Welcome to our first issue of Martin's Pet Club E-Newsletter. Each month we'll feature great information and fun activities to bring you closer to your pet. Enjoy!

 

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Feeding Your Dog for Life Stages

Article courtesy of Purina Petcare

 

You might not have thought that changing your dog’s diet as he/she ages can make a difference in their quality of life, but it can.  Most of us simply go from puppy chow to adult dog food, and usually try to buy what’s on sale.  Keep reading for more information on what to feed your dog throughout the stages of his or her life.

 

Feeding Adult Dogs

When a dog reaches full maturity, he enters the maintenance period. Normal healthy dogs who are not pregnant, nursing or hardworking have relatively low nutritional requirements for maintaining an appropriate body condition. Good body condition for a dog is defined as:

Dogs fed a complete and balanced diet do not need supplemental vitamins, minerals, or meat. If supplemental meat or table scraps are fed, they should account for no more than 10% of the total diet. Higher levels can dilute the nutritional value of a dog’s diet, predispose him to obesity and may create a finicky eater.

 

For dogs with lower caloric needs and/or for dogs that are less active, attention should be paid to the potential for excessive weight gain. Overweight dogs may have more health problems and a shorter life expectancy Often a dog's weight can be reduced simply by eliminating table scraps and treats from the diet and by avoiding high-energy dog foods.

 

Feeding recommendations for adult dogs can vary, depending upon the breed, activity, metabolism and owner's preference. Whether or not a dog is fed once or twice each day, he should be fed at the same time, and fresh drinking water should always be made available.

 

Feeding During Pregnancy

Regardless of the breed of dog, the female should be at least one year of age and in at least the second heat period before she is bred. If males are overweight, they may be physiologically and anatomically inefficient for mating. Overweight females can have lower conception rates and more problems at whelping. If possible, each dog should be fed as an individual to achieve and maintain normal body condition.

 

During the last two to three weeks, requirements for all nutrients for pregnant females will increase, and caloric requirements can be met during this last trimester by gradually increasing the female's food intake. Diets containing more than 1600 metabolizable calories per pound of food and at least 21% protein are recommended. The easiest way to ensure proper nutrition is to feed a good-quality dog food that is labeled complete and balanced for reproduction and growth, or for all life stages. 

To keep reading, follow this link:

 

Feeding Dogs for Life Stages. (n.d.). Retrieved February 10, 2009, from

http://www.purina.com/dogs/food/FeedingDogsForLife.aspx

 

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Breed of the Month: Persian Cat

 

While these cats supposedly originate in Persia, they arereferenced in hieroglyphics that date all the way back to 1684 B.C.  Persians are known for their long fluffy coats and open pansy-like faces, and are one of the most popular breeds today.  Their sweet and gentle demeanor no doubt contributes to their great reputation.  Persians love to play and make great pets for all ages.  They also love to relax, and can often be seen draped across a favorite chair; almost as if there for decoration.  These cats make great companions due to their responsiveness and affection to their owners. 

 

Persians are beautiful felines, but their beauty does require a little bit of work.  Their flowing coats require them to be indoors most of the time, and they also need to be brushed regularly.  An occasional bath also helps to keep their coat healthy and clean.  With annual trips to the veterinarian, this cat can live 15-20 years!  These cats are hearty and are not prone to health problems, but the shape of their eyes can make them prone to tearing so a daily face wash is recommended.  Because these cats are so popular, they can be very expensive.  A pure-bred Persian cat can cost anywhere from $600-$1500, depending on color, size, gender, etc.  For more information on this breed, visit The Cat Fanciers’ Association website.

 

 

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Do It Yourself: Beefy Doggy Cookies

 

 

Ingredients

1-6 ounce jar of beef and vegetable baby food

(you can use other flavors too!)

1 cup of wheat germ

2 cups of nonfat dry milk

 

 

Instructions                                                                                  

Preheat your oven to 350 F. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl with a fork. Drop by small spoonfuls onto a greased pan. You can flatten slightly or you can cut into fun shapes such as bones, paws, etc. Bake for 12-15 minutes until slightly brown at the edges. Let cool. Store in fridge for up to one week. Give to your pooch and let them enjoy!

 

 

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Pet Refuge Adoption Spotlight: Tigger

 

Tigger is a female, Shepherd/Boxer mix of about 1 1/2 years-old. Although she has done well hanging with other dogs during agility class, she tends to get over-powering when she lives with them, so a home with no other 4-leggers is needed. But for the family that is looking for just that one and only special addition, she will make a wonderful one. She is very sweet and should do fine around older children. She loves to cuddle with you and would make a great partner to snuggle with on the couch! A fenced yard is preferred for her. Come see Tigger today!

 

 

To get more information about Tigger and other animals available for adoption at Pet Refuge, visit the Pet Refuge website: www.petrefuge.com  or call (574) 256-0886.

 

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Ask Dr. Paws

 

Dear Dr. Paws,

Help!  My cat Pumpkin is scratching up my furniture and I can’t get her to stop!  Yesterday I came home and my couch was torn to shreds.  What do I do?  I can’t seem to stop her, and I don’t want to have to crate her when I’m gone.

 

Sincerely,

Rosie in Mishawaka

 

 

Dear Rosie,

Scratching is important, biologically, for your cat. So you can't really punish her for clawing the furniture, unless you have provided her with an alternative like a scratching post. If your cat has already scratched something, cover the item with plastic and she will likely turn to the post instead. When you catch your cat scratching furniture, try squirting her with water from a squirt bottle and use a firm "no." When she scratches her scratching post, reward her with praise.

 

Good Luck!

Dr. Paws

 

To get your advice from Dr. Paws, simply email your question to us.  Each month we’ll select a question to answer here in our brand new e-newsletter.

 

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Cool Tricks to Try at Home:

Nose Cookie Catch

 

Join us each month as we a share a special trick for you to try with your dog (or cat!)

 

How to:  Hold your pooch’s muzzle and give a “stay” or “leave it” command.  Place a treat on top of his nose and continue to say “stay” or “leave it”.  Let go of the muzzle; with your dog continuing to hold the cookie on top of his nose until you give a release command (like “take it”).  He then must catch the cookie his mouth.  This is a fun trick that is hilarious to watch!   

 

 

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           Upcoming Events

 

Martin’s Paw Mart on State Road 23 in Granger

May 30th: Pet Refuge pet adoptions from 11:00am-1:00pm

 

Martin’s Paw Mart on Cleveland in Saint Joseph (MI)

May 23rd: Humane Society of southwest Michigan pet adoptions from 10:00am-1:00pm

 

Martin's Paw Mart on Jackson Street in Elkhart

Manicure Mondays

May 25th

6:30-7:30pm

Donations welcome, proceeds go to Natures Way Animal Rescue & Rehab.

 

ALL FOUR PAW MART LOCATIONS!!

Paw Mart's Annual Pet Appreciation Day

June 13th from 11:00am unti 3:00pm

 

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“Weird” Pet of the Month:

Andie the Tarantula                

                                                                                          

Age:  5 years-old

Submitted by: Madison Wrisley, 12 years-old (Andie’s owner)

In a Nutshell:  According to Madison, “Andie is a Rose-Haired Tarantula, and is not poisonous.  If she does bite (I’ve never been bitten!) it just feels like a bee sting.  Andie also has little prickly hairs on her bottom and will shoot them out if she feels threatened.  These won’t cause major harm, but can irritate your eyes and nose.  Andie can live up to a year without food and water, but we feed her about every two weeks.  She gets six large crickets for her meal.  In her spare time, Andie likes to play hide and seek, dig and try to climb up her aquarium walls.  Once a year she sheds her skin, and it actually looks like there are two tarantulas living in the aquarium!   Andie has only escaped once, but like a good little tarantula, she stayed right by her cage!”

Pet’s Siblings: Buster the Rat Terrier, Bonnie and JoJo (cats) and Rosie the gerbil.

 

If you have a “weird” pet and want it featured in our newsletter, simply email us a photo.  Each month we’ll be featuring a different furry (or slimy, or scaly…) friend right here in our “Weird Pet of the Month” section.

 

 

 

 

aaaaaAndie's Owner Madison

 

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Money Saving Coupons Exclusively for You!

Click on the links below to print your coupons.

 

Save $2 on Purina ONE 8lb or larger Dog Food
or 3.5lb or larger Cat Food

 

Save $1 on any size bag Beggin Strips