Even Small Pets Need Beds

Time to get your chinchilla, rabbit or guinea pig a bed. There are so many cute and comfy small pet beds available. From grass beds to sleep sacks to hanging beds to small animal heated pad to keep your buddy warm on the upcoming winter nights.   These beds come in all sizes The Sleep-E-Sack Super Sleeper is an oversized sleeping  bag for a variety of small animals. Sleep-E-Sack comes with four strong clips so  you can position it low inside any wire pet home for guinea pigs and dwarf  bunnies or hang it high for frisky ferrets, pet rats and sugar gliders. With its  fleece lining and plush padding for extra comfort, the Sleep-E-Sack is an  accessory no pet should be without. Super Sleepers provide the perfect place to  play or sleep and are machine washable. Please note that color and pattern of fabric may vary. For: Chinchillas, Guinea Pigs,  Rabbits, Ferrets, Pet Rats Size: 11.5 L x 17 H (inches)and shapes just to delight your small pet.

 

The Comf-E-Cube for Small Pets  is perfect for Ferrets, Rabbits, Guinea Pigs,  Pet Rats,
or Chinchillas.  Its fleece-lined floor is perfect for snuggling and it’s padded on every side
for cushiony comfort for a perfect place to play, hang out,  rest and sleep. So easy to
install, simply clip to the top of your pet’s cage.  Comf-E-Cube for Small Pets are a perfect
size 10 x  10 x 10 inches and are machine washable.

 

Another cute and comfy bed is the Sleep-E-Sack Super Sleeper, an oversized sleeping  bag for a variety of small animals. Perfect for Ferrets, Rabbits, Guinea Pigs,  Pet Rats, or Chinchillas. The Sleep-E-Sack Super Sleeper comes with four strong clips to hold the sleeper securley.  Position it low inside any wire pet home for guinea pigs and dwarf  bunnies or hang it high for frisky ferrets, pet rats and sugar gliders. The Sleep-E-Sack Super Sleeper has comfy fleece lining and plush padding for extra comfort provides the perfect play and sleep place.  The size is  11.5 L x 17 H inches and is  machine washable.

Your small pet will thank you for his new bed!

Perfect Horse Grooming Kit

There are many reasons to groom your horse.  Of course, your horse loves to bond with you so that alone is a good reason. In addition you want to clean him so he will look good and feel comfortable.  When grooming you can check him for skin problems or injuries.    Grooming helps prevent him from getting sores from dirt under the tack when riding him.  Grooming your horse wiill make his coat shiny and his skin conditioned.  Finally, grooming will promote good blood circulation.

There are basic items you need to properly groom your horse.

– Hoof Pick for picking out the feet.

– Hoof brush used  for cleaning the feet.

– Large sponge for washing the horse.

– Sweat Scraper to remove sweat from your horse.

– Rubber Dandy Brush to remove heavy dirt and dried mud.

– Rubber Curry Comb to remove dirt and caked mud.  Also, for rubbing the skin. 

Plastic Body brush used to remove dirt, dust and scurf (dried sweat and dandruff) from the coat and skin.

Plastic Mane Comb for untangling the mane and tail.  Do not us a metal comb because they break off hair.

There a many horse grooming kits available.      The Roma Ultimate Horse Grooming Kit cotains all the essential grooming items.  They all fit in the sturdy box that is included with the kit. Great colors to choose from –  Purple, pink or blue. 

Roma Ultimate Horse Grooming Kit contains:

  • One (1) hoof pick with scraper
  •  One (1) hoof oil brush/can
  • One (1) large sponge
  • One (1) plastic sweat scraper
  • One (1) 7 inch plastic dandy brush
  • One (1) 5 inch rubber curry comb
  • One (1) 5.5 inch plastic body brush
  • One (1) 4 inch plastic mane comb
  • One (1) packet of 500 braiding bands
  • One (1) hoof oil brush/can

The Roma Ultimate Horse Grooming Kit makes a great gift for your horse lover.

Get the Perfect Cat Scratching Post

Do you know why cats  scratch the same area over and over?  It is their way of communicating and marking their territory.  First of all, the scratch marks leave a visual clue that they have been in the area.  Secondly, did you know that cats have scent glands in their paws?  When they scratch they leave an odor that can be smelled by other cats.  This is why your cat may be scratching a predominant object, like your table or sofa, in your house.  He wants everyone to know that he is there and that area belongs to him.   

In order to save your prized possessions, you must get a scratching post so your cat can mark his spot in your house.  If  you cat has already damaged an area in your house, cover that area with thick plastic to encourage him to stay away from that area.    The scratching post should be placed next to the covered area.  Encourage your cat to use the scratching post by playing with the dangle toys on the post or using catnip to scent the post.

If you have a kitty or a cat who is new to your home immediately find  two or three areas used the most by the cat.  For example: near the sleeping place, near the resting place and the area where he likes to play. Encourage your cat to use the scratching post by playing with the dangle toys on the post or using catnip to scent the post.

 

You can purchase a simple scratching post or an elaborate scratching post or one in between.  I suggest to have a couple different styles in your home.  The Seagrass Cat Scratcher  shown on this page is available in a case two. It allows both horizontal and vertical scratching surfaces.  It measures 12″in  diameter base and 19.5″ tall overall and includes a feather dangler.  Made in the USA.

A scratching post is essential for any cat. Cats will always have an urge to scratch so you must provide an outlet to save your household items.  More importantly, the scratching post is necessary for your cat to stretch and exercise, therefore vital to your cat’s good health.

Simple Cat Grooming

You have watched your cat groom herself several times a day.  Cats take care of themselves by licking their fur which keeps it clean and and in place. Some cats look great with little care, those are the ones born with good hair. Then, there are others who need a little more help.

A shorthair cat needs less owner grooming than a longhair cat, but regular grooming is a must for both.  Besides making your cat’s appearance look good, grooming helps avoid serious hairballs.  Every time your cat grooms herself, she is swallowing hair that results in those hairballs she coughs up.   Matting of hair is another issue.  The thick tangles of matted hair are painful and can even tear the cat’s skin.  The only way to get rid of mats is to shave them off

Every cat owner needs some basic grooming supplies. The most essential basic grooming tool is the metal comb. The Gripsoft Cat Comb is a metal comb with a rubber handle for ease of use.   Next, you need a slicker brush.  A slicker brush is designed to help remove mats, in addition to pulling out dead hair and gently stimulating the skin.  This promotes healthy circulation. The Gripsoff Cat Slicker Brush  works to prevent hairball formation, while dematting your cat’s fur. Most cats enjoy the gentle sensation of the metal comb and slicker brush.   If you hit a tangle or mat, cut or shave it off.  Do not try to comb or brush through it.

 

If your cat has short hair, you only need once a week grooming.

  •  First, use a metal comb and work through thef ur from head to tail.
  •  Then use the slicker brush to reomve the dead and loose hair.

If your cat has long hair, you will need to brush every day.

  • First, use a metal comb to comb the legs. Very gently comb the belly and chest.
  • Then use the slicker brush  to brush the  fur in an upward motion.
  • Finally to brush the tail, part the middle and brush the fur out on either side.

 

With a little time and effort, your cat will be looking and feeling good.

RachelsRobin.com Announces “Dog Days of Summer Sale” for Wild Birds

TOP WILD BIRD PRODUCTS

 

When the temperatures soar, those friendly little feathered friends can stop soaring if they are not given enough water!  We’ve talked and talked about the necessity of offering feathered visitors some water  – but during these stifling hot days throughout most of the US – it is even more important.

With RachelsRobin’s Dog Days sale – you can stock up on NEVER MELT SUET and a bird bath – save big and use coupon dogday to save even more.

Many people think they have to spend hundreds on an effective bird bath, but that is simply not true. One of our favorites is just $10 and does an absolute splendid job keeping your feathered visitors happy and hydrated.  The Perky Pet Water Cooler.  It holds 1.5 quarts and is easily carried around to hang wherever the birds come.

Stop on by and let us EARN your business with our quick smiles, knowledgeable  staff and great prices at www.RachelsRobin.com

Dog Day’s of Summer Sale is in Full Swing – Tell your buddies!

 

Our front page image tells it all – the “Dog Days of Summer Sale” is here once again at GregRobert Pet Supplies and we think it’s going to be the biggest and best of all time.

First there are the obvious items you should purchase for your pet, like an outdoor pet watering device that works automatically, but there are some not-so-obvious items that can be a huge savings for the summer traveler that loves to bring the little pet along.

If you are ‘road tripping’ it, consider getting an auto seat  liner to save on hair getting in the crevices of your vehicle as well as keeping fido safe on quick stops.    We also LOVE the handi-drink instant dog waterer to keep fido as hydrated as you.

There is so much more, so PLEASE stop by www.GRpet.com and be prepared to save a bundle on a bundle of summer fun with your pets!

Redbarn Natural – Made in the USA Dog Treats

Natural or Made in the USA?

How about both?

Many customers are torn between American loyalty and Natural products.  Ideally, a product would be manufactured in the US and additionally be all-natural, especially products that are for your pet’s consumption.

Redbarn is proud to boast both of these criteria.  They manufacture many products in the USA and have an extensive Natural line that dog owners love.

Redbarn has natural body part items sourced and manufactured in the USA. Below are 5 of their best selling Made in the US dog treats that are also Natural.

So don’t compromise on your pup and choose both:  Made in the USA and Natural.

Pet Water Needs

Your pet needs constant access to water just we we humans do. With the hotter of summer months approaching their system will require more water to stay healthy. While this is not new news to pet owners there some issues that can get overlooked. The average  40 lb dog needs a liter of water a day.  A ten pound cat will require about one forth of that. The point is not to monitor your pets water intact as much as it is to provide the necessary amount of fresh drinkable water throughout the day that will allow them to get their proper fill.

Water health concerns:

1) The first issue that comes to mind is if there is not enough water. Water makes up 80% of our bodies (you and your pet). It plays into nearly every system your body needs to function properly.  From circulation, digestion to waste removal and temperature control (among others) water is essential.  Continued dehydration can cause a number of issues some as serious as heart and kidney damage.

2) Bacteria in your pets water source can be an issue.  Certain bacteria can cause water to taste funny (who wants to drink bad tasting water?) while other bacteria can cause your pet to get sick. Your pets water dish needs to be cleaned daily to prevent a problem.

3) Even if water is readily available your pet may use that ever full water source known to most of us as a toilet. Obviously bacteria in the toilet does not belong in your pets drinking water. Also, automatically dispensed toilet cleaners can be poisonous.

What ways can we easily address these concerns?

The third concern is relatively straight forward. Keep the toilet lid closed and stay away from using automated toilet bowl cleaners. The first and second require just a little thought. Use a water bowl that can be easily cleaned. A lot of nooks and crannies can make the job more difficult. Being able to toss it in a dishwasher with your other dishes is a nice feature. We need to provide sufficient fresh water in all areas that your pet will spend significant time. For example, if your pet sends time indoors and outside than water sources need to be in both areas. The water needs to be appealing so therefore it needs to be fresh. That means throwing out stale/dirty water and refilling with fresh on a regular basis.  There are products designed to make this more convenient such as the new Drinkwell Lotus Ceramic Fountain for Pets. This item has a pump that circulates the water through a foam filter to remove debris/hair to help keep the water fresh. With a water capacity of 50 fl oz (about 1.5 liters) this will satisfy the daily needs for a pet up to about 60 lbs.  It a can be put in your dishwasher for easy cleaning (outside of the pump)

Don’t forget to take a portable source of water with you if your going for a walk or to the outdoors for any length of time.  Just like we need more water when exercising or in heat so do our pets. The Hydro-go Pet Canteen – 36 oz is a product that is a canteen to carry water and a water bowl all in one. In addition, it is dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.

Our pets water needs are pretty simple but can be overlooked. A little forethought and following a few easy rules and this basic need is easily met.

RachelsRobin.com Thanksgiving Well Wishes

Happy Thanksgiving to you, your birds and your family!

Count your blessings instead of your crosses;
Count your gains instead of your losses.

Count your joys instead of your woes;
Count your friends instead of your foes.

Count your smiles instead of your tears;
Count your courage instead of your fears.

Count your full years instead of your lean;
Count your kind deeds instead of your mean.

Count your health instead of your wealth;
Count on God instead of yourself.

 

Can You Potty Train a Pet Parrot?

Of course you always want to hold your parrot, but something can prevent you from giving your bird the attention he deserves – the risk of him eliminating his waste on you!  Luckily for bird owners everywhere, it is actually possible to train your pet parrot to not use YOU as the restroom.  What you will do is recognize a signal from your bird that he needs to go to the bathroom, which will allow you the time to get him back into his cage in order to use his cage as his restroom.  Once you understand the cues that your pet bird displays, he will always go to the bathroom in his cage!

Now you have to start training your bird.  Whenever you see your bird shifting his weight or squatting (which are usually signals he is getting ready to relive himself), you will give him a verbal command.  It is very important that you identify the specific behavior your bird exhibits when he needs to go to the bathroom as it may be different for every bird.  You will need to consistently give the “go potty” command every time your bird begins to relieve themselves, so you need to have a large block of time devoted to training your bird.  The command you use is up to you, but usually something along the lines of “go potty” works well.  Also keep in mind that every bird has a different potty schedule.  Sometimes parrots can go to the bathroom every 20 minutes.

Once your bird makes the association between your command and his going to the bathroom, you can practice the command once he is out of the cage.  Play with your bird out of the cage and pay attention to when he exhibits his potty behavior.  When you see this behavior, put your bird back into his cage and give him your special command (“go potty”).  When your parrot goes to the bathroom in his cage, praise him and reward him with his favorite treat.  Repeat this process many times in a row, to really get your bird to understand his new trick.  Once your bird has consistently relieved himself in his cage instead of on you, you will have officially trained your parrot!

Now you will need some yummy pet bird treats.  Parrots love the Extreme Fruit and Nut Big Bites Bird Treats, pictured above.  There is a variety of nuts as well as fruits in this mix that your parrot will love.  The Extreme Fruit and Nut Big Bites Bird Treats is the perfect “special treat” food.  If your bird does not like nuts, try the Fiesta Yogurt Dip – Parrot 3.5 oz treat.  The Fiesta Yogurt Dip – Parrot 3.5 oz has real fruit pieces that are covered in yogurt.  Delicious!