Selecting the Right Pet Harness
We can give our pets an opportunity to explore the out doors safely by using the right pet harness and leash. Most pets can be trained to follow you on a lead and a pet harness will enable you to control your pet without accidentally choking him or her. Finding the right pet harness should be easy by following the guideline.
Features to Consider in a Pet Harness
Materials Used Type (figure eight, H-harness or the V-style) Width of Straps Size Adjustable Safety Fashion Type of Buckles Correct size for pet’s weight Desirable Features for a Pet Harness
Easy to Clean Easy to Use Safe Durable Appealing Safety Features to Avoid in a Pet Harness
Avoid leather; it is too bulky and uncomfortable Avoid harnesses that are not adjustable Avoid harnesses that are too big or too small Ideal Pet Harness Choice
An ideal choice for your pet is a lightweight nylon or cotton harness that is adjustable, easy to fit, with secure buckles, that is durable and machine washable. Choose either the figure eight, H-harness or the V-style based on your pet’s temperament, body type or for ease of use.
Shopping & Safety Tips for Buying a Pet Harness For walks outside, the figure eight style harness is a safer choice since it tightens if the pet pulls, therefore preventing the pet from slipping out. The H-style or V-style harness tend to be a little easier for owners to put on. Buy a harness in a lightweight material such as nylon or cotton. A harness should be tight enough to prevent slippage, but loose enough for you to get two fingers between the harness and your pet’s body. Whatever type of harness you select, find one that is adjustable so it fits your pet properly and will expand if she does. Before taking your pet outside on the harness and leash, let her wear the harness indoors so that she becomes acclimated to it and you can be assured that it fits properly. | |
Auto Safety
| The Surefit®
| Easy Walk
| Feather Teather
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Selecting the Best Pet Collar
If you're looking for a pet collar, there are many colors, materials, and styles. Finding the safest and best pet collar should be easy by following the guidelines:
Desirable Features in a Pet Collar
Size Comfort Style Ability to clean Durability Safety Ideal Choice for a Pet Collar
Nylon pet collars with either buckled or snap-together closures are great choices. Test the snap-together sample to ensure that the hold is strong. Make sure it has a quick-release feature in case you pet gets stuck or caught on something. Depending on the size of your kitten or puppy, you may need one that adjusts easily as he grows or choose one for him as a kitten or puppy and another for him at his adult size. Some pet collars can be woven with your pets name and your contact number in the case his is lost or gets away. Consider reflective materials if the pet goes outdoors
Shopping & Safety Tips for Buying Pet Collars
The ideal fit for a pet collar should allow for one to two fingers to fit between your pet’s neck and the collar, depending on the size of your pet. “Slip”, “choke”, “pinch” or “prong” collars are for dogs only and should not be used on cats. Some pet owners like to take their pet outside supervised using a body harnesses. Measure your pet’s diameter behind his front legs for a good fit. Some cat collars have bells which some cats enjoy. Make sure it is secure and does not come off or can be accidentally eaten. The ringing can be pleasant to some cat owners but can also get unpleasant at times specially at night. Some cat owners like bells on collars of outdoor cats to minimize their ability to catch and kill birds as the bell acts as a “warning”. Body harnesses are ideal for small pets. When you pull back on the leash, the harness tightens around the pet’s chest, controlling him without causing pressure on his neck or back. | |
Nylon Adjustable
| Nylon Breakaway
| Triple Crown
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The Premier
| Gentle Leader
| Innotek
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Selecting the Best Retractable Lead
If you're looking for a retractable pet leash, you're in luck! There are many designs, colors, lengths and features to choose from. Finding the right one can be difficult unless you know what to look for. Here are some tips to help!
Features to Consider in a Retractable Pet Leash
Materials Length Weight of cord Size Durability Safety Locking Mechanism Design Fashion Available Accessories Ease of Use Intended Purpose (walking, training or other) Desirable Features in a Retractable Pet Leash
Easy to Clean Safe Durable Easy to Operate Compact Can hang on hook Anti-tangle Strong Braking Mechanism | |
Flexi Long
| Flexi Classic
| Flexi Expression
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Selecting the Best Pet Litter
Having the right pet litter for your pet is important. Litter box aversion or inappropriate urination is a frequent problem in pets and therefore you want to do everything you can to choose the right pet litter product. There are several brands and varieties available in pet litter box. Here are some tips to help you choose the right one.
Features to Consider in Pet Litter
Materials Attractiveness to Pet Dust Easy to Use Cost Safety Environmentally Friendly Frequency of Scooping vs. Throw Away Flushable Shopping Tips for Buying Pet Litter
Selecting the right pet litter is a balance between what is easy and convenient for you to use and attractive to the pet. Different textures of pet litters are appealing to different pets. Some pets prefer clay, some will prefer clumping, and others will tolerate just about any type of litter. Some pets have aversions and will not use certain types, textures or scents of pet litter. It is important to watch your pet for proper use of the litter box whenever you are litter training or you select a new litter.
More Tips for Using Pet Litter
If you change types of pet litter, do it gradually and watch to ensure your pet is still using the box normally. Ideally, you should try the new pet litter in one box and keep one box with the old pet litter in case there is an aversion to the new litter. If your pet is using the new litter well, it is safe to make the switch. You can also begin to gradually mix in the new litter with the old and monitor litter box use. First you may want to keep 90% previous litter, 10% new litter mix. If this is met with satisfaction after a few days, gradually increase the new litter mix over several days until you are using 100% new litter. Once you have a pet litter that your pet seems to like, stick with it. Don’t change around if possible. Consider what “depth” of pet litter your pet likes. After you scoop or fill the litter box, tilt the box so the litter is deeper on one end and less deep on the other. Notice which end your pet likes. This will help guide you on how full to fill the box in the future. Even if your pet is indoor/outdoor, a litter box inside is a nice feature in case he gets trapped in the house or you are not available to let him out when he needs to “go”. | |
LitterMaid
| Cat Attract
| Nature's Miracle
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