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Pet Proof Areas of Your Home with Innotek Zones!

Introducing the Innotek Zones Pet Barrier System!

Keep your pets away from problems areas with this pet proofing system! Put the zone in any area you want your pet to avoid, and the zones will teach Fido to stay away. Plus if you have multiple pets, you just need the extra receiver collar. You can use an unlimited number of collars for just one zone! This is perfect if you want your pets to stay out of small children's bedrooms, the trash, counters, etc. As always, this is completely safe for your pets.

Many other online pet stores want $79.99 or more for this system, but we are offering it for $69.99!

Are you ready for a new pet?

Thinking of getting a puppy? Make sure you are ready for a pet before adopting one. Adopting a pet is a big commitment. If you fall under one of these categories, you may not be ready.

1. Your Lifestyle. If you work long hours or have a demanding job that requires for you to travel a lot, owning a dog may not be for you. They do require some attention and people who travel constantly or work extremely long hours will not usually be able to provide the attention it needs. Leaving your pet alone for an extended period of time will cause your pet to become bored and could cause it to become destructive.

2. Money. This is a huge factor in whether adopting a pet is right for you. The adoption fee is just the beginning of the financial commitment. Food is a necessity and a continuing cost. Depending on the breed you get, the food may not be as costly. But for larger breeds that require a lot more food, the costs can add up very quickly. Also, if living in an apartment complex or rented home, many landlords require a pet deposit. Some pet deposits can range from $200-$1000. You want to be sure you can fork up that kind of money for a new pet. Veterinary care is also a continuing cost. You must get your pet its shots to keep it healthy. There are other considerations as well, such as heartworm medication and flea & tick treatments.

3. In it for the long haul. Make sure before adopting a pet that you will be ready to care for it for many years. On average, dogs can live up to 10-15 years, although some have been known to live up to 20 years. So, if he tears up your beautiful furniture, will you still want him?

4. Poodle? Cocker Spaniel? If you don’t know what kind of breed to get, you might want to do some research to see which puppy will best fit with your lifestyle. This will help you to know what you are getting into before adopting. Do you want a lap dog or an active dog? There are many different breeds out there with a variety of temperaments. Find out which is best for you before making the commitment.

5. You want a pet NOW. Maybe you think your friend's dog is awfully cute and are dying for one of your own. Maybe you've fallen for a pleading pair of eyes and want to take home that particular dog or cat today. If you're not willing to wait at least a few days for the adoption process required by most shelters and rescue groups, you're probably acting too impulsively. Take some time to think. There's a life at stake.

Do you know what you are feeding your pets? Survey says no.

A recent survey conducted by Harris Interactive® and commissioned by Wellness, asked more than 1,300 dog and cat owners various questions about their pet's diet. Although two-thirds of those polled said they feed their dog(s)/cat(s) as if they are members of the family, their actions do not always support the claim. Only 38 percent of dog and cat owners said they always or often read the labels on their pets' food. Thirty eight percent say they understand all the ingredients listed on their dog/cat food labels. These pet parents were also asked if they could name the first ingredient on the dog/cat food, with 44 percent of dog owners answering they were unsure and 48 percent of cat owners answering they were unsure.

Other interesting survey findings were:

-91 percent of dog and cat owners said they would not want their pets' food to contain ingredients that cause allergies or food intolerance.

-66 percent said their preference would be to only feed natural pet food.

In reality though, most consumers are buying pet food that is not natural, and that includes some of the ingredients they don't want.

According to the Wellness Natural Pet Food President, he states “We know that with pets, as with people, you are what you eat, which is why it is so important to understand the ingredients we’re feeding our cats and dogs,” said Wellness President Michael Meyer. “We’ve made it our mission to educate dog and cat parents as to what makes a quality ingredient and to empower them to know what they are feeding their beloved animals. That way they can be confident they truly are meeting their mission of feeding their pets as high quality a food as they would the rest of their family.”

Know what you are feeding your pets! Check out our Wellness snacks. They are healthy and perfect for training your pets.

GOBBLE GOBBLE!

If you are wondering if leftover Thanksgiving scraps are bad for your pets, do not worry. It is completely safe to give your pets little pieces of turkey here and there. Be sure the portion is small enough for them so it is easily consumable. Of course, you want to be sure it contains no bones and it is fully cooked. Raw or uncooked turkey can have salmonella bacteria, which is very dangerous for your pets. Do not give your dog bones, as they can easily choke on them. If sage is an ingredient you use in your Thanksgiving dinner, then be sure not to feed that particular food to your pets. This herb has oils that are not safe for pets and it can cause upset stomach and also depression of the central nervous system. Most pets will sit around the dinner table licking their mouth, just waiting for something to drop. They may whine and beg for you to give them some of your Thanksgiving meal. To keep your pets occupied, try hiding their food and a little bit of turkey inside their favorite toy. It will it keep them from begging for table scraps as they try to dig out the delicious treat.

Have a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving to you and your pets!

Tip of the Day

Stella the beautiful Bloodhound says, "To keep your pet healthy and happy like me, try feeding pups hard kibble and treats instead of canned dog food to help prevent the buildup of plaque. You can also try Greenies dog treats which are great for removing tartar and plaque. Us dogs love to chew on these nutritional dog treats! As an added bonus, it even freshens our breath!"

Click HERE for more information on Greenies dog treats!

Keep Your Pet Happy This Winter - Avoid The Seasonal Blues!

Sure, you may be dreading the upcoming callous winter weather, but it also can put your pets in a very gloomy mood. According to various studies, 1 in 3 dog owners will see a drastic change in their pets’ moods during colder and darker months throughout the year. However, the solution is as easy as providing an extremely healthy diet and lots of exercise. Start with these tips:

Regular Exercise
If it is too cold to take Fido out for a nice brisk walk, then try playing fetch with your pet inside for about 15-20 minutes a day. You can also play hide and seek with your pet by hiding a rawhide bone in different areas around the house. By using the bone, it will encourage your pet to find the hidden object because he will be able to smell it. Be sure to praise your pet when he does find it. Also, if your pet does not currently have a playmate, try adopting a new puppy! They will stay occupied by playing together and it will also provide them with plenty of exercise.

Change His Diet
Just like humans; dogs also get tired of eating the same food over and over. If you are buying him one brand of dry dog food every time, try switching to a different brand. Offer him wet dog food 1-2 times a week so he will keep his interest in eating. However, you want to be sure not to over feed your dog, as they do tend to be a little less energetic during the winter months.

Sharpen Your Pet’s Mind
Teach your pet a new trick. He may already know the basic tricks such as sit and beg, but try a trick that may be a little more difficult. This will help to improve your pet’s mentality and help keep him from getting depressed because his mind will stay active. It will also make the bond between you and your pet stronger.

How cool is this?

Want to have your own puppy without the hassle of cleaning up after it? Then click HERE for your own computerized puppy! This adorable little dog does cute tricks such as beg, lie down, speak, roll over and even dance! Just type in the command and he will obey. Kids will love this! He will even give you a kiss if you ask nicely!

Halloween Pet Safety Tips

Halloween is just around the corner! You want to be sure your pets are safe this spooky season. As most pet owners already know all candy, especially chocolate, is very dangerous for cats and dogs. Keep your pets far away from the candy bowl because the cellophane wrappers can be a choking hazard. Popular Halloween decorations such as pumpkins or corn can also be dangerous to your pets. If your pet ingests these, it can cause your pet to have an upset stomach, or even cause intestinal blockage. If you believe your pet has swallowed anything harmful, call your vet right away! Most veterinarians have an emergency phone number that they can be reached at. If you are unable to reach your vet, you can call the Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435. Be very mindful of your pet when you put him in a pet costume. Sure, it may look cute to you, but does your pet enjoy wearing the costume? A restrictive costume can cause even the sweetest animals to be impractical. Make sure the costume is comfortable and does not block your pet’s vision in any way. Also be sure there are no pieces hanging off the costume that your pet could choke on. If you plan on taking your pet trick or treating with you, be sure you equip your pet with the proper identification in case somehow you are separated from him. Take all these safety precautions to ensure you and your pets have a safe and Happy Halloween!

Dog Collar Museum in England

Are you curious about what dog collars looked like back in the 15th, 16th & 17th cenutry? There is a place located in Kent, England called Leeds Castle that has a huge variety of dog collars that trace back to the Victorian and medieval times. The museum was originally started by John & Gertrude Hunt. This castle has an individual museum dedicated specifically for the history of canine neckwear. It carries over 100 antique collars. Many of the earlier collars were designed to protect the dogs from vicious animals such as bears or wolves. Some collars were made of iron with rigid spikes to pierce any animal that would possibly aim for the dog's throat. Many owners had their dog's collar engraved with long identifications such as 'The Property of Earl Talbot. The Winner of the Great Champion all aged stakes for all England 32 Dogs at 20 guin’s each at Ashdown Park. Dec 14th 1838’ The more common collars was composed of brass and had rounded out edges so it would be more comfortable for the dog.



For more information on the Leeds Castle Dog Collar Museum, click here.

Teach your dog to shake paws

Ever see those dog shows on tv and wonder how people teach their dogs such cool tricks? The answer is patience. This is a vital key in teaching your dog any trick. Of course, some dogs are easier to train than others. For the most part, however, you must realize that teaching your dog is going to take some time. Even the most stubborn dog is capable of being trained. Don't lose patience if it takes your dog longer than others to get it right. However, with enough practice, your dog can learn even the most complicated tricks. Positive reinforcement is very effective when trying to teach your pet a new trick. Grab some treats that your dog enjoys to give your pet the right motivation to learn. The key to teaching your dog any tricks is repetition.

Let's start your pet off with the paw shake trick. This trick is fun and fairly simply to learn. It's best to have your dog sitting down when trying to teach this trick. Say "shake" to your dog a few times. Hold out your hand while saying "shake." Of course, he isn't going to give you his paw unless he already knows the trick. After a few times, grab your pet's paw and shake it. Praise him and give him a treat. Tell him "good boy" (or girl) in a very excited voice so that he will know he has done well. Repeat this several times a day for about 5-10 minutes a day. Do not overexert your dog or he will become bored with the trick very quickly. After a few sessions, your dog will begin to pick up his paw on his own. You may not even have to say "shake" in order for your dog to give you his paw. If you put out your hand, he may learn by just the motion of your hand.

Gone Fishing!

If your child has never owned a pet before and is practically begging you for one, then your best bet might be to get him or her a fish first. This is a good pet to start out with, especially for smaller children. Having a fish can help teach your child responsibility and help prepare them for any future pets they may own. It important to teach your child the proper feeding and cleaning techniques when owning a fish. Although caring for a fish isn't too difficult, there are certain precautions that must be taken to keep your scaly friend alive. Always make sure the fish that you buy are well fed. They should have no missing scales and be somewhat plump. It is best to start out with about 3 or 4 fish in a tank, depending on the size of the aquarium. You can always add more later if you decide to get a bigger tank. The less fish you have in a tank, the better. This will also cut back on having to clean the aquarium as much. You should teach your child that the aquarium needs to be cleaned at least once every 2 weeks. Although, some tanks may require a weekly cleaning.

The tank that the fish will live in should be set up about a week in advance. This will allow the water to adjust to the correct stable environment. You should only fill the tank about 3/4 full. Once you bring the fish home, put the bag in the aquarium to allow the fish to adjust to the temperature. If the fish are emptied too quickly, it can cause the fish to go into shock. After about 15 or 20 minutes, slowly open the bag and release the water and fish into the aquarium.

Now, you may be asking "What type of fish do I choose for my child?" If you are wanting a pet that will last a while, goldfish are the way to go. Aquarium fish generally last between 3-7 years but some goldfish have been reported to live up to 20 years! You want to be careful to get fish that will get along. Contrary to most people's belief, betta fish, also known as Siamese fighting fish, are actually compatible with some other fish such as mollies and rainbow fish. We have a variety of fish at our Pet Depot locations. Our employees will be more than happy to help you in all your fish and aquarium needs.

Featured Product: The Furminator!

Try the Furminator to help your pet from shedding. Eliminate those pesky pet shedding problems. This crafty tool helps to reduce shedding up to 90%! There are different sizes of Furminators available to work on small and large pets. It also helps to reduce hairballs in cats. It harmlessly removes the loose undercoat without damaging or cutting the topcoat. It also helps to bring the oils in your pet's coat to the surface to reveal soft and shiny fur and healthy skin. The Furminator can even eliminate the airborne elements that cause allergic reactions in many people. Try this product today!

You can see a demo of this product being used on a Golden Receiver. Just click this link: The Furminator.

Look for all Furminator products HERE!

Doggone Diggin'

Does your dog dig up your yard?

Try burying a water balloon in one of the holes. When your puppy goes to dig, it will pop in its face and hopefully, surprise him enough that he will think twice before he digs again. Remember, digging is a natural tendency for dogs, so build a sandbox and encourage your dog to dig there instead. Place the sandbox in an area that is cool in the summer and warm in the winter. To teach your dog to dig in the sandbox, bury some treats or favorite toys. Praise him when he digs in the sandbox. When you find him digging elsewhere, take him to the sandbox and show him that he should dig there, and not dig in the yard. If the sandbox isn't the solution, your dog may be digging because he is trying to find a cool spot to lay in. The cool dirt under the ground is usually refreshing for dogs, so it might also be helpful to buy a kiddie pool for your dog to splash around in throughout the day to keep cool.

The Fascinating World of Ferrets

Ferrets are the third most popular pet in the United States, coming in very close to dogs and cats.

Ferrets live up to about 7-10 years on average, although there have been some that have lived up to around 11 or 12 years of age.

Males usually are larger in weight and size compared to female ferrets. Although ferrets are known for having a distinct musky odor, most ferrets are descented before they are sold. Unfortunately, these furry animals will have the musky odor whether they are descented or not. However, the scent is not incredibly overpowering. It is not recommended to give frequent baths to ferrets, as this can dry out their skin and cause flaking. It is okay to give occasional baths.

Ferrets are very entertaining pets. They are extremely playful and are enjoyed by most kids and adults. As with most pets, they do require a lot of attention and care. The name "ferret" is derived from the latin furonem, which translates to "thief." Many ferret owners will tell you this name is perfect because ferrets are known to steal your items, such as keys, and hide them from you. Up for a game of hide and seek?

Unfortunately, some people who own ferrets are not aware that they need vaccinations just like cats and dogs. Canine distemper and rabies shots are the two most common vaccinations that ferrets will need, although ferrets are susceptible to other diseases as well. As always, check with your veterinarian for all vaccination protocols on your pets.

Adoption Day at Pet Depot!

Looking for a new furry friend? Then come out this Saturday, September 6th to Pet Depot in Muscle Shoals, Alabama! The adoption will take place from 12pm-4pm. Please join Pet Depot and P.A.W.S(Pets Are Worth Saving) to find homes for shelter animals.

Here Kitty Kitty...

Most cats develop a litter box problem due to the location or the fact that there are multiple cats in the home. They may go in and out of the box, or just stop using the box altogether. There are ways to find out what may be causing the problem.

Cats Like..

Most cats prefer a large litter box. Cats usually like to have a litter box that contains an unscented, clumping litter. Make sure to keep a somewhat low level of litter in the box. This will help to lessen the mess of the litter when your cat inevitably spills it out in the floor. Location is also a huge key factor. Cats need the litter box to be in a quiet location. It needs to be away from any cornered areas, as cats prefer many exits from the litter box. They also need a clean and sanitary litter box. If a litter box gets too fulfilled, the cat usually will tend to use the bathroom elsewhere. Cats also do not like to have their food and water next to the litter box, so be sure to place these bowls in a different location. Sometimes, owners will come across a picky kitty. The choice of cat litter may be another factor as to why your cat is not using the bathroom in the proper area. You may find yourself going through several different brands of litter until you kind the perfect one that is just right for your cat.

Taking Care of Your Cat

Clean the litter box about once a week with warm water. Do not use soap. Be sure to scoop the litter box at least once or twice daily. If your cat is urinating in places other than the litter box, clean those spots thorougly with an enzymatic cleanser that will help to neutralize the odor. You may notice that your cat is urinating in the same area. It may be helpful to put the litter box in these areas. If putting the litter box in these locations is not an option, then you can place the cat’s food and water bowl in the area to discourage elimination.

If You Have Multiple Cats...

As a general rule, if you own multiple cats, it is recommended to have 1 extra litter box than there are cats. For example, if you own 3 cats, you should have 4 litter boxes. This helps to eliminate any conflict between the cats. This can also be an issue for cats if there are not enough litter boxes.

Don't have a kitten?

If you are thinking about owning a cat, then check out ASPCA's shelter directory and it will help to find a shelter near you!

When a Dog's Bark is Really Bigger than his Bite

Barking is a completely natural behavior for most dogs. But if your dog barks excessively, it can really put a damper on things. It can irritate your neighbors or sometimes cause you to lose sleep if your dog is barking throughout the night. Some dogs bark because they are bored or lonely. One way to avoid this issue is to socially exercise your dog. Most dogs bark because they want attention. Playing with and spending time with your dog will help him to meet his social interaction needs. Daily walks are also a good social and physical excercise for you and your dog. Taking your pet around other animals can also be helpful. Buy your dog plenty of chew toys to keep him from feeling bored.

Unfortunately, sometimes these options do not always solve the barking problem. If your dog's barking is causing tension with the neighbors, there are alternatives to controlling your dog's barking. Pet Depot offers a selection of bark control collars and trainers that will train your dog to stop barking in a humane and harmless way.

Click to save abused and abandoned animals

The Animal Rescue Site is a great website that donates food to feed abused and neglected animals. The concept is simple, for every click over to their site, .6 bowls of food is donated. We're sharing the following message to help get the word out because the site is having trouble getting enough people to stop by.

The Animal Rescue Site is having trouble getting enough people to click on it daily to meet their quota of getting free food donated every day to abused and neglected animals.

It takes less than a minute (How about 20 seconds) to go to their site and click on the purple box 'Click here to give-it's Free". If you can save the site on your computer, you can donate each day. This doesn't cost you a thing. Their corporate sponsors/advertisers use the number of daily visits to donate food to abandoned/neglected animals in exchange for advertising.

Please pass this along to everyone you know.

New Product! Angels' Eye Dog Tear Stainer Remover

The Angels Eye Dog Tear Stain Remover is the first product specifically developed for DOGS to eliminate unsightly dog tear stains from the inside out! Angels Eyes also helps to eliminate staining around the mouth and their coats due to excessive licking.

Just sprinkle Angels Eyes daily on regular food. After 3 months, reduce it to 4 times a week. After 6 months, reduce it further to twice a week.

As you keep trimming the stained areas, the newly grown coat will be totally clear. The growth pattern of your pet's coat will determine if it will be completely tear stain free anywhere from 3 to 5 weeks.

For More Information on Angels Eyes click here. To buy a bottle for your dog visit any local Pet Depot or Buy Online at Pet Depot Online.

SentryPro XFC Flea & Tick Treatment Concerns!

Pet Depot has had only a handful of complaints on the Small Size SentryPro XFC product, and as of today, the small size is being pulled from our shelves. We will be returning the product to the vendor and will encourage them to examine why so many pets are having trouble tolerating the dose. We have had, in over a year and a half of sales in five stores, no complaints on the other three sizes for larger dogs. Therefore, we will make those available to our customers until they sell out, but at that point we will not re-order any SentryPro XFC for our stores.

We appreciate our customers’ concerns about this product, and we hope that despite difficulty with the product, you will continue to shop for other quality products from our stores. We have been reassured numerous times by the manufacturer that the product meets all FDA and EPA approvals, but Pet Depot is unwilling to stock a product that we continue to receive complaints on and that threatens the welfare of our customers' pets. Sergeants Company website

Thank you for your patronage,
Pet Depot Associates

Adopt-a-Pet!

Pet Adoption Dates: For Florence, AL Only!

May 3rd: The next Pet Adoption Day will be held on Saturday May 3rd, 2008 at the Books-a-million parking lot in Florence, AL.

May 17th and June 14th: Pet Depot Adopt-a-Pet Day: Please Join Pet Depot and local Animal care groups find homes for shelter animals. The adoption will take place PET DEPOT in Florence AL.

Your next best friend awaits you.

Thanks to ALL!

Thanks to everyone that submitted their pet pictures for our blog. We had a great response for pet pictures and we are still accepting pet pictures! To send your pet picture please send them to customerservice@petdepot.biz One of my Favorites:

A Doggie-do: Socialization is a must!

All pet owners share at least one goal: to enjoy their pet's company and to benefit from a rewarding relationship with their pet. If your dog is not well-mannered, it becomes hard to take him out to the pet store, the park, or sometimes even to go out to use the potty!
Unfortunately, many people don't understand that socialization is an important part of a dog's development, and if left unsocialized, pets may suffer from isolation and lack a positive sense of self. They may never have a sense of peace in their surroundings.

The easiest way to socialize a puppy is to take him everywhere with you. Even a short trip to run an errand may expose your pet to new faces, smells and sights that will help him understand the world around him. Exposure to people is also a must. Anytime visitors stop by, practice making your pet sit until the visitor is in the door. Then, give your pet the opportunity to sniff and be petted by the visitor. Discipline is essential if you want a pet that can greet visitors without french kisses and big paw hugs.
Plan as many outings as possible with your pet in mind. By taking your dog with you everywhere he can go, you can easily reach the ultimate goal of socialization! Your dog should be able to take in any different, noisy, or crowded area, and still manage to be well-behaved while also being pretty relaxed. If your dog is not exposed to different places, people, and things early enough in puppyhood, he may remain fearful of trips to the vet or even just leaving the house.

Sometimes rambunctious dogs still get over-excited to get out, but they will learn that if they want to 'go play' somewhere, they have to settle down.
A continuous routine of socialization throughout his life will help your dog gain the confidence he needs to face any adventure!

Pets, Pets and More Pets

We are wanting all customers with pets to please send photos for our Pet Depot Pets Picture section! Please send your picture to customerservice@petdepot.biz and please include your name, pet's name, your location, and description of photo. More than one submission is acceptable.

The Pets Have Won From The Start

When you first bring home that little furry friend, you want to be with it every second. You are there for it day and night and the constant care of this new pet is almost like a new job you have acquired overnight. From day one, this puppy or kitten has won you over; you make special trips on your lunch breaks to check on your pet, you make sure you have everything they need, and you are allowing your dog/cat on the bed to sleep with you. You are even finding yourself adapting to their habits of sleeping, eating and playing. The PETS have won from the start!

This article from Courier Journal.net talks about if allowing your pet to sleep in the bed is good or bad. http://www.courierjournal.net/article.php?article_id=1666