Ren's Pet Blog

Ah, hear that? It's the crack of the first spring thunder storm.

Now hear that? It's the sound of your favourite canine bolting under some far-too-small-for-them-to-fit space to hide from Mother Nature's monstrous boom.

Like any other loving pet owner, you're probably distressed too - not over the thunder, lightening (or fireworks), but over the terror your dog is suffering through. You've probably tried everything to calm them down, to bring them out of their hiding place, but as much as you try, they won't stop profusely panting, whining or pawing.

The good news is that there are ways to come to their aid.

1. The Thundershirt

What the heck is this X-ray-bib-type-contraption, you might be asking? The Thundershirt provides gentle, constant pressure to your pet once robed, as pressure has been proven to have a calming effect on the nervous system. Over 2,000 customers were surveyed and the consensus was strong - over 80% of dogs show significant improvement when using the Thundershirt.
The product is also highly recommended by thousands of dog trainers and vets across the globe.

The benefit of this product is that it can help with all type of anxiety, regardless of the cause - help with over-excitability, nervousness, separation anxiety and of course, storm or firework issues.

2. Oral Remedies

Extra-jumpy pet? It might not hurt to combine two remedies if your carpets, drapes, furniture, your sleep, etc particularly suffer from dogs with high anxiety.

Drops or tablet remedies come in a wide variety, but if you're not wanting the vet bill for Valium, try a calming herbal or homeopathic method. HomeoPet offers an entire line of remedy drops which are fast acting with no known side effects, free of all harmful chemicals and manufactured under FDA registered processes.

If you're like us and hate the idea of leaving your pet at home while you go on vacation, fear not. There is a way to make bringing your beloved and furry friend with you. Here are some handy tips to help you make any journey, whether by car, plane or train a fabulous experience.

Driving – Crate: Depending on the type of car you drive, it might be a good idea to crate your dog for the ride. Whether or not you've actually crate-trained your dog before may lengthen your preparation time. If you haven't, dedicate some time to associate your dog with the cage. Keep your mood up-beat and reward them heavily with treats when they obey commands the first time. Also, don't start by leaving them in there all day when you're gone to work. Start slow and work your way up to the length of time you'll be on the road. Eventually, they won't mind.

Remember: NEVER shove the dog in the crate or associate any negative action with it. Let them go into it the first time on their own. Once you're ready for your trip, they'll just think it's even better now that they're getting to go in the car, too!

Driving – Harness/Backseat Bridge: If you're not crating your dog for travel, a harness is a great alternative. This will prevent them from leaping all over the seat, jumping into the front to hang out with you or taking a bad spill should you have to brake suddenly. Having a divider between you and the backseat might also be a good idea as it provides additional protection in case of sudden braking. Remember: Don't leave your dog in the car alone when it's hot outside. Even with a window cranked down it can get very hot very fast. Make sure they have adequate hydration – and giving some snacks along the way is okay, too.

Plane: First and foremost, check with the airline with their regulations on pet travel. Most, if not all, require a clean bill of health to be allowed to fly. In the case of flight travel, they will, more times than not, have to be crated. So take the time to train them if they're not already acquainted. Ensure they get on the plane with “adequate” food levels – they shouldn't have just eaten but they shouldn't have an empty belly, either.
Make sure they do their business before crating them, also. It's important they have access to water, but not tons of it as they won't have the chance to relieve themselves until off the plane. Also make sure to make their crate as home-like as possible. Include their favourite toys, blankets, treats, just anything that keeps him comforted. Dogs are excellent self-soothers, but sometimes they need some help. In extreme cases, you might need to consider medicating them.

Other Tips: In either case of travel in the car or on the plane, make sure one of the first things you do is let your animal become associated with their new surroundings – take them on a long walk and let them (and you) stretch. They may be a little nervous as they're totally out of their territory, but as long as you're calm, they'll be calm.

Let us help you get road-ready!

Does your dog stare at you while you're fluffing your pillow before sleep? They might be trying to figure out why you do this strange ritual, kind-of in the same way we watch them circle before plopping down for a snooze. Ever stop and ask yourself why they do this? It's a little bizarre, especially since it's a behaviour that's not breed specific. All dogs do it. And they've been doing it since they first started hanging out with us thousands of years ago.

Thankfully the answer can be found by taking a gander at their wild cousins.

Wolves, foxes, coyotes and other wild canines, unlike our domestic friends, do not have the luxury of soft and cozy beds in the wilderness. It's purely instinctual - they know how to make a sleeping area comfortable.

Instead of cotton or down, they have to make the best of snow, dirt or grass. Unless they have the protection of a den, they have to sleep out in the open. It's also a method of claiming territory for themselves. Even though they are social creatures and will sleep very tightly together, by circling a particular area, the wild dog is saying "finders keepers, this is my spot".

If your pet paws or scratches at the surface before lying down also, it's a similar action related to increasing comfort. Canines who historically manage extreme heat would dig a small hole (think desert foxes) which would help reduce their body temperature thanks to the newly exposed cooler soil. In cold temperatures, digging a hole would help them retain their body heat.

However, pay special attention to your pet if the circling last abnormally long, or if they get up, and try it again. Even though this behaviour serves little purpose for our domestic pets (since the value of the actions are gone), it can still provide us with information if there is a problem. If prolonged and repetitive circling is an issue, it could be a sign of a neurological disorder or arthritis. Restlessness could be a sign of a problem that would need the attention of a vet.

So next time you see your pet do this oh-so-cute circling maneuver, smile at the fact you're witnessing nature's power working in your living room...or bedroom...or kitchen...or.....anywhere in your house.

Don't have a pet bed yet? No problem - let us help!

You know how it starts.

Your canine/feline starts gnawing at the back of their tail, their legs or you find them arching a-la-yoga style to reach a random spot on their back. They squirm and wiggle on the carpet. You can almost read the desperation in their eyes - help me!

Dealing with fleas and ticks can be a serious nuisance for the both of you. The good news is that it's often treatable and manageable with the right combination of tactics and you may not have to resort to using harmful chemical concoctions.

It's DEFCON 5 - Be alert &  control the infected region.

Vacuum regularly! The pests are strong, but they're not Superman, so they can't stand up against the sucking power of your favourite cleaning device.  Vacuuming is one of the most immediate things you can do to control the spread of fleas and ticks, by almost 50% reduction. Focus on high-traffic areas and the areas in the home where your pet spends the most time. Window-sills and door beams are also a special hiding place.
If you have a central vac, use a brand new bag and remove it once you're done. The same rule applies with a stand-alone vac of any kind.
The first few days after realizing your pet has been invaded, vacuum regularly for the first week in those common areas.

Remove any unnecessary warm and moist areas in the home. Fleas and ticks best enjoy this type of tropical environment, so another temporary fix is to properly ventilate infested areas.
Don't forget the outside areas your pet frequents, too. Rake up any grass, leaves or organic debris where moisture (and pests!) will surely gather. If you can, burn the debris. If not, seal them in a plastic bag and discard.

All you need is love -- and a great comb.

Your pet is suffering, no doubt, and as hard as it may be, try to limit their active space to an easily cleanable area until the infestation fades. Depending on the level of the problem, you can use any of the following products to kill/remove the fleas and ticks:

Flea Combs are very helpful in removing adult fleas. Focus your combing technique to the parts of your pet where most of the fleas gather. When gathered via comb, place the fleas into hot, soapy water to destroy them.

Shampoos help, but take patience on the animals part. The mixture must remain on the pet for about 10 minutes, and many deterrent/removing shampoos contain nasty chemicals. If this is of concern for you, try looking for naturally cleansing shampoos.

Have some tips to share with fellow suffering owners? Sound off in the comments below!

Our high-energy in-house marketing team hit the road in Oakville yesterday, pumping up local businesses for the huge spring retail sale that started today. Armed with toys, treats and other goodies, the pack spread out up and down Trafalgar, spreading joy and cheer wherever they landed.

Our Spring Sale is one that CAN NOT be missed! Prices have plummeted to "lowest in the country" status on anything and everything you can think of. Customers will find over 5 pages specifically featuring mind-blowing deals on cat and dog food alone! Greenies, Furminator, Petsafe, NaturVet, Acana, Royal Canin and Wellness are just a handful of brands you'll see during this 7 Day Sale.

These deals are IN-STORE ONLY at any of the three retail locations in Guelph, Kitchener-Waterloo and Oakville. The earlier you come in the better, since deals are while supplies last!

The Spring Sale runs from April 12th to April 18th. Please note the flyer is only visible to Ontario residents. You can view the sale flyer before going to the store on Facebook or on our website!

The team at Ren's would like to wish Chrissy D. a huge congratulations for winning our Facebook Easter Photo Contest. We received over 20 entries this year, and it was an incredibly difficult decision to make!

We were astounded with the variation in pet pictures submitted this year; from the expected dog and cat pictures to horses, birds, bunnies and even snakes!

We could rant and rave about how original Chrissy's entry was, but we'll let the photo speak for itself.

It was all dogs, models, prizes and clothes at St. George's Banquet Hall in Waterloo for the KW Humane Society Fashion Show fundraiser on Sunday. Adorable pooches met adorable models and adorable fashions on the catwalk for the 2+ hour long event.

Prior to the show, guests, some 250+, mixed and mingled while browsing the silent auction items and shopping from local vendors.

We snuck back-stage to take a peak at the dogs getting primped and prettied for the big show and we couldn't help but get swept away with all the glitz and glamour!...and fur.

Pups strutted their stuff in both elegant and practical coats, life vests and bandana's. Once the canine's wagged away, guests enjoyed women's fashions ranging from feminine day-wear to stunning evening dresses and flirty lingerie.

The guys weren't left out, though! Both edgy and classic styles were showcased. But, the highlight of the show were the adorable little-ones in their trendy designs.

A huge shout-out to the KW Humane Society for presenting this spectacular event for the 6th year in a row. All proceeds from the fundraiser will go directly to helping the shelter's orphaned animals. Keep up all the great work!

A growing trend in the grooming world is “pet tuning”, a lighter version of grooming which alters the pets appearance to their owner's life-style. It allows for more creativity, such as nail painting and fur colouring.

Some pet owners have used “human” nail polish on their animals, unknowingly introducing them to dangerous toxins. Human nail polish contains ethyl acetate, a respiratory tract irritant, and formaldehyde which can cause skin rashes. Dogs have especially sensitive noses that would become extremely irritated if the wrong product was used on their nails. Worse yet, if they tried removing the product themselves, ingestion of the chemicals could be quite dangerous.

So if painting Fido's claws a bright red is in the cards for her this summer, make sure you use a pet-safe product, which is non-toxic (colourants are free from lead, arsenic, DBP and formaldehyde).

The same rule applies with fur dyes. Using dyes that we use on our own hair will not only introduce foreign chemicals to our beloved pet's immune system but also damage the hair quality.

 

Bonus tip!

Finish off your perfectly pampered pooch's look with an adorable bow. You can tie these decorative strings into their fur to offset their outfit or compliment their new manicure.

To make an easy bow, measure a 7.5 inch piece of ribbon and cut the ends at an angle. Cross these ends to make an X with a loop and push the loop to meet the center of the X. Place a small rubber or latex hair band on the back side of the bow. The circle of the band should be flat against the back of the bow. Bend the band over the top of the bow where it will meet the bottom of the band and give it a tug to tighten it.

Many long-time dog owners know the benefits of having such a close, furry friend. Several clinical studies prove that pets have a positive impact on general mental well-being, helping with stress through mood-boosting, and through touch by helping lower blood pressure. Dogs and cats also help with sick patients in hospitals by improving their over-all sense of happiness.

But, dog owners have a special perk  - simply having a pooch means the responsibility of making sure they have adequate exercise. With a society that is becoming increasingly sedentary because of long commutes followed by long days at a desk, walking Fido every day may very well save your life.

Let's start with a few facts. There are many of us who spend 7-9+ hours a day working at a desk and perhaps another 30 min - 1hr (or more!) commuting. There are plenty of sources online that tell us this is bad, but why exactly? Muscles need to be used regularly to maintain flexibility and strength. If unused, they can can atrophy. Additional pressure to the muscles on the back of your thighs (hamstrings) can affect your circulation significantly and cause leg pain. If they feel tight after a day of sitting, that's your bodies way of telling you that you need to stretch. You need to move. You need to do squats and lunges at work (like we do!).

The journal of the American Heart Association, Circulation, published a public physical activity and public health report in 2007, after consulting an expert panel of physicians and exercise scientists. They concluded that 30 minutes of exercise a day would be the most beneficial. To many of us, that might seem like a lot of time to dedicate, but considering the increasing epidemic of heart disease, diabetes and obesity, it's time we must take.

In the April 2005 issue of Diabetes Care, The National Public Health Institute in Finland reported that moderate physical exercise, like walking every day for 30 minutes, significantly reduced the risk of heart disease by 39%. Those who were more active reduced the risk by 48% and benefits were the same for both women and men.

Such exercise was also proven to reduce heart disease risk factors even more than drugs. Another study, conducted by the U.S National Institute of Health's Diabetes Prevention Program, determined that those who were high risk for developing heart disease or diabetes (either due to genetic disposition or because of their lifestyles) who included 150 minutes a week of moderate exercise, like walking, their risk was lowered more than taking the drug Metformin! On-top of that, the good cholesterol, HDL (as found in eggs) rose significantly while the bad kind, LDL, dropped. High blood pressure also reduced significantly.

But health isn't all about how fit you are. Overall wellness also includes mental and emotional health, too. Research indicates that improved mental, social and physical health are associated with the presence of greenery and being outdoors (the CFLRI 2011 Series on Outdoor Activity).

That's where Fido comes in.

Big dog, small dog, lazy-attitude dog or hyper-all-over-the-place dog - they all need exercise. And unless they're outdoor dogs and can run around and entertain themselves all day while you're away, those 30 minutes can take care of two tasks at once. We'd say "kill two birds with one stone" but that doesn't sit too well with us ;).

And keep in mind that the risks we expose ourselves to by not being mobile applies to our pets, too. They need it just as much as we do for their own health. Their muscles can also degrade if not used, their cardiovascular health can diminish and this puts them at increased risk for disease.

It doesn't have to be a chore, either. Allow yourself to enjoy the scenery, take deep and long breaths of fresh air and enjoy the mental downtime you have. You can make it a social event, too. Bring a family member or friend to maintain those bonds or create new ones by meeting new friends in a dog park or trail. There's no doubt about it. The benefits to being outside with your pooch might very well help manage your stress levels and improve your over-all well being.

So go ahead, jingle that leash. You know what happens next.

We're celebrating an early spring with a great contest! Enter your adorable, wacky and creative photo's in our Easter 2012 Photo Contest. Submit 1 original photo of your pet in Easter-themed costumes (bunny-ears, eggs, little chicks, etc) and be entered to win one $50 Gift Card to use in-store or online!

GOOD LUCK!

Contest Rules

Contest runs March 19th-April 3rd, 2012.
Submissions will only be accepted online.
No retail stores will accept submissions.
Limit 1 photo per contestant, please. Sorry, Canadian entrants only.
Winner will be notified via phone or e-mail on April 5th, 2012.
All entrants will be required to answer a Skill Testing Question.

Submission Options

Please send all email entries, subject titled "Easter 2012 Photo Contest" to kris@renspets.com
You may also post your image or private message us with your entry on Facebook.