Did You Know That Baking Soda is Safe to Use on Pets?

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.

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Cat Abandoned For Being Too Cuddly

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

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Clear the Shelters – Adoption Events Happening All Over The Country Today!

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!

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Boycott Urged After Photo of Emaciated Sri Lanka Elephant Emerges

Tourists have been told to boycott elephant attractions in Sri Lanka after viral photos showed a malnourished elephant that was being used in a festival.

The Save Elephant Foundation posted images of the pachyderm to raise awareness about the 70-year-old female’s plight.

“This is Tikiri, a 70-year-old ailing female. She is one of the 60 elephants who must work in the service of the Perahera Festival in Sri Lanka this year,” Lek Chailert, founder of Save Elephant Foundation, wrote on Facebook on Aug. 13.

To read more on this story, click here: Boycott Urged After Photo of Emaciated Sri Lanka Elephant Emerges


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59 Dogs, 3 Cats And 2 Turtles Rescued After ‘Poor Conditions’ Reported At Maryland Home

DICKERSON, Md. (WJZ) — More than 60 animals were removed from a Montgomery County home deemed to be unfit for the animals’ care Tuesday.

Animal Services officers from the Montgomery County Police-Animal Services Division performed and inspection and welfare check on a home in the 20400 block of Beallsville Road in Dickerson after a dog had to be humanely euthanized because of its condition.

Due to the “poor conditions,” the officers executed a search and seizure warrant and removed 59 dogs, three cats and two turtles from the home.

“These dogs, cats, and turtles are being treated for various medical issues and will be under the care and custody of the ASD for an undetermined period of time, “animal services said in a post.

To read more on this story, click here: 59 Dogs, 3 Cats And 2 Turtles Rescued After ‘Poor Conditions’ Reported At Maryland Home

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Coachella Woman Sentenced to Jail for Dumping Puppies in the Trash

The woman who was caught on a security camera throwing seven puppies into a trash can in Coachella, California, pleaded guilty Wednesday to 14 counts of animal cruelty and animal abandonment. 

A judge sentenced 54-year-old Deborah Sue Culwell to 365 days in county jail. She previously pleaded not guilty, but changed her plea in court on Wednesday. 

Culwell will spend 275 days of her sentence in custody and 90 days on a work release, the Riverside County District Attorney's Office told CBS News on Thursday. She also faces seven years of formal probation after her release.

To read more on this story, click here: Coachella Woman Sentenced to Jail for Dumping Puppies in the Trash

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Meet Suki, The Traveling Cat With The Most Amazing Adventures

Meet Suki, a beautiful Bengal cat from Canada who isn’t afraid of taking on big adventures. From a canoe ride to a blossoming meadow, each place is absolutely mesmerizing with beauty and of course Suki. Check out below to meet the travel kitty and her amazing travel photos.

P.S. Suki gets a lot of comments about her eyes. “The colour is edited!” admits her human. “I really enjoy playing around with the photographs to create a little magic, but if you’d like to see her normal eye colour it is visible in the many videos I have posted.”

To read more on this story, click here: Meet Suki, The Traveling Cat With The Most Amazing Adventures

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Mom Dog Desperately Hides 9 Puppies in Ditch From Cruel Owner Until Help Arrives

The arrival of new life is always a remarkable experience for parents and other family members. However, one dog owner thought just the opposite when his own dog gave birth to a litter of nine little bundles of joy. He was quick to post them on Facebook, not making a happy announcement; he simply wanted the dogs gone for good.

Nana is a 4-year-old pit bull boxer mix who gave birth to two litters of puppies, of which only one baby survived. When she was blessed with her third litter, all nine babies lived!

Chained for three out of her four years of life outside her home in North Carolina, Nana had a hard life living with her owner, who neglected her except for breeding. Then, with a big litter of nine puppies, the owner decided that he’d had enough. He wanted to give away all 10 pups, including the one from the previous litter, plus the mom.

To read more on this story, click here: Mom Dog Desperately Hides 9 Puppies in Ditch From Cruel Owner Until Help Arrives

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North Carolina Issues Warning About 'Zombie Snake' That Tends To Play Dead

Parks and recreation officials in North Carolina issued a warning about a so-called "zombie snake" in the state that tends to "play dead."

The North Carolina State Parks and Recreation shared images of the eastern hognose snake on its Facebook page, warning residents to stay alert if they happen to come across the creature, which defends itself by lying on it's back and pretending to be dead.

"Instead of watching clouds to see if we can keep weekend weather on track, let's play a game! Who is this ‘famous’ NC snake? A cobra? A zombie snake? It’s a harmless one," the organization wrote in a lighthearted Facebook post.

To read more on this story, click here: North Carolina Issues Warning About 'Zombie Snake' That Tends To Play Dead

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Cat With Rare Condition is so Happy When Someone Adopts Him and His Best Friend

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

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Cat, Kitten, Feline, Pet, Pet Adoption, Cat Health, Feline Cutaneous Asthenia, 




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Passenger Sues Delta And Pet Owner After Emotional Support Dog Attacked Him

A passenger traveling on a 2017 Delta flight is suing the airline and a pet owner, claiming that an emotional support dog bit him in an attack that left permanent damage to his face.

Marlin Jackson of Alabama filed the lawsuit over the June 2017 incident on Friday. He’s accusing the airline and the dog owner, a U.S. Marine, of negligence and demanding an unspecified amount of damages.

The lawsuit states Jackson was in a window seat when the dog sitting on the lap of the passenger next to him lunged for his face and pinned him against the wall of the aircraft, biting his face. The dog was identified on the police report as a mix of chocolate Labrador retriever and pointer. The attack occurred during boarding on a flight scheduled to travel from Atlanta and San Diego. Jackson said he asked the pet owner if the dog would bite before taking his seat.

To read more on this story, click here: Passenger Sues Delta And Pet Owner After Emotional Support Dog Attacked Him

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Can Cats Be Allergic to Dogs?

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?


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Can Dogs Be Allergic To Cats? Signs & Treatment

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

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Deformed Front Legs of Puppy Saved Him from Becoming Fighting Dog

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. 

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