Sunday, January 30, 2011

PetTastics Grand Opening Giveaway !!


We all love FREE stuff! Yes, I said it..ABSOLUTELY FREE! For PetTastics Grand Opening we are giving YOU a chance to win our Home Fragrance Pet Deodorizer Kit. We love our pets, but sometimes they can be a little stinky. This kit is equipped with Wallflowers, Fragrance Sprays, Candles and much more! C'mon, you know you want it! How do you get it? It's simple! Sign up for any service by February 12th and you will automatically be entered into our drawing!   If you don't happen to walk away with the prize this time, no worries, PetTastics has exclusive giveaways EVERY month. Click on the picture above to visit PetTastics website for a complete rundown of services as well as the prices. As the deadline approaches, we'll post a picture of this fabulous basket on our Facebook page, website, and our blog. Get excited for PetTastics because we definitely are!

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Winter Weather Dog Tips

Global warming is in full effect and snow storms are hitting us left and right. Temperatures are near freezing and our grass is growing little icicles. For many, its beautiful but for our pets it could be extremely dangerous. There are tons of ways to prevent safe conditions for our pets such as boots or sweaters but there may still be tons of hazards present. Your pet's safety is PetTastics number one priority. Don't let Jack Frost nip at your pooch's nose!

  •  Never let your dog off their leash or roam free in ice or snow. Dogs can lose their scents and easily become lost. Statistics show that more dogs are lost during the winter than any other season. If your dog happens to be trained off the leash, make sure he/she wears their id tag at all times. 
  • After your dog comes from outside, wipe off their legs and stomach. Antifreeze, salt and other cold weather products are dangerous chemicals that could potentially harm your dog. Also, paw pads are prone to bleeding from snow or encrusted ice. 
  • Giving your dog a short haircut isn't the best idea for the winter. A longer coat provides them more warmth. When grooming your pet make sure to completely dry them before letting them outdoors. Dogs can get sick as well! If you happen to own a short haired breed invest in a coat or sweater to keep them warm. 
  • If you have a puppy understand that cold weather may be a little rough for them. If your puppy is afraid of the winter weather, try to paper-train it inside until it warms up a little. 
  •  Does your dog engage in several outdoor activities? If so, make sure to increase their supply of food. Particularly focusing on protein.
  • Often times someones home can be quite cold during the night. Make sure your dog has a warm place to sleep. Lay a few covers on the floor or make a bed. Either way, ensure they are as warm as you are!
  • If your dog is an outside dog be sure to invest in a heated bowl which can be found at most pet stores. Water is extremely important and can easily freeze in frigid temperatures. 
  • NEVER leave your dog alone in a vehicle. If the engine is off, he/she can die from hypothermia. If the engine is left running, he can be overcome with carbon monoxide fumes. 
Please keep all these tips in mind during the winter season. Accidents can be prevented with adamant planning. As always, if you have any questions or concerns about any of our blog posts feel free to leave a comment or email PetTastics at questions@fayettevillepetservices.com and we will try our hardest to provide you with an efficient answer. Always remember that YOUR pet is OUR pet. 

Friday, January 28, 2011

Celebrity Dogs: The Paparazzi Pooch

Celebrities absolutely love dodging the paparazzi but their pooch's can't get enough of the limelight! Celebrity dogs are the "it" thing for the season. From sweaters to doggy bags these celebrities make their dog a personal accessory. Click Click Click!! Let's see if these paparazzi pooch's can escape the PetTastics camera!

Demi Moore and her black chihuahua Vida Blue.

Jessica Biel and her pitbull Tina.

Ashley Tisdale and her maltipoo Blondie.

Jake Gyllenhaal with his puggle Boo Radley and German Shepard Atticus.

Rihanna and her maltipoo Oliver.

Tommy Hilfiger and his French bulldogs Jimi and Dylan.

The Obama Family and their Portuguese water dog Bo.




Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Inspirational Dog Quotes

Often times we need a pick me up and we look to our "best friends" to lay their little heads on our lap and give us hope. To most, our dog is like our child. When times get rough they are always there to snuggle up with. Inspiration comes in all forms and our animals tend to play a big part in it! Grab your pooch, big or small and give it a HUGE hug. PetTastics is showcasing the most adorable inspirational dog quotes. Enjoy :)
My goal in life is to be
as good of a person my dog already thinks I am.
-unknown
 
No matter how little money
and how few possessions you own,
having a dog makes you rich.
-Louis Sabin
 
Dogs are not our whole life,
but they make our lives whole.
-Roger Caras
 
He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog.
You are his life, his love, his leader.
He will be yours, faithful and true,
to the last beat of his heart.
You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion.
-unknown
 
A dog is the only thing on earth
that will love you more than you love yourself.
-Josh Billings
 
The dog represents all that is best in man.
-Etienne Charlet
 
If your dog doesn't like someone you probably shouldn't either.
-unknown
 
Puppies are nature's remedy for feeling unloved,
plus numerous other ailments of life.
-Richard Allan Palm
 
Happiness is a warm puppy.
-Charles M. Schulz

Pet of the Week

It's that time again! PetTastics is showcasing another Pet of the Week! Your pet, is our pet!

Give a big PetTastics welcome to Tilly!


"Tilly is our little baby! She is so loving and has a personality of her own. We have an elderly grandmother and Tilly keeps her company when I'm at work. Tilly is just like a human, she interacts with her surroundings as if she were a child. She loves to smell. She smells everything from lamp shades to shoes. She's an all around great family pet!" - Lauren

Remember to send in a picture of your pet as well as a few kind words. We love all pets. Cats, dogs, fishes and even horses. Your pooch means the world to PetTastics, let us show them off! Send in your submissions to questions@fayettevillepetservices.com.

K99 Ice Cream Van

Move over Mister Softee, there's a new van in town! Greater London areas are putting the cool in ice cream with their K99 treats truck. Parading around London parks blasting the Scooby-Doo theme song, this K-9 heaven will be offering dogs two exclusive flavors of delicious creamy treats. Canine Cookie Crunch consists of dog biscuits mixed with ice cream. Dog Eat Hog World is a combination of chicken or ham with ice cream. These treats have been investigated by a prestigious group of scientists and they concluded that the combination of temperature, texture and taste are delicious and 100% safe! The best part about this ice cream truck, the dogs get to do the ordering! The K99 Van will only be traveling through London for now and all proceeds will benefit the Berksire Search and Rescue Dogs.





Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Going Green: Environmentally Friendly Pet Secrets

Go Green! is the theme for the season. From organic food to recycling to canvas totes, everyone is sticking their paws in new and improved ways to preserve our environment. Guess What? Your pooch can help as well! PetTastics strives to make your yard clean and eco-friendly but we also take great pride in our community. The air we breath as well as the water we drink plays a meaningful role in our day to day activities. Here at PetTastics we want both our clients and their pets to have healthy and secure living environments. So once again we are bringing you tips, tricks and treats to help you and your pet Go Green! We are showcasing pet food, pet grooming products, dog waste products and even doggy accessories! Let's put a kick into the new year with environmentally friendly alternatives!

Pet Food




Merricks Dog Food- Merricks Dog food's motto is "Comfort for the Soul" and that is exactly what they strive to do with their product. The ingredients that they use are combined with the finest human grade products which provide the ultimate source of protein through fresh vegetables and fruits. They are ranked number 2 in the U.S. Pet Retailer Report. 






 Newman's Own Organic Pet Food- Newman's Own is USD Organic certified with 95% Uruguay beef. It provides all the nutrients and protein to ensure your pet gets the most healthy benefits provided. Have you ever heard of the saying "You are what you eat"? Newman's Own strives to give healthy alternatives to that greasy sloppy dog food. Some natural ingredients include: natural chicken, organic brown rice, organic oats, carrots and fresh parsley. 


Pet Shampoo
  Organimals Organic Pet Shampoo- Organimals Pet Shampoo is the premiere grooming formula. It contains the most exclusive ingredients such as coconut oil, balm mint, chamomile and almond oil. Organimals gently cleanses your pets skin without overdrying and provides a soft, great smelling coat. Some reviews have said that it also works for humans who suffer from sensitive skin.








 Vermont Soap Organics is USDA approved and provides a blend of organic food grade ingredients into soap products the old fashioned way. Their bar soap process removes excess alkali from the soap, creating a super mild bar for the most sensitive skin. 






Beds, Toys, Accessories Etc.  

Bambeco is your one stop shop for everything doggy related. They specialize in everything from beds, toys, collars, pet bowls and other accessories. Bambeco is ALL NATURAL! Their collars are made out of recycled rubber, their ceramic dog bowls are lead free! Bambeco has everything you need to provide your animal (as well as yourself) with a healthy lifestyle! 


Doggy Waste

BioBag- BioBag is the first and ONLY biodegradable waste bag. The waste as well as the bag can be thrown in your backyard and will compost 100% naturally. The bag can be buried of even tossed with other trash and will provide no negative effects to the environment.



















Thursday, January 20, 2011

The Pampered Pooch

There are times when our pooch likes to be pampered a little more than what we normally do for them. Scratching behind their ears or rubbing their stomachs is highly appreciated, but can often get rather repetitive. Why not take your dog out for a ultimate weekend of pampering! Whether it be for their birthday, or a special holiday, we are giving you Fayetteville's Doggy Hotspots!

First Stop: Hair & Nails 
Everyone needs to look their best before heading out! PetTastics recommends K-9 Styles Pet Salon for your pet's fabulous grooming! Their services offered are dog grooming, bathing, nails, hair cuts, tooth brushing and spa services. Please be sure to make an appointment. K-9 Styles Pet Salon only accepts walk-in's for nail cutting. If you happen to be on the other side of town, stop by Great Paws Pet Spa for an extreme pet make-over!

K-9 Styles Pet Salon
4808 Ramsey St # 107
Fayetteville, NC 28311

(910) 482-4555

Great Paws Pet Spa
4011 Sycamore Dairy Rd, Suite 101
Fayetteville, NC 28303 
(910) 864-8663



Second Stop: Shopping /Snack Time
Before we set out on our fabulous night we want to make sure our dogs are completely satisfied. Woof Boutique and Barkery is the premiere bake shop for all things dog related. They also have several other items to compliment your dogs new cut! My personal favorite happens to be the Swavorski crystal retractable leashes as well as the freshly made pupcakes. For the grungier dogs who want to sit at home on the couch all day and watch Sunday football, they have non-alcoholic doggy beer to keep them entertained.

Woof Boutique and Barkery
4011 Sycamore Dairy Road
Fayetteville, NC 28303
Woofbb.com


Last Stop:Strut Your Stuff!
Not that your pooched is equipped with the hottest fashion, the newest cut and a full belly. Let's make our way to the one place where we can show them off; Fayetteville's Riverside Dog Park! Conveniently located in the heart of Fayetteville, Riverside Dog Park is open every day from dawn to dusk. They have very few rules to abide by. Like most dog parks, their sole mission is to make a safe and peaceful pet-friendly environment. A small enclosure is provided for dogs that weigh less than 25 pounds and another larger area is set aside for larger dogs. All dogs must be legally licensed and have current vaccinations upon entering Riverside Dog Park. Also, please make sure tags are securely attached to the dogs collar. Here are a few other rules:


Riverside Dog Park
555 N. Eastern Boulevard
Fayetteville, NC
Located on the side road right in front of the wastewater treatment plant and across highway 301 from the Cape Fear Botanical Garden.

For those of you who are interested in weekly, or bi-weekly social activities for your dog, there is a Meet- Up Group called Fayetteville's Fun Dogs which specializes in creating a healthy and exciting social life for your dog. Check their website periodically to see what events are happening around your area!

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

"My Dog Ate My Homework!!"- Things Your Dog SHOULDN'T Eat!

We all had those times when we like to blame our animals for our lack of dedication to complete our every day tasks. Our dogs like to chew on things other than their toys and some times we let them get away with it. Your old high heel becomes their new chew toy. Some of us may look at the glass half full and feel as though it saves us money on dog bones, while others know the real truth about the health hazards some of these things may cause. We've researched several of items that are extremely dangerous and often fatal to your animal. Jot some of these things down and share them with your family (especially the kids), even post them on the fridge. A lot of these items are things that we give our animals every day! YIKES!!

  • Grapes and Raisins: Grapes and raisins can cause acute renal failure in dogs.Which means their kidneys will eventually stop functioning correctly. 
  • Macadamia Nuts: Macadamia nuts can cause brutally painful muscle weakness, tremors and paralysis. A dog can be affected by just a few nuts. Studies show that both raw and roasted macadamia's can trigger the illness. 
  • Onions, Chives and Garlic: All of these ingredients contain a material called thiosulphate. Thiosulphate can cause Heinz body hemolytic anemia. Dogs and cats do not have the proper enzyme which digests thiosulphate which causing their red blood cells to clot and weaken. The clumps eventually rapture which shortens the lifespan of the cell and makes the body starve for oxygen. Onions seem to be the most dangerous toxicity although it depends on the dosage. This material can be found in raw, cooked, dehydrates or powdered onions.
  • Cooked Bones: Once bones are cooked they become brittle. The most most dangerous bones are turkey and chicken bones because they cause splinters that may cause choking or the bone may puncture or become embedded in their stomach.
  • Caffeine: Coffee, soda and any other caffeine related product can cause death within an animal. Caffeine causes a dog's heart to race to impeccable heights and often times dogs can suffer from seizures.
  • Corn: Corn is extremely difficult for animals to digest. Their stomachs are entirely too small and their intestines could get blocked indefinitely often causing death.
  • Human Medications: NEVER EVER give your animal human medications. Ibuprofen is by far the worst thing to give to your animal. Pain relievers, vitamins and other pills can be affective in a little as one dose!
  • Sugarless Candies: Sugarless candies have a toxin called xylitol. It can cause liver problems and even death if consumed by your pet.
  • Chocolate: We all are familiar that chocolate is bad for our dogs. Chocolate contains theobromine, a central nervous system stimulant that may cause seizures, excessive urination (leading to dehydration), and heart damage.Side effects that are noticeable in chocolate poisoning are  diarrhea, vomiting, excessive urination, hyper/restless, panting hard, fast heart rate and excessive thirst.
  • Tomatoes: These contain atropine which can cause dilated pupils, tremors and irregular heartbeat. The highest concentration of atropine is found in the leaves and stems of tomato plants, next is the unripe (green) tomatoes and then the ripe tomato. 
  • Cat Food: Cat food is too high in protein and dogs have a problem properly digesting it.
 As you noticed, the smallest things give the most powerful punch. The next time your dog decides to steal the fruit off the kitchen table, be sure to stop him!

Picture of the Week

PetTastics strives to showcase not only our pets, but your pets as well. Send your pictures and a few kind words about your loved one to PetTastics and you and your pooch can be featured as the Pet of the Week!

This Weeks Pet:
Give a huge PetTastics welcome to Aaliyah!

"Aaliyah is a toy chihuahua. She is extremely playful and ultimately a piece of work. She keeps the kids busy and on their feet all day. She's really spoiled and family oriented. Aaliyah is now the family baby! We love her! "
- Nicole
Fayetteville, NC


If you would like your dog to be featured as our Pet of the Week, simply email us with a picture and quick blurb on why your dog is the best!! Email:questions@fayettevillepetservices.com

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Winter Doggy Fashion

Burrrr! The temperature is dropping and winter is in full effect. The snow is up to our knees and we are trying our hardest to keep warm. Despite the warm fur that surrounds their bodies, a little extra padding won't hurt. Before you take your pooch for a walk or let them out in the backyards, make sure they are bundled up in the hottest winter fashions. Once again, PetTastics has set out to provide you with pet-friendly fashions.


The Holiday Party 

Male

Female


Don't Let the Bed Bugs Bite!

Male 
 
Female 


Sweater Weather

Male 

Female  


Night Out on the Town

Male

Female 


Bundled Up

Male 

Female 


Rain, Rain..Go Away!


Male

Female


Sporty

Male 

Female  


 Lazy Saturday Afternoon 

Male 

Female  


Shoes





All merchandise and sizes can be found at Funny Fur.

Dog Poo is Bad for You!

Pet waste removal often goes unnoticed. To some pet owners, it is the least of their worries. Unfortunately, your dog's poo, can be extremely harmful to you. We constantly hear myths and legends about dog poop. PetTastics has set our to clarify a few things. We're breaking down the fact and fiction of those poop tales!



FICTION: Dog poo is a good fertilizer!  Wrong! Dog poo is completely toxic to your lawn. Often times it will burn or even discolor your grass. This misconception is highly confused with cow manure, which could be beneficial to one's lawn.


FACT: Dog poo is bad for the environment! Under the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) pet waste is classified as a dangerous pollutant which falls into the same category as toxic chemicals and oil. Yes, your dogs poo is just as dangerous as those deadly gases.

FICTION: Dog poo will go away! Many dog owners think that dog poop will eventually fade into the ground and go away. Due to weather conditions, dog poo does clean itself up but it's lasting effects don't go away. Did you know that pet waste can spread parasites such as hookworms, ringworms, tapeworms and Salonella?Yes, the poop will disappear from your yard but the parasite eggs can linger for YEARS!


FACT: Not picking up dog poo at an apartment or residential community can result in a fine or eviction! Your neighbors don't want to smell your dog's poop, and they definitely don't want to have those moments when they accidentally step in it. Your dog's poo plays a large role in your community. Often times there are other dogs living in the surrounding areas that are effected from dog poo. When walking your dog, be sure to clean up after them. Dog poop has TONS of bacteria that may cause diseases that are particularly prone to children.

To find out local laws and regulations for Cumberland County as well as helpful pet tips visit Cumberland County Pet Ownership.

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

5 Ways to Establish a Healthy Relationship With Your Dog

Giving your dog the right amount of attention can sometimes be extremely time consuming. With work, school and other leisure activities we sometimes tend to ignore our dogs when we get home. A dog is a man (and woman's) best friend! They need some TLC (Tender Love and Care) as well. PetTastics has set out to provide our readers and clients with the ultimate guide to making your dog feel right at home!


1. Quality Time: Your dog loves to spend time with you, especially if he is the only animal in the house. The best way to spend quality time with your dog is to take it for a walk. It provides you with exercise as well as your dog. Animals have feelings too and can sometimes get lonely. Let your dog know that you still love them by going outside and throwing a ball around for a few minutes. Every minute counts!

2. Structured Routines: Your dog has a tight schedule just like you do. They sleep, eat and play at scheduled times. Keep them on a routine so they can get use to it. It helps keep your busy schedule under control as well.

3. Socializing With Other People and Dogs: Making sure your dog is well-behaved in public is one of the most important aspects of dog ownership! It is extremely important to train your dog so that they can enjoy their time out around other dogs as well as people. As dog owners we understand that many dogs are extremely protective over their owners and that can sometimes result in attacks. Let your dog know that it's perfectly ok to interact with other dogs and that they do not propose a threat.

4. Establish a Sense of Trust: No one wants to feel like a stranger in their own home. Give your dog respect and allow him to develop his own sense of territory, after all, it is their home as well. Pat your dog on the head when you come in from work or give it a kiss before you leave to ensure them that you will be returning. Providing them with that blanket of security makes them feel confident in their ownership.

5. Develop Communication: Often times we scream at our dogs when they mess up. Although we need to punish them and teach them a lesson when they mess up, we also should embrace them and applaud them when they do good. Carry treats around with you and reward them when they have done a good deed. Also,be aware of the tone of voice you use with your pet. Always using an aggressive tone of voice or using violent hand gestures may put your dog into defense mood and they may retaliate against you. Dogs have characteristics that are similar to those of people. They respond to tone of voice as well as facial expressions.


Please be reminded that PetTastics advice is for informational purposes only.

Welcome To PetTastics!

Welcome to PetTastics! The premiere website for everything pet related. You may have seen us featured in Fayetteville's local newspapers showcasing our ultimate services. Our blog is dedicated to bringing tips, tricks and treats to our local community. At PetTastics we strive to give our customers exquisite care for their animals while performing our promised duties. Our motto is "You poop it, we scoop it" and that is exactly why we are here; to make your lifestyle, as well as your dogs lifestyle a lot healthier. Our services are substantially less than those in the surrounding areas. We know dog care can sometimes be extremely difficult and time consuming, therefore PetTastics is taking a load off your shoulders. 

Visit our blog from time to time! We will have free giveaways, tips to creating a safe and healthy relationship with your dog, and advertise new and innovative products. Save PetTastics to your favorites and make it your one-stop-shop for everything you need to know to give your dog the ultimate experience!


If you are interested in our services visit: Fayetteville Pet Services for pricing and inquiries.