Pet Bucket Blog

This cat's got some serious skillz! I don't know about you, but I think I'd lose pretty quickly against Moe's steady paw. Watch, then SHARE his incredible Jenga playing feat with the buttons below.    

There’s no doubt that pets enrich our lives. Science is proving that forming a close bond with an animal makes us happier, reduces stress and improves our overall health and wellbeing. But what are the motivators to having a pet in the first place, or how do we view their purpose in our household? Having a pet is a commitment. Whatever the kind of animal, all pets cost money, require time, effort and responsibility and can impact on your plans and life choices. So why do so many of us, approximately 63% of US and Australian households, willingly sign up for pets? Companionship Companionship is still the main reason that people want pets - and that's pets of all sorts, from four-legged furballs to the most exotic birds & parrots. Pets ease loneliness, offer comfort and provide unconditional love. Almost all people say thath their pet is a part of the family.  Structure and routine Pets require routine caring. Many people like or need this type of structure and purpose to their life. It makes them feel needed, valued and can be very satisfying. Pets are a wonderful reason to get out of bed and get on with enjoying the day. Meaning Sharing your life with a pet can provide meaning and bring a sense of fulfilment. It’s very rewarding to be involved in the life of another and being a major reason for their happiness; or indeed reason for their being in the case of shelter, rescue and adopted animals.  Safety This does depend on the kind of animal, although we have met some pretty protective guinea pigs in our time! A dog in the home can deter unwelcome visitors and when on walks can make sure that any unfriendly people keep their distance.    Image credit For children Many parents view pets as a great way to teach children invaluable lessons about responsibility and compassion, or, to provide children with a friend for life. When reflecting on childhood pets, people will often say they considered their pet as a sibling, a best friend or confidante. Pets encourage children to play, be active and treat others with kindness and respect. Exercise and sociability Again, this depends on the kind of animal, but some people have pets as a reason to introduce exercise into their day. Dogs in particular need outdoor activity such as walking and visiting parks, rivers, lakes and beaches. In various cities, such as Hong Kong and others throughout Asia, people will take their caged birds to parks so that the birds have time outside and interact with other birds. Pets promote socialising, conversation and new friendships amongst owners, especially when joining a group associated with your pet.    Image credit Hobby or interest For some, their love extends to wanting to show the world how special their pet is. These people enjoy the work, thrill and competition of the breed or agility show circuit. Whether being judged on beauty and breed characteristics or herding sheep, competitions prioritise the welfare of the animals involved. Joy Not much in the world is able to bring more joy to either an adult or child than watching and frolicking with a pet. Pets are fun, funny and encourage playfulness. For a lot of people, this is reason enough.    Image credit Feature image credit  

If you're a dog lover, you've most likely watched several videos of military members reuniting with their dogs after months or years of being separated. You've also most likely cried while watching these videos. But did you ever wonder who takes care of the dog while their owner is away? Of course many military members have family and friends willing to take their dog in, but what about the ones who don't?    Husband and wife, Shawn and Alisa Joshnson found themselves in a very simliar situation. A dual-military family, who serve in the US Navy and Us Marine Corps, were both ordered to relocate at the same time. Alisa was to attend six months of military training in Virginia while Shawn was to be deployed, meaning neither would be able to care for their Miniature Australian Shepherd JD. Luckily, they had family to rely on, but recognized that not everyone else does.    Shawn and Alisa Johnson with their two mini Australian Shepherds, JD and Jersey, and their two Caique parrots, KIki and Zozo.    In June 2011, Shawn and Alisa founded Dogs on Deployment, an organization that believes no pet, whether it's a dog, cat, bird, etc., should ever have to be surrendered due to a military commitment.  Dogs on Deployment therefore provides an online network of volunteers willing to board the pets of military members during their service. Once a military member registers on the site, they can list their pet and fill out a profile which includes all the information on their pet, location, and the boarding dates. Likewise, anyone who wants to volunteer as a Dogs on Deployment Boarder can register and create a profile. From there, owners and boarders are able to contact each other and work out the details.    Dogs on Deployment official logo Truly, Dogs on Deployment is a wonderful organization that has made the lives of many military members a tad less stressful. Now the organization's biggest challenge is to get the word out there. If you or someone you know is in need of a service like Dogs on Deployment, you can direct them to their site here. Otherwise, if you're looking for a way to support our troops, consider volunteering as a boarder. It's bound to be a rewarding experience for everyone involved.    Soldier Jessamyn Jempson reunited with her dog on the Queen Latifah show after successfully boarrding her through Dogs on Deployment. Watch the full video here. A special thanks to Shawn and Alisa Johnson, both for their military service and for founding Dogs on Deployment.    All images from dogsondeployment.org

Keep you and your family protected when you’re on the road with your dog. Our list of Car Dog Barriers offer peace of mind – and keep curious wet noses in back seat! Bergan Pet Travel Barrier A simple and elegant solution to keep your pets from poking their way to the front. The Bergan Pet Travel Barrier offers top and bottom vents to promote maximum air flow and its flexible cargo netting design fits any vehicle. It provides a functional barrier between dog and driver without providing a ‘caged’ feel. Note, if your active dog is one to jump over the barrier or if your pooch feels anxious about riding, you may want to opt for a sturdier and more enclosed option.   Get the Bergan Pet Travel Barrier here.   Tubular Vehicle Barrier  This is a great way to close off an area of your pet while still allowing him to see and access his humans up the front. The Tubular Vehicle Barrier fits most SUV and vans by creating a sturdy divider between seats and animal. The legs adjust to any height and the tubes can expand horizontally to cover any space, while the soft brace pads keep your vehicle’s interior protected and scratch free. Great for multiple dogs of varying sizes. Get the Tubular Vehicle Barrier here.   Petego Walky Guard Car Barrier For standard vehicles, the Petego Walky Guard Car Barrier attaches to your vehicles headrests to provide a sturdy barrier between front and backseats. Adjustable to fit most cars, the compact design breaks down for easy trunk storage – so it’s ready when you need it. Also works for SUVs and vans with extendable backseat headrests.  Get the Petego Walky Guard Barrier here.   Solvit Cargo Net Barrier This net barrier provides a claw proof divider for your car. The Solvit Cargo Net Barrier attaches to your vehicle and keeps your pet from leaping into the front seat or pawing at the driver’s head. The design will fit most vehicles, but as with the Bergan, if your pet is particularly active and eager, you may need to opt for a sturdier solution.    Get the Solvit Cargo Net Barrier here.   Paws 'N' Claws - Dog Barrier  Finally, the Paws N Claws Dog Barrier brings together some of the features of all the above. It features a sturdy frame design means the determined animal won’t be able to squeeze through and the claw proof mesh netting keeps eager paws and wet noses out of your hair! Available in different sizes – be sure to check your vehicle dimensions before purchasing.   Get the Paws 'N' Claws Dog Barrier here. Have you tried any of these products? Let us know your thoughts by commenting below!   

There are few more prestigious positions in the animal world than the Chief Mouser to Cabinet Office. The honored cat who holds the role is required to de-mouse the official residence of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom at No. 10 Downing Street. Chief Mousers have been serving the kingdom for centuries. The first mouser was employed during the reign of the infamous Henry VIII when Cardinal Wolsey installed a cat whilst acting as Lord Chancellor in 1515.   Image credit Mousers are far more than family pets. It is usual for Mouser’s terms not to coincide with those of the Prime Ministers they share their home with. Wilberforce, who worked as Mouser for 18 years, the longest term in history, served under Edward Heath, Harold Wilson, Jim Callaghan and Margaret Thatcher. Official records released to the public show first modern mention of the Mouser was on the 3 June 1929 when the Treasury authorized the Office Keeper “to spend 2d a day from petty cash towards the maintenance of an efficient cat.”    Image credit The current holder of the post is ‘Larry’ who was employed in 2011 after rats were spotted by media on 10 Downing Street’s doorstep after the retirement of prior Mouser, Sybil in 2007. David Cameron’s daughters chose him from the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home after public pressure and a “pro-cat faction” within Downing Street, according to a spokesman, pressured for an appointment.   Image credit  According to the No. 10 website, “Larry spends his days greeting guests to the house, inspecting security defences and testing antique furniture for napping quality. His day-to-day responsibilities also include contemplating a solution to the mouse occupancy of the house. Larry says this is still ‘in tactical planning stage’.”   Image credit   The Chief Mousers of history have always found a place in the hearts of the British public. Wilberforce, when he appeared on television with Margaret Thatcher, received by far more fan mail from an admiring public. The iron lady is said to have purchased him a tin of sardines when she was visiting a supermarket in Moscow.   Humphrey was another popular and long-serving Chief Mouser of note. Named after Sir Humphrey Appleby, a character in the hit television show Yes, Minister, Thatcher was said to have approved his appointment after the retirement of Wilberforce as the cost of a Chief Mouser (£100 a year) was far better for the departmental budget than the employment of a pest-control contractor (who quoted £4,000).   He kept King Hussein of Jordan waiting when he refused to move from the welcoming red carpet laid out for the monarch and was almost run over by Bill Clinton’s armored car when he went out to investigate it.   Much fuss was made when he disappeared in 1995 for three months. It was thought an accident must have befallen him when he was roaming the city and The Times published an obituary. However, the members of the Royal Army Medical College a mile from No. 10 were surprised to see the likeness between the stray they had been caring for and the Chief Mouser. Downing Street was contacted and the Prime Minister’s staff arrived. A hunt of the College ensued and the cat – actually Humphrey – was found napping in a soldier’s quarters.     The Presidential cat, Socks Clinton, sent a message to his fellow high-ranking feline wishing him well and expressing his happiness at his safe return to his post.   In 1992, a governmental memo approved of Humphrey’s conduct: 'He tends to eat little and often, no doubt because he knows he can get food whenever he wants. He is a workaholic who spends nearly all his time at the office, does not socialise a great deal or go to many parties, and has not been involved in any sex or drugs scandals that we know of.'     Feature Image credit

We wrote previously about the latest furniture for your moggy on the market – but there are great new and super chic hidey-holes for Fido out there too. Check out these innovative and chic kennels to find your pooch some great new digs! Cubix Dog Mansion   Image credit   Image credit   Image credit  The Cubix Dog Mansion brings a touch of luxury to the modern dog kennel. It pays tribute to Bauhaus design and is made from premium wood and materials. It may be fancy, but it is also tough, and can handle weather of all kinds to keep your dog cozy - and don’t worry, its glass windows are designed so they won’t shatter. The roof features unique draining systems and it also includes movable lids so your pup’s mansion can easily be kept pristine.  Fuora DogHouse   Image credit DogHouse by Italian company Fuora is a wooden dog house intended to be fashionable and high-performance. It is constructed from multi-layered birch wood treated with a thermoplastic overlay to keep it resistant to all manner of weather conditions.   Image credit  The DogHouse comes as a flat pack you put together at home. Construction doesn’t require tools or glue – simply slot the six pieces together and voila! A super cool kennel is born. It is simple to disassemble and reassemble too, making it a great idea for people who like to travel with their pets.     Image credit    Scottie’s Fine Art Caves      Image credit Your dog, no matter how fluffy, is descended from the big bad wolf – and every wolf needs a den! Canine Fine Art Caves put the family pet in touch with its wild side with faux-stone hideouts made of unique, reinforced paper mache dubbed ‘TerrierRock’.   Image credit The walls are composed of four layers which insulates your dog and dampens sound. Salvaged driftwood from Vancouver island is then incorporated to give each one-of-a-kind design a truly rugged look.   Image credit Every cave’s construction is watched over by the company’s president and founder, terrier Scottie, and stamped with his ‘pawprint’ of approval upon completion.    Image credit  They also make caves for your little 'mountain lion' too!  Niche Kakon Kennel   Image credit   Image credit This mod kennel turns a planter into a canine cubby. The planter is designed to house all sorts of greenery, from succulents to flowers, and its chiselled looks easily blend into modern décor.   A neat drawer in the back pulls out so it can be easily cleaned and it comes with a custom-fitted cushion for your dog to curl up on.    Feature image credit  

There’s not much better than curling up with a good book - except maybe if it's also with a cuddly dog and it's a great book about a lovable or heroic dog. Here’s a list of some feel-good, exciting, triumphant or funny reads to share with your dog.  The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum Toto has to be one of the most well-known and beloved dogs in the world of literature and film. Dorothy’s trusty and brave terrier sidekick also appears in other books in the Oz series as well as some offshoot books, Toto in Oz by Chris Dulabone and Toto of Oz by Gina Wickwar.   Image credit Lassie Come-Home by Eric Knight Few realise that this heroic Collie was first brought to life by Eric Knight in a 1938 newspaper story, then a novel in 1940. Knight, who himself had a rough Collie was reported to have based the story on a 1924 true event where a dog travelled vast distances to be reunited with family. The first novel, Lassie Come-Home tells of Lassie’s long and miraculous journey home to the boy she loves. There are many subsequent books in the series detailing Lassie's bravery that you and your dog will love to sink your teeth/fangs into.    Image credit The Hundred and One Dalmations by Dodie Smith This book has it all - the strength of the family bond, pupnapping, danger, revenge, good versus evil and reunited loves. In this novel Smith introduces us to Pongo, Missis, Perdita, Prince and Colonel. The Starlight Barking is the sequel.   Image credit Peter Pan; or, the Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up or Peter and Wendy by J. M. Barrie A novel of adventure and fairytale. Although not a main character, Nana, the Newfoundland, is the nanny and friend of Wendy, John, and Michael Darling. Nana was based on Barrie and his wife’s own Newfoundland named Luath but in screen adaptations the character became a Saint Bernard.  The Famous Five series by Enid Blyton This much loved series tells of the school holiday escapades of Julian, Dick, Anne and Georgina and her dog Timmy. Timmy is loyal, brave, smart and protective. There are 21 books written by Blyton in the series so you may want to get cracking! Image credit And for some more light-hearted and shorter readings don’t forget these wonderful comic based works.  Peanuts and of course the witticisms and observations of Snoopy. The Adventures of Tin Tin which feature the irrepressible Snowy. Garfield and his unlikely friend, the loveable dog Odie. Fred Basset, yes he’s a Basset Hound, and is joined by various canine characters. Marmaduke the Great Dane and his life with the Winslow family. Footrat Flats and its main character the Border Collie who prefers to be known as ‘Dog’ rather than his real name.  Image credit Feature image credit    

Heartworm disease is the leading cause of death in dogs so preventing it is at the top of the priority list for any dog lover. Heartworm is carried by mosquitoes so infections are very easily spread. An untreated worm infestation will damage your dog's heart and respiratory tract and can lead to heart failure. Thankfully, there are easy and very effective preventative treatments available such as ProHeart. ProHeart comes in tablet form and is administered once a month to dogs over 4 weeks of age. There are different dosages corresponding to your dog’s weight. As long as the correct dosage is given as directed, then your little bundle of four-legged joy can continue to bound along happily free of any heartworm trouble.  Before starting any heartworm prevention course you will need to consult your vet. This is a great way to confirm your dog’s weight and correct dosage, but more importantly, your dog will need to be checked to see if heartworm is already present. There can be severe reactions, similar to toxic shock, if preventative medication is given to dogs already infected. Also, adult worms that die may remain in the heart, lungs or pulmonary artery and interrupt or obstruct functionality. ProHeart is a preventative measure and does not treat existing heartworm infections.  Heartworm Heartworm inhabit the animal's lungs, heart and pulmonary arteries causing tissue inflammation, blood clotting, thickening of blood vessel walls, heart failure or death. Heartworm is transmitted by mosquitoes. When an infected mosquito bites your dog, the heatworm larvae (microfilariae) are transferred and migrate through the dog's tissue and circulatory system to the lungs, heart and pulmonary arteries. There the larvae feed on blood and grow to maturity. The signs of a heartworm infection include coughing, shortness of breath, respiratory sounds, fainting, lethargy, weight loss, blood present in the saliva or mucus, abdominal swelling, vomiting and loss of appetite. ProHeart ProHeart’s active ingredient is moxidectin which will paralyse and kill any parasitic larvae that has infected the dog during the previous month. The dosage of moxidectin contained in the tablets is low and therefore side effects are very rare. It is safe to use ProHeart on all sizes and breeds, puppies older than 4 weeks and breeding dogs. The recommended dose of moxidectin in ProHeart of 3 mcg/kg (1.36 mcg/lb) body weight was 100% effective in preventing the development of a one month-old heartworm infection.  Consult your vet before treating with ProHeart any sick, debilitated, elderly, underweight dogs or those that have a history of weight loss and allergies.  As with any medication, there is the potential for unpleasant side effects or adverse drug reactions for dogs that have an individual sensitivity or allergy. Testing has shown that ProHeart is extremely safe and well tolerated when administered as directed.  Sensitive Breeds Some dog breeds have a mutation in the multi-drug resistance gene (MDR1) making them more sensitive to moxidectin. This gene mutation occurs mostly in breeds such as Collies, Long-haired Whippets, Australian Shepherds, McNab, English and German Shepherds, Shetland Sheepdogs and Silken Windhounds. ProHeart has been found suitable and safe for use on these breeds. The only way to know whether your dog is affected by the MDR-1 mutation is for a vet to run tests. If you know your dog has the mutation, than consult your vet before starting any heartworm prevention.  Any adverse side effects that do arise are usually a result from an incorrect dosage being administered or hypersensitivity. If you notice any of the following reactions, take your dog to the vet immediately: Lethargy  Loss of appetite or thirst Vomiting Diarrhoea  Hives Depression Excessive Saliva Ataxia (uncoordinated movements) Difficulty or laboured breathing Oedema (fluid retention and swelling) Anaphylaxis (allergic reaction) Low body temperature Disorientation Trembling or muscle twitching Dilation of the pupils Blindness Coma Heartworm disease is the number one killer of dogs and ProHeart is a trialled and tested preventative treatment approved for dogs of all sizes and breeds, puppies, breeding and stud dogs. It’s an effective and easy tablet given each month to ensure that your dog remains protected.  Feature image credit  

Love cats? Love clothes? Channel your inner cat lady with these chic fashion finds!   Charlotte Olympia Kitty Kicks    Image credit   Charlotte Olympia is famous amongst the fashion world’s elite for her quirky and innovative shoe designs – and she has a weakness for cats.   Her kitty shoes come in all shapes and sizes, from flats to sky-high wedges. Pick from an assortment of shades - emerald, red and cream to name a few – and fabrics such as velvet and satin. She also makes matching clutches!   Image credit     Jacqi Chew 'CatWalk' Jewellery   Image credit   Inspired by her cat Haruki, jewellery designer Jacqi Chew has created a series of necklaces and earrings using the feline form in innovative ways.   Image credit  At first glance many of her pieces don’t seem to include cats at all - but upon closer inspection geometrical patterns are revealed to be combinations of cats arching and slinking in complex arrangements.   Image credit  Her pieces are created from wood, finished with black paint and varnish or mirror polystyrene surfacing.      Obscura Outfitters Nail Decals     Image credit  Nail decals are big at the moment. What could be cuter than wide-eyed kittens at your fingertips? Obscura Outfitters produces tiny kitty-face transfer decals  which blend perfectly with clear or pale nail polish. They come with an instruction kit and are simple to use.    Image credit    Modcloth Look What The Cat Bagged In Tote   Image credit   Image credit  Functional and adorable, the Look What the Cat Bagged In Tote is made of durable cotton so it is perfect for lugging around books and work notes – and best of all it features a little grey cat peeking out into the world. Its head is a small pocket, so you can slip your sunglasses inside.     Nach Bijoux Porcelain Cat Rings   Image credit   Nach Bijoux’s delicate porcelain cat rings are works of art. Each piece is handmade in the brand’s workshops from start to finish using unique manufacturing techniques. Each piece is signed and registered and quality standards are strictly observed.   Image credit   The company is headed up by sisters Nadia and Nancy Koch, who are the daughters of porcelain great Christian Koch who worked in the industry for thirty years.   Image credit     La Carioca Red Cats Scarf   Image credit Using Alice in Wonderland as her inspiration, Ange Marie has created a series of accessories for the modern woman. Her patterns come from artworks hand-drawn and coloured with ink and watercolours. Only small quantities of each design are produced, in Como, Italy, and are hand rolled and finished in London.     Modcloth Hooked on a Feline Dress   Image credit     Cats everywhere! Modcloth’s sugary sweet cat dress is made of 100% cotton so it is cool as well as prim perfection.     Feature Image Credit  

A lot of us are trying to make choices that are kinder to the planet, but sometimes we forget our pet’s things are made of plastics and unsustainable materials.   If you’re an eco-warrior at heart, get your green on with these environmentally friendly pet products:       West Paw Design Zogoflex Toys   Image credit   Zogoflex toys made by West Paw Design are made to be tough. They can withstand even the most determined doggy chompers, reducing the need to produce multitudes of plastic toys.   If your beloved pooch somehow manages to destroy his or her new Zogoflex toy, West Paw Design will take back your toy free of charge and melt it down to recreate a new toy – and you’ll receive your replacement in the mail.   Image credit   Aside from Zogoflex’s durability, it is completely recyclable, so no harmful plastics need end up in landfill because of your canine friend. It is also allergen and toxin-free, lacking harmful chemicals such as BPA, PVC and phthalates.   PS. They also float!  Harry Barker Bamboo Dog Bowl   Image credit   Plastic is so 20th century. Harry Barker’s functional and fashionable dog bowls are made of sustainable bamboo and rice hulls certified by the FDA and RoHS. No only are they gentle on Mother Earth, they stop any harmful chemicals like lead and cadmium leaching into your pet’s water.  Image credit   The Doggie Dooley   It’s a fact of life – pets create mess. When you bring your pet home chances are your backyard is going to become a doggy toilet. If you clean it, your pet’s waste will become part of landfill – not ideal!   Image credit   The Doggie Dooley Toilet is an easy to use system which essentially a compost. It uses water and natural acting bacteria and enzymes to break down your pet’s waste.  All you need to do is dig a hole in your yard, install the Dooley and put your dog’s droppings in the top. It converts the nastiness into a liquid that is absorbed safely into the soil.   Image credit   It is harmless to pets, children, and you. Surprisingly it has been on the market since 1968 – over 45 years!  Pet Dreams Eco-Friendly Bumper Bed?     The Pet Dreams Eco-Friendly Bumper Bed is a cushy pet bed with a secret. Super soft and comfortable, it is not stuffed with what you might expect – not wool, or feathers, but material made from 100% recycled plastic bottles! It is way cozier than you would think and thanks to its fabric, it can be washed with ease.   Image credit    Feature Image Credit