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How To Address Separation Anxiety in Pets #PurinaPartner

August 14, 2017 by Momstart 14 Comments

This is a sponsored post with Purina

It’s back to school season and we’re running around getting everyone ready. We’re getting school supplies, making lunches and signing up for sports. We’re getting everyone ready but have you remembered your pet? Pets get used to all the activity, the littles being home and playing with them every day. They get used to all the attention and excitement every summer day of activities brings. Then what happens when they are in an empty house? Pets can get separation anxiety, and that can cause trouble for everyone in the family. We know from experience. Thanks to Purina, we have some tips for separation anxiety in pets to share with you.

Tips for Separation Anxiety in Pets

1. Set A Routine – I know for our dog a routine is so important. Emma, our German Sheppard is used to getting up in the morning, going out, then eating breakfast and then going to doggy day care. When the kids are home she knows she’s not going to doggy day care. This year we have to set up a new routine. To do this Purina suggests that leaving the house at the same time and getting back at the same time will help. Also dedicate a certain time of day to play with your dog, this structure and consistency will help them deal with loneliness and anxiety.

2. Spend Quality Time – In the advice above we recommend that you set aside some play time with your dog. Your dog needs exercise and attention. Give them a walk, a cuddle session or a mental exercise. It’s this time that will keep the pet mentally sharp and from feeling neglected.

3. Turn on Some Music – The first time the kids went to school and I was left home a long the house was way to quiet. I couldn’t work, I couldn’t concentrate. I had to turn on some background noise. The same goes for pets. You can play some soothing music or sounds while you are away. Music has benefits for pets including distracting them from worrisome noises and it promotes relaxation.

4. Give them a Toy – For our dog who loves to chew we like to give her a rawhide or a chew toy. My sister’s dogs love toys too. A toy keeps your dog occupied during alone time. You might also consider a scratch post or furniture for your cats. Give them things to keep them busy. Puzzle toys are also a great idea for pets.

5. Play It Up – So if you notice that what you have done so far hasn’t worked and your pet is experiencing destructive behavior, you just need to play it up. That means they need even more physical activity. They need rigorous play that gives them an outlet and relieves all the stress and pent up energy. Our dog needs lots of extra exercise we she has to walk in the morning, at night and if I have time in the middle of the day. Running is even better, and I let my son do that with her.

For more information on pet separation anxiety and how you can address it with your cat or dog, check out this piece at https://www.purina.com/better –with –pets/7 –tips –separation –anxiety and be sure to tune in to Purina’s Facebook Live on this topic taking place on Tuesday, August 29 at 12pm CT.

Purina Pro Plan Contest – How Is Your Dog Great? (Lucy is THE GREATEST!)

August 22, 2012 by Momstart 5 Comments

By: Ashley

Yes, I am an animal person. I love cats, I’ve recently discovered having a fish is actually cool, and Animal Planet is one of the channels I always check when looking for something to watch on TV. Out of all the animals there are though, dogs are something special. Their loyalty and love puts them paws ahead of the pack.

I’ve been checking out some of the videos in the Purina Pro Plan Contest, and they are AMAZING! There are so many videos of amazing dogs. Purina has asked “How Is Your Dog Great?” and the response is incredible. Seeing the great videos of these great dogs, really just makes me think of one thing… how SUPER great my dog Lucy is.

Lucy has always had character and expression coming out of her ears. I know all dogs have amazing facial expressions, but Lucy’s really are so full of personality. We got her as a tiny puppy, and even then, it was obvious that she was always going to have a lot to say.

While she might not actually be able to make the words and get them out, we do plenty of voice overs for her. I know that might sound strange… but we have our own Lucy voice. When it looks like she’s got something to say, the Lucy voice comes out and says it all for her! (I’m not crazy, I promise! HA!) For example, here, Lucy is saying, “I am sooo tired… Can’t I please just take a nap?”

And man oh man, does she get excited when it snows. “IT SNOWED! What are you being all still for? There’s SNOW out here!”

No matter the situation, Lucy always has a lot to say. It’s always written all over her muppet-like face. She’s a GREAT dog, and a part of our family.

Do you have a great dog? Check out the Purina Pro Plan Contest. All you have to do is upload a video answering the question “How Is Your Dog Great?” and you could win. Your video could be shown during the 2013 Westminister Kennel Club Dog Show. How cool is that? The winner will also receive a trip for 2 (and of course their GREAT dog) to the 2013 Westminister Dog Show (including airfare and hotel), and a one year supply of Purina Pro Plan dog food.

Disclosure: I was compensated for this sponsored post made possible by Mom Spark Media. Thoughts are my own.

About Ashley (Managing Editor at MomStart): Ashley is a mom, wife, sister, daughter, friend, and former teacher working to navigate through the mysterious world of Mommyia. Read more about her adventures at Momicles and follow her @Momicles2010 .

Purina Pro Plan “How Great is Your Dog?” Video Contest

August 8, 2012 by Momstart 16 Comments

Lucy is a Great Dog – Purina Pro Plan “How Great is Your Dog?” Video Contest

By: Ashley

Do you ever find yourself getting all choked up about something and feel a little ridiculous about it? You know… greeting card commercials, the hometown hero story, or anything pet related? I just watched a commercial for Purina Pro Plan’s Great Dog campaign, and had to grab a tissue to dry my eyes! I’m not sure if I should be admitting that quite so publicly, but it’s the truth! What is it about our animals… our pets… our furriest family members… our best four legged friends that just pulls out the raw emotion in us? I definitely don’t have the answer to that question, but I know it’s so true for me.

Lucy is our only furry family member (at least for now). I grew up having dogs my whole life, but Lucy was the first PUPPY I ever owned. She was small enough to fit into my arms like a baby when we first brought her home and now she’s big enough to knock me over with her spazzy shows of affection. (ACK! Here comes those watery eyes again! … Whew… okay… I’m good now. )

We had Lucy before we had Atticus… and it took her awhile to realize he was here to stay! I think it’s pretty funny because they definitely have some strange brother-sister type relationship. They have fun together, get annoyed with each other, get in trouble together… and love each other. I love… LOVE watching them play. She lets him put goofy hats on her, read stories to her, and the favorite for both of them – play ball!

Looking back at Atticus and Lucy playing ball is like taking a trip down memory lane. There is Lucy, fetching for Atticus through every sit, scoot, and stumble. She knows to be gentle with him. She is patient with him. She returns it every time knowing that his throws aren’t the 50 yard dashes that she’s hoping for. She makes him burst at the seams with laughter. All of this because she is a great dog.

Okay… now I that I’ve once again started nudging at the pet story water works, it’s YOUR turn. Purina Pro Plan is looking for amazing videos from passionate pet owners showcasing whatever it is that makes their dog great. Do you have a great dog? If you do, go to the Purina Pro Plan YouTube channel and upload a short video (less than 2 minutes in length) showing something that makes your dog great. The winner of the “How Is Your Dog Great?” video contest will have their video shown during the 2013 Westminister Kennel Club Dog Show. How cool is that? They will also receive a trip for 2 (and of course their GREAT dog) to the 2013 Westminister Dog Show (including airfare and hotel), and a one year supply of Purina Pro Plan dog food. So… GET GOING! What is it that makes your dog great? Purina wants to know! (And so do I. J)

Disclosure: I was compensated for this sponsored post made possible by Mom Spark Media. Thoughts are my own.

The Purina Cat Chow Real Stories Project Have You Shared Your Story Yet?

July 16, 2012 by Momstart 8 Comments

I just shared my story about my favorite cat on the YourCatStory.com website for Purina. The Purina Cat Chow Real Stories Project is a nationwide search to find, showcase and celebrate cat stories that highlight the special relationships between cat people and their cats, as well as the many ways our cats are always there for us. Purina Cat Chow is asking you to share your story for an opportunity to be one of five grand prize winners who will each receive a $5,000 cash prize, a one year supply of Purina^® Cat Chow^® brand cat food for one cat, and have their cat relationship story told through a Purina Cat Chow brand online video.

I have a fun story about my cat that was able to turn the light on every night while I thought I was going crazy, I also have a story about my first cat. I loved my first cat so much that when my cat was hit by a car, my grandmother paid for my cat to have surgery and she later told me as an adult how very expensive it was. It would have been cheaper to have put my cat down but she couldn’t bare to see my face. I loved that cat. She was a beautiful cat that I played with all the time and she endured all of my graceless attempts at playing with her and carrying her around.

What’s your first cat story? Do you have one to share. From now until July 31, you can participate in the Purina Cat Chow Real Stories Project Contest by submitting your cat relationship story at www.yourcatstory.com.

Five cat stories will be selected as the grand prize winners of the Purina Cat Chow Real Stories Project and will each receive a $5,000 cash prize, a one year supply of Purina^® Cat Chow^® brand cat food for one cat, and have their cat relationship story told through a Purina Cat Chow brand online video. Following the story submission close on July 31, Purina Cat Chow will narrow the stories down to 10 finalists. You gusy will be asked to vote on your favorite stories from Aug. 28 – Sept. 18, 2012, at www.yourcatstory.com to help identify the winning stories. The winners will be announced on or about October 1, 2012.

Purina Cat Chow is committed to telling and highlighting the real stories of everyday cat owners. Purina Cat Chow recently launched a new national TV advertising campaign inspired by stories of real-life cat owners and new product packaging featuring five owners and their cats. Purina Cat Chow believes that someone should always be there for you and your cat. We want to be there for cat people as a supportive and dependable resource, and an insightful champion for the relationship cats and owners share.

Purina® Cat Chow® partnered with bloggers such as me to help educate us all about their Real Stories Project. As part of this program, I received compensation for my time. They did not tell me what to say. Purina Cat Chow believes that consumers and bloggers are free to form their own opinions and share them in their own words. Purina Cat Chow’s policies align with WOMMA Ethics Code, FTC guidelines and social media engagement recommendations.

Cute Doggie Videos

March 3, 2010 by Momstart 2 Comments

I really miss owning a dog so I have to watch videos of pets on-line. A PR Company that I occasionally post things for asked me to post this information and share it with my readers. I figured I might as well, because I’m enjoying the videos.

Pets are more than just animals to their owners; they’re part of the family. For those pet owners who get so much from their pets, Purina® Pro Plan® is helping them “Do More” to give back to their pets with a new series of helpful Web videos and tips on www.DoMoreForPets.com featuring Jeff Probst.

The Pro Plan® Doing More™ for Pets program is a series of short Web videos that provide pet owners with new and creative ways to care for their pets. Jeff Probst, Emmy Award-winning host of the hit television show Survivor and an avid animal enthusiast, stars in the videos along with two furry friends, Cooper, a yellow lab, and Zoey, an American Shorthair cat. Each video gives an overview of a different suggested activity for owners to experience with their dog or cat in a fun and safe way. Pet lovers can view the Web video series at www.DoMoreForPets.com.

“I collaborated with Purina Pro Plan® on this project because we share the same philosophy when it comes to caring for pets,” said Probst. “Pro Plan is geared for pet owners who get so much from their pets they do all they can to give back to them. That’s the kind of pet owner I am, and hopefully pet lovers see it come to life in this series of educational Web videos.”
A total of nine videos will be released throughout the spring, three of which are currently available on www.DoMoreForPets.com, including:

• “Our Outdoors” – Hiking and camping with your dog
• “Wild Instincts” – Nurturing your cat’s inner wildcat
• “Road Time” – Safely taking your dog on a car ride

The @petcentric giveaway winner is so cute!

January 16, 2010 by Momstart 11 Comments

I don’t usually post photos of the winners on my blog for their privacy, but this winner is too cute! Black Lab, Cisco is going to be enjoying quite a few treats thanks to Purina Pet Centric.

Pet Centric is a great place to hang out and gather information about pets and Purina products.

Tell Purina The Good The Bad, The Happy The Sad Through PetCentric, Dog #giveaway

December 22, 2009 by Momstart 737 Comments

Purina wants to know! Purina wants to know all about your animal and how you take care of them. What works what doesn’t work. That’s why they created petcentric.com. In order to get you there they are offering a giveaway for your dog. You can win one snoozer pool and patio dog bed and an Everyday with Rachel Ray tote bag filled with her favorite pet products.

But first, let’s talk more about Pet Centric. If you have ever signed up for a coupon with any of the Purina brands then you have a log in, you’ll just need to log in and create a screen name. Every pet needs a name right? Then the fun begins, you can post pictures of your dog and look at other pictures. You can read pet stories and play games. You can share videos and laughs. Dogs do the craziest things sometimes. If you can’t tell I’m a dog person.

There are so many things to do, if you need to know anything about your pet you can probably find it here. PetCentric as a hub for all-things-pets.

To Enter:

Visit PetCentric and tell me Your favorite PetCentric article or your favorite pet picture on PetCentric.com (required)

Become a fan of petcentric on twitter (3 extra points)

Follow Petcentric on Facebook (2 extra points)

Extra Entries:

Advertise this giveaway on any giveaway site and tell me where you advertised it. 10 Extra Entries
Subscribe to my blog
Follow me on twitter tell me your twitter ID
Blog or facebook about the giveaway include a link to me and to the sponsor for 10 extra entries
Tweet the giveaway (every time you tweet you get an entry) Link to the giveaway please!!!
Comment on any other non giveaway post and come back and tell me you did
Use any of the Share options at the bottom of this post: (two entries for each one)
Add my button/blog to your blogroll/friend list 3 extra entries