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HOW TO FIND A LOST PET

5/17/2024

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​First report your lost pet to rescue groups.
Hang flyer with your pet's picture on Facebook, Nextdoor, Post Offices, libraries, pet supply stores, veterinary offices, grocery stores and groomer.
Ask your neighbors if they saw your pet and keep an eye out.
Drive around your community.
Dogs like to hide in wooded areas.
Dogs also like to hide under the house, porches, decks, or sheds.
People take lost pets to veterinarians, kennels, groomers, animal hospitals sometimes pet stores.
If you have a pet that likes to run away it's best to have him or her on a tracker.
Looking for your dog at night can increase your chances of finding your dog.
You can also hire a Private Investigator License to search for lost pets.
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LEASH TRAINING YOUR CAT

5/10/2024

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​Leash training can be tough for some cats. You can train your cat with a harness and a leash. It will be difficult to walk with a harness and your cat will feel uncomfortable. The cat will feel confined when wearing the harness and may lie down.
Take your time training and be very consistent. At first, try a few minutes and gradually increase the amount of time. Be sure to reward along the way, with treats and praises.
It will be a good exercise for your cat and will help to prevent boredom.
Work with your cat indoors until your cat feels comfortable and then you can go outdoors.
When outdoors do not take the leash off the cat.
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HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR CAT

4/5/2024

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​Make sure your cat gets an annual vet exam each year.
Have your vet do a full assessment of your cat. Discuss any questions or concerns that you have.
Have your vet do blood work on your cat to check for signs of infection, inflammation, and underlying disease. Make sure your cat is up to date on vaccines, intestinal parasite screening and determining, and
external parasite protection. As for kittens look out for ear mites, intestinal parasites, and upper respiratory tract infections. Adult cats can develop dental disease, obesity, and urinary tract issues. Older cats benefit from twice-yearly vet exams their health can change rapidly. They can develop kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, arthritis, and cancer. If left untreated. You may not notice that there is something wrong the cats are great at hiding sickness and pain.
Do not overfeed with mealtimes and treats.
Regular dental care is important to prevent oral diseases in cats. Only use toothbrushes and toothpaste for cats. Use Greenies to scrape the teeth clean.
If hairball becomes a daily occurrence take the cat to the vet.
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WHEN YOU BRING A NEW PET HOME

3/29/2024

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​Prepare your home for a successful transition. 
Things that are needed: collar, name tag engraved, soft comfortable bedding, blanket,  litter box, scooper,  water bowl, and food bowl. 
What to watch for: Trash cans, houseplants, household cleaners, detergents, glue, automotive chemicals, electric cords, chargers power, cables, tissues, bones, and toxic xylitol gum. Pets can also suffocate with a bag. The safest place for a puppy or a mischievous dog is a crate or using gates in a small area. 
You should keep any devices that contain batteries out of their reach. Pets toys are a great way to provide entertainment and comfort. Be sure to buy a variety of toys so that they can pick their favorite. 
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A CAT CARRIER IS A SAFE WAY TO TRAVEL WITH YOUR CAT

3/8/2024

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​It is a good idea to always have a carrier in the room where your cat frequents that way your cat is used to the carrier. Put a familiar blanket and a catnip toy into the base of the carrier. A short trip, under 6 hours, is fine staying in the carrier the entire time. For long or several-day trips, use a large crate for overnight. Some cats feel more secure and comfortable sleeping in their carrier. Let your cat out of the carrier periodically to drink water and use the litter box. Give your cat treats and fresh catnip periodically.
Your cat should always be in the carrier when in the car.
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INDOOR ACTIVITIES TO ENTERTAIN YOUR DOG

3/1/2024

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Edible bubbles for dogs and cats peanut butter flavor. It's a game of chasing the bubbles.
Dogs like TV like Animal Planet's, and Dog TV's YouTube channel because televisions are digital, and dogs can see what is on the screen. It's even a source of comfort and entertainment while you're away. When the dog is home alone during the day and lacks stimulation until the owner gets home. Dogs like seeing other dogs on TV but not the barking sounds. Mute the TV and turn on soothing classical music.

Snuffle Mat helps to engage their anxious dog in a healthy way. When choosing a snuffle mat look for the safety of each mat, durability, and materials used.

Flirt Pole dog exercises for fitness and mobility. There are safety concerns as sharp movements could lead to injury, on tile floors and hardwood. Keep movements low and slow to avoid extreme tugging or jump injuries.

Indoor Agility Kit can be used indoors and outdoors this activity offers deep mental stimulation.

​Soft toys, tugs, and fetch hide and seek with treats are good games to play with your dog.


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WHY DO DOGS EAT GRASS

2/23/2024

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​It is a normal behavior for dogs to eat grass. There are two types of grass-eating, grazing and instinctive behavior. Some dogs happily munch on grass when they are anxious, or bored. Some dogs just like the taste of the grass even if they eat a well-balanced diet. It's possible that your dog is suffering from an upset stomach the instinct is to throw up as a form of relief. Keep an eye out for the grass that has been treated with pesticides or fertilizers. Be
sure the lawn products are safe for pets.
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PETS ARE A GREAT COMPANION WITH HUMAN HEALTH

2/19/2024

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​Having a cat or dog can be good for your health both physically and mentally. Can lower blood pressure, cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels, reduce stress, depression, and decrease anxiety to higher self-esteem, and improve immune response. Some other studies have found that animals can reduce loneliness, and boost your mood. Pets do know when you're sick. They also can recognize our facial expressions.
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HEPATIC LIPIDOSIS IN CATS

2/9/2024

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​This condition also known as fatty liver syndrome occurs when triglycerides accumulate within the liver cells and obstruct the organ’s function. Hepatic lipidosis is a secondary consequence of some other underlying condition, such as obesity, diabetes, cancer, hyperthyroidism, pancreatitis, kidney disease, or another type of liver problem. In the anorexic cat, excessive amounts of fat move to the liver from storage areas throughout the body to compensate for the lack of fat that would normally be consumed via its food. The liver is unable to process this excessive intake of fat, so it collects in the animal’s liver cells. It is crucially important to identify the underlying condition responsible for hepatic lipidosis and to initiate appropriate therapy for that condition without delay. Signs to look for: jaundiced, yellowish tinge in the skin, gums, and ears, lethargy, weakness, vomiting, and behavioral changes.
Consult your veterinarian as soon as possible.
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HAIR LOSS IN PETS

2/2/2024

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Hair loss is also known as alopecia. If your pet is losing a large amount of hair, you should consult your veterinarian. If you notice bald patches, inflammation, and scaling skin, you should immediately consult a vet. Pollen and other airborne allergen as well as fleas and other biting insects are the real culprits. They cause constant itching, irritation, and inflammation. Your dog may suffer from fungal and bacterial infections. This infection can also be the underlying cause of alopecia. The affected area will be inflamed, scaly, and crusty. 

Food items could be causing allergic symptoms in your pet, change the diet. Dogs are allergic to wheat, corn, eggs, soy, and chicken. Bathe your dog with soap-free or medicated shampoo from your vet, which can help ward off bacterial and fungal infections. Your vet will diagnose if it is a hormone imbalance.
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BUILD AN OUTSIDE ENCLOSURE FOR YOUR CATS

1/26/2024

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Cats that are playful and curious can expend unwanted energy by exploring. Cats also enjoy going up and down the ramps, wheels, climbing levels, scratching posts, etc. It is a safe way to be outdoors and be able to watch the birds, and squirrels, breathe fresh air, and be in the sunshine. 

I have attached a link to do it your self outdoor enclosure that is maintenance-free.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JS-WA68skw
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HOW TO HANDLE AN AGGRESSIVE CAT

1/19/2024

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​Aggressive behavior can also be an indication of health issues. Aggression in cats includes hissing, growling, swatting, biting, exposed claws, an open mouth, or a stiff stance. What to look for is the cat's body language ears are pressed back or flattened, whiskers are upturned or angled forward, and tail is twitching or bristled, pointing to a potential aggressive outburst. Cat aggression is the second most common behavioral issue in felines. You need to find out what is causing the behavior and evaluate the situation that caused the behavior.

In a medical condition, the cat is in pain and will lash out at humans and animals.
Environment that is not safe, the cat can feel threatened, and cats like alone time to relax. Be sure your cat has enough space in a safe place to relax. Defensive signs when in fear are, flattened ears, tucked tail, hissing, spitting, growling biting, or scratching.

Herbs are a natural way to help provide your cat with a calming sensation, like catnip, silver vine, and valerian root. Bach Rescue Remedy is a natural remedy to calm the cat while traveling when there is a stressful event or loud noises. Approach the cat from the side so you're less threatening. Give the cat treats or catnip.

​Most of the time, negative behavior can be fixed is best if you catch it early on.
Aggression can be reduced by getting your cat neutered or spayed. It is imperative not to console an aggressive cat, as this may be perceived as approval of aggression, do not show fear.

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PET HAMSTERS

1/5/2024

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Pet Hamsters originated in Southeast Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. The popular pet hamster in the United States is the Syrian hamster also called the Teddy Bear hamster or Golden hamster. The Syrian hamster is a larger breed of pet hamster, reaching 6-7 inches in length and weighing 90-140 grams. They are typically friendly and will warm up to new owners with time. Syrian hamsters don't do well in pairs it is best to keep them as solo pets. Makes a great family pet easy to care for, very docile and affectionate.

Average Syrian breed hamsters live about 18-36 months more likely to live longer than dwarf varieties. Syrian hamsters commonly suffer from heart disease, amyloidosis, and pneumonia. With proper diet and care, these diseases can be mitigated. Talk to your veterinarian about the best diet for your hamster. Fresh water should be provided every day. It is best to provide a bottle with a stainless-steel sipper tube. For the Syrian hamster minimum amount of floor space needed is 900 square inches, height should be 24 inches. Hamster cages have a tank base and a wire top. The ideal cage allows plenty of space for burrowing, exercising, and hiding. The best toys for the hamster wheels, non-toxic chew toys, wood toys as long as the wood is chemical and pesticide-free, not pressure-treated or painted. No wood from cedar or evergreen trees, which can cause respiratory irritation.
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HOMEMADE DOGGIE BONES

12/23/2023

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1/2  Peanut butter
1/2  Cup dry milk
1  Tabs. Honey
2  Tabs. crushed  graham cracker crust crumbs

Mix peanut butter with dry milk add honey divide dough into desire pieces sprinkle with graham cracker crumbs on both size. Ready to eat. Refrigerate or frieze.
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HOW TO KEEP PETS SAFE DURING THE HOLIDAYS

12/15/2023

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​Pets are attracted to bright lights, shining ornaments, and dangling tinsel, decorations can be hazardous to pets. Use an enclosed tree stand, base pine tree water can be poisonous. Be sure the tree is secured to the wall with strong wire because a toppling tree can cause serious injuries to cats and dogs.
Twinkling lights and electrical wiring pose a significant danger by ingestion or contact. When you are not home or around unplug lights and electrical decorations. Pets should be confined away from any room containing a lit Hanukkah menorah, or candles.
Keep plants out of pet's reach like poisonous, berries of the mistletoe, hibiscus, holly, Christmas roses, and poinsettia.
Milk chocolate can cause a pet upset stomach, and dark baker's chocolate, and chocolate gold coins contain high levels of theobromine and caffeine. Ingesting those types of chocolate could be fatal.
The foil wrappers on chocolate gold coins can also cause intestinal issues if digested.
Xylitol sugar substitute causes a dog's blood sugar to drop quickly. It can also cause liver failure if not treated properly.
Macadamia nuts if digested dogs experience severe weakness in their back legs, appearing paralyzed. Takes 3 days to recover from this condition.
Bread dough when the dog ingested it continues to rise, causing an intestinal blockage.
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FERRETS

12/3/2023

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​When choosing to get a ferret you should think about their longevity and specific needs. Ferrets are good for some families. Ferrets in captivity typically live 4-6 years, female ferrets may have 2-3 litters a year and are full size at 6-7 months. Ferrets are usually spayed or neutered at six weeks old.
The more uncommon or unique the color and pattern the more likely to have genetic issues that make them sick and affect their lifespan. The ferrets with white on the head may be deaf at birth.
Proper care is required like nutrition, and veterinary to lead a healthy life. Ferrets are carnivores they need a high protein, low carbohydrate diet with the correct vitamins and nutrients. Ferrets explore their environment with their mouths by biting and tasting new objects. Houseproofing is needed, remove anything that could hurt them like electrical cords and high surfaces. Ferrets will steal and hide food items and eat items too big for their stomach. Always supervise ferrets when outside of their cage.
Allow 3-4 hours a day of supervised play outside of the cage. Train your ferret to use the litter box. Brush teeth daily. The cage should be 3 ft X 3 ft. Provide them with hammocks, toys, ladders, and a place to hide.
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THANKSGIVING SAFETY FOR YOUR PETS

11/17/2023

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​Eating turkey or the skin sometimes even a small amount can cause a life-threatening condition in pets known as pancreatitis. Foods that are healthy for people are poisonous to pets. Keep away from fatty foods that are hard for animals to digest including onions, raisins, and grapes. Buy Thanksgiving treats for pets. Chocolate can be harmful to pets. The artificial sweetener xylitol can be deadly if consumed by a dog or cat. Yeast dough causes problems for pets, painful gas, and potentially dangerous bloating.
Keep the trash away from your pets behind a locked door.
Keep decorative plants away some flowers can be toxic to pets.
If you believe your pet has eaten something it shouldn't have call your vet or the ASPCA Poison Control Hotline at 888-426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661. Signs to look for vomiting, diarrhea, pain, depression, and changes in behavior.
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SWITCHING UP THE DOG KIBBLE

11/10/2023

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Your dog will probably enjoy the opportunity to savor different flavors throughout the year. You can rotate weekly or monthly. This approach helps prevent overexposure to a single kind of protein, and it can help alleviate issues such as allergies. It's good to give your dog what's in the season spring veggies like peas and carrots. Summertime fresh spinach, a small amount of sweet corn from your garden. Autumn fiber-rich pumpkin or squash. Winter legumes, sweet potatoes, and potatoes.
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GOOD RUNNING DOG COMPANION

11/3/2023

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German Shorthaired Pointer bred for hunting excellent jogging companion, energetic. Labrador Retriever, friendly and good jogging companion.
Border Collies, are very energetic and need plenty of exercise. Excellent jogging companion. Vizsla loves to go on long-distance runs, is energetic, and makes an excellent running partner. Weimaraner, agile and muscular excellent jogging partner. Australian Shepherd, very intelligent and active, thrives on physical activity, excellent jogging partner.

Be sure your dog does not have any health issues before you take it for a run otherwise see a vet. The distance you should run your dog depends on the breed, age, overall health, and fitness level. The dog should be at least a year old before you can run with it. Build up gradually. Start with shorter distances and gradually increase the running distance as the fitness level improves. Monitor your dog during and after each run. Look for signs of discomfort, fatigue, or distress, stop running, and give your dog cool water. Allow the dog to rest. Avoid running your dog during the hottest parts of the day. Hot pavement could injure the paw pad. Check the pavement and place the back of your hand on it if it is hot for you, it's too hot for your pet paws.     
Run early in the morning or in the cooler evening.
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KEEP YOUR PETS SAFE DURING HALLOWEEN

10/27/2023

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​Halloween can be a nightmare for pets that are frightened and uncomfortable with people, and children with masks and frightening costumes.
Keep away from trick-or-treaters. Keep your pet in a room with their toys close the door and turn on some calming music, so they can relax. Don't take your dog
for a walk during truck-or-treating hours. Bring your outdoor pets inside on Halloween night especially if you have a black cat you want to avoid malicious tricksters 
who may want to frighten or harm your pets.

Be sure your pet is wearing a tag with current contact information in case the pet escapes from the house. Keep candies and chocolate away from your pets
can be deadly if ingested. Give your pets their tre
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HOW CAN YOU STOP A CAT FROM SCRATCHING YOUR STUFF

10/23/2023

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​Cats need to scratch, they have a natural instinct to claw at things. Cats scratch for decompression, to clean dead skin from their nail beds, to mark their territory, and to communicate. Not a issue behavioral. Cats don't learn from physical punishment but will learn through strategic behavior redirection. The way cats announce themselves or leave messages when cats walk into a room is by scratching on surfaces along the way. This allows them to leave messages. If your cat is scratching your stuff because they don't have enough scratch pads available to them. Try a few different kinds of scratchers like cardboard, sisal, wood, and cork around your home. Domestic cats need variety in texture. Cats can get bored with the same things. Try to rewrap the post with fresh rope and sprinkle on some silvervine.

Cats are very intelligent your cat will be able to recognize the hand holding the bottle as a source of discomfort. This will create fear between you and your cat, it will not teach your cat anything. Do not shout or use a spray bottle as a punishment remember scratching is very natural to cats.
Homemade vertical scratcher post wrapped in a carpet.
Homemade scratching post
Large cardboard box
Duct or masking tape 
Box cutter and straight-edge
Cut the cardboard box into 4” strips. Roll a strip. Roll a strip of cardboard up very tightly. When you get to the end of it duct tape it to another strip of cardboard. Continue doing this, rolling and taping until your scratching pad measures at least 16” across. Sprinkle the top of the pad with dried catnip. When the cardboard wears out, flip it over for a whole new scratching pad.
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TRACHEAL COLLAPSE IN DOGS

10/20/2023

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It is a tube that is held open with circular rings. When those rings break down and can no longer hold the windpipe open, it will collapse the trachea. It does not show up until the dog is middle age, it is genetic, and it is more common in toy breeds, like Yorkies, Poodles, Pomeranians, Maltese, Pugs, Lhasa Apsos, Shih Tzus, and Chihuahuas. It can show up in any breed at any age.

​Signs and symptoms to look for are honking coughs which appear to be trying to cough something up, but there is no object, the irritation to the throat lining causes inflammation that produces that sensation. Unfortunately, pets often become anxious and scared which causes them to breathe more rapidly. The best thing for your pet is to hold and calm the pet until the breathing quiets and the dog begins to relax. The pet owner should seek help from the veterinarian. There could be other medical issues that are complicating the problems. Oftentimes collapsing trachea in a dog will not show any symptoms until another medical problem exacerbates the issue. Simple changes like using a harness, avoiding vigorous activities, taking walks at times of day that are less hot and humid, and avoiding exposure to smoke and other irritants can make a significant difference.
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SUDDEN DEATH IN CATS WITH HEARTWORM DISEASE

10/6/2023

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​Heartworm is a very serious condition in cats. The first sign is when the cat suffers a sudden and fatal collapse. Just one adult heartworm can be deadly if a cat experiences an allergic reaction. Indoor cats can be affected by the heartworm disease. Usually, cats survive the heartworm disease. Symptoms can range from a slight cough, vomiting, sluggishness, or difficulty breathing, to sudden death. Unfortunately, that is a problem with living in southwest Florida. You can prevent this potentially deadly disease by talking to your cat to the veterinarian and placing your cat on a heart-worm preventative once a month for 12 months.

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BRINGING HOME A NEW PUPPY

10/2/2023

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​When you bring a new puppy home and he or she starts jumping to get your attention do not pick him or her up. If you pick up the puppy he or she has learned that to get your attention, all he or she needs to do is jump. This bad behavior is your fault for not teaching your dog to sit.
The same holds true for the kitten that jumps up on things. It is critical that you prevent and correct such problems.

It is best to take the puppy at a young age to dog school.

Young pets are most impressionable from 8 weeks to 18 weeks of age. Responding NO with firmness will prevent the pet from repeating the behavior. If you are consistent in your behavior and actions, your pet will learn quickly. Consistently reward good behavior with a treat and affection.
Sometimes behavior problems can be caused by medical issues, lack of training, or both. 
If you suspect a medical issue see a veterinarian.
The pet can be very irritable if it has poor hearing, vision, dental, or arthritis problems.



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HOW TO STORE PET FOODS PROPERLY

9/22/2023

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​Be sure to check the expiration dates. The food doesn't go bad the day after expiration. You don't want to buy so much food at one time. Buy a new bag of food every four to six weeks. Place the bag directly into the pet food container the bag is designed to help keep the food fresh. Also, roll the bag tightly and put a bag clip on it. Store in a cool and dry location. The same applies to treats.
Always keep the original bag in the event the food gets recalled.
Throw away any foods that appear spoiled or contaminated. Throw away any bulging cans or foods that look or smell. Pick up any uneaten portions of wet food after four hours. Dry food shouldn't be out in the bowl for more than 24 hours.
Wash bowls once a week.
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Comforts of Home Pet Care  |  2445 Saddlewood Ln. Palm Harbor, Fl. 34685  |  727-771-0776 
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