Holiday Gift Guide for Pets

Finding the perfect gift for your pet can be tough! Luckily the Polka Dot Pup elves have been working their paws off locating some of the best pet-friendly gifts on the web so you can save a little time and money.

Check out a few items from Vixen's wish list -

Santa Paws - Holiday Gifts for Dogs

For other great gift ideas, check out these helpful sites -

Google Holiday Shopping, search for pet specific holiday gifts.
Modern Dog Ultimutt Gift Guide, inspired suggestions for all the dogs on your list.
Dogtime Holiday Gift Guide, find the best in eco-friendly, luxury, edible gifts and more.



Have some great pet-friendly gift ideas? Send the word to Santa Paws and his furry four legged elves at polkadotpupblog@aol.com.

Holiday Greetings from Your Pet

Christmas is just weeks away and it's about time to send out those Holiday cards. Skip the post office this year and check out some of the fun and festive pet eCards on the net.

Adopt a Virtual Pet eCards, Thinkinginsidethecage.org
ASPCA eCards, ASPCA.org
Critter Carols, Petcentric.com
Dog Holiday eCards, Sloppykisscards.com
Pet Holiday eCards, AmericanGreetings.com
Ugly Pet Sweater Holiday eCards, Petfinder.com

Thanksgiving Pet Safety Tips

Thanksgiving is all about great company and even better food. It's also a time to remember that although your dogs pleading puppy eyes are begging you for table scraps, there are a number of items on your table that can be very harmful to your pets.

Food to watch out for:
-Turkey fat
-Bones from fish, meat, or poultry (turkey included)
-Uncooked meat, fish, and poultry
-Onions
-Garlic
-Raisins and Grapes
-Macadamia nuts
-Uncooked yeast dough
-Alcohol
-Coffee/Tea
-Rich, fatty foods (gravy or grease)
-Sweets (especially chocolate)
-Secure leftovers and garbage

Healthy Treats:
-Fresh pumpkin can be good for dogs (who knew)? If a dog has constipation or diarrhea, cooked pumpkin is good for them. If dog is over weight, its a great filler to put with their food.
-Carrots
-Thanksgiving-inspired pet treats


For other food facts, check out the links below -
Season's Eatings, Petside.com
Best Turkey Treats for Dogs, Petside.com
Dogs and Holidays, AKC.com
Holiday Safety Tips for Dogs, Doctors Foster and Smith

Southern California Fires - Pet Safety

Living in Southern California, you know that when the Santa Ana winds pick up there is the chance for wild fires. Although as residents we prepare ourselves for these disasters, you are never really ready for the devastation fires can cause.

Our hearts go out to the residents affected by the recent outbreak of fires including Sylmar, Corona, Anaheim Hills, Yorba Linda and Brea. Below please find a compiled list of evacuation sites where you can bring your pets.

Sylmar
Dept. of Animal Services: Horses can be taken to the Hansen Dam Equestrian Center at Foothill Blvd. and Orcas Ave.

Other animals can be taken to Mission Animal Center at 15321 Brand Blvd. in Mission Hills, or to the athletic fields at both high-school evacuation centers.

Orange County (for Corona/Brea/Yorba Linda/Anahiem Hills fires)
Animals can be taken to the Orange County animal shelter at 561 The City Dr., Orange. Horses can be taken to the Rocking T Ranch, at Lakeview Avenue and Bastanchury Road in Yorba Linda.

The Anaheim Fire Department said that horses may be sheltered at:Rancho Del Rio Stables1314 Sandersen Ave., Anaheim (714) 535-3510


For tips on protecting your pets during a fire, please check out Pet Fire Safety.

Polka Dot Pup on Twitter

Polka Dot Pup is on Twitter!

Follow our pet correspondent Vixen as she partakes in her daily routines. What's more fun than living a dogs life?

Check out all the fun at http://twitter.com/PolkaDotPup.

Halloween for Pets - Costumes and Shindigs

Alright all you Halloween hounds out there still searching for the perfect pup-friendly costume, Polka Dot Pup has compiled a ghoulish list of gear sure to impress at any pet costume parade or shindig.

Speaking of shindigs, pet costume parties and parades are popping up all over the place. Know about a pet-friendly Halloween event in your area? We want to hear about it! Send the event information to polkadotpupblog@aol.com. Please submit your events no later than October 29 so that we can get them posted in time for Halloween.

Pet 'Net Adoption Event - Celebrating Pet Adoption Across the Nation

In today's society, too many pets are waiting helplessly in shelters to be adopted. The Humane Society of The United States (HSUS) estimates that 6-8 million cats and dogs enter shelters each year. This October, the Pet 'Net Adoption Event is helping to spread the word about adoption in hopes to reduce these numbers. Isn't it about time you considered adoption?

Adopting a pet is a big step but well worth it. You've made the decision to walk into your local shelter and pick out your new best friend for the next 10-15+ years. If only adoption were so easy. Here are a few tips to help you on your way to adopting the perfect pet for you and your family!

One key thing to keep in mind when considering adopting a pet is that they are a full time job. They become part of the family and like children, require lots of attention and love. They are not cheap either. On top of food and everyday essentials, it is really hard to resist all the cute pet products out there on the market. Don't forget about training which helps pets to be better mannered and increases the bond between owner and pet. I mention these topics not to scare potential adopters, but to bring a realization to what it takes to raise a health happy pet.

We've made it past the basics, now it's time to think about what breed or mix would work best in your home. Do some research into what types of dogs or cats are out there and what which might work best for you. Consider size (large dog or small dog), temperament (extremely hyper or mellow), coat (in case of allergies), how well certain breeds do with other animals and people, what does your living situation permit (do you live in an apartment or travel frequently), these are all items that can affect your future pet-human relationship. Check out your local shelter or adoption center and sit down with the staff and ask lots of questions. Don't forget to take your time, this is a big decision.


Meet one of Vixen's very best friend's, Abby. Abby was adopted from a North Carolina shelter.

So you've made your decision, you found your perfect companion and are ready to take him/her home. Now what? Make sure to pet proof your home, pickup anything your new pet might get into. Stock up on pet essentials like an ID tag, collar and leash, a bowl for water and food, dog bed and crate, brush for coat and teeth and tons of toys of course! Set some boundaries, this will help your pet learn the rules around the house. Get to know your pet, figure out their behaviors and habits and help correct and reward them.

One of the most enjoyable steps to adopting a pet is just going out and having fun. The bond you share with your pet is so special. My heart goes out to all of the pets in shelters waiting to find their own family. Help make a difference in a pet's life and they will return the favor with lifelong love and friendship.


To learn more about the Pet 'Net Adoption Event, go to Petside.com.

For more tips on pet adoption and adoption shelters in your area, please visit the sites below:
Petfinder.com
AdoptaPet.com
Dogster.com
Pedigree - Adopt a Dog
Pet Adoption Portal
American Kennel Club - Breed Rescue
The Humane Society of The United States
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)