Finding The Right Pet Product Company: Your Quick Reference Guide

If you have a dog or other pet that you love dearly, you probably want to make sure that you can purchase top notch pet products for the animal. In some cases, the process of locating the ideal products can seem overwhelming. If this is your challenge, this is the quick reference guide for you. Use some or all of the strategies outlined below to ensure that you can find the ideal pet product company:

  1. Read Through The Company's Website. 

 One of your first steps towards finding the right pet product company is reading through their business website. Taking this step will empower you to learn more about the company, thereby helping you make an informed decision regarding whether you should purchase pet products from them. 

Key questions that you should ask yourself as you read through the company's website include: 

•  How long has the company been operating? 
•  What is the company's mission statement? 
•  Are their pet products environment-friendly? 
• Can their products be purchased via internet? If so, what is the shipping and return policy?
•  What types of payment methods are accepted? (Examples: Credit Card, Paypal, Check, Money Order, Cash...) 
• Can I cancel my order if necessary? 

 Another question you should ask as you peruse through the pet company's business website is what types of brands are available through them. Note that Vet Products Direct sells reputable brands such as Joint Guard and Paw. Note that many pet product companies will include "Live Chat" features which enable you to speak with a customer service representative over the phone. 

  2. Check The Company's Online Reviews. 

 In addition to carefully reading through the information found on the pet product company's website, make sure that you take the time to check their online reviews. Over 80% of consumers now read through these reviews to develop an accurate understanding of the quality level they can expect when purchasing products or services from a specific company. When you find that a pet product supplier regularly receives incredible reviews from their clients, this is a strong indication that they operate in excellence and can be counted on to provide you with stellar service. On the other hand, if you note that a pet product retailer consistently receives unfavorable online reviews, consider this to be a big red flag and think twice before purchasing any goods from them. 

  3. Compare And Contrast. 

 In some cases, an individual might fall head over heels in love with the first pet product supplier they come across. When this happens, keep in mind that it's important to shop around before you settle on any one retailer. This is the case for many reasons, including the fact that some retailers offer more cost-effective pricing than others. Another reason you'll want to shop around includes the fact that doing so can help you determine which companies offer the highest quality brands. 

  Start Shopping For The Right Company Now! 

 Once you realize that it's time to purchase pet products for your furry friend, it's important to ensure that you obtain high quality goods at reasonable rates. To ensure that you can, implement the shopping strategies outlined in this quick reference guide!

Useful Accessories Every Pet Owner Needs

Owning a pet will enrich your life beyond measure. Pets provide unconditional love and they pick us up when we are down. Stroking a pet provides stress relief and walking a dog is good exercise. The only downside is that owning a pet can be expensive. Vets bills, food, and pet accessories all add up, but if you want your pet to be happy and healthy, consider any money you do spend a good investment.

There are tons of fabulous pet accessories to choose from, so to make your shopping experience easier, here is a quick rundown on the best products available.

LED Pet Collar

Plenty of pet owners take their dog out for walkies late at night. It’s the last chance for Fido to go to the bathroom and catch up on some interesting smells. Nighttime walks are peaceful, but if you let your dog off the lead, you might have a problem finding him in the dark.

LED collars are a cheap but useful accessory for pets. As the name suggests, an LED collar lights up at night and helps you (and other road users) spot him in the dark. You can pick up LED collars relatively cheaply. The batteries can be replaced, but it is often cheaper to buy a new collar instead.

Clip Harness

Clipping a leash to a harness is much better than clipping it to a collar. Putting your pet in a harness spreads the load when he pulls. Walking a strong dog in just a collar can lead can cause irreparable damage if he pulls very hard. Some dogs will even pass out from a lack of oxygen.

A pet harness is kinder and more effective. Mesh harnesses are breathable and quick to dry, so can be laundered as often as needed. They are also comfortable for the dog to wear.

GPS Pet Tracker

A GPS collar for dogs will protect your pet, wherever he is. The GPS tracker transmits the dog’s exact location to a handheld device, so you can find him if he strays beyond a pre-determined perimeter. The technology is invaluable if your pooch has a habit of escaping the back yard or you are fearful of him being stolen. 

Travel Water Bowl

Dogs need drinking water throughout the day, especially if you are taking them for a long walk in the Great Outdoors. A travel drinking bowl can be flattened and placed inside a bag, along with a bottle of water. Open the bowl when your pet needs a drink and put it away when he’s sated his thirst.

Hi-Viz Pet Coat

Hi-Viz pet coats offer greater visibility at night and in poor weather conditions. Protect your pet from the weather and other road users by investing in a Hi-Viz coat. Used in conjunction with an LED collar, your pet will stand out for miles.

Pet Booties

Lastly, if you have wooden floors, invest in some non-slip pet booties. It could prevent a nasty accident!

Shop around for pet accessories. There are some great bargains online!​

3 Ways to Help Dogs Suffering from Arthritis

If there's one thing we all love about dogs, it's that they are never short of energy and love to play and run around - and no caring dog owner is going to stand by and watch their pet lose its zeal for life. If your dog seems low on energy or is having trouble running, jumping, or climbing, arthritis may be to blame. There are many ways to offer your pet the relief it deserves. In this article, we'll share three simple remedies for arthritis in dogs.

1. Feed your Dog a Joint-healthy Diet

The latest research on arthritis - in humans as well as dogs - shows that reducing inflammation is probably the best way to provide relief and even cure this painful condition. A diet rich in healthy oils and antioxidants will boost your dog's immune system, reduce swelling, and improve its overall quality of life.

You'll want to avoid commercial grain-based dog foods and include oily fish, blueberries, goji berries, and plenty of green and yellow vegetables in your dog's diet. Supplements like chondroitin and glucosamine are great for your pet's joints - and you'll find special formulations for dogs that provide just the right dosage. After all, if you're not comfortable eating something, why feed it to your dog?

2. Fight Arthritis with CBD

CBD (cannabidiol) is taking the alternative medicine world by storm with satisfied users reporting increased health and big improvements in a range of conditions, from overall immune system health to seasonal allergies - and arthritis too. Despite its name, CBD for pets is not cannabis - and it's not illegal either. It's an extract of the cannabis plant that may reduce inflammation in your dog's joints, healing your pet's aches and pains.

3. Make Your Dog Comfortable During Recovery

Just like humans, dogs start to feel down when they're not well - and one of the best things you can do for your pet is to make them comfortable while their new diet and supplement kick in. Make sure your dog has a comfortable place to sleep at night and rest during the day, with soft pillows and blankets to support painful joints.

If your dog is in pain, it will always appreciate quality time with you - and you'll provide a much-needed distraction from the daily burden of your pet's painful joints. You'll also want to massage your dog from time to time, or if you're worried about causing them pain, you can ask your local vet or dog grooming center to recommend a massage therapist who specializes in canine customers.

Conclusion

When it comes to suffering from arthritis and longing for a cure, dogs and humans are just the same. Your dog relies on you to help it through its health issues, and by following the tips we've shared with you today, you'll soon see a big improvement in your pet's joint health. Recovery from arthritis takes time - and it may never disappear completely - but there is a lot you can do to reduce your dog's joint pain and let it get on with the business of living. Here's to the good health of your dog's joints!

Special Care for Dogs with a Leg Injury

Dogs can communicate emotions such as happy, nervous or excited quite well. However, dogs aren’t able to let their owners know their pain level. In fact, they may try to go about their normal activity even when they have injured themselves and are in pain. They depend on their owner for help them in times of illness or injury.

Extra Support

Dogs can injure a leg simply by running and playing. An injury can occur when they jump off a bed or sofa or other elevated places. Sometimes, the vet will recommend rest and stabilization of the injured leg. In more serious situations, a dog may require surgery. In either circumstance, a dog leg brace is going to play a large role in keeping your pet comfortable during the healing process. A high-quality brace that provides support can play a significant role in expediting your pet’s recovery.

Extra Attention

When the activity level of an active dog is reduced to protect an injured leg, you may need to monitor your dog’s diet more carefully. It’s important that it does not put on extra pounds during the healing process. A reduction of food or a change in the type of food you feed them may be necessary. Instead of letting your dog out in the yard where it can run and possibly do further damage to the injured leg, you may need to walk it outdoors on a leash. If you have more than one dog, you may need to separate the injured dog from the other dogs while you are away from home. Even with an injury, your dog might try engaging in playtime with the other dogs. 

Special Accommodations

While your dog is wearing a brace, you need to be sure that they have a bed they can easily get on and off of.  Teaching a small dog to use a ramp to get on and off the sofa or your bed will enable it to continue its routine habits and can help prevent future injuries. If the vet instructs you to limit the amount of walking your dog does while recovering from a leg injury, you will need to place its food and water close to its sleeping area.