Safe-Home.com

Question about the Wooden Pet Gate, Step-Over, 20"Tall Walnut Finish.

Answer: This is a quality wooden gate made for Cardinal Gates for small dogs, small puppies and non-jumping dogs. The small dog gate is 20 inches tall, 1 inch thick and has bar spacings of 2.25 inches. The gate fits openings from 28 inches to 51.75 inches. Each gate extension adds 22.25 inches of width to the Step Over Gate. Each extension comes with one 'foot' piece. Each foot fits securely over the gate and has rubber feet to avoid harming floors. Add as many extensions as you like for a very long gate. The pet gate is easily moved. The basic gate expands and weighs about 6 lbs. Each extension weighs just under 5 pounds.

The gate and extensions come in several colors. All gates and extensions and foot pieces are made of hard wood.

Your choices are:

• Natural Wood Finish with Natural Wood Finish Extension, No Coatings
• Walnut Wood Finish with Walnut Wood Extension
• Oak Wood Finish with Oak Wood Extension
• White Wood Finish and White Wood Finish Extension

Do remember this is a free-standing gate with wide feet pieces. This is NOT a child safety gate or a gate for small jumping dogs. For example, a Boston Terrier coudl easily jump this gate as well as one that is 4 feet tall if he or she had a running start or desire.

Thanks for your question.

Sincerely, Barbara

Question about the Koolatron Cat and Dog Repeller, Battery Powered and the Koolatron Cat and Dog Repeller with AC Adapter

Answer: I discussed this with my Koolatron rep at length. Heavy traffic and salt spray combine, he feels, to make this unit ineffective. He suggested a fence to discourage dogs from squatting. He reminded me that dogs tend to urinate where other dogs do. Also pet owners may be quite unhappy if their dogs cannot walk on the other side of the street.

My own recommendation, if you can do this, would be to install a low voltage above ground electric fence such as the Fi-Shock Economy Pet Deterrent Electric Fence Kit. Perhaps this could be discretely mounted in front of or just above behind a border type fence, preferably a UV stabilized PVC plastic fence.  The Koolatron Cat and Dog Repeller is better suited for backyard or side yard use or for a very deep front yard where it can be mounted to shoot the ultrasound, if activated, across the yard from the side.

These are the reasons not to use the Koolatron unit in your front yard or back yard near the ocean:

• The Koolatron CD-01 or CD-02 will activate every time that a person, animal or vehicle passes. That means the battery life will be short. Battery Life is determined by how many times the motion sensor picks up motion and triggers the ultrasound. Two batteries should last up to 2000 ultrasonic bursts, Of course, we humans won't hear the sound.
• A salt spray environment will cause corrosion of screws and perhaps the inside as well over time.
• The effective distance of the unit pointed toward the street is up to 85 ft in a 70 degree arc so folks across the street may also trip the alarm. Plus dogs across the street will be effected to their owners' chagrin.

If you don't want to put a "flower bed" type PVC fence in place then use the above ground low voltage electric fence alone. This is a single wire strung between PVS fence poles. The Fi-Shock™ economy pet deterrent kit trains pets and or keeps unwanted critters away. This product can be used to break your pets' bad habits and keep them fenced in. The electric fence delivers a mild shock, deterring animals from the area. It plugs into a standard 110 volt outlet and delivers continuous output.

The Fi-Shock electric fence kit includes the charger, 10-23” PVC fence poles, 1-22” ground rod, 100’ of aluminum wire, 50 cotter pins for fastening wire and 1 ground clamp. It is easy to install and has a 1 year limited warranty. Unless the dog/dogs jump over the fence, your yard will be protected from urine damage.

Thank you for your question.

Sincerely,

Barbara

Question about the K9 Heat Alarm.

Answer: My first sale for this product was for a motorhome owner just like you. He had been looking for a unit that would sound the horn if the temperature rose inside.

Although more typically sold to protect police dogs, this heat alarm made in the USA also works to protect pets or other animals from heat stroke or cold temperatures. This is a 12Volt system and includes the window drop module. Other options include a beeper/pager, dual window drop module (Included with this unit), light bar and/or fan system.

The fan system has 8 blades. Note: Install grills on rear vehicle windows to prevent pets from exiting an unattended vehicle. Use this car ventilation fan with or without the window drop feature. Mount fan carefully to avoid interfering with the window drop and to avoid causing a hazard to the dog.

Ventilation Fan Specifications: Construction: Black high impact plastic. Physical size” 13 7/8 inches in diameter and 2.75 inches thick. Typical Airflow: 675-800 CFM, dependent upon grill type used. Power: 12V fused, 10 Amps. Note: Professional installation may be required. Fans can be mounted on the inside or outside of the window grill guard. Fan motors vary in shape. Grill may need some minor cutting to allow for motor on inside mount. Fan tap is mounted to a battery hot fuse. One year limited manufacturer's warranty.

In order to make sure you get the best installation information, we will need the vehicle make, model and year

The K9 Heat Alarm unit uses temperature sensors along with a microprocessor control system that blows the vehicle horn when an alarm condition is detected. Optional pager has about a one mile range. Backlit alphanumeric display. Microprocessor monitors both temperature sensors and the vehicle's battery. Software based features allow for future upgrades.

Optional Remote Pager and Beeper Module (SM-HA-RBM-D) for K9 Car Alarm: Two part sophisticated paging system includes trigger, timing circuitry and matching receiver (the "beeper"). Alerts when K9 Heat Alarm is activated by high temperatures or low temperatures. Transmitter: maximum output power of 4 watts as allowed by the FCC. Efficient low-loss sensitive pager/receiver senses transmitted signal up to one mile away. Actual range may vary depending upon environment, installation and/or antenna used. Receiver can be programmed to receive page signals from 3 separate vehicles

K9 Car Alarm Features:

• Temperature monitoring system for use in a canine vehicle.
• Horn Activation Module. Pulsed outputs for the Ace K9 is a distinctive S.O.S. horn honk that makes the vehicle horn sound like no other.
• Dual Remote Temperature Sensors with extended 15' cables. Place each sensor where you choose. Most Accurate K9 Car Alarm Temperature Sensors on the market with accuracy better than 0.5° F
• Dual real-time resolution 0.1° F
• Full Alphanumeric LCD Display.
• Comprehensive status reports with easy setup.
• Modular Design allows addition of options such as beeper, pager, dual window drop module, light bar and/or fan system.
• Non-volatile Memory for temperature alarm setting. Temperature alarm setting is permanent until user reprograms.
• Monitors and Displays Vehicle Battery Voltage. Alarm sounds before battery or alternator failure.
• Complete Self-diagnostics of both control head and temperature sensors. Warns if problem with one temperature sensor and sets off alarm if both sensors fail.
• Software Upgrades. Allows for new features and easy customization for your unique requirements.
• All outputs are open collector negative signal with internal over current protection of 300 mA.
• Keypad enables easy access and control of all features. Keypad Size: 4 3/8" W X 3 3/4" H x 1 1/2" D.
• Warranty: Two Year Limited Manufacturer's Warranty.
• Outputs provided for options : Remote Siren Beeper Pager Module, Light Bar and Fan System.

We hope this unit will meet your needs.

Sincerely, Barbara

Question about the Tattle Tale and the Animal Away Devices.

Answer: Steve and I discussed this. We decided the Tattle Tale was not the best choice for his situation as his dog is not disturbed by noises, the db level is 90 and the unit sounds only for 2 seconds.

The Tattle Tale is quite effective for most cats and dogs, however. I explained how I used the Animal Away to keep my dog from going into the bathroom to pee on the rugs during bitter winter days. Since the alarm is silent, no one else is bothered but the animal. Just insert a battery, turn on the unit, test after 30 seconds by waving your hand in front of the motion detector and your unit is ready to keep dogs away. Or use outside to keep animals such as rabbits, cats and dogs out of your yard or out of parts of your yard.

The Animal Away Pro model uses two 9V batteries or an optional AC adapter. This unit is somewhat stronger in output and has a variable frequency which also works to keep out raccoons, rabbits and more. It covers a fan shaped area at 70 degrees at a distance of up to 40 feet.

Steve decided that the Animal Away placed toward the doorway to the kitchen was his best option as that would keep the dog out of the kitchen altogether.

Thanks again, Steve, for your question. Glad we could solve your problem without causing pain to your ears or to the dogs.

Sincerely, Barbara

Question about the Eat Better Dog Food Bowl

Answer: The Contech EatBetter Dog Food Bowl reduces pet digestive problems such as overeating, indigestion, vomiting and even gastric dilation-volvulus also known as "bloat." This dog bowl has three raised three wishbone-shaped partitions so the dog has to eat more slowly. I first used these bowls in February 2008 for both Ellie May and Maggie, my Boston Terriers. Not only does it slow them down but also there is less food pushed out onto the floor. My current dogs, Ellie May and Cici, get about 1/2 cup low fat kibble with a little warm water and a few tablespoons of chicken on top twice a day. At night, I run the dishes through the dishwasher, top shelf.

After daily dishwasher washing, the bowls remain looking as new as when I got them. The dishes are made from food grade plastic. The dimensions are 8.5"L x 5.25" W x 2 "H. Each dish holds about 16 ounces of food. Choose from pink, blue or White Eat Better Dog Food Bowl.

Thanks for your question. Enjoy your dog!

Sincerely, Barbara

Question about the M230 Flea Trap by Woodstream

Answer: This is an inexpensive unit to buy and to maintain. Victor Woodstream corporation's Ultimate Flea Trap attracts fleas and other insects with the light and heat from a 7 watt night light bulb. Once inside, the fleas are caught on a 7 inch diameter glue disc. So killing fleas no longer takes poisons. The trap is circular so the fleas can enter from all directions. Both the bulb and the glue disc are replaceable. There are hints on line that suggest a light and a bowl of water, a potentially deadly combination for fleas and for people as well.

This safe flea killing trap gets rid of fleas without risks or fuss. Capture rate is about 93%. With a one year warranty on everything but the light bulb and flea disc, the Ultimate Flea Trap works best near pet beds, bird cages, garage areas, etc. The disc should be replaced every 2 to 4 weeks no matter how many you've caught. It is ready to use except for inserting the light bulb and the glue disc. * Note: Flea trap population varies from week to week. Leave your trap on 24/7 as a preventative measure. Control fleas from stopping them from reproducing.

Thanks for your question.

Sincerely, Barbara

Question about the Vetscope Petscope, and EarScopes.

Answer: Yes, you would need to buy either the Vetscope or the Petscope. The difference lies in the focal point of the instrument. The pet otoscope or vet otoscope has a focal length of 6.5 inches. That is the correct focal distance for dogs and cats. There is a detailed instruction sheet with each of the units. You can ask your veterinarian for help during your next pet check-up.

Floppy eared dogs are more prone to ear infections. To prevent ear infections and insect infestations, the recommendations are to  check your pet’s ears each week. I use an ear cleaning solution and cotton swabs to clean my dogs' ears. They don't like having the liquid squirted into their ears.  Vets recommend regular ear cleaning especially for breeds with drop-ears (beagles, bassets, cockerspaniels, spaniels, pointers, hounds & more).

It is all a trade-off among the breeds. I have had only Boston Terriers for the past 30 years. Their ears stand up (usually) but they surely do snore. Only one ear infection in all that time. I have learned to use an ear drying solution after they get their showers or play in the wading pool.

Thanks for you question. Enjoy your dog!

Sincerely, Barbara

Question about the effectiveness of Bac Zap Urine Neutralizer Deodorizer, a Bio-Active Urine Neutralizer with Enzymes .

Answer:  This product is made by Brulin, who specialize in products for nursing homes, hospitals, veterinarians, kennels, etc. More detailed information on use is arriving in a day or two as this is a new product for Safe Home Products and is not yet on site in Iowa.  This is what information we have received and was also gleaned from the manufacturer's website:

"Tthis ready-to-use liquid formula attacks uric acid odors immediately with a powerful enzyme digestion process. It is bio-active. Use as is or add it to carpet shampoos and cleaners. This is a popular nursing home and hospital product. Attacks Uric Acid Odors Immediately by a Powerful Enzyme/Digestion Process with Zero Environmental Impact .Specially bred enzyme/bacteria cultures attack and break down the uric acid molecules like nothing else before. It does the job by digesting the source, just the way nature does it...but does it in minutes rather than days or weeks, with zero environmental impact. Destroys malodors by eliminating the source. Vanilla herb fragrance."

I, too, have some issues with dog urine odors from my carpet when the humidity rises. I will update this page after I get the additional information.

Thanks for your question, Lorrie.

Sincerely, Barbara

Question about the Multivet Anti-Bark Collar Scentless Spray , MV11123 and the Multivet Anti-Bark Collar CitronellaItem Code PT-MV11122 Citronella Spray:

Answer: The scentless spray is the same type of canned air used to clean computer keyboards, etc. The propellant gas is the ozone friendly R134a. This gas is used in many medical inhalation products and is harmless to pets and people. When a dog barks, the collar releases a spray of canned air in front of your dog's nose. The dog hears the spray and feels the spray.

Research shows that unscented spray was very effective in stopping dog barking. Research included 32 dogs . 85% or 27 owners reported that they were satisfied with the citronella odour and 80% or 25 owners reported their satisfaction with the unscented odour. The odour does not play a major role in reducing the number of barks per week. In 67.7% of the dogs, there was residual learning after removing the spray from the collar. The bottom line is that most dogs learn in a few days to be quiet while wearing the collar with a citronella or an unscented spray.Aboistop is the only humane solution to the problem of nuisance barking.

The Canadian SPCA test recommends Aboistop as it is cruel yet prevents dogs from barking. They tested the collar on 100 dogs who were barking excessively. The dogs quickly stopped barking. "We are happy to fully endorse this product and to recommend it as an alternative method to massive abandonment of dogs who become a nuisance because of their constant barking." Pierre Barnoti, President S.P.C.A.

Thanks for your question.

Sincerely, Barbara

Question about the Ergo Oasis Automatic Pet Water Fountains

Answer: Our constantly Oasis filtering pet waterer is BPA free (Bisphenol A), PVC free (Polyvinyl chloride). The water bottle is food grade PET (.(Polyethylene terephthalate) The tube between the water pump and the filter is food grade PET.(Polyethylene terephthalate) plastic.  The base and bowl are PP or Polypropylene. The materials chosen in the manufacture of these units have always met the ROHS requirements. ROHS is an abbreviation for the European Union Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) compliant products.

The Oasis units are identical except for the size of the water bottle. We prefer the Ergo Oasis with the 3 gallon water bottle since we have two Boston Terriers and a Siamese cat sharing it. They drink almost 3 gallons a week during the summer months. We keep the waterer in the kitchen plus we put water bowls on the back porch for when the dogs are outside.

We do recommend that you change water filters at least every month or sooner if they won't backwash clean. When we refill the water bottle, we also rinse out the water bowl and the base, backwash the filter under running water and clean the filter for the pump.

So, the Oasis is safe for your dogs' health.
Thanks again for your question.

Sincerely, Barbara