(NAPSA)-There are few things better than having your taste buds tempted by the smell of your favorite foods. Just as humans respond to appetizing scents, research shows the same is true, even more so, for dogs. In fact, a dog's sense of smell is on average 1,000 times keener than that of a human, which makes the aroma of human food often very tempting to our four-legged friends.

"People may not realize it, but dogs experience the world nosefirst, relying on their sense of smell to interpret their environment," said Dr. Alan Hirsch, the founder of the Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation and faculty member at Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center in Chicago. "As a result, food aroma has a profound effect on your dog's appetite, as well as his emotions and ultimately his health and well-being."

According to Dr. Hirsch, aromas have a dramatic impact on one's enjoyment of food, primarily because 90 percent of taste is actually attributed to our sense of smell. The same holds true for our canine friends.

Hirsch stresses the important role that smell plays in keeping dogs well nourished, noting the direct link between taste and appetite.

"As many dogs age, their sense of smell decreases, causing them to lose their appetite along with interest in eating altogether," said Hirsch. "So if you're dealing with an older dog, there should be an even greater emphasis on providing him or her with something aromatic."

That's why Pedigree has enhanced its line of wet food products. The wet food varieties are enhanced with flavors and spices typically considered strictly people friendly in order to offer canines a more tantalizing, and ultimately more enjoyable, eating experience.

These newly enhanced varieties of wet dog food include common human food blends such as spices, hickory-smoked flavor and herbs such as bay leaves. Like all Pedigree products, they're made with high-quality ingredients such as real meats, poultry and vegetables.

Because of their love for dogs, keeping dogs healthy and happy is a number-one priority for PEDIGREE. Much like us, dogs want to eat something that not only tastes great, but smells delicious, too. Offering a wide variety of products for different dog life stages and sizes, Pedigree is at the forefront of pet nutrition.

For additional information and tips for keeping your dog healthy and happy, go to www.pedigree.com.

(NAPSA) - Pets often seem to have limitless energy and robust constitutions, but don't let this fool you: They are susceptible to all sorts of maladies, ranging from mild to life threatening. That's why it pays to have a relationship with a veterinarian.

To find just the right veterinarian, ask pet-owning friends for recommendations. If you are new in town or don't know anyone who has a pet, don't worry. Most veterinarians belong to the American Veterinary Medical Association or the American Animal Hospital Association. You can contact one of these national organizations for a referral to a member veterinarian in your area. Once you get some recommendations, make an appointment for a first visit so the three of you can get to know each other.

In order for your veterinarian to maintain your pet's good health, it is important for you to schedule regular checkups and practice preventive care at home. At each appointment, be sure to communicate clearly your pet's behavior and habits. Since many signs of illness are subtle, even minor changes in your pet's behavior can give your doctor valuable information on what might become a serious health issue.

When bringing your pet to the vet, it can be helpful to take along a stool sample. Scoop a recent sample out of the litter box or yard and take it along in a little plastic bag. This will enable your veterinarian to immediately test your pet for internal parasites. All pets are at risk for parasites-not just those who live primarily outdoors. And when there are small children in the house, there is additional risk of children picking up parasitic disease from their pets. An easy, effective way to protect your pet is to use a monthly oral parasite preventive, available through veterinary clinics.

Remember that veterinarians care as much about you as an owner as they do about your pets. They are available to give you the information and resources you need to take the best possible care of your animals. By taking the time to select the veterinarian that you feel confident can provide for your needs as an owner and the medical needs of your pet, you will establish a rewarding partnership.

To learn more, visit the Web site at www.growingupwithpets.com.

You can locate local veterinarians in the PE Pets directory, click here.

(MS) -- If you have a cat, undoubtedly one of the problems you face is the litter from the litter box being tracked throughout your home. You've probably been jarred awake on your way to the restroom in the middle of the night by a loose piece of cat litter. Not only is litter tracking a nuisance, but it can lead to frustrating problems around the home.

According to the U.S Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Air and Radiation, an increasing amount of scientific evidence indicates that the air within our homes can be more seriously polluted than outdoor air in even the largest, industrialized cities. Since we spend much of our time at home, it's important to keep the air clean and free of dust and other airborne allergens.

Most cat owners have encountered the plume of dust that rises when you pour litter into the litter box, or the tracks of dust that kitty has left behind. However, within recent years a new breed of natural litter has hit the market. Unlike outdated clay based cat litters, many of the natural litters, such as Feline Pine, are virtually dust free. More information is available online at www.stopcatlittertracking.com. Taking this one small step and changing your cat litter can improve air quality and cut back on dust levels that can potentially harm your family.

Filling the litter box with an all-natural pine based litter will not only cut down on tracking and dust, but also cut back on toxins. The US National Center for Health Statistics reported that one in three people today suffer from asthma, allergies, bronchitis or sinusitis. One suggested treatment for these conditions is reducing synthetic chemicals within the home. Search the market for a cat litter that is silica dust free and has no chemical additives or artificial fragrances.

Cat litter tracking can also be particularly harmful to home furnishings. Clay litters contain an extremely abrasive substance, silica, that can damage hardwood and even some tile flooring. One way to protect your floor is by using a mat at the front of the litterbox; also switch to an all-natural litter, such as a pine litter, that touts less tracking and has smoother surfaces than gritty clay litter. Most floors are made of "hardwoods" -- maple, oak or cherry; they'll lose the scratching battle with clay every time. Cat litter made of "softwood," such as pine, is non-abrasive and will keep your floors looking their best.

-Courtesy of Metro Services

It's a healthy sign to see bounce in your dog's step and joy in his jump during your walks together.

(NAPSA) - Ask most dog owners and they'll probably tell you their furry friend is considered a part of the family. Every day, dogs give us so much love and joy and don't usually ask for much in return.

As a loving pet parent, it's important to take the choices you make for Fido seriously, because he counts on you to provide him with the best nutrition available, plenty of exercise and, of course, all the cuddling he can handle. And just as important is to be aware of the signs that help tell you your dog is healthy. Iams ProActive Health promotes the seven signs of healthy vitality so you know what to look for, including:

1. Strong, firm muscles. Make playtime fun and enjoyable for your pet as he races you around the yard. Choose a pet food formula that has chicken or lamb meal as the primary protein source to help promote strong, firm muscles.

2. A healthy heart. Your love for him grows with every beat of his heart. You can feel good knowing that his heart is being nourished with seven essential heart-healthy vitamins and minerals.

3. Strong bones and joints. You can tell everything is okay when there is bounce in his step and joy in his jump during your walks together.

4. Healthy digestion. Iams ProActive Health's gentle fiber system supports your dog's ability to absorb nutrients and minimize waste.

5. Healthy teeth. For that cute doggy smile every day as he greets you at the door, use a formula that has crunchy kibble to help reduce tartar buildup.

6. A strong immune system. Dashing through the snow and singing in the rain together is more fun when you're healthy. Make sure your pet food brand helps promote a strong immune system so you and your friend can enjoy all the seasons together.

7. Healthy skin and a shiny coat. Look for pet food that is enriched with vitamin-rich fish oil to help promote a soft, shiny coat.

To learn more about pet health, visit www.iams.com.

(NAPSA) - There's good news for those who would like to adopt a pet but find visiting a shelter to be an emotionally draining experience. Now, thanks to a Web site, they can start their search online and make a considered decision. Plus, they can find more prospective pets to choose from than they would by visiting a single shelter.

Using Petfinder.com, a person can search for a pet from the comfort of his or her own home. He or she simply types in search criteria and a zip code, then back comes a list of pets matching those criteria. The available pets closest to the person's home will be at the top of the list.

There are more than 240,000 adoptable pets available on the Web site - Petfinder.com - at any one time.

The Petfinder.com Foundation, a separate entity and a public charity, was established in 2003 to assist animal welfare organizations in time of need.
Today, more than 11,500 adoption organizations post the pets on Petfinder. Each one of these agencies has a home page on the site. Each pet has a page of its own as well, with a description and photos. The shelters and rescue group members can now also add videos of their adoptable pets.

In 2006, Animal Planet acquired Petfinder.com, and the site became part of Discovery Digital Media. So popular is the Petfinder.com Web site that Animal Planet decided to create a new series all about animal adoptions. Airing on Mondays at 8 p.m. (check local listings), "Petfinder" matches shelter animals with families searching for their perfect pet. Whether the adoptee is a pig, a pug or a python, the Petfinder co-hosts and trainers help families (and viewers, too) understand the essential elements of figuring out just what pet will be right for them.

For more information about the "Petfinder" television series, visit www.animal.discovery.com.

Petfinder.com is free to adopters and to the pet adoption groups that post on the site. Adoption fees may be charged by the adoption groups. However, pets adopted from shelters and rescue groups often come with benefits that make that adoption fee a real bargain. The site also includes a library of pet-related information, videos, forums, a volunteer database and classifieds. To learn more, visit www.Petfinder.com.

You can now find a pet to adopt online regardless of your location. There are more than 240,000 adoptable pets currently available on Petfinder.com. Use PE.com/pets "Find A Pet" in the top section of our website, then go to the section "Adopt A Pet". Enter what type of pet you are looking for and your zip code. It is that simple.

Apparently Obama promised his two young daughters a dog and another survey was born. This survey was done by the American Kennel Club. Go to this link to read more: www.presidentialpup.com

I can't help but wonder if his daughters might just like a kitten instead.

What kind of kitten do you think the two young girls would like? Send your ideas to: pets@pe.com.

This photo was submitted by one of our viewers.
Title: Nothing Like A Puppy, or 9 of them
Submitted by: camino chocolate labs
Caption: Here is a picture of the cutest chocolate lab puppies ever!

According to Wikipedia, The Labrador Retriever (also Labrador, Labby or Lab for short), is one of several kinds of retriever, a type of gun dog. The Labrador is considered the most popular breed of dog (by registered ownership) in the world, and is by a large margin the most popular breed by registration in the United States (since 1991), the United Kingdom, Poland, and several other countries. It is also the most popular breed of assistance dog in the United States, Australia, and many other countries, as well as being widely used by police and other official bodies for their detection and working abilities. They are exceptionally affable, gentle, intelligent, energetic and good natured, making them both excellent companions and working dogs.

But I think most of all these chocolate lab puppies are just lovable.

If you have a photo you want to share with our viewers, click here to view gallery or upload your photo.

Fleas and ticks can make you pets itch and scratch. Each one of these pests can transmit serious diseases to your pets and yourself. Are you prepared?
Talk to your local pet store or veterinarian about the best solution to rid your pets of fleas and ticks.
Go online and look over the Ohio State University Extension Fact Sheet, Entomology, about fleas.
For information on ticks, go to the University of Florida website.

(NAPSA) - While preventing the signs and symptoms of aging is a prevalent concern among many people, a surprising number are unaware that their pets undergo a similar aging process. In fact, more than one-third of pet owners who participated in PetAg's recent Aging Pet Care Awareness Survey (APCAS) did not even know when their pet would reach senior status. With over 71 million pet-owning households in the U.S.A., this discovery leaves potentially millions of households that need to learn the proper care for their aging pets.

To help clarify survey results, pet nutrition expert Kelly S. Swanson, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Animal Sciences and Division of Nutritional Sciences at the University of Illinois, compiled the top-five steps to ensure that every pet ages gracefully.

1. Determine your pet's senior status. While the rate of aging in cats is similar across breeds, many differences are noted among different dog breeds. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, by age 2, most pets have already reached adulthood. By age 5, they are considered middle age, and at 7, they've started their senior years. The American Animal Hospital Association reports that large-breed dogs begin the aging process a lot sooner and could reach senior status as early as 5 years of age. Overweight pets age faster, so be sure to know the optimal weight for your companion.

2. Maintain a healthy weight. While obesity tips the scale of self-concern among humans, a mere 29 percent of survey respondents indicated they were concerned about maintaining their pet's healthy weight.

As in humans, obesity can exacerbate aching joints and may cause many health-threatening conditions such as diabetes, intolerance to heat and exercise, and decreased immune ability that can lead to shorter life spans. Dr. Swanson recommends adjusting food intake and reducing "empty" calories from pets' diets. Offer functional treats instead, such as a VIVE Low Calorie Nutrition Bar, and cut out table scraps and overtreating.

Alternatively, wasting or losing considerable weight can be common in animals greater than 12 years old, especially cats.

"Weight loss in older animals may be an indication of another health concern such as renal disease, cancer, diabetes, poor dental health, nutrient malabsorption or poor appetite," Dr. Swanson added, "and a liquid nutritional supplement such as DogSure or CatSure can provide the nutrients required to maintain health."

3. Pay attention to cognitive function. While only 25 percent of survey respondents reported concern about cognitive decline in senior pets, incidence of Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS) has increased as life spans increase in the pet population.

Though cognitive decline is not a life-threatening condition in its initial stages, it can have a great impact on quality of life, affect social relationships with the owner and other pets, and is often a reason for getting rid of a pet. CDS is similar to Alzheimer's disease in humans.

While survey respondents chose exercise as the best way to improve cognitive function in aged pets, Dr. Swanson says there's more evidence supporting dietary intervention, such as supplements with antioxidants (vitamins E, C and beta-carotene) and omega-3 fatty acids.

4. Supplemental nutrition may answer health needs. Two-thirds of survey participants considered taking supplements important to long-term health. Many of the same lifestyle and diet strategies may be implemented in pets to increase health and longevity.

5. Continue regular wellness checks. Pet owners trust their vets. Over 63 percent of survey respondents turn to their veterinarian for education or information about their aging pet's health needs. Just remember, pets age faster than people. One vet visit a year for an aging pet is like one doctor visit every seven years for a person. Biannual vet visits can help prevent and detect age-related ailments and disease.
For more information regarding senior pet care and products, visit www.petag.com.

Many Lost Dogs Never Find Their Way Back Home

(NAPSA) - There are approximately 74.8 million family dogs in the U.S. (APPMA, 2007-2008 National Pet Owners Survey) and the reality is that most are comfortable roaming a territory far more expansive than the average home or backyard. Unfortunately, this natural inclination to explore can often result in a dog being separated from his family. In fact, the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy found family pets are lost nearly every two seconds, resulting in more than 10 million missing pets each year.

Concerned owners can follow three simple tips to help ensure their dog stays safely at home and maximize the chance to find him quickly, should he escape.

• Loss prevention starts at home. All too often, doors, windows and gates are accidentally left open and dogs escape. Dog owners must ensure that all escape routes are secured. Fit external doors with self-closing mechanisms (such as storm doors and gates) and examine fences for gaps or holes.
• Dog tags and chips. Dog tags and implanted microchips are valuable methods that help identify a lost dog once they're found. In order to work, you'll have to keep the information up-to-date, including your most recent phone number. While these are important tools, they are passive and depend on others to find and return your lost pet.
• Doggy GPS is affordable and well worth it. Technology can play a powerful role in retrieving your lost pet. Originally developed for the military, powerful GPS tracking has recently been redesigned for monitoring pets and is available nationwide at places like PetSmart and Circuit City. Zoombak (www.zoombak.com) makes a small and affordable lightweight GPS locator that comfortably attaches to your dog's collar and uses satellite GPS and mobile phone networks to keep track of your pet 24/7. An interactive Web site allows owners to easily set up "safe zones" such as your "backyard" or "park," and if the pet leaves the zone you'll receive an e-mail or text message alert on your cell phone, giving you the dog's location so you can quickly find him. If you have a four-legged escape artist, GPS is definitely a worthwhile investment to help provide peace of mind.

Dog owners must be vigilant in the fight against dog loss. Following three simple tips - minimize opportunities for escape, keep identity tags current, and monitor your pet's location - will help ensure you and your pet enjoy a long life together.

A family pet goes missing nearly every two seconds. Fortunately, GPS technology makes it easier to locate a lost or missing dog.