Cigarette Smoke – How to rid that lingering odor

Do you smoke?  Did you buy a car or house that someone previously smoked in?  No matter what the situation may be, cigarette smoke permeates into furniture, carpets, walls, windows, and just about every other nook and cranny in homes, cars, offices, etc., making it particularly difficult to eliminate.

Fortunately Clear the Air’s odor eliminator is 100% GUARANTEED to pull the smoke odors out of carpets, drapes, furniture, clothing, and bedding without coming into contact them. It works just as well in your car, pulling the odors from the carpet and upholstery. Clear the Air does not cover up odors; it literally “clears the air” leaving air fresh and clean.

Directions to Eliminate Cigarette and Cigar Smoke Odors

• Hang 1-2 Earth Care Odor Eliminator Bags in each room that smells like cigarette smoke. One bag will cover 50-100 square feet. Odor will be eliminated in 24 hours.
• Bag will last 1-2 months, if room is heavily permeated with smoke odor the bag may need to be changed more often at first.
• If odors are particularly strong or room has been smoked in for years sprinkle Clear The Air Odor Eliminator for Carpet and Furniture granules on carpets and furniture. Leave down 24 hours and vacuum. Odors will be completely eliminated.
• One canister of Clear the Air Odor Eliminator for Carpet and Furniture covers 100 square feet; one bucket covers 900 square feet.
• Granules can also be placed in ashtrays and cigarette butt receptacles.

Visit our website to purchase Clear the Air to completely eliminate cigarette odor!

Winter is approaching quickly. What should you do to keep your pet warm?

Although a lot of us pet lovers choose to keep our pets indoors where it is nice and cozy, sometimes the pups just have to stay outside.  Many people believe that because pets have fur that they cannot become hypothermic or get frost bite, but this is definitely not true. The normal body temperature for dogs and cats is 99.5-102.5 degrees Fahrenheit and when their body temp drops way below this, hypothermia is possible. Here are some important tips for keeping your pet safe and warm this winter:

• To help keep your pet warm, bring him into the garage or basement that has lots of blankets or get a dog house or shed with good insulation and one that is waterproof. A thick layer of hay covered by blankets is a good way to add insulation and there should be a piece of thick plastic covering the entrance of the dog house to block heavy winds. Be sure to check blankets often to make sure they have not become wet and frozen. If your pet is very young, old, thin or sick, they are especially in need of keeping warm and need the most protection.
• If you feed and give water to your outdoor pets in stainless steel bowls, it is a good idea to use plastic bowls in the winter time because they tend not to get as cold or frozen as easily.
• If you find that your pet is acting a little more hungry in the winter time this is because more food adds more “fuel” that helps keep them warm so be sure that they have a hardy helping of food when winter strikes.
• Pets should have a comfortable and clean, dry shelter to stay in especially if your pet spends the majority of its time outdoors.
• Check to make sure your shelter for your pet does not have any leaks and that falling rain cannot splash inside of the dry shelter.  It is important to place it in an area where water does not accumulate.  Bottom line, keep your pet high and dry!
• Continuous rain will usually decrease the frequency of your important walks with your dog. In order to compensate for less outdoor time, play with your pet more indoors either chasing a ball or playing tug of war just to get your pet the exercise he’s used to.
• Pets should always have access to adequate shelter and under no circumstance should you leave your pet tied up in the rain.

• Should there be an emergency you must have an escape or evacuation plan mapped out for your pets.  Prepare a first-aid kit for your pets in case they become wounded and never abandon them during a disaster.

The benefits of owning a Cat or Dog

There are many benefits of having a pet.  Not only are they entertaining and provide unconditional love, but you your health can also be benefited by having a pet.

Pets can help decrease stress. In a 2002 study at State University of New York at Buffalo, researchers found that when conducting a stressful task, people experienced less stress when their pets were with them than when a spouse, family member or close friend was nearby.

Lower Blood Pressure.  While some studies have found a stronger connection than others, having a pet has the potential to lower blood pressure, especially in hypertensive or high-risk patients, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Eases pain. Believe it or not, pets can be the best medicine, especially when a person is dealing with chronic pain such as migraines or arthritis.  One study from Loyola University found that people who use pet therapy while recovering from surgery may need significantly less pain medication than those who do not.

Improves mood. A lot of the health benefits of owning a pet may stem from the mental and emotional benefits.  They give you a sense of belonging and feeling of being needed, while stroking and handling animals can be incredibly therapeutic for those who are stressed.

Pets help children develop.  Children who grow up in a household with pets benefit in countless ways, especially in their emotional development.  Pets are also hugely beneficial to children suffering from autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). For children with ADHD, taking care of a pet can encourage them to focus on responsibilities through a predictable routine.

Monitors Blood Sugar Levels for Diabetics.  According to the American Diabetes Association’s Diabetes Forecast magazine, a 1992 study found that one-third of the pets living with diabetics (mostly dogs, but other pets included cats, birds and rabbits) would change their behavior when their owner’s blood sugar level dropped.

Prevents Strokes. Although dogs are often touted for their health benefits, cat owners can see gains, too. Felines are just as beneficial to your health as dogs.  If you have a cat,  you are less likely to have a heart attack and even increasingly less likely to have a cardiovascular incident like a stroke.

Holiday Shopping for your Pet

As you are conducting all of your holiday shopping, should you be a pet owner, you will most likely be purchasing gifts for them as well.  Just over half of American pet owners will buy gifts for their pets this holiday season, and they’ll spend an average of $46 on their animals, with toys and treats topping the list, according to a new poll conducted by AP Petside.

As you purchase your fun treats, toys and such for your pet, keep in mind a great addition to your pets’ gifts is a canister or bag of our Earth Care Products Clear the Air Odor Removers.  They are available online through our website or can be purchased at all Petco Stores.

Earth Care’s Clear the Air is available at Petco

Are you in a bind and can’t wait to receive your Earth Care because a pesky smell has taken over your house?  Did you know that Earth Care canisters are available at all Petco Stores?  Check out the reviews by consumers on Petco’s website.

As always we guarantee our products 100% and should you have any questions please call us!  (800) 611-1611.

Pest Control Technician’s Testimonial on Eliminating Dead Rodent Odor

Testimonial from Pest Control Technician on Earth Care’s Clear the Air bags – Battling against Dead Rodent Odor.

October is “National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month”

What Can An Adopted Dog Bring To Your Life?

There are as many responses to that question as there are dogs in this world! That’s why that during American Humane Association’s Adopt-A-Dog Month celebration in October, we’re encouraging people to adopt a shelter dog and experience the joy of finding their own answers.

Are you looking for:

An exercise buddy?

A best friend and confidant for your child?

A dog you can train with to learn animal-assisted therapy?

A partner in agility competitions?

A constant companion for your favorite senior citizen?

A fuzzy face to greet you after a hard day at work?

An adopted dog can be all these things — and so much more!

Your local shelter is the perfect place to find dogs of every type, size, age and personality — all waiting for a loving home. Or, if you prefer a particular breed that isn’t currently available at a shelter, go online to find a breed-specific rescue group in need of adopters like you.

Find out what a shelter or rescue dog can bring to your life this October during Adopt-A-Dog Month!

Check out http://www.petfinder.com/index.html to help find adoptable pets in your area!

Fun Cat Facts

• Your cat’s front paws have five toes, while the back paws only have four.
• Had your cat been born in ancient Egypt, the Egyptians may have used your kitty to protect crops from rats and other varmints.
• Your cat can not taste things that are sweet.  Their taste buds cannot detect sugar.
• Isaac Newton invented the cat flap door (like a doggy door).
• Your cat can see in the dark.  Cats can see at one-sixth the light level required for human vision.
• President Lincoln kept four cats in the White House
• Your cat purrs at the same frequency as an idling diesel engine.  This is around 26 purrs per second!
• Your cat’s ears can hear ultrasonic sounds.  Rodents use these sounds to communicate.  Your cat can hear them but dogs and humans cannot.  Hence, making them excellent hunters!
• Your cat uses whiskers to gauge whether or not they can fit through an opening.  Furthermore, you cat’s collarbone does not connect to any other bones but instead sits buried in muscle, making it easier for your cat to squeeze through tight spots.
• Your cat can run at 30 miles and hour!

National Pest Management Offer Wildlife Prevention Tips For Homeowners

During fall and winter months, many homeowners are typically on the lookout for rodents — the most common winter pest. However, nuisance wildlife such as raccoons, foxes, and skunks also actively seek out shelter in and around homes. As wild animals pose various health and property risks, the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) encourages homeowners to take steps to prevent wildlife from invading their homes during cooler seasons.

NPMA offers the following wildlife prevention tips for homeowners:

• Keep trash in fully sealed containers
• Fence off open areas
• Cap chimneys
• Trim overgrown shrubs and tree branches
• If you encounter a wild animal on your property, do not attempt to remove it on your own
• Contact your local wildlife or pest professional to determine the best course of action

We are attending NPMA’s Pest World 2011 Event right now in New Orleans!

Keeping Halloween Safe For Your Pet

Halloween is a fun time for kids and adults, but it can also be scary for animals if you’re not careful. Any holiday brings an increased risk of harm and health problems for animals when candy and decorations are involved, but Halloween can be especially risky for a number of reasons. We encourage everyone to have a safe and fun holiday, but please keep the safety and well-being of your pets in mind!

Here are some tips to keeping your pet safe during the Halloween season:

1. Never leave your dog outside unattended – this is a generally safe rule to follow, but it is particularly important on Halloween. It is a sad truth that disturbed individuals have been known to injure and even kill pets on Halloween. No matter how safe your neighborhood may be, Halloween often brings out the pranksters and vandals, so don’t take any chances and keep your dog inside with you where you know he is safe.

2. Most people will agree that there is nothing cuter than a dog in costume.  However, as appealing as your dolled-up pup may be, it is important to always keep your dog’s happiness, safety and comfort in mind.

If you are going to put your dog in costume, make sure it fits properly and does not pose a risk of strangulation. Remove any loose accessories that could be choked on such as ribbons or buttons. If your dog seems even the slightest bit uncomfortable, please reconsider your costume choice. A ballerina beagle may look adorable, but your dog does not know why he is wearing the getup and may do whatever it takes to get out of it, including chewing through the fabric.

3. Everyone knows the best part of Halloween is the candy, but unfortunately this is one of the main reasons that vets see an increase of sick animals around this holiday. Dogs have an incredible sense of smell and will likely notice the increase of sweets in the house. Keep all types of candy away from your dog!

Most people already know that chocolate is toxic to dogs and can make them very sick. But chocolate is not the only sweet treat that poses a risk. Sugar-free candy contains a chemical called Xylitol that can make dogs severely ill even in small doses. Candy foil and wrappers can be just as harmful, as they can cause choking or a blockage in a dog’s digestive tract. If you have kids, let them know that the dog cannot share their Halloween treats.

4. If you put up Halloween decorations, be sure to keep them well out of your dog’s reach. Dogs gravitate towards things that are shiny, small and/or inedible – all of which can cause serious health problems! Candles, lights and cords are a huge safety hazard for all pets. A curious dog that gets too close could be burned or electrocuted. A wagging tail can knock over a candle and start a fire in no time at all! Instead of putting a candle in your pumpkin consider using a small battery-powered light, which is safer and lasts longer!
5. Make sure your dog is in a safe, secure place when the trick-or-treaters come knocking at your door. The continuous knocking or ringing of a doorbell combined with the constant opening and closing of the door will offer plenty of opportunities for your pet to dart out and run away. 

In addition, strangers arriving in spooky masks can be very frightening and could cause even the friendliest dogs to behave aggressive or territorially as a result of stress and fear. To avoid unnecessary stress or unpleasant confrontations with the neighborhood children, I suggest keeping your dog in a separate room. Try leaving a radio or TV on to drown out the sound of the many visitors.
6. No matter what your friends said in college, a drunk dog is NOT a happy dog. Never ever give any amount of alcohol to any animal. If you think it would be funny to see your dog intoxicated, think again. Alcohol is essentially poison to dogs and can cause symptoms including but not limited to: vomiting, disorientation, seizures, irregular heartbeat, heart attack and death. If you have a party make sure you clean up any leftover drinks, as some dogs are attracted to the sweetness of beer and wine.

While keeping your family safe during Halloween is always a must, keeping your pets healthy and safe is also essential. If you have kids, I recommend sharing these tips with them so they can learn how to be responsible and keep their beloved pet safe while enjoying the Halloween festivities.  Please safe, be smart and have a very happy Halloween!