A Healthy Balanced Diet Equals A Healthy Pet!

Your furry friend works hard to keep up with you! They run and play, nap and cuddle, and for all of that, they need the right nutrition to make sure they can continue to do all of these things. Whether you have a cat or dog, there are specific foods that your pet needs at different stages of their life so they can continue to live up to all of their potential. Here at the PetCot company, we realize the value of having the right tools, whether that's a raised pet bed or a delicious and nutritious dog food. Here are a few ways you can make sure you're getting the right food for your pet.

If you have any concerns about your pet's eating habits, what they should or shouldn't eat, or the quantity or quality - please consult your veterinarian for more information.

Consider Their Stage of Life

It's important to realize that your pet's stage of life can influence the types of food they need. While a young pet will need plenty of proteins and vitamins so they can build a strong frame as they grow, an older pet may need something that helps support their aging body and is easily digestible. Pet food isn't a one size fits all.

Look At The Ingredients

If you aren't sure what type of food to get, you can always start by looking at the ingredients on the bag. They will be in order of quantity used, so you'll want to see some form of meat or fish as the first or second item on the list. You'll also want to find appropriate amounts of protein, carbohydrates, fiber and fats in a pet food.

While there are some who choose to get a grain free or gluten free dog food, keep in mind that there are studies saying that your pet isn't allergic to gluten. If you have any concerns about your pets allergies or diet you'll want to talk to your veterinarian. They can run tests on your furry friend to find out exactly what is happening in their body, and choose a food that works with them.

Compare the Guaranteed Analysis

The Guaranteed Analysis can be found on the back of your pet food bag. The chart lists the percentages of the different ingredients contained in the food, but you have to remember that the numbers are on an "as fed" basis and they don't take into account the amount of moisture in the food. Because different foods have different moisture levels, you'll want to determine the actual levels of moisture by converting wet food to Dry Matter.

Take Time Switching Food

Once you've compared the foods and you're ready to make the switch, remember that it's important to make a slow transition between the new food and the old. There are normal bacteria in your dog's digestive system that allow them to digest their food, and when you suddenly change it on them, they can have adverse effects, and it can be harder for them to transition.

One Transition That Doesn't Take Long At All

Did you know, there's one transition that you probably won't have to go through slowly with your pet? When you bring a PetCot home, many pets fall in love with it immediately, and don't need a transition period to get used to it! Throw a few toys on it, add their favorite blanket, and they are generally hooked to their new favorite premium pet bed. And the best part, is you can plan ahead with this by getting a bed that your pup will grow into. We know you care for every aspect of your pet, so from food to bedding, PetCot is here to make sure you have what you need to love your pet longer! Visit our website to check out our products, and find the best one for you!

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Decorating Tips for a Pet Friendly Home

Any pet owner knows that having an indoor pet means that there is bound to be some amount of sacrifice to your home's cleanliness and decor. While, yes, we would agree with that statement, we also know it doesn't have to be as big of a sacrifice as you think. This week, we're sharing with you a few things that you can do to decorate your home to be more pet friendly.

Use Slip-Proof Rugs

The best rugs feature patterns with a multitude of colors that draw the eye away from dirt, stains, and pet hair. Some rugs do a great job of resisting stains, while others can easily be taken outside and hosed clean. Check the rug label for details. Whichever option you choose, include a non-skid pad or double-sided tape beneath the rug so Fido and Fluffy can run safely through the house. And you'll protect your flooring from getting ruined, too.

Choose Pet Friendly Furnishings

The goal is to choose upholstery fabrics that create less work for you. Avoid chairs and sofas covered in velvet, chenille, or other delicate fabrics that can be easily ruined by pets. Tweed can also be a nightmare to clean because pet hair gets caught in its uneven surface. Instead, opt for stain-resistant fabrics that are durable. Crypton is a nearly indestructible, synthetic fabric that's resistant to stains, smells, bacteria and muddy paws. Leather is an easy fabric to clean and is pretty durable. Just keep a leather repair kit on hand to fix scratches. Denim, canvas, and microfiber or microsuede fabrics are other great, easy to clean choices.

Protect Your Walls 

Let's face it, whether they mean to or not, dogs make messes. And big slobbery dogs make even bigger messes. Paint your walls in a semi-gloss-finish paint, especially in rooms that see lots of activity and moisture such as the bathroom and kitchen. This will make wiping down walls after your dog shakes after bath time or drinking much simpler.

Order a PetCot Bed

If you're sharing your bed with your dog, the dander, dog hair, sweat and drool can often cause your bed to quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria. Rather than spending a bunch of time washing and rewashing your sheets and bed covers every other day, get your dog a PetCot! A raised dog bed can help keep your home cleaner, and it'll keep them off of your couch and bed. It's much easier wipe down a PetCot than it is to wash, vacuum, or roller your entire living room or bed set.

By using these tips for making your home more pet friendly, you'll appreciate the time you'll save with cleaning up after your fur baby. And since these are such minor, inexpensive decor changes, you'll also appreciate that your home hasn't completely been taken over by your pooch and that it can still feel like home! Don't forget to invest in a PetCot bed to give your pooch his own place to call his own in your home. Visit our website to check out the premium pet beds we offer in different colors and sizes to match all home decor!

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Easy Budgeting Tips For Your Pet Care Costs

You love your fur baby like a child, and you want to give them the best of everything, but that doesn't mean you want to spend every last dime of your hard earned money covering pet expenses. Pets aren't quite as costly as children, but they do have to be properly cared for, and that can be expensive if you're not careful. So if expense is a concern, you have two options: Get a pet rock, or carefully budget your pet's care. Here are some easy tips for saving a few bucks on pet care costs.

Adopt From Your Local Shelter
Buying a purebred pooch from a pet store or breeder can be very costly, ranging anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars. But adopting from an animal shelter or pet rescue, your adoption fee may only be just $75 to $150. Not only will you be helping a pet in need, but most shelters spay or neuter and de-worm and vaccinate the animals prior to adoption, which saves you money on those costs.

Make a Trade for Pet Services
Do you have a friend that would willingly watch your beloved pooch while you've got to be out of town in exchange for a batch of your famous ooey gooey butter cookies? Take advantage of that easy trade for saving money on pet services! You can exchange just about anything for pet services (accounting, house cleaning, dental care), so play to your strengths. What you get in return can range from walking your dog a few times a week, to cleaning your pet's teeth (if your friend's a veterinarian).

Shop Around and Compare Pricing
If you're the least bit frugal, you probably already compare prices before going shopping for yourself. Why not do the same when buying for your pet? When purchasing pet food or litter, buying in bulk can save you big money, especially if you have more than one animal at home. Clip coupons from your local newspaper and look for store specials to maximize your savings. Look into an online or mail order store like for your pet's medications, they are typically are much cheaper since they don't have a retail markup.

Don't Pay To Have It Done, Do It Yourself
Vets and groomers can be expensive. Although you have to take your pet in for check-ups and procedures once in a while, you can learn how to handle some of the everyday care yourself. Daily brushing not only leaves your pet with a shiny, lustrous coat, but it also helps clear away dirt and matted fur. Bathe your dog yourself. It may take some getting used to, but it can save you quite a bit in the long run depending on how often your dog needs bathed. You can also ask your vet or groomer to show you how to clip your dog's nails so you can do that at home too.

Practice Preventative Care
Most pets need to get a check-up about once every six months. If you take good care of your cat or dog, those twice-yearly visits will be enough, and you won't have to spend any extra time and money at the vet's office. Waiting until your pet is already sick can turn a $100 veterinarian visit into a $3,000 trip. Follow your vet's recommendations for check-ups so you can nip any potential health problems in the bud.

Invest in a Durable Pet Bed
Sure, you could go to your local supermarket and pick up one of those super expensive pillow dog beds that only last a few months before you have to toss it and buy a new one... OR you could invest in a pet bed that is lightweight, but also tough enough that kennels and veterinary offices nationwide count on it. That is what you will get with a PetCot bed. They are light enough that you can easily pick them up and move them, but strong enough to handle the weight of even your heaviest dog. Our exclusive cover is heat-sealed seamed, not sewn, and with corner, to corner fabric, you won’t feel weakness in the design. Our premium raised pet beds are known for being durable, which in itself will save you money. But if you have a destructive Duke, you don't have to worry about replacing the entire bed. We offer replacement parts at very affordable prices!

There are many ways to cut down on pet care expenses, but these few ways will get you started down the right path to savings! A happy pet makes a happy owner, and a comfortable pet is a happy pet. Are you ready to see why purchasing a PetCot bed will be the last premium pet bed you have to purchase? You can visit our website to view all of the different sizes and colors we have available, and before you know it, it will be shipped to your door!

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8 Ways to Keep Your Dog Cool This Summer

Summertime sparks the desire to get the family outdoors more often. And of course, you don't want to leave Sparky behind - after all, your pets are family too, right? While we always want to include our fur babies in family fun, it's important to remember that all that fur may not mix well with the warmer temperatures of summer. So, this week the PetCot Company has decided to share with you 8 tips to keep your furry buddy cool while enjoying summer fun with the family:

1. Don’t leave your pet in an unattended vehicle. 

On a 75-degree day, the temperature inside a parked car can climb up to 115 degrees within an hour. Even with the windows down, a dog can easily overheat if left in these conditions. If you need to run errands and don't feel comfortable leaving your dog home alone take it to a doggy day care. It’ll save you the trouble of worrying about your dog while you’re out.

2. Avoid walking on hot surfaces like asphalt. 

Your pup’s paws can be as sensitive as the soles of your feet. If the asphalt is too hot for you to walk on, chances are it’s too hot for your pup too. On a walk, try to alternate between asphalt, sidewalk, and grass so that your dog’s delicate paws don’t get overheated. If your dog is particularly sensitive, cover his paws with pet booties so he can stroll comfortably.

3. Supply lots of fresh, clean water. 

Some dogs get a bit finicky with their water if there’s an odd scent in the bowl or if it’s been warming up in the sun for a while. Keeping a fresh, clean supply of H2O in your dog’s dish will ensure that your pup drinks more often and stays hydrated.

4. Don’t overexercise pets. 

Dogs don’t always know their own limits. If you can tell your dog is breathing more rapidly or having some trouble chasing after a ball, slow things down and allow him to cool off. Outdoor activities are great but, instead of playing in the blazing afternoon sun, try tossing a ball around as the sun is setting.

5. Leave your dog at home on hot days.

Going to the beach and sitting out all day in the sun is something we humans enjoy, but it can leave pooches severely dehydrated. Even if you feel like the heat is bearable, remember, when dogs are exposed to moderately high temperatures over an extended period of time, their bodies might be unable to cool down.

6. Watch for signs of dehydration.

Dogs can't sweat. They cool off by panting, so an overheated dog will drool excessively. It will become lethargic, its eyes will be bloodshot, and it may appear a little pale. If you lift its skin, it will take longer than usual for the skin to fall back into place.

7. Take your dog swimming.

The best activity you can do in summertime or hot weather is swimming. Instead of walking the dog, take the dog on a swim! If you hold on and allow your dog to take you around the pool, it becomes a powerful bonding experience for the two of you, similar to the walk.

8. Get your dog a raised bed.

PetCot raised dog beds provide optimal comfort and support for dogs (and other pets) of all sizes. Our unique elevated dog bed allows your pet to rest easy while maintaining a comfortable body temperature all around. Durable and breathable, it provides dogs with a healthy, cool environment.

Now that you have some tips to go by to keep your best friend cool this summer, get out there and have some fun! Just remember to keep an eye on your pooch and keep them cool and hydrated. Don't forget to swing by our website to order your pup a premium raised dog bed to rest comfortably on after a fun day enjoying the summer activities you are bound to have a blast doing!

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7 Tips for Traveling with Your Pet

Summer is almost here! That means families are gearing up for trips and vacations. If you're thinking about taking your pet with you on your next family vacation, you'll want to properly prepare for traveling with your pet. The PetCot Company has come up with 7 tips to help make traveling with your pet easy and enjoyable.

Prepare to travel with your pet with these handy tips:

1. Update your pet's ID information

Before hitting the road with your beloved pet, make sure to have a plan for the worst case scenario. It's very easy for your pet to become anxious or restless while riding in the car for extended periods of time. This can lead to your pet uncharacteristically making a run for it when you open a door. Be prepared for this possibility by making sure their ID tags or microchip is up to date. Check that the contact information is accurate and legible. Also, keep a copy of your pet's medical records in your vehicle just in case.

2. Exercise before the trip

You know you're going to be in the vehicle for a while, so plan ahead to give your pet a little extra exercise time before heading out. This will help to prevent them from being restless during the ride, and will more than likely help them to sleep during the beginning of the trip. Don't forget to give them plenty of time to stretch and exercise them during stops.

3. Make proper stay arrangements

When traveling overnight keep in mind that not all lodging facilities allow pets. Before taking off, book pet-friendly hotels, and look for destinations that allow you to take your canine companion or feline friend. This will eliminate the headache of trying to find last minute lodging when you're tired and ready to get off the road.

4. Plan plenty of rest stops

Just like people, pets need to take a break from the road every now and then. While planning out your trip, look into good rest areas that are pet friendly and safe. Plan to stop at least every few hours to let your pet stretch and relieve themselves. This is a great time to take your pet for a brisk walk to exert some of that pent up energy so they don't get frustrated in the car.

5. Prepare for pets with anxiety

Many pets experience anxiety when traveling if it's not a common thing for them. To help your pet's anxiety, discuss getting a prescription to help with anxiety with your vet ahead of time. If you prefer a non-prescription approach, you can also look into anxiety reducing products such as a Thundershirt, or bring along a familiar blanket or their favorite toys to help keep them calm.

6. Don't leave your pet alone in the car

You're going to need to stop on the way to grab a bite to eat or fuel up. It may seem like a quick pit stop to you. However, heat is a serious hazard. On an 85-degree day, even with the windows slightly open, the temperature inside your car can reach 102 degrees in just 10 minutes. Temperatures like these can cause irreversible organ damage or death. Have a plan in place to ensure your pet isn't left alone in the vehicle by either planning out rest stops where you can take your pet with you, or choosing drive through stops so you can remain in your vehicle to keep it running and cool.

7. Secure your pet while driving

While it may be tempting to let your pet free roam on your travel, this is not a good idea. Secure your pet in a travel kennel or pet seat belt to keep them restrained to the back seat or cargo area. Not only will this keep them from unexpectedly jumping in your lap and possibly causing an accident, but it will keep them safe from extensive injury in the event of a collision. The PetCot Company has waterproof crate pads to make your pet's travel in a kennel comfortable.

With these 7 tips for traveling with your pet, you'll be hitting the road to your next vacation destination with your pet in no time! Don't forget to order a waterproof crate pad for your pet's travel kennel. The pad is constructed with orthopedic foam to allow for optimum comfort, as well as durability. It is easy to clean, fast drying and UV resistant, making it a perfect choice for traveling with a pet. Visit our website TODAY to get your PetCot products ordered in time for your next road trip!

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