J-B Pet Supplies Blog Posts

  10 Tips to Keep Your Dog Safe in the Winter Limit time outside – once the temperature drops below 32 degrees small dogs, dogs with thin coats and older dogs should be kept outdoors at a minimum. If the temperature is below 20 degrees, dogs can become frostbitten if left outside too long. If it is too cold for you it is probably too cold for most dogs.   Use pet friendly ice melt – avoid walking your dog in areas that are treated with salt or roads that have been treated with any type of de-icing solution. Commercial ice melts are very hard on your dog’s pads. For areas around your home, use a pet friendly ice melt.   Wash dog’s paws thoroughly after a walk – a gentle washing with warm water will help get any excess salt or built-up snow from your dog’s paws. Be sure to gently clean the webbing. Inspect the webbing for any foreign particles and for snow buildup.   Use a Paw Balm – using a paw balm like Musher’s Secret will help keep your dog’s paws safe fr...

  Did you know that Male cats are at a higher risk of developing urinary tract diseases, such as urinary crystals or stones? A diet rich in moisture helps dilute their urine and reduces the risk of these issues. However, all cats can benefit from wet food in their diet for several other reasons: Hydration: Cats naturally have a low thirst drive and may not drink enough water if they only eat dry food. In fact, cats get most of their water from their food. Wet food provides additional moisture, helping to keep them hydrated. Proper hydration is crucial for maintaining kidney health and preventing urinary tract issues, which are common in cats. Urinary Health: Due to their higher moisture content, wet foods can help dilute urine and reduce the risk of urinary tract diseases, such as crystals and stones, particularly in male cats who are more prone to these issues. Lower Caloric Density: Wet food often has fewer calories per gram compared to dry food. This can be beneficial ...

    We all want to enjoy the holiday season with family and friends including our pets. For our pets, the holidays can offer many hazards that can be either dangerous or stressful. Here are a few things to consider this holiday season. The holiday season often brings additional hazards into the home, such as Christmas Trees: Pets might try to climb or play with the tree, leading to injuries or tree collapse. Pine needles, if ingested, can be harmful. Ornaments: Glass or fragile ornaments can break, causing injury. Small ornaments can be choking hazards or cause intestinal blockages if swallowed. Tinsel and Ribbons: These are particularly attractive to cats but can cause serious intestinal damage if ingested. Lights and Electrical Cords: Chewing on cords can lead to electric shock or burns. Ensure cords are out of reach or protected. Many traditional holiday plants like poinsettias, mistletoe, and holly are toxic to pets. Holiday feasts present a risk of pets ingesting i...

  Many sugar free products contain a sweetener called Xylitol. This artificial sweetener is extremely toxic to dogs and needs to be avoided. Xylitol is a sugar alcohol used as a sweetener in many products, particularly sugar-free products. It is very common in diabetic friendly items. Xylitol is found in items such as: - Sugar-free gum - Mints and candy - Baked goods - Toothpaste - Mouthwash - Cough syrup - Chewable vitamins - Peanut and nut butters   Xylitol is highly toxic to dogs because it causes a rapid release of insulin in their bodies, leading to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). This can occur within 10 to 60 minutes of consumption and can be life-threatening. Symptoms of xylitol poisoning in dogs include: - Vomiting - Weakness - Lack of coordination or difficulty walking - Lethargy - Seizures - Coma   In severe cases, xylitol can cause liver failure in dogs.   Regarding cats, they are generally less interested in sweet-tasting f...