So You Want a Pet

If you are a looking for a pet that is low maintenance; think about the following.    You want a pet that you can interact with and one that is easy maintenance.  We all have heard our kids say that they will take care of the pet, but we all know that ultimately, it is the parent’s job.    If you get a pet that is easy to care for, you have a good chance that your child will  care for it and learn a good lesson in responsibility.

Guinea pigs are a great choice for a first pet. Guines pigs weigh a couple of pounds and  live an average of five to seven years (twice as long as rats and gerbils).   Guinea pigs are generally a calm animal who will let out little squeaks as a way of communicating their happiness.  They are social animals who need interaction and attention on a daily basis for their well being.  They need time out their cage that can consistof  spending time in your lap or exploring  a new area of the house (while you carefully monitor her movement). 

Guinea Pig Supplies  

– Solid-bottom cage with wire cover or plastic-bottom “tub” cage (minimum four square feet of cage space per pig)
– Guinea pig pellets
– Aspen or hardwood shavings
– Timothy  hay
– Bed
– Attachable water bottle with drinking tube
– Food dish
– Safe chew toy Toys

Check out GregRobert Pet Supplies for a great selection of guinea pig supplies.

Water Quality in Your Aquarium

 Just as we need clean air, free of harmful products to breath; fish need clean water to survive.  Clean water is not just the clear color, but also includes water quality. 

Testing water quality should be a priority for your aquarium

The important levels that need to be tested are:
1.  pH – A pH level of  close to 6.5 is the ideal pH for MOST fish.

2. hardness –  Most fish require soft water.  Hardness test will  measure the amount of calcium and magnesium.

3. alkalinity – This measures the compounds that stabilize pH.

4. nitrite (NO2)–  This compound is highly poisonous. Nitrite is more toxic than nitrate.  High levels of nitrite require water change.  The addition of fluids with zeolite will also help.

5. nitrate (NO3)–  High levels of nitrate can be harmful over time. Again, water change will help; along with adding fluids with zeolite.

6. ammonia (NH3)– This is another highly poisonous compound. Again, water change will help; along with adding fluids with zeolite.

Individual strips can be purchased to measure each value, but it is easier and more economical to purchase a kit that measures everything at one time.  A kit, like the Mardel Master Aquarium Test Kit  (pictured above) measures all the levels.

In the breaking in phase of you aquarium, you should check the levels everyday.  Later, check levels every 1-2 weeks.  This will ensure proper water quality and healthy fish.

The Poop on Litter Box Choices

There are more choices in letter than ever before.  Gone are the days where people used old dishpans for a litter box.  Today there are disposable pans, simple plastic pans, covered pans and even self-cleaning pans.

Disposable pans which are small cardboard litter boxes are good for shelters, rescuers and breeder, but are not very practical for long-term use of you pet cat.

Simple plastic litter pans are relatively inexpensive and many cat owners still feel that simple is better.

By far, the covered litter pans are growing in popularity, such as the
Sifting Enclosed Cat Panshown above.  A hood and door are the items that keep odors down and prevent dogs and children from getting into the litter. Many covered litter pans, including this one, have an odor filter in the hood. In addition, this litter pan has a sifting system that consists of of two litter pans below a sifting pan with a hood on top.  This eliminate digging through the litter for waste.   Even thought a cover pan helps get down odors, you still need to diligently keep the litter clean.    Cats with asthma should not use a covered litter pan.  They need the increased ventilation of an opened pan.

What ever type litter box you choose, be sure to place it in an area that you cat feels safe and secure.

Keep Your Pet Warm in Style

The days are cooler, the leaves are fallen and soon the fall season will give way to winter.  Now is the time to start thinking about keeping your pet warm this winter.   If you walk  your pet  in the cold
or snow, a pet coat or sweater is a must,
especially for short haired dogs.

There are so many styles to choose from.  The number 1 selling coat at GregRobert Pet Supplies  is the Shearling Faux Suede Dog Coat pictured to the right.  Available in sizes  X-Small to XXX-Large and in a variety of colors fom the pretty pink to the neutral camel, it is a fashion statement ready to be made.  In addition,  the coat is fully lined with sherpa fleece and has a large sherpa collar to keep your pet extra warm.  Any winter walk will be a warm walk in this coat.

While you are visiting GregRobert’s website, be sure to take a check out at all the pet coats in stock for fall of 2010.

Cuddle Cube Cat Beds are the Cat’s Meow

It’s not very often a new product gets as much hoopla as these cuddle beds have been getting. 

They are super thick – a full 6 inches of warmth and softness that are irresistible to all breeds of cats.

K and H manufacturing has expanded past the heated pet bed market to embark upon unheated pet beds – and the cubes are the hallmark of it’s success into this market.

There are cuddle cube beds available for dogs in 3 sizes and colors. The cubes designed for dogs are a full foot thick – to allow your dog to sink in and really enjoy a winter afternoon nap.

 The cat cuddle cubespictured to the right come in a tantalizing leopard pattern. They are available in two sizes and the outside berber cover can be removed for easy washing. 

While you’re visiting GregRobert’s website, be sure to take a quick peek at all the new pet beds in stock for fall of 2010.