Category Archives: Pet Care

Mother’s Day Gift Guide

Mother’s Day is May 8 this year, which means there’s not much time left to buy a great gift for your mom, grandma, aunt, or other influential woman in your life. Fortunately, with the help of this handy gift guide and our express shipping option, you’ll be able to get your shopping done before the deadline no matter how many people are on your list. Here are some of our bestselling products that are sure to be a hit this Mother’s Day.

1 massage chairFor keeping warm while on the go

Active moms will love getting new gear to use or wear when traveling or participating in favorite outdoor winter activities such as hiking, skiing, motorcycling, and watching sports. If your mom is the type that doesn’t let bad weather slow her down, then check out our:

  • Deluxe heated car seat cover
  • Travel electric blanket
  • Battery heated ski gloves, glove liners, or mittens
  • Battery heated women’s soft shell jacket
  • Heated Puffy Jacket by WarmGear
  • Battery heated socks
  • Battery heated stadium seat cushion

1 throwFor keeping warm at home

Does your mom always have cold hands and feet in winter, no matter the indoor temperature? Or does she like to keep the thermostat turned down in order to save money on heating bills? If so, she’ll fall in love with one of these great items:

  • Heated indoor/outdoor slippers
  • RugHeat heating system for use under area rugs
  • Electric foot of the bed warmer
  • Heated electric blanket or throw
  • Heated towel warmer
  • Heated chair cover

For keeping pets comfy

If your mom is a dog or cat lover above all else, then she will wholeheartedly welcome any of the following 1 heated doggy bedproducts that are designed to make her pet’s life cozier:

  • Outdoor heated pet bed or kennel mat
  • Heated dog bowl for keeping water at a drinkable temperature
  • Self-warming pet beds
  • Heated cat beds
  • Cooling pads, cooling collars, and cooling pet jackets for use in summer

All of the gifts listed here and plenty more are available right now at CozyWinters, so you’re sure to find something your mom will enjoy. Visit our site today to place your order and remember to select Express Shipping at checkout for delivery before May 8.

Pet Friendly Spring Vacation Tips

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Going on spring vacation is made all the better if you can bring your pet along for the journey. That way you don’t have to worry about finding a responsible sitter or leaving your furry friend at a kennel for the duration of your trip. And of course you get to enjoy some quality bonding time with your cat or dog while visiting some amazing places.

But pet friendly vacations don’t just happen; they require a lot of research and planning to go off without a hitch, so take these tips into consideration before you depart:

  • Choose your destination wisely to ensure the distance and method of travel (e.g. car or airplane) are suited to your pet’s temperament and age.
  • If traveling by air, book only direct flights and stick with airlines that allow your pet to fly in the cabin rather than the cargo hold. Most airlines will only allow pets in the cabin if their carrier will fit under the cabin seats. Also many airlines will only allow a limited number of pets per flight, so be sure to book your pets at the same time that you are booking your flight, otherwise you could get to the airport on your travel day and not be allowed on the flight with your pet.dog travel
  • If traveling by car, keep your pet restrained in a Dog Digs Portable Pet Crate (or similar product), both for the animal’s safety and to avoid distracted driving.
  • Understand that even in pet friendly hotels or motels, there may be restrictions regarding the size and number of animals permitted in each room. When traveling with a large dog or multiple pets, be sure to confirm that they will be allowed at your chosen lodgings. Many hotels will not allow you to leave your pet in the hotel room when you aren’t there, so make sure to get answers to these questions before booking.
  • Plan your itinerary with your pet in mind. For example, outdoorsy type activities such as hiking and camping would be much more appropriate than whole afternoons spent at museums, galleries, and other venues where pets are not allowed.
  • Never leave your pet unattended in a vehicle, even if you crack the windows and use cooling products like the Hound Cooler Pet Bed or Kool Collar dog collar. Interior temperatures can rise to life-threatening levels very quickly even in spring, so it’s not worth your pet’s life to take this risk.
  • Bring your pet’s favorite toys and bedding to reduce anxiety and help him feel secure while away from home.
  • Make sure your pet always wears a collar with an ID tag containing your name and cell phone number. (Even if they have a microchip!)

Taking your pet on spring vacation with the rest of the family can lead to happy adventures and lasting memories for all, so use these tips to help ensure a safe trip!

Halloween Pet Safety Tips

Halloween pet safety tipsThere’s no question that Halloween is an exciting time for kids—and even many adults. After all, it’s a day filled with free candy, awesome costumes, spooky decorations, and great parties, so what’s not to love?

But all of this extra activity can be very stressful for pets and could lead to some dangerous scenarios, which is why we urge you to take the following precautions for keeping your dog or cat safe this Halloween:

  • Make sure your pet has a collar and ID tag on at all times in case he manages to escape from the house or yard during the general commotion.
  • Keep all treats, especially those containing dark chocolate, baking chocolate, or the artificial sweetener xylitol, well out of reach of pets.
  • Consider keeping your pet crated or closed off in a separate room during peak trick-or-treat hours to lessen the anxiety caused by a constantly ringing doorbell and endless parade of strangers. You might also try turning on a TV or radio near the pet to mask all the noise from trick-or-treaters.
  • Never leave an unsupervised dog or cat alone in a room filled with Halloween decorations as the pet might knock over candles, choke on fake cobwebs and rubber spiders, or be tempted to chew through electrical cords.
  • If dressing your pet in a costume, make sure the garment fits properly and doesn’t impair vision, prohibit barking or meowing, or interfere with free movement.
  • Bring outdoor pets inside for the night (or at the very least, keep them in the garage) to minimize the chances of them being targeted by pranksters.
  • Look up the emergency vet’s contact information as well as the animal poison control helpline number, and keep them on hand just in case.

Don’t let worries about your pet’s health and safety get in the way of Halloween fun this year. Take these precautions into consideration and implement the ones that apply to your household so the whole family can enjoy this spookiest of days!

Why Cats Love Sunlight & Heat

cat sunlight heated pet bedEvery cat owner is familiar with the way their feline companion craves heat. Whether it’s snoozing in a narrow beam of sunlight, curling up on a laptop keyboard, or nestling inside a cardboard box, your pet naturally gravitates toward the warmest spot in the room. As it turns out, there are specific biological reasons that explain why cats love sunlight and heat.

  • Cats have higher heat tolerance than humans. The average body temperature of a healthy cat is around 101 degrees, and they don’t begin to feel pain from heat until the temperature rises to 126 degrees. This greater tolerance for heat not only allows them to cope better when temperatures soar, but also prompts them to seek external warmth to maintain their 101-degree equilibrium.
  • Cats are predators. From stealthily stalking a bird or mouse to waiting patiently for just the right moment to pounce on unsuspecting prey, cats use their brains far more than their brawn. This brain activity consumes tons of energy; so any help cats get in the form of external heat is energy they can divert from simply warming the body to powering more complex functions.
  • Cats have turbo-charged metabolisms. Metabolic processes such as maintaining body temperature, digesting food, and preserving a healthy coat all require a constant influx of energy. Again, cats can conserve some of their energy expenditure by using external heat sources like sunlight and heated pet beds to help warm their bodies and keep their metabolism running more efficiently.

Now that you understand a bit more about why your cat seeks warmth, you can make its life a lot easier by placing heated cat pads or heated pet beds in strategic places throughout your home. Check out CozyWinters today to view our indoor and outdoor heated pet products that will help keep your cat warm and snug in every season.

Keep Indoor Cats Entertained

Aug 1 Keep indoor cats entertainedCats that are kept indoors must be provided with lots of stimulating activities to help them cope with the confinement. This stimulation not only wards off boredom and reduces stress, but also prevents undesirable behaviors such as excessive meowing, scratching at furniture, and urinating outside the litter box. So consider trying these ideas for keeping your feline friend entertained throughout the day:

  • Use our heated windowsill cat bed to create a comfy perch for your pet to sit on while gazing out at birds, passing cars, and pedestrians. This is a simple activity that will occupy your cat for hours all year round.
  • Leave the radio tuned to a classical music station or play a CD of nature sounds to soothe and comfort your pet when no one is home.
  • Satisfy your cat’s need to climb by creating safe pathways to the tops of bookshelves and other high places. You may also wish to buy a multistory cat furniture tree or activity center for the same purpose.
  • Indulge the natural hunting instincts in your cat by hiding treats or dry kibble around your home. Change the locations frequently to keep things interesting—but be sure to retrace your steps every now and then to clean up anything your cat might have missed.
  • Give your cat new items to sniff, play with, and explore. These might be anything from windup mice and other store bought toys to paper bags, cardboard boxes, or fallen bird feathers and tree leaves.
  • Teach your cat to walk on a leash or build a secure enclosure for the yard. This will enable your favorite feline to enjoy some of the perks of being outdoors without any of the attendant dangers.
  • Treat your cat to quality one-on-one playtime and cuddle time as often as possible.

Since every cat has its own distinct personality, it’s impossible to predict which of these entertainment ideas your pet will respond to and which will just be ignored. So why not try them all and then stick to the ones that work best!

How to Store Pet Food Safely

Just like human food, the quality and edibility of pet food degrades over time. But unlike human food that is typically eaten within a week or so of opening, a single large bag of pet food can serve as your dog or cat’s main meal source for a month or more, which leaves it highly vulnerable to nutrient loss, mold, pests, and general spoilage. That’s why safe storage is such a vital part of ensuring your pet gets the freshest, most nutritious kibble possible. Here’s how to do it:

  • july 3 storing pet foodKeep dry pet food in its original packaging. Dog and cat food bags are made with special liner materials that help block out oxygen and moisture while also serving as a barrier to prevent the fats and oils in the food from leeching out. In addition, the original packaging should have a “best by” date and a batch or source code to consult in the event of a product recall.
  • For extra protection, put the food (still in its original packaging) in an airtight container. Glass or metal containers are preferable, but plastic can work too. Just be sure to wipe down the container every time you swap out the food bag.
  • Store the food in a cool, dry place well away from direct sunlight and sources of moisture. Food containers and packages should also be kept off the ground to help prevent mites and other pests from burrowing in.
  • Try to use all dry pet food within six weeks (42 days) of opening the package. If your pet cannot finish the food within that timeframe, consider purchasing smaller bags in the future.
  • Never pour new food on top of old food in the bag or container. When consolidating two bags of food, make sure the older kibble goes on top of the newer product so it can be used up first.

As a loving and responsible pet owner, you naturally want to give your dog or cat only the best quality food packed with the nutrients essential to animal health. So take the steps outlined here to store pet food safely and help preserve the freshness of every bag you buy.

7 Ways to Keep Your Dog Safe This Summer

Summertime provides dog owners with ample opportunities to romp with pets in a variety of fun settings. From barbecues on the beach and boating on the lake to hiking in the woods, fishing in the river, or simply playing fetch at the local dog park, there are always plenty of great destinations and activities to choose from.

But summer also provides ample opportunities for dogs to get sick or injured, which is why extra vigilance and preventive measures are so important for maintaining good health. Here are 7 ways to keep your dog safe from summer hazards:

  1. Beware of walking your dog on hot surfaces such as asphalt, cement, and even beach sand. The pads on dogs’ paws are sensitive to heat, and can burn or blister after prolonged contact with these surfaces, so save your walks for the early morning or late evening hours.
  2. Immediately clean up any antifreeze/coolant spills in your garage or driveway. This substance is appealing to dogs because of its sweet taste, but is incredibly toxic and can cause serious illness or death.
  3. Do not leave your dog in an unattended vehicle while you pop into the store for “a few minutes.” Even with the windows cracked, the interior temperature of a vehicle can reach triple digits very quickly in the summer and might result in heat stroke for any pet trapped inside.
  4. Understand that dogs cool from the bottom up (that is, from their belly to the top of their back and head), so a product like the portable Hound Cooler cooling bed is much more effective at regulating your pet’s body temperature than an ordinary fan or the shade of a tree.
  5. Keep your dog away from lawns or gardens that have been treated with pesticides. Though many commercial products are labeled “pet safe,” quite a few industrial strength varieties are toxic to dogs and could lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and other forms of gastrointestinal distress.
  6. Use a doggy life jacket, such as the Fido Float vest available at CozyWinters, to keep your dog safe while boating, fishing, and frolicking on the beach. Even if your dog enjoys swimming, you never know when exhaustion might kick in, so it’s far better to be safe than sorry.
  7. Take appropriate measures, including using special collars, shampoos, dips, and prescription medications, to protect your dog from fleas, worms, ticks, mosquitoes, and other parasites.

Short of staying indoors all summer long, there’s no surefire way to avoid the many pet related dangers out there. But following the above tips will do much to keep your dog safe while participating in all the fun activities the season has to offer.

Help Pets Stay Safe and Calm During Fireworks

It’s no secret that dogs and cats of all sizes can be spooked by loud noises. Thunderstorms, jackhammers, drums, motorcycles, and backfiring cars are just a few of the sounds that might cause these house pets to whimper, hide, or engage in destructively anxious behavior.

nervous dogIn the summer months—particularly July when Independence Day rolls around—you can add fireworks to this list of scary noises. Many local humane societies cite the Fourth of July as one of the busiest days of the year for reports of lost or runaway pets, presumably due to the animals’ desire to escape from noisy displays of patriotism.

Obviously, you don’t want anything like this to happen to your precious pet, so here are some expert tips on how to help dogs and cats stay safe and calm during fireworks:

  • Identify the dates and times of scheduled fireworks shows near your home so you can make all necessary preparations well in advance.
  • Create a safe, cozy space for your pets to stay in for the duration of the show. Place a favorite bed or cooling mat in a small, enclosed room or under a table to help them feel secure during all the chaos.
  • Try to acclimatize pets to loud noises prior to the event. Do this gradually and in a controlled manner by using a sound CD or similar recording to introduce pets to the kinds of disturbing sounds they might encounter.
  • Feed, water, and walk your pets before the fireworks begin, as the noise might make them too anxious to eat or too jumpy while in the backyard or on a leash.
  • Block out the fireworks by closing the windows, pulling the curtains, and turning on the television, radio, or white noise machine.
  • Try to physically comfort your pet (by hugging, cuddling, putting on a “thundershirt” type product, etc.) if the animal seems receptive, but don’t force the issue.
  • Dogs and cats are notoriously adept at taking behavioral cues from humans, so make sure you remain levelheaded and calm regardless of how your pet is reacting to the fireworks.

Loud noises like those associated with fireworks displays can scare pets and cause potentially harmful responses. If you think your dog or cat might get spooked, try the above techniques to help keep them safe during the Fourth of July and other summertime festivities.

Pet Friendly Outdoor Adventures

Spending quality time with pets is one of the most important responsibilities of any owner. This not only provides pets with the exercise they need to stay healthy and nimble, but also deepens the bonds of loyalty, love, and companionship between human and animal. Here are some ideas for pet friendly outdoor adventures that will bring you and your four-legged bestie closer together this summer:

  • cooling-dog-vest_HGive your dog a fun workout by taking him to an agility park in your city. Unlike a standard dog park that is little more than an open field, an agility park features a variety of obstacles such as ramps, beams, and tunnels designed to improve your dog’s speed, balance, and agility.
  • Take your pet to the woods or mountains for a long hike on marked trails. Many state parks (and some national ones) are dog friendly as long as you follow the rules. Remember to bring extra water for your dog, and perhaps even an ice-filled Kool Collar from CozyWinters to help prevent dehydration and heat exhaustion. For smaller pooches, consider bringing a backpack pet carrier to use when tiny paws get too tired to continue.
  • Spend an afternoon out on a boat or go swimming in a lake or river. Many dogs love to swim, so this would be an ideal activity for a hot summer day. Just make sure to take plenty of breaks and use the Paws Aboard Doggy Life Jacket as an added safety measure.
  • Grab some grub at an outdoor cafe. The summer is all about dining al fresco, and a lot of eateries now allow pets to hang out at the outdoor tables with patrons. If your dog is friendly to other people and well-behaved around food and general bustle, you’ll both be able to enjoy a great meal or snack in the open air.
  • Pack up the tent and some sleeping bags and go camping. Exploring the great outdoors is always better with your best friend at your side. No matter where you live, you’ll be able to find pet friendly campsites within a reasonable driving distance, so load up the car, throw a protective dog seat cover over the back seat, and get ready to commune with nature for the weekend.

Spending quality time with your pet doesn’t have to be limited to daily walks around the neighborhood or the occasional game of fetch in the backyard. For a more exciting option, try one of these pet friendly outdoor adventures with your cuddly companion this summer.

How to Keep Family and Pets Hydrated

Proper hydration is the foundation for a number of essential physiological processes such as temperature and heart rate regulation, joint lubrication, nutrition absorption, and more. This is true for both humans and animals, and is a constant requirement all year round.

That said, staying hydrated is particularly important in summer when sizzling temperatures and the scorching sun combine to quickly deplete the body of water and electrolytes. Add in some moderate to strenuous outdoor activities like hiking, biking, or playing sports, and it’s not long before dehydration (along with its accompanying symptoms of dizziness, headache, confusion, and excessive thirst) can set in.

Fortunately, keeping your family and pets hydrated is easy—especially when you follow these tips.

For people:

  • family pets hydratedBring plenty of bottled water for outdoor activities and sip liberally for the duration of the session. A general guideline to follow for adults is to drink approximately seven to 10 ounces of water for every 15 minutes of exertion. Children may have lower requirements depending on relative size.
  • Even when staying at home or in the office, strive to consume at least 64 ounces of water daily.
  • Although water is the best for replenishing lost fluids and maintaining hydration, juice, coffee, tea, milk, and even soft drinks can also be helpful in this regard.
  • Don’t forget that certain foods, including broth, citrus fruits, yogurt, and many vegetables are high in water content and thus contribute to overall hydration.
  • Monitor hydration level by keeping an eye on your urine. A pale yellow color is most desirable, while dark yellow urine or significantly lower output could indicate dehydration.

For pets:

  • Cats subsisting on a diet of canned food should drink an additional two to four ounces of water per day. Cats on a diet of dry food need approximately two to three times the amount they eat (e.g. five ounces of dry food would translate to about 10 to 15 ounces of water).
  • The widely accepted rule of thumb for dogs is 8.5 to 17 ounces of water per 10 pounds of bodyweight, meaning a 25-pound dog needs anywhere from 21 to 42 ounces per day.
  • Provide pets with constant access to clean water. A product such as the CleanFlow Filtered Water Bowl at CozyWinters helps remove impurities and promote consumption.
  • When taking pets on extended car trips and outings, be sure to bring a portable water bowl and provide frequent opportunities for drinking.

Now that we’re edging into summer, the dangers of family members and pets becoming dehydrated are ever increasing. But you can keep your outings safe and fun for all involved by using our ideas to stay cool and hydrated.