AnimatedPet

Thursday Puppy Fix

2010-03-04T09:49:00.001-08:00

Puppies are absolutely adorable, I promise this will brighten up your day.

Leaving your Pets

2010-02-23T09:23:00.000-08:00

It seems like our lives just continue to get busier and more hectic each day, and it’s become more difficult for us to find time for ourselves, let alone time for our pets. But we are all doing our best to fit our pets into our busy life styles. Every morning as you leave for work, are your pets trying to “talk” you out of leaving by staring at you with those sad puppy eyes? Are you feeling guilty for leaving them home alone for yet another day? If you are, we are going to give you some tips* to relieve that guilt and let your pets feel a little less lonely.

Tip 1:
For dogs that are home alone for the majority of the day, consider setting up a doggy door—this way your dogs can choose to come in and out as they please. Remember, leaving your pets outside for long periods of time is not a good idea. Pets may are more vulnerable to intruders and even heat strokes! But keeping your pets cooped up inside is not healthy either. Just like us, dogs need at least an hour of exercise everyday.

Tip 2:
For those who are not too keen on the doggy door idea, opt for a dog walker! Adult dogs should be walked once a day; one long walk will be enough to tire them out. Puppies and seniors should be walked twice a day; two shorter walks are enough to keep them healthy and happy.

Tip 3:
Create an ideal sanctuary for your pets by making their crates as cozy and as comfortable as possible. Crates with a soft padding will keep your pets more relaxed and at ease. Leaving their favorite toys in their crates help pets stay busy and occupied throughout the day. Rewarding them with a new toy every month will keep them entertained. But don’t forget to leave out plenty of food and water!

Tip 4:
When you have been busy at work all day, all you want to do is to sit, relax, and unwind. This is the perfect time to cuddle with your pets! Some quality time with your pets before bed is a great way to end the day, and your pets will definitely appreciate this quality time.

Tip 5:
Adopt another! This may seem crazy, considering one dog seems like more than enough. But dogs love the companionship. They can keep each other company while you are away during the day. They will also get plenty of exercise just by playing with each other!

If you have any other great tips, share them with us!

(photo via Daily Puppy)

*Disclaimer: The information provided here is general information for the reader. It is not intended to diagnose health problems or to take the place of professional medical care.

Dogs on Treadmills?

2010-02-05T08:04:00.000-08:00

It's the winter time, and taking your pets out on long walks just doesn’t seem too appealing anymore. Even though your pets are rarely affected by the cold weather, the possibility of running into rain or snow is a messy situation that you and your pet would not want to be caught in!

Indoor activities that get K9 hearts pumping, like playing fetch with small treats or going through fun obstacle courses, are great, but indoor exercises are limited. These activities just never seem quite adequate enough. So have you ever considered walking your dogs on your treadmill?

There is a misconception that walking dogs on the treadmill is dangerous, but treadmills are actually relatively safe for pets. In fact, there are even treadmills designed especially for dogs, although normal treadmills are just as efficient. As long as a few simple rules are followed, walking dogs on the treadmill is a great cardio workout for dogs.

Some important tips to remember:

Don’t tie your dogs to the treadmill. You should allow your dogs to walk off the treadmill at anytime.
Don’t hold any treats or toys in front of your dogs while they are walking, as this could be extremely distracting!
Don’t let your dogs walk on a treadmill right after a nice long nap in their crate. Dogs are groggy after a long nap too!
Do start at a slow speed. Let your dogs adjust to the treadmill for a while before increasing the speed.
Do put a pillow or a towel behind and next to the treadmill.
Do stay close by and keep a watchful eye while your dog is exercising on the treadmill.

With a combination of fun indoor activities and ten minutes of steady walking on the treadmill, your pets will be in tiptop shape for the rest of this cold winter! Try it and share your stories with us!

For your enjoyment and as a confident booster, check out these fearless dogs taking a stroll on the treadmill!

Every Crate needs Cratewear

2010-02-02T11:49:00.000-08:00

Every pet owner knows how important having a cage is. It's often where our pets go to relax and unwind, but also a place where we send our pets for a time out when they have been behaving badly. To say the least, cages are a necessity. But wired crates are not the most attractive to look at, and definitely not a chic decorative addition to your home, especially when the crate is stuffed with your pet’s chewed up toys and wrinkled blankets.

A simple and elegant way to cover up the mess and make your pet’s crate seem even homier for your pets are crate covers and crate pads. Our customized crate cover and pads come in two classic colors, stone gray and sand beige. These covers will blend beautifully with your home, while providing privacy for your pets.

Puppy Profile: Siberian Husky

2009-11-19T09:15:00.000-08:00

So cute, I had to post double the pictures. More pictures at DailyPuppy.com

Unfortunately, they don't stay puppies long but they do grow up to be gorgeous dogs. Huskies are known to be masterful escape artists, although I've never witnessed such an escape attempt, crate training early with a proper exercise routine can help ease Huskies into your lifestyle as long as you stay active.

The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the male Siberian Husky is 21 to 23.5 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 45 to 60 pounds. The female ranges from 20 to 22 inches to the withers and 35 to 50 pounds. (Mitch Endick, PetPages.com)

Huskies aren't a particularly large breed but have a heavier coat and if not exercised properly, can put on some weight. There needs to be quite a large amount of exercise for them to be healthy. Leaving such an energetic breed in a crate for more than 8 hours a day can be harmful as huskies will grow more and more anxious. Schedule a good exercise routine that involves at least a full hour before and after crating to ensure that your Husky will get all that pent up energy out.

Check out our tips on crate training or consult with a professional trainer. Crate training is a task that requires a lot of time and patience and our store can provide you with the materials.

iCrate (36" L x 23" W x 25" H)

Lifestages 2 Door (36" L x 23" W x 25" H)

Precision Pet 2 Door (36" L x 23" W x 25" H)

*Pictures from DailyPuppy.com

Pet Adoption: Randy (Australian Cattle Dog)

2009-11-18T12:12:00.001-08:00

My first instinct was that this pup looks exactly like Nelly! Here are pictures of Nelly as a puppy for comparison...

It does make me want to drive all the way up to Modesto to meet this adorable pup who is available for adoption.

For more information, please visit his PetFinder Page.

Kitsap Humane Society offering 50% off adoption fees

2009-11-17T10:17:00.000-08:00

Kitsap Humane Society from Silverdale, Washington is encouraging adoptions this Black Friday!

For a list of pets available for adoption, see their PetFinder listings.

Internet Dog Feeder

2009-11-16T08:55:00.000-08:00

This gadget comes from a 13 year old who has designed a mechanism that allows you to just click to feed his dog. He's even opened it up to a broad audience to participate: http://www.internetdogfeeder.com

WeatherTech Items: Now Available for over 100 models

2009-11-13T11:21:00.000-08:00

Choose your make/model and shop now!

In heavy weather conditions, there is a tendency to track in lots of mud, snow, and dirt into our vehicles and our homes. A floor mat will help trap all the dirt and water on a rubberized material without getting your vehicle interiors dirty. WeatherTech FloorLiners are designed specifically for the purpose of providing a protective lining that acts as an aggressive barrier between dirt and your carpets, protecting against spills, crumbs, snow, mud, leaves, etc.

The design of the WeatherTech FloorLiners is the most advanced technology available on the market today with a reservoir to collect all the dirt that can be caked onto the mat. The bottom of the liner fits like a glove to your vehicle without any slippage providing friction to the bottom to keep it in place, while the top maintains a tactile surface. The FloorLiners come in three different colors to match the interior of your vehicle with gray, black, or tan.

WeatherTech FloorLiners are easy to clean with moderate hosing down to break down the trapped dirt. They do not require maintenance or care beyond a simple washing down with water and appropriate drying before placing back into your vehicle.

In addition to the FloorLiners, we also have matching Cargo Liners available to protect the cargo area of your SUV or the trunk of your car. They’re great for those who transport their pets in the cargo area, or if you are lugging around heavy items such as gardening tools, painting supplies, hardware, sports equipment without having to worry about dirtying or damaging your vehicle.

Since all the WeatherTech products are sized specifically to each vehicle model, it is important to have your vehicle information including any trims, body styles, or other vehicle options when ordering the product you want. In order to help you select the appropriate sizes, we have put together a chart that will match your vehicle with the available items.

If you have any questions, please contact us via email: customerservice@animatedpet.com to find out more about the WeatherTech products we offer.

From our fan Stella!

2009-11-11T09:09:00.001-08:00

"Hi there, we ordered a crate cover from you a little while ago and last night we received a follow up letter in the mail. We wanted to thank you so very much for that letter! What an amazing business practice that shows how much you care about your customers! Concerning the product, it pits perfect and looks really nice. Stella doesn't try to eat it like the blanket that was covering it before, so that's great! Also, it keeps her room looking a lot nicer and much more tidy. Before finding your product, I only found covers that were many times more expensive. You guys are a rare gem of a company and I want to shout you from the product blogging rooftops! Thanks for everything!"

Renee and Josh K.

Puppy Profile: Rottweilers

2009-11-02T08:49:00.000-08:00

Rottweiler puppies grow rapidly, with their weight doubling from ~30lbs at 3 months to ~60 pounds at 6 months. Some new puppy owners decide that it's easiest to go without a crate at first, until the puppy "grows big enough," which can hinder house training and potty training.

Starting your puppy early with crate training is a major advantage to the growth and wellbeing of your puppy. Crates do come with a divider panel so you do not have to buy separate sizes and retrain with a different crate. The general rule for picking the right size crate for your puppy is, picking one that is just big enough for your pup to go in comfortably, turn around, and lay down. Anything larger can create potty training issues.

Rottie puppies do reach a full size at over 90 pounds around 13 months so you want to make sure to invest in a crate that is strong enough to support their strength and crate train early to prevent any problems like chewing. Typically, 48" long crates are about 33" in height which will support your full grown Rottie's size.

In our store, we have the right size crates for your pup as well as a crate cover and pad set that will help create a cozy environment for your Rottweiler. Unlike blankets, the pads are fastened securely onto the crate itself and is water-resistant so it doesn't soak up any potty accidents and trap odors in.

See our selection of 48" Crate with the Crate Cover and Pad Set:

iCrate (48" L x 30" W x 33" H)

Lifestages 2 Door (48"L x 30” W x 33” H)

Precision Pet 2 Door (48" L X 30" W X 33" H)

Source: Von Keiser Wappen - Rottweiler Growth Chart

Picture: Rottweiler Puppies Blog

How to keep WeatherTech floor mats clean?

2009-10-23T10:55:00.000-07:00

As a protective barrier for your carpets, WeatherTech can collect dirt and mud which would otherwise stain your carpets. Luckily, the floorliners are easier to clean without the use of harsh chemicals.

For caked on mud and dirt, you can spray the mats down with water and use a simple glass cleaner that foams up to remove dirt from the ridges.

For dark scratches on the floorliner, you can use an all-purpose cleaner and buff out the marks and scratches. You may also opt to use Magic Erasers that are commonly used for vinyl flooring that can also help remove black marks from the floorliner.

Does anyone else have any other tips to share?

spcaLA: Sassy (Shiba Inu Mix)

2009-10-19T09:05:00.000-07:00

I have a soft spot for Shiba Inus. It's the ears. And the face.

Sassy is a young pup. Don't know about her history yet, but you can meet her at the spcLA in Long Beach. For more contact information, see the PetFinder page.

Question of the Week: How do I keep my dog warm inside a crate?

2009-10-18T09:58:00.000-07:00

When the temperatures are high, you'll notice that your dog will often sit or sometimes even sprawl across the kitchen floor to cool off. But what do you do when you need to keep your pup warm during the colder months of the year?

Fortunately, most dogs have a thick coat of fur that'll keep them warm, but there are also other ways to help keep your dog at a comfortable temperature. Crate pads, for example, offer insulation which keeps them off cold, hard bottoms of the crates. Unlike blankets, they are water resistant so they do not soak up any potential accidents and give your pup the wrong message on where the appropriate place to potty is. Also, a potty blanket may create a generalized association that can cause your puppy to mistake your bed or your clothes for a potty blanket!

It is also ill advised to simply throw a blanket over the crates because blankets aren't designed to allow sufficient air to go through. Imagine the suffocation when you are completely under a blanket. AnimatedPet Crate Covers are coated with polyurethane which is known for its breathable waterproof and windproof properties and is widely used in outerwear clothing.

A little protection from cold with breathable material is better than stuffing the dog's crate with blankets that can quickly turn into chew or potty blankets. AnimatedPet Crate Covers and Pads provide the needed support and protection for a comfortable pup.

Pet-Friendly Winter Vacation

2009-10-12T08:40:00.000-07:00

Pet boarding kennels are filling up quick and some are even booked through the winter months as people make plans to leave town for vacation. Before you start planning your winter vacation, research some pet-friendly accommodations that will allow you to take your pet with you!

Instead of spending $25-30 a day on basic pet boarding with little one-on-one attention, you can include your pet in your vacation. Pets Welcome offers listings of pet-friendly hotels, resorts, campgrounds, and vacation rentals that are perfect for your entire family. With ideas ranging from local travel to out-of-state travel, you can pick one that suits your family and your budget.

If you are traveling by car, make sure your pet isn't prone to motion sickness. There are multiple rest stops and vista points along interstate highways for your pet and yourself to stretch your limbs and get some fresh air. Also, make sure your pet is buckled up. Seat belt harnesses can save your dog's life in the tragic event of an accident. If you have a larger dog who sits in the cargo area of your vehicle, Pet Barriers keep your pet safely in the rear and prevent your pet from jumping to the front driver area.

Other things to pack:
Bed & Bedding from home - You want to keep it home-like and comfortable for your pet. For dogs, wire crates are collapsible for easy traveling so they can be comfortable in their own space.

Food & Water (bowls too!) - It's important to stick to the same feeding schedule, even on vacation. This is one of the advantages of taking your pet with you on vacation rather than leaving it in a boarding facility since pets tend to lose their appetites when their owners are away.

Towel - Wipe off dirty paws after being outside as paws tend to collect dirt and debris that can be harmful if ingested.

Leash, Collar, ID Tags - Always keep your dogs on a leash when you are traveling as they might get lost in an unfamiliar setting.

Other things to consider:
Changes in Weather - If you're going to areas with very cold temperatures, your dog may need a coat or booties to keep them bodies and paws warm. See paw-rescue.org for more tips on protecting your dog in cold weather. If using a crate, covers can offer some shield against the coldness without the stuffiness of a huge blanket over the crate.

*Photo by Bonnie MacPherson via Boston.com

Puppy Training: Pads vs Crates?

2009-10-11T09:25:00.000-07:00

No matter how you train your dog, the inevitable fact remains that you will have to clean up after them when they go potty. Some pet owners are immediately drawn to using puppy pads or training pads because it seems like an appropriate target that will teach a new puppy to go potty. However, puppies can very easily "miss" the pad or mistake a rug for a pad.

Properly house training a puppy extends beyond just your own home. What if you bring your puppy over to another home? A puppy pad trained pup may find a rug or a piece of furniture so exciting that it will soon be too late to catch him and stop him before it's too late. Overall, the puppy pad becomes a very confusing mechanism since it makes it okay for the puppy to go potty indoors. After learning how to go potty inside, it is difficult to correct if you ultimately want to teach your puppy to go outside for potty.

Training pads are appropriate to use as an aid for puppies if they haven't completed their shots yet, or for dogs who are ill or in recovery who aren't able to go outside. For training purposes, pads are of great use, but if your goal is to properly housebreak your puppy, it is best to ditch the pads for crate training.

The crate provides more than a durable and environmentally friendly alternative, it is also something that dogs are intrinsically drawn to: a den-like environment. They want to be in their own sheltered space when they are winding down and catching a snooze.

The crate can be also be used as an aid in potty training. Quickly, your puppy can learn where each appropriate potty spot is. A crate where your pup sleeps, eats, and plays would not be as enticing to soil. By creating these associations, your puppy can understand the message you are sending to them.

Overall, puppy pads can have a negative affect if used as a crutch in potty training. Pads should only be used when there is a vulnerability involved and your dog cannot be let out to go potty. Crates not only double as a cozy den for your dog, but it can also be a positive association in properly potty training and housebreaking your dog.

Whichever method you choose, it is important to stick with it. Most dog owners have a difficult time because they try too many methods, take too much unsolicited advice, and end up with a confused dog who doesn't know any better. Remain consistent and use positive reinforcement.

AnimatedPet Crate Pads and Cover Reviews

2009-10-09T08:50:00.000-07:00

Here are some of our reviews from FetchDog

from Rock Tavern, NY

"Clean, neat and nice earthtone. This crate cover cleaned up the look of the crate in our living room, while also allowing our puppy privacy. It cleans well, is light weight, and matches the earthtones in our home."

from Northern California

"This crate/pad cover is very good so far. The pad cover is easy to remove and clean. My only complaint is that the crate cover is a tiny bit short. My puppy is easily distracted by light and movement and there is about an inch at the bottom that is not covered. Otherwise, I love it. The material allows air flow while still keeping out most of the light."

New to store: WeatherTech FloorLiners, Cargo Liners, and Pet Barriers

2009-10-07T10:49:00.000-07:00

The complete protection package for your vehicle. Custom-molded 3-layer protection offering surface friction to the carpet and traps all dirt, mud, and other debris to keep your vehicle interior clean and pet hair and dander free.

Pet Barriers

Cargo Liners

FloorLiners

Adopt a Dog Month

2009-10-02T09:19:00.000-07:00

October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month to encourage adoptions not just this month, but throughout the year and to raise awareness on shelters which are filled with homeless pets with uncertain fates.

In struggling economic times, people are on tighter budgets. Unfortunately, this has resulted in many people giving up their pets, not realizing that pets are an essential part of their family. Pets do not care whether you are rich or poor. Their needs are simple yet they become such an integral part of who you are as a human. Compassion and loyalty are just a few of the many gifts a pet can give to you that unfortunately in this day and age, we lose touch with.

PetFinder is an excellent source to start looking for your pet. You can search by breed, size, and age to narrow down the search results. You can also visit your local shelters and rescue organizations and meet your potential new companions.

FOCHP: Bull Terrier/Terrier/Shepherd

2009-09-25T10:35:00.000-07:00

BT is an 8 week old little boy - he and his siblings were abandoned at the shelter covered in filth. They are now happy, fat and healthy little pups. They love other dogs as well as cats. BT is a very mellow little pup, he is almost potty trained and extremely sweet and affectionate, he loves belly rubs. We are guessing on the breed - you can see he resembles a Bull Terrier but is small.

Please contact friends@fochp.org or leave us a voice mail at (714) 280-4993 to meet BT and other pups rescued by Friends of Orange County Homeless Pets.

New at the AnimatedPet online store: Pet Barriers

2009-09-18T13:56:00.000-07:00

Safety is a very important factor when traveling with your pet. Dogs who jump freely from front to rear are can cause a hazard to themselves, the driver, and other passengers.

This Pet Barrier prevents the dog from climbing out of the cargo or rear area keeping paws and claws off the upholstery.

You can easily install the barrier without any other tools or drilling. It is expandable and adjustable, both horizontally and vertically. For vehicles with floor to ceiling heights greater than 42" require the extension which can be sold together with the barrier to take advantage of our free shipping offer.

Available at our store for $69.95

Top 10 Fictional Dogs You Wish Was Your Pet

2009-09-17T14:26:00.000-07:00

(10) Astro (The Jetsons, 1962) - A glimpse of dogs in the future who actually learns how to speak, albeit with a "dog" accent. Also, who wouldn't want an automatic dog walker?

(9) Digby (Pushing Daisies, 2007) - The premise of the show is like a fairy-tale, yet the center of it is a loving companionship seen in Digby and his owner Ned. Flashback scenes show Digby following his then kid owner to boarding school so the two can be reunited. However, the cruel twist lies in Ned's supernatural power which does not allow him to pet his own dog. Yet the dog still wants to be by his side.

(8) Toto (Wizard of Oz, 1939) - Dorothy and Toto are on a journey together with many aspects of loyalty and humanity are tested. Dorothy kept Toto by her side, not just because he reminded her of home, but because they were truly companions on their journey from Kansas to Oz.

(7) Einstein (Back to the Future, 1985) - Also known as Einie, the world's first time traveler who accompanied Doc on his first journey one minute into the future. Not only was he a time travel companion, but also a lab partner. Doc owed most of his quirky inventions like the automatic dog feeder to Einstein.

(6) Verdell (As Good As It Gets, 1997) - Verdell, the Brussels Griffon, truly took over the supporting role in the film by turning a pesky dog-loathing neighbor into a dog lover.

(5) Benji (Benji, 1974) - Even though he is a stray, he wins the hearts of everyone. In the original film, he helps rescue kidnapped children. Benji's story and background helped open families up to pet adoptions to enhance their lives while providing a loving home for a homeless animal.

(4) Marley (Marley & Me, 2008) - Both the autobiographical book and the film connected with many families with pets who are absolute pains but are unconditionally loved as part of the family.

(3) Old Yeller (Old Yeller, 1957) - A classic boy & dog tale that is nostalgic to childhood with its illustration of a perfect companion dog. Even though it is a Disney movie, its tragic ending was probably the biggest tearjerker of all Disney family films.

(2) Shadow (Homeward Bound, 1993) - This was truly a family film that is enjoyable at a young age and even in adulthood. Shadow truly was "man's best friend" as he journeyed to go home to his boy. Let's not forget how sweet Chance, the pound pooch, was even with all his mischief.

(1) Lassie (Lassie Come Home, 1943) - Undying loyalty combined with doggy stunts? She courageously escapes any situation and tears through terrain and even swims across lakes just to be with her boy.

Summer Sale Items!

2009-09-10T09:00:00.000-07:00

AnimatedPet's Crate Covers are a standard fit for wire crates. These crate covers are more lightweight than our Fit-Rite Custom Crate Covers which are coated polyurethane. This allows more ventilation during the hot summer days. All 4 sides of AnimatedPet Crate Covers can be rolled up to allow for more ventilation while staying securely fastened on the crate itself.

Regular Price:
~~$24.95 for 24" General Fit Crate Cover~~
~~$48.95 for 48" General Fit Crate Cover~~

Sale Price:
$19.95 + free shipping for 24" Crate Cover
$34.95 + free shipping for 48" Crate Cover

Our crate covers are perfect for indoor or outdoor use and are completely machine washable. Check out our website for customer testimonials.

We also have an ongoing sale for a select line of Wire Crates bundled with AnimatedPet's Fit-Rite Crate Covers and Pads to cover all your pet's needs.

Plastic versus Wire Crates

2009-09-01T14:03:00.000-07:00

One type of crate certainly doesn't fit all. For pet owners, you have to do the kind of research to provide the best for your pup.

Best for Travel: Plastic Crates
Plastic crates are the only type of airline approved crates. Wire crates are collapsible which is a risk factor during air travel.

Best Odor Protection: Wire Crates
Wire crates are more ventilated and easier to clean so odor doesn't get trapped inside the way it does for plastic crates.

Most Comfort: ???
Wire crates can be padded and covered to create a den like space for a pet. Plastic crates can also offer that type of feeling but they are so confined that your pet might feel isolated. Also, plastic crates can offer insulation to protect from cold weather which may have the opposite effect in warmer regions with dogs with heavy coats who may heat up inside the plastic crate.

Question of the Week: Why does my dog keep crawling and hiding under the bed?

2009-08-31T15:23:00.000-07:00

When I first noticed this behavior in my roommate's beagle, I thought it fell right in with his feline characteristics. After all, he is a very dainty lap dog rather than a typical beagle. Then I started reading of other people's experiences and realized that it is not a feline characteristic but a canine trait.

Dogs are den creatures who like to burrow in a tight and cozy space. You may notice that if you give bed access to a dog, he may move around pillows and blankets to create some sort of fort. He likes to morph just about any place into his own little fort, including under my bed. When he crawls out, it's almost like he's in the army, crawling through the ditches.

Whenever there are loud noises like fireworks or thunder and lightning, he resorts back to this type of behavior of hiding. It makes him feel safe and secure.

It is important to note that this can be a behavior trait or possibly an illness. If your dog is hiding under the bed and not coming out for food, water, or going outside, it may be a sign of a health problem and your dog should be taken in for veterinary care.