Steals Galore Every Day at Doggyloot

September 23rd, 2011

300x250 Steals Galore Every Day at Doggyloot

At last, a deals site for your dog: it’s doggyloot, and it’s an online resource for smashingly cool bargains and steals put up daily. With doggyloot, life has taken a turn for the better for Fido and you owe it to him to keep it that way.

Sign up at www.doggyloot.com to get deals straight to your inbox, and check the company out on Facebook and Twitter. They run three to four deals each week on toys, treats, accessories and more, and most deals can be redeemed online or are shipped directly to your address for minimum hassle.

doggyloot also has a great referral program. Invite friends to join, and when they make their first purchase, your doggyloot account will be credited with $10 for you to spend on some loot your own. There’s no limit to how much credit you can earn!

There is a huge (and growing!) market for dog-related products such as treats, brushes, collars, combs, ID tags, and more, and there are tons of awesome new products out there for every pup to discover. Pet parents are turning to the Internet in a big way for deals that will help them save on dog-related purchases. As it stands, the pet industry represents a wonderful paying affiliate niche. Throw in a site that gives top quality pet products at super discounts, and you know that you have an affiliate WINNER!

 

How To Become A Super Pet Affiliate

September 17th, 2011

logo with black paw to use  How To Become A Super Pet Affiliate

Affiliate marketing has become a popular way for people to generate an income by promoting other people’s products and services. Becoming a super pet affiliate is easier than you may think.

If you have a passion for animals and a website already dedicated to pets, whether it’s your blog or an actual website selling various pet products, you are part of the way to become a super pet affiliate.

Merchants offer their products to affiliates to promote on their behalf, this may be any product, but when it comes to pets, you may have pet sitting services, dog harnesses and flea control programs. All these items can be linked from your website and as soon as you have interested someone enough that they click the link and visit the merchant’s site, you are on your way to success.

Some merchants pay per visitor, while others pay per sale generated. Good SEO and copy writing knowledge will build your affiliate business and make you a super pet affiliate.

The key to success is finding the right niche market, this you can do by social media sites, your blog or your website. Writing good SEO blogs with links to the merchant site is a big draw card, you need to entice the customer and get them to want the product or service.

Always use the affiliate link in your email signature. This way you can generate interest every time you send an email.

Becoming a super pet affiliate is easy, never illegally distribute any materials and always offer an opt-out link when sending promotional emails. Spamming can not only ruin your reputation, but also the reputation of the merchant, so take special care when promoting via email.

Super pet affiliates always abide by the terms and conditions laid out by the affiliate network, this way they never go wrong and cannot be held liable for any damages to the merchant or affiliate network at any time.

Signing up is easy as one, two, three. You complete an online application form, where you are required to fill in all your information including your address and telephone number. The application form will probably ask you for your blog or website URL and some other relevant information, such as how do you intend promoting these affiliate products.

Once the form is completed you submit it and wait approximately two days for an answer. If you are accepted you are on your way to making money.

You can then start promoting merchant’s products and services on your site, depending on the pet products you believe in and trust. Don’t try and promote items you have no faith in, this will lower your enthusiasm about the product and make it harder for you to sell.

A super pet affiliate knows about wording to promote a product or service, if you have copy writing skills, then you are set to go. It may be advisable to hire someone with copy writing experience to write some information for your site relating to each product or service you are affiliated with.

Get the buyer on your site, interest them in the merchant’s product, get them to visit the merchant’s page and ideally buy the product and you are then a super pet affiliate.

Keep your Favorite Buddies Safe With These … HOWL-OWEEN SAFTEY TIPS

September 15th, 2011

I was lucky enough to see a private screening of the is cute family movie and if you have kids, they will love this new movie

Spookie buddy and me 300x225  Keep your Favorite Buddies Safe With These … HOWL OWEEN SAFTEY TIPS

In their all new adventure, Spooky Buddies, everyone’s favorite talking puppies get into the spirit of the Halloween season! This spook-tacular holiday is perfect for every buddy in the family to dress up, visit neighbors and enjoy parties and treats. Follow these simple safety tips to make your Halloween adventures a howling success for you and your canine companions!

I. COSTUMES

Puppies:
Your pet may like getting dressed up with the rest of the family, but make sure their costume is safe.

• The outfit should not be too restrictive or tight.

• Have a “dress rehearsal” a few days before Halloween to make sure they can move about easily.

• Inspect the costume for loose or small parts that they could chew or swallow.

Kids:
• You may want to be as mysterious as possible with your costume, but make sure you aren’t trading mystery for safety.

• If wearing a mask is part of the costume, make sure your vision is not obstructed.

• Costumes shouldn’t be so long that you can trip over it, or so bulky that it’s hard to walk in.

• If your costume is made up of black or dark clothing, add some reflective tape to sleeves and shoes so you will be easily visible to others.

II. GREETING TRICK OR TREATERS

Puppies:
• If your dog likes to greet every doorbell ring with enthusiasm, work with them before Halloween night. Have several family members ring the doorbell several times in a row do your dog can get used to the noise.

• If your dog still seems to be getting over-excited and worn out greeting each trick-or-treater, put them in a quiet rooms with a few toys until the rush is over.

Kids:
Make sure an adult is nearby when answering the door to trick-or-treaters. Even if all the visitors are friendly, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by unfamiliar faces.

Have an adult open the door, then you can help hand out the treats.

III. TREATS

Puppies:
• Keep a supply of doggy treats on hand for your own pets and any four-legged trick-or-treaters who show up at your door.

• It’s important to know that chocolate and other candy treats can be harmful to our canine friends, so make sure they have their own doggie-treats and keep the human treats out of reach.

Kids:
Have an adult inspect your treat bag when you arrive home. If you receive any “homemade” treats from unfamiliar homes, you may want to discard those. Then, sift through all of your treats and divide them up into smaller snack bags so you can enjoy having a few treats each day. You’ll enjoy the fun even longer!

IV. TRICK-OR-TREATING

Puppies:
Don’t leave your dog outdoors alone while trick-or-treaters are out and about. A careless child (or adult) could forget to latch the gate when leaving your yard, giving the dog a chance to escape.

• Also, rambunctious trick-or-treaters may tease your dog as part of their play.

• If you are going to take your dog with you while you trick-or-treat, make sure they are on a leash and have current ID tags, just in case they become separated from you.

Kids:
• Likewise, although you don’t have to be on a leash, make sure you have an adult or older sibling with you on your trick-or-treat rounds.

• Be especially careful when crossing streets

• Stay with your group throughout the evening

V. HALLOWEEN PARTIES

Puppies:
• If you plan a Halloween party that includes dogs, have it during the day in your regular dog park (where all the dogs know each other) or in a big backyard, where there is room for them to run and play.

• Don’t leave a group of dog unattended for any reason. Make sure there is plenty of water and shade so they don’t get overheated.

Kids:
• Planning a costume party for your family and friends can be a fun way to celebrate Halloween.

• Plan your menu and decorations carefully – no open flames or sharp objects.

• Set the mood with fun music like, “Monster Mash,” and “Thriller” and be sure to have a dance contest along with a best-costume contest.

• Pair teenagers with younger children for activities such as scavenger hunts and pumpkin-carving contests.

Now that your ready for Halloween, give your whole family a special “treat” with a screening of Disney’s new movie, Spooky Buddies.

PS the photo is one of the stars from the movie, I just loved the photo shoot.

Favorite Female Cat Names of 2010

September 10th, 2011

Main coon kitten images  Favorite Female Cat Names of 2010

When looking back at 2010 and thinking of the most popular female cat names, you wonder where they originated from or what they mean. Maybe you’re wondering why your friend chose that name for her new pet and are taking the time to shock her into the meaning.

The top ten choices are similar for both dogs and cats and have held the top places for the past few years with many of them remaining firm favorites for 2011.

In first place is Sassy. Sassy is of French origin and means pretty girl. It’s a fantastic choice for any kitten. Being a common choice for 2010 it remains in the top list for 2011 as well.

Precious is in second place and means virtue with Latin origin. Precious is also common due to the fact that it is something we call an item or thing that we hold dear, which is the main reason so many female cats are called this.

Third place is Maggie, which is a common choice for both dogs and cats. This is of Greek origin and means Pearl.

Lily is in fourth place for 2010 and is also of Green origin. Lily is flower and is a common choice for kittens.

Fifth place goes to Lucy which means light and is of French origin, while Coco takes sixth place. Coco means coconut and is of Spanish decent, though many kittens are named Coco due to their dark coats and are related to the color of cocoa beans.

In seventh place is Cleo, a common choice for all types of pets. This is of Greek origin and means Glory of the father.

The most common name for cats, whether male or female is Whiskers, this name is of English origin and means exactly what it says, and it stands for the long hair on a cats face.

In ninth place is Callie. Callie means female ruler and is of Tentonic origin. A popular choice among feline owners, Callie is a firm favorite in 2011 as well.

Tenth place goes to Holly, which means exactly what it is. Holly is the holly bush that is so famous at Christmas time. It is of English origin and a great choice for any pet.

When choosing your new kitten’s name, why not take the time to get to know them first, figure out their nature and personality and then choose the right name for them? Doing this you can take the time to research your choices and find the relevant meanings. A very pretty kitten will benefit from the name Sassy, while a kitten that is demanding and trying to be the boss would benefit from Callie.

Whatever your choice is, remember your kitten has to have it for the rest of their lives and if other people know the meanings it can give the wrong impression of your beautiful pet. Knowing the meaning and naming accordingly can be a great way to choose the ideal name for your new cat.

Canine Heroes of 9/11

September 9th, 2011

Canine Heroes of 9 11 Canine Heroes of 9/11

10 years ago, on September 11 2001, the World Trade Center buildings in New York City were bombed causing severe casualties and bringing terror from within television sets to within the houses of Americans.

The aftermath of the tragedy saw one of the largest search and rescue operations in the history of America and the largest number of search dogs used for an operation in America. Looking for survivors amongst the thousands of tons of debris and extricating them as fast as possible was facilitated to a very large extent by teams of trained dogs and their handlers. There were around 300 dog teams that worked at the sites of the WTC and the Pentagon. Dogs are famed for their sense of smell; they can distinguish between a relaxed individual and a stressed one. They can differentiate between a live person and a dead one in situations where a human would find it difficult to make the distinction without technology.

Labrador retrievers, Golden labs, German Shepherds, Schnauzers, Rat Terriers, border collies, were amongst the chosen dog breeds pressed into work. Even mixed breed dogs were used. The dogs were classified according to the type of work assigned to them – there were search & rescue dogs and cadaver dogs. It is interesting to know that many of the dogs used during the operation were picked from animal shelters as puppies. The animals worked exhausting 12-hour shifts, with short breaks in between, in a race against time to search for the trapped and injured. The animals suffered cuts, bruises, and minor injuries. Fortunately there were no serious injuries to the dogs involved in this work. Veterinary units were at hand to take care of the animals and see that they did not suffer from dehydration, treat injury, and check for exposure to chemicals.

ny wtc 285 300x197 Canine Heroes of 9/11

The dogs that participated in the operation came from FEMA, NYPD, and local search groups. Some of the dogs worked for the entire length of the operation that went on for nearly a month. This was made possible by the exhaustive training that the man-dog team undergoes, sometimes for thousands of hours. The bond between dog handler and the animal often begins when the dog is young pup.

Tomorrow is the day to remember the tragedy, pray for the departed souls, and recollect with pride how both bipeds and quadrupeds stood up to be counted when they were really needed.

The Most Popular Male Cat Names for 2010

September 6th, 2011

3 cats on a fence  The Most Popular Male Cat Names for 2010

It is amazing how every year there are top names chosen, whether it’s for cats, dogs or children. Everyone seems to have the same idea, whether it’s based on their favorite celebrity, movie character or a name they’ve heard in passing.

The most popular male cat names were the same in 2010 with many of them having been top choices for years and some of them in the top lists for 2011. Some were chosen not realizing that they were the popular choice for both our dog and feline friends.

Number one was Max. This choice has always been a firm favorite for both dogs and cats and has been in the top choices for years. It means the greatest and is of Latin origin.

Number two was Lucky. It means fortunate and comes from English. Most people who called their pets Lucky had rescued or given a new friend a second chance.

Third was Oscar. While this remains a popular choice and sounds good, it really means lover of deer’s and is of Gaelic origin. It would probably be an ideal choice for a hunting dog.

Toby was in fourth place and while it remains a popular choice, it really means goodness of the Lord and is of Hebrew origin.

Fifth place went to Tom. Tom means honesty and is also of Hebrew origin. Though most people chose this male cat name due to the fact that their new kitten would grow into a beautiful tom cat.

In sixth place is Rocky. Rocky means famous ruler and is on Tentonic origin. Most kittens named Rocky were named after the famous movie starring Sylvester Stallone and are usually offered to a bulky kitten that looks like the boss.

Pepper was in seventh place and means exactly what it says. It originates from English and is often given to kittens with a mottled appearance.

Eighth place went to Gizmo. Gizmo means gadget and is of American origin, though most people called their new kittens this after the cute creature in the famous Gremlins movies.

Bailey was in ninth place and while it remains a popular choice for both cats and dogs moving into 2011, it actually originates from English and means Bailiff.

Tenth place went to Dusty. A lovely choice for a cute kitten. While it’s a nickname or shortened version for Dustin, many pet owners chose it because of their kitten’s dusty appearance. It originates from English and remains a firm favorite going forward.

When choosing male cat names it’s advisable to take your time when naming your new kitten. Learn their personality, traits and nature, see what they are like and then choose according to the meaning of each choice.

Often male cat names that sound good have the strangest meanings which don’t relate to your kitten at all. While Whiskers means what it says and Pepper is also just pepper, you can find choices like Bailey which means bailiff of all things. This is why it’s so important to research choices before branding your pet for life.

Americans Love Their Pets- Numbers Don’t Lie

September 5th, 2011

rich dog Americans Love Their Pets  Numbers Dont Lie

Here are a few facts about pet ownership in America

* According to the 2011-2012 APPA National Pet Owners Survey, 62% of U.S. households own a pet, which equates to 72.9 millions homes

* In 1988, the first year the survey was conducted, 56% of U.S. households owned a pet as compared to 62% in 2008

Breakdown of pet ownership in the U.S. according to the 2011-2012 APPA National Pet Owners Survey

Number of U.S. Households that Own a Pet (millions)

Bird 5.7
Cat 38.9
Dog 46.3
Equine 2.4
Freshwater Fish 11.9
Saltwater Fish 0.7
Reptile 4.6
Small Animal 5.0
Total Number of Pets Owned in the U.S. (millions)

Bird 16.2

Cat 86.4

Dog 78.2
Equine 7.9
Freshwater Fish 151.1

Saltwater Fish 8.61

Reptile 13.0

Small Animal 16.0

* Ownership statistics are gathered from APPA’s 2011-2012 National Pet Owners Survey

SPENDING

The following spending statistics are gathered by APPA from various market reseach sources and are not included in the organization’s bi-annual National Pet Owners Survey.

Total U.S. Pet Industry Expenditures
Year Billion

2011 $50.84 Est.

2010 $48.35 Actual

2009 $45.5

2008 $43.2

2007 $41.2
2006 $38.5
2005 $36.3
2004 $34.4
2003 $32.4
2002 $29.5
2001 $28.5
1998 $23
1996 $21
1994 $17

Estimated 2011 Sales within the U.S. Market

For 2011, it estimated that $50.84 billion will be spent on our pets in the U.S.

Estimated Breakdown:
Food $19.53 billion
Supplies/OTC Medicine $11.4 billion
Vet Care $14.11 billion
Live animal purchases $2.15 billion
Pet Services: grooming & boarding $3.65 billion

Actual Sales within the U.S. Market in 2010

In 2010, $48.35 billion was spent on our pets in the U.S.

Breakdown:
Food $18.76 billion
Supplies/OTC Medicine $10.94 billion
Vet Care $13.01 billion
Live animal purchases $2.13 billion
Pet Services: grooming & boarding $3.51 billion

Human Food That You Can Share With Fido

September 2nd, 2011

dog at table 300x187 Human Food That You Can Share With Fido

Pet parents often wonder if the scrap of food that their canine ward is so desperately eyeing is safe for it. And it is a valid concern. As is well known, chocolate is toxic to pets. There are certain people foods that you can safely share with your pet dog. The food items in themselves and mode of preparation influence compatibility of food with the canine digestive system which is shorter than what we humans have. Keep them away from fermented items and foods that contain sugar, salt, and preservatives..

Below we have listed a few people foods that dogs can eat. Keep in mind that these items should not combine to make up the majority of their diet. You can mix-n-match these food items to rustle up tasty treats for your dogs so that its menu stays interesting. Also these treats are going to be organic and far cheaper than anything that you’ll pick up off the store shelves. However, do keep in mind that each animal is different. Breed and size also play a role in determining a dog’s acceptance of a food item. To be on the safe side, consult your vet first.

• Meats – All meats that we consume can be given to our pet dogs and that includes fish.

• Yogurt – Fresh yogurt that is free from artificial flavoring can serve as a source of calcium.

• Ground flax seeds – These can be given to your dog as a source of fiber. They help to keep the gastrointestinal tract healthy. Other natural sources of fiber include pumpkin and oatmeal.

• Carrots – Dogs often relish chewing on chopped carrots; especially small baby carrots.

• Rice – Vets recommend gruel of rice and boneless chicken for dogs recovering from an illness. Many pet parents regularly feed cooked rice to their dogs.

• Brown bread – Dogs will eat flatbread and unleavened bread. But avoid giving them white bread made from refined flour.

• Cheese – Cottage cheese and goat cheese can be given to dogs.

• Brewer’s Yeast – This one is a known tasty treat that dogs love. It has been seen that adding some over their food makes them take to their food with enthusiasm.

• Fruits – These include bananas, berries, and melons.

Let Us Fight the Black Dog Syndrome

September 1st, 2011

blackdogs 300x243 Let Us Fight the Black Dog Syndrome

The black dog syndrome or black dog bias is a scenario faced by animal shelters and vets. Rather unfortunately, dogs with black coats find it difficult to find owners as compared to those with lighter coats. Although, there is no hard empirical evidence to suggest that this happens on a regular basis, experienced hands at animal shelters will tell you that this bias is very real, particularly if it involves a large black dog. It is also possible that since black is a dominant genetic coat color in many breeds including the popular Labrador breed, this leads to more black dogs ending up in shelters.

At this point, let us spare a thought for cats. Bias against black cats if anything is stronger than what dogs have to face. It has been reinforced by centuries of superstitions.

Stereotyping plays a big role. The phrase “big black dog” has been used in novels to conjure up images of a frighteningly large canine that’s up to no good. Hollywood and countless T.V serials have played their part in strengthening this stereotype. “The Black Dog” is a phrase to indicate depression in humans. Even in folklore, if it’s a ghostly apparition of a dog, you can bet it won’t be fawn or brindle, it will be of a black dog.

Doesn’t beauty lie in the eye of the beholder? And isn’t black beautiful? A shiny black coat on a healthy animal adds to its grace. And yet, dark-coated puppies are overlooked for adoption on the most irrational biases. We need to be educated and move beyond this. Let us open our hearts and minds and we’ll see that puppies with black coat can have a lot of personality.

Shelters that face this situation often come up with ideas to present black puppies and dogs in a more appealing manner. This is made easy by the use of the internet; attractively packaged images of dark coated dogs increase their chances of finding a home.

It’s a pity that our biases that keep us humans from seeing eye to eye extend to our relationships with animals. Our apathy to puppies and dogs with black coats often marks them for avoidable euthanasia. Coat color does not affect an animal’s health or loyalty and man’s best friend deserves better.
blackdogs 300x243 Let Us Fight the Black Dog Syndrome

Can Humans Consume Dog Food?

August 31st, 2011

kid eatting dog food Can Humans Consume Dog Food?

The question has been asked from time to time and attempts have been made to address it satisfactorily. It continues to excite our imagination. What if humans could eat canned dog food? It does open up a lot of possibilities; pet parents would see a healthy cut in monthly grocery bills. Not to mention the strengthening of the bond between pet and owner. If the dog food is responsibly sourced and contains veggies then maybe we could actually eat it.

One of the reasons why dogs have evolved so wonderfully as human companions is because they could easily live off human leftovers, that is because scavenging is a canine trait. It’s worth noting that cats are far choosier than dogs when it comes to food, they don’t generally scavenge, they are predators. Maybe, the human palate has to develop a bit more before we can begin to appreciate the delicacies that feline taste buds are capable of doing.

Meat products used to prepare canned dog food are similar to those eaten by humans. This includes organ meat, muscle meat, tripe, etc. Research shows that participants in double blind experiments have been unable to distinguish between dog food and human food. However, even if the food items are essentially the same, the proportion of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins will differ.

Perhaps the main reason why humans shy away from dog food is the stigma associated with consuming canned dog food. Nobody wants to be seen opening a tin of dog food on the dinner table; may lead to social ostracization. Second, there is a real danger of food contamination. It’s a bit of an open secret that commercial dog food is not prepared in the most hygienic conditions. The focus by pet food manufacturers on cutting down costs could be one reason for this. Taste is the third reason why dog food hasn’t caught on. Research shows that even if subjects may be unable to distinguish meats meant for human and canine consumption, the majority will invariably rank dog food the lowest when presented with a number of food items to taste. Even if the dog food is made more palatable by adding salt and improving its texture, it gets a “thumbs down” from participants in a test.

It’s interesting to note that even food tasters at pet food companies draw the line at swallowing pet food, maybe they know something that we don’t.