KT Pet Supply Blog

This week I've added a new line of pet supplies to the site - Aquariums and Aquarium/Fish Supplies.

So far, I've added heaters, pumps and filters, as well as, a handful of aquariums with stands. Over the next week, I'll be adding even more aquariums in, so keep checking back!

Visit KT Pet Supply for Fish Aquariums

Welcome to the newest design at KT Pet Supply! You'll find lots of changes, all of which I hope will make navigating the site, and finding your pet supplies easier than ever.

The blog has also been redesigned on the new platform. Here you'll find the latest news, including specials, coupons and other important information.

Summer is just around the corner, and if you haven't done so already, now is a good time to make sure your family dog is ready for the warmer months coming ahead. We all tend to be outdoors more in the spring and summertime, pets and people alike, but along with that outdoors playtime comes the risk of exposure to fleas, ticks and other diseases carried by other animals.

It's important to be sure that your pet is protected from harmful diseases including distemper, rabies and kennel cough. Many vaccines are now combined into a single inoculation, and are generally good for one year. Once a puppy has reached the age of 6 months, it's also imperative that he or she is vaccinated against rabies. Rabies vaccinations are effective for around 3 years, and in the state of New York, this vaccine is required in order to obtain a dog license in your town. When vaccinations are given on time, they are nearly 100% percent effective in preventing common canine illnesses.

Normally, you will only need to take your dog to the vet once a year, following his initial exam, for a wellness checkup and to keep up to date on his vaccinations. During this annual checkup, ask your vet to give your dog a through examination, including checking of his:

• teeth (removing tartar if necessary)
• anal glands (emptying them if necessary)
• nails (clipping them if necessary)
• stool (if you think he may have worms)

Females need more regular attention than males, especially if they are bred. When you wish to travel with your dog, you will be prepared for any state, federal, or international requirement if you ask your vet for a certificate of good health, and make sure that his vaccinations are in order before you leave. Normally, a sound dog needs no more veterinary attention than this. However, you may take him to the vet on other occasions due to accidents or illness.

As you get to know your dog, you will be able to distinguish between passing symptoms of no importance, chronic minor disorders, and the indications of disease and infection. Among the symptoms that warrant a visit to the vet are:

• A temperature over 102 degrees, or under 100 that lasts for more than 24 hours, or a temperature as high as 104, or as low as 99.
• Acute pain for which there is no logical explanation.
• Bloody urine
• Blood in the stool more than once
• A discharge of yellow mucus from the eyes or nose
• Persistent vomiting, coughing, or refusal to ear for more than 24 hours
• If your dog simply looks and acts really sick

When in doubt, it's always safer to err on the side of caution and visit your vet. Not only will it help alleviate any concerns you may have, but your vet is in a much better position to determine whether symptoms could potentially indicate a more serious illness.

Happy Summer!

If your dog's barking has become a bit out of control, you may be wondering if anti barking devices are the best way to silence the obnoxious barking. As with many training systems, bark collars and devices certainly have their pros and cons. In this article we'll look at the pros and cons of using an anti barking device to stop the unwanted racket.

Read the rest of the article:  Pros and Cons of Anti Barking Devices

If you own a dog then you will want to start training him right away.  Training a dog creates a closer bond between you and your dog and also helps them learn socialization skills, which is critical if you live in an area where your dog is in constant contact with other people and dogs.

When choosing a dog it would be wise to do some research into different breeds and their tendencies so that you can pick a breed that suits you and your lifestyle.  For instance, if you do not have much patience you will not want a hard to train breed such as a Beagle.  An easily trained breed such as a Collie would be better. If you live in tight quarters, choose a small poodle since they are also easy to train. Different breeds need different training methods since some are easier to train than others. Some dogs are hard to train no matter what the breed, and they will need extra patience and different training methods.

A dog is not truly happy unless it is trained and has rules and boundaries to follow.  A dog is a pack animal and wants to have a pack leader that sets rules.  If you do not fill the position then the dog will, and this will ultimately lead to a whole series of problems.  The dog training method you choose to use will depend on you, your lifestyle and the type of dog you have and what problems the dog has.

Most dogs respond well to positive re-enforcement training but there are dogs that will only respond to more forceful methods of training.  This is not to say that you have to mistreat the dog you will just have to be firmer when disciplining and teaching your dog.  If you are new to dog training or your dog is tough to teach you may want to seek professional assistance. Your veterinarian is a good source of information for local dog trainers.

Training your dog yourself is the best way, if possible, since the rewards will be great if you successfully train your pet..  There are many sources of information on dog training methods available from many places. The library is full of information on dog training, and the internet is also a rich source of information.

It's important to realize that most training problems stem directly from the owner not the dog.  A lack of good communication is the root of most training mistakes. For instance, if you use the word “come” one day and then change it to “here” the next the dog ends up being confused and not knowing what to do when you talk.

Regardless of the breed and temperament of your dog, nearly any dog can be trained. Training your dog will require patience and consistency, but the rewards are worth all of the hard work.

Every dog owner likes to think they have the smartest, cleverest dog. Did you know there are actually some breeds of dogs that really are more intelligent? In this post, we'll look at the top 10 breeds based on intelligence. Don't worry if your dog's breed isn't found on the list. Believe it or not, having a dog that is smart as a whip isn't necessarily an advantage :-)

Dogs that possess a higher intelligence get bored easily if they don't have appropriate activites and stimulation. They tend to be more work because of this and not having daily stimulation can cause behavior problems.

Beginning with the 10th most intelligent dog, the results are...

10.) Australian Cattle Dog
As the breed name suggests, these dogs were originally herd dogs. This breed is happiest when given tasks or work to do, and require daily exercise and mental stimulation.

9.) Rottweiler
Many people view the Rottie as a fearsome dog that is prone to attack. The fact is, Rotties can make great family pets, and they're very intelligent as well. They do need to be trained, but most Rottweilers learn quickly.

8.) Papillon
Papillons are number 8 on our list. They tend to be easy to train and they are fiercely loyal and protective dogs.

7.) Labrador Retriever
For anyone that owns a Lab, it is probably no surprise that they're one of the top 10 smartest dogs. Labs are gentle and have a good nature. They socialize easily with family members and other pets, making them a great choice for a family dog. Like the other dogs on this list, they do need regular exercise and mental stimulation. Labs are prone to obesity if not given proper exercise.

6.) Shetland Sheepdog
Another breed that was originally bred for herding, the Shetland Sheepdog has been used for both cattle and sheep herding. This type of dog doesn't possess some of the better social skills that other breeds have. While still a great pet, they may do better in a home without other pets or small children.

5.) Doberman
Another dog that can strike fear in someone's heart, should you come across one that is loose, the Doberman can indeed be a tempermental breed. If trained properly, Dobermans can still make great family pets. They will do fine with children as well, despite their reputation.

4.) Golden Retriever
One of my favorite breeds, Goldens are much like Labrador Retrievers. They have a gentle, kind spirit and make terrific pets. You can trust them around children and other household pets, and being very intelligent, they are easy to train. Goldens are very loyal and loving companions and make a great addition to any home.

3.) German Shepherd
Often associated with K9 units and police work, Germans are extremely intelligent. They also make great family pets and are good with children. They are happiest when kept busy, and require some type of work or mental stimulation often to prevent boredom or depression. Germans, like all dogs, are pack animals. They especially need a strong pack leader from an early age to be the happiest.

2.) Poodle
This may actually be a surprise to a lot of people. Poodles are the 2nd smartest dog breed. Poodles are extremely protective of their owners and can become vicious if they feel their owner or territory is being threatened. Due to this, poodles aren't always the best choice for a family with small children. They will thrive in an environment where they receive a lot of attention, as they prefer not to be left alone.

1.) Border Collie
The fact that the Border Collie is the smartest dog breed is no surprise to me. My dog is half Black Lab, half Border Collie, and I can assure you, sometimes she's too smart for her own good! Because of their intelligence, Border Collies are extremely active dogs. They require plenty of playtime, as well as mental stimulation. Border Collies excel in trials and competitions and are happiest when they have a "job" to do. Congrats to all you Border Collie owners - you have the most intelligent dog in the world!

Cats are trained best by watching you - a cat will mimic you just as he followed the actions of his mother. Of course, training your cat is easiest while he's still a kitten as many older cats are resistant to training. Cats all have unique personalities and are very independent. They don't require a lot of attention as they have a mind of their own. The older they get, the truer this is.

To effectively train your cat, it's essential that your cat trusts you. Never yell at or shout at your cat - you're just going to make the problem worse. Instead, use a soft voice, rewarding and praising your cat when he behaves appropriately. This is the surest, quickest way to get your cat to listen to you.

Like dogs, cats love praise and rewards. Once they learn that they will get a reward and/or praise for good behavior, they'll be more inclined to listen to you and obey you.

Never use your cat's name if you do find it's necessary to reprimand him. You don't want your cat to associate his name with a negative response from you.

Consistency is always the key when training any type of pet, and especially with cats. You need to always be consistent in your training to achieve your desired results. Training a cat will take much longer than it does to train a dog. However, it really is possible to train a cat to do many things. If you have others living in your home, be sure they know the commands you're teaching your cat, to ensure consistency in training. With everyone cooperating, your cat training will go that much more smoothly.

Cats can be finicky and exhibit some bizarre behaviors, and that seems to be part of their allure for humans. But, there will be behaviors that you want to correct and bad habits that call for reprimand. A harmless way to correct a cat's behavior is by filling a squirt bottle with water and giving him a quick squirt in the face when you catch him in the act of doing something wrong. A quick startling noise can also be effective in stopping bad behavior.

Training your cat is well worth the effort, as it makes having him that much more enjoyable and a lot more fun to have around.

Dogs can get bored easily, and a bored dog can lead to having a depressed dog. When dogs have a lack of activity for prolonged periods of time, they can develop depression just like people. This is especially true of dogs that are inherently more intelligent. They need activities or work to provide the necessary stimulation to keep their minds active.

Avoiding boredom and depression are two good reasons for dog training. Well trained dogs tend to be happier because they are pleasing their owners, something all dogs live for. Training also establishes you as a good pack leader that will provide security for, and inspire confidence in, your dog.

Many areas of the country have poor weather during different times of the year. Unfortunately, this can make it difficult to provide needed activity for your dog when it's cold outside and there's not as much daylight.

There are a few alternatives to consider for your dog when the weather outside is not conducive to taking him out for playtime and exercise.

One of these options is a treadmill made especially for dogs. A dog treadmill will allow your dog to remain active and stimulated regardless of the weather.

A dog treadmill is also an ideal solution for dog owners that live in an apartment or hesitate to walk their dogs at night due to safety concerns. It's a convenient way to keep your dog in tip top shape and avoid the problems that boredom and depression can cause.

If you've never considered a treadmill for your dog, and he's not getting his needed exercise, it's worth looking into. There are a variety of types of dog treadmills available in all different price ranges.

Unfortunately, just like their owners, dogs can develop skin conditions and allergies. The most common causes of allergies in dogs are food, dust mites and fleas. Following are the typical symptoms to be looking out for, and what you can do about it.

Dog Allergy Symptoms

Dog allergy symptoms aren't too different from the symptoms people suffer when they have an allergy. The most common symptoms are:

• Irritated skin which causes your dog to scratch intensely
• Hot spots or sores on the skin
• Coughing
• Runny eyes
• Nasal Discharge
• Breathing Problems
• Hair loss caused by scratching

Should your dog develop any of these symptoms, it's a good idea to have him checked out by a vet to rule out an allergy.

Food Allergies

Like people, dogs can have an allergy to food ingredients. It can be really hard to identify the specific ingredient that is causing your dog discomfort. Here are some tips for identifying and dealing with a food allergy:

• Grain is often used as a filler ingredient in cheaper dog foods. It's also a common source of allergy.  Check your dog's food packaging to see if grain is ingredient. If so, try switching to a food without grain.
• Some dogs are sensitive to artificial coloring or preservatives used in commercial dog food. A higher quality food with no artificial colors or preservatives may alleviate your dog's symptoms.
• Pay close attention if you change your dog's diet, even noting the ingredients of each food so that you may be able to see if there is a common ingredient that could be causing the reaction.
• Switching to a raw food diet may be the best option for a dog with severe food allergies. A raw diet consists of real meat and vegetables and may be healthier for your dog than store-bought food.

Dust Mites and Fleas

Two more common causes of allergies in dogs are dust mites and/or flea bites. Controlling your dog's environment is essential to avoid a pest infestation. Left untreated, either type of allergy can lead to skin rashes resulting in infections. Fleas are also able to pass tapeworm on to dogs, so it's important to treat flea problems immediately. Here are some tips for preventing mite and flea allergy problems:

• Wash your pet's bedding regularly and keep his environment clean
• If your dog spends most of his time outside, clean his kennel and bedding area regularly
• Check your pet often for any sign of fleas. You should treat him with a flea control product at the very first sign of fleas.

Treatment for Dog Allergies

If you think your dog may have allergies, your first course of action should be to contact your veterinarian. He will be able to help you identify the source of the problem and make recommendations for treatment. Possible treatment options include prescription and over the counter salves and ointments, and oral prescription medications for more severe cases.

Like humans, dogs can suffer miserably if they are affected by allergies. There are several ways to treat allergies in dogs, and your vet will help you make the best choice for you and your dog.

For a more detailed look at dog allergies, see the article: Allergies In Dogs - Common Allergies and Treatment Options

Did you know that your cat's eyes differ from our own? Interestingly enough, cats don't see as well as people or some other animals in the daytime. Because their eyes are shaped and function differently, they are born with other abilities that allow them to be great hunters as well as sense any threat. Here are a few facts about your cat's eyes that you probably didn't know and which may also explain some of his behavior.

Part of the reason cats are great hunters is because they are able to see especially well in the dark. Their eyes are larger and rounder than humans, in relation to the rest of their body. The size and shape allows them to see well in dimly lit conditions. This makes it easy for them to hunt at night and catch their prey. If you're really lucky, they'll bring back evidence of their hunting, including the birds and mice they catch.

Cats are only able to focus clearly within a few feet. Lucky for them, their keen sense of smell helps them to know when danger is approaching. Cats are also particularly sensitive to movement and vibration. They can sense someone in the area before they actually see the person or animal. Because cats are very sensitive to any type of movement, they can actually hunt easier at night than during the day when there is bright sunlight.

As your cat ages, this awareness diminishes, requiring extra care so that they don't run into problems with other animals that they can no longer sense by movement alone.

Because cats can't rotate their eyes as much as humans, their peripheral vision isn't as good as people or other animals. This lack is made up for in their flexibility. They are able to turn their heads further than humans and other animals and this allows them to easily see in any direction.

So, there you have it. The major differences between cats eyes and people. Understanding how your cat's eyes work can actually help you in understanding his behavior a bit better - including why at times he seems to more active at night.