![]() The 4th of July is probably not your favorite pets’ holiday. In our house, it sends McGee our kitty hiding and Teddy our anxiety-ridden dog into a tailspin of fighting and barking at the air around him. Dog and cats hearing are much more sensitive than ours. Therefore, all the noises associated with the holiday are so much more intense for them. Neither of them understands what is going on, so we have two very scared pets on our hands, reacting in very different manners, yet the calming technique tips are similar. 1. Make sure your pet gets plenty of exercises earlier in the day. 2. Always keep your pets inside during fireworks and make sure they have their collars on just in case they run out. Close all of the windows in the house. The busiest time of year for pets being found wandering loose is the 4th of July. 3. Create a safe room or area in your house that they usually go when sacred. 4. Play calming music; this is most effective when you play the music well before the fireworks start so that your dog or cat already feel peaceful and relaxed. 5. Remain Calm; our pets pick up on our emotions, and especially when we are feeling anxious. You can be loving and reassure your pet but be careful how you do so. While we so want to hold them and tell them it is ok, in our pets’ mind that is rewarding and reinforcing their fearful behavior; in their minds, you are saying its ok to be afraid. When my dog gets anxiety, I tell him, “no worries,” and I do not hold or hug him while doing so. I say this calmly and softly. He hears no but in a different way. 6. If your pet gets so frightened that you are worried about their safety, you may need to seek professional help and have some anti-anxiety medication prescribed by your veterinarian. 7. Have your pets microchipped, if they ever get lost; this will help bring them back to you and always keep their collars with id tags on. MyLap Pet Bed, Pet Bed, Cat Bed, Dog Bed, Kitten Bed, Puppy Bed, July 4th, Fireworks
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![]() Americans have had a love of pajamas ever since they became popular in the United States in the 1920s. Men began favoring them over long nightshirts, kids found them warm and cozy, and women embraced them as both sleepwear and fashionable attire. Almost one-hundred years later, our obsession with pajamas has only intensified. The peace and comfort that pajamas offer is one of the reasons the MyLap Pet Bed was created. In the same way that we love coming home and changing from our regular clothes into pajamas, our pets love snugging up to them as much as we love wearing them. Every Christmas Eve, many families around the country engage in a special holiday tradition in which each family member is allowed to open a special Christmas Eve gift, which is always a brand-new pair of pajamas. In fact, some families have been doing this for several generations. Sometimes the pajamas are all the same, so that everyone in the family matches. In other households, each family member receives quirky pajamas that relate to things that they love. One of the motivations behind this tradition is to ensure that everyone has a nice, new pair of pajamas for photos on Christmas morning. In homes with small children, most kids can barely wait to open gifts, so the gift giving starts bright and early. Having new pajamas means that everyone will have on something cute to wear as they stumble out of bed instead of being photographed in old, raggedy t-shirts and bedraggled sweat pants. The tradition of receiving new pajamas for Christmas is also a nostalgic throwback to childhood for many adults. Life as an adult can be complicated and often stressful, and Christmas pajamas are a fun foray into the innocence of childhood. In a world of business casual attire or uniforms, pajamas are one area where you can get crazy with designs from your favorite cartoons or seasonal patterns. Of course, here at MyLap Pet Bed, we understand the allure of pajamas, and the comfort that they bring to humans and pets alike. Our cats and dogs love the feel of pajamas on our MyLap Pet Bed, especially when they smell like their humans. When you are shopping for your family pajamas, you can purchase an extra pair for your pet bed to include your pet in the gift giving. If your tradition is that everyone matches, you can purchase an extra set or just pants in the same pattern. If you do not do a matching theme, find a pair that matches the décor in your home or just something fun that you like. When you wrap the gifts, wrap your pet’s pajamas in a separate box so that he or she can “open” their gift on Christmas Eve. After opening your pajamas on Christmas Eve, you can put your pet’s pajama bottoms in bed with you while you sleep, then put them on your MyLap Pet Bed in the morning. If you do not already have a MyLap Pet Bed for your small dog or cat, you can have one wrapped and waiting for them under the tree on Christmas morning, so that you can include them in your holiday pajamas tradition year after year. Does your family have a holiday tradition with pajamas? Come on over to our Facebook page and let us know what it is, we love to hear from you. Cat bed, dog bed, sense of smell, pet bed Keeping our pets safe during the holidays can be a difficult task. With all of the breakable ornaments, potentially dangerous plants, presents with pretty bows and ribbons on top, lights that can be chewed, and then there is the Christmas tree. We have twelve safety tips that will allow your furry family members to join in the holiday fun while avoiding a trip to the animal emergency room. Christmas Tree Safety and Other Holiday Safety Tips: 1. Place your Christmas tree in a corner. To keep your cat from attempting to jump onto the tree, you can place aluminum foil around the tree base to warn you of an impending tree disaster. Since cats and Christmas trees are not always the best combination, it could take some ingenuity on your part to keep both parties safe during the holiday season. 2. Tinsel can add a nice sparkling touch to the tree, but make sure you hang it up out of your pet's reach, or for the highest level of pet safety, just don’t use it. Ingesting tinsel can potentially block their intestines, which is generally only remedied through surgical means. 3. Do not put lights on the tree's lower branches. Not only can your pet get tangled up in the lights, but they can also cause burns on both cats and dog if they become entangled. Additionally, your dog or cat may accidentally get shocked by biting through the wire. 4. Ornaments need to be kept out of reach, too. In addition to being a choking and intestinal blockage hazard, shards from broken ornaments may injure paws, mouths or other parts of your pet's body. 5. If your buying live Christmas trees this year, keep the area around the tree free and clear of pine needles. The needles can cause stomach upset and can irritate or puncture your pet's intestines if ingested. 6. Did you know that holly and mistletoe are among the poisonous plants to dogs and cats? If you usually use these plants to decorate your home, they should be kept in an area your pet cannot reach. Poinsettias are also not a great idea, as they can cause nausea and vomiting if ingested. 7. Do not use edible tree decorations—whether they be ornaments or popcorn strings. These goodies are just too enticing, and your pet will surely tug at them, knocking down your wonderfully decorated tree. Not to mention that they are also choking hazards. 8. Burning candles should be placed on high shelves or mantels, out of your pet's way—there's no telling where a wagging tail or curious cat may end up. Never leave candles unsupervised, and keep your cat away from any areas with open flames or wax. Homes with fireplaces should use screens to avoid accidental burns. 9. To prevent any accidental electrocutions, exposed indoor or outdoor wires should be taped to the wall or the sides of the house. Any wires extending away from the wall should be wrapped in hard protective plastic to make them less attractive to your cat. 10. When gift wrapping, be sure to keep your pet away. Wrapping paper, string, ribbon, plastic pieces or cloth could all cause intestinal blockages. Scissors are another pet safety hazard, and they should be kept off floors or low tables. Be cautious about leaving wrapped gifts with ribbon and bows under the tree where your pets can get to them. 11. Leave the Leftovers: Fatty, spicy and no-no human foods, as well as bones, should not be fed to your furry friends. Pets can join the festivities in other fun ways that won't lead to costly medical bills. 12. Careful with Cocktails: If your celebration includes adult holiday beverages, be sure to place your unattended alcoholic drinks where pets cannot get to them. If ingested, your pet could become weak, ill and may even go into a coma, possibly resulting in death from respiratory failure. Editors Note: Some parts of this was researched and referenced from the following articles: www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/holiday-safety-tips and www.petmd.com/dog/seasonal/evr_multi_christmas_safety MyLap Pet Bed, Pet Bed, Cat Bed, Dog Bed, Kitten Bed, Puppy Bed, Christmas, Christmas Pet Safety, dog, cat, kitten, pet beds, dog bed attached to your bed, dog bed for multiple dogs, bed with pet, cozy pet bed, bed with pet bed attached, bed with pet bed, cat lap bed, dog lap bed, my pet bed ![]() While Halloween may be an exciting time for you and your family — costumes, candy, carving — it can be frightening for your Pets. From ringing doorbells to monster masks, these new sights and sounds can create anxiety for pets. However, when you follow some simple suggestions, you can give your pet a fear-free home to enjoy this Halloween. Costumes Some pets enjoy dressing up, but for others, it may be scary. Your pet’s welfare an safety must be the top priority. If you want to put a Halloween costume on your pet, do a trial run before Oct. 31. Let them sniff and investigate before slowly dressing them. Give them treats during this “dress rehearsal” to create a positive association with the costume. If your pet seems scared (tail tucked, ears back, trembling, whimpering, growling, pulling to get away, etc.), immediately stop and remove the costume. Pets should always be supervised when they are wearing costumes, as the costume itself could be a hazard if they chew/ingest parts of it or get tangled up in it. Candy station option If you’re feeling something different this year, take your treats from the home to the car. To reduce pet stress, cut down on doorbells, knocks, and strangers on your porch by setting up a Halloween candy station in the trunk of your car so kids and visitors stop there instead of creating chaos for your pet. Plus, you can have fun with it and decorate your driveway with spooky spectacles for neighbors to enjoy. Safe place If your pet is normally a 7 on the skittish scale, Halloween will put them at a 15. From scary sights and sounds to creepy costumes, it may be best to give your pet a safe space this Halloween. Set up a comfortable area in your house away from the goings on with their bed, favorite toys, a blanket, an article of your clothing and some treats. MyLap Pet Bed has helped many pets keep a calmer state of mind as it incorporates an article of your clothing that has your scent attached. These safe things and places will help them feel at ease. Save the scares and pranks for your friends When it comes to the Halloween spirit, harmless pranks and scares are all part of the fun, but not for the pets. Pet just do not comprehend pranks. If you’re planning on wearing a scary costume, mask or have spooky decorations, make sure you introduce them to your pet well in advance to get them used to your new look and what’s hiding around the corner. To help, you can give them treats dressed in your Halloween attire, so they associate the costume with a reward. Darting out the door One of the greatest risks at Halloween is having a pet dart outside when you answer the door. Leashes, creates or pre-segregation in a room can help prevent a heartbreaking loss. Candy care As you prepare for trick-or-treaters, make sure you keep candy away from curious pets. Year after year, veterinary emergency clinics are filled with pets that have eaten Halloween candy. Upset bellies, diarrhea, and vomiting are common after a candy binge. Some candy, like chocolate or those containing the sweetener xylitol, can be highly toxic to pets. Editors Note: Some parts of this was researched and referenced from the following article: Tricks And Treats: Bite-sized Tips For A Fun, Safe ... (n.d.). Retrieved from enewscourier.com-news-lifestyles/tricks-and-treats-bite-sized-tips-f MyLap Pet Bed, Pet Bed, Cat Bed, Dog Bed, Kitten Bed, Puppy Bed, Halloween Pet Safety, Halloween, dog, cat, kitten, pet beds ![]() Early breast cancer detection saves lives and makes treatment much more manageable. I am very thankful that I went through radiation. Why would anyone be thankful to go through radiation? I will tell you why; chemotherapy is much worse and what's even worse than chemotherapy; death. Going through radiation I used the same dressing room and treatment waiting for area that the chemotherapy patients used, and there were times I felt a sort of survivor's guilt sitting with them. I had good odds, and although cancer is scary, breast cancer stage 1 is not as frightening as 3 or 4, ect. What most of the chemotherapy patients had in common, they waited too long in between mammograms. MyLap Pet Bed design may have come from a bad time, but it helped me find a better place. In honor of breast cancer awareness month, here is the story… The unique pet bed design came to me at one of the lowest points of my life: when I was receiving radiation for breast cancer. After a lumpectomy, I began a long 7-week course of radiation. At just 41 years old, I couldn’t comprehend that this was happening. I kept most of what I was going through to myself, and only some family and a few close friends and co-workers knew what was actually going on. Every day after work, I would go to my radiation treatment and then drive an hour and a half home. My days were long, as the radiation made me so tired and sore. My cat had always slept on, between, or against my legs (you cat parents know what I am talking about), but at that time, I was so sleep-deprived and achy that as much as I loved her, I just wanted her off of me. I needed every bit of restful sleep I could get just to make it through the next day. All I kept thinking was there must be something out there that could simulate my lap for my cat while I could also remain comfortable. I searched every store I could think of and scoured the internet but found nothing like what I was looking for. When I would lay on the radiation table, thinking of the need for a product like MYLAP™ Pet Bed not only gave me a distraction but it also gave me a new purpose. It was then that I decided to begin the process of designing and patenting something that could keep both my cat and I comfortable. There is nothing like a near-death experience to get you off your ass to follow your dream. After I had my prototype made, I began testing it out on my cat and I noticed that my dog, who has every kind of anxiety including separation anxiety, was starting to steal the bed. I realized it calmed him as well, and I began finding him sleeping on it more and more. Even though it was too small for him, he didn’t seem to care one bit! It has been a long road, both in my personal recovery and the journey to launch this product, but I couldn’t be happier that I was able to turn something so devastating into something so positive. It's not always how hard you fall, it's how hard you get up! What if…… corporations that allowed their full-time employee's to volunteer just one week a year and go out on emergency relief missions or other rescue work with the sponsorship of paying their employee for that time instead of the employee is taking vacation/PTO or unpaid time to do so. I believe this would allow people who do not have much vacation or PTO time to take the opportunity to still volunteer. In exchange, that person wears a newly designed shirt/jacket that says XYZ Corporation is proudly working with rescue group like Humane Society, Red Cross, ASPCA, or the many other smaller rescues. The corporation/company then gains positive recognition for this effort. It is sad that have to add, the “company then gains positive recognition for this effort,” but let’s be honest most companies will not do it if they are not recognized for it. So we have to give them a reason to do it. I genuinely believe there would be more boots on the ground if people had the time to take instead of worrying what happens if they run out time, go unpaid or worse lose their job because they ran over there “allowed time off.” What can you do….Talk to your company and ask them if they would be interested in participating in this. If so, contact your rescue group of choice and work out the details. Maybe if this catches on we can start a nationwide program, or even better a world wide program!!!!!!! Tammy O. ![]() adoption, cat, dog, kitten, puppy, cat bed, dog bed, pet bed, adopt don't shop, adopt don't shop campaign, rescue What if low-income seniors who are having a hard time making ends meet could afford to adopt a senior or disabled pet. Senior, disabled, and sick pets can have expensive diets and medical bills. I have spoken to many people, especially older people who say this, “how can I afford the medical bills when I can barely pay my rent/mortgage/taxes,” etc. Pet insurance is so expensive for older pets and does not cover pre-existing conditions.
What if shelters worked with veterinarians to sponsor senior pets medical bills that would do well with an older person; how many lives could be saved? How much joy and love would this give senior citizens to adopt there new best friend would otherwise not be able to afford those bills. Taking care of a pet has been proven to provide older adults more joy, purpose, and needed exercise. A senior pet would not require as much work as a young dog or cat, which is also a good match for a senior citizen. What can you do, take a moment a make a phone call to a veterinarian office and ask them if they would be willing to sponsor such a pet. If they do not agree, call another veterinarian, email, facebook, etc. Send them this post if you think my words can make a difference. When you find a veterinarian office willing to help, call your local shelter, and put them in contact with one another. Please consider taking this idea, putting it into action! There are so many ways people can make a difference; donate, educate, volunteer, or just giving the voiceless a voice! Make a dream a goal and make it happen! Tammy Olley The 4th of July is probably not your favorite pets holiday. In our house, it sends McGee our kitty hiding and Teddy our anxiety-ridden dog into a tailspin of fighting and barking at the air around him. Dog and cats hearing is much more sensitive than ours. Therefore all the noises associated with the holiday are so much more intense for them. Neither of them understands what is going on, so we have two very scared pets on our hands, reacting in very different manners, yet the calming technique tips are similar. 1. Make sure your pet gets plenty of exercises earlier in the day. 2. Always keep your pets inside during fireworks and make sure they have their collars on just in case they run out. Close all of the windows in the house. The busiest time of year for pets being found wandering loose is the 4th of July. 3. Create a safe room or area in your house that they usually go when sacred. 4. Play calming music; this is most effective when you play the music well before the fireworks start so that your dog or cat already feel peaceful and relaxed. 5. Remain Calm; our pets pick up on our emotions, and especially when we are feeling anxious. You can be loving and reassure your pet but be careful how you do so. While we so want to hold them and tell them it is ok, in our pets mind that is rewarding and reinforcing their fearful behavior; in their minds, you are saying its ok to be afraid. When my dog gets anxiety, I tell him, “no worries,” and I do not hold or hug him while doing so. I say this calmly and softly. He hears no but in a different way. 6. If your pet gets so frightened that you are worried about there safety, you may need to seek professional help and have some anti-anxiety medication prescribed by your veterinarian. 7. Have your pets microchipped, if they ever get lost; this will help bring them back to you and always keep there collars with id tags on. MyLap Pet Bed, Pet Bed, Cat Bed, Dog Bed, Kitten Bed, Puppy Bed, July 4th, Fireworks I am fearful, but as long as I continue to move forward, I am strong. I make mistakes, but as long as I learn from them and continue to move forward, I am smart. I have been hurt, but as long as get up and continue to move forward, I will heal. I am tired but as long keep going and continue to move forward I will feel energetic. I am nervous, but as long I try and continue to move forward I am ambitious. I am weak, but as long as I push through my weakness and continue to move forward, I am tough. Moving Forward is not always easy, but it can be rewarding! Tammy Olley MyLap Pet Bed ![]() This is a great time to make sure pets have everything they need to be safe on New Year’s Eve and into the coming year. Here are some tips as we ring in 2019. New Years Eye Keep your pets inside during new years celebrations and of course do not take your pet to fireworks displays. Most animals are scared to death of these loud noises. Jan. 1 and July 4/5th are the two highest days of the year that pets are reported missing. The loud noises and flashing lights from fireworks are scary and can cause pets to go into flight mode. Bring pets indoors to minimize stress and panic. Signs of stress include trembling, shaking, pacing, panting, destructive behavior, whining, barking, vomiting, panting and trying to escape. Check out MyLap Pet Bed's 4th of July blog post for tips on dealing with your dog and cat anxiety during fireworks and consider our MyLap Pet Bed to help with the anxiety. Health updates The New Year is a great time to make sure pets are up-to-date on vaccinations and review their overall health and needs. Update information: Make sure current identification information is on tags and registered with microchips. Unfortunately, people often realize this information is outdated due to a change of phone numbers or address only after a pet goes missing. Microchip now: If a pet is not already chipped, make it a priority. Tags can fall off or be removed, but the chip will always be there, and it gives a lost pet the best chance of getting back home. Remember: The chip must then be registered in order for it to be fully effective. Proper nutrition: Pets can pack on pounds, too. Evaluate their food and treats. Make sure they are getting a balanced diet in the proper portions to stay healthy, after all we want them to be around as long as possible. Exercise: It will keep pets healthy longer, and incorporating pets into our own exercise routine is a good way to stick to those goals long-term. A great way to enjoy quality time with pets and get our exercise at the same time. Help homeless pets Want to get more involved this year with helping the homeless pets in our community? Here are some ways to work animal advocacy into your New Year resolutions: Foster: Love pets, but not sure about the commitment of owning one? Try fostering. Animal shelters and rescues need loving homes to provide safe and temporary living arrangements for pets. It’s a great opportunity for a shelter animal to get used to a home environment, and it’s the perfect way to test the waters of pet ownership. Volunteer: Shelters rely heavily on volunteers to care for animals on a regular basis. It is a rewarding experience and truly makes a difference in the life of homeless pets. Most shelters have volunteer opportunities for individuals, high school students and those needing community services hours, church groups, college groups and more. If you don't have time to volunteer, consider donating supplies. Editors Note: Some parts of this was researched and referenced from the following articles: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/steps-to-help-keep-pets-healthy-as-part-of-new-years-resolutions-300771232.html https://www.theadvocate.com/new_orleans/news/communities/crescent_city/article_e948d3d6-ffcf-11e8-9195-6f0180841e0a.html MyLap Pet Bed, Pet Bed, Cat Bed, Dog Bed, Kitten Bed, Puppy Bed, Christmas, Christmas Pet Safety, dog, cat, kitten, pet beds, dog bed attached to your bed, dog bed for multiple dogs, bed with pet, cozy pet bed, bed with pet bed attached, bed with pet bed, cat lap bed, dog lap bed, my pet bed |
AuthorTammy, Owner and Founder of MyLap Pet Bed Archives
July 2020
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