February 22, 2012 / Robin Hawn

From Scavengers to Best Friends with ONE Biscuit

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By Robin Hawn, Senior Brand Manager at PetSafe

It’s National Dog Biscuit Day! Dog biscuits are basically snack food for dogs. Dogs love treats, and we love to treat our dogs, but does the Dog Biscuit really deserve its own day with national recognition? While I feel that some of my favorite snack foods should have a day of celebration based solely on their mouth-watering status, the Dog Biscuit may be more deserving of recognition than just any ole snack.

This was an ad for the first dog biscuits! Where would we be today without James Spratt?

The Dog Biscuit has played a key role in the civilization of our four-legged friends. In 1860, a man name James Spratt developed patented scientifically blended dog food, which he formed into “dog cakes.” Out of wheat, beetroot, vegetables, beef blood, and hard work, Spratt essentially developed the dog biscuit market. Spratt’s effort is recognized as the first attempt to lift dogs above the class of scavengers which dogs had occupied since dogs began their journey toward domestication in caveman times. Spratt created and marketed a simple way for dog owners to give their dogs healthier, better food than scraps as well as motivate their dogs to complete specific acts. The birth of the dog biscuit market represents an early step in dog training and the first major piece of pet industry of today.

Spratt dominated the U.S. market for nearly 50 years until Bennett’s Milk-Bone began making their biscuits in the shape of bones. The world of products, including treat, to pamper and care for our dogs has exploded ever since. The status of dogs in our culture has continued to rise. Dog biscuits and treats are more elaborate than ever and go well beyond simple snack food in rewarding our favorite fuzzy friend.

So why not sit down with your dog today, maybe grab a biscuit, and celebrate the doggie snack food that helped us get here – where our lives are so enriched by our dogs. Hopefully, our dogs feel the same way about us. So, treat your dog today and celebrate

ABOUT ROBIN

Robin Hawn is the Senior Brand Manager of the PetSafe Family of Brands for Radio Systems Corporation, head quartered in Knoxville, TN. She works to build a brand of products designed to give consumer more of the best moments they can possibly have with their pets. She has a MBA with a Marketing Emphasis, a B.A in English, and 10 years experience developing and launching marketing plans, brand strategy and PR campaigns across a variety of diverse industries. Her French bulldog Buckley typically logs the same hours at the office as Robin. She volunteers with the Most Pet Friendly Community initiative that has a mission of making Knoxville, TN the most pet friendly community in America.

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February 19, 2012 / Jim Tedford

3 Reasons You Should “Fix” Your Pet

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By Jim Tedford, Director of Animal Affairs and Alliances

Jim with his dogs, Bodie and Sam

I think I know the basic definition of the concept of cause and effect. To be sure I was right, I consulted Wikepedia, which confirmed my understanding. Cause and effect (also written as cause-effect or cause/effect) refers to the philosophical concept of causality, in which an action or event will produce a certain response to the action in the form of another event.

Having spent most of my adult life engaged in various efforts to protect animals, cause and effect means something a little different to me. The failure to have one’s pets spayed or neutered CAUSES the EFFECT of the birth of unwanted puppies or kittens. It’s a simple concept, really. I suppose one could launch into a detailed “birds and bees” explanation. However, presumably, everyone in our readership has a pretty solid understanding of the origin of babies! If not, that’s a whole different blog… I digress. Spaying or neutering our pets is the right thing to do.

First, it gives you assurance your pets are not contributing to our nation’s burgeoning population of unwanted puppies and kittens. Pet overpopulation is a national international crisis. There are  tens of thousands more dogs and cats than there are homes for them. Every unplanned, unwanted litter makes the problem even worse. Although their only crime is being born, which isn’t a crime at all, the animals are paying the ultimate price. They are dying on the streets and dying in our nation’s overburdened animal shelters.

Secondly, having your pets spayed or neutered makes them easier to live with! Pets who have been “fixed” (I LOVE that term!) tend to be calmer and less aggressive. They also tend to stick closer to home since the urge to roam is often the result of searching for a mate. Having your male dogs and cats neutered before the onset of undesirable behaviors such as a territory marking can prevent such behaviors from ever showing up in the first place.

Finally, surgically sterilized dogs and cats are healthier. Spay/neuter surgery eliminates the risk of reproductive tract cancer and other diseases. If you want your best friend to stick around as long as possible, having him/her fixed is like an insurance policy.

Let’s review. The CAUSE of not having pets spayed or neutered results in the EFFECT of unwanted puppies or kittens. Simply put, it is life or death. The CAUSE of having your pets surgically sterilized results in the EFFECT of a happier, healthier friend for life who is not contributing to a surplus of unwanted pets. Again, we’re talking life or death.

Speak to your veterinarian or your local humane society for information or referral to a low-cost program. Do it NOW. There have been too many puppies and kittens born as a result of the “ooops factor!” Even if your pet is always indoors, it only takes one single escape. With spring rapidly approaching, shelters are bracing for a tidal wave of kittens and puppies who will most surely flood their facilities throughout the warmer months. It is up to all pet owners to do their part to stem that tide.

Have you done your part? Are you glad your pet was spayed/neutered?

ABOUT JIM

Jim Tedford serves as PetSafe’s Director of Animal Affairs and Alliances. Working on the front line of animal welfare for over 20 years, Jim has served as CEO for organizations in New York, Louisiana and Tennessee. Prior to joining PetSafe, Jim provided marketing and fundraising services to animal welfare organizations nationwide. Jim holds a degree in animal science from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. Jim and his wife Ann share their “empty nest” in the Smoky Mountains with adopted dogs Bodie, Sam, and Lila and a formerly homeless macaw, Gipper.

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February 17, 2012 / Natalie Lester

Top 10 Ways To Use a Lickety Stik

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By Natalie Lester, PetSafe Brand Marketing Specialist

We’re hoping all our readers have heard of our doggie delicious and nutritious Lickety Stik treat. If not, let us be the first to tell you it’s awesome. Let your dog be the one to prove we’re right. You hold the bottle while your dog licks the roller ball coated in his favorite flavor of Savory Chicken, Braised Liver, or Smoky Bacon.

One of the many reasons we love this treat are all the different ways you can use it. Of course, the first one is indulging your dog with the Lickety Stik, because he is so darn cute!

Read on to discover the next nine:

1. Teach your dog new tricks. Did you know you can teach a dog new tricks by getting him to move his nose? For example, step towards him and raise the bottle. As he raises his tongue to the treat, his seat will drop. Congrats, you have just taught your dog to sit! The same is true if you want to teach him to stand on his back legs. Raise the bottle even higher. As he follows it, he will stand up.

In this picture, Natalie was trying to convince Frenchy to be a little quieter. She recently used the Lickety Stik to really get the job done. Check out use #2 to see what we mean!

2. Keep your dog quiet. I was recently pulled over for speeding, which is frustrating enough. But, I also had a sweet dog in the car, who had a bone to pick with the officer. I had a Lickety Stik in my cup holder and gave it to Frenchy while I talked with the officer. Unfortunately, our combined puppy dog eyes couldn’t get me out of a ticket, but the Lickety Stik did keep her quiet.

3. Refresh your dog’s old treat. Does your dog have an old Busy Buddy or other toy that used to be his absolute favorite? Yet, as the newness wore off, so did his interest. You can use the Lickety Stik to bring back the fun. Just rub the treat on the toy and watch playtime return as he enjoys her toy and favorite snack.

4. Make vet or grooming visits easier. We all know our dogs are very treat/food motivated. If you offer him Lickety Stik during a wellness exam or a haircut he is less likely to squirm away from whoever is trying to help, because his attention will be focused solely on the yummy treat in front of him.

5. Motivate your dog to come when called.Instead of calling his name for 30 minutes in the dog park to tell her it is time to go or begging him to get in the car, just get out your Lickety Stik. As soon as he sees the yummy treat in your hand, he won’t only rush to get to you, but he won’t want to leave your side.

Dogs agree, Lickety Stik is doggie delicious!

6. Train your puppy to use your new PetSafe door. After installing the door, work with a partner. Each of you should be on opposite sides of the door with your Lickety Stik treat. With the dog on one side, coax him through the door with an open Lickety Stik. He should hop right through the door. Once he is on that side, turn him around and use the same practice going that direction. He’ll be using his door in no time – and he’ll love Lickety Stik even more.

7. Help your dog make new friends. If you dog is timid or anxious around other people or dogs, you can ease the tension with a Lickety Stik. Give your friend a Lickety Stik to give to your dog. The increased bonding with this treat over a traditional cookie will help them bond, because your pet will stay with them while they give him the Lickety Stik versus walking away to chew a cookie. In addition, you can reward good behavior around other dogs to encourage the behavior.

8. Maintain your dog’s weight. You can also feel free to give him a lick any time you want, because there is only one calorie in every 10 licks. You let yourself have a few healthy snacks every day, right? Let your dog enjoy the same privilege.

9. Reward your dog’s best behavior. If he comes as soon as he is paged on your remote trainer or does an excellent job staying within his containment system’s boundaries, let him have some Lickety Stik. You’ll prompt him to keep up the good practices and insure you have a well-trained, safe, and healthy dog for years to come.

We believe the Lickety Stik is the hottest thing to hit the treat market in years. If you don’t believe us, check out what Good Morning America or Fox and Friends have to say.

Are you using a Lickety Stik to treat your pet yet? What have you and your pet learned together with this unique treat? Comment below to be entered to win a Lickety Stik three-pack!

ABOUT NATALIE

As the PetSafe Brand Marketing Specialist, Natalie manages The Paw Print blog and generates other brand related content including public relations and promotions. Before PetSafe, Natalie worked in the local media covering politics, education, and religion. She is a substitute pet owner to a German shorthaired pointer named Bedford in Abingdon, VA, Frenchy the schnoodle in Lenoir City, TN, and all the office dogs at PetSafe’s headquarters in Knoxville. As a pet lover, she is currently searching for the perfect puppy to join her home.

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February 15, 2012 / Stacie Greene

The World According to Cooper: My True Love

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By Stacie Greene, Supply Chain Specialist at PetSafe

Hi everybody! It’s me, Cooper. I want to wish everyone a Happy Valentine’s Day! I have been trying to learn about Valentine’s Day. I was my mom’s Valentine last year, but I honestly don’t remember it. Oh well, this year I am pretty excited. I’ve seen all kinds of commercials on TV about Valentine’s Day.

Cooper really loves spending time with Bao in the office. Maybe he should ask her to be his Valentine.

I started to think that maybe I would ask one of my favorite canine co-workers to be my Valentine. Her name is Bao, and I think she is great. She can be really spunky and even a little scrappy sometimes. We have a lot of fun when we get to hang out together, and I really love her.

Yet, the more commercials that I see on TV the more I believe that this is another holiday that is centered on PRESENTS!!!! If this is actually true, then I would probably be much better off if my mom is my valentine again this year. There is no doubt in my mind that she will get me presents and maybe some special treats. And, there is really no one I love more in this whole world than her.

If humans have designed holidays around presents, then I would be crazy not to take advantage of it. I don’t really need any new toys, but who actually needs toys? I would love to have a whole bunch of new tennis balls. My mom says I can destroy a new tennis ball in about 30 minutes, but I think she is exaggerating!

Though Cooper loves Bao, his true love is Stacie!

Although I still think Bao is great, any pet’s human is the best Valentine of all because you know that relationship is for life. I am really lucky. My mom brags on me constantly. We go on walks at the park and play all the time. She always reminds me through her words and actions how much she loves me.

So, my advice to all of you humans who don’t have a Valentine this year and are ready to have a not only a furry best friend and family member, but also a Valentine for life, is to go to your local shelter and see if you don’t meet a cute furry friend who will melt your heart for a very long time! Good luck. I hope you get as lucky as me and my mom.

ABOUT STACIE

Stacie Greene is a Supply Chain Specialist for PetSafe, head quartered in Knoxville, TN. She works to manage part of a global supply chain to deliver the best possible products for our customers. She has a BS in Operations Management, and 14 years experience in procurement, supply chain management and strategic sourcing. Her Lhasa apso, Cooper, logs the same hours at the office as Stacie. She volunteers with the Most Pet Friendly Community initiative that has a mission of making Knoxville, Tennessee the most pet friendly community in America.

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February 14, 2012 / Robin Hawn

Falling in Love with Puppy Breath

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By Robin Hawn, Senior Brand Manager at PetSafe

We dream about what it will be like to have a pet. We usually expect that it will be love at first sight and, on some level, it is. It can also takes some time and experiences to develop closeness and understanding of each other before the beautiful relationship that warms our hearts like nothing else blossoms. Yet once we fall in love with our pets, our love seems to know no bounds.

Robin loves Buckley so much she lets her sleep on her head. What things do you do out of love for your pets?

Sometimes our bond with our pets develops not out of long walks on the beach together but a walk into unusual territory. Our pets are soft, cute, cuddly, but that’s just on the surface and it isn’t why we love them. The first moment we can’t find our pets and the front door was left open, or they dart off towards traffic at full speed, or eat an entire football, horror and love over take us. Our animals need our care and protection. Most of our pets couldn’t survive without us. When we become aware of their vulnerabilities, we lovingly accept the responsibility of being their care takers. We take our role so seriously that they naturally become “family.” When I first got Buckley, I was so excited to have her but we hadn’t really bonded yet. Being a brachycephalic breed, Buckley got into a situation in which she could breathe. I never felt so helpless. Luckily, she recovered and I’ve been 100% committed to her every since.

We are willingly inconvenienced by our pets in our role as their “parents”. Buckley frequently sleeps half on my head and I let her. It’s terribly uncomfortable. I’ve woken up with a neck pain many times trying to accommodate her, but I don’t dare move her. A pet professional, who shall remain anonymous, recently told me about how her husband personally chewed up food for their dog after the dog had dental work preformed. We spend hours grooming, exercising, accommodating, nursing, and entertaining our pet’s regardless of the level of inconvenience it means for us because we love them.

One of Robin's friends has a husband who chewed up their dog's food for him after he had dental work done. Would you ever do that for your pet?

Love is a two way street. We do all that we do for our pets and they give back to us in a BIG way that is unparalleled by any other relationship. The loyalty, dedication, and unconditional love they extend to us is so admirable that we can’t help but be head over heels. As humans, we need love and acceptance. Nobody does it better than a friend with fur. This may be why we often do more for our pets than we do for own human family members.

There is nothing on earth like the two precious eyes of a pet staring up at you; it makes us do the darndest things. When you’re in love, you don’t even care how silly you look on all fours chasing your dog around the coffee table when it’s his favorite game.

Celebrate the love with us and tell us what silly things you do for the love of your pet or what made you fall in love with them.

ABOUT ROBIN

Robin Hawn is the Senior Brand Manager of the PetSafe Family of Brands for Radio Systems Corporation, head quartered in Knoxville, TN. She works to build a brand of products designed to give consumer more of the best moments they can possibly have with their pets. She has a MBA with a Marketing Emphasis, a B.A in English, and 10 years experience developing and launching marketing plans, brand strategy and PR campaigns across a variety of diverse industries. Her French bulldog Buckley typically logs the same hours at the office as Robin. She volunteers with the Most Pet Friendly Community initiative that has a mission of making Knoxville, TN the most pet friendly community in America.

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February 13, 2012 / Laura Potts

Happy Birthday, PetSafe! Here’s 21 fun facts about our company

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By Laura Potts, Digital Marketing Specialist at PetSafe

As we celebrate Valentine’s Day tomorrow, PetSafe is also celebrating another event close to our heart. This week, we will celebrate 21 years of helping pets and their owners lead safe and happy lives. We aren’t usually a company that celebrates our birthday. In fact, some associates probably wouldn’t know Valentine’s Day is when it all began. But, we think it’s important to look back and celebrate how far we’ve come. We’ve compiled a list of 21 facts you may or may not know about us:

1. Did you know we started with only one product? In February of 1991, our founder and CEO Randy Boyd and a handful of other associates brought the first do-it-yourself containment system to the market armed with determination and one erratic computer.

2. Did you know we sold 3,000 units in the first 30 days? That’s 100 products per day! Even more shocking was the one million dollars of product we sold in 6 months.

This is a picture of our founder and CEO Randy Boyd in one of our first offices! He hasn't changed one bit in the last 21 years - he must eat all his vegetables!

3. Did you know our first office was in a renovated tractor trailer? That’s right. Even though it was only 8 feet wide, 40 feet long and didn’t have any window, it was quite contemporary with turquoise colored carpet, modern furniture, sheet rock, and power.

4. Did you know our first product was called the Radio Fence? The name came from how the products work. In-ground containment systems transmit a radio signal that the collar picks up.

5. Did you know no one, including our CEO, has a private office? Every associate sits in an open cubicle. In fact, our CEO moves desks each year to sit with different people in different departments. For 2012, he is sitting in Customer Care.

6. Did you know our conference rooms are all named after pets? Some are named after our favorite work dogs like Jake’s Place and Penny’s room, but all of them have a fun pet flare.

7. Did you know we give away $100,000 dollars in our Bark For Your Park contest? This year’s contest will be even bigger. Keep your eyes peeled for details coming soon.

8. Did you know we conduct dozens of research studies each year? It’s important to know what pet owners think and get their feedback on using the product first hand. If you’d like to participate in our research studies, send us an email at social@petsafe.net.

9. Did you know our products are sold all over the world? Currently our products are creating success stories in 52 countries (and growing) across six continents.

10. Did you know PetSafe is in a family of other great pet brands? Our parent company, Radio Systems, owns many of the most recognizable pet brands in the world including Invisible Fence® Brand, SportDOG® Brand, Premier® Pet Products and Drinkwell® Pet Fountains.

11. Did you know PetSafe lives by its values? Each of our 7 values can be seen in everything we do. Some of them include “try a lot of things and keep what works,” and creating “an environment of openness, equality and teamwork.”

12. Did you know PetSafe has opened 4 dog parks in Knoxville? We believe having a place for dogs to run, play, and socialize makes a community more pet friendly. With parks #5 and #6 on the way, we’re proud to partner to make Knoxville the Most Pet Friendly Community.

I dress up at Thanksgiving and Christmas each year to distribute the turkeys and hams to our associates. Here is a picture of me last Christmas as Frosty!

13. Did you know we give each associate a turkey for Thanksgiving and a ham for Christmas? It’s one of our favorite traditions. A team of associates (including myself as Frosty) dress in costume, play silly games, and theatrically distribute meats to over 300 associates.

14. Did you know we bring our dogs to work? On any given day you’ll see dozens of furry associates running around. They’re often our inspiration for new product ideas.

15. Did you know we have associates across the globe? Although we’re headquartered in Knoxville, TN, we also have offices in Nevada, Virginia, Ohio, China, Australia, UK, and Japan.

16. Did you know our mission is to be the most trusted brand in the pet industry? It’s how we measure ourselves and drives each of our goals.

17. Did you know we are the leading manufacturer of pet electronic products? From containment systems to pet doors and waste management systems, we offer the most innovative, advanced electronic pet products.

18. Did you know we lead our industry in patents? To date, we hold over 370 patents.

19. Did you know we have made over 11,000 different types of products? In fact, some of our best product ideas came from customers.

20. Did you know our latest product is an underwater treadmill? It’s part of a whole line of products used by veterinarians to help keep your pets healthy.

21. Did you know for us it’s not really about making money? Our CEO Randy likes to say that at the end of our lives are about what difference we made in the world, and the relationships we had with others throughout that period.

Happy Birthday PetSafe!

What did you learn about us?

Laura's pups Ellie and Lincoln love that she works at PetSafe, because they get to come to work with her too!

ABOUT LAURA

Laura manages the complete digital media presence for the PetSafe Brand. Laura also donates her time to helping improve animal welfare. She has helped saved the lives of many pets through her work and more directly by adopting two dogs of her own, Ellie and Lincoln who often accompany her to work and to volunteer events in Knoxville.

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February 10, 2012 / Natalie Lester

Fan Photo Friday: Butchie and Tbone

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Butchie from Anne L

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

T-Bone from Rachel B

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
What are you and your pets doing this weekend? We hope you have a great one. Stay warm!

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February 8, 2012 / Jim Tedford

Are you a responsible pet owner?

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By Jim Tedford, Director of Animal Affairs and Alliances

Jim practices responsible pet ownership with Bodie and Sam everyday. How do you compare to his suggestions?

For many years I oversaw large-scale pet adoption programs at animal shelters. It was not unusual for an adopter midway through the process to say, “It is harder to adopt a pet than it is to adopt a child!” While a bit exaggerated, such remarks do contain an element of truth. Shelters and rescue groups tend to ask lots of questions. They are not trying pry unnecessarily, but only want to make sure the match is as perfect as possible.

The decision to adopt a pet should be taken very seriously. All too often adopters enter into the decision without carefully considering the gravity of the responsibility they are assuming. Like a Las Vegas drive-through wedding to someone whose name you can’t exactly recall, making an impulse decision to take on a pet can carry regret! That tiny, adorable puppy who grows up to be the size of a reindeer may not be the best fit for a studio apartment. And, the cute little kitten may not know the difference between her scratching post and your silk draperies.

The key message here? Understand what it means to be a responsible pet parent before the adoption. February is Responsible Pet Ownership month, which we thought was a perfect time to highlight what makes a good pet parent. Compare the list below with your guardianship of your furry friend.

Safe Shelter: Unlike our human children, our pets never really grow up. They count on us to make the best decisions on their behalf throughout their lives. Given a choice between staying in your yard or bolting down a busy street, they will too often choose the latter. Since our pets don’t always know what’s best for them, we must constantly remind them. A secure enclosure is a must. Even the well-trained pet will occasionally succumb to temptation. So, fence your yard with an electronic containment system and train your pets as to the boundaries to give them freedom and keep them safe. And, provide adequate shelter from the weather, preferably inside your home.

Training: A well-trained pet is a happy pet. All too often, pet owners expect their pets to arrive pre-programmed to live up to owner expectations. That rarely NEVER happens. Pets must be properly trained to understand what is expected. Teach them the parameters of proper behavior and you will find that they are usually quite eager to please! Employ the services of a professional trainer and use the many training and behavioral enrichment products on the market. Problem behaviors such as excessive barking, chewing and leg-lifting can be fixed. Training is a big part of the formula for a happy pet, a happy pet owner and happy neighbors!

Nutrition: Make sure that your pet is fed the right food for his species, age, size and condition. A proper diet along with regular exercise (sound familiar?) will help keep your best friends healthy for years to come. A premium diet and readily available, fresh water are essential components of responsible pet ownership. And, did you know that pets, especially cats, prefer flowing water? Check out our full line of Drinkwell fountains!

Veterinary Care: Your pet should visit his veterinarian for an annual check-up for routine preventative care. Vaccinations, parasite control and other preventative medicine are critical. And, your veterinarian will give your pet a thorough exam and should catch most health problems in their earliest stages. Establishing a strong relationship with your pet’s health care professionals will ensure peace of mind when things are great AND when things go wrong.

There is one final ingredient necessary for true responsible pet ownership. It is perhaps the most essential ingredient: love. Love your pets and meet all their basic physical and behavioral needs. They will provide a lifetime of unconditional love and unwavering gratitude in return.

What can you do today to become an even more responsible pet owner? Leave your response in the comment section below to be entered to win a Lickety Stik 3-pack!

ABOUT JIM

Jim Tedford serves as PetSafe’s Director of Animal Affairs and Alliances. Working on the front line of animal welfare for over 20 years, Jim has served as CEO for organizations in New York, Louisiana and Tennessee. Prior to joining PetSafe, Jim provided marketing and fundraising services to animal welfare organizations nationwide. Jim holds a degree in animal science from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. Jim and his wife Ann share their “empty nest” in the Smoky Mountains with adopted dogs Bodie, Sam, and Lila and a formerly homeless macaw, Gipper.

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February 6, 2012 / Natalie Lester

It isn’t just us – pets are the BEST marketers!

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As an avid football fan, Natalie loved last night's game. But, she also fell in love with many of the canine faces that graced the screen during the commercials.

By Natalie Lester, PetSafe Brand Marketing Specialist

Last night as we were all gathered around our televisions for Super Bowl XLIV, most of us were pulling for the New York Giants (naturally, because of Knoxvillians close connection to the Manning family), but we were also looking forward to the “Brand Bowl” during commercials. When you work in marketing, business development, and the like, it is easy to get pretty jealous creativity and big bucks brands are able to turn out year after year.

However, we saw one trend last night that warmed our hearts and turned down the jealousy. Dogs were major stars this year, which only proved how lucky we are to have such a lovely demographic of pet owners to share our products with every day.

Did you know 60 percent of households in the U.S. have a pet? Did you find your heart especially warmed last night by the brands that included dogs?

There were five commercials that really got our attention. To build a little suspense during our Monday food and football coma, I’ll rank them from 5th to 1st.

#5: Huskies are such a hard-working breed. It was so nice to see them get a break in Suzuki’s commercial. Props to the dogs from the Snowy Owl dog sled company!

#4: We have a Gentle Giant of our own in the office, so we know this Doritos’ ad would never really become a reality. Great Danes are just too sweet to hurt anyone, and don’t we all wish our dog would bring us chips?

#3: At PetSafe, the health of our canine and human associates is very important. Our CEO runs over 10 marathons every year. So, we can’t resist Sketchers’ racing commercial. Plus, if you’re a frequent reader, you can’t miss Robin’s fun posts about Buckley! We have a very special spot for Frenchies, too. Now, if only we could get her to moonwalk…

#2: This Volkswagen ad appealed to our health addiction again. You just have to love Bolt’s dedication, too! We also really appreciate Bolt’s use of our aluminum doors! We’re also sure your dogs would love the freedom a door could add to their lives, but we digress…

#1: If there is anything we love more than a good rescue story, we haven’t found it yet. Bud Light’s ad was right on the money highlighting how a pet can impact and enhance your life. And, not just because he could fetch a beverage either, everyone loves that scrawny little face. If you don’t believe us, just check out his 2.4 million fans on Facebook.

What was your favorite ad this year?

ABOUT NATALIE

As the PetSafe Brand Marketing Specialist, Natalie manages The Paw Print blog and generates other brand related content including public relations and promotions. Before PetSafe, Natalie worked in the local media covering politics, education, and religion. She is a substitute pet owner to a German shorthaired pointer named Bedford in Abingdon, VA, Frenchy the schnoodle in Lenoir City, TN, and all the office dogs at PetSafe’s headquarters in Knoxville. As a pet lover, she is currently searching for the perfect puppy to join her home.

 

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February 5, 2012 / Natalie Lester

6 Signs Your Pet Could Be In Pain

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By Natalie Lester, PetSafe Brand Marketing Specialist

Any pet owner would agree the biggest challenge we face in pet ownership is accepting the limited time we have with our furry companions. We can all sympathize with any individual who has lost their pet, because most of us can remember a time when we were grieving a loss of a pet. If you don’t believe me, read what my fellow associates have shared here and here.

No one wants to see his or her pet suffer. However, no one wants to live without the companion they have so many memories with and this hard fact makes enjoying our pets as much and for as long as we can our number one priority.

We take good care of our pets and spend time training and exercising them. We let them curl up at our feet and give them treats sometimes more often than we should. Yet, when it comes to our pet’s health, we trust our veterinarian to know what is best. Unlike a human child or companion, our pets can’t communicate to tell us when they aren’t feeling good or think they may be sick.

So, how do you know when your pet is hurting? When does your pet need vet therapies, and how could the treatment help?

According to Dr. Laurie McCauley from TOPS Veterinary Rehab Institute, pets are not vocal like humans when they are in pain. So, without careful observation, owners may not notice.

This puppy, who was having pain in his shoulder, is receiving therapy from our Intelect Vet system.

Owners should monitor their dog’s activity level, mobility, and sleep patterns. If your pet shows signs of struggle in any of these areas, he may be in pain. Additionally, your pet may pant more or be sensitive to the touch. If he develops an aggressive response to touch or has a sudden decrease in appetite, he may be in even more severe pain.

The good news is we offer vet therapies products to veterinarians to find the pain’s source and treat it. From rehab to relief, we have you and your pet covered. Regardless if your pet is showing signs of pain like the ones described above or if he is recovering from surgery, overweight, or suffering from arthritis, vets equipped with our products are prepared to care for your pet’s needs.

You can learn more about our products capabilities here, and find a clinic near you here.

ABOUT NATALIE
As the PetSafe Brand Marketing Specialist, Natalie manages The Paw Print blog and generates other brand related content including public relations and promotions. Before PetSafe, Natalie worked in the local media covering politics, education, and religion. She is a substitute pet owner to a German shorthaired pointer named Bedford in Abingdon, VA, Frenchie the schnoodle in Lenoir City, TN, and all the office dogs at PetSafe’s headquarters in Knoxville. As a pet lover, she is currently searching for the perfect puppy to join her home.

 

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