest comfortably. Follow these tips and your bunny is sure to love his new home.

DO buy a cage or pen big enough for your rabbit. A bigger cage offers more freedom of movement.
DO line the litter area with rabbit-safe litter. Timothy hay, grass hay or pelleted newspaper are safe options for litter. Avoid pine/cedar shavings or clay cat litters as they can cause health problems.
DO use sturdy food or water bowls that can’t be tipped over.
DO get a home with a side opening. If your bunny is going to roam indoors occasionally, a side opening will allow him to get in and out on his own.
DO keep his home stocked with toys. Bunny boredom can lead to mischief! To avoid it, make sure your rabbit gets interaction and has plenty of toys. Occasional treats will also keep him healthy and entertained.
DON’T make your bunny live on wire flooring. Floors of wire or grating may be easier to clean, but they’re not very comfortable for your rabbit. They can also lead to sore hocks and other foot problems later. Get a home with solid flooring or insert a wooden floor or sisal mat to protect your bunny’s feet.
DON’T keep your bunny’s home outdoors. It may seem natural to keep rabbits outdoors, but it’s a very lonely option for these social animals. Also, rabbits can have heart attacks from fear if confronted by other animals. Keep him in an area where he is safe and can interact with you and your family instead.

Comfortable living quarters are the first step to providing a loving home for your rabbit. Stop at Pet Supermarket for rabbit cages, accessories and other essentials for a bunny in healthy hopping shape.

Posted in Small Pet Care | No Comments »

Top Tips for Tick Removal

September 7th, 2012

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.

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