Baking soda is a natural cleaner and deodorizer that every pet owner likely has on hand. It’s a good option if you wish to avoid cleaning products that contain potentially toxic chemicals or perfumes. Baking soda contains no harmful chemicals and poses no danger to children or pets unless it is ingested in large amounts. Always consult your veterinarian before using baking soda on your pet and spot test before using baking soda to clean carpets and furniture. How Does Baking Soda Work? Pet urine is usually acidic, which plays a role in its ability to produce a foul-smelling odor. Baking soda is a base and pet urine is acidic. When you put them together, baking soda chemically has the ability to neutralize acidic substances and make them more alkaline, eliminating the odors. Here are some uses of baking soda for pet owners: Deodorize Your Home sprinkle baking soda on carpets and furniture to get rid of pet odors in the home. Leave it on for about 20 minutes then vacuum it up. Always test a spot first to make sure the baking soda doesn’t discolor your carpet or upholstery. Deodorize Your Car Baking soda will also eliminate doggy odors in your car. Sprinkle it on the seats and floor mats. The longer the powder sits, the more odor it will absorb. Vacuum all surfaces and throw out the disposable vacuum bag immediately, just in case it contains any fleas, ticks or mites. Another trick to keep your vehicle smelling fresh is put a tablespoon of baking soda in the ashtrays. Deodorize Bedding Put pet bedding in your washing machine. Use a mild (no dyes or fragrance) laundry detergent and 1 cup of baking soda. Place the bed in the dryer for 15 minutes with a pet-safe dryer sheet, and if it’s still wet, let it air dry to avoid shrinking. The dryer sheet is important to use when drying because it will help to remove excess hair from the bedding. If your pet spends time rolling around in your bed, when you wash your sheets, add 1/2 cup baking soda into the washing machine to neutralize the odors. Clean Up Pet Accidents Baking soda can help you clean up your dog or cat’s “accidents”. Mix equal amounts of white vinegar and baking soda to create a runny paste. Apply the paste to the soiled carpet or furniture, let it sit for a few minutes, then sponge it up. When it’s dried, vacuum the area. Before using the paste or applying baking powder on its own, blot up as much of the liquid as possible. It helps to place a book on the cloth and stand on it to ensure you get it all out. Freshen the Litter Box Many brands of kitty litter contain baking soda for its ability to neutralize odors. If your current kitty litter doesn’t contain baking soda, you can sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda on the bottom of the box before adding the litter. Dry Shampoo Your Cat or Dog Baking soda also works as an odor eliminator for pets between baths. In between wet shampoos, baking soda may be used for dry shampooing dogs and cats. Start by brushing your pet to remove any dirt or loose hair. You may want to do the next step outside. Rub baking soda into your pet’s fur and massage it into their skin, making sure not to set it into their eyes. Let the baking soda sit on your animal’s fur for five minutes and then brush out the fur. To remove any remaining baking soda, rub your pet down with a dry towel, otherwise your dog or cat might lick its fur and ingest the baking soda. While baking soda is harmless for your pet to ingest in small quantities, it’s best to remove as much as possible. Consult with your vet before using baking soda as a dry shampoo to make sure your pet is not allergic to it. Wet Shampoo Your Dog Unless your dog has rolled around in dirt or sand, you only need to use a wet shampoo every two or three months. Many pet shampoos contain baking soda which helps eliminate odors. However, you can make your own shampoo by mixing three tablespoons baking soda with one quart warm water. Wash your dog with the solution and massage it into his coat. Give the baking soda a few minutes to neutralize odors. Next, apply your regular, vet-approved dog shampoo and massage it into your dog’s skin. Rinse your dog in clear water and make sure you do not leave any shampoo residue, which can make your pet itch. Help Toenail Accidents If you trim your pet’s nails too close, you may accidentally draw blood. To stop bleeding, dip the nail in baking soda and applying pressure. Get Rid of Skunk Smell If your pet is sprayed by a skunk, baking soda alone will not remove the foul odor. A mixture of ¼ cup baking soda, 1 teaspoon of liquid soap and 1 quart of 3-percent hydrogen peroxide is a recommended solution. It’s best to use this mixture outdoors or in a basement sink to avoid bringing the odor into your home. Do not get the solution in your pet’s eyes and do not leave the mixture on too long or the peroxide will bleach your pet’s fur. Rinse your pet well, then follow with a vet-approved pet shampoo and rinse again. Towel dry your pet before bringing him into the house.
Cats are often known for being more aloof than dogs and enjoying spending copious amounts of time alone. But anyone who knows anything about cats knows there are also many of them who are cuddly and affectionate and love spending their time with their humans. Jacque is one of those cats on the more cuddly end of the spectrum, despite his tragic past. When he was just 7 months old, his owner moved and left him behind. “He was found in a house that was foreclosed upon. The person who owned him left him there and didn’t care,” said Nancy Hutchinson, president of Michigan Cat Rescue. “He was found by the realtor and brought into the shelter. This happens quite often, sadly.” To read more on this story, click here:Cat Abandoned For Being Too Cuddly
Clear the shelter events are happening all over the country today. Have you been wanting to add a furry member to your family? They have all types of animals available for adoption. Of course cats and dogs, but they also have birds, rabbits, turtles, roosters, guinea pigs, and some even have fish! Today is the day to do it! Adoption fees have been waived, however, you must bring certain documentation with you. You will take your new pet home with you today. Each shelter has their own requirements, so I suggest you contact the shelter before going there. If you live in an apartment, some shelters will require that you bring your lease showing that they accept pets. I have included a link below to help you find a shelter near you. Just put in your zip code. https://www.cleartheshelters.com/Clear-the-Shelters-Map-488414961.html Please be mindful of the type of pet you want, don’t pick a pet just because it is cute. Now get out there and give these babies new forever homes! Please Share!
When Georgina Price met Toby, she knew he was perfect. Not only did she take him home, but his best friend, too. Toby the cat is six years old and looks wise beyond his age. He has feline cutaneous asthenia (FCA), a condition in which the cat's skin is very fragile, loose and easily bruised, also known as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome in humans. "It means that his body doesn't produce collagen properly. It doesn't heal as well as it should and scars very easily," Georgina told Love Meow. But that didn't stop her from falling in love with the sweet kitty. When Georgina and her fiancé Christopher Lardner met Toby, he was cowering in the corner at the shelter, hiding behind his best friend, Quinton. "I saw them on the RSPCA website and fell in love instantly," Georgina said. "When we met them, they were both terrified and huddled right at the back. Toby just hid behind Quinton the whole time, trembling. I didn't even get to touch him because he was just so scared." To read more on this story, click here: Cat With Rare Condition is so Happy When Someone Adopts Him and His Best Friend
If your cat is itchy, he could have an allergy to something in his environment. Molds, pollen and dust mites are common allergens, but can cats be allergic to dogs? While it’s not something you hear about very often, it’s possible. Can Cats Be Allergic to Dogs?
Although veterinarians say it’s not well-documented or very common, cats can be allergic to dogs. “When we perform intradermal allergy testing in cats, ‘dog epithelia’ is one of the allergens that we test cats for out of a panel of about 60 environmental allergens, including pollens, molds and house dust mites,” says Dr. Elizabeth Falk, a board-certified veterinary dermatologist at Cornell University Veterinary Specialists in Stamford, Connecticut. “We can include that in the cat's allergy vaccine.” Generally speaking, cat allergies are not very well-studied, so knowing whether certain dog breeds are more allergenic than others is tough. It’s not much of a stretch, however, to suspect that certain breeds can potentially present more of a risk, veterinarians say. To read more on this story, click here:Can Cats Be Allergic to Dogs?
Dogs and cats have historically never been the best of friends when it comes to getting along with each other. The majority of dogs and cats keep a distance from each other. However, there are a few exceptions in some households, especially when the dogs and cats have grown up together from a very young age. Dog Allergic to Cat
But can dogs be allergic to cats and develop allergic reactions? It may surprise you to know that in the rarest of cases, this is actually true! How is it possible you might be thinking. It is extremely unlikely, but there is a slight chance that you may end up in a situation where your dog is allergic to cats and develops itches, red eyes and keeps sneezing as soon as a cat is near him or her. To read more on this story, click here:Can Dogs Be Allergic To Cats? Signs & Treatment
An adorable two-month-old puppy was surrendered to the Associated Humane Popcorn Park Shelter in Newark, New Jersey recently; the dog's front legs grossly deformed. Perhaps his birth defect or being locked in a too small kennel as he developed saved his life; his past owner decided the little one's deformity made him unsuitable to be a fighting dog. Named Hulk by his rescuers, the staff at the Associated Humane Popcorn Park Shelter stated the eight-week-old little bundle of cuteness was the meanest, nastiest little critter anyone would have wanted to meet. From the moment he entered the shelter, Hulk would bite, growl and snap at everyone. It was evident he hadn't been socialized; chances are he was already being taught to fight and be aggressive. According to the AHPPS, however the very young life of Hulk is making a positive turn: "...the rough edges have smoothed down with loving hands that hold him. There are two matronly female dogs who play with him so he can perceive that affection and dominance are taught in a favorable and rewarding manner." Hulk will be examined by a specialist this week in hopes of correcting his deformity. If you would like to help, please click here. Follow Hulk's progress on Facebook by clicking HERE.
Rabbits are susceptible to infection by a small oval shaped mite called Psoroptes cuniculi, which has a preference for ears. Rabbits can pick up infection when they contact eggs in hay, straw, or wood chip bedding.[1] Although the mites live in the ear, if the infection is not treated, it can spread to other parts of the body, such as the paws, head, neck, abdomen, or around the anus.[2] Learn how to treat ear mites so you can keep your rabbit healthy. 1- Clean everything the rabbit has touched. Ear mites are very contagious. Because of this, everything the rabbit comes into contact with should be cleaned and disinfected in case they harbor mites or mite eggs.[3] Dispose of all bedding materials and provide fresh bedding every day until the mites have been gotten rid of completely. Scrub and disinfect the hutch and run. Make sure to clean it often while your rabbit has the infection. Ear mites are highly infectious to other rabbits and can spread by direct contact. Therefore, all the rabbits in the household should be treated, too. To read more on this story, click here:How to Treat Ear Mites in Rabbits
People have loved–and even worshipped cats–since the beginning of time. We know Cleopatra of Ancient Egypt and her love affair with cats. In fact, the term “cat eyeliner” was another thing she was famous for. But there are a number of cat lovers throughout history that you may not know. Here we will take a look at some of the most famous cat lovers throughout history. Let’s see how many you already knew! Many of us know the 16th President of the United States for his untimely death and Gettysburg Address. But what you don’t know is that this impressive man was also a crazy cat lover! And better yet, Lincoln was the first president to bring cats to the White House. To read more on this story, click here;Famous Cat Lovers In History
Rare pink dolphin mom gave birth to a cute baby dolphin. People call her Pinky, and the animal has been spotted in the Calcasiey river in Louisiana. The pink calf was there, too. The pink mammal became popular 12 years ago. Captain Erik Rue was the first to spot her. The video of Pinky and her baby was posted on Pinky’s Facebook page. The dolphins were swimming in front of a big boat in the Calcasieu Ship Channel. According to experts, Pinky is a Rare River Dolphin who got the pink color from a rare genetic mutation. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) listed river dolphins as endangered. It’s population is decreasing.
The birth of the calf gives us hope that calves have inherited their mother’s genetic mutation which would help in the effort of increasing the population of rare species.
A once perky pooch may now be listless and withdrawn. Or a dog who previously had the tolerance and patience of Job might have turned aggressive, snapping at the kids or destroying furniture. Could these be signs of depression? “It’s hard to know for sure because we can’t ask what they’re feeling, and have no tests to specifically gauge depression in dogs,” says Bonnie Beaver, DVM, of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists and a professor at Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. “That’s why it’s important to see a vet whenever your dog experiences any sudden change in behavior — to rule out a possible medical condition ranging from GI upset to cancer. But certainly, there are situations where depression seems to be the only explanation.” Leading the list, perhaps to no surprise, is loss of a family member. “We definitely can say we see depression in dogs when there’s a death of a person or another pet in that household, or someone moves out,” notes John Ciribassi, DVM, of the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior and co-editor of the book Decoding Your Dog. To read more on this story, click here: Is Your Dog Depressed?
A Niagara Falls, Ont., man has been fined $15,000 after he was caught flying into Canada with a suitcase full of leeches. Ippolit Bodounov tried to smuggle 4,788 live, medicinal leeches in his carry-on luggage on Oct. 17, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC). He'd just flown from Russia to Toronto's Pearson International Airport. Bodounov carried the leeches in a large reusable grocery bag, said Gerry Brunet, operations manager of ECCC's wildlife enforcement directorate, based in Burlington, Ont. Within that bag were 10 smaller, dampened cloth bags. A dog working with border agents smelled the leeches, Brunet said. "This is our first large-scale illegal leech import," he said, though the ministry sees a lot of illegally imported reptiles, turtles, tortoises and snakes. The ministry sent the leeches to the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto, where Sebastian Kvist, curator of invertebrate zoology, identified them as Hirudo verbana, a threatened medicinal leech. To read more on this story, click here:Man Caught Smuggling Nearly 5,000 Leeches In Luggage
Number one canine problem behavior is “home alone.” Don’t panic if someone tells you that your dog suffers from separation anxiety. It’s probably not the case. Anxiety is a serious disorder and most dogs don’t have any anxiety when left alone. They are either under-stimulated and burn their surplus energy by wrecking the furniture, they’re having fun and don’t know that it is wrong to destroy human possessions, or the owners have not taught them the desired routines when left home alone.
'This is unacceptable behavior for dog owners. Why is it OK for cats?' asks Grant Sizemore, a conservation biologist with the American Bird Conservancy. UPPER MARLBORO, Md. — Marian Parker pulled her small Hyundai into the parking lot of an Upper Marlboro, Md. strip mall and started her daily mission. In the cluttered back seat, rested an empty cat cage, several bags of dry pet food, and cases of 22-ounce 'Paws and Claws Turkey and Giblets' dinner cans. Parker comes daily to feed a colony of about 20 feral cats. The animals live in a trash-filled, muddy, no-man’s land in the forest behind the shopping center along the banks of the Western Branch near the busy intersection of Routes 301 and 4. Parker and others have set out overturned plastic storage tubs filled with flea-infested straw in the muddy woods to shelter the cats. Holes are cut in the plastic for the cats to enter. To read more on this story, click here:Feral Cat Colony Crisis Pits Environmentalists Against Humane Groups
