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We’re frequently asked for tips on how to bathe our four-legged friends and which products are best for which ailments. Fortunately, gone are the days of one-stop-shop pet shampoo! These days, many brands are coming out with unique formulas for a variety of common fur and skin ailments. Here are answers to five questions we’re commonly asked about pet hygiene.

How often should I bathe my dog?
According to the ASPCA, it’s recommended that you bathe your dog at least once every three months. That being said, dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors (as well as certain breeds) to need to be bathed a bit more frequently.

Can I use human shampoo on my dog?
Although some animals aren’t sensitive to the fragrances and chemicals in human shampoo, many are – thus it’s better to be safe than sorry. Shampoo with natural ingredients such as oatmeal and aloe are excellent for pets with sensitive skin. We highly recommend Pure Love’s Oatmeal Shampoo with Aloe, as it also is quite effective on dry skin.

My dog has dry, flaky skin. What is the best remedy?
Pramoxine is a great solution for pets with dry, flaky skin. Pure Love’s Pramoxine Shampoo has colloidal oatmeal as an added benefit in order to calm itchy skin. Pure Love also has a spray with Paramoxine and Omega-6 Essential Fatty Acids which work to nourish the skin and further control irritation. This product is a great option for those who want to provide relief to their dog or cat without having to bathe him. Finally, Pure Love also makes a wonderful Coal-Tar Shampoo for Dogs and Cats. Although the name sounds off-putting, Coal Tar is a great, natural way to calm your fubaby’s itchy, dry skin.

How can I help my dog ward off fleas, mosquitoes and ticks?
If you live in a rural, wooded area, it’s smart to protect your pet from fleas, ticks and mosquitoes – especially in the summer months. Neem “Protect” Shampoo by Ark Naturals doubles as a shampoo and insect repellent – and it’s natural! In fact, Neem has been used for thousands of years by the people of India, Asia and Africa as an insect repellant.

How can I brighten my dog’s white coat?
White dogs are majestic – but unfortunately, their coat can go from snowy white to “yellow snow” very quickly. There are many products on the market that can help whiten your pet’s coat and restore that “snow white” quality. We recommend Whitening Shampoo with Oatmeal – not only does it do wonders for your cat or dog’s coat, but it also has a delicious Pina Colada scent!

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When it comes to bathing your dog, what is your secret weapon? Tell us in the comments below!

Click “Like” if you or someone you know has an anxious pet!

At one point or another, many pet owners find that their cat or dog has anxiety of some sort. Even the most confident pet can sometimes be frightened by loud noises, large crowds, separation from owners, long-distance car travel or environmental changes. Anxiety is of special concern to pet parents that have recently adopted a pet that has previously suffered abuse and is now skittish. Here are four ways to deal with anxiety in your cat or dog:

Thundershirt
Our natural instinct is to comfort our pets by petting and holding them –and Thundershirt is based on this principle. After receiving many requests to carry Thundershirt on PetFlow.com, we put it to the test on our own pets and were amazed at the calming effect it had. Although Thundershirt is created for dogs, the XXS size may work on some felines.

According to surveys sent out by Thundershirt to 2,000 purchasers, over 80% of pet parents noticed improvement in their pet’s anxiety. Once put on your pup, Thundershirt provides a gentle, constant pressure – in fact, it’s very similar to the method parents use when swaddling an inconsolable baby. It’s amazing how such a simple concept can provide reassurance and anxiety relief to your pet! Plus, you can save $8 on your purchase with code BD982, just use it at checkout!

Most importantly, PetFlow.com offers a 100% guarantee. If you are curious about trying the Thundershirt for your pet and it does not help them deal with anxiety, you can return it to PetFlow.com for a 100% refund. Click Here to order a Thundershirt for your pet!

Supplements
Surprising, but true – just as natural supplements can help relieve anxiety in humans, they also work on pets! There are a wide array of pet supplements on the market that treat anxiety – we personally use Happy Traveler by Ark Naturals for our pets. Happy Traveler features natural calming herbs such as Valerian, Chamomile, Tryptophan and St. John’s Wort. These are the same supplements humans use for natural anxiety relief, but in the right dose for your cat or dog!

Scent Reassurance
If you’re going to be away from home and are worried that your cat or dog will suffer from separation anxiety, we recommend lending your four legged friend an item with your scent on it, such as a t-shirt you’ve slept in recently. Because animals rely so heavily on their sense of smell, your scent will create a calming reassurance for them.

Exercise
Yes – it’s true. Good old exercise is one of nature’s best cure for an anxious pet! By tiring out your furbaby with a long walk or a frisky bout of playtime, your pet will have less energy to invest into anxiety. Next time you’re aware your pet will be encountering a stressor (such as a long car ride, loud noises, etc) give them some exercise and see if their response isn’t improved.

Remember: even the most well-adjusted pet is apt to experience anxiety at one point or another. By using positive reinforcement along with these tips, your pet’s response to stressors can be greatly reduced.

How do you help your pets with anxiety? Tell us in the comments below!

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We posted a few days about a recall affecting several major brands of pet food and we have just learned that Kirland Pet Food is also included in the recall.  If you or someone you know is purchasing this brand at Costco, please read the following.

The following Kirkland Signature products are included in the recall:

• Kirkland Signature Super Premium Adult Dog Lamb, Rice & Vegetable Formula (Best Before December 9, 2012 through January 31, 2013)
• Kirkland Signature Super Premium Adult Dog Chicken, Rice & Vegetable Formula (Best Before December 9, 2012 through January 31, 2013)
• Kirkland Signature Super Premium Mature Dog Chicken, Rice & Egg Formula (Best Before December 9, 2012 through January 31, 2013)
• Kirkland Signature Super Premium Healthy Weight Dog Formulated with Chicken & Vegetables (Best Before December 9, 2012 through January 31, 2013)
• Kirkland Signature Super Premium Maintenance Cat Chicken & Rice Formula (Best Before December 9, 2012 through January 31, 2013)
• Kirkland Signature Super Premium Healthy Weight Cat Formula (December 9, 2012 through January 31, 2013)
• Kirkland Signature Nature’s Domain Salmon Meal & Sweet Potato Formula for Dogs (December 9, 2012 through January 31, 2013)

For full details about the Kirkland recall, please visit the Diamond/Kirkland recall information site here.

Since many of our customers will be seeking a replacement product, we have created a special coupon code for $8 off any $40 order. Just use coupon code NEWFOOD8 when you check out. Please click www.PetFlow.com/RC to shop and take advantage of this discount. There are over 150 brands for you to choose from!

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Please help spread the word about this amazing dog
Click LIKE below so that others can read about him!

Armstrong (Photograph by Fritz Hoffmann)

His name is Armstrong. He has pulled a sled for over 25,000 miles and has been at work twice longer than most other dogs, almost 10 years. Curious how far 25,000 miles is? It’s a distance longer than a lap around Earth’s equator. Dogs are amazing creatures, truly, amazing. If you’re as curious as we are about this amazing dog, then you’ll want to make sure that you read the National Geographic feature called “The Cold Patrol” about sled dogs in Greenland.

Here’s why sled dogs are amazing:

In this modern military age of Humvees and Abrams tanks, there’s still no better way than dogsledding to traverse long distances in Greenland, where engine failure can be deadly. Numerous times, dogs have saved patrollers’ lives. Sledding during the endless night, especially in fog, is often performed half blind. The dogs have stopped short at cliff edges and refused to move even when prodded. They also make a specific polar bear warning sound, a hissing growl, that lets patrollers know when to be alert.

Thanks for reading about Armstrong! As a special thank you, we’d like to give you $10 off your first $40 delivery from www.PetFlow.com – where you can purchase over 150 different brands of pet food, treats, litter and more. Brands like Blue Buffalo, Wellness, Canidae, California Natural, Eukanuba, Royal Canin, Natural Balance, and many many more.

Click www.PetFlow.com and use code BLOG10 to save $10 off your first $40 shipment.

If you’d like to read more about Armstrong, please visit National Geographic.

Please help spread the word about this amazing dog
Click LIKE below so that others can read about him!

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Buildup of dust, dirt, ear mites, bacteria and wax in your cat’s or dog’s ears can cause painful ear infections in your pet. Unfortunately, many pet owners avoid the process as cleaning your furbaby’s ears can be a dreaded task for both you and your pet. Fortunately, with time the process will get easier. We recommend following these steps at least twice per month to keep your pet’s ears healthy!

Step One: Preparation

• Select a well-lit, comfortable location. If possible, use a countertop or other waist-high surface so that it’s easier for you to inspect your pet.

• Get your materials ready
  - Soft gauze pads or cotton balls (never use q-tips on your pet’s ears as this can be painful)
  - Special cleanser formulated for your cat or dog’s ears. Note that it’s important to never use soap or shampoo on your pet’s ears – only product that is gentle and specially formulated for the ears.
  - A towel, as this can be used to firmly wrap your dog or cat in order to prevent wriggling.
  - Ear trimming scissors, if needed.

Step Two: Examining Your Pet’s Ears

• Check for irregularities on the outside of your pet’s ears. Make sure that there are no bald spots or matted fur on the surface.

• Gently flip your pet’s ear over to expose ear canal. Note that because animal ear canals are L-shaped, you will not be able to see all the way in as you can with humans.

• Inspect your pet’s ear canal. It should be relatively clear with minimal wax, light pink in color with no discharge, odor, or redness.

• If you notice abnormalities with your cat or dog’s ears, do not proceed – rather, take your pet to his veterinarian for a check-up.

Step Three: Grooming Your Pet’s Ears

• Apply a small amount of ear cleaner to a soft gauze pad or a cotton ball. We recommend Pure Love Ear Cleaning Solution as it’s gentle and comes in pleasing scents such as cucumber and sweet pea and vanilla.

• Gently wipe the cleanser with minimal pressure around the outside of the ear canal, working gently to loosen dirt and debris.

• It’s very important to remember to never probe inside your pet’s ear canal, as this can cause permanent damage.

• If your pet needs a little trim around his ears, use scissors made especially for pets such as Four Paws Ear Trimming Scissors to lightly trim excess fur, being careful not to get too close to his skin.

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Ready to clean your pet’s ears? We have a wide range of ear care products for both cats and dogs, including cleansers and treatment for ear mites. Use code “FBFANS” at checkout on PetFlow.com to receive free shipping on orders over $49!

Do you clean your pet’s ears at home or do you take him to a professional? Let us know in the comments below!

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MINE ALL MINE!

Unless you’re a millionaire (and there are some pretty cheap millionaires out there), you’d love to save a couple bucks on feeding your beloved cat.  Whether you have one, two, or even fourteen of them, buying cat food on a regular basis (especially high quality cat foods) can be quite costly.  So, here are a couple ways for you to feed your cats a high quality diet, while also saving money.

1.  Avoid paying taxes!  Depending where you live in the country, you can save as much as 8-9% on your cat food purchases just by not paying taxes!  When you shop at an online store like PetFlow.com, you will only pay taxes if you reside in NJ/NY/NV, which means that if you live anywhere else in the country, you won’t pay any taxes on your purchases!  If you sign up for auto-delivery, that can add up to huge savings over a year.

2. Wellness is one of the top cat food brands, and for a very limited time you can receive $5 off any purchase of a case of Wellness cat food by using coupon code WELL5, or $10 off any purchase of 2 cases of Wellness cat food by using coupon code WELL10.  That’s as much as 15% off!  Plus, if you purchase 2 cases and your total is $59 after the discount is applied, you’ll also get free shipping.  Click Here to see a list of all the Wellness canned cat food products.

3. Believe it or not, one of the easiest ways to save money on cat food is by actually spending a little more.  Confused?  Don’t be.  Many of the most common cat foods sold at grocery stores contain by-products as well as low quality filler ingredients.  When cats are fed these products, many of them develop allergies, urinary tract problems, as well as many other health conditions.  You may think that you’re saving money by feeding your cats grocery-store bought cat food, but if you add in the cost of vet visits once your cat is sick, you will actually be spending hundreds if not thousands of dollars more.  Feeding your cats a high quality and nutritious diet of premium foods that contain no grains and no by-products can help you avoid all of these unnecessary vet visits, and unnecessary expenses on prescription cat foods or pills.

Here are a couple brands of premium cat foods that you should consider for your furballs, you’ll be pleasantly surprised how they react to a high quality diet.  And in the long run, you’ll save money!  These products have no fillers and no by-products, and that’s what you should be looking for when you decide a food to feed to your little ones.

1. Wellness Cat Food (Remember, you can save $10 on your purchase today)

2. Natural Balance Cat Food

3. Weruva Cat Food

4. Nature’s Variety Cat Food

Remember, you can use coupon code BLOG to get FREE SHIPPING on any $49 order that you place! CLICK HERE to explore high quality cat food now!

IMPORTANT: Keep in mind, if you’d like to participate in any of the deals above but don’t need cat food right now, you can schedule your delivery to come any time in the future. PetFlow.com will charge your card only when your order ships. So, you can sign up to receive the discount, but have your order shipped in a few weeks or even in a month! Just choose a delivery date in the future on the checkout.

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Although we’re just heading into Spring, the warm weather has snuck up earlier than usual this year! During these summer-like temps, it’s important to remember the health and safety of your four legged friend. Unfortunately, heat stroke kills more pets than it should every summer. Here are six ways to keep your pet cool this summer:

1. Never leave your pet unattended in a car – period
Heat stroke can sneak up fast. No matter how briefly you think your beloved pet will be unattended, it’s absolutely never worth risking their health. If you absolutely must leave your pet in your car, keep the key in the ignition in order to keep the air conditioning running and use your key fob to lock up.

This wasn't what we meant by "well-hydrated"...

2. Keep your pet well-hydrated
In addition to refreshing water frequently, you should also scatter a few extra bowls of water throughout your house. Make it as convenient as possible for your dog or cat to hydrate themselves throughout the day.

3. Use ice cubes
If you’re planning on being away from home for a while and won’t be able to keep a constant supply of cool water in your pet’s dish, add plenty of ice cubes! This will help your cat or dog’s water supply stay cool for a longer period of time.

4. Serve up chilly treats
If your cat or dog turns his nose up at ice cubes, try serving him a delicious frozen treat such as Ice Pups from The Honest Kitchen. This awesome mix is formulated for both cats and dogs and is extremely versatile. In the summer, it can be used to create icy treats; whereas in the winter it can be mixed into a warm, yummy drink for your pet to lap up.

5. Remember: pets can get a sunburn!
Yes, it’s true – pets do get sunburned just as humans do! If you’ll be out for long periods of time, keep your pet in a shaded area as much as possible. If you are planning on being out in the sun for a while, consider using a sunscreen formulated for animals, such as EPI-Pet.

6. Protect those paws
Just like your feet burn when you walk on hot sand or pavement, the pads on dog’s paws will do the same. It’s always smart to do a touch-test on the surface you’re about to bring your pet on. If it’s too hot for you to touch, then it’s too hot for your pup as well. If possible, walk your pup on the grass instead.

Remember: it’s important to educate yourself on the signs and symptoms of heatstroke. If your pet develops any of the following symptoms, he may be experiencing heat exhaustion:

• Staggering gait
• Rapid heartbeat
• Dazed, disoriented look
• Purple or dark red tongue or gums
• Vomiting

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to gradually lower your pet’s body temperature by giving him cool water, ice cubes or a frozen treat, relocating him into an air conditioned room, immersing him in cool (not cold) water or applying ice packs to his head, neck, or stomach. Even if he seems to improve, it’s best to take him to the vet immediately.

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