Safe-Home.com

Question about the Eat Better Dog Food Bowl

Q:"My dog gulps her food so fast that she frequently upchucks afterwards. I see you sell a dog bowl that is supposed to slow her down. How does it work? Is it safe for the dishwasher?" Thanks. Jayne

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

Q: "I am looking for a way to kill fleas in my dog kennel without using poisons. I also have dogs that winter in my house. Despite topical flea prevention treatments, we seem to get fleas in our house. And do they cause itching! How does the Ultimate Flea Trap work? Is it expensive to operate and maintain?" Thanks. Jack

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.

Q: "I use a home otoscope, the EarScope, to examine my children's ears if I suspect an infection is beginning. Do I need a different otoscope to examine my dog's ears? He is a Basset Hound with floppy ears who has had two infections so far. Thanks." Susan

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 Grafco 28 Compartment Weekly Pill Box Organizer.

Q: "My dog needs to take pills twice a day with his meals. I need a simple pill box that will let me set up his pills in such a way that I can automatically give him the correct pills in the morning and in the evening. He takes 3 small pills in the morning and 2 at night." Thanks. Carol

Answer: I recommend the Grafco 28 compartment weekly pill box organizer. It is compact, has 4 compartments per day. You can use it for two weeks worth of pills by setting up the top two compartments for week one and the bottom two for week two. I know your dilemma. Breakfast time is busy here with two dogs and two people. My one dog now takes 1 whole phenobarbital and 1 and a half antacid pill with each meal and every other day is taking 1/2 of a prednisone. I was thoroughly confused before I began using this pillbox unless I marked the pills on the calendar. Another advantage of this two week approach is that you have a better idea how many pills remain so you can get refills on time.

By the way, I can put the pills at the back of Maggie's mouth and massage her throat. The easier way is to imbed them in either peanut butter bread or soft chicken and immediately give a second piece. I've found she sometimes would tuck the pill in the side of her mouth and spit it out late. (I'd find the pill later and wonder if it was today's or yesterday's).

I've also learned that if your vet is willing to write a Rx for a long term medication, most pharmacies, at least here in Iowa City area, will fill a generic prescription for a dog for the same price as for a person without insurance. Interesting, huh.

Just one more FYI, if the dog or person needs to take pills at a specific time, consider the Medready Basic Pill Box with Timer. Although this is over a $150, the Medready has a timer and beeps when the pills need to be taken. For someone or some animal with chronic diseases, this is our best pill box.

Thanks for your question.

Sincerely, Barbara

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

Q: "My two cats fought a year ago and sprayed urine on my carpet. I have tried everything I can find but when the AC and heat are off, the odor rises from the carpet and almost gags me. How does BacZap work? Will it work any faster than the other urine neutralizers I've tried? Will it kill the odor better?" Thanks Lorrie, Your Warehouse Manager

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:

Q: "What is in this spray? Just air? How does the spray stop a dog from barking?" Thanks. Sara

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

Q:":"I would like to purchase several of the Oasis automatic pet waterers, but would like to first know whether the plastic and rubber components are safe for the health of my dogs.  Specifically, can you please let me know whether the Oasis waterer is BPA-free, PVC-free and whether the tubing in the waterer is made from drinking hose or other tube material that is safe for this use?" Thanks. Mary

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

 

 

Question about the Medline ML-MSC281264LB 150 Protection Plus Deluxe Fluff-Filled Underpads 23 x 36 and the Medline ML-MSC281225 Protection Plus Fluff-Filled Underpad, Economy Weight, 23" x 24" (200 Each/Case)

Q: "I have a 10 week old puppy who will grow to no more than 12 pounds. Often, I am gone for 10 hours a day. My neighbor stops in some days to let the puppy out. I don't want to crate her all day. I tried the puppy pads but she prefers the bathroom rug. Would these underpads work? I see that similar pads in the store cost at least $6 for 18 pads that are 23 by 36." Thanks. Mary

Answer: Yes, I recommend the incontinence pads by Medline. My Boston Terriers refused to use the "scented" training pads. The smaller one came to me at 18 months from a home breeder and was completely house trained from the age of 7 weeks. Problems started after she was spayed. She cannot "hold it" like the other, larger Boston female I have. Ellie May also believes throw rugs are preferable to ceramic tile.   More...

Question about the product Banister Guard 15 feet by 33 inches high, Product Code: =SF-BG15

Q: Does the plastic around the holes crack? Is the plastic very strong?" Thanks, Twig

Answer: We've sold this indoor banister guard product for about 9 years and never had a complaint about the plastic cracking. The plastic is quite strong. PET medical grade plastic. Once this is installed, it is tight to the banister so there should be no tearing. You cannot tear this: you have to punch the holes and cut with sharp scissors.   More...

Question about the Contech Outdoor Dog Water Fountain.

Q: My labs enjoy staying outside in our fenced yard despite the summer heat. The trees provide shade but it still gets into the 80's or low 90's most days. We'd like them to have fresh water and the option of cooling off. How does the automatic water fountain work? How hard is it to train dogs to use it?" Thanks. John.

Answer: Learning to use the Automatic Dog Waterer is like learning to use a dog door. If the dog is thirsty, he or she will learn faster. When we trained our Bostons to use the dog door, we gave them dog cookies the first few times and pushed them through the door. That was all it took.

Similarly, your dogs should learn quickly to use the waterer. If you want them to get cooled off, my suggestion is to purchase a Contech Water Scarecrow. This will dump about a cup of water on them each time they approach it which should help to cool them off.

Meanwhile, these are the specifications for the automatic waterer:

* Runs on 4 "C" Batteries: Battery life: Up to 1 Year.
* Low battery indicator: when light flashes red, change batteries.
* Ultra sound based concept: Operates unattended and "activates" the fresh stream of water when your pet approaches.
* Detection Range: 40 degrees angle out to a distance of 1 meter (approximately 3 feet).
* Operates 24/7: Cool Clean Water on Demand for your dog at any time.
* Simple Installation: Installs easily on any outdoor spigot.
* Emergency Lockout: If an object remains in front of the WaterDog for more than 4 minutes, the Water Dog will shut off until the object is removed.
* Pipe Splitter Included: Flow Through Tap Connector allows you to connect another hose or sprinkler without having to disconnect the Water Dog.
* DO NOT use if there is a risk of freezing.
* Maintenance:
o Daily: Place your hand in front of the WaterDog sensor. When the light flashes green, it is working correctly.
o Monthly: Inspect the sensor area to make sure that it is clean and free of any debris. Wash the screen with soapy water.
o Yearly: Replace the alkaline batteries for maximum performance.
* Most dogs will understand how to use the WaterDog immediately. More timid dogs may need some training. When introducing your dog, make sure he is thirsty. Remove regular source of water and exercise first.
* Dimensions: Unit: 6.5" high x 3" diameter. Metal Hose: 23"
* 2 Year Limited Manufacturers Warranty.

Thanks for your question.
Sincerely, Barbara