Pet Bucket Blog

With their jet-black glossy satin coat, sleek muscular body and large copper colored eyes, it’s not hard to see why the spectacular looking Bombay has become commonly known as the ‘miniature black panther’. If you aren’t deterred by superstitions relating to black cats, then the Bombay may just be the perfect addition to your household.   Image credit Cat breeder Nikki Horner first developed the Bombay by crossing a Burmese with an American Shorthair in the hope of creating a domestic cat that resembled a wild panther. Bombays are closely related to the Burmese but are larger with longer legs and body.   Image credit    These super inquisitive, fun-loving and extremely affectionate cats have also been called “velcro cats” because they become very attached to their owners and love to be around people. For this reason, you should consider getting another cat for companionship if you plan to leave your Bombay alone for long periods of time. They make great family pets and are recommended for apartments, children and the elderly. Image credit   The Bombay has a short, low-shed coat which requires minimal grooming. However, if you brush your Bombay at least once a week, this will increase the gloss and shine of their coat. Bombays are not prone to any major health issues but according to the Animal Planet web site, they can suffer from sinus problems and runny eyes. Feature image credit

There are plenty of dogs in the social media sphere that are worthy of following, but if you're looking for more than just a daily dose of cute, consider following Balki Bones.        Balki Bones is an adorable Havanese from California, that really knows how to pull-off a bowtie. But what's unique about Balki is that he is three-legged, or as Balki likes to say, "tripawd."  He wasn't always this way though. The day Balki injured his leg, he was being looked after by a dog sitter when he found his way out of the house and into the street. He sustained a brachial plexus nerve injury after being struck by a car. After a few months passed, it was apparent that therapy wasn't helping and that Balki would never regain function or feeling in his leg. Worse, he was injuring the lame leg more. The veterinarian recommended an amputation, and although a big and scary decision, Balki and his family went ahead with it.     It's been two years since the amputation, and according to his owner, "his quality of life has improved tremendously and he's still the same happy and energetic pup he's always been."  If you take a look at his Instagram account, Balki really does appear to be living life to the fullest.  He does all the same things a four-pawed dog can, and has even made other tripawd friends. I imagine if Balki could talk, he would want people to know that they shouldn't feel sad for him. That yes, maybe it's ideal for a dog to be four legged, but being tripawd works just fine.   Balki going for a dip! Balki and his tripawd pal Quincy. Balki's first trip to the beach after his surgery.   Like what you see? You can follow Balki Bones on Instagram @balkibones for more adorable photos and videos of Balki ruling the world!    All images couresy of Balki Bones' Instagram account

Keep your four-legged companions looking and smelling their absolute best! Here are some of our top recommendations for dog and cat shampoos.    For Pooches Perfect Coat Natural Oatmeal Shampoo in French Vanilla Ooh-la-la. With the delightful scent of French Vanilla, Perfect Coat Natural Oatmeal Shampoo is made from 100% natural oatmeal, so it’s perfectly safe to use. The soothing formula helps calm irritations and moisturizes dry itchy skin. We at Pet Bucket love the ‘value for money’ economy of the 32 ounce bottle.  Pro-Tip: Perfect Coat has a number of speciality shampoos to condition your dog’s coat. For whitening power, try Perfect Coat White Shampoo Conditioner.  Get Perfect Coat Natural Oatmeal Shampoo here. Lambert Kay Fresh n’Clean Scented Dog Shampoo Long-time between baths? Make the most of each grooming session with the extra-long lasting scent of Lambert Kay Fresh n’Clean Dog Shampoo. The fresh scent lasts for weeks and can be reinvigorated just by wiping your animal’s coat with a moist towel. The special formula also helps detangle knots and mats and is perfect for long haired breeds. We give it a paws’ up. Pro-Tip: Use the shampoo in conjunction with the Lambert Kay daily grooming spray to keep your pet’s coat conditioned every day.  Get Lambert Kay Fresh n Clean Shampoo here.   FURminator deShedding Ultra Premium Shampoo Are you forever cleaning up dog hair on your furniture? Does your shaggy friend lose enough hair to create a whole new dog? This is the pet shampoo solution you’ve been waiting for. Customers are raving about the FURminator deShedding Ultra Premium Shampoo – and we can see why! The one-of-a-kind formula effectively protects against excess shedding and leaves a shiny and healthy coat. Most advocates use the shampoo in conjunction with other FURminator products, including the deShedding Tool. If you’re looking for an answer to your dog hair dramas, this might be worth a try – works for cats too!   Get FURminator deShedding Ultra Premium Shampoo here.   AvoDerm Natural Oatmeal Formula Shampoo for Dogs and Cats Your four-legged friend deserves nothing but the best, so we recommend AvoDerm Natural Oatmeal shampoo for dogs and cats. The all natural formula includes the richness of avocado for healthy skin and a beautiful, lustrous coat. It renews natural oils and calms dry, irritated skin and gives your pet a pleasant long lasting scent. 100% natural formula – safe for cats and dogs.  Get AvoDerm Natural Oatmeat Shampoo here.   Hartz UltraGuard Flea and Tick Shampoo Finally, if your pooch has picked up some unwanted ‘friends’, may we suggest Hartz UltraGuard Flea and Tick Shampoo for some added parasite fighting power. This unique soothing shampoo includes Pyrethins to kill fleas and ticks, while the rich oatmeal formula helps relieve irritation from bug bites as well as dry skin. Use when necessary in conjunction with your monthly flea and tick treatment products. Can also be used for cats. Get Hartz UltraGuard Flea and Tick Shampoo here.   For Felines Cats are fanatical groomers, but there may be the time when you need to give them a much needed bath. And let’s face it, cats aren’t much fun to bathe, so here’s a few shampoos that will make the ordeal worth it! Four Paws Magic Coat Tearless Shampoo Make bath time tear free thanks to this special formulation. Four Paws Magic Coat Tearless Shampoo leaves your cat’s fur beautifully shiny and smelling fresh, without irritating the eyes and skin. Enriched from protein and lanolin for extra moisture and it’s easy to rinse off – making bath time bearable for even the fussiest of felines.  Get Four Paws Magic Coat Tearless Shampoo here.   FURminator Hairball Control Shampoo If your cat is forever hocking up hairballs, the FURminator Hairball Control Shampoo may provide the answer you’ve been looking for. Its special formula helps eliminate excess shedding and prevent hairballs. Use it in conjunction with other FURminator products, including its deShedding tool or Hairball Prevention Spray. Get FURminator Hairball Prevention Shampoo here.   Earthbath Natural Shampoo Conditioner Leaves your cat smelling as sweet as cherries – so it’s almost worth the risk of being clawed! The 100% natural formula of Earthbath Natural Shampoo Conditioner includes all-natural, biodegradable and cruelty free ingredients. It’s extra gentle and mild so it’s safe to use even on kittens. Give your feline that extra show-quality shine.    Get Earthbath Natural Shampoo Conditioner here. Have you tried one of these products? Let us know your thoughts below!

Munchkins are the Dachshunds of the cat world, with short-legs and a long body. The breed got its start when a music teach from Louisiana, Sandra Hochenedel, found a pair of pregnant cats beneath her car in 1983. She kept one and named her Blackberry. Strangely, half of her kittens were born with unusual short legs.   Image credit Sandra gifted one of the kittens to her friend Kay LaFrance. She named him Toulouse and after awhile the two friends began to notice more short-legged cats appearing in the neighborhood all bearing a remarkable resemblance to Toulouse. Toulouse, it seemed, had been busy becoming a father… Kay and Sandra started to wondering if they might have a new potential breed on their hands and contacted Dr. Solveig Flueger, the chairperson of The International Cat Association’s genetic committee. Dr. Flueger determined the short-legged trait was not connected to spinal problems that appeared in similar breeds such as the Corgi and the Dachshund. A breeding program to create the Munchkin breed began shortly after.   Image credit Though Munchkins were only created recently, short-legged cats are not new phenomena. In 1944 a British veterinarian made a report on four generations of cats born with unusually short legs. The family vanished from records during World War II but other short-legged cats were noted in Russia and the U.S. in the 1950s and 1970s. In Russia, such cats were dubbed ‘Stalingrad Kangaroo Cats’. At the 1991 International Cat Association show held at Madison Square Garden the Munchkin breed was unveiled to the world. The display was not without controversy however.   Image credit Critics held that the short-legs were an abnormality that would surely be linked to health problems in the future. One judge resigned over the issue, stating the breed was an affront to breeder ethics. The breed is divisive amongst cat fanciers to this day. So far, the TICA, The American Association of Cat Enthusiasts, The United Feline Organization, the Southern Africa Cat Council and the Waratah National Cat Alliance accept Munchkins.   Image credit Cat registries such as the Federation International Feline, The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy and Cat Fanciers’ Association do not approve of the breed however. Munchkin lovers maintain the short legs in no way interfere with the cat breed’s health and they are playful, sweet-natured pets. They are held to be healthy breed with their running and leaping abilities not at all affected by their leg length.    Image credit    Feature Image credit

Everyone knew what a Turnspit was. There were thousands in kitchens all through the kingdom. No one thought about them much. Turnspits as were as regular, and dull, as dishwashers. British people in the 16th century loved roasts. The problem was meat roasted on a spit needed to be turned constantly, and without the technology, this had to be done by hand. This was the chore of the lowliest kitchen boy until the turnspit came along.   Image credit Turnspits were dogs designed specifically to run, hamster-style, in a wheel connected by a chain to the roasting meat that spun it around. The wheels were generally placed high up on the wall, away from the fireplace, so the dogs did not overheat and faint. Also known as the ‘vernepator cur’, Latin for “the dog that turns the wheel”, the Turnspit appeared in one of the first books on dogs ever written in 1576. Even Shakespeare mentioned them in his play, The Comedy of Errors: “a curtailed dog fit only to run in a wheel.” Charles Darwin also used them as an illustration of genetic engineering, commenting, “Look at the spit dog. That’s an example of how people can breed animals to suit particular needs.”   They were not glamorous creatures. They were small, low-bodied with short crooked front legs and drooping ears. Their fur was gray and white, black or reddish brown. However, for their size, they were very strong and capable of working for hours. It is thought the modern day Welsh corgi, beloved by Queen Elizabeth, might trace some of its ancestry to the lowly, commonplace Turnspit. Forget the tradition of the modern Sunday roast – that was the day the Turnspit was usually given off to accompany the family to church. This wasn’t due to kindness or concern for their doggy souls, but their other practical use as foot warmers.   Image credit Over the years however the Turnspits use steadily declined as technology developed. By 1900, what was once the most common of dogs, had all but disappeared. The final nail in their coffin was the emergence of clock jacks, cheap spit-turning machines that took over their job entirely. Unfortunately, Turnspits were quite ugly and known for having a glum temperament, so no one wanted to have them for pets like other working breeds such as the Border Collie when dog jobs became scarce. But the turnspit is to be remembered as a hard-working canine who helped to feed our ancestors for centuries and played a largely unseen, but valuable part, in human history.    Image credit   Feature image credit  

We have heard about the toxic plants we should avoid adding to our gardens to keep our cats safe – but what about the plants cat’s love? There are a variety of plant species kitties adore, many of which are great for their health too.   Cat grass (dactylis glomerata) Image credit    As its name suggests, cats are fond of Cat Grass. It helps cats with their digestion, and is great for dogs, guinea pigs and rabbits as well.    Lemongrass (cymbopagon)   Image credit  Cats absolutely love the smell of lemongrass and even enjoy a nibble or two. You can also add it to your cooking for a touch of Asian flavor. Funnily enough, cats despise the smell of lemons!    Catnip (nepeta cataria)   Catnip holds a special place in the feline heart. Beware, your kitty may go a little crazy on the stuff and you may attract legions of neighborhood cats to your garden (seriously). Cats react to the nepatalactone in catnip leaves and stems. Upon contact cats have a psychosexual reaction – essentially ‘get high’ – for up to 15 minutes. Catnip also products pretty pink flowers that attract bees to your garden, helping with pollination of all your other plants.     Valerian (valeriana officinalis)    Image credit Valerian has a similar effect on cats as catnip. To us, the white and pink flowers have a pleasant sweet vanilla fragrance, making a great choice for pet and owner. In Valerian a compound called actinidine works as a semi-psychotic stimulant for kitties, sending them into a relaxed, purring fit.   Cat Thyme (Teucrium marum)  Image credit   Cat thyme is another plant that sends cats into a frenzy. In spite of its name, it is actually not a variety of thyme but a germander. Some cats even prefer it to catnip. Unfortunately, human noses aren’t generally so keen. To us, it smells quite dreadful.    Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)   Image credit   Licorice root tastes yummy to cats and it is also good for them, especially those who have allergies, colds and digestive issues, as it is a natural cortisone and soothes mucus membranes. It also has cleansing and anti-inflammatory properties making it a great choice for people with elderly cats suffering from arthritis.    Image credit   Feature image credit

Move over Food on my Dog - here's Stuff on My Cat, Shironekoshiro, the hit feline sensation from Japan. Shironeko is also known as the 'basket cat' and has been making internet waves for his propensity to sleep in baskets, but it's his steady head-ing that's has our jaws on the floor. But it seems like his whole family is well-trained in the 'paw'-sics of balancing objects on their bodies. Are these guys drugged???   I'm not game enough to try this on my cat (she barely tolerates the collar on her neck as it is) but if any of you are able to duplicate this amazing gravity defying feat - we'd love to know!

Whether it’s a dreaded visit to the vet or a long road trip to visit Grandma, you can be sure your pooch travels in comfort and style – when he’s not hanging his head out the window!   Snoozer Lookout Car Seat  A dog car bed offering a snooze with a view. A great option for small and medium  pups that like to get a human’s eye view of world. The Snoozer Lookout Car Seat is made from a sturdy yet comfortable foam base with a plush interior with an authentic lamb’s wool feel to keep cozy. The seat and your pet are kept secure via a connection strap (included) and your standard seat belt. It comes in a number of colours, designs and fabric options.   Get the Snoozer Lookout Car Seat here. The Solv-it Sta-Put Hammock pet seat cover If you’re tired of cleaning up pet hair, dander and accidents in your car – have we got a product for you. The Solv-it Sta-Put hammock gives your pup a backseat nook so he can enjoy the ride. The advantage of a pet hammock style dog car bed is that it keeps your pooch snug in the back seat and protects your interior. It’s made from a waterproof material with plush cushioning for added padding and comfort. The pet hammock comes in a few sizes and fits with most standard headrests. You can also for a half-seat model so you can take along an extra (human) passenger as well.   Get Solv-it Sta-Put Hammock pet seat cover here. Kurgo Cargo Cape Meanwhile, if you have a station wagon, SUV or mini-van, you might prefer to keep your four-legged friend off the upholstery and have him ride in the back. We recommend the Kurgo Cargo Cape to keep your pet secure and your vehicle in tip top shape. The cape is machine washable and fits all standard vehicles. An extra shield flap protects your bumper from sharp nails and dirty paws when he climbs in and out. A middle zipper lets you adjust the cape for fold rear seats.   Get the Kurgo Cargo Cape here. K&H Travel/SUV Bed If you’re in for a long journey, your pet will appreciate the added comfort of a K&H Travel/SUV pet bed. The nylon exterior is reinforced with a stay put non slip bottom to keep it secure on the go. It comes with a removable cushion for added comfort as well as a matching car seat cover. It also doubles as a travel pet bed when used outside the vehicle. The K&H Travel/SUV Bed comes in two sizes to fit small as well mid and full-sized SUV vehicles.   Get the K&H Travel/SUV bed here. ABO Great PacSac Bed Finally, we have the ABO Gear Pet Sac which offers a simple solution for travelling with your pet. It’s quilted and reversible for varying temperatures, so your pet can keep warm in the winter and stay cool in the summer. Perfect for medium and large dogs, it fits standard SUV and station wagons and can double as a crate liner for pup when he’s at home.   Get the ABO Gear Pet Sec here.  

Revolution vs Advantage? Frontline or Heartgard? How do these flea, tick, heartworm and intestinal worm treatment products stack up? Here's a side by side comparison of the most popular names in pet treatment products - which is right for you? For high resolution image, click here Remember that product availability will depend on your region. Be sure to consult your veterinarian for the right product for your pet.  IMPORTANT: The information has been compiled and sourced by Petbucket directly from the manufacturers' websites. While all efforts have been taken to verify the claims, the accuracy of the information may be out of date. Be sure to speak to your veterinarian before trying a new product for your pet. 

An oldie but a goodie - remember these awesomely happy pooches? Remember to enjoy the appreciate the simple joys in life, like worn tennis balls, double breakfasts and the summer breeze combing back your ears. Happy Thursday!