Keep Your Pet Cool This Summer

During hot days and dry conditions, your four-legged friends will need all the help they can get in keeping their cool over summer.

Pets require many of the same conditions that humans need: a shady spot to spend the day, access to cool water and plenty of rest. They also require gentle exercise in the coolest parts of the day and a dab of pet-friendly sunscreen on pink noses if they are out in the hot sun.

Whether your pets are spending time indoors or outdoors this summer, remember that they need special care in warm weather.

• One of the best activities for you and your dog during summer is a walk in the cooler evening so find out from your local council where the best parks and open spaces are for dogs during summer. There can be restrictions during this period that don't apply during the rest of the year, so it is worth checking for the latest information.

• Most dogs love water but with restrictions in force in many parts of Australia, you will have to be careful about splashing the wet stuff around. Many dogs love ice cubes and this is a water-efficient way of keeping them cool.

• If you are away from home during the day and can't leave your pet indoors, ensure they have a shady spot outside with plenty of fresh water.

• Some dogs just don't know when to say no, so if you have an active dog it may be necessary to discourage high energy play on hot days.

• Keeping your dog's coat short and well-groomed during summer will help it to stay cool.

• Summer thunderstorms can be a terrifying experience for both dogs and cats. Ideally, your dog and cat should be kept inside with human company if there is a summer storm. Some dogs are very fearful in storms and may try to escape the yard, so take time to ensure your yard is secure and that your dog is identified with a collar and tag. In severe cases of storm phobias, your veterinarian should be consulted.

• We all know not to leave a dog in a car on a hot day - even with a window down, cars get very hot. Garden sheds and other small spaces also heat up quickly and can be dangerous if a dog is confined to that area.

• We may not all know that swimming pools can be as dangerous to dogs as they can be to small children. Make sure the gate is closed at all times. Better still, take your four-legged friend to a dog-friendly beach, river or lake and teach it to swim!

• If travelling with your pet, consult with your vet about any special requirements. Ticks can be found in many of the popular coastal holiday spots and can be dangerous to dogs. Also make sure all vaccinations are up to date and your pet's ID tags are securely fastened to their collar.

Kid's Best Friend

Pets and children: what a beautiful friendship. A study into the role pets play in developing children's social networks revealed a great deal about human-animal interactions. A number of children were asked who they would turn to in certain emotionally-charged situations - like the divorce of their parents or an argument with a sibling.



An overwhelming majority said they would seek out their pet for companionship. It was also discovered that children confide in their pets, talking to them, expressing fears and emotions in much the same way we interact with a human confidante.

Pets can also help facilitate learning and have a number of positive effects on a child's development. Schools are now catching onto the benefits of introducing pets into their community, by creating pet clubs, special pet days and offering pet education programs. For children, pets at school foster a sense of responsibility and respect for life.

Programs like the ‘Operation Safe: Kids 'n' Pets' run by the Animal Welfare League of New South Wales offers wonderful learning programs to teach all levels of school children about responsible pet ownership and animal behaviour. Topics include: pets in the community, the basics of pet care, what happens when people don't want their pets and pets and the law.

Considering Getting a Pet

For many People a pet is an important part of the family. Owning a pet can be extremely rewarding and can bring hours of enjoyment, but it is important to remember that pet ownership is also a full-time responsibility which takes time, money, patience and life-long commitment.

The decision to own a pet is a very serious one that needs to be properly considered and researched.


Remember, companion animals rely almost entirely on their human partners to meet their needs and this responsibility should not be taken lightly. Your choice of pet should take into account environmental and family lifestyle issues, financial considerations and time constraints.

Purchasing a pet should never be an impulsive decision. Animal shelters receive thousands of unwanted and abandoned animals each year which are often the result of an ill-considered decision. Before deciding to become a pet owner ask yourself the following questions:

Am I prepared to love a pet for life?
The average lifespan of a dog and cat is around 12 years, with some dogs and cats living until 15 or more years of age. Your pet will need your love and care 365 days a year.

Can I afford a pet?
There are many costs involved with pet ownership. In addition to food, you must consider vaccination, micro-chipping, de-sexing, general health care, vet bills, grooming, obedience training, boarding, bedding, insurance and proper housing. The costs may vary depending on the type of animal you choose; costs associated with dog ownership can be around $500 a year. Pets are an expensive addition to the family.

Do I understand how to care for a pet?
Different animals have different needs. In most states and territories there are organisations that can advise on the specific needs of your chosen pet. An informed pet owner can provide a healthier and happier environment for their pet.

Do I have time to care for a pet?
Exercise, grooming, obedience and play are important aspects of pet ownership. Some pets will be more demanding on your time than others.

Do I live in suitable accommodation and do I have space for a pet?
A large dog will require a large backyard and adequate fencing, and a horse will require agistment at a property with fencing and supervision. Your home is a significant factor in determining whether you are suitable for pet ownership. If you live in a rented property please think carefully before committing yourself to a pet. While some landlords allow pets, many do not. Pet ownership may cause difficulties when changing rented accommodation.

Will a pet fit into my lifestyle and priorities?
Working long hours, enjoying a hectic social life and regularly taking trips away are all factors to consider before purchasing a pet. A pet will always depend on you and must be accommodated in your lifestyle. Are you prepared to make that commitment?

If you are sure that you can offer an animal a good home, you then have to decide where to purchase your pet which could include an animal shelter, a pet shop, private breeder or any place where pets are for sale.

Never purchase a pet that looks unwell, or is for sale with other animals that look unwell. Reputable breeders will provide proof of vaccinations and information on how to properly care for your pet and should be willing to take the animal back if a health problem becomes apparent within a reasonable time after purchase.

Animal shelters such as the RSPCA receive thousands of surrendered or stray animals each year. While many are rehomed, a large number are euthanased. The majority of these animals are neither old nor ill, they are simply unwanted. All animals available for adoption from the RSPCA have undergone health and temperament checks.

Being a responsible pet owner involves understanding what your pet needs and being aware of your responsibilities to the community.

Following are some basic rules:

• learn about your pet's special needs including diet, health and general care
• provide your pet with an adequate balanced diet and ensure it has access to clean, cool drinking water at all times
• regularly exercise your pet according to its needs
• train your pet using kindness and positive reinforcement
• provide appropriate housing and shelter for your pet
• when unsupervised, keep your pet safely and securely confined to your property
• to minimize boredom, provide your pet with sufficient companionship and a stimulating environment
• protect your pet's health by taking it to a vet whenever health problems arise and by ensuring all necessary vaccinations and treatments are up-to-date
• to help prevent disease and illness, ensure your pet has a clean environment
• microchip your pet and where required register it with your local council to increase the likelihood of return when lost
• de-sex your pet to prevent unwanted offspring
• groom your pet regularly
• socialise your pet with other animals and people
• teach your family, friends and children how to interact with your pet
• find suitable boarding facilities for your pet while on holidays
• respect the rights of non-pet owners by keeping your pet under control and by disposing of any droppings
• give your pet love and attention and commit to caring for it for its entire life.

Following these rules of responsible pet ownership will lead to a long and happy relationship between you and your pet.

Pet Food Off The Radar Of Regulators

A year after the tainted pet food scandal at Menu Foods (TSX:MEW.UN) rattled animal lovers and sent the company's stock into a freefall, the pet food industry has slipped off the radar of Canadian regulators and other agencies.

Saturday marks a full-year since dog and cat owners were sent into a panic over the possibility that food they were giving their pets could be tainted by wheat gluten laced with poisonous melamine.

The chemical used for making plastics was added by a China-based supplier as a cheap way to make the food look like it had higher protein levels, but it was also killing some pets that consumed it.

Since then, little has been done in Canada to ensure that pet food is any safer, aside from continuing to rely on companies to self-regulate and monitor their international pet suppliers.

After the recalls started last year, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency began a review of its responsibilities to pet food and, according to their website, "determine if room for improvement exists within the Canadian system."

On Friday, it appeared as though nothing had changed.

"We don't have a regulatory role - that's the bottom line," said Marc Richard at the CFIA's headquarters in an interview.

"We're the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. We deal with food - and food is for humans."

Richard added that the agency has a "very minor role" related to pet food through its handling of traditional disease control, which means ensuring that livestock doesn't transfer avian influenza or mad cow disease.

Pet food regulations fall under three federal levels - the CFIA for disease control, Industry Canada for packaging and Health Canada's Veterinary Drugs Directorate for therapeutic food claims.

None of the departments seem to handle poisons or other contaminants that could get into food, which has made it especially difficult for pet advocates to lobby for changes.

Cathy Sterling euthanized her eight-year-old Australian Sheppard last March when the dog became ill, only a week before Menu Foods issued the recall and warning.

Since then, she has collected between 2,500 and 3,000 signatures from pet owners in an effort to convince the government to pay more attention to pet food.

"Pets today have taken on new levels of care in people's hearts and I think the legislation hasn't kept up with that aspect," said Sterling.

"We've recognized there's a problem... and we need a change."

Last fall, Health Minister Tony Clement outlined an action plan for the food and product regulatory system that encouraged greater prevention rather than responding to cases once they are detected.

The plan covers recalled products like children's toys, cosmetics, pesticides and sports equipment, but doesn't mention pet food.

Sterling said it's her goal to get pet food on that list, though she's facing an uphill battle.

"I did feel that it slowly faded from the public's consciousness," she said. "I think Menu Foods is getting exactly their wish, that it's all just going away."

The company beared the brunt of consumer backlash last year partly because it was North America's biggest supplier of pet food, selling one-billion containers in 2006 through store-brand labels and under contract for international names such as Iams.

Menu Foods has said it faces more than 100 class-action lawsuits.

Last month, many of the lawsuits filed in the U.S. were consolidated into one class-action suit because a judicial panel determined that they involved the same questions of fact.

Both sides of the case have said they are near a settlement, and a district judge has asked for a report this Wednesday.

Menu Foods declined repeated interview requests for this story. A company official said executives would not be available to speak because the "focus right now is on the legal settlement."

In the United States, the FDA has indicted both American and Chinese business owners over a scheme to import the melamine-contaminated wheat gluten into the country.

But while congressional hearings and proposed food safety legislation have come to fruition, the FDA still doesn't have any mandatory authority over recalling pet food.

Some suggest that the industry is already doing enough to regulate itself.

"Regulation would not have changed the recall situation that Menu Foods recently experienced in any way shape or form," said Martha Wilder, executive director of the Pet Food Association of Canada in an interview last year.

"Case in point (are) that the two plants in the U.S. that were found to be involved in the recall are regulated and it didn't do anything to stop this from happening."

Wilder was unavailable to provide further comment on Friday.

In Canada, industry organizations have also been backing off of pet food manufacturers.

Last year, the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association wound up a longtime committee that monitored pet food nutrition standards around the same time the tainted food investigation was underway.

"After the recall happened people with our association met with government and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency was taking lead on the follow-up of the recall," said Kristin Wood, a spokeswoman for the veterinary association.

"The regulation of pet food is not really in our mandate anymore."

Pinching pennies? Not necessarily when it comes to pet owners

Emilie Wilson's menagerie includes 15 ferrets, two dogs and four cats, including a hefty grey feline named Tonie Stewart who rides in style inside a pet stroller during family outings.

Wilson spent US$300 on Christmas gifts for her brood last year and figures she'll exceed that sum this year. And despite the recession-like economy, the suburban Chicago woman has no plans to scale back pet presents anytime soon.

"I couldn't care less if there's anything under the tree for us, as long as there's something for Tonie," she said.

Retailers may be worrying about the possibility of the worst fourth quarter in generations, but those in the pet products industry are finding themselves in a veritable oasis among much of the gloom of American business. Companies that sell everything from organic dog treats to couture-inspired pet toys say business is up even as economic indicators show shoppers are pinching pennies during one of the worst downturns in decades.

"I think they're buying nice dog collars instead of remodelling their kitchen," said Fiona Tavernier, whose Lollypadoodle business near San Francisco sells wool stuffed dog toys and is going strong.

It may sound counterintuitive - even to some in the pet industry who say they're surprised business is robust - but experts say many pet owners are as dedicated to their animals as parents are to children. And that means they're willing to sacrifice on themselves before trimming back on their four-legged friends.

"You know, for some families, the pet comes first," said Carol Perkins, president and co-founder of Harry Barker, a Charleston, S.C.-based pet toy company whose sales are up 40 per cent this year. "The dog goes to the vet first and the dog gets organic food. Maybe some people will cut back on a dog bed, but they'll still buy dog treats, toys and collars and leashes."

The American Pet Products Association estimates Americans will spend US$43.4 billion this year on their pets - a figure that includes everything from treats to training - despite the dramatic slowdown in discretionary spending. That's 26 per cent higher than what U.S. consumers spent in 2004, the group said.

Market researcher Euromonitor International, which tracks sales of pet food and accessories but excludes the cost of animals, grooming, training and other expenses, puts this year's animal expenditures at US$23.9 billion.

But the group forecasts the segment's sales are still on pace to grow more than 13 per cent by 2013.

"It's definitely more resilient than most categories tied to discretionary spending," said Morningstar analyst R.J. Hottovy. "It's one of the last categories (people) cut out of their budget."

Backing that up is a poll earlier this year in ShopSmart, a publication from Consumer Reports, which says female shoppers are more likely to buy cheaper brands of everything from medication to milk, but are digging in their heels when it comes to switching to less-expensive pet food and personal care items.

Some parts of the pet food industry, particularly gourmet and organic pet food, will likely be even more insulated than the sellers of pet carriers, clothing and outdoor gear.

That's because many pet owners, who upgraded their kibble after contaminated pet food killed or sickened thousands of animals last year are leery of switching back, a move that could cause digestive problems.

"Once people have their pets on a certain pet food, there's health risks to switching over to another," Hottovy said. "As soon as they've moved up to the premium brands, they're kind of locked in, so it's hard to trade down."

Still, there are signs that the most extravagant expenses - such crystal bowls and custom-made pet beds - may be sidelined amid growing economic uncertainty.

"Gone are the days when people would buy $100 collars and fake fur," said Claire Chew, of Venice, Calif., who founded Luxepets, a line of pet keepsakes.

American Pet Products Association spokeswoman Leah Nelson said the group doesn't release industry sales projections, but that it is "eyeing the future" with caution.

That's why Paige Ormand, the owner of the Doggy Style Pet Shop in Chicago's Wicker Park neighbourhood, is ordering more products that are less expensive - for example, $5 toys instead of $20 models.

But she's not removing expensive gifts from her store shelves, either.

"This industry is way more insulated than other businesses," she said. "But I wouldn't say it's recession proof."

Fresh up a Pet Store

We don’t know how deep the economic recession will cut or how long it will last, but one thing is certain: This is no time for pet retailers to hunker down and adopt a bunker mentality. Do that and risk losing the edge that can make your pet store competitive when good economic times return.

That’s what retail and pet industry consultants are advising pet retailers. “It’s like the old adage: when the going gets tough, the tough get going,” says Jim Dion, president of Dionco. Inc., a Chicago-based retail-consulting company.



Now is the time for pet retailers to get aggressive and try things that can push them ahead of their competitors, and improving your store’s look and the image it projects is a great place to start. “A spruce up or even a new look may be the strategy that can help pet retailers excite their customers or even keep them,” says Dion.

The remarkable news is that remodeling your store can boost sales, whether there is a recession or not. “In tough times, a retailer needs to project a positive image to their customers,” explains Chris Miller, president of the Garden Grove, California-based design/building firm Pacific Store Designs Inc. “A fresher look speaks volumes to your customers. You are saying to them that times may be tough, but I’m doing okay. You can have confidence in me. A look of doom and gloom in a down economy can almost be a self fulfilling prophecy.”

Some studies show that a remodel can actually boost sales by as much as 20 to 30 percent. “Remodeling can revive your store and make it an exciting place to shop in again,” explains Jami Dolinski, marketing manager for the Cerritos California-based CASCO Group, a leading provider of acrylic aquarium displays and installations. “Customers will not only want to come to your store, they will stay longer.”

Since the current state of the economy is impacting every industry, a remodel may be more affordable than you think. “By remodeling in the current recession, you can save money by taking advantage of today’s prices,” Miller explains. “For instance, steel prices have dropped 25 percent and gas prices have fallen. We don’t have many of the surcharges we once had. Also, labor is more competitively priced in tough times.”

Of course, a substantial remodel will probably still cost a few thousand dollars or more, but the store’s appearance can be freshened up for just a fraction of that. Take on what you can afford. What’s important is that you answer the call to action.

“Even if you are hanging on by your fingernails, there are some basic things you can do to bring back excitement into the store,” Dion says. “Merely adding a fresh coat of paint can brighten up a store and make a world of difference.”

Take a look around the store and let your senses go to work. Can you detect anything that could turn off customers?

Don’t be afraid to seek other perspectives. Meet and brainstorm with employees, family, friends, mentors and advisors, as well as customers. Ask them for ideas or a frank assessment as to how you can improve the image of and bring excitement to your pet store. The more ideas received, the more options you will have to give your business that edge.

To gain even more feedback, train employees to be the eyes and ears of the store while they help freshen up the sales floor. “Employees hear a lot of stuff that indicates what customers think of your store,” Dion explains. “Customers are not experts at retail management, but they can get vocal when something bothers them.”


Keep It Clean
The first place to look when assessing a store’s image is cleanliness. “The pet supply store I use is conveniently close to my house, but sometimes it’s dirty,” Dion reveals. “How many other customers notice that and are turned off? It doesn’t take much money or effort to keep a pet store clean.”

Miller advises making each employee responsible for keeping a pre-determined area of the store clean. “You can take a photograph of a clean module and display the photo in the employee room,” he explains. “You’ve established a non-negotiable standard for how the store must look before the employees go home at night.”

Do you smell anything foul? Customers understand that a pet store, by nature, may have certain smells, but are the odors out of control? Use an exhaust system to air out the store. “Most retailers don’t bother to air out their stores,” Miller explains. “Or when they do, they use an inefficient exhaust system. A good exhaust will cost from $5,000 to $20,000, depending on the type of store. It will be less if you don’t have live animals.”

In a tough economy, the look and attitude of a store’s employees can be just as important as the product and services provided. And freshening up the workforce will cost no more than a song.

Make every worker wear the same type of clothes. “I’ve noticed that a growing number of pet retailers have relaxed their dress codes,” he explains. “But how an employee looks and acts goes a long way in making your average customer feel comfortable.”


Sprucing Up Signage
Another area that should be carefully looked at is the store’s signage. Are the signs confusing or boring? Handwritten signs look unprofessional–discard them. You can simply print signs from a computer or use pre-printed signage supplied by vendors.

“Use signage to engage customers,” advises Nancy Reed, marketing director for Companion Habitats Inc., a Colorado Springs, Colo.-based company that provides animal fixtures for the retail industry. “For instance, if you have a sign about lizards, include a short paragraph on the sign about their habits.”

Reed suggests that retailers go a step further, particularly when trying to engage younger shoppers who are easily bored by traditional merchandising strategies. “They are the buyers of the future, and we know they are into technology. So use interactive displays to engage them,” she says.


Clear Out the Clutter Are your aisles cluttered? Do they make you feel like snake when trying to navigate them? Keep products in an orderly manner and off the floor. Taking photos of the front, middle and back of the store and analyzing them can provide some valuable insight in this regard. “What you see will shock you,” says Dion. “Many retail stores are too cluttered. The products on the floor really belong in the stock room.”

According to Diane Benson Harrington, a business writer who publishes articles that help small business owners with their most pressing management problems, narrow aisles and boxy configurations give a store a discount-store feel. “Open floor plans with a curvilinear sensibility encourage shoppers to linger and move around the store,” Harrington explains.

You can control customer traffic flow by delineating a walkway through the store. Known as the ‘main drive aisle,’ this pathway can create what Miller describes as the “yellow brick road effect.” He explains: “A pet retailer can put a red main drive aisle through the store, similar to what the Target discount store chain does to help move their customers smoothly. It’s not costly and it works very well. I’ve done 3,000 stores with this principle in mind, and I have not had to make any changes.”


A First Impression
Don’t forget that the front of the store is where the customer gets a first impression. “Make your window display as simple but as inviting as possible,” says Dion, also noting that the first two to three feet of the sales floor should be clean and open.

Miller agrees, explaining that customers will form an impression of a store within two or three steps inside the front door. Woe is the future of the pet store where the music is too loud or jarring, the aisles too cluttered or the employees too sloppily dressed.


Shed Some Light
Lighting is a key element in remodeling a store. The three keys to good lighting are atmosphere, attraction and appeal. A store needs to use different types of lighting, depending on the objective.

“To enhance the general shopping experience, use florescent full spectrum color bulbs,” Miller says. “Accent or track lighting should be used to highlight window displays or endcaps and should be placed where you want the customer to spend more time. Track lighting is used for special purposes, such as to highlight animal enclosures or for showcases or neon signage. Track lighting’s psychological goal is to trigger impulse buying.”

The above remodeling tips are inexpensive ways to spruce up a store and freshen its image. “You don’t need to do major remodeling overhaul, but it’s important that pet retailers be proactive and do everything they can to attract and keep customers,” Dolinski say.