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Pet-Inspired Art Can Make Your Home Complete!

April 19, 2016

On Day 9 of our 30 Days to the Best Pet Home, we are going to discuss how pet-inspired art can make your home complete!

There are so many different types of pet-inspired art that you can add to your home, each of which celebrate your pet and the special place they have in your life! Today, I want to share with you some inspiration for 3 of my favorite types of pet-inspired art!

Prints

Prints are very popular in home decor these days, and no gallery wall is complete without them. Prints inspired by your pets can include quotes, phrases, or even silhouettes! Below are a few of my favorite examples.


Paintings

Having a custom painting of your pet can be a great way to capture your pet’s unique personality all while integrating them into your decor!

I love these pet portraits that are custom painted by Kim from Yellow Brick Home.

Photography

Photography is amazing. It’s so incredible how a photographer can capture a moment with your family. Recently, my husband and I had an opportunity to have a photoshoot with Rooney. Not only are the pictures amazing, but we had the most amazing day on the beach with Rooney! A day I am sure we will remember forever!

Pet-Inspired Art for your home!

In addition to lovely photography we will add to our walls, Anne also designed this photo book for us that captures our perfect day! This photo book is the perfect addition to our coffee table!

Dog Art to Add to Your Decor

The exciting news is that I have a special offer for my readers in Northern California!

Anne Mary from Pawpawrazzi Pet Photography did such an excellent job capturing Rooney’s spirit and giving us photos that we are going to cherish forever! Anne is so amazing, and she is a huge advocate for animal rescue.

Therefore, Anne is offering readers of MKHP, 25% off their purchase, AND a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Golden Gate Pembroke Welsh Corgi Fanciers Club Rescue – which is the organization we adopted Rooney from!

The offer includes:

  • A full 2-3 private hours with your Artiste on-location*
  • Session includes up to 4 subjects (Humans,Canine or Equine)
  • We will take a variety of candid and posed pawtraits of your pets. And will have 30+ edited pawtraits per subject for you to choose from post production.
  • You will receive a bonus Print Credit of $100 which may be applied to your favorite Pawtrait from our Event.

*Please Note:  This Special Offer for Fans ENDS on April 27th!

If you are interested in helping Corgi rescue and would like to have your very own photoshoot, visit the event page and RSVP today!

Tell me, what kind of art do you have in your home? Does your pet inspire your decor?

The Right Detergent for Washing Pet Blankets

April 16, 2016

Day 8 of our 30 Days to the Best Pet Home is all about the right kind of detergent for your pet’s skin.

Now, you may have noticed that I am a few days behind on this challenge, and I promise to make it up to you. However, the reason I am behind (in addition to generally being busy this week) is that we are having guests today.

In preparation for our guests, we have been cleaning and finishing a few projects around the house, which you will see photos of very shortly. One of the most important steps in preparing for guests is washing the pet blankets.

Be the blanket. I am the blanket. #BlanketCorg #ImCold #ItsStormin

A photo posted by Rachel Sheppard (@mykidhaspaws) on

The blankets that our pets use can start to stink over time due to the oils in their skin and the items they track in from outside. Of course, I recently learned about the new World of Angus blanket that is anti-microbial and, therefore, can prevent the stinky blanket situation from happening in the first place. However, Rooney has a variety of different blankets all of which need to be washed before guests come over this weekend.



But, is there a certain detergent I should be using to wash pet blankets?

The answer is, yes!

When washing your pet’s blankets, it’s important that you use a detergent with no dyes or fragrances. Why? Although these additives can make pet blankets and beds smell better, they can also irritate your pet’s skin. Additionally, certain chemicals within laundry detergents can be toxic to your pet if your pet chews on their blankets.

The best thing you can do is select a pet-safe natural laundry detergent that won’t irritate your pet’s skin or contain harsh chemicals (the harsh chemicals commonly found in laundry detergent are harmful to you too!). There are a variety of different natural laundry detergents out there, but make sure they don’t contain the following:

Chlorine

Fragrance

Petroleum distillates

Nonlphenol ethoxylate or NPE

Diethanolamine

Bleach

…and the list goes on.

The specifics on what chemicals need to be avoided is unclear based on my research. Effectively, any detergent that is chemical based and not made from natural ingredients can irritate their skin and will be toxic if consumed. The best suggestion I can give is to discuss alternatives with your veterinarian.

In our house, we use All Free & Clear, which doesn’t have any fragrances or dyes and is recommended by dermatologists and pediatricians. We have to use this detergent because I am the one with sensitive skin, but it is nice to know that it won’t irritate Rooney’s skin either. Although, when researching the ingredients for this laundry detergent, they weren’t available online (and they aren’t on the bottle either). Since Rooney doesn’t chew on his blankets, I am not too worried. However, I may be making a switch to Seventh Generation, which is highly focused on keeping household cleaners safe. I will be discussing with Rooney’s veterinarian very soon.

No matter what detergent you use, it’s always a good idea to add an additional rinse cycle to the laundry to be sure there aren’t any chemicals left behind.

The Danger of Laundry Detergent Pods

It is highly recommended that pet parents stay away from laundry detergent pods. Due to their high concentration, they can be very toxic to pets who bite down or ingest the detergent. Additionally, if your pet vomits the detergent, there is risk of aspiration due to the foamy nature of the product. (HealthyPets Mercola)

What about dryer sheets?

Same goes for dryer sheets. These items can also contain toxic chemicals for pets, especially cats.

The toxic ingredients are actually referred to as cationics. These chemicals can be harmful to both the digestive system and the skin. The best thing you can do is keep your pets away from these dryer sheets and use other, more natural means, to neutralize pet odors.

Vinegar Can Neutralize Odors Left Behind on Pet Blankets

So I know what you are thinking now. What am I supposed to use to make these pet blankets smell better?

PetMD recommends adding 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar to your load of laundry to deodorize blankets. I have never tried this remedy before. If you have any feedback about this method, please leave a comment.

I hope this information helps you make the best choice possible for keeping your house clean and your pets safe!



Choosing Pet-Hair-Friendly Bedding

April 12, 2016

Welcome to Day 7 of our 30 Days to the Best Pet Home Challenge! Today, we are all about pet-hair-friendly bedding!

When I first learned that there was such a thing as pet-hair-friendly bedding, I was thrilled!

I don’t know if your dog sleeps in your bed, but Rooney sleeps on our bed during the day, and sometimes at night. Since Rooney sheds a lot, it is really important that our bedding is easy to clean, and can easily have pet hair removed.

Keep in mind, there aren’t materials that completely repel pet hair and keep all hair off your bed at all times (at least not yet!). However, there are materials available that will make your bedding easier to clean.

Choosing the Right Fabric

Tightly Woven Cotton

When the fabric is made with little space in between, there is less room left for pet hair to cling. How do you know how tightly woven your fabric is? Check the thread count. The higher the thread count, the more tightly woven the fabric. There are a few different fabrics available under the “tightly woven cotton” category. This home article from SFGate recommends sateen.

500 Thread Count Egyptian Cotton Extra Deep Pocket 6 Piece Sheet Set

500 Thread Count Egyptian Cotton Extra Deep Pocket 6 Piece Sheet Set

Regular Price:$103.99

See More Sheets

 



Linen

100% linen fabric resists pet hair, reduces pilling, and is very durable. Also, this fabric will keep you cool during the summer months since it is so breathable. Linen bedding can cost a pretty penny, so if you would like to save yourself some money, Amanda Bell from SFGate recommends opting for a high thread count cotton-linen blend.

Microfiber

Now, I am a very tactile person. I simply cannot help walking past a soft looking blanket without feeling the fabric. For this reason, I love microfiber. According to the same article from SFGate, Microfiber thickness is measured in deniers. A higher denier = thicker bedding, which leaves less room for pet hair.

Extra Features to Consider When Searching For Pet-Friendly Bedding

If your pet doesn’t shed too much, then pet hair might not be the problem you are looking to solve. If that’s the case, I recommend considering the following criteria when selecting bedding.

Stain & Liquid Resistant

While your pet may never intend to drool or lick their paws and get your blankets wet, this might happen anyway. If you believe this is something your pet might do, you could consider investing in water resistant comforters.

Anti-microbial

This may be a blanket feature that you have never considered before. Perhaps your pet likes to sleep in the same spot on your bed all the time. If this is the case, you might notice that that particular section of your bedding may start to stink. In this case, you could use a blanket like this one from World of Angus. Not only is this blanket water-repellent, but it is also anti-microbial, which resists oils and keeps your bed extra clean.

Washing the Bedding

A tip I read while completing the research for this blog post, stated that it would be important to use 2 rinse cycles while washing your bedding to ensure that you have removed as much pet hair as possible.

So tell me, are you thinking of upgrading your bedding to make it easier to clean?

Disclaimer: I am part of the Wayfair Homemakers Program. I am occasionally provided with Wayfair products in exchange for my honest opinion. My Kid Has Paws strives to share only products we believe would benefit our readers.



Helping Rescues & Shelters With the Items in Your Home

April 10, 2016

Day 5 and 6 of 30 days to the Best Pet Home are all about giving back to rescues and shelters with the items in your home.

You can spend 1 hour, or a few days, going through your household items and provide much-needed donations to your local rescue or shelter.

Step 1: Towels

Rescues and shelters need towels to bathe the pets they have at their facility. Additionally, if your rescue or shelter has an in-house veterinary facility, towels are often used in veterinary hospitals to provide pets with a more secure footing when placed on an exam table.

Step 2: Blankets and Throws

Rescues and shelters use blankets and other throw items as bedding for pets. Having enough blankets and cushions for all the animals in the shelter is very important. It definitely adds a feeling of comfort for a pet as they wait patiently for their forever home. Not to mention, blankets provide warmer shelter for rescues and shelters with outdoor facilities.

Step 3: Pet Beds, Crates & Blankets

Is it time to upgrade to a new pet bed? Do you have an extra crate lying around the house? All gently used crates, pet beds, and blankets can come in handy for rescues and shelters. Not only can they help the animals while they are in the shelter, but it’s also an excellent selling point for volunteers to say that a pet comes with a crate, bed, and blanket, for example. Covering the initial price of many of these items can help with the initial adoption fees and encourage more people to adopt a pet.

Step 4: Extra Leashes & Collars

Do you have extra leashes and collars for your pet? Is it time to downsize to only 3 fashion leashes instead of 7? (I hope I am not alone) If so, rescues and shelters can use these items. It may sound silly, but cute leashes and collars can be used for photo shoots for adoptable pets, and can make them look cute and gentle and, therefore, more adoptable. Not to mention, these items can also provide value for the pet as they are adopted.

Step 5: Donate Extra Bowls, Treats, and Food

If you have recently purchased a new food bowl for your pet, or you received an extra bag of treats from an event, these items can also benefit pets at the shelter.

While many of these items may seem obvious, I have known many people who did not know that you can donate gently used items to rescues and shelters. Just keep in mind that their funds are limited so help in all forms is welcomed.

Appropriate Condition for Donation

  • Many locations prefer that all items are gently used or new.
  • It is wonderful when the items are dropped off freshly laundered or washed.
  • With blankets and towels, I like to cut off any extra strings that are along the edges.

If you are ever unsure of what your local rescue or shelter might want or need, always feel free to call ahead and ask.

Have you previously donated these items to your local rescue or shelter?

 

Also, to help raise awareness about homeless animals in shelters and rescues, and to support one of my local rescues, Valley Humane Society, I am participating in the Voiceless Challenge. I challenge all of my blog readers to go to voicelesschallenge.org and learn more about how you can speak up for homeless animals.

#VoicelessChallenge from Rachel Sheppard on Vimeo.

Helping Local Rescues & Shelters

Emergency Preparation With Pet Safety Stickers

April 8, 2016

Day 4 of our 30 Days to the Best Home will focus on Safety Stickers!

What are pet safety stickers you ask?

They are simply stickers that go on the windows of your home and say how many animals you have inside.

Why would I need a safety sticker?

In the event of an emergency, it is important that all first respondents (firefighters, police officers, etc.) know how many animals you have inside.

I have always felt these stickers were most important for fires. I have shared with my readers before that my biggest fear is that there will be a fire while I am gone and Rooney will be stuck inside the house. In these situations, it is best if firefighters or all other authorities know to look for Rooney if they respond to an emergency.

Where Can I Get a Safety Sticker?

Great question! You can order them online from a variety of sources, but here are a few:

You might also be able to pick them up from your local pet store, your veterinarian’s office, or maybe even your local doggy day care, as some businesses use them as marketing material.

We received our safety sticker from Only Natural Pet at BlogPaws last year.

Keeping Your Pets Safe with Safety Stickers

Once you get your sticker(s), simply fill them out and place them on the windows closest to your main entries.

That’s it! This quick fix helps you keep your pets safe!

If you would like to upgrade from stickers to something a little more permanent, I found this great plaque on Pinterest that can be fixed to the outside of a wall or door.


Do you have pet safety stickers? Have you been in a situation where they saved your pet?  

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