Ring in the New Year with New Resolutions! Not only for you, but for the pets in your life.  Here are some resolutions for your consideration.

Exercise not only promotes health benefits, but also is good bonding time for you and your pet.  Accompany your dog on walks or play with feather wands with your cats.

Assess your pet’s nutrition.  Do they need a special diet reflecting changes they are going through?  Perhaps the food you feed your pet  may need to move from an adult to a senior formula, or perhaps your pet has developed allergies.

Conduct a safety check of your house.  Are toxic chemicals out of the reach of pets?  Is fencing secure?

‘Spoil’ your pets with lots of love and attention. They are worth it!

Volunteer at a shelter or rescue, helping animals who are not as fortunate as your own.

Have you considered taking your pet to visit at a senior care facility? Call the facility and see what would be needed to have your pet brighten the lives of our senior citizens.

What other resolutions do you have for your pet? Let us know – we’d love to hear about them!

Happy New Year!

Chuck & Don’s Pet Food Outlet

We Make Pets Happy!

Brrrr!  It’s cold outside!  On chilly days, it’s easy to come home from work or school and just want to hibernate.  Remember, even in the cold of winter, it is important for your dog to get fresh air and exercise.  (And, it doesn’t hurt us humans, either!)

Whether your dog loves being outdoors in the winter, or thinks curling up by a cozy fire is more his speed when it’s cold outside, here’s some tips to help ensure your dog gets the activity he needs to stay fit and healthy:

-       Find secluded or wooded areas if possible for walks.  Trees provide protection from the wind, and there are lots of sights and smells to keep your dog interested in the adventure.

-       Take shorter, more frequent walks with your dog.

-       Even if your dog doesn’t normally wear clothing, it can really help some dogs enjoy their time outdoors:

• Short-haired and smaller breeds might need coats to keep them warm enough to enjoy outdoor activities.
• Some dogs dislike going outside in the winter because the chemicals or salt used to de-ice roads and sidewalks hurt their paws – consider boots which will protect your dogs paws and keep them warm.

Keeping these simple tips in mind will help you both have more fun outdoors and keep your dog in great shape through the cold winter months.

Tell us  – what are some of your favorite outdoor activities you enjoy with your dog during the winter months?

Chuck & Don’s Pet Food Outlet

We Make Pets Happy!

When it’s cold outside for you, it’s also cold outside for your pets.  Keeping these tips in mind will help your pets stay warm and safe when they are enjoying the wintery outdoor conditions.

• If you think you’ve been outside long enough and it’s time to go inside to warm up, the same is true for your pet.  Even with winter apparel, you don’t want your pet outside for too long.  If you notice your pet becoming less active, lifting paws or looking for a place to burrow, it’s time to go inside.

• Keep the pads on your pet’s paws safe from the winter salt as the salt can cause cracking of the pads and even bleeding.  When you bring your pet inside, clean his/her paws with warm water and dry completely.

• Did you know, that when your pet is outdoors it takes more energy to stay warm?   Make sure your pet is on a good, healthy diet to help his/her winter metabolism.  Keep water bowls full and make sure they are not frozen.

• Have shorter times outside, but go out more often.

• Make sure your pet is dressed appropriately for the winter in protective clothing, including booties.

Chuck & Don’s Pet Food Outlet

We Make Pets Happy!

Here’s hoping you and your pets have a wonderful holiday!

Chuck & Don’s Pet Food Outlet

We Make Pets Happy!

Most pet owners know that poinsettias are poisonous for pets.  But, they may not know that there are many other plants we use for common holiday decorations that can be harmful to their pets.  Some of these plants include:

• Holly
• Mistletoe
• Lillies
• Christmas Trees

Signs your animal companion might be suffering from potential plant poisoning include vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and sometimes excessive drooling.  If your pet exhibits any of these symptoms, contact your vet or emergency vet immediately.

To download the complete listing of plants that are poisonous to pets, click here.

Chuck & Don’s Pet Food Outlet

We Make Pets Happy!

The fun and festivities of this holiday season may create unsafe situations for your pets.  Here are some holiday safety tips you might find helpful:

• Some plants can cause health problems in pets. Make sure holly, mistletoe, poinsettias and lilies are kept out of reach of your animal companion. Ingested pine needles can puncture your companion’s intestine.
• Keep pets away from Christmas tree water.
• Anchor your Christmas tree so it doesn’t topple over on your inquisitive pet.
• Ornaments, ornament hooks, heated bulbs, tinsel, electrical cords and snow globes (they often contain antifreeze) can be potential dangers for your pets.
• Keep candles away from pets.
• Keep your eye on your animal companion to make sure they don’t escape through open doors.

Keeping these tips in mind will help ensure all have a safe and happy holiday!

Chuck & Don’s Pet Food Outlet

We Make Pets Happy!

Even the dogs are celebrating the holiday season!

On Saturday, December 18 from Noon-2pm, our Elk River store is hosting a Westie and Friends Party.  Bring your Westie and come have some Westie fun while you learn more about this breed’s unusual heritage, unique characteristics, and special nutritional needs.  Our Westie party is a great opportunity to socialize with other Westie owners and to gain and trade insights.  Call the store for details.

Also on Saturday, December 18 from Noon-2pm our Plymouth store is hosting a Shih Tzu Get-Together. Bring your Shih Tzu, or friends with Shih Tzus, to socialize with others of this expressive breed!  Your dog will be able to get to know other Shih Tzus while you trade tips and tricks with other Shih Tzu owners.

But every day is for the dogs at Chuck & Don’s Pet Food Outlet.  Your leashed dog is always welcome at our stores!

Chuck & Don’s Pet Food Outlet

We Make Pets Happy!

Don’t cats keep their own claws in shape by using a scratching post?  That’s a common misconception.

Your cat needs your help in taking care of his/her nails.  If nails aren’t regularly trimmed, they could begin to curl inward and scratch the pad, causing pain for your cat.  Trimming your cat’s nails is not just a part of grooming, it’s important for his/her health as well.

Join us at our Minneapolis-Calhoun  store on Saturday, December 18 from 11am-1pm for a Cat Claw Clipping Clinic. This free event conducted by Feline Rescue volunteers will show you how to properly trim your cat’s nails. PLEASE BRING YOUR CAT IN A CARRIER!

Once your cat’s nails are properly trimmed, not only will he/she feel better, but he/she will look their holiday best!

Chuck & Don’s Pet Food Outlet

We Make Pets Happy!

As you’re traveling this holiday season with your animal companion, these simple tips will help keep them safe and comfortable during the travels, ensuring everyone has a good time!

• Make sure he/she is wearing a current identification tag and is micro-chipped.
• If your pet is used to a kennel, let him/her travel in the kennel.
• If traveling by plane, make sure the kennel is CLEARLY labeled “live animal” and “this end up”. Check with your airlines regarding their policies and recommendations for your pet.
• Stay with your pet, never leaving him/her unattended.
• Bring along a few of your pet’s favorite toys.
• Make sure to pack your pet’s health records, medications and any special foods you might need.
• When traveling by car, plan ahead.  Make sure the hotel you will be staying is pet friendly.
• Have an emergency kit for your pet: pet dishes, extra food and water, leashes, blankets, etc.
• Bring along the name and phone number of your vet.   Also, do research ahead of time for emergency vet services in the area where you are travelling.

Chuck & Don’s Pet Food Outlet

We Make Pets Happy!

Your schedule for today:

• Finish holiday cards
• Take holiday cards to post office
• Finish holiday shopping – oh darn, where did I put the list???
• Decorate the house
• Bake cookies
• Etc, etc, etc

Do you find yourself being stressed out with the holiday activities and all the preparation involved with them? Do you wonder if that stress affects your pet?

It does!

Our animal companions pick up on our feelings. What we might view as ‘only’ hectic, they might view as pure pandemonium.

What are some signs indicating your pet is stressed?

• Change in eating habits
• Hiding
• Change in temperment
• Vomiting
• Changes in elimination
• Becoming overactive

One way to help relieve your animal companion’s stress – and yours – might be a visit to our Bloomington store on December 11. Dr. Kaye Otter will be providing gentle massage for your pet and you at no charge from 10 am-2 pm. Dr. Otter practices chiropractic and nutrition in Richfield. She holds a certification in neuromuscular therapy and she loves to share her skills with your special animal friends. No appointment needed. Call the Bloomington store for more information.

Chuck & Don’s Pet Food Outlet

We Make Pets Happy!