24Paws Blog

For the past two years we’ve been a house well stocked with baby wipes and incontinence pads. Not exactly items you’d expect in a home dedicated to fur-kids, but they are daily essentials for our pack.

We started using baby wipes a few years ago to help clean the folds around Tristan’s mouth as he is prone to develop an allergic reaction to any dirt, dust, or stray food particles that might linger on him. He requires a very gentle product that doesn’t contain alcohol (because it stings and burns any open wounds or scratches and acts as an irritant to his skin), no fragrances, and no dyes.

Other uses for these wipes:

• cleaning ears – very gentle, large, and two-sided
• cleaning around the eyes – very gentle
• cleaning up any mistakes that may occur while on the road
• wiping down the saddle portion of Tristan’s cart to maintain a clean seat

Speaking of other uses for “human” products:

If you’re pet is experiencing recovery from surgery, incontinence, sickness, or just potty training, you quickly become acquainted with the products on the market that will help make the best out of your situation.

Most pet parents are familiar with the disposable absorbent pads that can be used for any of the above situations. We really like these for traveling (even small trips become long trips with an incontinent dog), and for use when an animal is violently ill. These pads really saved the day for all of us when Frosty was in his last weeks and controlling his diarrhea became our own Olympic trial.

There are manufacturers who produce biodegradable versions of these pads, and we really like those, because if you must use these pads very often they do create a lot of waste.

However, you may find that you are better served by a washable, waterproof, and absorbent fabric underpad. These would especially be good for a pet who has undergone surgery, as they often have a spot that leaks, drains, or even bleeds.

Tristan has moments of incontinence when he is asleep, as well as when he first awakens and gets to a standing position. We had been using an old twin mattress pad cover that had a cotton top with a plastic bottom. It was waterproof, and it did work well, but after about six washings, just fell apart.

I happened to stumble upon exactly what we needed quite by accident one day. I found myself in the incontinence/bladder control section of the store and saw the following box:

Waterproof Sheet Protector Absorbent Underpad by Inspire

These pads are large (30″ x 34″), washable and reusable, have a non-slip bottom layer that keeps Tristan standing instead of sliding, a waterproof barrier, a soaker core, and a dry-touch top layer that wicks moisture into the pad. They make a larger size (36″ x 72″), but I haven’t seen it available locally.

Here is the top (white side) and underside (green) of the pad:

We’ve been using them now for a little over a month, and after many washings, they are still performing like new. All this for just shy of $10.00. You can find them at a variety of stores that may be in your neighborhood, or check the online retail list.

There are comparable products marketed specifically for pets, but you’ll pay a great deal more for them.

24Paws Rating: 5 Paws (5/5)

The Product: Waterproof Sheet Protector Absorbent Underpad

Company & Site: K2 Health Products, Inspire Brand

Retail Price: $9.00 – $11.00

How’d we get our paws on it: Purchased at a local store

Why we love it: Economical, large, portable, non-staining, doesn’t leak, washable, reusable, and safe for the elderly or young pup who can’t get their footing very easily. Machine washable and dryable.

Room for improvement: We wonder if an antimicrobial agent applied to the material would be a beneficial feature to the product or cause a price increase that would be unjustified. There doesn’t seem to be much of an odor-blocking element to the pads. Not that there is an overwhelming odor, as the moisture is quickly drawn into the core of the pad, and they launder beautifully and dry quickly.

Remember: Let your pets inspire you – poke your nose around different sections of your favorite stores…you never know what you’ll find. Dare to explore!

Got a favorite incontinence product you’d like to share? How about a product that is marketed for use by humans but is a great item for pets?

Check out our full Review/Rating Process Guidelines

Links to Chew On:

• Biodegradable Pet Training Pads

For the past five years our Super Bowl Sunday has revolved around puppies chasing toys, tails, and each other. We are highly addicted to the cuteness of the Puppy Bowl on the Animal Planet channel.

If you haven’t checked it out before, head over to their site and you can watch highlights from past Puppy Bowls or get the dish on some recipes for you and your pooches for your tailgate party.

When the rescued puppies take to the field and pile on each other with history-making plays for your hearts and the coveted toys, we guarantee that you’ll be smiling ear-to-ear. Don’t forget to bring your own pups in for a huddle and a well-deserved hug.

This year we hear there will be some bunny cheerleaders. Don’t forget the very special Kitty Half-time show!

Bring on the Puppies!

Airs Sunday, February 7, 2010 3:00 pm Eastern on Animal Planet

Links to Chew On:

• Bomb-sniffing Dogs at Work For Super Bowl Sunday Safety

Hopefully you’ll soon be entering your charitable deductions on your federal tax return for your generosity in 2009, but what about your future donations?  One of the questions we are frequently asked is, “What charities do you donate to?” To help jumpstart your 2010 giving, we thought we’d share a little secret with you.

One of our requirements is that the organization adheres to a cruelty-free commitment and a policy that pledges that their research, services, experiments, and funding does not support any animal experimentation.

Thankfully, the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) maintains an online list of organizations that vow to support cruelty-free research, earning them the “Humane Charity Seal.”

The site offers a print friendly version of the list or you can order a printed booklet to keep with you. Go check out the full list, or use their search feature to see if your favorite charity is listed. The list also highlights charities that continue to fund animal experiments. They maintain a great news and analysis section that will keep you current on the latest efforts to end animal experimentation.

At the end of the day, it is your money and you have a right to know exactly what that money is funding. Take a proactive step in your charitable donations and make the charities accountable for their actions.

Consider this: We always see our charitable donations as signatures of approval of the actions of the charity. Are the actions of your chosen charity worthy of said approval and support? Take action with your donations, or give silent consent to the cruelty conducted in your name.

Links to Chew On:

• More Trends and Info. on Humane Giving
• Factsheets and sample letters to help you
• Improving Military Medicine
• Humane Giving on Facebook

We hope you ring in 2010 safely and surrounded by those you love. May you embrace every day of 2010, and squeeze every minute of happiness out of each moment you have with your companion animals.

Do you make any New Year’s resolutions for the way you care for your pet? Maybe you’ll vow to keep to a schedule for their nail trimming, ear and teeth cleaning, and fur brushing.

Perhaps you will vow to play with them more. You both receive numerous physical and psychological benefits when you take the time to mentally stimulate your pet with play and affection.

Are you making a resolution to lose weight? Look at your pet. Could he go on a diet too? Resolving to get the two of you moving more is a great goal for the new year.

You might just find that when you include your pet in your New Year’s resolutions that the new goals you’ve set become easier to keep and complete. What resolutions do you have for your pets?

From all of us at 24Paws – Happy New Year!

A simple guide to celebrating and living in the New Year:

Easy does it on the partying and the catnip.

May you find a way to roll over any obstacles you face in the new year! Don't forget to smile!

There is beauty in every moment.

Links to Chew On:

• Workouts for People and Pets
• Ferret Dental Tips

Today is International Animal Rights Day. Today we’d like to tip our hats to our European neighbors and applaud the efforts they are making to help improve the lives of animals.

International Animal Rights Day – “The annual International Animal Rights Day (IARD) – 10th December – aims to remember the animal victims of human tyranny and call for the recognition of our Universal Declaration of Animal Rights (UDAR).” See Uncaged Campaigns for more info.

Make Animal Testing History – Virtual March – “The European law that regulates animal experiments, Directive 86/609/EEC, is being updated. Revision of the law offers a vital chance for real and lasting change for animals who currently receive inadequate protection. Most importantly, a targeted strategy to replace animal experiments with more advanced non-animal methods must be the ultimate goal.” – Join the march and catch a glimpse of a virtual Ricky Gervais

Pedigree Dogs Exposed from BBC America- “Two years in the making, Pedigree Dogs Exposed lifts the lid on the true extent of health and welfare problems in pedigree dogs.”

Animal Protection Agency – “the UK organization committed to ceasing the trade in wildlife for pets.”

“I am in favor of animal rights as well as human rights. That is the way of a whole human being.”
–Abraham Lincoln

Links to Chew On:

• Universal Declaration of Animal Rights

In case you’ve missed it, here are some of the latest designs we have available at Zazzle. (Psst, if you follow us on Twitter and Facebook you get the daily codes for discounts on products and shipping too!)
Note & Greeting Cards:

Snow Day by 24Paws

My Dog Thinks You Smell Funny by 24Paws

For cat and dog people:

J’embrasse [...]

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Happy Halloween from:
Our Pirate Tristan

Our Potato Grandbury (with butter pats)

Somewhere along the way Grandbury started being called potato. Sweet potato, my potato, my lovely potato. What can I say? I love a potato and I love Grandbury.

and Our Fairy Winni

Do you dress up your pack?
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We told you about the new 2010 Dog FriendlyTM Honda  Element back in April, and now we can report that you’ll be seeing it at your local dealership on November 16, 2009.

More information from the American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
The Dog Friendly equipment group is designed exclusively for the Element EX trim level and can [...]