Forbes just published an article, “Doting On Animals In Hard Times – Why pet owners don’t feed their beloved creatures generic brands.”

The author, Rutgers sociologist Lionel Tiger, wonders, “Why are these human beings–evidently fretfully concerned about their own welfare and resources–wasting time and money on other animals … Why do they shop the aisles of pet foods with discernment and commitment …?”

He wonders how we can possibly spend so much “resources, time and energy…on a completely wasteful economic category: pets.”

I’m guessing you have the same reaction I do.

Check out Halo’s News page to see what he has to say about Halo, and for a link to the whole story.

Buy at least $75 through Feb.14th, get $25 coupon for more!

Hey blog readers, wanted to alert you of a big-time sale. Buy at least $75 online by Valentine’s Day, and we’ll send you a coupon for $25 worth of Halo products. Enter this promo code AFTER your payment information to make sure you receive the $25 coupon: 75free25. Go to www.halopets.com/shop

Where do you go for information to help you choose food and care products for your four-legged family member(s)?

I’ll share one of mine: Buzzillions.com.

Buzzillions collects reviews from 2,300 different web sites including Amazon, Petco, Drugstore.com and many more that carry pet care products. For example, check out Buzzillions’ review of Halo Dream Coat. It’s ranked the #1 of 302 Pet Vitamins and Nutrition products by long-time pet owners, and #2 of 302 among all pet owners. Here are the three most recent reviews (as of 1/11/09):

“I started using Halo’s Dream Coat 3 months ago. One of my 3 dogs was recovering from Deodactic Mange when I adopted her.The skin and coat were in bad shape. I use it daily for all 3 dogs and one cat and the improvement is stunning! Annie is getting a beautiful coat where there was none for over a year.The others coats are lush. The dogs like the taste and one of them licks it off the spoon before I can mix it in her food! “  -Dorothy

“I have a VERY large sheddy Rotty. I tried Dream Coat and saw a difference within the 1st week. He gets so many compliments for his lush shiny coat and he has not been shedding as much as before. Harley’s vet even complimented his coat and asked what i was using. Now they carry Dream COat at his Vet;s office!”  -Harley’s Mom

“Dream Coat is a dream come true. It slowed down the excessive shedding I incurred daily with my 3 year old German Shepherd, Shepp. Shepp is extremely picky and turns her nose up at most supplement. However, I mixed Dream Coat in her food and didn’t noticed the product was added to her meals. Her coat is beautiful, shiny and looks extremely healthy.”   -Proud Patty

Please, comment here to share your best online information sources with other devoted pet owners!

The hot days of August can be prime time for our pets to feel nagging summer skin itch. Whether it’s due to fleas, mites or skin allergies, pets often feel irritation when the heat goes up.

To get info on some possible skin itch causes and find solutions for your dog or cat download this week’s podcast: Nix the Skin Itch of Summer.

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Does Rover suffer from doggie breath? Don’t waste your money on dog breath mints—they just mask the smell for a short time and do nothing to get to the root of the problem! The most common cause of bad breath in dogs is poor dental care. Plaque and tartar buildup, periodontal disease and gingivitis are all major contributors to dog breath.

Just like people, many food particles get trapped between dogs’ teeth during eating and should be removed with regular brushing. Imagine how you would feel to go day after day without brushing your teeth…yuck! Daily teeth cleaning is recommended and there are a variety of dog toothpaste and dog toothbrushes available to make the ordeal more pleasant for your pooch. Human products should not be used for dog dental care. Also, talk to your veterinarian about dog dental products and schedule regular teeth cleanings for your dog. Digestive problems can also trigger bad breath in dogs. If you haven’t already, consider switching to a natural dog food which promotes excellent gastrointestinal health. While you are getting up to par on dog teeth cleaning, give your pooch juiced parsley leaves or fennel. These fresh herbs have antibacterial properties and can help aid digestion.

Click here to read more about bad breath and periodontal disease in dogs and cats.

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