Fish Hotel in Amsterdam

Finally a way to board your fish while you vacation. Its is common to board dogs, cats and other small mammals while you head on vacation, but there never has been a place to take your fish, until now. The Goudvissen Hotel in Amsterdam is the first hotel for only goldfish. It holds about 80% permanent residents and has a separate chamber to hold your goldfish, keeping colds from spreading between yours and theirs. Also, if you do loose a fish while you are vacationing, you may choose to take one of their permanent ones back with you. For more information:

http://inventorspot.com/articles/not_fish_story_dutch_create_first_fish_hotel_world

Meet Thunderdog...Or At Least the Dog Who Wears Thundershirt

Lets face it, many dogs have anxiety problems just like humans. Many dogs are fearful of strangers, thunder, or in last weekend, fireworks. The "Thundershirt" company has created a shirt that constantly applies gentle pressure on the dog's chest, reducing anxiety. Although a direct scientific explanation has not been reached yet, "Thundershirt" offers a money-back guarantee. The constant pressure technique is not something new, veterinarians have used it to calm cattle and weighted vests are used on kids with behavioral problems. Learn more here:

http://www.thundershirt.com/

Dog Meets Kittens

Here is a fun video about a dog who adopted kittens. Enough said!

17 Common Poisonous Plants

The ASPCA has created a searchable list of pet-poisonous plants that include many common house hold plants. The scary part is most of us have at least one of these in our yard or home. Symptoms of poisoning can include minor problems like an upset stomach and diarrhea all the way to death. Among some of the most common plants are the tulip, azalea, mum, english ivy and yew. Before purchasing your next plant, please consult the ASPCA's website and select both a beautiful and pet-friendly plant.

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/17-common-poisonous-plants.html

Your Very Own Backyard Zoo

If you have ever thought your house was a zoo with so many animals, here is your chance to complete the experience with a backyard habitat. Habitat Haven has created DIY(do it yourself) projects that instructs you how to create an outdoor habitat for your pet. Projects ranging in size from a simple patio enclosure to a cavernous tunnel experience are available through the Habitat Haven website. These projects allow your pets to experience the great outdoors while maintaining a safe and comfortable environment. For more ideas and images:

http://habitathaven.com/index.html

The Matchbox Dog House

Here is another contemporary dog house which combines a beautiful aesthetic with an easy maintenance. The architecture firm Archimania worked with a rescue charity to design this concept driven home. The idea comes from a matchbox composed of outer wrapper and inner box. The inner box may be slid out for a quick hosing down, then returned to the outer shell for use again. For more information visit:

http://www.archdaily.com/64927/dogone-house-archimania/#more-64927

Top Ten Dog Beaches Announced

On June 10 2010, "FIDO-Friendly Magazine" announced their top ten dog beach picks in the US. Huntington Beach California topped out the list at number one with several other California beaches following suite. Florida beaches also dominated the list, while North Carolina and Chicago slipped in at 7 and 8. For more information on rankings and locations:

http://www.ocregister.com/news/beach-252750-dog-leash.html

Dog Houses for Homeless Dogs

In the Brazilian city of Caxias do Sul there is a shanty town for dogs. Shaky shelters for humans are not uncommon in many of the Brazilian cities but these small houses are a Soama idea. One of Brazil's humane societies called upon the help of volunteers to donate individual dog houses. Collectively they were able to house 1,600 dogs and 200 cats, but still the goal is to place as many pets into forever homes as possible. For more information:

http://inventorspot.com/articles/brazil_volunteers_builds_dog_houses_homeless_dogs_43031

The Pet Insurance Decision

Pet owners often have to face a difficult decision when it comes to emergencies. Unexpected visits to the vet can easily climb to an unaffordable amount of cash and loved pets are weighed differently than a human. Pet Insurance is becoming increasingly popular as new medical treatments for pets are becoming available. However choosing an insurance company is usually not an enjoyable task. When checking different options, it is important to look at whether your premiums increase, what emergencies are covered, your deductible and the total amount the insurance will cover. "Trupanion" allows you to compare the top pet insurance coverages in an easy to read table. While giving no preference to a certain company, we urge you to compare companies on "Trupanion's" website:

https://www.trupanionpetinsurance.com/

Modernism Meets Modern Pooch

If you want to make "the doghouse" a stylish place to be, visit the "best friend's home" website today. With four different designer homes for your dogs, plus an additional option to customize, Spot will have never felt so pampered. Each of these homes come in a small, medium and extra-large size and average around two grand. Check out the website for more images of these miniature mansions:

http://www.bestfriendshome.com/

How to Brush Your Pet's Teeth

You (hopefully) brush your teeth everyday so why should you neglect your pets teeth? Daily to once weekly brushings are recommended to prevent Periodontal Disease as well as other gum diseases. Its estimated that 80% of dogs and 70% of cats will suffer some sort of gum disease by the age of 3. However, we can easily prevent this disease from happening! Above is a demonstration on how to introduce teeth brushing to your pets.

Top Ten Dog Friendly US Cities

DogFriendly.com announced the top ten dog friendly cities in the US. Rankings 1-10 plus runners up were based on accommodations, attractions, beaches, parks, stores and restaurants that allow dogs to join their human companions. Not surprisingly San Diego, CA won first place for their fantastic dog beaches. For more rankings and links to city events:

http://dogfriendly.com/dognews/

Good News For Cats Who Love Trees

Finally! A tree that cats should be encouraged to play in is here. "Tree House" has created a series of pet escapes that allow Mr. Meowsky to live his wild, outdoorsy side. Each tree house comes in a variety of sizes and numbers of perches for the pet and can be shipped to a majority of US states. It sounds like your pet cat, bird or snake will get the most out of this cool product. For more info on sizing and pricing:

http://pettreehouses.com/

Run, Bike or Swim to Save Homeless Pets

If you are in Chicago or just want an excuse to visit Chicago, join the TEAM PAWS in saving homeless pets. Whether you run the Chicago marathon(Oct 10), the Rock 'n' Roll Chicago Half Marathon(Aug 1) or compete in the Chicago Triathlon(Aug 29), every dollar you raise goes directly to PAWS Chicago. PAWS is the Midwest's only cageless, no kill shelter. Joining team PAWS will give you access to free training groups and numerous other perks. For more information visit the website:

http://marathon.pawschicago.org/

Stop Begging by Inviting Your Dog to Dinner

If you've ever missed your dog while eating dinner, an old product is now new to the pet industry. The Pet High Chair is for dogs up to 10 lbs and slips directly on the dining table. It supposedly stops dogs from begging. You can decide if thats true:

http://inventorspot.com/articles/give_your_dog_seat_table_pet_high_chair_39869

Nike Fish Tank

Every fish lover out there has to appreciate this cool concept tank. The Nike 78 Challenge was launched by advertising student Paul Jenkins to explore what can happen to a sneaker when taken outside its purposed environment. For all 78 entries and additional tank pics follow the link:

http://inventorspot.com/articles/nike_78_project_inspires_fish_lover_nike_aquarium_42447

In this "San Francisco Chronicle" article, author Christie Keith finally reveals the world's best kitty litter. Surprise! Its called "The World's Best Cat Litter." For those of us on a more modest budget, Keith continues to list less expensive and easier to find options. The winners are broken down into different reasonings like: ease of use, natural ingredients, freshness and ability to find at 3am. Could you be paying more for a lesser quality? Find out here:

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2007/07/10/petscol.DTL

Natural Solutions for Tick Control

We recently came across natural methods for tick management on pets. The Author of "Raise a Green Dog" blog has been committed to finding natural, more holistic products and methods for raising dogs. If you are committed to also maintaining an eco-friendly pup or animal in general, you might find this post informative:

http://blog.johannthedog.com/2008/05/dogs-and-ticks.html

Ninja Kittens for Toyota

Enjoy this fun youtube clip for Toyota Corolla! Cat lovers, enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7245jE1FS9U

Preventing Heartworm

As the warmth of summer approaches, the lifecycle of the mosquito begins. The months of July and August are peak months for heartworm infection in North America. According to "AHS," Between 2001-2007 the Heartworm infection reports have nearly doubled in the US. "The American Heartworm Society" reminds us that heartworm can be found not only in dogs, but cats and wild animals as well. Prevention of Heartworm is easy compared to the lengthy and painful process of treatment. With the numerous choices of monthly preventives, Heartworm prevention should not be difficult to obtain for your pet. For more information on heartworm visit "The American Heartworm Society" website or talk to your vet:

http://www.heartwormsociety.org/

Saving Life Through Donating Pet Hair

If you are an animal lover like us, the Gulf oil spill might be a big concern to you. Recently "Matter of Trust" launched an initiative to collect discarded pet hair from groomers, salons and wool and alpaca fleece farmers. Hair is used to absorb the oil, one of the main reasons we wash our human hair. If interested in donating, more information can be found on the "Matter of Trust" website:

http://www.matteroftrust.org/

Dog Food 101

For those of you who have ever weighed quality against price in dog foods, the "Dog Food Project" offers insight into the ingredients and regulations of the pet food industry. There is also information on Vegan and Vegetarian feeding. Whether its important or not, it is interesting:

http://www.dogfoodproject.com/

Chicago Dog Parks

Summer is nearly here! It is time to find a favorite park for your four-legged friend. Montrose dog beach is a local favorite, which newly added a large fenced area just in time for summer:

http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/resources/dog_friendly_areas/

We support The Shelter Pet Project

Head on over to The Shelter Pet project to see how you can get involved:

http://www.theshelterpetproject.org/

Top dog - luxury dog travel

If you happen to have $800 lying around and fancy taking your dog out in style! Check out the products at wannekes.

http://www.wannekes.com/

Amazing Dog Photography - Tim Flach

The possibilities of dog grooming are endless. Checkout the work of Tim Flach, pretty amazing!

http://timflach.com/