Priority Petfood
Dear Readers

Welcome to our first newsletter for 2008 bursting at the seams with information and deals we hope you will find informative.

Priority Petfood

As you know by now, Priority Pet Food, Gauteng’s newest online vet shop was launched in January to the delight of many time-pressed pet lovers in the area. The team has been running their tails off to get the website up and the word out that the store is open - check out the pictures of our latest escapades.
In the words of Engelbert Humperdink “Love is in the air”. Shop displays are turning red and all the roses in the city are sold out, reminding us that Valentines Day has snuck up on us again! Easter eggs are hatching on the shelves and the Festive Season has blown right past leaving us feeling a little wind swept and out of breath. A trip to the shops brings with it schmaltzy romantic tunes and plenty of red hearts everywhere!

Now before you say that love is for the dogs, here is this month’s vet column on puppy love.

PUPPY LOVE
The Priority Pet Food team is looking for love! We’ve decided to search for a handsome boy to shower our affections on. Now before you all get carried away, you’ll be happy to know that were looking for a puppy! Choosing a puppy that is right for your lifestyle and family is very important but can also be an overwhelming task. Among many other things the size, activity level and nature of the dog will all be important factors in making the right choice. We found that asking ourselves the following questions really helped us during our search.

· Have you owned a dog before?

· What sort of home do you have- an apartment, a small house or a large house?

· What type of area do you live in- inner city, small town or rural?

· What is the size of your garden- small, large or none?

· How much daily exercise would you give your dog less than 30 min, 30 min-1hr or more than 1hr?

· How often will the dog be left alone, and for how long?

· Will the dog be spending time with young children?

· Do you want to adopt a puppy or an older dog in need of a home?

The questions above will help determine the types of breeds that you should be looking at- it certainly does not make sense to adopt a Great Dane that will grow into a 70kg hound if you live in a town house!

We also found a wealth of information at the following websites- do check them out!
http://www.raisingspot.com/intro_choosing_puppy.php
http://www.livingwithadog.com/dog_breeds.htm


After much debate, the team decided to adopt a Black Labrador Retriever. Were not sure what to name our cute little boy - he's on the top of the home page of our website - go have a look and give us your thoughts on a good name. We decided that a Labrador would be a good breed for us because they are loving, affectionate and patient dogs - qualities any girl looks for in a perfect match! Labradors are highly intelligent, loyal and good natured and love to play - especially in water.

With our new darling in our lives you can be sure that there are always plenty of cuddles and much kissing - oh the joy of young love!

PET HEALTH
There’s always plenty of chocolate around at this time of the year, but resist the temptation to feed any to your pets. Chocolate contains an ingredient called Theobromine which is similar to caffeine (another ingredient in chocolate). Both Theobromine and caffeine are toxic to dogs and cats and can result in chocolate poisoning. Different types of chocolate contain different amounts of Theobromine - the higher the level, the more lethal it is to your pet. The danger with feeding your pet even a small speck of chocolate is that once a dog (or cat!) has tasted it, they will crave more.

Your dog will jump at an opportunity to get any type of chocolate, not knowing that certain chocolates are more lethal than other types. According to veterinary experts, larger amounts of chocolate, particularly of the most toxic type, can bring about epileptic seizures in some dogs, and in all dogs, can kill.

If you suspect that your dog or cat has ingested chocolate, please consult your vet urgently to get assistance and advice.

SHOPPING
Our range of treats, toys and pet products is expanding daily! Please visit our site regularly to remain informed on new products being stocked. Here are some of our newest product additions:

 

Kong Toys
Kong Toys are enthusiastically used and recommended by vets, dog trainers and satisfied customers worldwide. Available in puppy, medium and large. Go on, spoil your pooch now!

here >>

Rawhide Dog Bones
Munchy rawhide is a good chew treat choice for a "quick snack" or a short term indulgence. Dogs have a natural instinct to chew. Chewing cleans their teeth, strengthens their gums, and regulates their digestive juices.

here >>

Parrot Dome Swing
Made of wood and coloured with food colouring, this bright swing will really attract the chicks!

here >>

Cat Soft Ball Toy
Cats are natural predators. Let Felix exercise his stalking skills by pouncing on these soft, fluffy balls, hell be entertained for hours!

here >>

Are there more products you’d like to see us stock? Simply send your ideas to info@prioritypetfood.co.za. You could receive a treat for your efforts. Good boy!


COMING SOON! BEDS, CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES FOR DEZIGNER DOGZ AND SOPHISTICATZ FROM RED DOG DESIGNS! WATCH OUR SITE AND THE MARCH NEWSLETTER FOR MORE INFORMATION!

GIVEAWAY!

February is the month of love so we’re giving away two beautiful hampers filled with goodies for your furry loved one. To enter, simply email us a picture of your kissable kitty, ravishing rodent or cute canine at their most gorgeous and let the Beauty Pageant begin! Pictures and a short description of your pet can be sent to info@prioritypetfood.co.za competition closes on Monday 3 March 2008.

If you enjoyed this newsletter and know someone else who will enjoy it, please forward it to them.

Until next time, keep those noses wet and those tails wagging!

The Priority Pet Food Team