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Not so Green Acres: Prevent Dog Urine Grass Burns for Good
If you’re the proud owner of both a dog and a lawn, chances are you have at least a few yellow or brown spots out there in your field of green.
The nitrogen in dog urine is responsible for the dog urine grass burns we all know (and probably don’t love). Because of the high protein content in the canine diet, nitrogen levels in your pet’s urine will always be high, meaning that preventing the laws spots before they happen is your best bet for a healthy lawn.
Drills, Hammers, and Strangers: Keys to Pet Safety During a Remodel
Summer is prime time for construction projects ‒ a fact not overlooked by most pets. Whether it’s drilling, concrete mixing, or constant hammering in the neighborhood, the aural assault can be very disconcerting to a pet’s sensitive hearing. But if the construction occurs inside a pet’s own home, are there certain rules regarding pet safety during a remodel? You bet your hard hat!
An Unwelcome Arrival: The Canine Flu Outbreak and What it Means for Your Pet
Just when you thought you were prepared for the summer and had all your pet safety needs covered, here comes the dog flu. And not just any flu – this one is referred to using the unsettling terms “epidemic” and “outbreak.” So what exactly is canine flu and how can you be better prepared for its arrival?
Yankee Doodle Doggie: How to Safely Celebrate the Fourth of July With Your Pet
There are some things that just don’t mix. For example, the Fourth of July and pets is often a risky combination. Loud noises, parties, fireworks, and other crowded festivities are all part of the equation, making the holiday seem like a pain for pet owners everywhere.
In a previous blog, we wrote about the dangers of the holiday and how to protect your pet. This also includes a common pet condition (noise anxiety) and how to help your furry friend cope. But what about ways to make the holiday pet friendly?
For all our pet parents out there, we have some fun and safe ideas for spending the Fourth of July with your pet.
Everything You ever Wanted to Know About Cat Whiskers!
One of the most prominent and striking features on any Time to Motivate: A Quick Guide to Bathing a Pet at Home
Bathing a pet is one facet of responsible pet ownership that supports healthy skin and a clean coat. The process, however, isn’t always easy. Certainly, having the right supplies and know-how will bolster ultimate success – but what does your pet have to say about standing on a slippery, wet surface and having his or her body, paws, and head cleaned?
From Festivals to Fairs: Keeping Your Pet Safe in Public Gatherings
Large-scale events typically do not allow pets (except service animals) – and for good reason. It’s hard enough to keep a pet safe in public on a normal day of the week, but adding potentially dangerous foods, uncomfortable weather conditions, and loud, jarring noises to the mix could be a recipe for disaster. Sure, certain life experiences are enhanced through the company of a four-legged best friend, but sometimes, it’s safer to just leave a pet at home.
Questionable Feline Behavior: Do Cats Enjoy Rolling Around in the Dirt?
Cats are remarkably clean creatures. Sure, they groom their own private parts and paws (and those belonging to other animals), but they do it well, don’t they? To be sure, cats are clean by nature – certainly not like some other pets they know and tolerate.
The feline behavior known as “dirt bathing” directly contradicts their otherwise meticulous methods. While this is a normal and natural thing to do, it does raise questions about why Fluffy would display such odd, “dog-like” behavior.
The Great Feline Mystery: What is it With Cats and Boxes?
Most feline fanciers have come to know and love their cat’s appreciation for the cardboard box. A year’s worth of new toys cannot come close to the attraction of cats and boxes and empty containers. Besides their interest in pouncing on unsuspecting prey, many of us have pondered why – after spending good money on new cat toys – the family cat prefers a plain old cardboard box?
To help clear up some of the mystery behind this behavior, your friends at Leon Valley have set out to investigate the fascinating connection between cats and boxes.
Fun in the Sun: 5 Essential Summer Pet Safety Tips
The heat is already on for most of us in the southern half of the country, and where did spring go? Being prepared for the early blaze of warm weather often means cranking up the central air, adding refrigerant to our vehicle’s air conditioner systems, and stocking up on sunscreen. When it comes to pets and their owners, summer pet safety is at the top of our list.
While there’s nothing quite as fun as frolicking outside with Fido or lounging poolside with Fluffy, recognizing common mistakes that pet owners make is key to keeping our furry friends safe this summer. At Leon Valley, we’re happy to offer the following summer pet safety tips.