When going places, it is nice to let our pets tag along and experience new places. Even those dogs and cats who are getting on in age can join the family fun. But animals can get a bit uncomfortable with being outside of their own home environment. To ensure an enjoyable and memorable trip, follow these tips suggested by one Washington TV news station.

· Buckle up for safety is the first step for everyone in your car including your animal companion.  Smaller dogs and cats are often more comfortable in pet carriers (crates).  Carriers provide security and can easily be secured by a seat belt.

· If you have an older pet, it’s worth setting aside extra time for safely entering and exiting the car. Older pets with joint pain often have difficulties climbing in and out of vehicles. So be patient with them and willing to give them a boost up if need be.

· Food, Water and Exercise: If your pet isn’t accustomed to car travel, do not feed him for 6 – 7 hours before the ride.  Stick with your regular diet, giving his main meal at the end of the day’s road trip.  Stop every two hours to provide water and exercise.

· Certification and Identification:  Carry proof that your dog or cat is current on all vaccinations, including rabies. If traveling over state lines, you will need a health certificate from your veterinarian issued within 10 days of traveling.  Make sure your dog or cat has current ID tags with a telephone number where you can be reached.

Other Helpful Hints:

· Pack your pet’s leash (even for cats), food and water bowls, favorite toys, a piece of bedding from home and any vitamins and supplements your furry family member requires.

· NEVER let your pet’s head extend outside the car window.  Particles of dirt can penetrate the eyes, ears and nose, causing injury or infections.

· Be sure to always park your car in a shaded area to keep the car cool.  NEVER leave your pet alone inside a car, even for a few minutes.

· Plan ahead and don’t make the family vacation your pet’s first car ride!

Plan ahead where to stop and where to stay. Information on pet-friendly establishments can easily be found in bookstores or online at sites like www.petswelcome.com.  The key to a memorable road trip with your pet lies in getting your dog or cat ready for travel and preparing for the ups and downs ahead of time!

Check out FlexPet on Dogster.com in a feature post from Julia Szabo called “Take Your Vitamins!”

Natural supplements have been getting more attention recently for pets and humans as an increasing number of people seek out alternative ways of staying healthy or nursing themselves back to health.

According to Julia’s article, 65 percent of adults consume dietary supplements in the U.S. as reported by the Council for Responsible Nutrition. As you know from visiting this blog, natural supplements aren’t just for humans, either. FlexPet has dogs and pets running and jumping all around, nourishing joints back to good health.

One veterinarian at the New York Humane Society fully believes in the trend of more pet owners giving their little furry loved ones natural supplements. After all, more people are taking them so it’s only natural that they find alternatives for their pets.

But if the experts believe in FlexPet, why shouldn’t everyday pet owners? Julia rightly points out that Best Friends Animal Society is a big believer in FlexPet and even uses the supplement to nurse its sick dogs back to better joint health.

What happy stories can you share about your pet taking FlexPet? Please share your experience below! And be sure to friend us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

We’ve got great news!! The new Flexpet Shelter Program has launched! We’re excited to share this news with our customers and the entire pet community. We’ve created a program to help the neediest dogs get healthier joints, feel more energetic and increase their chances for adoption. Check out the press release below:

If you are a pet shelter and are interested in learning more or signing up please be sure to check out FlexPet4Shelters.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NATIONWIDE FLEXPET SHELTER PROGRAM LAUNCHES ENABLING MORE HEALTHY PET ADOPTIONS

Nationwide Program Helps Shelters Adopt Out more Healthy Pets & Opens Revenue Channel

FORT MYERS, FLA. – (August 4, 2010) – Flexcin International, the makers of Flexcin with CM8™ joint inflammation supplement for people and FlexPet with CM8® joint supplement for dogs, has launched a new nationwide FlexPet Shelter Program to help pets have a better chance at getting adopted and open a new revenue source for shelters.

Dogs, cats and pets of all ages often experience weakened joints from injury, damaged cartilage or even a natural aging process itself. Pets with damaged or injured joints feel more of their aches and pains, reducing their energy and diminishing their chances of a successful adoption. The FlexPet Shelter Program aims to give these pets a chance to put their best paw forward to make a lasting impression on an adopting family.

The FlexPet Shelter Program works in two ways:

1) Shelters provide joint-weakened pets with the FlexPet with CM8™ supplement to promote optimal joint mobility so they can feel healthier and happier, giving them a better chance to get adopted.

2) A FlexPet resales program where up to 50 percent of their FlexPet sales goes toward fund raising for the shelter. Once adopted, the shelter can also sell a FlexPet maintenance package to the new owner, keeping the pets healthy for a long time and giving the shelter an additional revenue source.

“Ultimately this is a complete win-win-win scenario because pets have a better chance of getting adopted, families can maintain their new pet’s health, and shelters can take advantage of a new source of revenue,” said Tamer Elsafy, CEO and founder of Flexcin International. “It’s heartbreaking to see the number of pets that continuously get passed by for adoption when all they need is a chance to feel better and showcase a loving personality.”

Flexpet with CM8 is a patented compound that is clinically proven to promote optimal joint health in dogs, cats, horses and other pets. The combination of all-natural ingredients in Flexpet is especially designed to nourish the joints, support stronger cartilage, help stimulate the lubricating fluid in the joints and increase total mobility.

Any shelter interested in joining the FlexPet Shelter Program can sign up by visiting FlexPet4Shelters.com.

About Flexcin International, Inc.

Flexcin International, Inc. is a manufacturer and marketer of leading natural supplements that provide joint inflammation relief. Along with its FlexPet line of pet joint inflammation supplements and dog joint treatment, Flexcin products are the only joint inflammation relief supplements with the patented CM8 ingredient, clinically proven to stimulate joint fluid lubrication, strengthen cartilage and increase mobility. For more information visit flexcin.com, flexpet.com or call (800) 505-0575.

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Just as many Americans are becoming more health and weight conscious, pet owners today are becoming more mindful of what they are feeding their furry friends.  They are taking note that some of the food we give our pets is contributing to an unhealthy weight gain over the years.  And as they gain weight with their age, many times arthritis starts to set in.  So some pet owners are looking for healthier dog food from the beginning in order to better influence their weight in the long run. We all want our pets to live longer and happier lives, disease free.

A 14-year study that was recently published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Association (JAVMA) reports that dogs that were fed in a manner that helped maintain their ideal body weight throughout their lives had a median lifespan of 1.8 years longer, and were considerably healthier than their littermates. But with so many dog-food options available, from raw and dehydrated to grain-free and single-source protein, what is the best diet for our canine companions?

According to Mike Grant, the nutritional science director for SeniorPetProducts.com, several dog nutrition myths have been debunked in recent years.

The first myth: A raw meat diet is best. Today’s dog does need a meat-based diet; however, small amounts of grains, like rice, oatmeal, pasta, vegetables, and fruits are a normal and a desirable part of good dog nutrition. He says it is also untrue that dogs can not digest cooked or processed protein. Dogs have no problem using the protein in cooked meat.

The second myth: Fat is full of empty calories. In reality, fats are highly digestible and the main source of energy for dogs. One gram of fat provides 2.4 times the energy of one gram of protein or carbohydrates. Fat is also essential for the proper absorption of vitamins A, D, E and K.

The third myth: Diets must be tailored to breed and age. A good diet is good throughout his entire lifespan. The only thing that will change is the amount of food and the kinds of supplements your dog needs.

The bottom line is this, dogs need an all around healthy diet full of nutrients, proteins, carbohydrates and fats. When dogs live their whole lives with eating nothing but table scraps, they become obese and age much quicker. As dogs age, everything else starts to deteriorate including their joints, especially if they are overweight.  FlexPet with CM8 is the only provider of dog arthritis natural supplements made with CM8. Not available in other pet supplements, our proprietary blend of cetyl myristoleate is an ingredient clinically proven to promote optimal joint health in dogs by helping to stimulate the lubricating fluid in the joints, support stronger cartilage reduce pet arthritis and increase total mobility.

So as many pet owners are becoming concerned with their dog’s diet and choosing healthier pet food for their companions, those who have pets that are already seeing the effects that obesity has on poor joint health, are turning toward alternative remedies such as FlexPet to make healthy choices for their dogs and cats.

Dog Grooming Tips Can Relieve Pet Pain

How often do you take your dog to get pampered? Is it possible for dog grooming tips to help your furry little friend feel better and alleviate some possible joint inflammation? Not only can dog grooming be a great way to keep your dog clean, but your dog will absolutely feel relaxed and more at ease, which ultimately helps them feel better.

Many experts offer dog grooming tips for a variety of breeds so that you can ensure that your particular dog feels the love and care they deserve. You can either use dog grooming tips to do it yourself, or you can hire someone to do the dog grooming for you.

Patti Lefkowich is one of those people. And when you hear about her very successful mobile dog grooming business and happy customers, you may find yourself going to her even though its her job to come to you. How happy are her customers (the dogs, of course)? Let’s put it this way, she proudly states that she may take a little extra time because she often stops for kiss breaks.

Patti runs the Patti Waggin. Dogs love the service. Owners love her attention to detail. We love her business name.

A life-long lover of dogs and all animals, Patti’s been grooming dogs for years and started her mobile grooming business when she moved to Florida. She pays so much attention to detail that she even carefully chose her grooming van to be “green-friendly” so the dogs wouldn’t have to deal with any fumes.

FlexPet loves Patti because she is extremely mindful of older dogs and their issues with joint pain. Patti takes lots of caution to make life easier for the older dogs, including hydraulics so they don’t have to jump up on tables, and massage treatment to make their bones, muscles and joints feel oh so good.

Now that you know all about Patti, here are a few other helpful dog grooming tips to make your dog feel great:

1) Make your dog feel comfortable: Dogs aren’t as familiar with grooming as humans are. We know we need to wash every day – sometimes multiple times each day. Dogs and pets don’t have this awareness. Say warm, nice things to your dog throughout and stroke him or her gently.

2) Use gentle cleansers: Pay careful attention to the cleansers and shampoos you choose for your dogor pet. Consult with your veterinarian when necessary to see if your dog should avoid any special types of cleansers or shampoos.

3) Reward your dog throughout: When your dog displays calm, relaxed behavior, or when he rolls over when you need him to, reward him! Go ahead and give him a few treats throughout.

4) Associate grooming with positive reinforcement: In addition to treats, make your dog or pet associate grooming with positive reinforcements and other warm, comfortable thoughts and feelings. You want your pet to feel like grooming is a good thing!

5) Use soft brushes: No one wants a harsh brush going through their hair, and neither do dogs. Pay close attention to the right kind of brush that will make all the difference in the world for your dog or pet.

6) Focus on all parts of the dog: It’s not just about the shampoo and brush. Make sure you carefully clip nails, clean ears and wipe away dust from eyes.

7) Use caution with belly: Just like humans, dogs and pets have their sensitive sides, too. The belly is very sensitive for many dogs so use lots of caution when grooming in those places.

What other dog grooming tips can you add here? Please leave a comment below.

Like people, pets need a good mix of exercise and rest so that their little bodies can grow healthy, happy and disease-free. When pets don’t get the right mix of exercise, rest, nutrition and play, their bodies breakdown and become less healthy.

It really doesn’t matter what kind of dog you have, it’s important to make sure every dog gets the right amount of exercise. Just like you want your children to get good exercise to keep them healthy and refrain from childhood obesity, you want the same for your pets. Good exercise is even great for adults, too, as it keeps joints from tightening up. Here are some tips, guidelines and advice on how much exercise should you give your pet:

1) Just Get Moving: No matter what kind of exercise routine you design for your dog, just getting up and doing anything is the right one. Whether it’s a nice stroll through the park or a good run around the block, as long as you’re keeping your dog safe it’s the right exercise program. Exercise and the right dietary supplements can together support healthy joint structure.

2) Keep Their Mind Sharp: Exercise is important because it works your dog’s mind and mental state as much as it works your dog’s physical state. Dogs can get dangerous mental problems from being pent up in the house for too long. They can become anxious and even start damaging parts of the house from boredom.

3) Maintain Strong Bones: Exercise helps dogs maintain healthy, strong bones.

4) Good Muscle Tone: When you take your dog and pet on a regular exercise routine they’re able to maintain good muscle tone throughout their body, reducing the problems associated with being over weight.

Think you can handle a dog boot camp? For people looking for an intense workout for themselves AND their dog, check this out:

5) Release Energy: Dogs and pets need to release energy from being in the house each and every day. How would you feel if you stayed in the house all day doing nothing. Guys, don’t ask yourself this question if it’s a Sunday during football season as it will produce the wrong answer.

6) A Little Each Day: You want to avoid getting into a situation where you don’t allow your pet to exercise at all throughout the week and then run them hard for four hours on Saturday thinking it will make up for lost time. This is dangerous and should be avoided at all cost. Instead try extra hard to give your dog a nice little workout each day for 15-20 minutes.

7) Water Is Important: Make sure your dog is properly hydrated before, during and after his or her workout. Bring along a water bottle for you and a little water bottle for your furry little loved one.

Bad Weather: Be careful when the weather isn’t so nice. Dogs and pets can easily injure themselves during the winter months and it’s cold, icy and snow-filled up north. And they can have dehydration and heat exhaustion problems during the super hot months in the summer.

9) Home Features: Also be sure to pay close attention to your home. Your dog may not get enough exercise around the house simply because of the kind of features you have in your house, such as smaller rooms and less space for your pets to run around.

So how much exercise should you give your pet? Try to shoot for a little each day.

What’s your dog’s daily exercise program? Please share with us by leaving a comment.

A new dog owner survey suggests certain types of homes and home features may help exacerbate arthritis in dogs. We recently surveyed 500 dog owners throughout the country to learn if certain types of homes create an atmosphere for dog arthritis.

Flexcin team leaders uncovered a possible link between dogs that suffer from joint pain and arthritis and homes built a certain way or with specific features. Headlining the survey taken by people whose dogs have arthritis and joint pain, 68.3 percent of respondents said their homes have tile floors while 63.6 percent said their homes are two-story. Other home features that were prevalent among dogs with arthritis include backyard patios with cement and tall furniture that dogs could jump onto.

Survey participants were asked about the style and features found in their home. The survey found that homes may also be designed a certain way to prevent a dog from getting exercise during the day. Homes with more rooms leaving smaller common areas may prevent dogs from running around the house as a way to gain extra exercise. Homes with fewer rooms leaving more open area provide a larger area for dogs to run, allowing more opportunity for indoor exercise.

“Even some of the best dog lovers sometimes fail to keep their dogs needs in mind when designing the perfect home,” said Tamer Elsafy, CEO and founder of Flexcin. “Feeding your dog the right diet and making sure they’re warm at night still isn’t enough. Arthritis affects dogs in many of the same ways it affects humans, and every aspect of your home needs to be taken into account for your furry little loved one.”

Percentage of arthritic dog owners with these home features:

• Homes have tile floors (68.3%)
• Two-story homes (63.6%)
• Backyard patios with cement flooring (54.2%)
• Tall furniture in the home (43.8%)
• No backyard at all (36.7%)
• Small common space in home (24.7%)
• No walk ways near home (23.5%)

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As FlexPet’s Chief Canine Officer, I am so excited to announce that in June my dad and I will be making our way to the Natural Marketplace 2010 showcase in Las Vegas. We will demonstrate to natural food retailers just how much FlexPet with CM8 has helped me overcome joint pain and a once unbearable way of life. The event will be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center and lots of natural food store managers will attend to learn about what is new and most effective in the world of natural supplements. Throughout Natural Marketplace 2010, Flexcin will be illustrating the benefits of retailers adding FlexPet to their mix of healthy offerings since consumer spending on pet products continues to rise.

I’ve become pretty savvy surfing the web and I hear that the overall market for pet spending is expected to jump to $70 billion in 2014, up from roughly $53 billion today, according to consumer good researcher, Companies and Markets. Wow that’s a lot! My dad and I believe health product retailers would be wise to add all-natural pet products and supplements to their menu of offerings to take advantage of this continued increase in pet spending.

Natural health retailers already carry Flexcin vitamins and supplements because their customers seek better alternatives to traditional medicine which can be expensive and frustrating. Since many of these customers wish to provide their pets with healthier alternatives that lead to an all-natural diet and lifestyle as well, we hope to work with more stores nationwide to make it easy for pet owners to pick up some FlexPet while shopping for human vitamins.

Research shows that many dog lovers want an alternative to prescription drugs to help their pets that are suffering from arthritis. FlexPet has proven to be safe and reliable since it is made with the patented formula CM8^TM. It is clinically proven to promote optimal joint health in dogs and cats by helping to stimulate the lubricating fluid in the joints, support stronger cartilage and increase total mobility.

While holding the position of Chief Canine Officer, I have learned a lot about my fellow pet friends and their humans. Luckily our loving owners know when we are not quite feeling up to par. And it has become clear that our human friends are looking out for our best interests by turning to all-natural supplements like FlexPet to treat our pain. If it weren’t for FlexPet, I would not be able to go on walks with my family. Instead I would become that lazy old dog that none of us look forward to becoming.

So I am inviting you to spread the word to all your friends and local health food store owners that FlexPet is making its way to more health stores nationwide. Tell them to stop by our booth at the Natural Marketplace 2010 to learn more about my tasty and effective supplement, FlexPet with CM8.

Thanks,

Tiny the Dog

FlexPet Chief Canine Officer

We love to hear from our canine customers about how well FlexPet is working for them. Of course the feedback tends to come from their humans, but we think it’s important to share their stories. We recently received this glowing review from Fenster’s human, Ray.

“Fenster has benefited greatly from these supplements. He had an issue with one of his rear legs, which made it difficult for him to sleep, to rise from a reclining position, and he typically ran with three legs, with a noticeable limp. After several weeks of the FlexPet, he now sleeps peacefully, against me, runs and walks with no limp, and has quit licking the leg.

One of his most notable tricks was to sit, when we asked him to “park his can.” But before FlexPet, his knee was so sore that he would decline a visible treat, and express his disapproval for the request with a muted “woof.” When we asked him to do ANYTHING else, he would instantly comply, and wag his tail when he got his treat. As he improved, he would squat, which, as we understood his discomfort, was good enough for us. But after about six weeks with the FlexPet, his “can” would hit the floor, almost in anticipation of the request, and he now “parks his can” as willingly as he does his other tricks. He now no longer has a limp, and no longer hesitates when someone rings the doorbell. He also greets us at the end of the day, at a dead run, with a huge smile on his face now. He is the only dog I have ever owned capable of smiling when he sees us.”

We are happy to hear that Fenster has had such a life changing experience with FlexPet and hope he continues to brighten his humans’ days with his addictive smile! Thanks for sharing your story with us Ray.

Adopting a senior pet can be just as rewarding, if not more, as bringing a puppy or kitten home from your local shelter. There are some great benefits to adopting an aging dog or cat and most health issues surrounding senior pets can be easily overcome.

Recently we sat down with Mike Fry, Executive Director at Animal Ark Shelter in Minneapolis, MN for a Q&A about adopting senior pets. His shelter has several programs to encourage people to take home an older pet. These programs have been very successful and we asked him for input on how to help our customers who are considering adopting another pet. Here’s what he had to say:

Q: What are the reasons that older pets do not get adopted as easily as puppies and kittens?

A: I think, primarily, it is due to misconceptions about older animals.  That old myth “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks” is part of a greater notion on the part of many people that adult or older animals are set in their ways.  Plus, puppies are just so darn cute that they pull at people’s heart strings very easily. People can fall in love with a puppy simply by seeing its picture.  An older animal may take some time to meet and connect with.  They are, however, well worth the time spent!

Q: What are the benefits to adopting senior pets?

A: Very often these dogs and cats come well trained!  That whole phase of chewing, potty training and terrorizing can be bypassed by adopting older animals.  The older animals require less exercise, less energy, less food, and are generally a LOT easier to ease into a home.  Plus, because an animal’s personality is somewhat determined genetically, and is not fully expressed until adulthood, it is often easier to know what personality a dog will have if an adult dog is adopted. Additionally, senior citizens who adopt senior dogs find they have lifestyles that are more consistent with the needs of senior pets. Adopting a very senior pet does not involve making a 20-year commitment, something some seniors are not prepared to do.  However, they may be able to make a 3 - 6 year commitment. And a senior pet is perfect in that case.

Q: Why do senior dogs and cats make good companions for senior citizens?

A: Research has proven that people with pets live longer, happier lives.  The health benefits of owning pets can extend a person’s life and dramatically increase the quality of life.  I have heard many seniors say that a pet gives them something to do each day, which is important if you are retired, have no kids at home, etc.  They provide love, activity and stimulation.

Q: How does a senior dog’s health play into the situation?

A: As a general rule, I don’t think health is a big problem.  The general ailments of older animals are fairly easy to overcome.  The key is to get people to connect with an older pet.  When they do, the minor ailments of age usually mean little. An animal in pain can, understandably, be more aloof, or downright cranky.  We have observed, therefore, some general personality changes in dogs when we put them on FlexPet with CM8. This helps them to present their “best side” when meeting perspective new families.

There are lots of misconceptions about adopting older animals and since puppies and kittens are so precious, it’s easy to see why people migrate to them. But Mike suggests taking the time to meet older animals and connect with them.  They are well worth the time spent!

For more information on Animal Ark Shelter and the programs they have available, check out their website.

Have you listened to The Doggie Chronicles radio show yet? It is a broadcast radio program geared towards dog enthusiasts and pet lovers alike. Shows include the latest canine news, in-depth interviews, product reviews, and tips from some of the industry’s leading dog experts. The host, Lisa Gorman, speaks with special guests each week for a lively look at all things dog.

Recently our President, Tamer Elsafy, creator of FlexPet with CM8, was interviewed on the show to talk about pet arthritis supplements and natural treatments for dog and cat joint pain. Hear the interesting story behind how FlexPet came to be and learn more about the key ingredient, CM8. He’ll explain how CM8 works to correct the problem of arthritis and joint pain by balancing the immune system and keeping the inflammation down. Check out his full interview and learn more about natural options to treat your pet’s arthritis.

Many times when our pets are in pain, we tend to turn toward medications and remedies that are familiar to us as humans. For instance, aspirin has long been a medication known to relieve minor pain. But over recent years, we’ve learned more and more about the risks involved with aspirin use and these risks relate to our canine and feline companions as well.

Aspirin for dogs with arthritis pain can be used, but this type of treatment is quickly losing popularity. This is because dogs are particularly sensitive to the effects that Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin, can have on their gastrointestinal system. Side effects of NSAID’s include pain, bleeding and ulceration. So using aspirin for dogs with arthritis pain should only be done with caution and under the strict supervision of your veterinarian. In addition, according to the Veterinary Drug Handbook, 3rd ed., “aspirin may cause birth defects, so it should not be given to pregnant animals”. Lastly, aspirin has been known to interact with other drugs so it’s important to make sure that your vet is well aware of all medications Fido is taking BEFORE using any aspirin products.

As for cats, they are much more sensitive to aspirin because their bodies cannot break it down as quickly. Therefore, we recommend staying away from aspirin all together with your cats to avoid the possibility of an overdose.

As more and more people are turning away from aspirin products, many of them are turning toward natural arthritis pain relief products. FlexPet with CM8 has been proven to correct the problems and eliminate pet joint pain by reducing the inflammation while lubricating the effected joints. This is mainly because of the main ingredient, CM8 (cetyl myristoleate). In addition to it being an immune system modulator, CM8 delivers special nutrients and herbs to the joints, bones, and surrounding tissue. It alleviates pain, boosts immunity, strengthens the skeletal system, removes harmful toxins and promotes general health and well being.