Pet Naturals of Vermont Product Review

Legal Stuff: I got these products for free in exchange for a review. If my review is a positive one, I will receive a free years supply. I think that's kind of shady, but I'mma be totally honest with you guys and my review will be my own, honest opinion. Besides, if I didn't like the product, why would I want more? I'm also telling you this in case you see a review for their product from someone else and they don't mention the incentive to write a nice review about the company. On to the review!

 

I was given two products to review from Pet Naturals of Vermont: Hip + Joint: Bone-Shaped Chews for Medium and Large Dogs, and Flea + Tick Repellant Wipes.

 

Pet Naturals of Vermont's Hip and Joint: Bone-Shaped Chews

I used the Hip + Joint on both dogs. I used it on Nessie because she is a Tripawd dog, and tripawds are known for having joint problems when they get older due to the added stress on the remaining three legs. Nessie also has problems currently with her joints, though it isn't too bad. She just has a hard time jumping up onto the bed at night, and sometimes her limp is more pronounced after she has had an active day.

 

I also have given it to Princess because she has joint problems of her own, primarily in her back hips. Her particular breed-based on what we can guess about her breed- is prone to getting hip dysplasia. It's very hard to describe precisely what is going on with her back hips, but she tends to sit with her knees tucked under her. They also seem... loose is the best way to describe it. So she gets these treats also.

 

Both dogs LOVE the Hip + Joint: Bone-Shaped Chews. They're not big chews, but they aren't super tiny, either. Probably a little less than an inch in size. The dogs got to try the Chicken Liver flavor, and boy, do they love it. It's like giving these dogs crack.

 

With Nessie, I have noticed a difference in her joint health. She has been having an easier time jumping onto the bed at night. Our bed is quite high off the ground, but she's been able to jump up on it with no problem. And she can jump on and off and on and off and back on without struggling during the last few jumps like she normally would. Oh, I didn't make her jump on and off and on and off, that's just how her and Princess play.

 

On the other hand, I haven't noticed much of a difference with Princess. I think if I wanted to see any major difference in Princess I'd have to exercise her 2-3 times more often along with the Hip + Joint chews. Or maybe she's just doomed to sit funny forever.

 

Pet Naturals of Vermont's Flea and Tick Repellant Wipes

I didn't use these on Nessie, but I did use them on Princess.

 

We have an ant colony in our backyard. They're annoying and impossible to get rid of. It happens to be Princess' favorite spot to lie down. And she wonders why she's always itchy! Our backyard also is filled with lots of other types of bugs. I haven't noticed any fleas or ticks and I haven't noticed any on either of the dogs, but Princess is ALWAYS itchy and is scratching or biting herself.

 

This product is supposed to repel fleas, ticks, mosquitos, and flies. While I have no proof that it works on any of these, I know that when I use the wipes on Princess in the morning, she won't scratch for most of the day, even when I'm mean and make her stay outside for hours. I personally like the smell of the wipes, but I know some people will think it's strong. Also, after you use the wipes- if you don't use gloves- you will want to wash your hands thoroughly. The scent and oils really stick.

 

When I got the package, the lid was open and I was really concerned they would be dried out and useless. I don't know how long the lid was off, but the wipes were still damp-probably because they use oils instead of water-based ingredients. That was definitely a plus for me.

 

My only con with this product is that it's somewhat difficult to get the wipes out of the canister. I gave up trying to pull it through the lid-thing (it's like Clorox wipes) and I just take the top off to get to the wipes.

 

Overall

Overall I'd say both of these products were a hit and I'd be happy to use the products on a consistent basis. I like that the products are natural and I don't have to worry about how these products will harm me or my dogs as time goes on. Flea and Tick products are usually so toxic they tell you to wear a Hazmat suit. I'm much more comfortable using this on my fur babies than toxic shampoo. And anything that makes Nessie's life easier makes me happy. It's seriously like doggy crack that's good for them.

 

100 People Will Get These For Free

100 people will receive the Flea + Tick for free, and 100 people will receive the Hip + Joint for free. After the first 100, Pet Naturals of Vermont will give away valuable coupons so that everyone will get a chance to try their products.

 

Hip + Joint Offer: http://www.petnaturals.com/hipandjoint-offer/

 

Flea + Tick Offer: http://www.petnaturals.com/fleaandtick-offer/

 

A Microchip Alternative: mobiPET Review

On Sunday, I talked about why you might not want to microchip your pet. I also mentioned that I found an alternative. Well, here it is.

Disclaimer: I was given this product for free in exchange for a review. The opinions here are mine, and mine alone.

mobiPET Kit

This is mobiPET.

It's a photo amber alert system for your pets. It lets pet parents activate an immediate search for their lost pet from any cell phone or computer. Cool, huh?

Unlike microchips, it starts working as soon as Fido or Mr. Whiskers goes missing.

Let me share a possible scenario that can play out with mobiPET.

Princess: Mom, can I go to the dog party my friend Spot is having? She's going to have dog treats and squeaky toys and dog beer!

Me: Dog beer? Aren't you a little young for dog beer?

Princess: O-M-G Mom! *Exaggerated eye roll* Everyone drinks dog beer. It doesn't even have alcohol.

Me: Will Spot's parents be there?


Princess: Well....

Me: The answer's no. I'm not letting you go to a party that lacks proper supervision. If you are quiet while I take a bubble bath, I'll take you to the dog park.

I soak in the tub until my fingers are all wrinkly. After emerging from the bathroom nice and relaxed, I look around for Princess. She isn't in her kennel, nor in the bathroom, nor in the kitchen.

Me: Nessie, where's Princess?

Nessie: I don't know. I took a nap while you were in the tub.

I panic. Where did Princess go? Where has my fur baby gone!? I check every room and race outside. Princess has disappeared.

mobiPET Key Tags

I grab my car keys so I can search for her when I notice my mobiPET key tag. With mobiPET, I can have an email with Princess' information sent to every vet, animal shelter, and boarder within 30 miles of me. It also sends out a text message to every registered pet finder within 2 miles of me. That's one less thing to worry about.

I follow the direction on the key tag and then hop in my car to continue the search.

What I didn't know was Princess decided to sneak off to the party. If she was going to maintain her status as one of the popular dogs at the bark park, she had to make an appearance. Otherwise she'd have to hear everyone talk about the party and she'd be the odd canine out.

Princess decides to go party.

But Princess forgot that she doesn't know how to get to Spot's house. We only see Spot at the dog park. After a few blocks, Princess is hopelessly lost.

Mrs. Jones is watering her petunias when she sees Princess wandering the streets. It's unusual to see a dog without a human, so she goes over to see what's up.

Mrs. Jones checks out Princess' tags. One of them is a mobiPET tag. She has no idea what mobiPET is, but that doesn't matter because all she needs is her cell phone. It doesn't matter what kind of phone, as long as she can take pictures and text on it. She follows the directions on the tag.

mobiPET ID Tag

Long story short, Princess is returned safe and sound and we all live happily ever after.

This imaginary story covers most of the facts about mobiPET, but there are a few more that might interest you.

mobiPET Facts

Microchips are invasive and can pose a health risk to your pet. mobiPET is attached to a collar, and even if the collar comes off you can still activate a search for your pet. All animal shelters, veterinarians, and boarders within 30 miles will receive an email with your pet's information and picture, along with a way to contact you if the dog is brought in.

If you preorder your mobiPET now, you only pay a onetime, lifetime fee of $24.95. You also get to update your information for free. After the national launch, it will cost $24.94 + a monthly fee of $9.95.

If you are on vacation and your pet gets lost, you still can use mobiPET. You will be asked to confirm your location, and you can input the correct one if you are out of town.

mobiPET doesn't require a special scanner. It doesn't require a special app, either. It works with any cell phone that has texting and can take pictures. Carrier doesn't matter. Or you can use their website.

If your dog already has a microchip, you may still find mobiPET useful. Microchips work after the dog is found. mobiPET helps you search for your pet. It's an extra layer of protection and peace of mind.

Dog tags are great, but if you move or change your phone number, you'll have to get a new ID tag for Fido. You can change your information with mobiPET and keep your original tag.

Currently mobiPET is only available in the United States.

How To Get mobiPET Now for $24.95

Until the launch, the preorder price will be $24.95. All you have to do is go to http://www.getmobipet.com/ Go ahead! Click, click, click!

On Sunday, You Mentioned A Giveaway

Yes. I do have a giveaway. I am giving away one (1) free mobiPET kit to someone in the United States. Will it will be you?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Should You Microchip Your Dog?

On March 9th, I wrote a response to an article in the L.A. Times about a dog that got lost and the crazy situation that ensued. In the comments of every article I read, people were waving their pitchforks at the original owner for not having the dog microchipped. But other comments brought up a good point. What if you don't think microchipping is good for your dog?

Arguments Against Microchipping

First, microchips don't always stay where they've been implanted. They sometimes migrate to other locations in the dogs' body. This poses a couple of problems. The implant can move to a location that causes a lot of pain. Or, if it isn't in the normal location when a dog is found, they might not check elsewhere on the dog to see if it migrated.

Also, just like humans, when a dog gets a microchip implanted their body sometimes rejects it. Tumors have sometimes been found around the injection site of dogs that have been microchipped.

One of the other problems with microchips is they use different frequencies. Many places have universal readers just for this reason, but not all places have them.

For some people, these are good enough reasons not to get their dog microchipped. But what if you didn't have to use microchips? What if there was an alternative?

Come Back Tuesday

Make sure you bookmark this site, add it to your favorites, whatever you need to do to remind yourself to come back on Tuesday. I've been given a chance to review a product that ISN'T EVEN ON THE MARKET, YET!!!! On Tuesday I will have a review of this awesome product and a giveaway. Here's a hint: it's an alternative to microchips.

So while you eagerly await this product review (and amazing giveaway), subscribe to us, add us to your list of favorites, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, whatever it takes for you to come back on Tuesday.

PetBox Review: A Wonderful Experience

On New Year's Eve I was sitting in front of my computer participating in the giveaway #BlogPawsChat had going on. They had partnered up with PetBox and were giving away free PetBoxes like Oprah on Christmas. Princess, Nessie, and I were one of the chosen ones and we couldn't stop wiggling our butts from excitement. We've been dying to try out these magical things everyone in the dog world are talking about but who knew being married was so expensive? By year two of marriage our finances should be more stable but until then we have to hold off on the spoiling of the fur babies unless we take advantage of wonderful opportunities like this one. I jumped at the chance to see what all the hype was about. An entire box devoted to spoiling your fur babies seemed like a wonderful dream. The only bad part was waiting for it to arrive. Patience is a virtue I don't quite possess.

I received my PetBox yesterday from a hot FedEx man with a sparkly, white smile. For a moment I swore I was in a commercial. There was the handsome FedEx man in a crisp, new-looking uniform. He held the blue-and-white box like he knew it would make someone very happy. And oh, it was. The knowing grin he flashed me gave him away, too. I looked through the hideous storm door some idiot decided would look great on all the houses on base and watched him walk away. A moment before he stepped into his brown chariot, he turned and flashed me a dazzling, white smile, turned back to his vehicle and drove off into the sunset never to be seen by mortal eyes again. Okay, that last part is a lie. It was barely 1 o' clock. No sunset for quite a few hours.

Princess liked him, too. When I finally rejoined the real world I noticed she had pushed in front of me and was standing with her paws and nose pressed against the storm door, her eyes wide with longing. How could he leave without petting her? But after he was gone all she wanted was the box. I still can't decide if it's because she likes to chew boxes or she could tell something fun was inside.

We opened the box to singing angels and a holy light beaming from the inside of the box. It was like Christmas morning all over again. The box was stuffed to the brim with some pretty awesome stuff. I'd describe them all, but I think pictures are a better option.

We did try some of the stuff in the box yesterday. I had maintenance over to fix our guest bathtub and master bathtub but Nessie is afraid of men. When she gets scared she runs under our bed in the farthest part where our arms can't reach. Well the guys needed to go in our bedroom to get to the bathroom and I didn't want Nessie freaking out. The only way to get her out from under the bed is to bribe her with yummy treats. I decided to try the Smooches Chicken and Raspberry dog treats.

I swear, those things have doggy crack in them. Nessie LOVES them. I've never seen her get so excited for a treat before. Not even for chicken. I tried it on Princess with the exact same reaction. She went nuts for them. I think they've become addicted to them. Like I said, there has to be doggy crack in them.