If you haven’t travelled to the United States with your dog in a while, it’s important to know that the rules changed in August 2024. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention introduced new requirements for Canadians crossing the border with their dogs, including documented proof of a current rabies vaccination and a completed CDC Dog Import Form. These measures are designed to help control the spread of rabies and apply to all dogs entering the United States from Canada. Pet parents should be prepared to submit documentation to the CDC at least 10 days before travel. Here’s what you need to know when travelling to the U.S. with your dog: Your dog is at least 6 months old Your dog appears healthy Your dog is microchipped, and the microchip is ISO-compliant so it can be scanned by a universal scanner Your dog is fully vaccinated and accompanied by vaccination records or veterinary confirmation Your dog is accompanied by a CDC Dog Import Form receipt. Because Canada is considered a low-risk country for rabies, this receipt is valid for multiple entries into the United States and remains valid for six months There are a few important details to keep in mind throughout this process. For help navigating the requirements, use the CDC’s Dog Bot or visit the CDC website. You can also contact the CDC at (800) 232-4636 for additional information. The CDC website includes step-by-step instructions for completing the Dog Import Form, along with an example of an acceptable identification photo for your dog. The form requires information about you, your dog, and the nature of your trip. To complete the CDC Dog Import Form, submit it online and the CDC emails you a receipt. You must have this receipt with you at the time of travel. If your dog is travelling by air, present the receipt to the airline before boarding. No matter how you travel, be prepared to show the receipt to U.S. Customs and Border Protection when your dog enters the United States. If your dog has travelled to a country considered high-risk for rabies within the past six months, you need additional information to complete the import form and may require extra documentation to enter the United States. Be sure to review the CDC website for the specific requirements that apply to your situation. Happy travels, pet parents! We hope this information helps you enjoy a paws-itively safe trip with your furry companion. Not sure whether your dog needs a travel crate or which one is best? Visit any Petland Canada location and our knowledgeable staff are happy to help. Store Locations

Many indoor cats love an occasional jaunt in the great outdoors! If your cat has ever tried to make an escape attempt by darting out the front door, maybe it’s time to offer her a safe way to soak up the sunshine and experience nature. Plus, being outdoors helps your kitty get some physical exercise and mental stimulation, which makes for a happier feline. So, how do you help your cat venture outside safely? With a harness and leash, of course! Here’s how to do it in several easy steps:  Start With a Harness If you approach leash training your cat like you would with a dog, you are going to have a bad time. Cats are creatures of habit and need to be introduced to new things slowly and on their own terms. Start with purchasing an adjustable and secure harness, preferably a vest harness or an H-harness.  Try Catit Adjustable Harness and Leash Set. This harness and leash set comes in several sizes and is easily adjustable for a customized, snug fit. Something to keep in mind is that vest harnesses are typically harder than H-harnesses to wrestle your cat into, so consider your cat’s personality. The main idea is to slowly introduce your cat to her new harness so that someday soon, she will be sporting it while outside enjoying nature! Positive Reinforcement Once you have your harness, lay it out in a common area of your house and wait for your cat to happen upon it. Then reward her with a high-value treat when she gets curious and checks it out. Try a high moisture, low calorie treat such as Inaba Churu Skin & Coat Tuna Recipe Creamy Purée Cat Treat.  Next, it is time to get your cat comfortable with wearing her harness indoors for a few minutes at a time. Have her wear the harness for 5 minutes per day while she is doing something she loves, such as eating a meal, playing with a favourite toy, or snuggling with her people. The idea is to create a positive association between your cat and the harness. Once your kitty is comfortable with that, attach the leash and let it trail behind her without any leash tension while you supervise. The leash should be 1.5 meters or more. Remember, don't rush the process; your cat will respond to slow, consistent effort on your part (and plenty of treats!)  Time to Get Outside! Once your cat is comfortable with her harness and leash, it’s finally time to venture outside! First, have her explore your enclosed backyard or see if she'll do a short stroll along the sidewalk near your house. Choose a quiet location and bring treats or toys for positive reinforcement. Again, your cat is not a dog; you won’t be the leader of her outdoor adventure. Instead, you’ll be following her wherever she takes you while she sniffs, stalks, climbs, explores, scratches, and generally interacts with her environment. Keep the first several outdoor adventures short and monitor your cat’s stress level; don't force her to do things she isn't comfortable with. If your cat gets scared, pick her up and let her hitch a ride in your arms, or bring a cat carrier to retreat into if that’s her safe space. Never drag her by her leash as it may hurt her or create a negative association.  If your cat takes to the leash well, she might be interested in levelling up from her own backyard or street! For example, many pet stores allow animals inside on a leash, so come on in and let your cat choose her next favourite toy. If you don't mind getting a few odd glances from people, you can take your cat on regular strolls around her neighbourhood or even to your local park! Indoor cats live much longer than outdoor cats that are left to roam outside unsupervised, so getting your indoor cat on a leash gives her all the benefits of being in nature while keeping her extra safe from predators or traffic.  Happy leash training. Remember, with the right cat-attitude, anything is paw-sible! 

January 10th is "National House Plant Appreciation" day! Many people keep plants in their homes and it’s easy to see why; they brighten up your home, and some even purify the air. Unfortunately, many plants have varying degrees of toxicity to mammals. Luckily, if you choose your houseplants wisely, they can easily coexist with your beloved pet. Here are a few examples of non-toxic plants to have in your home if you have a pet, as well as a few examples of plants to avoid. Safe Plant Options Spider Plant (Chlorophytum Comosum) Striking and spider-like, spider plants are great hanging plants. They are easy to grow in medium light, simple to care for, and have been popular houseplants since the 1970s. Commonly hung in a macrame plant hanger or sat atop a shelf, spider plants are easily kept away from curious pets. They are non-toxic to dogs or cats so you don’t have to worry if your pet does happen to nibble on the leaves.  Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis)  Moth orchids are a type of orchid typically native to the Philippines and Indonesia. They have colourful blooms that are active for most of the year, so they are great for adding colour to your space. Moth Orchids are deceptively easy to care for with bright, indirect sunlight. Try placing it in an east-facing window with a bit of added humidity. This type of orchid is non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses.  Boston Fern (Nephrolepis Exaltata) Boston ferns were a popular parlour plant during Victorian times and are still a popular houseplant today. They are medium-sized plants that thrive in humid conditions, so if you have a bright window in your bathroom, this plant is for you! This classic plant is non-toxic to dogs and cats, so you don’t have to worry if your pet is tempted to munch on its shaggy, sword-like fronds. Prayer Plant (Marantaceae)  Commonly found in malls or doctors' offices, Marantaceae are easy to grow and care for. They thrive in medium to low light, aren’t sensitive to under or over-watering, and only grow to about 30 cm. This beautiful plant is completely non-toxic to cats and dogs. Staghorn Fern (Platycerium) Staghorn ferns get their name from their striking appearance; their leaves look just like the horns of a deer. This trendy plant is a great addition to your home for its unique appearance and easy care. It thrives in direct sunlight and best of all, is non-toxic to cats and dogs.   Plants to Avoid Many common houseplants are toxic to your pet so it’s best to do your research. Aloe Vera, Pothos, Ivy, Snake Plants, ZZ Plants, Monsteras, and many more common houseplants can make your pet very sick. Also, it's important to remember that even non-toxic plants can cause an upset stomach if your pet nibbles on them. Aloe Vera Pothos Ivy Snake Plant ZZ Plant Monstera Always do research on new plants that you plan to bring into your home. If you have plants in your house, watch your pet for behaviours such as coughing, vomiting, lethargy, or decreased appetite. Contact your veterinarian if you have concerns about your pet’s health.    Check out more health and safety tips in our "Safety Tips and Health Hazards" tip sheet! 

As we near Thanksgiving and Halloween, it's time to think about ways that we can keep our pets safe during all of the festivities. There is a lot of partying during the fall, and if you have dogs or cats, chances are they will be very interested in your guests and even more in the food and decorations. Here are a few tips to keep your pets safe during this fall!  Thanksgiving Here are some tips to celebrate the day of giving thanks. Don’t feed your dog or cat leftovers from your turkey. Plain turkey is not toxic for pets and can even be part of your pet’s regular diet. But most people don’t eat plain turkey for Thanksgiving. We rub it with butter, oil, and spices and stuff it with garlic, onions, and other delicious—to us—ingredients. But some herbs, onion and garlic are very toxic to pets, causing at best digestive upset and at worst pancreatitis. Don’t feed any bones to your pet, especially poultry bones which are brittle and can splinter and cause mouth wounds, throat wounds, and punctured stomachs or intestines. They can also cause blockages or choking. Cornucopias filled with fresh fruit can also be hazardous. Grapes in particular are especially toxic to pets and can cause death (so can raisins and currants). Citrus fruits can cause digestive upset, and virtually all seeds and pits of fruit are toxic. While dogs love apples and bananas, which are fine for them to eat, be careful that these fruits haven’t been around long enough to contain mold. Dried fruits such as strawberries, mango, pineapple, and apricots contain concentrated amounts of sugar, so they should be fed sparingly. Pumpkins, corn stalks, potted chrysanthemums and dried corn are decorations cats can’t seem to resist. But mums are toxic and the other decorations can be choking hazards or cause choking or intestinal blockages, so consider artificial substitutes that are not so alluring to cats. Halloween When the kiddos dress up in Halloween costumes, we like to dress our pets up, too. That’s fine, because there are so many pet-safe costumes for your pets to don (check out some of our favourite Halloween costumes here!) However, decorations and Halloween treats can be toxic when ingested by animals, so here are a few reminders. The biggest hazard for pets on Halloween is from eating candy. All chocolate—especially dark chocolate—contains theobromine, a substance that, depending upon the amount, can cause digestive upset or even death. And don’t think other candies are okay. Sugar in the amounts humans consume is very bad for pets. Sugar-free doesn’t cut it, either, because artificial sweeteners—especially Xylitol, which can cause kidney failure and death in pets—are bad for your furry buddies, too. Candy wrappers can become blockages in your dog or cat’s digestive tract, necessitating surgery. Some pets are quick to gobble up the wrappers because they smell like candy. Some pets find spider web decorations enticing. Cats can get entangled in them, and all pets may chew on them, once again risking blockages. Corn decorations and balloons both pose hazards for pets. Pets can choke on them or inhale them as well as the risk of intestinal blockages. Jack-o-lanterns can be hazardous to your pet, but not because they are pumpkins. Pumpkin is actually good for pets, but not in the form of carved decorations. Unrefrigerated, cut pumpkin quickly develops mold and large chunks of pumpkin with the outer shell are possibly deadly. Keep them outside on your porch and well out of the reach of pets. Of course, it goes without saying that untended candles are always dangerous! Other decorations that can cause problems are listed here. Candles are a no-brainer. Singed whiskers and tails are the least of the problems, as pets can easily knock them over and start a fire. We recommend battery-operated candles for a warm, inviting glow. Lights. Fortunately, strings of lights are going out of fashion as pre-lighted trees with LED lights become more affordable. When pets chew on electric cords or strings of lights, not only are they at risk of electrocution, the damaged cords can start a fire. With a little common sense and forethought, decorating your house for the holidays can be fun, festive, and safe for your pets. Happy fall!

The Honest Kitchen: Shining the Spotlight on Pet Food Made with Ingredients You’d Recognize in Your Own Kitchen For Lucy Postins, founder and CEO of The Honest Kitchen, the path to good health lies in good food, and your pet’s food is no exception. The Honest Kitchen is here to bring the highest quality standards of ‘people food’ to foods made for your pet, and have been doing just that for over 20 years by making pet food with 100% human edible ingredients! Lucy founded The Honest Kitchen in 2002 when she noticed that her dog’s health problems were greatly improved with the help of healthy recipes she made for him in her kitchen. More than 20 years later, The Honest Kitchen still makes pet food with 100% human-edible ingredients. Why We Love The Honest Kitchen  The Honest Kitchen is dedicated to making pet food with real, nutrition-packed ingredients that you can trust. All Honest Kitchen pet food is authentically human-grade, meaning it is made with the quality & safety standards of healthy ‘human food’. You won't find conventional 'feed grade' pet food in Honest Kitchen products. Why is this a big deal? Back in 2002 when The Honest Kitchen was founded, they were essentially peerless as no other company on the market was making pet food quite like they were. The Honest Kitchen is still a thought leader in the pet food industry. Petland Canada loves to work with brands dedicated to good food with good ingredients. Here are a few of our staff favourites from The Honest Kitchen:  For Your Cat The Honest Kitchen Minced Grain-Free Salmon & Cod Recipe Wet Cat Food These boxes contain delicious, chunky, minced wild-caught salmon and cod simmered in savoury gravy. This gourmet fish-in-gravy recipe is made with 100% human-grade ingredients and is free of fillers. Meaning it checks all your quality & nutrition boxes, and all your cat’s taste & texture boxes (and we know how much cats love boxes!) The Honest Kitchen Grain-Free Chicken & Whitefish Dehydrated Cat Food Crafted with a vet nutritionist, this 100% human-grade grain-free dehydrated cat food recipe is packed with a delicious pairing of free-range chicken and wild-caught fish, boosted with probiotics to support digestion, and finished with a splash of nutritious bone broth to add extra flavour and boost protein. To meet our human grade standard, we use the same whole foods you’d recognize in your own kitchen, and make this recipe in a human food facility. Simply add water to this healthy yet tasty recipe for a protein-packed, moisture-rich meal your cat will love. The Honest Kitchen Minced Grain Free Turkey, Chicken & Duck Recipe Wet Cat Food These boxes contain delicious, chunky, minced cage-free turkey, chicken and duck simmered in savory gravy. This healthy wet food is made with 100% human-grade ingredients and is free of fillers. Meaning it checks all your human grade, quality & nutrition boxes, and it checks all your cat’s taste & texture boxes (and we know how much cats love boxes!) You can find all of The Honest Kitchen products that we carry online for your cats here.  For Your Dog The Honest Kitchen Pumpkin Pour Overs; Turkey & Pumpkin Stew Food Topper For Dogs The Honest Kitchen believes that variety is the spice of life. That’s why they created Pumpkin Pour Overs. This human-grade, tasty pourable stew is full of cage-free turkey, fibre-rich pumpkin, and pureed apples with a hint of cinnamon. It’s a tasty and nutritious way to add whole food goodness to whatever is in their bowl. With just a few ingredients and an easy-to-use box, you can easily boost their bowl every day with this tasty meal topper. The Honest Kitchen Instant Turkey Bone Broth Give your dog a daily boost of superfood nutrients with this easy-to-make Instant Turkey Bone Broth. Simply mix with warm water to give your pet a mouthwatering drink, pour over kibble as a delectable gravy, or use it to rehydrate an Honest Kitchen meal to make dinner even more richly flavorful. This Instant Turkey Bone Broth with nourishing parsley, warming pumpkin, and turmeric is oh-so-satisfying to your pet’s taste buds. The Honest Kitchen Grain Free Turkey Recipe Dehydrated Dog Food, 10lb WORLD’S FIRST HUMAN GRADE DRY DOG FOOD: Most pet food is something called ‘feed grade.’ Whole Food Clusters are the world’s first human-grade dry food — made with 100% human-grade ingredients and produced in a human food facility. That means higher quality ingredients and more safety standards, just like you’d expect from your own food! What's really neat about this food is that it comes in a powder form, and you must add water to rehydrate it! Once hydrated, this pack makes 40lbs of food! Thankfully, the bod only weighs 10lbs.  It's a different take on pet food than your average kibble, but your dog won't be able to resist the wholesome goodness and smells that this food offers!  The Honest Kitchen GF Turkey Whole Food Clusters Dry Dog Food The Honest Kitchen believes that human grade, minimally processed whole foods provide pets the best nutrition possible. Created with a veterinary nutritionist, these 100% human grade clusters are made with real whole foods you’d recognize from your own kitchen. They’re MadeHonest with human grade, nutrient-rich ingredients, cold pressed, roasted and dehydrated to maintain the nutrients, aroma and taste of whole foods. Whole Food Clusters give you the same scoop & serve convenience, while giving your pets minimally processed, 100% human grade taste and nutrition. Final Words From Lucy Postins   "We're so proud to partner with Petland, a retail leader in the pet food industry, to aid in our mission of helping pets get on the path to good health through good food. Petland has been an incredible partner of ours for the better part of a decade, providing essential care to pets and making a difference in the communities they serve. We look forward to continuing to work together for many more years to come!” Lucy and her staff at The Honest Kitchen are clearly pet-obsessed in the very best way! Petland Canada is a proud partner of The Honest Kitchen and is honoured to stock their amazing line-up of high-quality, human-grade pet food in Petland stores across Canada!  For the entire month of August, enjoy 20% off of The Honest Kitchen hydration tetras and supplements. Also, from August 3 - 5, buy any 3 lb or larger Cluster/Dehydrated and get 1 Free Dog Wet Tetra, or buy any 10 lb or larger Cluster/Dehydrated and get 2 Free Dog Wet Tetras. Visit your local Petland Canada store and ask our staff about The Honest Kitchen. Our knowledgeable Petland staff will pair you with the perfect treat for your furry friend! To see all of The Honest Kitchen products that we carry, click HERE! 

Welcome to the world of raw feeding! As pet owners, we're constantly seeking the best ways to ensure the health and happiness of our furry companions. In recent years, the concept of feeding dogs a raw diet has gained significant traction, with proponents citing numerous benefits. Raw pet diets consist of feeding your pets a combination of raw meat, bones, fruits, and vegetables. Advocates of raw feeding argue that this diet closely mirrors what animals would consume in the wild, aligning with their evolutionary needs and providing a plethora of benefits. Proponents claim that raw food promotes better digestion, supports dental health by naturally cleaning teeth and preventing tartar buildup, enhances coat quality, boosts energy levels, and may alleviate certain health issues such as allergies and joint problems. Raw food can feel intimidating to get into as it may not be what you’re used to feeding your pet. Kibble has been the most popular choice for pet food since the 1960s, so it’s understandable why people may be hesitant to make the switch to raw. Raw food comes in all shapes and sizes. Petland offers options that are already prepared, so all you have to do is thaw it and feed it to your dog (the same way you would feed them a bowl of kibble!). Some varieties of this pre-mixed diet include frozen raw meals, freeze-dried raw meals, raw + kibble mixes, and raw food toppers. They also come in lots of different proteins, so it’s a great option for picky pets and pets who may need a limited ingredient diet due to allergies or other needs. Frozen Raw Meals Frozen raw pet food offers a convenient and nutritionally dense option for pet owners seeking to provide their furry companions with a natural and balanced diet. By freezing raw ingredients at peak freshness, this method preserves essential nutrients and flavours without the need for artificial preservatives. Frozen raw pet food typically consists of high-quality proteins, fruits, vegetables, and added vitamins and minerals to ensure a complete and balanced meal. The freezing process also helps to eliminate harmful bacteria, making it a safer option compared to feeding raw meat alone. Additionally, many pet owners appreciate the convenience of pre-portioned servings, easy storage, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing their pets are consuming a diet that closely resembles what they would eat in the wild. Whether you're looking to address specific health concerns or simply provide your pet with a wholesome and delicious meal, frozen raw pet food can be an excellent choice for pets of all ages and breeds. Instinct offers frozen raw meals in bite-sized piece varieties, as well as frozen patties. The bite-sized pieces are great for smaller dogs, to use as a food topper, or just convenient as they thaw within 5-15 minutes. The patties are great for larger dogs or multi-dog households. Patties take longer to thaw (around 4-6 hours), so it is important to take that into consideration. It’s also important to remember to discard any uneaten thawed food after 30 minutes as it can spoil. At Petland, we carry both varieties of Instinct’s raw food in our stores, so head to our freezer section to check them out! Freeze Dried Raw Meals Freeze-dried dog food is a convenient and increasingly popular alternative to traditional kibble or raw feeding. This process involves freezing raw ingredients and then subjecting them to low pressure, which removes moisture without applying heat, preserving the nutritional integrity and flavour of the food. The resulting product is lightweight, shelf-stable, and easy to store, making it an excellent option for pet owners looking for a convenient yet nutritionally dense diet for their pets. Freeze-dried pet food often contains a mix of high-quality proteins, fruits, vegetables, and sometimes added vitamins and minerals to ensure a balanced diet. It’s common to find freeze-dried foods on their own but also offered as food toppers or mixers. Instinct offers multiple varieties for both dogs and cats in this category, and you can find them here. In conclusion, feeding your pets a raw diet can be a rewarding and beneficial choice for their overall health and well-being. From improved digestion to enhanced dental health, shinier coats, and increased energy levels, the potential benefits are numerous. If you are feeling hesitant on making the big switch from kibble to a raw diet, it may be worthwhile to try a freeze-dried topper option on top of your pet’s current kibble as that will introduce raw without diving into the deep end.      

Let’s talk about one of the most important topics in a cat's life: selecting the perfect litter from the huge variety that's available. Cats can be quite picky and sometimes they need just the right litter (and you will know if you have selected the wrong type! Trust us on this one). With so many options available, finding the right one for your furry friend can be a bit overwhelming. Don't worry, for we've got the lowdown on six different types of cat litter available at your local Petland store that will make both you and your whiskered bean purr with delight! Clay Litter: First up on our list is the classic clay litter, a tried and true favorite amongst cat owners. Known for its clumping ability and excellent odor control, clay litter is a reliable choice. Its easy to use and quite affordable, which makes it a staple in many households. Your cat will appreciate the soft texture under their paws, and you'll love the simplicity of scooping away messes easily. There are several brands available at Petland. Our most popular is our house brand "Here Kitty" litter which you can refill at our litter stations in our stores! For extra deodorizing power you can't go wrong with Arm and Hammer products. Long story short, we've got you covered! One important thing to note about clay litter though is that it tends to be on the dustier side, so it may not be a great option for cats (or owners) who suffer from respiratory illnesses. Silica Gel Litter: For those seeking a high-tech solution to litter box odors, silica gel litter is the way to go. Composed of tiny silica crystals, this type of litter absorbs moisture and traps odors like a superhero. You get to say goodbye to unpleasant smells and hello to a fresher, cleaner environment. With its low dust content, silica gel litter is also an excellent choice for both you and your cat's respiratory health. The added bonus is one bag of silica litter lasts on average 3x as long as a bag of clay litter. This is because you are only scooping feces clumps and not urine clumps. We have many different brands of silica litter in our stores, such as Cat Love, Elegant Cat, and Naturalitter. Although some cats don’t enjoy the texture (it can take some getting used to), it's never too late to give it a try! There's a reason it flies off of our shelves. PetSafe makes an automatic litterbox that uses silica litter too! Automatic litter boxes take away the hassle of scooping out the box every day and sift through it for you.  Crushed Walnut Litter: A newer contender that many guests and staff go *nuts* for is the crushed walnut litter! Made from the shells of crushed walnuts, this eco-friendly option not only provides excellent odor control, but also clumps effectively. Its natural properties make it a biodegradable choice, ensuring you're doing your part for the planet. Plus, your cat will appreciate the soft, non-abrasive texture beneath their paws. It's a win-win for everyone! A huge bonus about this litter is that it smells fresh and is not very dusty. For anyone living in a city with a green bin program that allows pet waste, this is a winner for sure! The most popular walnut litter in our stores is Natures Miracle. Recycled Paper Litter: Go green with recycled paper litter! Made from reclaimed paper products, this environmentally friendly option offers superb absorbency and odor control. The pellets are gentle on your cat's paws, and you can feel good about reducing your carbon pawprint. It is also easy to dispose of and biodegradable, so recycled paper litter is a fantastic choice for the eco-conscious cat parent. The added bonus is that if you have other small animals in your home (like rabbits and guinea pigs), this litter can used with them too! Daily Scoops is the most popular brand of paper litter Petland carries, it's what we use for our animals in store! The only thing that recycled paper litter doesn't do is clump, so keep that in mind when considering this type of litter!  Plant Based Litter: Another natural option for your cats litter box are plant based litters. We carry pine litters from Cat Country, Natures Miracle and Okocat. These are compressed sawdust litters. This type of litter naturally neutralizes odors and clumps for easy scooping. The pine scent also adds a touch of the outdoors to your cat's indoor experience. It's a fantastic option for those who appreciate a natural, woodsy aroma and want a low-dust solution for their feline friend. Additionally, we even have a tofu litter from Naturalitter, and Catit carries a pea husk litter! Corn-Based Litter: Make way for the corny contender in the world of cat litter – corn based litter! Derived from renewable corn resources, this environmentally conscious option is gaining popularity for its natural composition. The absorbent corn particles clump effectively, simplifying the cleanup process. The light, fluffy texture provides a comfortable experience for your cat's paws. You can feel good about sustainability without compromising on performance with corn based litter. Natures Miracle offers many types of litter on our list, including (yes you guessed it!) Corn Litter! Some guests say their cat took a little while to get used to it, but it became a game changer once they did. This is another option that is also green bin friendly for some cities! The Big Switch: Okay, so you've decided to switch to a different litter now that you know how many amazing options there are. Some cats will switch over just fine and not need any transition time. Other cats, however, will need some time to adjust, so it's a good idea to mix some of the litter that they're used to in with the new litter for a little while until they get the hang of things. Gradually, mix less and less of their old litter in the box and voila! You have successfully transitioned your cat! To Sum Things Up: There's no one size fits all solution for every cat. Some cats have challenging behaviours that certain types of litter may evoke in them. Take your time in choosing the right type for you and your kitty. Whether you live in an apartment, or the litter box has its own room, litter is only one part of the equation. Litter deodorizers, filters, styles of box, pheromone attractants, mats, scoops and liners are just a few things that will accompany your choice of litter. Each type comes with its unique set of benefits, so finding the perfect match depends on your cat's preferences and your lifestyle. Whether you opt for the classic clay, high-tech silica gel, eco-friendly crushed walnut, sustainable recycled paper, the new player crushed corn, or the aromatic pine pellet, rest assured that a Pet Counsellor at a Petland near you will be able to assist you finding the right match so you have a happy cat and a happy home awaiting you every day. If you have any questions, feel free to pop by one of the stores or give them a call, our Pet Counsellors are happy to answer all of your questions! Here's to a clean, fresh-smelling litter box and a content kitty by your side!

With the holidays fast approaching, decorations are going up and they can make for some fun toys for pets to play with. There are a lot of risks with decorations. It is better to be safe and skip putting something up than a vet visit. To ensure their safety, read all about how to keep them safe! Holiday Plants Plants can be very intriguing to pets. There is a wide variety of holiday plants that are especially toxic to pets. Here is a list of toxic plants to keep away from your pet this holiday season. Lilies: They are a very popular holiday flower but they are highly toxic to cats. They can cause life-threatening kidney damage. If you are gifted lilies or have lilies around, it is best to either get rid of them or make sure they are away where a cat cannot get them. Amaryllis: This is a common winter bulb. If a dog eats the bulb, it can cause intestinal obstruction. Yew: A common green used in wreaths and decor. This can be very toxic to both dogs and cats. Holly and Mistletoe: These are both common Christmas plants. Make sure plants are up and away from pets. Christmas Tree Water: This contains pesticides, bacteria and mold. Needles from the tree can be irritating if the dog or cat eats it. Poinsettias: Despite being a beautiful holiday flower, this plant can cause some stomach irritation to both cats and dogs as well as oral and skin irritation. Tinsel Tinsel is a very popular Christmas tree decoration. In fact, it has been around since 1610! Tinsel can be very appealing to cats and dogs, they are attracted to the shiny material. Most pets start out by playing with the tinsel, which eventually leads to the pet eating it. Tinsel does not break down in the gastrointestinal tract. This can become lodged within the stomach or the intestines, which turns into a vet visit and possibly emergency surgery. Keeping tinsel out of the house with pets will prevent any kind of possible ingestion. The Christmas Tree Cats and dogs are naturally curious, so when a Christmas tree comes in the house, they are going to want to explore it, whether that is sniffing it, trying to eat it or climbing it. Ensuring that there are no important family heirloom bulbs on the tree will prevent them from possibly getting broken. Keeping pets away from the Christmas tree will reduce any risk of the pet possibly knocking it over and falling on them, or any risk to the humans around the tree. Christmas tree water is also very toxic to animals. Most tree farms use chemicals that help make it last longer. Keep the tree water reservoir covered so your pet does not try to drink the water. Candles Candles are very popular around the holidays, making your house smell nice, but candles can be very dangerous around animals. No matter how high up you put it, a curious cat will still try to check it out, risking burning a paw or tail. Some essential oil scents are also toxic to both cats and dogs. Should you use candles for the holiday season, ensure it is soy wax, but do not leave it unattended. Did you know that candles are also toxic to birds? If you have a pet bird, candles are best kept out of the house. A great replacement for candles is an LED version. It won’t make the house smell nice, but it will still give the nice effect of a lit candle! Christmas Day Christmas day can be very exciting and overwhelming for pets. With all of the overstimulation, each pet may react differently to everything going on. Keeping the pet busy will be the easiest strategy. But how do you keep a pet busy on Christmas morning?! Simple enough, give them their gifts first. By giving them their gifts first, they will have something new to focus on and enjoy while the rest of the family can open gifts hassle-free. Giving a dog a chew or a toy will keep them busy and for a cat, you could do a food puzzle or a catnip toy. Ensuring that you are cleaning up during the gift opening time will reduce the risk of pets eating the wrapping paper, ribbon or bows. Have a designated recycling bag for the wrapping paper, and a garbage bag for the bows and ribbon. We do not want our pets to ingest the ribbons. Having everything organized will reduce any stress levels! But most importantly, it is a day to cherish and have fun and make memories with your pets and loved ones! Kitchen Hazards The kitchen poses a risk to many hazards to our household pets during the holidays. It can be a chaotic area during the holidays as there is a few people trying to cook, others wanting snacks and pets can be notorious for wanting to sit by your feet while you are trying to get everything prepared. Keeping them out of the kitchen, as hard as it may be, is for their safety. The hot food and oven is the first hazard. Cats and dogs are naturally very curious and want to see what everything is. They may also be hoping for something to fall for them to snatch up. The food and table scraps is your second kitchen hazard. Between foods that are considered toxic for your pet and possible allergies, it’s important to keep your food to yourself. Avoid giving any kind of turkey, chicken, or ham bones to your pet. This can be a choking hazard. Decorations/Ornaments Tree ornaments can be so fun to bat around and play with by animals. Ensure that any breakable decorations or fragile bulbs are up high. Any broken decor or bulbs should be cleaned up immediately to reduce the risk of a cat or dog of stepping on it and ending up at the vet with injured paws. AND have you seen our collection of dog and cat safe Christmas toys? Check them out before they are gone. From all of us at Petland, have a wonderful, and pet safe, holiday!

Separation anxiety is a distressing condition observed in pets when they experience fear or stress upon being separated from their owners or even other pets. This challenge can manifest differently in various animals - often leading to disruptive behaviors as they struggle with being alone. Animals are social creatures and being alone can be stressful. Some of the behaviors of separation anxiety by pets can include excessive barking when left alone (which can also cause problems with your neighbors), persistent meowing, and destructive behavior such as chewing furniture, scratching at doors and digging into the carpet. In birds it can manifest as excessive feather plucking. Pacing and restlessness can also demonstrate agitation. Other signs can also be inappropriate elimination of waste despite being house-trained, and even drooling and trembling. Causes for the separation anxiety  can include past trauma (some rescue pets can certainly have experienced neglect or abandonment in their past), abrupt changes in routine and/or environment, and pets being overly attached to their owners. When we were all in COVID shutdown, many pet owners spent a lot more time working out of their homes, and as we have been going back into the workplace more regularly, we heard a lot of that occurring with many of our guests. To help prevent and manage separation anxiety there are some things you can do. You can initiate a gradual desensitization by leaving your pet alone for short periods, gradually increasing the duration. Rewarding calm behavior to reinforce positive associations with alone time using their favorite treats makes this process easier. You can provide engaging toys, comfortable bedding and background noise like soothing music or TV to help alleviate boredom and anxiety. Establishing a routine early, like consistent feeding times, walks, work schedules, and play sessions, can create a sense of predictability and security for your pet. A safe and quiet place to call their own goes a long way to helping pets being alone. In dogs this is a kennel or covered pen. The cover helps reduce background noise and light that may upset the dog in your absence. For example, when Petland staff member Ken brought his new Quaker parrot (Mulligan) home for the first time he deliberately did so on a Tuesday night (read more about Mulligan here). He wanted to establish with Mulligan what his work schedule was going to be like, so that right from day one, Mulligan knew what to expect. Taking a week or two off to spend time with your new pet - while this seems like a fun prospect for excited new pet owners - can be upsetting to your new pet when you go back to your regular routine. For dogs and cats, the brands Adaptil (dogs) and Feliway (cats) make a few products that can aid in your pet's anxiety. Adaptil comes in a collar style that your dog can wear (they have puppy and adult dog varieties!) and in a plug-in diffuser. Adaptil works in the way that it releases a calming pheromone (you can’t smell it, only your dog can) that helps ease anxiety. Similarly, Feliway makes a diffuser that acts the same, but they also have one that is designed for households with multiple cats that aids in introductions and tension between multiple cats. These products are good tools to have on hand in case other efforts are not getting the desired outcome. Understanding and addressing separation anxiety in pets is crucial for their overall well-being. By recognizing the signs, identifying triggers, and implementing preventive measures, pet owners can create a supportive environment that fosters a sense of security and comfort for their pets.