APAW Offers Helpful Tips For Stress-Free Holidays With Your Pet

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif., Dec. 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- In the spirit of the season, the Advocacy for Pets and Affordable Wellness (APAW), a national network of pet owners and enthusiasts concerned about the high cost of pet medications, together with petrendologist Charlotte Reed, today announced seven money-saving tips to help pet parents, as well as anyone hosting a pet visitor, enjoy the holidays while ensuring their pets are safe, healthy and happy. As part of the organization's ongoing commitment to pet affordability and wellness issues, APAW offers valuable, pet owner insights and simple solutions to counteract unexpected situations that could affect the well-being of any four-legged friends during the holidays.

"The hustle and bustle of the season, paired with the presence of unfamiliar house guests and decor, can often create an overwhelming environment for pets and pet parents," says petrendologist Charlotte Reed, a notable author and national pet behavior specialist. "There are simple measures pet parents and home owners alike can take to prevent unfavorable situations, such as potential health issues or home hazards."

On behalf of APAW, Reed suggests the following money-saving tips and guidelines to prepare your home properly and ensure pet wellness during the holidays:

1. Calm your pet using food-grade peppermint oil. One teaspoon warmed and gently rubbed on a pet's paws will relieve stress and tension.
2. Secure your garbage can at all times. Harness your pet's curiosity and safeguard against unnecessary emergency visits and expenses by taking steps to fasten garbage bags and toss unwanted gift wrapping and other festive materials that could cause potential digestive problems.
3. Use cinnamon oil spray to keep your dog or cat away from the holiday tree. Fill a 3oz. spray bottle with water and 5-7 drops of cinnamon oil—Since pets dislike the smell, spray around the base of the tree to deter pets from tampering with O Tannenbaum.
4. Administer flea and tick medicine prior to arrival of guests. Proper application of this topical medication will help make your home more inviting and comfortable for your guests.
5. Keep over-feeding at bay. Supplying healthy snacks for guests to feed your pet will discourage them from sneaking your dog or cat food. As a result, you can control four legged friends food intake.
6. Use organic potting soil without fertilizer as an alternative to cat litter. This handy household ingredient can be used as a temporary fix when necessary.
7. Give your pup a quick clean. Mixing 2 cups of cornstarch (to absorb oil) with ½ cup of baking soda (to deodorize) and ½ cup of salt (to loosen dirt and debris), yields a simple dry shampoo to freshen up a dog's coat—perfect for surprise visits and holiday photo ops.

APAW offers expert advice and information about purchasing more affordable, vet-grade pet medications at retail pharmacies in your neighborhood. To learn more about APAW and how it supports and empowers pet owners across the U.S., please visit APAW.org.

About APAW
The Advocacy for Pets and Affordable Wellness (APAW) provides a unified voice of advocacy and support for individuals who are passionate about keeping their beloved, four-legged friends healthy. APAW strives to offer an informative forum where pet owners can voice their perspectives, thoughts and concerns, as well as obtain important information specifically about over-the-counter and prescription pet medications. Through action, empowerment and education, APAW is committed to bringing to life the financial challenges associated with pet ownership while enlightening the pet community about the significant cost savings they can realize by purchasing vet grade medications through alternative resources—including non-veterinary retailers and pharmacies. For more information about APAW, please visit APAW.org.

About Charlotte Reed
Pet care and lifestyle specialist, Charlotte Reed provides pet owners with insight on how to best care for their animals. She has more than a decade of experience as a pet owner, author, speaker and pet behavior specialist. In addition, Reed often offers advice on responsible pet ownership in national newspapers and magazines, as well as radio and television. For additional tips from Reed to keep your dogs and cats healthy, please visit www.CharlotteReed.com.

SOURCE Advocacy for Pets and Affordable Wellness