2019 | From Your Pet

Posted on December 24, 2019December 24, 2019 by Olive Thiel — Leave a comment

10 Top Pet Hazards This Holiday

By Olive Thiel

Well, I was only able to rip apart one present under the tree so far this year… a plastic squeaky toy for one of my buddies. Sadly, my mom caught me right in the act though, and I didn’t even get to play with it.

The good news is, we are heading to my Aunt’s house soon! My two human cousins are there, my four legged cousin, and their house is always filled with sweet, smells, and lots of stuff to get into.

I LOVE IT!

But!!! As I reminder from my mom, she told me I had to write an article about 10 Top Pet Hazards During the Holidays, before we left. She said it was to ‘remind me to make good decisions…’ or something pointless like that.

Anyway, here it goes.

Grapes, Raisins, Currants and Sultanas

These are some of the MOST toxic foods to dogs, and really bad for cats too. In fact, they don’t even really know exactly what it is about them that causes so much damage, but the results can be severe, permanent, and cause a potentially fatal case of acute renal (kidney) failure. The really strange part though? It affects each dog differently. Some don’t have any major issues if ingested, and some may actually die. That’s scary! So, be careful with this one! These are in cakes and cookies and lots of other things. If your dog does ingest this, please call an animal hospital or the ASPCA poison control line (888) 426-4435 right away for further instructions.

Sugar Free Candy and Food (Xylitol)

Sugar free? Why? Something about humans we pets just don’t get… dieting. Eat it all we say! But… this is a scary one too. Even just a little bit of the Xylitol found in most sugar free candy and foods can cause vomiting, weakness, lack of coordination… even seizures, coma, and death! The thing is, when dogs consume it, it effects our bodies very differently, impacting the way our pancreas works… this doesn’t happen when humans eat it. The amount of xylitol ingested in proportion to our weight and size tends to determine how toxic or deadly it will be to us. You can check here for levels if your dog ingests is: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/holiday-safety-tips . And also, call the ASPCA poison control hotline (888) 426-4435 .

Chocolate

I love chocolate! A few weeks ago at my Aunts, I ate two whole advent calendars worth while they left me and my cousin home alone! Yeah, it was awesome. Although my mom didn’t think so, and she was a bit worried about me for the next whole day. See, there is a chemical compound in chocolate much like caffeine, that can cause hyper-excitability and anxiousness, seizures, rapid heart rate, abnormal heart rhythms, and even cardiac arrest in cats and dogs. The “caffeine” level, thus the risk, can vary by chocolate types… for example dark chocolate has more of it so can have a bigger effect. Also, the size of your pet and their general tolerance to it affects how they will react as well. While the effect is more severe on cats and dogs, the dependency of level of severity can vary by the chocolates caffeine level, and the pets size, age and general tolerance. Kind of like alcohol effects humans of all sizes, ages and tolerance levels, so does the toxicity in chocolate affect pets. Thankfully, I am a Lab, which means we tolerate more than most, plus I’m pretty big and the chocolate I ate was very light milk chocolate, so I didn’t have many issues.

Poinsettias, Mistletoe and Holly

I love to sniff stuff, and I love to try new things, which makes these plants for me perfect for me to check out. Unfortunately, they aren’t good for me. Holly can cause vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration and drowsiness. While Mistletoe can cause excessive drooling and digestive upset (and if ingested in large amounts even heart and/or neurological problems. Poinsettias are the least toxic, but be prepared to potentially clean up a lot of vomit and diarrhea!

Medications

This one I don’t like either. When I ate a bag of medications out of my mom’s backpack when I was a puppy (something I actually figure out how to get unzipped so don’t think even zipping it up and still leaving within reach will help), she called the ASPCA hotline (888) 426-4435, made me drink peroxide, and I threw up on the bathroom floor for the next 10 minutes, while she looked through my puke to make sure all the missing medications were accounted for. It wasn’t great for either of us.
Medications can also effect pets very differently than humans, so even is something is fine for the two-leggers, doesn’t mean it is for us. And depending on the medication, or even supplement… they can be deadly. So keep your medications out of reach AND zipped up. And make sure to ask any guests to do the same. Grandma always has goodies in her purse, just hope I can get them:).

Alchohol (including in cakes)

It’s never funny to give a dog alchohol (or other drugs for that matter). Because again the chemicals and additives just seem to affect us different. We pets are littler than human adults, almost like a children. Even those of us considered big at say 115 pounds are still only the size of a small woman, others run about 60 pounds or the size of an 8 year old, and some of us are as small as a human baby (like the chihuahua friends). Imagine giving alchohol to any one of them for the first time ever. My grandma, she passed away now, but she was 120lbs and never drank… she wanted to have a whole beer on her birthday one year, and after barely finishing it she could hardly walk! It affects pets even worse, and can cause hypothermia, vomiting, coma and even death. Consumed orally or through the skin the results are dangerous.

Cooked Turkey or Chicken Bones

Man do I wish these weren’t harmful. Trouble is, any cooked bones are brittle which means if we ingest them, there is a good chance they will splinter, get stuck in our throats or stomach, or even puncture our intestines! The meat from a turkey can be a little rich for us so be careful if you don’t want diarrhea in our house, but stay away from giving the bones. This is actually one of the more common reasons for pet visits and surgeries, removing harmful bone fragments. So to save your pup, and your bank account, just stay away from them.

Exposed Wires

Oh how my cat friends and puppy buddies love to chew on these! I used to, so my mom put protective coverings over our cords, still I hold fond memories of trying to rip them off. But electrocution from chewing on an electrical cord is the single most common type of electrical injury for household pets. Effects include minor to serious burns, and cardiac arrest which can send a pup to the ER or worse. For the foreseeable future just keep them out of reach of us. Use protective covering. Or just put up a gate to make sure we can’t get to them.

Tinsel

My cat friends love this stuff! In fact, they love anything that it dangly and shiny (not to stereotype of course). But if they are able to swallow any of this it can get stuck in their throat, their stomach, even the sharp edges ultimately tearing through intestinal lining and more! While it isn’t toxic, it’s one of those things that is seen quite often at the vet during the holiday. Something that can become expensive for the owner, and deadly for the cat. Ornaments and other “shiny things” may also pose a threat. So just be careful with what is in reach of your cat, and how much interest they are showing in it.

Essential Oils and Liquid Potpourri

Did you know that essential oils can be toxic to dogs and cats? And there are some oils that are more toxic than others including wintergreen, d-limonene (citrus), pine, cinnamon, pennyroyal, eucalyptus, and tea tree. Apparently the toxicity varies depending on the oil, but if rubbed on the skin or ingested orally they can cause gastrointestinal upset, central nervous system depression and even liver damage. Even inhalation of the oils could lead to lethargy, general sickness and pneumonia. Who knew!???! Also, the cats love that liquid potpourri… ok I am stereotyping again, but those stinkers just are so curious! Hey, don’t judge me for saying it, there’s a reason they “curious as a cat”. Make sure yours can’t get to the liquid potpourri, it can be deadly to them.

Edible Tree Decorations or Edible Gifts Wrapped Under the Tree

Last but not least, one of my favorites… edible tree decorations or edible gifts under the tree. Did you know that most of us dogs and cats KNOW which wrapped gifts include food or even toys! We do, it’s a gift… double entendre intended. We also love smelly stuff!!! My approach? Anything present that smells, rip it apart, taste it for a few mouthfuls, and then decide it that was a good idea or not. “Make good decisions” my mom always says. Well, maybe after the fact. Also, I ate the gingerbread ornament off the tree last year. Yum! But, remember, if any wrapping like ribbon should be consumed, or any present contains anything toxic, it means another danger to us pets. So please be careful.

Well, that’s it everyone. I am done. Which means I get to go to my Aunts and hopefully put all these hazards to the test. After all, I am serious about my writing, I should test all this stuff just to make sure! So, off I go. Wish me luck.

P.S. my mom says to wish her luck as well.:)

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Posted on December 9, 2019December 16, 2019 by kimberleythiel — 9 Comments

Win a Cat Lovers Gift Basket (Contest Expired)

By kimberleythiel

Update: The Winners Are… Elizabeth B. and Cherry D. Congratulations!!!!

You Have 11 Chances to Win One of Two Gift Experiences…

Ways to Win:

Enter to Win Before Sunday, Midnight on Dec 15, and our Two Winners Will Be Announced on Monday, Dec. 16.

What is a Cat Lovers Gift Experience?

Imagine the smile on your favorite cat lovers face, when they open something special”gifted” to them, something personal… from the one (or more) in the world, who loves them the most…
Their Cat(s)!
Perfect for you too, from your own cat (or from yourself), our unique gift experiences are sure to create a truly special experience to those who receive them. An experience to fill hearts with love and affection… it’s one that will bring humans and pets, even closer together.
Plus! When you send to a friend, you’ll get the credit for making it happen!
Check out our video below or check out our Gifting Page to learn more….

Our Two Prizes Include:

Gift for Cat Lovers Basket Experience #1 “Home”

Cat Flour Sack Kitchen Towel 28×29 inches
I Hear You I’m Just Not Listening Cat 2.5″x 3.25 inch magnet.
2 Double-sided, 150/180 grit Cat nail file s
Personalized Card From 1 or 2+ Cat(s) addressed to Recipient and signed by Pet(s)
- Front: We/I Finally Got Money To Buy Whatever We/I Wanted!
- Inside: But All We/I Wanted to Do, Was Spend it on You.
Mention of your participation footnoted on the card ex: “P.S. Uncle Larry Helped Me Buy this For You!” if Applicable
White box, white tissue paper, FYP sticker and red ribbon included

Gift for Cat Lovers Basket Experience #2 “Wine Lover”

Cats on Cats Stemless 17oz Wine Glass
Four Pack of 4×5 inch Recycled Rubber Cat Head Coasters
Its All Fun and Games Until Someone Ends Up the Cone 2.5″x 3.25 inch magnet.
Personalized Card From 1 or 2+ Cat(s) addressed to Recipient and signed by Pet(s)Front: We/I Finally Got
- Money To Buy Whatever We/I Wanted!
- Inside: But All We/I Wanted to Do, Was Spend it on You.
Mention of your participation footnoted on the card ex: “P.S. Uncle Larry Helped Me Buy this For You!” if Applicable
White box, white tissue paper, FYP sticker and red ribbon included

Don’t worry… if you don’t want to share with a cat lover you know, you can get the gift basket just for yourself too. Although, keep in mind, if you have a cat in your life… or two or three… wouldn’t it be just a little funner to get it from them?
Besides, they’ve always wanted to get you something to say thanks and to show you how much they love you! Now with FromYourPet Gift Experiences… they finally can.

Perfect for the Pet Lover in your life or for you… here’s to making the world a better place by celebrating the love between humans and their pets.
Happy Cat Loving Everyone!!!!

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Giveaway Rules

The legal stuff…PRIZE (2): One of two cat lover gift baskets. This contest is not sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with the individual product sellers or Facebook. No purchase or social media action necessary to win. If you’ve already liked FromYourPet on facebook and have signed up for the email, you’ll automatically receive entries. For a free entry, you may email Kim Thiel at kthiel@fromyourpet.com, just include your full name to enter. Winners will be chosen at random using a random name picking tool and announced on Monday, Dec 16, 2019. Winners will be posted on social and contacted via social media, should their privacy settings allow it, or emailed if available. Rules are subject to change at any time. Winners’ shipping addresses must be located within the United States of America. Kim Thiel will contact winners for additional information for “experience” extras and mail the winners the gifts at no charge to the winners. If a winner does not claim the prize by January 15, 2020 (midnight EST), the prize may be considered forfeited.

Posted on December 6, 2019December 6, 2019 by Olive Thiel — Leave a comment

How to Save $7.50 on Bones That Will Keep The Biggest Chewers Busy for an Hour!

By Olive Thiel

The other day I was at this high end Pet Shop… and while my mom had her back to me, I grabbed an entire foot long bully stick out of a bin and had it nearly finished before my mom even had time to turn around and grab it from me.

It was awesome!

Although, apparently, my mom had to pay for it. I heard her grumble as we walked out, “That 30 seconds of fun you just had in there…? Cost me $10.50”.

The first few months of my life with my mom (also the first few months of my life in general), I consumed more bully sticks, chew ropes and various “long lasting chews” than I can even still dream about. I had a lot of energy, and I think she was just trying to keep me busy. Well, it wasn’t until she discovered Raw Bones, frozen marrow bones that are kept in the freezer, that she found something that could actually keep me busy for a long time.

So, for a while…. I was happy because I got an AMAZING treat, and she was happy because I didn’t get into trouble, or try to bother her for a few hours a couple days a week.

The problem was, all the pet brands that made them… charged about $8.99 for one half pound bone.

Well, we dialed back the bones as my energy levels ‘leveled’ out so to speak, until someone told her how to save $7.50 on each of these fantastic bones.

“Get them from your local grocery store,” they told her. “They are the same exact ‘marrow bones’ used for soup (also called soup bones or femur bones) that the butcher always has frozen in the back”.

And the price???? $2.99 a pound usually, or $1.50 for my usual sized bones.

YES! More bones for me, more money for my mom.:)

Simply ask your grocery stores butcher for a few half pound raw soup bones (you can ask for larger or smaller bones depending on your dog’s size as they cut them from the frozen cow itself), and you’ve got yourselves hours of peace and quiet, for less than $2 each.

That’s it. A simple tip for my fellow bone connoisseurs. Tell your humans, tell your friends… let’s just make this world a much more tasty place.

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Posted on November 21, 2019November 21, 2019 by Olive Thiel — Leave a comment

Black Friday Deals For Dogs, From Amazon and Chewy

By Olive Thiel

So… my mom keeps telling me I need to get a job.

Like last week at my Aunt Tammy’s, I knocked over a picture frame that was on top of their 3ft high display cabinet in the dining room, and it shattered all over the floor.

“I am so sorry Tammy, I will pay for that… really”, my mom said in a super sweet voice to my Aunt.

Then, bending her head down so it was close to mine, she grumbled “Seriously? You need to stop this stuff. Or better yet, you need to get a job so you can pay for it yourself.”

There it was again, “You need to get a job…”

Well, I don’t have one. If I did, I’d be buying all kinds of cool stuff for MYSELF. Not buying some picture frame to replace because it got broken… of which, BTW, wasn’t even my fault.

I mean seriously, they hid my cousin Maizy’s bag of dog food behind the cabinet as soon as I got there, instead of leaving it out like they normally do. So… I was forced to try to find a way to get to it… when they weren’t looking.

So, with my front paws resting on the edge of the cabinet, much like when I try to grab something off the counter, I could see over it just far enough to spot the bag of dog food behind it, “Jackpot!”

I reached out my right front paw as my other paw kept me propped up against it, I tried to stretch it as far as I could across the cabinet, gently extending it as far back as I could manage. “Almost there….”

And that’s when the picture frame fell and broke.

I mean, THEY put the food back there… what do they expect a 3-year-old black lab like me to do!?!?!

Anyway… “You need a job…” I was told again.

Well, it got me thinking… if I had one, I could take advantage of all these amazing Black Friday Deals that are coming up, some happening now! So… I’ve been searching around trying to find the coolest stuff I would buy. I narrowed it down to just a few things that really caught my eye. And, while I will have to hope my mom is generous enough to buy them for me because I can’t buy them myself… I thought I’d at least go ahead and share them with you guys… just in case you have money to buy them yourself.

Here they are:

Furbo Dog Camera: Treat Tossing, Full HD Wifi Pet Camera and 2-Way Audio, Designed for Dogs, Compatible with Alexa (As Seen On Ellen)

Right now (4:12 ET 11/21) its 20% off. But it will be up to 33% off between now and the end of Black Friday. Copy this link to check later :https://amzn.to/2D2Ro5G. Or click the above image, and bookmark it in your browser to keep checking back.
Mom, PLEASE!!!!!!

Wisdom Panel 3.0 Canine DNA Test – Dog DNA Test Kit for Breed and Ancestry Information

Right now (4:12 ET 11/21) its 18% off. But it will be up to 33% off between now and the end of Black Friday. Copy this link to check later: https://amzn.to/2D3dYLl. Or click the above image, and bookmark it in your browser to keep checking back.
OMG! I wonder if I get my sneezing problem from my mom?!?!?!

Frisco Tufted Lounger Square Dog Bed, Gray, Large/X-Large

This is 20% off Right Now! (4:12 ET 11/21) Click now to buy now! https://prf.hn/l/K3xZZR7
Oh… this would be so good for my back…

Chewy 20% Off Beds, Crates and More.

If fact, Chewy has a BUNCH of stuff on sale Already! Check it our here: https://prf.hn/l/7Bm81eK
I so need all of it….

Or, Check These Links on Black Friday to See The Surprise Deals They Haven’t Even Told Us About Yet!

Black Friday Pet Deals From Amazon

Black Friday Pet Deals From Chewy

That’s It! I’m a pup of simple tastes, so only a select few of the best holiday deals out there to share with you. But, check back on Black Friday. There are sure to be so many more!!!

Until then, have a great thanksgiving everyone.

And here’s to hoping your humans drop the turkey on the way to the table!!!

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Posted on November 18, 2019December 4, 2019 by kimberleythiel — 35 Comments

Win a Dog Lovers Gift Basket (Contest Expired)

By kimberleythiel

Update: The Winners Are… Danielle H. and Sharon P. Congratulations!!!!

You Have 11 Chances to Win One of Two Gift Experiences…

Ways to Win:

Enter to Win Before Midnight on Dec 2, and our Two Winners Will Be Announced on Dec. 4.

What is a Dog Lovers Gift Experience?

Imagine the smile on your favorite dog lovers face, when they open something special”gifted” to them, something personal… from the one (or more) in the world, who loves them the most…
Their Dog(s)!
Perfect for you too, from your own dog (or from yourself), our unique gift experiences are sure to create a truly special experience to those who receive them. An experience to fill hearts with love and affection… it’s one that will bring humans and pets, even closer together.
Plus! When you send to a friend, you’ll get the credit for making it happen!
Check out our video below or check out our Gifting Page to learn more….

Our Two Prizes Include:

Gift for Dog Lovers Basket Experience #1

All You Need is Love and a Dog plaque 6x6x1.5 inches
Dog Flour Sack Kitchen Towel 28×29 inches
Make Time for Play 2.5″x 3.25 inch magnet.
Personalized Card From 1 or 2+ Dog(s) addressed to Recipient and signed by Pet(s)
- Front: We/I Finally Got Money To Buy Whatever We/I Wanted!
- Inside: But All We/I Wanted to Do, Was Spend it on You.
Mention of your participation footnoted on the card ex: “P.S. Uncle Larry Helped Me Buy this For You!” if Applicable
White box, white tissue paper, FYP sticker and red ribbon included

Gift for Dog Lovers Basket Experience #2

Dogs on Dog Stemless 17oz Wine Glass
Love the Mutt Your With Bottle Corker
Chase your Dreams 2.5″x 3.25 inch magnet.
Personalized Card From 1 or 2+ Dog(s) addressed to Recipient and signed by Pet(s)Front: We/I Finally Got
- Money To Buy Whatever We/I Wanted!
- Inside: But All We/I Wanted to Do, Was Spend it on You.
Mention of your participation footnoted on the card ex: “P.S. Uncle Larry Helped Me Buy this For You!” if Applicable
White box, white tissue paper, FYP sticker and red ribbon included

Don’t worry… if you don’t want to share with a dog lover you know, you can get the gift basket just for yourself too. Although, keep in mind, if you have a dog in your life… or two or three… wouldn’t it be just a little funner to get it from them?
Besides, they’ve always wanted to get you something to say thanks and to show you how much they love you! Now with FromYourPet Gift Experiences… they finally can.

Perfect for the Pet Lover in your life or for you… here’s to making the world a better place by celebrating the love between humans and their pets.
Happy Dog Loving Everyone!!!!

Enjoy Our Content? Sign up to get updates on our latest articles, products and more.
Or share us on Facebook or Follow us on Instagram below.

Giveaway Rules

The legal stuff…PRIZE (2): One of two dog lover gift baskets. This contest is not sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with the individual product sellers or Facebook. No purchase or social media action necessary to win. If you’ve already liked FromYourPet on facebook and have signed up for the email, you’ll automatically receive entries. For a free entry, you may email Kim Thiel at kthiel@fromyourpet.com, just include your full name to enter. Winners will be chosen at random using a random name picking tool and announced on Wednesday, Dec 4, 2019. Winners will be posted on social and contacted via social media, should their privacy settings allow it, or emailed if available. Rules are subject to change at any time. Winners’ shipping addresses must be located within the United States of America. Kim Thiel will contact winners for additional information for “experience” extras and mail the winners the gifts at no charge to the winners. If a winner does not claim the prize by December 31, 2019 (midnight EST), the prize may be considered forfeited.

Posted on November 5, 2019November 18, 2019 by Tulip Thomas — Leave a comment

Best Pet Insurance Options and What They Cover

By Tulip Thomas

So, about a year ago, November of 2018, I was diagnosed with Lymphoma.

Oh!! Wait!!

Sorry… I should probably introduce myself. It’s Tulip again here. And this time I am writing an article all by myself. I’m a bit nervous to tell you the truth. Last time my big brother Spot helped me. Have I mentioned how cool that ‘guy’ is btw? Confident and calm, “Pitbull Perfect” is what they call him. Well… actually no one calls him that… but they should!

Anyway, a few weeks before I was diagnosed with Lymphoma, a cancer of the blood, I started having runny you know what, and just in general acting slower than usual. What does “slower than usual” mean you ask? Well, for example not wrestling with my brother quite as much, or not jumping up on my mom while she ignores me and does work on her computer like I used to. Heck, as I barked and lunged at the squirrels during my daily walks, and my mom tried to keep hold of my leash, I hadn’t nearly pulled her off her feet in weeks!
You know… just in general, not really able to give things my all.

So, she took me to the Doctor, and I was diagnosed with Lymphoma, a blood borne cancer of a type of white blood cell called a lymphocyte, and one of the top 3 fatal cancers found in dogs. The doctors gave me 1-2 months to live.

Well my mom was beside herself to say the least. She hasn’t had an easy life my mom. Neither have I, having my own fair share of trauma in the few short months of my life before I met her. So, 8 years ago when she picked out of a cage in the shelter, me, just a few months old…. I knew we would be soulmates for life.
But I think it broke her heart when the doctor told her that my “life”, would only be another 1-2 months longer.

You know, I’m only 8, but I’ve noticed something in my 8 years… humans don’t see life the way we do. They see the pain a lot, and the loss, and how short whatever time they are given seems to feel like. Us dogs though… we may have residual fears and anxiety, but we naturally focus on the good. The fun to be had in any moment, the time we get to share with our bondmates (human and dog alike), and of course, how much amazing time we were given in this world, no matter how short or long it is…….

WAIT!!!
What was that?!?!
Someone’s on the front porch!
BARK BARK BARK BARK BARK BARK BARK BARK…
…..adsfninolknkinohhalsaslndfklka…..
Huh, sorry. I stepped on the keyboard there as I bolted to the front window to protect us all. Crafty mailman again… that guy always looks shifty to me…
Anyway, back to the article. The Best Pet Insurance.

So… after I was diagnosed, my mom spent hours on the computer researching what she could do to fight against my 1-2 month prognosis. Thankfully, she discovered that Lymphoma is treatable, possibly allowing 1-2 years of prolonged life, with weekly to bi-weekly treatments, of what they call chemotherapy.

Chemotherapy…. I had no idea what that was, just that my mom said it was expensive. She also said though, that we had insurance… so it should (and was) covered.
It’s almost a year later now and I’ve undergone what they call one full schedule of chemo, went into remission for a few weeks, and am now undergoing another round of a different type. My mom told her friend the other day that after over 25 chemo treatments and countless tests and xrays… she estimates they have saved over $15,000 of what she calls “money”.

Apparently “money” is really valuable in the human world. I don’t know why… after all, if I were to guess what is most valuable in the human world, I’d guess cut up hot dogs… I mean have you tried those things!?!?! They are amazing!
But, apparently saving “money”, if something happened to me, was what she got our pet insurance for in the first place. And it has given my mom and me another year to be together… and that I think is “priceless”.

Now, while our pet insurance has literally saved my life, there are other ones out there as well. I’ll give a review on mine, as well as a couple that after extensive research and comparison… I’ve decided are the best to recommend to you now.

Some General Info on Pet Insurance

Typically, pet insurance works as a reimbursal process. You go to the vet or ER you submit your bill back to the company (most companies have easy to use mobile apps for this), and in a few days to weeks, you receive the reimbursement your plan provides. For most companies you can choose your reimbursement level, for example 90% reimbursal on covered bills, 80% or 70%. And they all will effect your monthly premium.
Like Human Insurance, there is also usually a waiting period between when you sign up and when your insurance actually kicks in. This, I would guess, is for if you are signing up quick to cover something that just happened. This waiting period usually depends on the condition (example: an injury may be covered after a 7 day period, but a knee or ligament issue may be 6 months waiting).
Pre-exiting conditions are also typically not covered. There are a few that may require an exam, kind of like a human physical, to ensure at time of sign up your pet is in good condition. But typically that is not the case. Also, some insurance plans have a list of pre-existing conditions they won’t cover, because in some cases they will. Most plans have restrictions for coverage for an injury that was pre-existing on the other side of the body. For example, if your pet had a pre-existing condition (typically tendon or hip related) on one side and no the other at time of policy, the other side will not be covered as well per pre-existing condition restrictions.
In cost, plans can range anywhere from $20-$120 per month. This usually depends mostly on the age of your pet at time of insurance coverage start (that is why it is cheaper monthly to get insurance while your pet is young), as well as some dependence based on the breed because of more common illnesses and physical issues that the breed is known for.
Also, like human insurance, there is usually a deductable. Again, like human insurance, most companies allow you to choose your deductable level, and of course the lower the deductable plan the higher the monthly premiums.
Most plans do not restrict the vet or animal hospital you use. Although they must be certified.
Lastly, I’ll mention that there are different types of plans. For example, there are plans that just focus on coverage for routine vet needs, like vaccines, dental cleanings and annual exams. These typically won’t save you a lot of money in the long run because what you pay in monthly fees is about what you’d pay for the routine needs themselves. But, if you like budgeting your money with a monthly fee and getting reminders (which many companies do) to take care of your pet’s routine needs, then this is a good option for you. Other plans focus on only illness and injury coverage. This might be good if you have a young pet and don’t want to pay a lot on insurance right now. Some plans offer alternative treatments for issues that may be wrong, like acupuncture and chiropractic work, and then other plans can be a combination of all levels of veterinary needs for your pet.
- Note also that, you will want to understand what exactly is covered under your plan. For example, most injury and illness plans will cover a pet that swallowed something and needs veterinary care to bring it back up again, or have surgery, but this plan may not cover something like kennel cough.

Ok, I know this is a lot, but this stuff is confusing!!! I drank a whole bowl of water last night and then just vegged out on the couch with my bone in my mouth because I was so exhausted from all my research!
OK though, on to the four I recommend.

Truepanion Review (Tried and Trusted, and Solid Choice) Truepanion Pet Insurance was one of the first to come out. This means you can trust it to be around for a long time to come, as well as know it has been tested and in general people have really liked it. Their plan options focus on illness and injury with levels and options to choose based on your needs.

Their deductables are unique in that they are not yearly, but lifetime, and by condition. So, if your pet develops a chronic disease that needs lifetime treatment, you only need to meet the deductable once, and for that particular disease, no deductable will need to be met for the rest of your pets life.
You can adjust your plans monthly premium by deductable, 90% payout of covered bills is their only option.
There are not payout limits
They have a 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
They are connected with most animal hospitals and vets, and in many cases you can have your pill paid directly by them, instead of going through reimbursement. They are the only ones with this option.
Pets can be enrolled from birth to age 14 – no limits, but prices will vary.
Their waiting periods are typically 5-days for injuries and 30-day waiting period for illnesses
Their plan options cover:
- Diagnostic testing, surgeries, medications, hospitalizations, supplements as prescribed for a covered illness or injury, ½ the cost of prescription pet foods up to 2 months, orthotic devices, prosthetic devices, carts, and other treatments.
- They do not cover the exam fee itself.
- The do cover hereditary and congenital conditions.
Coverage applies to supplements and prescription pet foods prescribed by and purchased through a veterinarian for the treatment of injuries and illnesses.
Interesting add ons:
- Truepanion also has the options to add recovery and complimentary care onto you package for a few more dollars a month which includes some cool stuff like: acupuncture, physical therapy, and behavioral modification… Even stem cell treatments.
- It also offers an add on for Per Owner reimbursement for things like boarding fees if the human is hospitalized or liability for third party damage by your pet.
They cover ½ of the cost of prescription pet foods for up to two months of feeding.
They only cover dogs and cats.

Cost for a 3-year-old healthy dog for basic illness and injury coverage per month at 90% coverage with Trupanion Pet Insurance: $52
And, premiums can be raised based on the state that you live in, so be sure to talk to a representative to understand your options. Customer service here is good.
Get your Free Truepanion Pet Insurance Quote Today

Healthy Paws Review (Highest Reviewed Online, a Solid Top Option)
Consistently Ranked one of the Top Pen Insurance Options in just about any Comparison or review, Healthy Paws Pet Insurance focuses accidents and illnesses as well.

You can adjust the % payout and deductible to find a monthly premium that works for you
- For some pets, they only offer up to 80% coverage
All plan variations include alternative care such as acupuncture, physical therapy, and chiropractic services.
There are no payout limits
Their deductables are annual – not by incident
Pets can be enrolled starting at 7 weeks old, and Pets older than 8-years-old are restricted to 60% reimbursement and a $750 annual deductible
The waiting periods are 15-days for accident and illness
If pet is older than 6 you must have vet exam within past 30 days for enrollment or within 15 days of policy issuance
They do have long waiting periods on on hip displaysia coverage and no coverage if plan was started after a certain age.
Your pet is covered when they travel with you in the U.S. or Canada
Healthy Paws is known for their customer service, so if you desire quick responses and help at a beckon call, they are a good choice.
Their plan options cover:
- Diagnostic testing, surgeries, medications, hospitalizations, supplements as prescribed for a covered illness or injury, alternative treatments and other treatments.
- They do not cover the exam fee itself.
- The do cover hereditary and congenital conditions.
They are known for fast reimbursal after bill submissions
They only cover dogs and cats.

Cost for a 3-year-old healthy dog for basic illness and injury coverage per month at 80% coverage with Healthy Paws Pet Insurance: $45
Get Your Free Healthy Paws Pet Insurance Quote Today

Pet’s Best (Most Affordable, Best for Routine Care, Options for More Coverage and Our Top Choice)
Pet’s Best Pet Insurance has a variety of plans to choose from vs a single plan with various options like the two above. They offer a Routine Care Coverage plan for routine veterinary needs, as well as a Accident and Illness Plan. Both with various options to choose from.

Note: Pet’s Best are one of the only Pet Insurance companies to offer routine care coverage, a plan great for young dogs where spaying and neutering will need to be done, as well as all the first vaccines, deworming and microchip placement. They offer two tiers of coverage for their routine plan, one at $16/mo and one at $26.
For their Accident and Illness Plan:

They have 3 level to choose from:
- Essential Level covers:
  - Diagnostic testing, surgeries, medications, hospitalizations, supplements as prescribed for a covered illness or injury, and other treatments.
  - They do not cover the exam fee itself.
  - The do cover hereditary and congenital conditions.
- Plus Level covers:
  - Everything in Essential Level
  - Plus: Exam Fees Associated with Accident or Illnesses covered. This is one of the only ones that have a plan that can include the vet exam fees themselves.
- Elite Level covers:
  - Everything in Essential and Plus Level
  - Plus: Alternative treatments and rehabilitation options including but not limited to acupuncture and chiropractic care.
They let you choose your reimbursement (70%-90%), your deductable level as well as your annual limit (being $5,000 or unlimited) to adjust for your monthly premiums.
They offer unlimited payouts, but also allow you to choose a limit to reduce your monthly fees.
Their deductables are annual – not by incident
Pets can be covered from 7 weeks, with no upper age limit
Waiting Periods Include 3 days for accidents, 14 days for illnesses, and 6 months for cruciate ligament events and any related conditions.
They have a fast reimbursement record
Your pet is covered when they travel with you in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico
5% multi-pet discount
They do have a $2 transaction fee

Cost for a 3-year-old healthy dog for basic illness and injury coverage per month at 80% coverage with Pet’s Best Pet Insurance: $30
Get a Free Pet’s Best Pet insurance Quote Today

Nationwide Pet Insurance (Best for Exotic Breeds such as birds, iguanas, rodents, amphibians, tortoises, and pot-bellied pigs)
Not many Pet Insurance Companies cover anything beyond dogs and cats. Nationwide Pet Insurance is one of the few that do. Yes, this is the same as the “Nationwide is on your side” commercials you see, so you may be using them for your human insurance already.

We won’t spend much time on their dog and cat plans, although they offer multiple plan options including a Whole Pet With Wellness plan that covers up to 90% of routine Vet and health needs like dental cleanings, parasite treatment, or vaccines.
Their Avian and Exotic Pet Plan is what we predominantly recommend them for.

This Plan covers:
- Accidents, illnesses, examinations, lab fees, prescriptions, X-rays and hospitalization.
Quotes are not available online for their exotic pets plans, you must call
Nationwide Pet Insurance is typically on the expensive side
Does not have fast reimbursement
Or top-rated customer service

I don’t have a quote for you for this one, but when insuring a pet other than a dog or cat, your options are limited, however you do have more options than just Nationwide.
Get Your Free Nationwide Pet Insurance Quote Today

Well, I am exhausted! Talking about the Best Pet Insurance options our there really takes it out of you.

So, it’s off to a nap for me. While I feel pretty good these days, I just don’t seem to have the energy I used to. Ah well, life is still fun!

But I hope you found this helpful, and when it comes to Pet Insurance, this pet can attest…. No matter which one you have, it can truly change (and save) your pet’s life.

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Posted on October 16, 2019November 18, 2019 by Maizy Pulvermacher — 4 Comments

Halloween Costumes For Dogs Sure to Make You Smile

By Maizy Pulvermacher

It’s Halloween season, which means my humans are dressing me up! Well… more than usual that is.

Do I love wearing a Halloween costume when my humans put them on me?
Not particularly.
Do I love my humans so much I am willing to endure just about anything on their behalf?
Absolutely.

Plus, it’s really not that bad. Some of my four legged friends even enjoy wearing them. They say its fun to be something other than a dog for a day.
Hmph. Ok, I get that.

One thing I will admit though, some of the Halloween costumes they make for dogs can sure be cute. Not to mention funny.
I wanted to just share some of my favorites….
Just in case your four legged kid still needs one. 🙂

Pumpkin Dog Halloween Costume
Awe! A classic. My buddy Pickles the 120lb totally needs one of these. 🙂 I bet your pup does too.

$18.99 at Chewy.com

UPS Guy Dog Halloween Costume
Yes!!! Please Please we all need one of these! Can I please put it on and chase the UPS guy when he comes next time?

$12.50 at Chewy.com

Lions Mane Dog Halloween Costume
This one is soooo perfect for me. I would look so cute in it… I totally know it. Would your dog?

$13.58 at Amazon.com

Batwings Dog Halloween Costume
Easy and awesome. Any dog would look so cool in this.

From $12.99 at Amazon.com

Wonder Woman Dog Halloween Costume
What Female Dog Isn’t Already Wonder-ful. My mom says I am! I hope she gets me one of these.

$13.99 at Chewy.com

Super Dog Halloween Costume
There’s something about a fella in a cape… just makes them look so cool!

$9.10 at Chewy.com

Werewolf Dog Halloween Costume
I love this one! It’s sure to scare the UPS Guy. OK… maybe it would just make him laugh. Either way, it would make his day to see your dog in it!

$16.99 at Chewy.com

Skunk Dog Halloween Costume
Ha! What curious dog hasn’t met one of these black and white stinkers? Its fair game frankly to dress up like one, plus its so cute.

$12.99 at Chewy.com

Halloween Dog Sweater
Now this a pup could just wear everyday. Plus, its getting cold, some of us need it!

$9.99 at Amazon.com

Well, I hope you enjoyed these as much as I have. And maybe one is perfect for your pup. You never know until you try!

Ok off, to try to see if there is any Halloween candy laying around anywhere. My human sisters should be getting home from school soon, so I’ll check their rooms before they get here:)

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Posted on September 10, 2019October 15, 2019 by Olive Thiel — 1 Comment

5 Common (and Unknown) Foods and Plants Toxic To Dogs

By Olive Thiel

It’s Olive again. It’s raining outside, so my regular “ball time” is postponed, which means… life right now is meaningless unless my mom throws me a ball in the house. Until it becomes worth living again, meaning I either get to play or eat something, I thought I’d write about something serious and important… common, but relatively unknown foods and plants that are toxic to dogs.

After all there is a time for fun… like when my mom has people over… I do this thing, where I run around the yard with my ball in my mouth. When the humans aren’t looking at me, or paying attention to me, I run up behind them and hit them in the butt with my ball! They almost always scream or yelp, sometimes, they even start to chase me around! It’s so great…. But, while there is time for fun, there is also a time to be serious… so I’d like to share a few foods and plants (that I learned the hard way) are toxic to dogs like me… but most humans don’t even know it.

#1 Black Walnut Tree Wood (Includes sticks, branches, sawdust and shavings)

Well, a lot of people are aware that black walnuts themselves are toxic to dogs, their husks causing vomiting, general stomach sickness, and sometimes neurological episodes… but few people, including very few veterinarians, are aware that the wood itself is just as toxic to dogs, possibly more. When I was about 9 months old I came back to Chicago from my Aunt’s house in WI, they have a huge yard to pay in. The night after we got back, I wasn’t feeling great so I went downstairs by myself, and that’s where my mom found me a while later, laying in a puddle of my own pee. When I tried to lift my head to look at her, it kept swaying back and forth, like I sometimes see in older humans who can no longer get around so well. When my mom finally got me outside, I could only sit on the sidewalk as a puddle of pee formed underneath me, my body falling to one side, and after I managed to recover, it just fell to the other side instead. Not surprisingly, my mom freaked! She took me right to the ER. But, while they admitted me, they didn’t know what was wrong. Thankfully, by the next afternoon I was feeling much better, so they released me to go back home. Still without answers.

Fast forward about six months, and it had happened two more times. All three episodes following a visit to my Aunt’s. The last time though, it was the daytime vet in the ER that finally shed some light on what was happening… after confirming the presence of Black Walnut Trees in my Aunts yard, as well as the fact that I hadn’t ingested any of the nuts or nut husks (my mom kept a close eye on me because she knew those could make me sick) she handed my mom an article to support her final diagnosis: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26720086. Wood, including sawdust or shavings from Black Walnut Trees, can cause severe neurological issues in dogs, and even death.

My Aunt had just cut down a Black Walnut tree in their yard, and there were shavings and sawdust everywhere… and the balls I love so much to chase, would role right through it all, picking up that dust and shavings, and I would put it in my mouth swallowing much of it as I ran around. It also explained two episodes of my four-legged cousin who lives there… she had temporary paralysis of her hind legs. Turns out while I loved to chew on the ball that ran through the sawdust, she loved to chew on the sticks. Bottom line, the wood is just as dangerous or more, than the nuts and husks themselves.

#2 Macadamia Nuts (the grape of the nut world)

So, I found out this one when my youngest two-legged cousin (she is 10) came to visit. I LOVE it when she comes over! She has this magical backpack, that has all these amazing smells in it, and whenever I manage to get my head in there… I always find human snacks. Yes, she zips it up to try to deter me… yes, she tries to shut it in the second bedroom so I can’t get to it… yes, they do all they can to keep me from it… but where there is a will, there is a way. If I am patient, someone always leaves the bedroom door open eventually, and a zipper has never stopped me before. So, recently when she was over, I got into it a couple times.

“Olive! Out of there!” I kept hearing. Which to me means, SUCCESS! Pfff, every time I heard that I had found something amazing… a wrapped up bar of oats and sugar, these little square cracker things that taste like cheese, and of course a little bag of mixed nuts. Well, two days later, I threw up a tummy full of nuts in my mom’s bedroom (she didn’t love that btw), and there they were… two macadamia nuts. Well… my mom called the vet (again), and confirmed they were toxic. Luckily though, I’m a lab… which means my stomach is like iron and I can generally puke or poop out anything that my body doesn’t like. In fact, the day after I threw up those nuts, my mom was picking up my you-know-what in the yard and she yelled, “Seriously!!! There is a granola bar wrapper in here!” Ha! Oh, I love when my niece comes to visit. Thankfully, these nuts are rarely fatal to us dogs, but they are toxic to us possibly causing vomiting, ataxia or weakness, fever, muscle tremors and depression, so do try to avoid them.

#3 Tulips (and other bulb plants)

My first spring I was living with my mom in Chicago. It was like someone had gone through our west side neighborhood with a magic tulip wand, because there were tulips coming up everywhere. Well, not many people know this about me because I keep it so low key, but I do love to eat things. In fact, that same first spring, during our early morning walks on Sunday’s through our young and lively neighborhood, I discovered a few things that I really liked to eat… cigarette butts (amazing if you’ve never tried one), vomit from the drunk humans the night before (my mom HATED when I’d try to eat that off the sidewalk), and of course… tulips. Well, one day as I was trying to grab the pedals off one passing tulip when a fellow dog walker warned my mom that they were toxic… and that was the end of that. Apparently, the leaves, stem and flower themselves can cause vomiting, depression, diarrhea, and hypersalivation… but it’s the bulbs that are the most dangerous part of the plant. When ingested, these can cause an increase in heart rate, changes in respiration, difficulty breathing, and on very rare occasions… death. Well, I know this Shephard named Joe in Michigan, he’s only a friend you guys… I mean the poor guy doesn’t even have testicles anymore, not to mention I haven’t been interested since I woke up all groggy one morning in the hospital when I was 7 months old… anyway, he loves to dig holes. Well, my mom told his mom about the tulips, just in case there was a chance he was digging them up in their yard. So, keep your better halves (that’s us dogs by the way), away from tulips in spring. Not to mention other bulb plants like: Amaryllis bulb, Daffodil bulb, Narcissus bulb, Hyacinth bulb, Onion bulb, Autumn Crocus, and Crinum bulb.

#4 Azaleas, Rhododendron, and other Common Garden Plants

Ok, so I haven’t had a personal experience with this one (yet), but I’ve heard Azaleas and Rhododendrons are particularly toxic to dogs… as well as cats, horses, and possibly other animals. So, I thought I would add it to this list. After all, if I am nothing besides cute, energetic, funny and a loveable troublemaker… as I am responsible when it comes to giving out important information (wink). Anyway, every part of this plant is toxic to dogs and even a very small amount can result in poisoning. Signs of poisoning include (but are not limited to) drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, abnormal heart rate, heart arrhythmias, weakness, hypotension, depression, tremors, transient blindness, seizures, and coma. So please be careful if you have these anywhere in your yard or nearby… some of us dogs just like to grab a mouthful of anything… although I of course wouldn’t know anything about that. Other common garden plants toxic to dogs include (but are not limited to) hydrangeas, foxgloves, and begonias.

#5 Lilies and Other House Plants

Not all lilies are toxic to dogs, some more so than others, and lilies actually are more toxic to cats than dogs, sometimes so severe they can result in death. So… I’ll be honest, I don’t know a lot of cats. The ones I’ve seen, I’ve encountered while walking around the city in Chicago, or on the farm I now live on in Wisconsin. I do know, they usually crouch down in a tight ball when I see them. They then make scary growling noises that really freak me out, and in general, they look like they want to kill me. So… I tend to stay clear of them, although I do find them fascinating… often times I drop to the ground myself to watch them, my mom saying, “Ok let’s go…” while she tries to drag me away on the leash. Anyway, for me, my only run in was with a peace lily, and luckily my mom caught me trying to bite it and removed the plant from our house immediately… although I likely would have only had some mouth or stomach issues if I had ingested more, because Peace lilies, Calla lilies and Peruvian lilies are not as toxic to dogs as other varieties, usually these result in mouth or esophagus irritation, or stomach issues including digestive upset or even vomiting. Plus, I’m lucky… my mom seems to kill all the plants in the house she’s tried to keep, so we haven’t accidentally tried some of the more toxic lilies, like those of the True Lily variety, going by names such as Tiger, Day, Asiatic Hybrid, Easter, Japanese Show, Rubrum, Stargazer, Red, Western and Wood lilies, as well as Lily of the Valley. These can result in more severe heart issues, and even seizures. Sometimes even death. Remember though! Cats are a different story than us dogs. Apparently, things like just a nibble of an Easter lily or other type of true lily, or even drinking the water in their pot can result in severe, acute kidney failure, and even death.

Other common house plants toxic to dogs include (but are not limited to) Golden Pathos, Jade Plant Cornstalk plant, English/Branching Ivy, Aloe Vera, and of course, the Poinsettia, Holly and Mistletoe over Christmas.

Well, it’s getting nicer out so I am going to go stand by the door and stare at my mom while I scratch at it until she comes over and let’s me out. Then if she doesn’t come out with me, I will sit and stare at her from outside the picture window until she can’t take it anymore and comes out and throws the ball for me.

It usually works.

Anyway, I hope this helps you and all your dogs out there. Also, should you ever be unsure if your dog ingested something toxic to them, feel free to call the ASPCA Poison Control hotline at (888) 426-4435.

I think my mom has them on speed dial.

Black Walnut Tree Wood is Toxic to Dogs. — Black Walnut Tree: Wood and Nuts Toxic

Macadamia are toxic to dogs — Macadamia nuts: Toxic to Dog

Tulips (and other bulb plants) are toxic to dogs. — Tulips: Toxic to Dogs

Azaleas and Rhododendron are very Toxic to Dogs — Azaleas and Rhododendron: Toxic to Dogs

Easter lilies as well as many other lilies are toxic to dogs, and can kill a cat. — Easter Lily: Toxic to Dogs

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Posted on August 6, 2019November 12, 2019 by Tulip and Spot — 1 Comment

Tuffy Toy Review: Dinosaurs

By Tulip and Spot

Hi Everybody,

My older brother Spot is napping after his acupuncture treatment for his arthritis (he’s almost 13 or 14… we think), but wow is he smart and soooo cool. He’s the confident, good looking one on the right in the picture btw, I totally want to be him someday…

Anyway, that’s the reason I am writing this article instead of him. Normally he is the one that does the talking for us, I prefer to stand behind him and keep a vigilant eye on things… just to make sure no one moves too fast or does something scary. While I can’t exactly remember why, I know when I was little, before I met my mom, it was important to look out for those things. Don’t worry though, I asked Spot what he thought of our new toys, so I could include his opinion in this review as well.

We are reviewing Tuffy Toys, the Tuffy T-Rex Dinosaur Dog Toy and the Tuffy Pterodactyl Dino Dog Toy to be exact. My mom and dad bought them for us about 10 days ago, and I am pretty excited to tell you about them (I even added some pictures and video below as well).

The Tuffy T-Rex Dinosaur Dog Toy

First, this thing is still (mostly) intact… its been 10 days, and I’ve played with it for at least an hour every day! Normally, I can destroy these things in minutes… but, so far, I’m still trying (although, I think I am making progress). It squeaks… which makes it so much more fun, because then I get to try to find the squeaker and tear it out. In my T-Rex it has been harder to find than in most other toys, so it took me over an hour to get out the only one that I have been able to thus far. THAT was fun… But yeah, I’ve gutted one of the squeakers, I whipped it around the house, and I’ve been sitting on the couch gnawing on this thing’s head for the last half hour… and still it seems to hold together. At this point after 10 days, I’ve gotten it down to about 75%. Also, this thing is pretty big, and I just like to carry it around. Ah… I do love my new T-Rex… although I will still try to destroy it.

The Tuffy Pterodactyl Dino Dog Toy

Technically, this one is Spot’s. But… I do try to steal it when he isn’t looking. Although when he notices, he then just walks over calmly and gives me that look that says, “Tulip… you’re better than that….”, and of course, I give it back. Spot likes his Pterodactyl too. He only plays with it about an hour a day (sometimes a little less), and while he gnaws on it sometimes, he also carries it around the house with him. He knocks things over with it as he strolls through the living room, my mom thinks it is funny. Because like my T-Rex, his dino is pretty big as well. Spot also likes to take it into his crate with him at night and lay on it while he sleeps. Old dogs… right? I mean throw that thing around Spot, tear into it… I do try to help him destroy it when he leaves it alone… but even with my efforts added in, this dino still remains mostly intact as well. So now almost ten days later, this is still Spot’s favorite toy.

All in all, these toys have lasted a lot longer than most of the others we have ever had. And I just love them both. My mom’s favorite movie is Jurassic Park… maybe love of dinosaurs runs in the family?

Anyway, I hope my review helped you. I know it was short, but hopefully also sweet. I’m glad my brother was asleep so I had to write it, I think it is good for me… My parent’s have me working on being more sociable to other dogs and humans, and I think this helps.

I definitely recommend these toys, I think most dogs would enjoy them for a long time. I’m off to play with mine now.

And hopefully, Spot’s too.

Market Research for her review on Tuffy Dinosaur Toys. — Tulip Hard at Work Doing Market Research for Her Review

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Posted on July 15, 2019October 15, 2019 by Maizy Pulvermacher — Leave a comment

Best Vacuum for Pet Hair

By Maizy Pulvermacher

I’m a Golden Retriever.

It’s summer in Wisconsin.

And my family is constantly saying my hair is all over their stuff, covering the carpet and couches.

Now, I would never directly disagree with my humans, (my style is more indirect when I don’t get my way… like grabbing something they care about, and then running away to hide while they chase me). But…all my humans have blond and golden hair too… couldn’t all that hair be theirs?

Anyway, I’m here to write about buying something important. Those weird, loud, seemingly alive things, that magically sucks up all that “pet” hair while at the same time trying to kill you every time they slide near your paws…… What are they called again? Oh yeah, humans call them vacuums.

A few things to think about when buying a Vacuum for Pet Hair

I’ve heard through some buddies, that you should really go with bagless. Some of us pets (including my long-haired cat friends), have a lot of hair. Replacing the bag every few vacuum sessions because it is full, apparently can get expensive.
Typically, when you see “animal” or “pet” in the name of the vacuum, it mostly means that they have more attachable options for cleaning hair off surfaces like furniture. Some also claim to have rollers and such designed to keep hair from wrapping around them, but for those of you with shorter hair animals, this doesn’t even matter.

Ok! Let’s get to it. After all, I’m looking at my human sister right now, and her left hand is just sitting there while she watches videos on her computer. With a few, not so subtle nudges, that hand could be petting me right now. (Ok, it might take more than a few nudges, buy I’m no quitter… the dog that perseveres through scolding, gentle pushes and repeated moving of ‘said’ hand, is the dog that always gets petted in the end…)

Dyson Upright Vacuum Cleaner, Ball Animal 2

(Not for everyone, but ideal for unlimited budget, hardwood floors, and short/flat carpets)

This thing has such strong suction it amazes me. Although, my buddy Pickle’s mom has one, and she says it sucks so hard that on her longer carpets, she can barely push it around it’s so strong! Still, I guess if you don’t have long carpets though and most hard surfaces, this thing will work great. It sucks up just about anything. It also has a HEPA filter. I hate germs, so that’s good. Plus, it has combination tools for vacuuming up pet hair that make it great for lots of surfaces, and it even says it is made specifically for pets. With a 50ft cord, you really only need one outlet per floor too. I have read complaints of breaking parts or parts needing replacement quickly. Oh and it automatically adjusts itself based on the floor type it is rolling over, so again, this could be good or bad if you have those long carpets. Lastly, its fun to watch, I mean Dyson makes such cool moving vacuums they can get around anything. Plus they have a good rep among humans and dogs alike. All in all a powerful machine, if expensive vacuum.

Shark DuoClean Powered Lift-Away (NV803)

(Strong suction, ideal for mid-range budgets, hardwood floors, and short to med carpets)

The suction on this vacuum has been compared to the more expensive Dyson Ball Animal 2. Shark has also come out with a bunch of upgrades on this particular vacuum. I’m not vacuum nerd, frankly I don’t like learning new things at all, but I hear through the doggy grapevine that this one has new maneuverability capabilities, new brushes, and even a tool for cleaning pet hair or normal hair off the brushes themselves. Plus, my Aunt has one! The Shark DuoClean Powered Lift-Away (NV803) also has two modes for carpet and hard floors. This is good because even if you do have long carpet, you can adjust the setting to make pushing it around your room a little easier (remember the strong suction). The filters (not the HEPA one) are washable. It has a Pet multi-tool and power brush, and can be detached from the wand and directly attached to the powered floor tool to make doing stairs easy. Pretty solid vacuum this one, even for pet hair.

BISSELL Cleanview Bagless Vacuum Cleaner

(Solid suction, ideal for limited budgets, and performs on hardwood floors, and short to long carpets)

Wow, vacuums with a focus on pet hair are really becoming popular, this one has extra brushes just for picking up pet hair too! It also has specialized pet ‘tools” designed specifically for hair on furniture and in corners, but sometimes you will need to clean the hair off those. BISSELL also makes a model that swivels, we don’t recommend that one because we’ve heard that it gets clogged from hair easier, because of that type of mode. So stick with the one we recommend here, while you shouldn’t have any problems with hair clogging, it maneuverability isn’t at the top of our list. It has multiple settings so you can control suction and function, ideal for longer carpets so you don’t get a neck ache trying to push it around. It has a washable filter, and all in all in a dependable vacuum, for pet hair or otherwise.

Dyson Cyclone v10 (cordless) Car and Home

(Cordless, Strong suction, Ideal for unlimited budgets and need for home and car vacuum)

So first, this is not a stand up vacuum, which means you have to hold it up with your own arms, think about it like a shopping cart. Its easy to push because it has four points touching the ground that hold it up, imagine if it only had 2? You’d have to bear more of the weight. BUT, it’s only about 6n pounds so that’s not too bad. It’s a Dyson so you can depend on maneuverability and strong suction (but with not being a stand up, really hard to push on long carpets). Being cordless you can take it anywhere and use it anywhere. Lift it up to the ceiling for cobwebs, using it on the stairs, or even take it out to the car to get the pet hair off your passenger seat (the seat of honor I know you let your dog sit in… putting friend, spouse, or child in the back). Lastly, cordless means it has a batter life. While it claims longer, most people report about 15-20 solid minutes of vacuuming before it needs recharging. So, nice for versatility for home and car, but a few draw back.

eufy BoostIQ RoboVac 11S

(Can be primary vacuum for pet hair on hard wood floors, or recommended as a supplement between deeper cleaning)

I don’t know this for sure, but I think there is a “chase pet” setting on this one, because it seems to follow us around when you turn it on and we are home. I’ll admit, I don’t like that. But, it does a good job of cleaning up “my” hair when my family doesn’t feel like using the larger vacuum. Seems to work best when run a couple times a week, and it is pretty quiet (I do like that). It doesn’t get deep into carpets to clean, but it is great for hard wood floors, and flatter carpets, or a quick surface level on other surfaces. It’s known for being one of the better robots for NOT getting stuck places and navigating obstacles. It’s also really slim, so it fits under couches and beds well. Like most robots though, you need to clean up things like socks and such that will get stuck in it before you turn it on, and you will need to clean off the rollers regularly, to dislodge hair and such. But again, this is common among robots. It’s one of the more affordable options in this area and does a pretty good, if not by taking a strange path, to clean up the pet hair from an entire room or floor at a time. Word of warning though: it’s not your friend. I tried to make friends with it at first, it just tried to run over my toes making me cry…. In general though, used right, a good way to clean up pet hair in the house.

Well, that is the best of the best when it comes to vacuums for pet hair. Also, all vacuums should be, and are good for general use too, after all pet hair should just be something it is extra good at right?

Well my human sister is now in the kitchen ignoring me. But… I bet if I went over and grabbed her favorite marker from the floor and showed it to her in my mouth, that she would play with me….

I can picture it now, ‘Maizy!!’ she would scream, ‘Something, something, something” basically words that I don’t understand, but her high pitch voice tells me she thinks it is exciting. Oh we have so much fun.

So happy vacuum shopping everyone, it’s play time for my sister and me!

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