Either way, the feeling of neglecting your beloved pets is heart wrenching, probably to the point where you feel so guilty, you may spoil them a little more than usual. There’s nothing wrong with the occasional indulgence, but your pets also just deserve good care. Even with a busy schedule, you can spend quality time with your pets, and take care of their needs. Here’s how.

Buy Pet Supplies Online
Think about it. How much time do you spend at the store buying the things you need to take care of your pet? You have to drive there, shop, load everything in the car, and take it home, and unless you were able to take your pet with you, it’s another hour or two she spent at home without you. Instead, do your pet supply shopping online. You can buy food, toys, treats, and even pet meds online, all from the comfort of your home while your kitty purrs contentedly on your lap, and your dog lies at your feet. Most sites even offer free shipping (under certain conditions), but even if you pay for shipping, think of the time and gas it will save you, not to mention the extra time you get with your pets at home.

Multitask Smartly
Set aside an hour or two over the weekend to watch a few TV shows you’ve recorded on your DVR during the week, or put a feel-good movie on. Then settle yourself on the floor with your pet (or the couch, if they’re allowed up there), and give his coat a good brushing. This does a few things. Brushing your dog’s or cat’s coat helps keep it healthy and shiny, reduces shedding, massages the skin to promote healthy hair growth, and best of all, just feels great for your pet! You get relaxation time, and your furry friend gets lots of attention. Win-win!

Take Your Pet to Work
Admittedly, this isn’t an ideal solution for a cat, bird, fish, or exotic pet. But a dog? Your dog would love you more (if that’s even possible) if he could spend the day with you. Many companies are adopting pet-friendly policies. Allowing employees to bring their dogs to work makes them happy, which improves morale, not to mention productivity. Your company doesn’t allow dogs? Talk to your boss or HR manager. Tell them about the benefits (If you didn’t have to rush home to let your dog out, you could work later when needed, right?). And if you manage it, take time out of your workday to walk your four-legged pal. Maybe play a little ball, or just get in some cuddle time. He’ll be much happier, and so will you.

Giving your pets the proper care and enough time out of your busy day is really just about honoring the commitment you made when you got your pet. You know it’s about much more than just feeding them, giving them toys, and hoping they’ll entertain themselves. Sharing your life with a pet can be rewarding on both ends. Your pet is ever-willing to make the effort. Now it’s up to you.

About Jackie Roberts

Jackie is a writer for 1-800-PetMeds, and loves to help and support the pet community. You can find Pet Meds on Twitter or connect with Pet Meds on Facebook.

When you need to trim your feline’s nails or give her medication, there’s a common household item that can make the procedure go much more smoothly — a large bath towel.

“Wrapping your cat in a towel is a great way to protect yourself from claws,” says Dr. Sophia Yin, a veterinarian and applied animal behaviorist. “Towel wrapping also prevents escapes, and helps calm down a cat.”

Toweling can also benefit cats who tend to be anxious, fearful or aggressive when handled, adds Dr. Yin, author of Low Stress: Handling, Restraint and Behavior Modifications of Dogs and Cats.

“Cats can be more difficult than dogs to restrain for several reasons,” says Dr. Yin. “In general, cats receive less socialization and handling than dogs, and their evolutionary history as a prey species can also cause them to feel more vulnerable when restrained. And cats can easily reach around to grab, bite or scratch you.”

Top Toweling Tips

Before you try the technique, Dr. Lin offers a few tricks that you can do to make toweling easier:

Never rush or force your cat into a towel. She may scream or even urinate or defecate out of pure panic.

Position your cat on top of a towel that’s on a flat surface. Then open a can of food and place it on the towel, so that your cat has to lie or sit on the towel to eat her meal.

Loosely wrap the towel over your cat’s back while she eats. Gently pet her back and let her walk away when she’s done eating.

“If your cat is more motivated by toys, dangle a feather wand for her to swat while on the towel,” says Dr. Yin. “The goal is to have your cat develop a positive association with the towel. It’s also important for the owner to be calm and not feel rushed or frustrated, because the cat can read those emotions.”

There are several toweling-the-cat techniques, but one of the most effective and versatile options is known as the “scarf wrap.” It gives you access to your cat’s rear end, front legs and head — all while keeping her snug and calm.

Scarf Wrap Your Cat in 5 Steps 

 

Dr. Sophia Yin

Step 1 Start by placing your cat several inches from the front edge of the towel, about a foot in from one side.

 

Dr. Sophia Yin

Step 2 Wrap the short side of the towel snugly around your cat’s neck, like a scarf.

 

Dr. Sophia Yin

Step 3 Pull the short side of the towel over your cat, so that her entire body is covered, except for the face.

 

Dr. Sophia Yin

Step 4 Pull the front edge of the towel forward, which will wrap under your cat’s neck.

 

Dr. Sophia Yin

Step 5 Once the towel is wrapped all the way around, grab the other side and pull it over your cat, making sure that it’s snugly in place.

 

Dr. Sophia Yin

Now that your cat is secured in the towel, you can give her medication or clip her nails by working on one leg at a time. When trimming nails, use your arm to gently hold the cat next to your body, and keep your hands away from her mouth to prevent bites.

For more tips on handling your dog or cat safely, check out Dr. Lin’s book, Low Stress: Handling, Restraint and Behavior Modifications of Dogs and Cats.

Noella writes:

When you are vacationing in New England, stop by these five inns that not only welcome pets, they cater to them! Gone are the days of feeling like a lesser citizen because you have your four legged friend in tow. None of these places will push you into one of the shabby, ground floor smoking rooms just to save a nickel on cleaning. You’ll have all the amenities you expect from quaint northeastern accommodations and also fun extras for your furry friend.

Harraseeket Inn, Freeport, Maine

In this colonial carriage house you’ll be greeted with a cozy fire, plush furnishings and world class dining options. For your pet, there is a welcome pack that includes a cushy bed, a tin of wet food, homemade biscuits, water dish and even complimentary clean up bags. While your pet is romping around the yard, you’ll be glad to know the grass is herbicide free, (the whole property is as green as possible). There is doggy room service available (1/4-pound fresh chicken or beef with sliced pork liver on top—raw or cooked to their liking), but your pet will also be able to join you on the patio of the Broad Arrow Tavern. My favorite part of the deal? The inn donates $5 from the nightly pet fee ($25) to the Coastal Humane Society!

Lazy Dog Inn, Chocorua, New Hampshire

Admittedly pup-centric, this amazing property will be both four and two-legged family members’ favorite retreat! This 1845 built farmhouse boasts the “Doggy Lodge,” a temperature controlled play area, as well as an expansive outdoor run (fenced, of course). There is a convenient dog-wash facility for those muddy days and the staff will even hang with your canine at the property if you have a no-dogs-allowed activity on your itinerary. You’ll love sweet Molly and Meghan, the resident golden retrievers, who will make you feel at home. They call it “A Truly Dog Friendly Bed and Breakfast,” and you’ll agree!

The Paw House Inn, Rutland, Vermont

This inn was just featured on the Travel Channel it’s so great! Tucked in rural Rutland near the popular ski areas, this B & B will treat your pups to plush bedding, homemade treats daily and even an agility course to play on! For humans and dogs alike, there are hiking trails and 120 acres to romp on—even outdoor movie showings! Mario’s Playhouse is a specially designed building where your pet can stay if you need to pop out for a bit. Climate controlled, safe and comfortable, it’s a great home base if you are out of the room. Play time and long walks with the staff are included in your room fee, if you are out on the slopes. This amazing place is so dedicated to pet friendliness; they impose a fee of $10 if you arrive without a pet!

The Inn at Restful Paws, Sturbridge, Massachusetts

This truly unique pet property is on 31 acres in central Massachusetts. “The place where pooches bring their people to relax,” is their motto. Nicely kept grounds with gazebos, wooded walking trails and picnic tables make your time outdoors with your dog a pleasure, but the real treat here is Rosie B’s. This custom designed dogs-only swimming pool is indoors, in ground and treated with special non-toxic, non-chemical purification systems. Your dog will have a blast jumping in after toys or wading around in the beach-style shallow end. If your dog is a real glutton for exercise, there are on-site agility classes too! Your room will come with “accident” cleaning supplies, a plush dog towel, a bean bag bed for the pup and a clever paw-print-proof bed cover for the peoples’ bed too.

Noella Schink is a travel writer from Portland, Maine. She loves to take road trips with her two shih-tzus Brutus and Chloe (they love car rides, too!). She makes her hotel bookings with Excellent Hotels when she’s traveling and always appreciates it when a property accepts both her and her dogs.

Here is a portion of that story posted today on Vetstreet.com:

Fascinated by felines but don’t know a Cornish Rex from a Sphynx? Wonder what a judge looks for when selecting best in show? Eager to witness the fast-growing sport of feline agility? Then it might be time to go to a cat show.

If you’re in the San Diego area, you can satisfy your curiosity about all things feline this weekend at one of the nation’s largest and oldest cat shows, the San Diego Cat Fanciers’ Food and Water Bowl XX, at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in Del Mar, Calif. Scheduled two weeks before the Westminster Kennel Club’s 136th Annual Dog Show at Madison Square Gardens in New York City, the Del Mar cat show will feature more than 450 felines representing 41 breeds in eight rings of competition.

So what really happens at a cat show? What’s the proper etiquette for feline fans? For answers to these questions and more, Vetstreet spoke with Joan Miller, vice president of Cat Fanciers Association and chairwoman of its outreach and education committee, who’s arguably one of the nation’s top cat experts.

Q: What are some dos and don’ts for spectators?

A. Joan Miller: Please do not disturb the judges when they are evaluating the cats. Look for our team of roving ambassadors wearing “Ask Me” buttons; they’re more than happy to answer your questions. Leave your own cats at home — the only cats allowed in the show hall are those who have been registered in advance.

Q: What’s the proper way to greet a cat? Will I get the chance to pet a show cat?

A. Joan Miller: The best way to greet a cat is to extend your index finger and let the cat first sniff it. Cats have scent glands on the sides of their mouths. If a cat rubs his face against your finger, it’s a sign that he likes you and is ready to meet you. Don’t stare directly into a cat’s eyes. Offer a couple soft blinks – it’s a way to say hello to a cat. At the show, we want people to get to know the various breeds. Go to the educational rings and look for the flags that read “Pet Me” at various cages. As long as the owners are there, they will take out their cats and give you the opportunity to pet them and ask questions about the breed.

To read the rest, please click here: http://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/vetstreets-insiders-guide-to-cat-shows

Experts have estimated that, over a dog’s lifetime, his name will be called over 30,000 times, so a name has to sound right. Words, like thoughts, are a form of energy and vibrate on various frequencies. Picking the right name for a pet can set up the right vibrations for a happy life, while choosing the wrong name can be harmful to the animal, and even to its owner. The scholar and philosopher Jean Houston, in her book, Mystical Dogs, tells about bringing home a new dog and naming him ‘Zeus’, after the Greek god who hurls thunderbolts. That very week, her house was damaged by lightening several times, to the tune of $6,000. “It was evident Zeus was going to live up to his name,” Houston wrote.

I bounced ideas around with my husband, Alex and my daughter, Kathy. We all wanted the puppy to have a distinguished, even royal name, such as ‘Princess Di’, or ‘Princess Grace’. On the other hand, these ladies had short lives (each died in an auto crash); I did not want to associate our dog with such a legacy. Then I thought it would be fun to give her a name after a famous movie dog, such as Lassie, Maya, Nina, Rin Tin Tin, or some other very well-known Hollywood canine. But none of these names pleased me. The ‘perfect dog’ deserves a perfect name.

I kept reading and searching, dreaming up names. There was an interesting historical poodle I read about. In the 17^th century, there was Prince Rupert of the Rhine, nephew to King Charles I of England. Prince Rupert owned a white poodle named Boye. Rumor had it that this dog was possessed by a witch’s spirit. Supposedly, the witch, traveling in the form of a dog, ensured the prince’s victory in his battles against the Parliamentarians. Rupert was a commander in Charles’s cavalry, and Boye was always at his side. Throughout the English Civil War, the Parliament feared the dog, claiming it had supernatural powers. Boye was finally killed at the famously ferocious battle of Marston Moor in June of 1644, which was the first major defeat for Prince Rupert and the Royalists. The defeat, coming as it did with Boye’s death, convinced many that the poodle had indeed been possessed.

Well, I definitely did not want my dog associated with witchcraft and supernatural events and bloody battles. I kept digging for the right name.

One night, a phrase just came to me ‘Princess of Swan Lake’. There was a wonderful children’s movie, Barbie of Swan Lake, directed by Owen Hurley, which we had all enjoyed. Princess of Swan Lake was such a subtle and beautiful fairy tale name, a soft and precious title befitting a darling little creature. When Alex and Kathy heard the name, they instantly knew it was just right. We’d finally found the perfect name.

Olga Horvat, MA, author of Paranormal Pooch

www.RoyalDogsGallery.com

www.facebook.com/olgahorvat

On Thanksgiving Day, quarterbacks won’t be the only ones barking signals. From noon to 2 P.M., the best dogs representing more than 170 breeds will vie for top honors in the 10th annual National Dog Show Presented by Purina on NBC. The event is hosted by The Kennel Club of Philadelphia and is regarded as one of top American Kennel Club-sanctioned dog shows.

More than 25 million viewers are expected to watch the show, which will be hosted by actor John O’Hurley, best known for his role as J. Peterman on Seinfeld, and David Frei, the voice of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

On the eve of the Thanksgiving Day special, Vetstreet’s Arden Moore caught up with O’Hurley and Frei, who’ve become friends beyond the show ring.

You two are like the dynamic duo of the dog world. Congratulations on teaming up again for this Thanksgiving tradition.

John O’Hurley: On screen, we have a partnership that clicks. Off screen, we have a deep friendship that’s shared by our wives and family.

David Frei: Dynamic duo? I’m not sure which one of us is Batman and which one is Robin. But John and I have become close friends. My wife, Cheri, is a Catholic chaplain and she arranged for John’s son to be baptized by the monsignor on the Upper East Side in New York City.

Is it true that you are also dog in-laws?

Frei: We have Cavalier King Charles Spaniels who are half-sisters from the same breeder. I have Angel and he has Sadie. The dogs have actually never met.

O’Hurley: Sadie has a bit of an overbite, so she doesn’t compete in dog shows, but she is adorable. David’s dog is the spitting image of Sadie, but we live on different coasts, so they don’t get to see one another. If they could, it would be as if they were looking at themselves in the mirror.

Do you remember the first time you met?

Frei: Definitely! We were in a production meeting for the first telecast of The National Dog Show. John walked into the room and he looked and sounded just like J. Peterman. We hit it off right away. I kept expecting to see Jerry, Elaine, George and Kramer to pop in at any moment.

John, you’ve had great success teaming up with partners. You won the first Dancing with the Stars title with professional dancer Charlotte Jorgensen, and for 10 years, you’ve worked with David on the dog show. What’s it like?

O’Hurley: Charlotte is the #1 ballroom dancer in the world, and David is the most knowledgeable guy in the world about dogs. I feel quite fortunate.

So you don’t plan to challenge David to a game of canine trivial pursuit?

O’Hurley: Definitely not. He would kill me. I stand in his shadow.

John, any new challenges this year?

O’Hurley: We started this show with 162 breeds and we’re now up to 185 breeds that are recognized by the American Kennel Club. One breed is not so new, but it fell out of favor, and it’s now back. It’s taken me since October to learn how to correctly pronounce the name. I’m talking about the Mexican hairless, the Xoloitzcuintli. Let me say that name again, Xoloitzcuintli.

Frei: See how John can just have that name roll off his lips? The Xoloitzcuintli comes in three sizes. All six new breeds will be joining the party on Thanksgiving Day.

Any parting comments?

Frei: I grew up in a football family and I’m a football guy. You can see hundreds of football games all season, but only one National Dog Show on Thanksgiving. So I’m urging everyone to set their TVs to NBC at noon and hide the remote until 2:00.

O’Hurley: We plan to bring back some of the best clips for this 10th anniversary show. Call over your dog to join you on the couch. It’s fitting that the National Dog Show is shown on Thanksgiving, when people are all together. I promise that this show will have something for everyone, whether you’re nine or 90.

To learn more about The National Dog Show, and hear more from Frei, O’Hurley and other key people involved in the show, tune in to Arden Moore’s “Oh Behave” show on Pet Life Radio.

Here's the very happy Chipper and me today.

Exciting news! I am now an editor with Vetstreet, THE place to go to learn all things pets. This is a veterinarian-approved website bolstered by a team of the very best in the pet world. Here is my first post that landed on the home page today – please share with your pet pals considering adopting a dog or other pet. Finally, please be sure to support Petside.com’s Pet ‘Net 2011 Adoption Event.

Here’s my ‘tale’ of how I adopted Chipper:

The drive home was a blur. I’d just adopted a two-time shelter reject named BJ from a Siberian Husky rescue group.

Now, the 2-year-old, just-spayed Husky-Golden Retriever mix I was about to rename Chipper sat motionless in the back seat, looking at me with weary eyes. I’d quickly ushered her into the car during a rainstorm and I remember how much this dog’s matted coat stunk — and how helpless I felt because I couldn’t open the windows for ventilation.

Am I crazy? Is this the right dog for me at this time in my life? What is this dog going to do when we get home? Is she going to pee on my rug? Will she listen? What have I done?

Do these questions sound familiar? People speak of buyer’s remorse when they make a major financial investment, like purchasing a new car or a home. But one of the biggest emotional investments you will ever make is adopting a dog.

The clock starts ticking on the longest day of your life the second you sign the adoption papers. For the next 24 hours, you’ll experience a crazy blend of euphoria and doubt. You may have trouble eating and concentrating. Your heart may race. Don’t worry — these are all normal occurrences.

To set you — and your new dog — up for success and a lifetime of happiness, here are some pointers for the first 24 hours.

• Dog-proof your home before dashing out the door. Shut bedroom and bathroom doors, install doggie gates, put away electrical cords, potentially toxic plants and small objects that may be accidentally swallowed, and introduce your dog to limited parts of your home.
• Take the day off from work. And don’t schedule any other activity, such as catching a movie with a friend. For those first 24 hours, it’s important that you’re there for your dog as he adjusts to a strange, new environment filled with novel sounds, sights and smells.
• Buy just the basics. Skip the Fido fashion outfits and pick up a buckle collar or harness, a 6-foot leash and stainless steel food and water bowls.
• Stick with his current chow. Feed him the same food he has eaten at the shelter or rescue home, and work with your veterinarian to gradually transition him to a diet that’s best for his age, breed, health condition and activity level.
• Don’t go overboard with treats and happy talk. Speak in a calm, confident tone to ease his possible feelings of anxiety, and avoid upsetting his stomach with too many food rewards.
• Run a bath. Be patient and calm as you bathe your new dog to get rid of any shelter smells. He’ll feel much better — and smell better, too. If that’s too stressful for the first day, the bath can wait a day or two.
• Be selective when introducing friends. Pick one or two dog-savvy friends to meet him on the first day, and limit additional distractions. Wait to host a big welcome party until a few weeks have passed.
• Don’t expect a full night’s sleep. As your new dog snoozes in a crate or on your bed, your racing mind will record every breath he takes — and every move he makes.
• Remember that the only constant in life is change. It’s natural for newly adopted dogs to take a few weeks, even months, to feel comfortable and secure enough to show you their true personalities. It took Chipper a couple of weeks to sport her now trademark open-mouth grin and full-body wiggle. But it was worth the wait.

Speaking of Chipper, let’s fast-forward seven years. She surfs, joins me in a people-dog workout class, and serves as my demo dog for the pet first-aid classes I teach. Sure, the first 24 hours with her turned me into an emotional wreck, but it was worth every second for the life that we now share.

Flo writes it best — here is her take on the dangers of multi-tasking!

The always-busy Flo with her-always barky Buddy and one of her fabulous quilts.

I have always been multitasking. Now I don’t recommend this to everyone, but for me it has served me well. That is until last Friday afternoon. But first let me tell you just how this multitasking came about. I have always been a person that had only one speed, and that was full speed ahead. In my youth I could do more in a morning than most people could in a week. I am not bragging just trying to say I never was known to slow down.

My children have cautioned me often, with “Mother, stop rushing.” I walk fast – well, I used to walk a lot faster — but I think I have slowed down quite a bit. Why I am in a hurry is beyond me, and I have found it very difficult to do less and sit more.

My son has taken all my garden tools away so I won’t go digging in the yard. Our back yard is a large hill leading up to the park, and years ago my husband had steps made so we could work on the hill with easy access. Well not any more, again, my dear son removed the steps from the lower level and now I can only look with dismay at all the weeds growing but can not get over the wall without a stepladder, and God Forbid I even think of doing that because with my luck I would fall, and then have to listen to, “Mother, I told you so”!

Having portable phones has been great for a multitasker. I can talk on the phone, empty the dishwasher; fold clothes, tidy up a room and even make my bed. I have been know to load the washing machine, empty the trash, let the dog out or better yet, fill his water bowls, and still carry on a conversation. There was very little I could not do while talking on the phone. That is until Charlotte called me last Friday. I was doing my thing, you know folding clothes, putting them in my drawer and when all done, I left my bedroom, still talking on the phone.

I lost my balance and with nothing to hold on to, I went crashing down to the floor. Unfortunately, the phone went flying, my head hit the wall and I saw stars. Lots of them. The pain in my head was almost overpowering, but as I had the phone close, I dialed my friend, Judi at her office, and told her I had just fallen, and just wanted to clear my head. The phone peeped as I was talking and I connected with the new caller, and it was Charlotte checking if everything was all right. I told her I had fallen but was OK and would call her back. Judi said that she was coming right home and to stay where I was. Well, not one to just lay on the floor I got up and went into the den and sat down on my recliner. I admit I walked very slowly, and felt uncomfortable.

Judi soon arrived and with an ice bag on the back of my head I felt all right. Not great, but better than I thought possible. Now the doorbell was ringing and with Buddy, my miniature Schnauzer, barking like mad Judi opened the door to greet Charlotte who was worried that I might need help. Buddy gave her his usual greeting; you know barking like mad and no one able to hear a thing but him.

I realized what a hardheaded person I really am when I saw the dent in the wall where I hit my head. I vowed right then to change my ways. Both of my shoulders are black and blue, and my neck was so stiff I could hardly turn my head. Thank goodness all aches and pains have left and I have taken a good look at my problem with multitasking.

I realize the time has come to listen to those that have cautioned me, and when the phone rings to sit down and enjoy the caller’s conversation. Not an easy thing for me to do, but the thought of falling again, is frightening, and perhaps I would not be so lucky if it happens again. Are there any household tasks worth risking my health for? I think not, and if I want to live to be 100, I will. Give up multitasking, slow down and take time to smell the roses.

Our timing was ideal — the hotel is located in the Gaslamp district within easy view of Petco Park, home of the San Diego Padres. From the 9th floor bar terrace, we got to hang out with our pups, sip delicious cocktails and dine on tasty flatbread, calamari and chicken wings as we rooted the Padres to a 3-1 win over the Florida Marlins.

I called it playing hookey, but as many of you can attest, purposely taking a day off does a body — and mind — good. I feel revived and rejuvenated. Plus, having well-mannered dogs along for the ride is an added bonus.

Here are some short videos form our recent Hotel Indigo ‘dogcation’ adventure for your enjoyment. I invite you to subscribe to my YouTube channel - it’s fun and free.

1 – Unleash the playful pup in you at Hotel Indigo in San Diego

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_6udqfjSdc

2 – Chipper and Cleo give the straight yap on Hotel Indigo in San Diego

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBrmoes8V5w

3 – Take a “dogcation” at Hotel Indigo and catch the San Diego Padres

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJYVmbv4JWs

4 – Chipper and Cleo check out their dog-welcoming room at Hotel Indigo in San Diego

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LdQt4boflqA

What’s your favorite place/getaway activity that you enjoy with your dog? Share them by emailing Arden@fourleggedlife.com.

The three of us do a lot of hiking, camping and surfing, and don’t want to spend time shooing flies or swatting mosquitoes during these activities. Or worry about bringing home unwanted guests – fleas and ticks. Buzz Guard is easy – and more importantly, safe. Just mist your skin and on your dog’s coat. It delivers a clean citronella scent and leaves no greasy residue.  And, it works up to five hours.

Here’s a rundown of the ingredients: water, polysorbate 20, neem seed oil, pure essential oils of citronella, fir, geranium, rosewood, basil, myrrh plus potassium sorbate.  Each 2-fluid ounce spray bottle delivers about 600 mists, according to the manufacturer. Priced at about $12, that comes to about 2 cents per mist, if my math skills are up to par.

In addition to this product, Earth Heart also makes other all-natural aromatherapy mists for dogs, including Travel Calm (to subdue tummy upsets and restlessness in traveling dogs), Guard Well (to relieve itching and swelling causes by irritants and minor illnesses) and Canine Calm (to reduce stress generated by thunderstorm phobias or veterinary clinic visits). This lineup is for dogs, not cats or birds, who have totally different physiologies.

The folks at Earth Heart are staging a special discount offer on their all-natural products between now and Aug. 25. When placing an order on their site online (www.earthheartinc.com), simply enter the code, HURRAH FLL in ‘special instructions” or “note to seller” at checkout to receive a second product free with your order of either Travel Calm or Buzz Guard. Please indicate which of these products you would like to receive for free.  Offer is good for one-time use with a single purchase between now and Aug. 25, 2011.

Buzz Guard fights fleas, ticks, flies and more pests naturally

Any questions, you can contact the company directly at 847-551-1806.

And, you are also invited to sign up for their newsletter and follow Earth Heart on Facebook.

Final note:  I received a complimentary sample of Buzz Guard to test, but did not receive – or seek – any financial compensation for posting this review.