Bil-Jac Foods, the producer of super premium dog foods and treats based in Medina, Ohio, has just launched its first Facebook photo contest! Now through the end of July, Bil-Jac Facebook fans will have the chance to view and vote on the 12 finalists of the Cutest Dog on Facebook contest.

Bil-Jac has been collecting hundreds of entry photos for the contest since May via Facebook and Twitter, which were then carefully pared down to 12 finalists by Bil-Jac.

The winner of the photo contest will win a one-month-for-a-year supply of dog food from Bil-Jac and three online coaching sessions from celebrity dog trainer Joel Silverman. The runner-up will win a six-month supply of dog food and the third place winner will receive one month’s supply.

To participate in the contest, simply visit Bil-Jac’s Facebook fan page and click on the Photo Contest bookmark. You can then vote for your favorite picture once per day until July 31.

[image used with permission from bil-jac.com]

As we prepare for barbecues and fireworks this Fourth of July, The American Kennel Club has offered up some tips on how to keep your pets safe and calm during this noisy celebration.

Does your dog freak out at fireworks? Our Honey does, but Chip is usually fine after he figures out where the noise is coming from. We’ve several of the techniques below for Honey, including keeping her in her crate with a towel over it and keeping the television on so she’s got other, “regular” noise to distract her.

~ It’s safer to keep your pets at home during Forth of July celebrations instead of bringing him to your neighbor’s party. Keep your pets in the house, rather than in your yard; he’ll be a lot happier indoors, and not tempted to leap over a fence to find you.

~ Dogs can be startled by the loud noise of fireworks. Once the festivities begin, keep your pet in a safe room where he can feel comfortable. If he’s crate trained put him in his crate covered with a blanket to make him feel secure.

~ Block outside sights and sounds by lowering the blinds and turning on the television. Play soothing music in the background to counteract the cacophony during the “rockets’ red glare.”

~ If your pet seems overly anxious, spend some time with your pet, speaking soothingly to help them to relax.

~ Avoid scraps from the grill. While tempting to our pets, any sudden change to your pets’ diet can cause stomach upset. In addition, some certain foods like onions, avocado, grapes and raisins can be toxic.

~ Human products can be dangerous to animals. Avoid spraying your pet with insect repellent and only use special sunscreen that is intended for animal use. Keep your pets away from matches and lighter fluid. They can be extremely irritating to the stomach, lungs and central nervous system if ingested.

[image: flickr]

I’m not usually one to dress up my dogs, and even less so if there’s the possibility they’ll be seen by other people (unless it’s Halloween!).

This little patriotic dog costume is too cute, though, and if we had plans to leave the house on the Fourth of July (currently we plan to be sitting on the patio with some barbecue in the backyard) I might consider getting one of these for Chip.

The outfit is fully lined and made from cotton. It features little tuxedo tails, a matching removable bowtie collar and top hat.

Tails by the Lake has the cute one pictured above for $34 each and unfortunately are out of all sizes but XS, Large, and XL. BuyCostumes.com has a set that’s quite a bit cheaper but not quite as cute (here’s a bigger pic) for $15.

[image: tailsbythelake]

Looking for alternatives for conventional dog care? Check out Eco Dog: Healthy Living for Your Pet.

The 120-page book offers a bunch of planet-friendly, natural tips and how-tos, from how to make a lemon flea tonic or rosemary shampoo to how to make your own homemade dog jerky (no preservatives and you know exactly what’s in it!). It touches briefly on why it’s important to feed high-quality foods, and includes a recipe for a homemade meatloaf for dogs.

It also includes information on potential and hidden dangers with conventional pet foods and tools, but it doesn’t leave you on your own: it then provides you with shopping tips and home improvement ideas to get you started on a path to all-natural pet living.

All the ideas in the colorful, slick book are nontoxic and canine-friendly, and the pictures are cute too!

[image: amazon]

Summer vacation usually means travel plans, and when you’ve got pets you either need to make special arrangements for their care while you’re gone, or special plans to bring them with you.

The Weekender bag at PlanetDog.com can help you with the latter! Holding up to the 30 cups of dry dog or cat food, the portable bags allow you to take care of pet feeding without lugging around a giant bag of food.

Available in several different colors, the bag is made of poly-canvas and is water resistant and machine washable. You can find it at PlanetDog for $16.95.

[image: planetdog.com]

This cute pooch has found a new hiding spot in his owner’s couch:

Jazz the dog’s stealthy spot seems to be a popular one - urlesque has a whole list of other pets, including cats and ferrets!

What odd places have your pets found to hide in?

I admit, my first thought at hearing there’s a Pet Fashion Week was one of… well, amusement. Really, an entire fashion event just for pets?

It’s true, and it’s in its third year! Pet Fashion Week will be held in New York City at the Metropolitan Pavilion (Japan just wrapped up their second one) on August 22 and 23. They’re currently accepting applications for display inclusion, which can be downloaded online.

Pet Fashion Week was created “to provide a gallery setting for the refined pet lifestyle professional to both purchase and distribute the very best products in the industry.”

The product lines that will be displayed include all the basics:

~ Apparel
~ Collars and Leashes
~ Toys
~ Foods and Treats
~ Bedding
~ Jewelry and Accessories
~ Fragrances
~ Grooming and Health Products
~ Specialty Items

The two-day schedule includes symposiums, awards, exhibitions and several challenges.

More info about PFW can be found at the website, or by calling 401-331-5073.

[image: flickr]

There are a lot of great coupons and deals for pet items right now, from treats to free shipping and, my favorite, a percentage off your entire online order!

~ PetSmart.com: Super Summer Sale; through June 29

~ Drs. Foster & Smith: Reptiles treats sale; expires June 15. $5 off orders over $40 with coupon code 30785132; expires August 31

~ PetfoodDirect: 5-15% off your order and products; expires June 30

~ Petco.com: Free shipping on orders of $49 or more with coupon code affreg; expires June 26

~ 1-800-PetMeds: $5 off your order with coupon code WEBC5; no expiration

[image: drsfostersmith]

It’s that time of year - between trips to the park, camping, long walks or road trips, people are getting out and about and enjoying the warm weather. While pet owners don’t usually forget about their pets during their summer activities, they can now be more prepared!

CommuteMate has created a very nifty all-in-one food and water container for dogs and cats (though you wouldn’t take a cat along on your bike ride, it’s perfect for a road trip!).

All the components of the piece have a purpose: while assembled it holds food and water, and once taken apart it becomes dishes to pour the food and water into.

The handy container is available for $15 at Amazon.

[images: amazon.com]

Southwest Airlines used to not allow animals in the cabin of an aircraft unless they were there for medical reasons.

However, the airline faced a conundrum. They’re the only major airline left that doesn’t charge for two pieces of luggage (fees kick in at three), but at the same time they needed to bring in more revenue without upsetting customers. One great solution? Allow pets to fly in the cabin for a small fee.

Tickets for pets became available June 1, and staring June 17th, you’ll be able to bring your small pet (they must be small enough to fit under an airline seat comfortably) on your flight with you for $75 each way, which is still cheaper than the industry standard.

Though there will be a limit of five pets per flight, they also plan to outfit their terminals with spots where animals can do their business between flights.

I think this is an excellent move by Southwest, what do you think?

[source; image: flickr]