My sister-in-law is constantly complaining about her Dalmatian pup, Howard, doing his business in undesired areas. I can’t tell you how many times I have heard dog owners complain about their dogs handling their business in the middle of the lawn or even worse, in the house. How do you deal with it?

Many pet owners have been embarrassed or angered by their pet’s location choice of defecation, whether it is in the yard or in the house. Most dogs if trained properly are very good about depositing their waste in pre-determined areas. Many folks unfortunately live in apartments and condos that do not have access to a back yard and other home owners leave their dogs outside while they are gone only because they are not home to let their pets out to handle their business. This usually leads to your dog having no choice but to defecate or urinate in unwanted areas of your yard or home. Luckily there’s a new product that’s a great solution if your or someone you know is in this boat. the Pet Loo Original Combo.

This highly durable box is designed with artificial grass that drains into the lower retainer called the Pee-Pod. The Pee-Pod is a biodegradable container that fits neatly inside the catchment jug of The Pet Loo. When Wee Sponge powder comes into contact with liquid waste it rapidly absorbs the urine and turns it into a solidified gel, also trapping any airborne odors. When the gel is thrown out into the trash, so are the odors. Pet owners won’t have to worry about getting home in time to let their dogs out to go potty. The defecation deposits will also be in a controlled location where cleaning is made easy.  Check it out.

Jack

Weight loss is always the number one New Years resolution for us humans but what about for our dogs and cats? I recently learned from my vet that over 50% of American pets are overweight. That’s 93 million dogs and cats!!! My vet also educated me on the fact that we can increase a dog’s lifespan by two years or more by keeping him healthy and without the extra pounds. So not only are we improving their quality of life but were lengthening their lifespan. Most senior pets already suffer from arthritis in the joints, so keeping them trim can really improve their comfort and ease of getting around. So what’s the secret? Reduction of calories and increasing exercise! I know, it’s easier said than done but with some determination it is definitely an attainable goal for any pet. And hey, the extra walking is good for us too. Not to mention the opportunity to spend a bit of extra time with our dogs while walking. Other options are letting them run in the park or playing with other dogs at a dog park. As far as a low calorie diet goes, check out this article from the website on Feeding the Geriatric Dog and Cat. Happy New Year!!

My least favorite part of living with my cats is the clean up. With family coming into town for the holidays, I’ll be doing an extra-complete de-cathairing of my apartment tonight. First, both kitties will get a wipe bath (to avoid consternation I’ll use the calming bathing wipes) and then a full brush out with the slicker brush. Then I’ll hit the rugs with some stain and odor remover, wipe the furniture down, and gather every bit of loose hair I can. It’s an impossible task to get it all, but at least my mom won’t be walking around looking like a hairball this Christmas!

Kelli

Luke didn’t know it was Thanksgiving, he only knew that it smelled really good out on the trail. He raced from bush to tree, scaring up a squirrel, marking an old cypress, and pulling me along at his unique stop-and-go pace. We walked through the chilly forest for hours, following an old logging road, circling a spongy bayou, and wearing ourselves out in the grey drizzle. Back at the rambling old house, I warmed up a pre-cooked turkey meal and dropped some extra mashed potatoes into his bowl. The rain started, and I put on the heater and climbed into bed in the late afternoon with a pile of movies and nothing to do for the rest of the day. Luke curled up in his usual warm spot at my side, and I ran my hand through the loose folds of skin hanging off his neck. I’d never felt more grateful to have him in my life.

Luke’s favorite filling for his Kong is peanut butter mixed with Durango Peanut Butter Chiplets. I load it up and then put it in the freezer so that the filling is nice and firm. It’s gotten so that Luke gets up and comes into the kitchen every time I open the freezer. Nine times out of ten he’s disappointed, but that tenth time is doggy heaven.
Do you have a favorite filling for your Kong?

E-mail me at jacksppblog@gmail.com