Category: Social Media

For animal lovers, here is an innovative way to pre-game this Super Bowl – with puppies. The 11th Annual Puppy Bowl will be on Animal Planet from 3-5pm ET, and the paws are out. Expect an epic matchup between teams Ruff and Fluff. Don’t miss out on this annual pet lovers event!

Source: http://www.animalplanet.com/tv-shows/puppy-bowl/

One of the things that makes us fall in love with dogs is their openness – there doesn’t seem to be much mystery to their love of food, fun and people. But that doesn’t mean we know everything from them. Below are some of the things we learned about them in 2014:

1. Dogs are sensitive to Earth’s magnetism and when they spin around before pooping, it is because they are aligning themselves north/south. Dogs don’t seem to poop east/west!
2. When dogs “swim”, they are actually running underwater – they use much the same motion to their motion of when trotting on land, a study concluded.
3. They have the human albino gene, just like humans–this was scientifically proven for the first time last year.
4. Although we already had a feeling this was the case, in 2014 it was scientifically proven that dogs really do mean stuff with the looks on their faces. They use facial expressions and body language to communicate with us.
5. Even in Ancient Roman times, puppies got up to mischief. A tile that could be as old as 2,000 years old was found containing paw prints!
6. Dogs were a pre-historic woman’s best friend, too.

Source: Discovery.com

1. Yearly veterinarian examinations are as essential to your pet as food and love. On the new year, make a commitment to not wait until your pet is sick before taking him to the veterinarian. Bring your pet in for an examination at least once a year.
2. Vaccinations – make sure you don’t overlook vaccinating your pets. Immunizations protect our pets from devastating diseases caused by viruses and bacteria.
3. Screening Tests – Since animals can’t talk and let us know how they are feeling, screening tests are important because they can detect diseases before signs and symptoms develop.
4. Dental Care – Commit to keeping your pet’s teeth clean and healthy. At least once a year take your pet to the veterinarian for a checkup and cleaning. Also make sure to brush his teeth with toothpaste at home and give him dental chews.
5. Parasite protection – includes protecting your pet from internal (worms and protozoa) or external (fleas and ticks) parasites.
6. Microchips – If your pet doesn’t already have one, make sure you get him a microchip. This will guarantee that your pet will be returned home if he ever gets lost.
7. Spray and Neuter your pet – this has important health benefits for your pet, such as lowering the risk of breast cancer, testicular cancer, and pyometra.
8. Pet proof your home – check the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center’s website for a list of the most common poisonous household plants as well as foods and household items that may present a potential hazard to your pet.
9. Exercise – this is the best way for your pet to stay trim and healthy.
10. Teach an old dog a new treat – it is important to stimulate your pet’s brain. This can be done by simply giving him interactive toys that stimulate his mind or teaching him a new treat.

Which of these 2 cuties would you wish to take home this Holiday season?

Here are some of the things recommended by the American Veterinarian Medical Association for this Holiday Season. Share with us: What is the best Holiday pet tip you ever received from a vet?

Did you know that besides being a source of warm, fuzzy entertainment, pets can offer several developmental benefits to children as well? A child’s physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development can all be encouraged by interaction with the family pet. Below are some examples of these benefits:

1. Social – pets can be wonderful social facilitators as children are more prone to approach and interact with another child who is playing with a pet
2. Physical – pets provide an incentive for running and practicing motor skills
3. Emotional – Pets can facilitate various aspects of emotional development such as self-esteem and social responsibility
4. Cognitive: As children grow they may develop an interest for a specific animal and when encouraged to read about their favorite pet, parents encourage a child’s cognitive development by sparking their desire for learning.

Source:  She Knows – click here to learn more