Christmas is just around the corner, and you may already be making your gift list. Don’t forget your pet! Purchase affordable toys, gear and accessories for your cat or dog on the Web. Many pet manufacturers (such as planetdog.com) and mail-order catalogs (like inthecompanyofdogs.com) offer sale sections on last year’s products or overstocked or hard-to-sell items. If you visit a larger pet store like petco.com, type “sale” in the search feature to find marked-down items. (Remember to always take shipping charges into consideration; do a Google search for a free shipping coupon code before you buy.)

Posted by Charlotte Reed, pet expert and author of The Miss Fido Manners Complete Book of Dog Etiquette

SEE ALSO:
Make your own pet toys
10 little known pet health hazards
Surprising ways to save on healthcare

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Puppies, smaller dogs and senior pooches don’t always want to go outside to use the bathroom in cold weather—but you don’t want your canine relieving itself inside on the floor or carpet! Instead of purchasing scented pee pads or an expensive elimination unit, make a portable, indoor potty area for your dog. Place newspaper on a large sheet pan (around 18″ X 26″ X 1″), which you can purchase inexpensively at a discount kitchen supply store. Put the potty area in a place your dog can easily reach that is away from his food and water, possibly in a bathroom or the

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According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 44 percent of dogs and 57 percent of cats in the United States are either overweight or obese. As a result, pets are in real danger of developing serious and costly diseases, such as diabetes, arthritis and other avoidable conditions. To help shed some pet pounds and make that bag of dog food last longer, cut down on the amount of food you put in your pet’s bowl. First, record his pre-diet weight. Over a two-week period, reduce the amount you normally feed him by one-fourth.

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Need a break? Check out these hilarious Web sites for a quick, free mood boost.

Icanhascheezburger.com: Funny pictures of cats accompanied by silly captions (there’s also a dog version at ihasahotdog.com)

Cutethingsfallingasleep.org: The name says it all—adorable videos of snoozing penguins, sheep, cats, dogs and squirrels

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Do you love when your cat or dog curls up with you on the couch, but hate the hair she leaves behind? Here’s a simple, low-cost solution: Watch for home sales at department stores, and buy a few inexpensive placemats that match your furniture and décor. Place the mats on your cat or dog’s favorite place to sit (my cat’s most-loved spot: the couch arms). Pet hair and dirt will end up on the placemat, not your couch. (Just throw the mat in the washer when it gets grimy.)

Source: Charlotte Reed, pet expert and author of The Miss Fido Manners Complete Book of Dog Etiquette

Posted by Emily Hendricks Turnier, Associate Editor

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Do you feed your cat Premium Edge Finicky Adult food or Premium Edge Hairball food from Diamond Pet Foods? If so, return the package to the place of purchase—according to the ASPCA, these foods are being recalled because they lack thiamine, a vitamin that cats can’t make on their own and must get from food.

So far, there have been 14 confirmed cases of thiamine deficiency. If your pet has eaten this food, schedule an appointment with your vet—thiamine deficiency can cause neurological problems such as loss of balance and even deadly seizures, says the ASPCA. (Other signs of the deficiency include lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, mental dullness, dilated pupils, increased respiratory rate and low body temperature.) If given anti-seizure medication and thiamine supplementation promptly, your cat should recover.

Posted by Emily Hendricks Turnier, Associate Editor

See also:

Meet 10 adorable dogs

Make your own pet toys

10 little known pet health hazards

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24 days until Halloween!

Make sure the holiday is fun—not frightening—for your cat or dog with these tips from the ASPCA:

Potential danger #1: Treats:
-Ingesting chocolate is dangerous for dogs and cats—it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures and increased heart rate.
-The artificial sweetener xylitol (commonly found in sugar-free candy) can cause a drop in blood sugar in dogs, leading to depression, lack of coordination, seizures or even liver failure.
-Throw away all candy wrappers: ingesting foil or cellophane packaging can cause choking or intestinal blockage in pets.
-If you think your pet has eaten something dangerous, call your vet immediately.

Potential danger #2: Jack-o-lanterns:
Watch pets closely if you put a candle in your carved pumpkin. Pets can easily knock the jack-o-lantern over and accidentally start a fire, or become curious and get burned by flames.

Potential danger #3: Trick-or-treaters:
The doorbell rings every few minutes and groups of giggling kids are at your door—all of the commotion is enough to stress out even the mellowest pet. Keep your cat or dog in a room (stocked with food, water, toys and a litter box, if you have a cat) away from the front door on Halloween night.

Potential danger #4: Pet costumes:
We love to see doggies dressed up, but be sure your pet doesn’t mind masquerading as a caveman, pirate or pumpkin. Otherwise, your pet could become super stressed. If you do play dress up, make sure that the costume fits properly and doesn’t restrict your pet’s ability to move or breathe. Also be sure there are no strings or pieces on the costume that could come off and become a choking hazard.

Posted by Emily Hendricks Turnier, Associate Editor

See also:

Haunt your house for Halloween

Make a Halloween playlist

Throw a ghoulishly glamorous Halloween party

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You know that children shouldn’t be left in a car alone, but did you know that this can be deadly for pets, too? If your dog or cat is your constant companion, consider using Emma’s Inspirations car window decals for pets. The decals, which say “Closed Cars Don’t Breathe, Check Your Seats Before You Leave,” are a visual reminder when you get out of the car. (The company started with stickers that remind parents to take their children out of the car; the inventors accidentally left their baby in a vehicle for almost 45 minutes. Fortunately their daughter, Emma, survived.) A package of six decals costs $10 (this price includes shipping; order at emmasinspirations.com) and could save you a lot of grief, heartache and money at the veterinarian.

Posted by Emily Hendricks Turnier, Associate Editor

See also:

Meet 10 adorable dogs

Little known pet hazards

Go green with your pet

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Thinking of adopting an animal? Visit theshelterpetproject.org, which features pet care information and a Pet Personals section, where you’ll answer questions like “Have you ever had a furry one in the family?” or “On a scale of 1-10, how patient are you?” The site then displays nearby cats or dogs that match your personality and lifestyle. You can also send friends and family a virtual pet via an Adopt-A-Gram. The e-message will also show the recipient shelter pets available in their area.

Posted by Emily Hendricks Turnier, Associate Editor

See also:

Ask a vet about your cat

Perk up a pet’s brain

Steal tricks from a dog trainer

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Pets offer many rewards, but the furry creatures take their toll on the furniture. Sure Fit has come up with a new solution to protect your sofa from pet hair and other messes. These large throws are attractive, machine washable, and affordable —less than $50! That’s a small price to pay to protect the investment you made in your couch. Now you don’t need to worry when your best friend jumps up and sits beside you to enjoy your favorite TV show.

Posted by Dwyer Paulsen, Associate Style Editor

See also:

Find a cute halloween costume for your pet

What’s the best pet care advice you’ve ever received?

Surprising ways to save on pet care

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