January 2011 Newsletter

December 2010 Newsletter

We are sure that everyone noticed that last month's blog did not happen. Last month the business got moved to a new location. Sorry we were not able to provide a blog in November but the business can now be run move efficiently with more office and storage space.
This month's pet hint will help your pet shed pounds. Most of this article was written by Sarah Wilson and Brian Kilcomms.
Almost half of American pets are overweight, which causes help problems and reduces their life expectancy by years. If you are like most pet owners you probably love your pet to much to feed them too much. But the reality is not that simple. People do not want to hear that their pet is heavy. A recent study by Purina revealed that fewer than 30% of pet owners rated their pet as overweight , while 79% of veterinarians disagreed. When you examine your dog or cat from both top and the side, you should see a noticeable waist above the rib cage. Regardless of breed or age, the ribs should be the widest part of the body. The ripple of the ribs should be easily felt when you stroke your pets sides. If you have to press down to find the bones, there is too much fat. Obesity can reduce your pet's life span by 15% - an average about 2 years. Overweight pets risk the same health complications as we do; breathing is harder, knees fall apart, heart is strained, moving hurts and diabetes becomes common.
The healthy solution is to burn move calories than your pet takes in. A few ways to accomplish this are to walk your dog daily, which will also help those of us who are fighting the battle of the bulge as well. Some dogs enjoy going to the park where they can chase other dogs, Frisbees and balls.
To help an overweight cat burn more calories encourage them to play with the numerous cat toys available on the market. One of our best sellers for cat owners is a laser light. This product can be found at www.toys4dogsncats.com
Do not feed your dog or cat from the table as this will add unwanted weight to your pet.
Make a New Year's Resolution to spend more time with your pet and both of your will benefit.
We hope that everyone had a happy and safe Thanksgiving and want to wish everyone a safe and Merry Christmas.
Thank you for your continued support and and we look forward to helping you with all of your pet needs in the future.
Remember that we are not professional doctors, and you should always read instructions and talk to your vet about what is best for your pets.
If there is something you would like to read about in the future, drop us an email at www.azwholesales@gmail.com If you wish to be removed from this mailing list, please email us at www.azwholesales@gmail.com

Johnny & Connie

October 2010 Newsletter

Are you ready for a hurricane? This months newsletter does not apply to everyone but can be used for many other emergencies. You and your pets can survive a hurricane if you are prepared to evacuate your home at a moments notice. Here are some tips from the American Kennel Club in the event that you may be part of a hurricane or a national disaster.

Don't leave your pet at home. Most of the time that you have to evacuate, it is only for a couple of days, but there are times when you are unable to return to your home as quickly as you would like. Be prepared to take your pets with you by having a quality crate or carrier to put them in. Just putting your pet on a leash probably will not work with hundreds of other pets at the evacuation center. Ask us for a quote on crates and carriers at azwholesales@gmail.com

If you plan on evacuating to a hotel, call ahead first to make sure that your pets are welcome. Most hotels will forget their pet policies during a time of crisis.

Coordinate with your shelter to make sure that there is room for you and your pets. If you belong to a pet club, contact members outside the effected area to coordinate shelter and transportation for those in need.

Be prepared by keeping copies of your pets licenses, vaccination documents and health records in a plastic zip lock bag or a water proof container, in case you need it in an area that is far from your vet. Ask your vet to supply you with a copy of all records of your pets so that you can maintain these records at your home.

Have a bag pre-packed just for this emergency. Your pet should wear a collar with its rabies tag and identification at all times. Pack a back up leash, collar and ID tags. It is a good idea to have your pet micro chipped along with registration in a pet recovery service. Include the following items in a pre-packed bag: Your pet's health records, food and water bowls, food and water for one week, a gallon of spring water, a portable crate/carrier, pet bedding and a leash. Be sure to rotate the food and water so you will always have the freshest food and water for your pet.

Remember that we are not professional doctors, and that you should always read instructions and talk to your vet about what is best for your pets.

If there is something that you would like to read about in the future, drop us an email at azwholesales@gmail.com If you wish to be removed from this mailing list, please email us at azwholesales@gmail.com

Johnny & Connie

September 2010 Newsletter

Tips to prevent your pet from starting a fire in your home.

It is estimated that 500,000 pets are effected by home fires. It is also estimated that 1,000 house fires each year are accidentally started by the home-owners' pet. This month's newsletter is to educate all pet owners on how to prevent their pets from starting fires, as well as keeping them safe. Some of these tips come from the ADT Security Services.

1. Extinguish open flames. Pets are generally curious and will investigate cooking appliances, candles, or even a fire in the fireplace. Ensure your pet is not left unattended around an open flame and make sure to thoroughly extinguish any open flames before you leave your home.

2. Remove stove knobs or protect them with covers before you leave the house. A store or cook top is the number one item involved in your pet starting a fire.

3. Invest in flameless candles. These candles contain a light bulb rather than an open flame, and take the danger out of your pet knocking over a candle.

4. Keep pets near entrances when away from home. Keep collars on pets and leashes at the ready encase firefighters need to rescue your pet. When you leave your pet at home, keep them in areas near entrances so firefighters can find them.

5. Secure young pets and puppies, keep them confined away from potential fire-starting hazards when you are away from home. You can put them in a crate or behind a baby gate in secure areas.

6. Affix a pet alert window cling. Write down the number of pet inside your home and attach it the front window. This critical information saves rescuers time when locating your pets.

Remember we are not professional doctors, and you should always read instructions and talk to your vet about what is best for your pets.

If there is something that you would like to read about in the future, drop an email at www.azwholesales@gmail.com If you wish to be removed from this mailing list, please email us at www.azwholesales@gmail.com

Johnny & Connie

August 2010 Newsletter

Have you or someone you know ever gone online to look for your new furry friend? Beware, there are plenty of online scammers willing to take your money. The American Kennel Club is reiterating this message in a campaign called "Beware of Internet Scams."

Don't buy a pet online, sight unseen or from an unrepeatable pet store. Pet stores often buy from middlemen who get their animals from a mill. We are sure that you have heard of a puppy mill.

Things to look for and to be aware of:

1. Anyone who seems overly concerned about getting paid and requests money to be wired

overseas.

2. Be wary of heart-wrenching tales online containing pictures that most likely have been

lifted from legitimate breeders' Web sites.

3. Research, research, research can not say it enough. Find a breeder through the AKC

breeder referral at akc.org.

4. If you or someone you know has been a victim of scam, report it to local authorities and

the Better Business Bureau (bbb.org)

We actually know people who found their furry friend online, sent an airline ticket to the

seller and purchased their pet. It was determined that their puppies probably came from

a puppy mill. They had some pretty bad habits but with lots of love and patience, they

were able to break the bad habits and have a wonderful pet. Please keep in mind that

this is not the case in most of these kinds of adoptions.

Remember that we are not professional doctors, and should always read instructions

and talk to your vet about what is best for your pets.

If there is something that you want to read about in the future or send us some great

shots of your pets, email us at azwholesales@gmail.com If you wish to to removed from

this newsletter please let us know at azwholesales@gmail.com

Johnny & Connie

July 2010 Newsletter

Happy Independence Day Everyone! Now that we have made it into summer and the days are getting hotter and hotter, have you noticed that your pet's breath which is referred to as, halitosis is getting worse? In this issue we will try to help you freshen your pets breath so you can breath easier.

Did you know that it is a fact that using good hygiene on your pets can prolong their life. By the age of 3 yrs old, 80% of pets show signs of oral disease, which is often indicated by bad breath, change in eating habits and pawing at the face and mouth and depression. According to the National Pet Products Association, only one out of three pet owners purchases dental products to use on their pets. Only 5% report brushing their pet's teeth daily. Most bad breath is caused by bacteria in the mouth. Normal breath in dogs and cats should not smell bad but any smell you find should be from the food they just ate.

Dogs have 42 teeth and cats have 30 teeth in their mouths. Therefore dogs will have worse bad breath than cats.

It is a fact that your pet's teeth must be professionaly cleaned to remove calculus and plaque. Trying to do it at home is not possible. Your pet, just like us humans, must have periodic professional cleaning. To do it thoroughly and completely, anesthesia must be used by a professional. After this the owner can brush their pet's teeth to help maintain the pet's teeth and overall health. By the way, if you have an older pet it needs to be evaluated before you use anesthesia for cleaning.

Yes, we are aware that all of this is very expensive. But if you love and cherish your pet and want it to live a longer life, keeping it's teeth clean will not only control bad breath but also prolong your pet's life.

The products that are available range from toothbrushes, toothpaste, oral gels, sprays, food or water additives, essential oils and enzyme -infused chews. Here are a few ideas that you can do that will help on the pocketbook.

• First of all it is important to use dental products specifically designed for dogs and cats. Do not use human toothpaste on your pet's teeth. Our toothpaste is not meant to be swallowed. Products are available for cats and dogs at most pet supply stores and at your veterinarian's office.


• If you start early when your pet is a puppy or kitten, your pet will get used to having their mouth looked at and their teeth cleaned.


• Some pets do not like things stuck into their mouth, try a finger brush to maintain your pet's teeth.


• Kong dental toys are one of the best ways to help your pet massage their gums and clean their teeth by themselves. This product is dishwasher safe so you can remove any bacteria that may be on it after they are done playing with it. We carry a wide range of Kong toys. Visit our store at http://www.toys4dogsncats.com/ .


• Try not to feed your pet treats that contain large amounts of sugar and that are sticky and chewy. Carrots are a good treat, they are actually abrasive and will help remove plaque.

Remember that we are not professional doctors, and you should always read instructions and talk to your vet about what is best for your pets.

If there something that you would like to read about in the future, drop us an email at azwholesales@gmail.com. If you wish to be removed from this mailing list , please email us at azwholesales@gmail.com.

Johnny and Connie

Here is a picture of one our satisified customers. This is a Soft-Coated Wheaton Terrier enjoying some Osteo-Care Daily Healthy Hide Treats and Healthy Hide Salmon Slenders. This customer was fantastic to work with. Makes selling pet supplies all worth the while. Thanks again for sending us such a great picture. If you are interested in buying some Healthy Hide Dog Treats, email us at azwholesales@gmail.com or visit our web site at http://www.toys4dogsncats.com/

June 2010 Newsletter

Everyone wants to be a dog picture found on Internet.

Hope eveyone had a great Memorial weekend. We had many customers wondering why they no longer receive our newsletter. The reason this is happening, is that you have changed or deleted your email address. If you do this, you must send us your new email address at www.azwholesales@gmail.com so we can update our records. Hope this helps everyone continue to receive future newsletters. Please remember to visit us at http://www.toys4dogsncats.com/ for all of your pet needs.

We had a request from one of our customers to give them some information on cats. Since this is a vast topic, we decided to give you some facts about cats. We hope that this satisfies your request, if not send us an email at www.azwholesales@gmail.com.

• There are over 100 breeds of cats.


• The lifespan of a can can be as much as 20 years.


• An outdoor cat's lifespan is about 3 years.


• A cat ages 4 times as fast as humans.


• Kittens grow their fastest in their first year of life, up to twice their size.


• You can tell how large a cat will be by the length of their whiskers.


• Kittens will nurse until 4 weeks of age and will feed from their mom until they are full.


• Kittens should not leave their mom for at least the first 6 weeks of their life.


• Kittens should not have dry food until they reach 2 months.


• Cats become lactose intolerant after they are weaned from their mother's milk.


• Kittens can not hear until they are about 2 weeks old.


• Cats lose their mother's immunity from infection when they no longer nurse.


• A kitten beomes a cat at 8 months old and are not fully grown until 2 years old.


• Kittens open their eyes around 7-10 days old.


• Cats can have up to 5 litters a year.


• Kittens are unable to stand or walk when they are less than 2-3 weeks old.


• At 7 months old, a kittens teeth are fully developed.


• Cats have 30 teeth.


• The average length of a cat's pregnancy is about 9 weeks.


• Cats respond better to woman than men.


• Cats have a third eyelid.


• A domestic cat can sprint up to 30 miles per hour.


• Heaviest cat on record weighs 46 pounds. Have a big cat? Send us a picture.


• Cats take 20-40 breaths a minute.


• A cat's front paw has 5 toes, while the back paw has 4.


• Cats scoop liquids up backwards when they drink.


• Cats that have all white hair and blue eyes are usually deaf.


• Cats have 24 whiskers, which are used to measure distance.


• A group of cats is called a clowder.


• A group of kittens is called a kindle.


• Cats can see 6 times better than humans.


• Have you got a cat fact you would like us to add? Email us at: ww.azwholesales@gmail.com

An ebayer just informed us about colors cats can see: Cats respond to the color purple, blue and green.

We found all this information on various parts of the internet.

Remember that we are not professional doctors, and you should always read instructions and talk to your vet about what is best for your pets.

If there is something that you would like to read about in the future, drop us an email at azwholesales@gmail.com. If you wish to be removed from this mailing list, please email us at azwholesales@gmail.com.

Thank you for your business,

Johnny and Connie

Need one of these for your cat! We sell them at http://www.toys4dogsncats.com/

May 2010 Newsletter

These pictures are of a baby fox that we rescued for the wildlife department. It had its head caught in a chain link fence. We had to take the fence apart to free it.

One of our customers and our toys4dogsncats.blogspot.com viewer ask us to research and tell other pet owners about Cocoa Mulch. Here is the information that we found:

Cocoa Mulch which is sold by some of the big home improvement stores has been found to be harmful to both dogs and cats. The product contains the chemical called Theobromine. This outdoor product is used around the outside of the house and in gardens and dogs are especially attracted to this because it smells like chocolate. We have already wrote an article about not feeding your dog chocolate. (see November Newsletter)

Your pet can ingest this toxic product and could die from it. There has already been one confirmed death from a pet eating this product. Make sure that your pet is safe by making sure you or any of your neighbors do not use Cocoa Mulch around the house or in your garden that is not protected by a barrier.

The death from this product happened to a dog named "Moose", a three year old Labrador Retriever, owner by a Minneapolis couple. The couple had a necropsy done on Moose at the University of Minnesota. The vet found the cocoa shell in Moose's stomach which had traces of theobromine in it.

Cocoa bean shells are used to make chocolate. This can cause your pet to have severe convulsions and die up to 17 hours later. Analysis of some pet stomach contents and the cocoa bean shells, has revealed the presence of a lethal amount of theobromine.

Here are some other alerts that could potentially be harmful to your pet. Some common poisons include antifreeze, household chemicals, mold, mothballs, mistletoe, and wild mushrooms. We have talked about some of these items in past newsletters, please go back and refresh yourselves. Here is a list of some lesser known dangers for pets.

• Grapes and Raisins: Can cause acute renal failure in dogs.



• Polyurethane Glue: Dogs may be attracted to either the smell or taste of glue, and may try to chew on the bottles. If swallowed, the glue expands to form a mass in the stomach and may need to be surgically removed. Gorilla Glue will do the same thing.



• Macadamia Nuts: Raw or roasted macadamia nuts cause painful muscle weakness, tremors, and paralysis. Dogs can be affected by eating as few as six nuts, and may also be affected by macadamia butter.



• Onions, Chives, and Garlic: Contains thiosulphate, which is toxic to dogs, cats, and horses.



• Cooked bones: After cooking, bones become brittle and may splinter. These splinters may cause chocking, or may even puncture or become embedded in the intestinal tract or stomach. Some that are especially dangerous: turkey and chicken bones.



• Coffee: Any beverage containing caffeine can cause a dog's heart to race, sometimes causing seizures.



• Xylitol: Sugar free candies and other products containing xylitol. This ingredient is extremely harmful to dogs, with even small amounts causing liver damage and death.



• Fruits: Cherries, apricot and apple seeds, pear seeds, peach pits, plum seeds. These seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides which causes cyanide poisoning.



• Chocolate: Cooking chocolate and cocoa powder are the most toxic, followed by dark, semi-sweet, and milk chocolate. The smaller the pet the higher the toxicity rises, or the larger the quantity ingested. Keep all types of chocolate out of your dog's diet.



• Corn Cobs: Can cause potentially fatal intestinal blockage.



• Tobacco: Cigarettes, nicotine patches, and other tobacco products may be harmful or fatal.



• Raw Salmon: Dogs may be exposed to a parasite after eating infected salmon. The parasite causes gastrointestinal problems similar to parvo, and may be fatal. See your vet immediately if your dog has ingested raw salmon: ask for a fecal sample test for rickettsial organism. This can be treated if caught in time. Remember, if you feed your dog fish, makes sure it is cooked.



• Plants: Toxic plants include Azalea, rhododendron, lilies, foxglove, daffodils, rhubarb leaves, yew, castor bean, sago palm, kalanchoe, and tulip bulbs.



• Yeast Dough: Even a small amount can rise and cause a rupture in your dog's stomach or intestines.



• Human Medications: Pain killers, cold meds, anti-cancer drugs, vitamins, diet pills, and anti-depressants can be toxic even in small doses. Never give human medication to your pet unless it is instructed by your vet.



• Slug and Snail Bait: These products come in liquid, pellets, or powder form and are extremely toxic to dogs. These baits contain metaldehyde and should not be used anywhere there might be pets.

We found all this information on the Internet and wanted to share this life saving information with other pet lovers.

Remember that we are not professional doctors, and you should always read instructions and talk to your vet what is best for your pets.

If there is something that you would like to read about in the future, drop us an email at azwholesales@gmail.com If you wish to be removed from this mailing list, please email us at azwholesales@gmail.com

Johnny & Connie Luke

April 2010 Newsletter

For those pet owners here in Florida, we will be selling at the Lakeland SPCA Pets on Parade around Lake Hollingsworth April 17th. Come meet us and shop at our tent.
April is Animal Cruelty Awareness Month. There are thousands of animals in the United States alone that are victims of abuse. If you know of any animal that is a victim of cruelty, contact your local humane society. This act of cruelty is not limited to dogs and cats but birds, donkeys, horses, etc. There are many types of animal cruelty. It can be lack of food, lack of water, no shelter from the heat or cold, violence, abuse and neglect of an animal. You can also be cited for leaving behind a pet when you move. This is called abandonment and carries the same penalties as cruelty. If you contact your local Humane Society to let them know that you think an animal is being subjected to cruelty, make sure you have the street address where you saw the animal. Also, it is a good idea to leave your name and address , so an officer can contact you for additional information. All calls should be confidential. Remember that you are the only voice that the animal has to protect itself from cruelty. We are not professional doctors and you should always read instructions and talk to your vet about what is best for your pets. If there is something you would like to read about in the future , drop us an email at azwholesales@gmail.com. The pictures below are of a cat tree that we sent to California. The owner of this 19# cat named Maui enjoys climbing on and scratching the sisal rope poles on her cat tree. She has crammed herself in the condo where she likes to hang out. To see and purchase this cat tree, go to www.toys4dogsncats.com

March 2010 Newsletter

Does your pet ride in your vehicle with you? If it does, here is some information that will help keep your pet safe in case of an emegency. As of this date, only a couple of states require that a pet be tethered when they are in the back of a pick-up truck but no state has a law that your pet must be buckled when in your car.


It is more dangerous for the driver than it is for the pet if something would happen that you got into an accident. The safest place for a pet to travel is in the back seat. A large pet that weighs 60 pounds can hit you with a force of 2,700 pounds if you have to slam on your brakes going 35 mph. An injured pet can also cause a bad situation that can hinder rescue workers if you were in an accident. There are safety items that are sold on the market that can help you and your pet travel more securely.


The first is a dog safety harness. It is a specially designed harness that fits your pet and is buckled into the your existing seat belt system. Make sure that the one you buy is a universal harness, some foriegn cars do not accept these harnesses. We sell the Guardian Gear brand of pet harnesses for all sizes of pets at a very reasonable price. Check out our web site at http://www.toys4dogsncats.com/


The second items you can buy for your pet is a crate or a carrier. An enclosed carrier is a very safe place to keep your pet when traveling. Have you ever noticed that when you see a canine police unit car pass you that the dog is in a cage? This is to protect this highly trained pet from injury in case of an accident. These enclosures come in all shapes and sizes and also is a place that you can keep the temperature regulated for your pet on hot days. We can special order any size crate or carrier that will fit your pet. Email us as azwholesales@gmail.com, we can ususally beat the competitors prices which includes shipping.


The third thing, is a child's booster seat that can be fitted with a dog harness. This is usually used for a smaller pet such as a Chihuahua or Pomeranian. It is not a good idea to attach leashes to the pets collar, the pet could choke if the car has to stop suddenly.


Remember that we are not professional doctors and you should always read instructions and talk to your vet about what is best for you and your pet.

February 2010 Newsletter

How to save money on Pet care

We are sure that everyone is in the same boat with the price of gas and groceries taking a big chunk out of your family budget. Here are a few ways to save on your pet care. To do this you must focus on prevention by keeping your pets healthy. If you do this, you can avoid spending money later on expensive procedures at your local vet.

Most dogs and cats are over weight, which can lead them to arthritis, diabetes and cancer. The rule of thumb is if you can feel your pets ribs, it should be within its normal weight. If not, you need to start measuring its food intake, reduce the amount of treats you give them, and exercise. By walking your pet, you are also helping yourself stay fit. You do not want to shed those pounds to fast, this can cause a health risk. Especially in cats.

Walking your dog/s can be benefiicial for you and them and save you some money. Great Britain surveyed 5000 people and found those with dogs exercised up to six hours more a week than those who worked out at a gym. They found the average gym member works out less than two hours a week. Dog owners exercised up to six hours more in a week. 86% of the respondents stated they enjoyed the time spent with their pets as opposed to 16% who enjoyed going to the gym.

You can also save money by learning to care for your pet yourself. Learn basic grooming routines from bathing your animal and trimming their nails. We sell a tool that the professionals use called Millers Nail Clipper. The clipper has a stop on it so you can not cut down to the quick of your pet's nails. The time to clip is when you can hear your pets nails clicking on the floor. We can also get your shampoo with a special order. It is impossibe to carry all brands, so tell us what you use and we will find it for you at the best price. (azwholesales@gmail.com) You can purchase a book on grooming your pet or better yet, go to your local library. Brush your pet's teeth to help lengthen the time between office visits. We can also get pet toothpaste and brushes for you on request.

Tons of money is spent each year on pets that are posioned or hit by a car. Keep your cat in the house and your dog in a fenced in area.

Make sure you take your pet to the vet for a yearly checkup. This visit can spot a little problem that may turn into a larger problem if not treated. If your pet takes medication, ask your vet to write you a precription instead of him filling it himself. You can save money by comparison-shopping at local pharmacies and on line. We are not a vet, so we cannot help you with pet medicine. What we can do, is help you find it cheaper. Another tip is take your pet to the vet when they are having a special to promote helth care in a certain month.

Clean your pet's toys if you hide treats in them. Some toys such as Kongs can be cleaned in a dishwasher. We carry a wide variety of Kongs and toys. Check out our website at http://www.toys4dogsncats.com/ . Try to buy your food in bulk if you have a large dog. Buy the larger bags of litter, get case discounts on your can foods and use coupons. We save coupons for our customers, if you purchase something from us and tell us what you use, if we have a coupon, we will send it to you along with your purchase. If you know someone that uses the same food, split the cost of a large bag with them. Make sure that you store this food in an air-tight container.

The last thing we will leave you with is health insurance for your pet. Believe it or not, it is a rapidly growing business. If you know that your pet is going to have to have some long term care, you may want to look into this.

Some of this information comes from Dr. Marty Becker and Gina Spadafori. they both have best-selling books on pet care.

New Business Sign

Our sign is finished and ready to be viewed by anyone coming by our business. A little disappointed in the spacing on the "s" in dogs but overall it will do the job. Come visit our store at: www.toys4dogsncats.com, you will find that we specialize in a wide variety of pet products. You will find Kongs, Nylabones, Zanies, Zack & Zoey Apparel, Bandanas, Visors, Grriggles, Plush dog toys, Rawhide toys, Healthy Hide dog treats, Collars, Leashes, Harnesses, Beastie Band Cat collars and hand made signs, and crocheted pet towels and more. If you do not find what you are looking for, email us at azwholesales@gmail.com and we will try to find your product at the best price. Thank you for visiting our blog.

Favorite Pics From Websites and Customers

These are just a few of the favoite pics that we found on the web or that our customers sent to us. Send us your pics of you and your pet, (or if you pefer-just your pet), its name and we will add it to our blog site. Send to azwholesalesales@gmail.com Enjoy!