Health and Happiness
March 2016
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Fun Pet Facts

A dog's first sense to develop is touch.

Cats sleep an average of 16 hours per day!

Dogs do not have an appendix.

A cat can jump as much as 7 times its height.

Dogs sweat through the pads of their feet.

Most cats do not have eyelashes.

Dogs were one of the first animals domesticated.
Reinventing the Wheel   

Don't forget our feline friends need a bit of exercise too! Although we see more and more leash-trained cats, the majority still are indoor denizens!

If your kitty has energy to burn, you might want to try one of the new cat exercise wheels! It sounds like they take a little getting used to for some kitties, but if your cat is keeping you up with the Kitty-Indy-500 every night, you might want to give one of these a whirl!
How Much Exercise Does my Dog Need?

For optimal health, dogs (and their humans) need exercise every day, and this is especially important for city dogs. You've probably also noticed that twice per day walkies are usually not enough to get all the ants out of your pooch's pants.

Several things should be considered when planning your canine's cardio, primarily breed, age and temperament. For example, a herding dog like a Border Collie might need 60-90 minutes of vigorous exercise once or twice a day, whereas more mellow breeds will thrive on 30.

Don't forget to take into account other types of exercise besides walking or dog parks. A nice swim can be great on a hot day, and is especially helpful for breeds that tend toward hip problems, just don't forget to pack a doggy-life-vest.

Exercise is an essential part of any pet's long, healthy life. It helps with weight management, stress relief, and can help curb behavioral issues such as anxiety or aggression.

Learn more at:
Xylitol: Sweetener Not-So-Sweet for Pets 

In our diet-conscious culture, there are many lower-calorie sugar-replacements, many of which are naturally occurring. However, just because something is naturally occurring, that doesn't mean it's safe for your pets. Xylitol is one such sweetener that's perfectly safe for humans, but when ingested by pets it can very quickly lead to hypoglycemia, liver failure, and even death.

Xylitol is used in many products, including gum, candy, and even peanut butter. Dogs are more likely to accidentally ingest it than cats, simply because they're less picky about what they eat, but even a few sticks of gum can cause a fatal toxicity in less than an hour.

If your pet has consumed something with Xylitol, immediately give them something with sugar, such as Karo Syrup, then immediately take them to the vet. Of course, the best medicine is preventative. Learn more about this scary sweetener that's more toxic than chocolate.