Paulmac's Pets Companion Magazine by Pet Valu Inc.

} Show us your colouring skills: The Kidz Zone P. 22

Let's Talk Litter P.3

Paulmac's TM

The Big Summer Issue I 2013

Protect Against

Heat Str ke

All you need to know to keep your pets safe this Summer!

Your Pet.Your Life.Your Store. INSIDE

Product Review Favourite Products put to the test!

It's Summer!

ROAD TRIP!

How to make your travel plans as safe & comfortable as possible

Turtles& Tortoises

DISCOVER

How to decide which pet is right for you?

POPULAR SUPPLEMENTS

〉〉 PAGE 10

Coupons Inside! Best Friends Forever A DAy IN THE LIFE OF yOUR

Cat

PAULMAC'S

CANADIAN EDITION

In this issue 3›

Alternative Litter Is alternative litter right for your cat?

4›

Your Cat's Day

6›

Prevent Heat Stroke

Take a peek at what your cat does all day!

What you need to know about keeping your pets cool

ummer means birthdays in my household. Lucy and I are both Geminis which means a lot of birthday presents are opened in June. Lucy always gets a nice, new wide collar for her birthday, complete with tags. I love the look of a wide collar on a big dog. I have my eye on the 1 ½” Calypso collar from RC Pet Products with a purple tag. She also gets a delicious, messy treat (to enjoy outside of course!) like a knuckle bone or marrow bone and a new summer toy which this year will be the Chuckit! Paraflight Dog Toy that we can take with us when visiting friends this summer. Mind you, I don’t know who will have more fun with it – Lucy, or me and my frisbee-loving friends? Are you travelling with your pet this summer? Be sure to read our Travel Tips on page 18 to properly prepare and avoid any mishaps. Or, perhaps your pet suffers from travel anxiety? That’s the case with one of our readers who wrote to us asking for our Pet Expert opinion. You can read her question and our answer on page 9. Whether you have a busy and eventful summer planned or a quiet, relaxing summer ahead, we hope you enjoy it with your families, pets included.

9›

Ask The Pet Experts Travel anxiety solution

10 › Supplements 101 Can your pet benefit? 12 › Paulmac's Product Review Products put to the test! 17 › Dealing with Pet Loss How everyone in the family is affected 18 › Road Trip with Your Pet! What you need to know 20 › Small Animal Feature:

Turtles & Tortoises

Unique reptile, fantastic lifetime pet! 22 › Kidz Zone Calling all artists!

EdiTor Kellie McCutcheon dESiGN Daniel Cullen, Kelly Natola CoNTriBUTorS Tera Cashen, Lua Emilia, Gavin Carothers Tracey Keegan, Candace Eberts Karen & Adrianna Sloan

Happy reading,

Kellie McCutcheon EDITOR

For advertising opportunities, e-mail companion@petvalu.com

➺ In the Next Issue Lucy will be another year older which means we will look closely at senior pets, their unique needs and how to keep them feeling young and healthy. www.paulmacs.com

®™ Trademarks used under license.

Product availability will vary by store location. Products may not be exactly as shown. Not responsible for typographical errors. Prices listed are in effect until June 30, 2013 and thereafter are subject to change without notice. Please note that the suggested retail prices referenced in Companion magazine are merely suggestions and may differ in stores. ©2013 Paulmac's

LITTER

To Clay, or Not to Clay? By terA cAshen

ave you looked down the litter aisle lately? Pet parents now have many different options, including a variety of eco-friendly litters with features such as odour control, low tracking, natural scents and high absorbency. Making the switch to eco-friendly litter has never been easier!

Clumping Fresh 4 Life Wheat and Fresh 4 Life Corn are both made from by-products of the grain industry. The wheat formula comes from wheat straw, which is not used for human consumption, and the corn formula is made from the cobs of corn after the corn has been pulled off. Both formulas are 3 times more absorbent than clay, so a smaller bag of wheat or corn litter will last longer than a large bag of clay. Fresh 4 Life Wheat has a natural ability to eliminate ammonia odours from cat urine, which is a definite plus if your cat is extrastinky in that department. And if you’re worried that your pet will eat the litter, don’t fret! Pets are less likely to consume this litter over other litters. The Corn formula is all-natural and chemical free, and is naturally absorbent to lock away moisture for better odour control.

Non-Clumping Fresh 4 Life Pine comes from leftovers of Northern White Pine lumber and is milled in Canada. It is a solid pellet that is 2 times more absorbent than clay, and the natural pine scent adds more protection against odours. Fresh 4 Life Silica litter contains silica crystals and indicator crystals which have been added in to tell you when the litter needs to be changed. This litter is 7 times more absorbent than clay, so a 12-lb bag of silica equals 90lbs of clay! All of these litters can be a lot more economical than buying clay since they last longer. As the saying goes, one man's trash is another man's (or cat's) treasure.

Recycled Paper Now with options for cats that love Recycled Paper Litter! Fresh 4 Life recycled Paper, the Original Recycled Paper Pellet Litter, is firmer with harder pellets. This litter is a fragrance free, low-dust formula. Great for your cat and home! The Ultra Soft recycled Paper Litter is made of super soft, lightweight, shredded pellets. Perfect for cats and kittens who prefer a softer litter.

▼ Recycled Paper Original Pellet Litter

Wheat

12413 › $14.99

12753 › $13.99

▲ Recycled Paper Ultra Soft Litter 12411 › $13.99

Pine

12541 › $12.99

Corn

12547 › $12.99

AvOID rEjECTION! When transitioning your cat to a new litter, be sure

to layer some of the old litter on top and gradually reduce the amount over a two week period.

Ultra Soft Litter Texture Original Litter Texture PAULMACS.CoM - 2013 SUMMER Companion 3

a caT's day

a Day in the Life Ever wonder what your cat does when you leave the house? We followed our friend Patches for a day to find out, and here is what we discovered. Interested in any of these products for your feline family member? Stop in at your local Paulmac's to see these products in action.*

6:00 am

Wake up in my warm bed, stretch and listen to see if anyone else is up yet. Lay awake thinking about the busy day ahead.

6:30 am Quick groom, want to look presentable.

6:45 am

If nobody is awake yet, start nudging pet parents. Time to get the day started. Tummy starting to rumble.

7:00 am

7:05 am

Convince my pet parents that I want new food. Inspect it carefully. Take a nibble.

Breakfast time! Wait, is this the same flavour as yesterday? Hmmmmmmm. Start to pace around bowl. Take a drink of water while I wait.

7:10 am

7:45

NEW PRODUCT! These fun & interactive cat activity centres provide multiple opportunities for cats to play, hide, climb, scratch & sleep! 4 Companion SUMMER 2013 - PAULMACS.CoM

Litter box time. Will spare you the details.

NAP!

D id Y o u

K now

On av cats sle erage, ep thirds of about two every da y.

5:00 pm

Did You Know

Pet parents will be home any minute. Wonder what toys we will play with tonight? Whatever it is, hope it looks like a mouse.

New research suggests that one of the reasons your cat 'scratches' is to communicate! By roughing up their favourite scratcher (and hopefully not your furniture) the cat is letting other cats or people know where she is and what she is up to.

4:30 pm

Starting to get hungry again. Time for another trip to the kitchen. Maybe I'll get a treat with dinner!

4:00 pm 3:15 pm

Post-nap grooming. I've become a pro & can maneuver around this collar no-problem.

Find a fun toy, bat it around until it goes under couch.

Darn!

3:30 pm

Visit the scratching post for a quick manicure.

3:00

11:15 am

Find a new spot to nap that is even warmer than the original spot. Ideally on a pile of freshly washed clothes!

11:10 am

Wake up, stretch & head to the litter box.

WAKE UP!

Cat Tip If your cat also likes to bask in the sunlight, put your cat tree close to a window so she stays nice and warm while watching what is going on outside as well! *Not all products may be available at all stores. PAULMACS.CoM - 2013 SUMMER Companion 5

sUMMER!

Cat Hydration Tip

Cats are typically not big water drinkers. A great way to keep your cat hydrated is to feed them wet food. Dry cat food contains 7-12% water, while canned food can contain up to 80% water. Try a combination of wet and dry next time you feed your cat so he gets the benefits of both!

 Cat Care

Though we may not take cats out with us as often as dogs, they are also susceptible to the risks of heat exposure. Cats protect themselves from heat by panting and licking their fur, which isn’t very effective at cooling down their bodies. Some symptoms of heat stroke in cats can include a anxbright red tongue, drooling, anx iety, muscle tremors, nose bleeds, Somevomiting, or diarrhea. Some times, if a cat is suffering from heat exhaustion, he may refuse to drink water. If this happens you can encourage him by sprinking small amounts of water on to his syrtongue with your fingers or a syr inge, being careful not to spray it down his throat.

Here Comes the Sun!

Be in the Know About Heat Stroke with Our Pets By GAVIn cArOthers

s we get ready to enjoy the summer with our pets we will likely find ourselves spending more time outdoors in hot weather. It’s important to remember that our pets also need to be taken care of to ensure they stay healthy when accompanying us or as they are spending more time outside during these months.

 An Ounce of Prevention…

When it comes to protecting cats and dogs from illness related to heat exposure, it is best to focus on the preventative side. Keeping our pets hydrated is the simplest and most important factor, which means having a supply of clean, cool water available at all times. Allowing our pets to have moist food such as quality canned products as part of a balanced diet can also help maintain hydration. Be careful with intense exercise outside on hot days – ensure our companions take frequent breaks with a chance to cool down indoors and re-hydrate. Never leave your pets in a car on a warm day, even with the windows down, as the temperature can rise to dangerous levels in mere minutes.

try this

 Signs of Heat-related Trouble with Dogs

Dogs perspire primarily through their footpads and noses. When they are unable to expel heat from their bodies quickly enough and are losing fluids faster than they are able to replenish them, they can get into trouble. Since they cannot tell us they need help, we need to be vigilant. Look for excessive panting, including laboured breathing, thick saliva, or absence of saliva and dark red gums: all signs of trouble. Also note if your dog looks dizzy or disoriented. More obvious signs can include lying down and refusing to get up, or loss of consciousness. Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke which, as with humans, is potentially life-threatening.

6 Companion SUMMER 2013 - PAULMACS.CoM

•Gulpy Water Bottle 52489 › $9.99 - 20 oz

 Treatment

At the first sign of heat exhaustion start by moving your companion indoors to a cool area, offering him water, and applying a cold, wet towel to his feet, head and groin areas. If you even suspect that your pet is suffering from heat stroke, take him to your veterinarian immediately. This condition is potentially life threatening, and a vet can manage their patient’s body temperature as it comes down, can provide fluid treatment, and can observe for signs of related problems.

✱ L

ucy

ves

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TasTes like salmon. Because iT is.

real salmOn is the #1 ingredient

for more information about natural ChOiCe® Cat food visit nutro.com

2 Off

Any (1) one Natural ChoiCe® Cat Food Dry bag (3lb or larger)

Consumer: Valid at Pet Valu or Paulmac’s stores only. Based on regular priced items. One coupon per transaction. Cannot be combined with any other offer or coupon. Present coupon to receive discount. Offer valid until Sept. 30, 2013. CPN CoDe: 5016

®/™ Trademarks © The Nutro Company

buy one get one

free

Any Natural ChoiCe Cat Food 3oz Wet Can

CPN CoDe: 5018

Give ‘em what they love! Performatrin Ultra Grain-Free Feline Formula was developed with the optimal health of your cats and kittens in mind. › › › ›

Packed with turkey, duck, chicken & salmon making this food irresistible to your cat Made for all feline life stages – built to support growing kittens and adult cats recipe includes cranberry, to support feline urinary health no meat by-products, grains, soya, artificial preservatives, artificial colours or artificial flavours

All

Feline Life Stages

Learn more at www.performatrinultra.com

Stay Wild…Stay Healthy! - Healthy Omega-3 Balance - Healthy Skin and Coat - Healthy Immune System - Healthy Joints - Healthy Appetite -

1-888-323-5575 grizzlypetproducts.com

MADE IN CANADA

pet

kelp

Pet Kelp is a seaweed-based nutrition booster for dogs and cats. Powdered kelp formulas provide the extra minerals and vitamins your pets need in their diet. Nova Scotia kelp is the purest and most nutrient-rich available. The all-natural kelp used is hand-harvested from the waters off Nova Scotia and sun-dried to retain the nutrient quality.

Helping your pets live their best lives.

qUEsTIon?

Ask the

Pet Experts

Thundershirt

Q A

44032-8 › $42.99 sizes XXs-XXL

Teddy is a very high-energy poodle mix but along with his high energy comes high anxiety, which makes him the worst travelling buddy ever! Whenever we are in the car he whines, barks, shakes and just recently peed in his crate. Any suggestions to help curb this behaviour? I don’t want to dread travelling with him all summer. – Judy, Brampton, ON

Hi Judy,

Poor Teddy, it sounds like he is also dreading travelling this summer! To make sure you both enjoy each other’s company in the car this year I would recommend the Thundershirt – over 80% of dogs who try them show major improvement with anxiety. Thundershirts gently hug your pet, and this gentle, constant pressure has a calming effect for most dogs and cats when they are anxious, fearful or overexcited. Think of it as swaddling a baby – but Teddy is the baby! our staff would be happy to help fit Teddy for a Thundershirt. on the off-chance that it doesn’t help Teddy's travelling woes, Thundershirt offers a 100% money back guarantee. In our expert opinion though, we think it’s going to be a perfect solution. Happy travels!

Have a QUESTION? NV13_petvalue_halfpg_x1a.pdf

2/5/13

3:12 PM

✱ Lu

cy L ove

s✱

Email us at companion@petvalu.com and you could see your question printed in the next issue of Companion! Only questions that will be published will be answered. Please include name and city of residence.

hEaLTh IssUEs

Cranberries Please!

Pets can certainly benefit from adding supplements to their diet. Whether it’s a long-term preventative supplement or an issue -specific short-term solution, Dr. Dave tells us everything we need to know about 4 fantastic supplements and how they can help your pet.

Time to talk

Supplements! By DAVe sUMMers Ph.D.

The Goods on Coconut Oil Coconut oil is a fat, but it's different than most of the fats that you're familiar with because it contains Medium Chain Fatty Acids (MCFA). Shorter MCFA are absorbed easily by the skin, hair, digestive tract, bacteria, and by cells within the body. It's this ability to be easily absorbed that gives coconut oil most of its unique advantages. When used in products like shampoos, coconut oil is able to penetrate into the hair, which results in more moisture being absorbed. Hair with more moisture is softer and fuller because it is able to take up more water. When applied to the skin, coconut oil helps skin overcome dryness, and greatly boosts the healing of cuts, wounds, or hot spots. When consumed, the antibiotic properties of coconut oil help eliminate harmful bacteria in the digestive tract and throughout the body. In addition, coconut oil is also able to destroy many viruses by enveloping the virus. As an energy source, the MCFA of coconut oil can go directly to the muscles. Most fats have to go to the liver first before they can be used as an energy source but coconut oil bypasses the liver which is great for active or working dogs that need an energy boost mid-day, or for dogs that have liver problems and are put on a low-fat diet.

 Coconut Oil Snap Shot: ➜ Helps moisturize skin and coat through their diet or shampoo, improving skin health ➜ Helps heal hot spots, ear infections, dermatitis and itchy skin ➜ Acts as a natural anti-biotic to help prevent infections and irritable bowel syndrome ➜ Quick energy source ➜ Helps with arthritic problems due to its anti-inflammatory properties

10 Companion SUMMER 2013 - PAULMACS.CoM

• Cranimals 78955 › $18.99 - 120 g

DID YOU KNOW Coconut oil (cholesterol) is trans fat free and contains 1% omega (6) and is very rich in medium chain fatty acids (good fats)

The health benefits of cranberries on urinary health have long been known. Originally it was thought the benefits of cranberries were mainly due to their ability to make urine more acidic (lower (lowerconing pH-level). Cranberries con tain phenols that most animals (including dogs and humans) metabolize into Hippuric Acid which lowers the urine pH and therefore helps eliminate some types of bacteria. Cats, however, cannot metabolize the phenols in cranberries into Hippuric Acid, but the lowering of urine pH is only a part of why cranberries help prevent urinary infections and urinary issues. Most of the benefits of cranberries come from their powerful anti-oxidants called proanthocyanidins (PAC). These PAC are absorbed, then deposited into the urinary system where they bind to the types of bacteria which cause most urinary infections and inflammation. The bacteria need to be able to bind to the bladder wall otherwise they will get flushed out with the urine. PAC works by providing a false binding site, so that bacteria attach to the PAC instead of the bladder wall. By preventing the infection, the formation of urinary crystals is also prevented. What a super fruit!

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 Cranberry Snap Shot: • Coco Therapy Coconut Oil 43677 › $14.99 - 8 oz 43676 › $24.99 - 16 oz

➜ Helps to prevent urinary tract infections, which in turn helps prevent urinary crystals ➜ A great source of powerful anti-oxidants that help boost overall body health

hEaLTh IssUEs

try this • Pet Kelp 43822, 43838, 43838, 43851, 43861 › $11.99 • Pet Naturals of Vermont Hip + Joint for Cats 43558 › $9.99 - 45 pk

All About Kelp Kelp is one word used to describe hundreds of different types of seaplants, but only certain types of kelp have the health benefits pets require. The traditional health benefit of kelp is as a natural source of vitamins and minerals, particularly iodine. A particular species of kelp, called Ascophyllum Nodosum, has been shown to have many other health benefits. Ascophyllum Nodosum has very good antimicrobial and anti-oxidant ability. Its antimicrobial ability helps eliminate bacteria from the mouth and helps with great dental and oral health. The antimicrobial ability also works in the digestive tract to helps eliminate harmful bacteria, leading to a healthier digestive system and less digestive upsets. The antioxidant ability helps boost your pet's immune system. The algae contained in kelp helps slow down the digestion process leading to a feeling of fullness which causes less over eating, and helps in weight loss and lowers blood sugar levels to help diabetic pets.

 Kelp Snap Shot: ➜ A natural source of trace minerals ➜ Acts as a prebiotic to eliminate harmful bacteria, to give dental benefit, and less digestive upsets ➜ Helps in weight loss

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• Pet Naturals of Vermont Hip + Joint for Large Dogs 43548 › $22.99 - 45 pk

Lov

es ✱

Protect Against Arthritis Chondroprotectives such as Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM and Hyaluronic Acid are supplements that are used to relieve arthritic & joint pain caused by the breakdown of the cartilage between bone joints. The breakdown may start as an injury or excessive wear, but most of the damage to cartilage results from the inflammation after the injury. Think of inflammation as little pockets of fire burning through cartilage. In order for the healing process to begin, this final inflammation has to be eliminated. Most of the chondroprotectives help by reducing inflammation but they all work differently; some work well on their own, while some work better in combination. It's a good idea to try more than one supplement, or try a combination of chondroprotective supplements to find what works best for your pet. Most dog foods only contain a preventative level of the chondroprotectives needed to help relieve arthritic pain, therefore adding a supplement of anti-inflammatories is very helpful in relieving arthritic & joint pain.

 Chondroprotectives Snap Shot Chondroitin ➜ Building block of cartilage, primary benefit is to reduce inflammation ➜ Most common anti-inflammatory used in dogs and cats ➜ Most effective single anti-inflammatory MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) ➜ Good anti-inflammatory, even better when used in combination with other anti-inflammatories Hyaluronic Acid ➜ Nature’s most slippery compound, used as the natural lubricant in bone joints ➜ Also acts as an anti-inflammatory Glucosamine ➜ Helps build cartilage ➜ Works best if given as a preventative, especially with growing puppies ➜ Helps rebuild cartilage once the inflammation is eliminated PETVALU.COM- -2013 2013SUMMER SPRiNg Companion 11 PAULMACS.CoM

pRodUcT REvIEw

Product Review For the Little Guys Super Pet Burger Chew Toy

FURminator

›› PAW rAtInG:

PRICE

$ .99

›› PAW rAtInG ›› PrODUct #42075 My rabbit liked chewing the softer loofa section in the middle of the “hamburger” best. Alan, Michelle & Snuggles

•

My hamster enjoyed this toy; she chewed on it and interacted with it quite a bit. Kimberley & Minnie

•

Our hamster Galileo was excited about taking bites of his burger! russell ussell & Galileo

•

PRICE

•

FIVE

›› PrODUct #63151 Anyone who has a RATING! rabbit knows there are three shedding season s: before winter, before summer, and the rest of the year. It’s like an infinite supply of fur! Bu t the FURminator grabs a ton of fur, and it is eas y to remove. This is easily one of the best things a rabbit ow ner could purcha se. Alan, Michelle & Snuggl es The produc t worked we ll, but you have to be careful bec ause gui nea pigs are sensiti ve. Ami & Mario

.99

•

This helped a lot with Bella’s shedding and smoothing out the fur. Tai & Bel la

•

Feline Faves Smart n’ Tasty Cat Treats

Litter Locker II

›› PAW rAtInG:

›› PAW rAtInG ›› PrODUct #52705 My cats and I love this, we can now go into the basement without ventilation masks!!!

›› PrODUct ct #30856-59 My cats love it and come run ning every time they see me opening the bag. I also like that it’s made in the USA . Naveen & Maxwell, isabel & Gul

•

• Brian, Ella & Cali

Fergus can be pretty pick y about his snacks. He wou ld ignore them at first but they wou ld alw ays disappear within the hour. These snacks are healthier than the “junk food” snacks he is used to! Andrea & Fergus Both of my cats liked the trea ts and ate them right up. Wendy, Sophie & Tucker PRICE $ .99

So easy to use! I would recommend it to a friend. Leslie & Marley

•

Comparable to the Diaper Genie for kids. It contains the smell well and is very handy to have beside the litter box. Faisal & Biscuit

•

Huge time saver, now I don’t need to go to the green bin ever y time I scoop. Wendy, Sophie & Tucker

•

PRICE

9 24.9

12 Companion SUMMER 2013 - PAULMACS.CoM

pRodUcT REvIEw

Fido's Playtime

PRIC

Bionic Small Ball

›› PAW rAtInG

›› PrODUct #53115

Tough and resilient, and because of its shape it’s easy for a small dog to get its mouth around. Also, because of the mate rial it’s made from, you can easily wash it! Alan & Chewie

Chuckit! Indoor Ball

›› PrODUct #49213

›› PAW rAtInG

$ .9E 9

bec ause it’s soft Per fect for using indoors iture. Jane & Cosmo furn my age and won’t dam piece and hasn't Good dur ability – still in one & Lexi fin lost any fibres. Brent, Grif things about Chuckit! We’ve alw ays heard great know, so I was really we ics nat from the fetch-fa d that the lightweight excited to try this out. I like over while ball didn’t knock any thing . I was wor king on my aim

•

Great for dogs that chew, after a week with our 6-month-old puppy there is barely a scratch on the ball. It is great for filling with peanut butter. It doesn’t bounce well, but it is great for rolling along the floor for a game of fetch! Melissa & Carson

•

• Alison & Vinnie

PRI C

10 .9E9

Vet ’s Best Waterless Dog Bath

Fresh & Clean

PRICE

11.99

›› PAW rAtInG

Smart n’ Tasty Fres

›› PrODUct #43901 Great product for spot cleaning, or gettin g around the eyes, face and all the awkw ard hard-to-reach spots. Kellie & Lucy

›› PrODUct: sMALL #30850 MeDIUM #30851 LArGe #30852 (skIn & cOAt AVAILAbLe)

•

These dental treats are the freshest-smelling treats I have ever given my dog! Seriously, it’s like giving him a breath mint! Alan & Chewie

Pepper has allergies and the itchiness is worst in the winter time with the windows closed & the furnace on. A few sprays every day helped to relieve some of her itchiness and she looked forward to the spray. Lynn, Harley & Pepper

•

PRICE

19 .99

Chase loves the treats, especially the minty flavour. His breath is now almost kissable. Brian & Chase

•

Great long-lasting treat that they really have to work at to break down so I can see that it is great for scraping the plaque on their teeth. Carson goes crazy for them as soon as we bring out the bag. Melissa & Carson

•

Both dogs loved the “Smart n’ Tasty” canine dental treats. They look forward to one each morning after breakfast. Lynn, Harley & Pepper

•

PAULMACS.CoM - 2013 SUMMER Companion 13

Natural Food for Dogs

More Tastes, More Textures, More Variety Just for Small Breeds

We do more than make pet food. We create Wellness Wellness.™

GeT A FRee 6 oz BAG OF WellNess PeTITe TReATs WheN yOU BUy ANy 4 lb BAG OR lARGeR WellNess smAll BReed dRy dOG FOOd cOnsUMer: Valid at Paulmac's or Pet Valu stores only. Based on regular priced items. One coupon per transaction. Cannot be combined with any other offer or coupon. Present coupon to receive discount. Offer valid until Sept. 30, 2013. cPn cODe: 5031 14 Companion SPRiNg 2013 - PETVALU.COM

WellnessPetFood.com

FURminator ® deShedding Tools

Are the Best Solution on the Market for Shedding Control Often the terms “brushing” or “combing” are used when talking about controlling shedding, but brushing and combing are not deShedding. Brushes and combs are used to keep the coat free of mats, tangles and debris. DeShedding removes the loose dead undercoat from the pet without cutting or damaging the topcoat. While both are a necessary part of a pet’s normal grooming routine, FURminator deShedding Tools outperform any brush, rake or comb when it comes to shedding control.

Why is deShedding important as part of a normal grooming routine? • • • • • • •

Maintains overall health and hygiene Helps the hair in its renewal process Cleans the skin of dandruﬀ Improves the coat’s insulation properties Stimulates natural oil production for healthy skin and a shiny coat Decreases the risk of hairball formation in cats Provides an excellent opportunity for a routine overall checkup

• Strengthens the bond between you and your pet

Patented deShedding Solutions made with every pet size and coat length in mind • Available in 14 varieties for dogs and cats • Simply select the tool that matches your pet’s body size then select either the short hair or long hair edge for a truly customized grooming experience.

REDUCE SHEDDING UP TO

90%

FURminator.com

©2013, United Pet Group, Inc. – All Rights Reserved. U.S. Patents 6,782,846, 7,077,076, 7,222,588, 7,334,540, 7,509,926, D565,258, D626,295, D626,296 and D626,297. Additional Patents Pending. FURminator® is a registered trademark of United Pet Group, Inc. Distributed by United Pet Group, Inc., 7794 Five Mile Road, Suite 190, Cincinnati OH 45230, (800) 645-5154.

Scan this QR Code with your smart phone for a deShedding tool demonstration.

It’s What Cats Lick Their Whiskers For

our kitchen cooked in

No.1 iNgredient is deboned meat protein

• chicken • duck • turkey • salmon • tuna • beef

Made With The Finest Ingredients. It’s Only Natural. Merrick is leading the cat food revolution. Because when it comes to our cats, we know exactly what they want. That’s why every new recipe is 70% healthy proteins + fats with the No.

New

Grain Free Dry Recipes

1 ingredient a deboned meat protein. Every new recipe Merrick created is 100% grain free and high in omega-6 and omega-3. Cat food has never been better.

New

Chicken + Duck + Turkey Recipes

Get tHree 3-oz cans of Purrfect Bistro cat food wheN you buy aNy 4-lB bag or larGer Merrick Purrfect Bistro dry cat food CONSUMER: Valid at Pet Valu or Paulmac’s stores only. Based on regular priced items. One coupon per transaction. Cannot be combined with any other offer or coupon. Present coupon to receive discount. Offer valid until Sept. 30, 2013. CPN CODE: 5030

New

Fish + Seafood Recipes

New

Beef Recipes

Source: Merrick proprietary research August 2012

from cHina

of our ingredients are

inGredieNts

Protein + healthy fats

100% grain free

Loss

Best

Advice for dealing with the loss of a pet

Friends Forever

By ALIsOn PreIss

Talk about it • Your fellow animal lovers can be a great comfort during this hard time. It’s important not to minimize your pain as you grieve a pet. The loss of a pet can be just as hard as losing a family member or friend, especially if you considered your pet to be both of those things. Don’t feel that you need to explain yourself to people who tell you that ‘It’s just an animal.’ Those who have loved a pet will understand your loss and the depth of your grief.

How the loss of a pet affects the whole family (pets included) By kAren & ADrIAnnA sLOAn

e have been fortunate to have had many wonderful animal friends come into our lives over the past 25 years. I say friends, because anyone who is a true lover of animals will tell you that they are so much more than just a pet. Sadly, part of our ownership is having to say goodbye to our beautiful friends when it is their time to leave this earth... their only flaw really! Those of us who have lost our companions understand how truly devastating this loss can be, but what about the others that are left behind? We have lost three amazing dog family members over the years and it never gets easier. Our first beloved friend, Ben, passed away and left behind his companion Ashley. It was painful for all of us, but what about her? How do you console the friends that are left behind? We noticed that Ashley just lost her zest for life and was a sad girl for years after the loss of Ben. Recently we had to suffer the loss of our 12-year-old German Shepherd Tammy, who was a strong, loyal and loving dog and loved her buddy Dingo, our Golden Lab, and was friend to Buster the Beagle. Tammy was the dog to welcome all of the new pets that came into our home, earning the nickname ‘Momma Dog.’ Tammy passed away suddenly, so we tried to minimize the shock to Dingo the best that we could. We brought Tammy home so that Dingo had the opportunity to see his lifelong friend after she had passed away. Hopefully this way he

would understand that she didn’t just disappear. Dingo looked confused and sad at the sight of his lifeless, best friend. He sat beside her and looked at us wondering why she wasn’t getting out of the car to run with him. We felt helpless watching him see her that way. It was evident that he was sad and grieving and he took to sleeping in Tammy’s usual place on the couch; I firmly believe this was his way of coping with her loss. As humans we have friends and family to console and support us through this difficult time but who does Dingo have? In addition to Dingo and Buster, we also have a Pot Bellied Pig named Toony that lives with us. While Dingo was never very patient with Toony, our sweet gentle Tammy always let Toony share her pillow and soon they formed a bond as well. The evening that Tammy passed away, Toony wandered the house looking for her dog friend. It was apparent that not only Dingo had lost a friend. Dingo had always been the dog with little tolerance for Toony, however in his time of grief, he took over Tammy’s role as Toony’s companion and the two formed an unlikely bond. Watching Dingo with Toony reaffirms that animals are truly the most loving, forgiving creatures. It’s important that in our time of grief we remember that we humans might not be the only ones suffering, and that our four-legged friends that are left behind will need their time to grieve, as well as extra love and support from their human companions.

“If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.” - Will Rogers

Pay tribute • One of the best pieces of advice I ever received about dealing with the loss of a pet was to start a list of all the things you loved about your pet. Try writing a short story or eulogy about your pet, make a scrap book with your favourite photos, or simply put their collar or other prized belonging in a place where you can see it and smile every day. I personally found that having a way to remember my pet helped me overcome any guilt I felt about moving forward with my life.

Plan a memorial • If you’d prefer a physical space to go to remember your pet, set up a small memorial in your garden. Your municipality may have rules or regulations on burying your pet, but planting a tree or flower in one of your pet’s favourite spots will still give you a place to reflect. Many vet’s offices now offer to make a stone impression of your pet’s paw that you can use as a memorial or marker.

Give yourself time • Everyone grieves at their own pace. If you feel like you are stuck and need help overcoming your grief, speak to a healthcare professional. Be thankful for the care and love you shared with your pet; though the loss is hard, remember that the relationship you shared was special and made your life richer. PAULMACS.CoM - 2013 SUMMER Companion 17

TRavEL

r o f s Hot Tip

d a o R t e P Trips

By trAcey keeGAn

Glorious sunshine, glistening cool waters and clear blue skies all combine to make the perfect recipe for tail-wagging dogs and happy pet owners alike. It's summertime and for lots of dogs that will mean fun-filled days of hiking, swimming and exploring the great outdoors. Life for our pets doesn’t get much better than this so let’s be sure to maximze the summer fun by making travel as safe and comfortable as you possibly can for your canine companion.

Make a ‘Pet Travel List

Making a separate list for your dog helps to keep you focused on only what your pet needs and no one else. Travel planning can be hectic and it’s easy to become distracted with other travel arrangements and sometimes forget things. Pets require a lot of travel accessories and a specific ‘Pet Travel List’ will ensure you forget absolutely nothing that your dog needs in order to have a pawsitively perfect vacation.

Buckle Up Fido!

In accordance with law in many provinces and states across Canada and the US, your pet needs to be safely restrained for the duration of the journey. Before you hit the road, check out the ‘Kurgo’ range of pet restraining equipment available at Paulmac's, such as harnesses, seat belts and backseat barriers. Renowned for comfort, variety and durability, this equipment will provide dependable travel safety for you and your pet for many road trips to come.

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On the road

•Pet Naturals of Vermont Calming XL for Dogs 43572 › $29.99 - 50 pk

Lots of pets suffer from travel sickness and anxiety. Ideally you want to determine if your pet suffers from this common condition well in advance of setting out on your travels and not while enroute to your destination. Rest assured if your pet does have this problem there are excellent supplementary products available to overcome it. Check out products such as ‘Pet Naturals of Vermont Calming’ and 'Homeo Pet Travel Anxiety Relief’. Regular short spins in the car in the weeks leading up to your travel plans will aid this problem also by allowing your dog to gradually become familiar with travel motion.

• H20 Water Bottle 75793 › $19.99

Handy accessories

Packing for summer travel is never easy, especially when a four-legged family member takes up half your suitcase! Gaining some extra space in your luggage might be easier than you think. For example, swap your dog's regular feeding and water bowls for light and compact travel accessories. Check out handy products like the ‘Gulpy Water Bottle’ or the collapsible and attachable ‘H2O Canine’. Clever accessories like these make travelling with pets a breeze, and once you try them you’ll never want to leave the house without them again!

• Kurgo Travel Bowl 76084 › $10.99 s y Love

✱ Luc

18 Companion SUMMER 2013 - PAULMACS.CoM

✱

TRavEL

Home away from home

While out of town with your pet, you will be without the security of having your nearby local vet. It’s a good idea to look up veterinary clinics in the area you are travelling to and record the addresses and phone numbers. That way, in the event of an accident or emergency you can avoid panic and delay by being fully prepared for anything. If you are travelling to any remote camping areas, a ‘Pet First Aid Kit’ is an excellent idea to have on hand and paw!

Taking a dip

A properly fitted lifejacket is a must for your dog if boating is on the travel agenda. Take your dog for a fitting well in advance of the trip and make sure you get the perfect size. That way your dog will have some time to get used to wearing something a little heavier and bulkier than he/she may be used to. So when the time comes, your dog can dive right on in and get down to some good old doggie paddling.

More is better

Pet Expert Tips Aside from all the basic pet travel rules like never leaving your pet unattended in a vehicle, keeping them well hydrated and ensuring they always have their identification tags on, here are some additional travel tips to follow before heading for those cool lakes or adventure packed camp sites.

• • •

Running out of your dog’s favourite food and treats while away from home is the last thing you want to happen. Switching foods can be problematic and doing so in an unfamiliar setting is not recommended. Suffering from diarrhea and/or vomiting is certainly not how your pet wants to spend travelling time. Be sure to stop by your pet store and stock up on enough of your pet’s regular food and treats before heading off to your summer travel adventures.

And there y

Before you get in the car for a long time, make sure your pet is well exercised Don’t forget to pack a can opener if you are feeding wet food Pack extra towels to wipe muddy paws and fur before the mess makes its way into your car

Get set to h ou go! with you r fa it the tra cks frie n d in to vou rite fu rry howl of a wh a n d have a o s u m me r seliada y this son!

Solutions pet travel

to protect your whole pack

Keeps Fido in his place

Prevents driver distraction

Universal fit

Rugged construction

Wander Hammock

Skybox Booster Seat

• Kurgo Travel Harness 75981 › from $26.99

Tru-Fit Smart Harness

GO TOGETHER

Visit seethe thecomplete completeKurgo Kurgo line line Visit your your local localPaulmac's Pet Valu totosee

REpTILE

Turtles & Tortoises By cAnDAce eberts

id you know that turtles and tortoises are more than 200 million years old? Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s species are distant relatives to turtles and tortoises that roamed the earth even before the dinosaurs. Their bodies are protected by a hard shell on top of their bodies as well as underneath. The shell cannot be removed as the backbone, breastbone and ribs have evolved as part of the shell.

A Ton of Fun So how do you decide which species is best for you? There are several different types of turtles and tortoises, each with their own set of unique needs. It is pretty important to remember that turtles and tortoises can grow quite large. Doing your research before you bring one home will help you anticipate their full adult size and the amount of care required to keep them healthy. From there, chose a turtle or tortoise that best suits your experience level and lifestyle. Turtles and tortoises make fascinating pets; they can be lots of fun to observe and interact with, but they also have very specific feeding, housing, and general care requirements. The more time you devote to researching the needs of these reptiles, the easier it will be for you to determine whether they will make a good pet for you. Before purchasing a turtle or tortoise, make sure you understand exactly how to care for these reptiles.

reptile real-Estate Both turtles and tortoises are reptiles that are cold-blooded. This means that their bodies are the same tem-

perature as the surrounding air or water that they are in. The main difference between the two is their habitat and diet. Most turtles spend much of their time in the water, tend to have webbed feet and are omnivores. As turtles cannot remain active during the winter, they hibernate and usually burry themselves deep in the warm mud at the bottom of a stream, pond or lake. Tortoises are land-dwellers with a high dome-shaped shell, round stumpy feet and are herbivores. There are about 40 different kinds of tortoise. Some live in hot desert areas, others live in mountains or forests. Like turtles, they cannot keep themselves active during the winter and will also hibernate. When they hibernate, tortoises bury themselves in soil or under rotting plants.

DID YOU KNOW It is believed that the longest living tortoise lived to be 255 years old before he died in 2006.

Herptile at Home Designing a habitat for your turtle is a great project. Some essential habitats include land and swimming areas for turtles. Adequate space, lighting and warmth are important to better maintain the right temperature. Keep the species in mind when designing the habitat to ensure all basic requirements are met. Remember to purchase a tank that is approximately five times longer than the turtle, four times wider and one and a half times taller from head to tail. Each environment should grow by 25% per turtle if you plan on housing more than one. For tortoises, a 40-gallon or larger glass terrarium with a screened lid for ventilation will work just fine. Remember to keep the species in mind as tortoises can grow fairly

20 Companion SUMMER 2013 - PAULMACS.CoM

Fun Fact Baby turtles are called Hatchlings

REpTILE

large. Tortoises will need enough room for a shallow water dish. Tortoises do like to soak their shells so make sure to have a shallow dish large enough for your tortoise to move around in. A dry hiding place will be much appreciated by your tortoise as they like to conceal themselves on occasion.

Cold Blood & Warm Hearts Both turtles and tortoises require UV lighting to help maintain their shell and bone structure. Two basic types of lighting are available: incandescent (for heat) and fluorescent (for essential health). It is advisable to provide your turtle or tortoise with 12 hours of daylight every day using both UVA and UVB fluorescent bulbs. Regular basking is a favourite passtime for both turtles and tortoises as it keeps their body temperatures regulated. Provid-ing a basking bulb in a heat lamp is essential as turtles and tortoises are ectothermic (cold blooded) and cannot generate their own body heat.

ance of their bones and shell. You can purchase calcium supplements and ‘dust’ their foods twice a week.

Love Them for Life Whether you purchase a turtle or a tortoise you will definitely enjoy learning about these unique reptiles. Building their habitats is a lot of fun and very rewarding. Turtles and tortoises are a long term commitment and those that are well cared for can be expected to live for 50 years (some species can live to be 100!). So enjoy your unique reptile and note that your turtle or tortoise is one of the world’s oldest creatures so when you make this commitment, it is often for a lifetime. Both turtles and tortoises love leafy greens but the way to a tortoise's heart is through fresh fruit!

One Shell of a Diet Turtles and tortoises have a rather exotic palate when it comes to nutrition. Prepared turtle foods in pellet form are a great source of dietary vitamins and minerals. In addition to pellets, turtles enjoy leafy greens such as kale and collard greens. As turtles are known to eat some meats, crickets and mealworms make a fantastic addition to meals. For optimum health, a balanced diet of pellets, insects and leafy greens is important. Tortoises vary slightly in diet. They are strictly herbivores and will do quite well with prepared tortoise foods, leafy greens such as kale, dandelion greens and collard greens, fresh vegetables such as sweet potatoes, squash and cauliflower, and some fruits such as apples, melons and grapes. It is important to provide your tortoise with a diet of mainly leafy greens and vegetables with limited fruits. Both turtles and tortoises require calcium. Calcium is extremely important in the overall mainten-

Fun Fact

The largest turtle is the Leatherback Sea Turtle who can weigh over 2000 lbs! (That’s as heavy as a Volkswagon Beetle!)

• Zoo Med Aquatic Turtle Food Maintenance & Growth Formulas Maintenance 50044 › $8.99 Growth 40972 › $6.99

What's the Difference? ➔ Often grouped together, these two species have some unique characteristics on their own. ➔ The biggest difference is tortoises dwell on land and turtles are water dwellers. ➔ A tortoise's shell is dome-shaped and some species have bumps on the top. A turtle's shell is mostly flat and more streamlined (great for swimming!). ➔ Turtles are typically omnivores, eating both plants and insects. Tortoises are herbivores who stick to eating plants, leaves and vegetation. ➔ A tortoise has bent legs and feet that are short and sturdy. A turtle has webbed feet (built in flippers!) and long claws. ➔ A turtle's life span is considerably less than a tortoise's.

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PAULMACS.CoM - 2013 SUMMER Companion 21 PAULMACS.

Hey kids, it's time to let your inner artist shine !

Have fun colouring tHiS picture for a cHance to Have your artwork featured in tHe next iSSue of companion magazine!

Submit your finished art by mailing it to:

DEPARTMENT OF COLOURING

Paulmac's 130 Royal Crest Court Markham, Ontario L3R 0A1

Submit yo artwork ur June 30 by th

22 Companion SUMMER 2013 - PAULMACS.CoM

Name: Name of parent/guardian: Email of parent/guardian: Mailing address:

Age:

The Kidz Zone

The C o lo u r inn g C o n te s t

Meet Smudgie the Fancy Cockatiel!

W IN N E R IS Aliah M.

Hey Smudge, give us the down-low on who you are. • i’m a 1-year old fancy cockatiel, and live at a store in Hamilton, Ontario, CAN. i'm a very talented talker too!

from Beeaam mssvi villle le,, ON who drew a bright & cheery landscape in the background!

A talker, you say? • That's right! i can say "Hi Smudgie," "Hello Smudgeroo" and "Pretty Bird". i'm also great at doing impressions. What kinds of impressions? • Oh, you know, the phone, all the noises that our fax machine makes, things like that.

THIS BE D COUL Y OsoU !

Well that's something i've never heard before! What other types of things do you like to do? • Well, i'm very hand-friendly so i like to sit on everyone's hands, or even better, snuggle up on the staff's shoulders. Many of the customers who come in for their pets like to visit with me, and i enjoy making them all smile!

We had many entries

THANK YOU!

Thanks for talking to us, Smudgie, you've been a hoot to hang out with!

S TOR PE T E H

am oN, Cailton nada

t i u r F r e m m u S ? s t n e i d e r Ing esh fruit s selection of fr it r fo n w o n k for our Summer time is ough. It is true n e t e g to m e that – we cannot se summer fruits n o m m co e m are so o d. pets too. Here et’s favourite fo p r u yo in d n u can be fo › Packed with ber- Grapefr uithelps prevent bone, ck la B , es ri er eb lu ich B Vitamin C, wh › well as boosts ries & Raspberries and joint issues as xidant properties know n for their antio free radicals, st and protec tion again tec t against pro lp Blueberr ies may he other health d an , se cancer, heart disea rich in Vitamin C issues. Berries are and contain fibre.

Banana › A natural sourc pet’s

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lps your potassium which he high level of fibre e heart and brain. Th a healthy s in bananas support digestive tract.

hip system to protec t your pet’s immune them in the future.

le Papaya & Pineapppapain

source of › Both are a natur al digest protein. t pe r which helps you natur al fibers to Papain works with mies. These fruits soothe sensitive tum nes, C & B vitamins also contain carote pport heart health. and mineral s that su

PAULMACS.CoM - 2013 SUMMER Companion 23

Give ‘em what they love! Not sure which formula is right for your pet? Ask our in-store Pet Experts. 〉 Every formula has real meat as the first ingredient 〉 No by-products, soya, artificial preservatives, artificial colours or artificial flavours 〉 Ideal for all breeds & all life stages 〉 Each formulation was developed by Dr. Dave Summers, our esteemed Nutritionist

Meet the Performatrin Family MADE IN CANADA