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Best holiday gifts for pets

Keeping in mind that every day is Christmas for your pet – as long as you’re around, try not to go overboard spending on your fur kids. So what’s a good pet parent to buy this year? Here are a few suggestions for pet owners and animal lovers alike.

Best gift ever for cat or dog
Thoughtful, practical and personalized, it’s a small and simple thing –– as the best gifts often are. For cats and dogs, one of the best pet gifts ever is the identification tag – engraved or otherwise. If a pet escapes or accidentally wanders off, an ID tag is the gift that keeps on giving, especially when a beloved pet is returned home safe and sound.

Surfing websites, you’ll find tags can range from classic dog bone shape to the latest design trends. Depending on your taste and budget, selection includes stainless steel, aluminum, or brass, and range in price from $3 to $10. Etsy offers hand-stamped metal designs for around $10 while Martha Stewart offers tips on how to design your very own adorable pet tags. If your pet already has an ID tag, you might be interested in the range of personalized pet items like food bowls, treat jars, bandannas, picture frames and more – some lovely affordable pet gift ideas.

Environmentally-friendly gifts for animal lovers
When in doubt, give a gift to the planet with environmentally-friendly gifts listed on Animal Planet. From comfy recycled duvet beds and dog collars, to corrugated kitty condos and a disposable biodegradable litter box, these are great eco-friendly gift ideas.

Holiday gifts for dogs
For small, delicate breeds consider a practical gift like a new winter coat, booties or sweater. Keep the receipt in case the items don’t fit. Larger dogs also appreciate winter booties, particularly if there’s lots of salt on the sidewalks and roadways in your neighborhood. Winter tip: Non-clumping kitty litter is a pet-friendly and environmentally-sound alternative to salt.

Your pet might also enjoy a comfy new pet bed, or perhaps it’s time for a new leash or collar. Great stocking stuffers include yummy doggie treats, as well as the classic tennis ball (available in regular and small) and squeaky toys. You might want to save your hearing (and sanity) by purchasing toys with a supersonic squeak that only dogs can hear.

Holiday gifts for cats
What kitty doesn’t love their catnip? Sprinkle some near a brand new scratching post and save some wear and tear on your furniture and drapes. Many a cat toy sits gathering dust, so homemade toys like string and treats that help reduce kitty’s tartar and hair balls are better gifts. For more ideas, Amazon lists gifts for cats that range from a “cat veranda” to a “pet stroller” of all things.

Celebrate the spirit of the season by giving back
Not sure what to buy your pet for the holidays? A donation to PETA or your local humane society is perfectly in keeping with the spirit of the season. Perhaps you and your pet want to do something nice for your local pet shelter like donate treats, sponsor a pet, or even take one of the dog’s out for a walk and some TLC.

So take a moment from your hectic holiday preparations to stop and count your blessings, especially the big and little furry ones that bring so much joy and love into your life. Let’s take a cue from our pets because they know how to make every day feel like Christmas simply in the way that they acknowledge us– with joy, love and happiness.

Credit : FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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Online pet shaming photos: Humiliating or harmless?

Pet shaming – where owners share photos of their dog or cat’s destructive escapades – is a growing online trend, unfortunately some take it too far. It started as a cute Internet diversion, “Stuff my kids ruined,” where parents featured photos of destroyed laptops, smartphones, and crayoned walls.

Now the idea has trickled down to pet owners, and a number of cute and not-so-cute photos are appearing online depicting pets with signs nearby, or hung around their necks, that announce their “shame” to the world.

Harmless and entertaining
Most dog-shaming photos are quite funny and harmless, like the one showing a cute little black dog yawning while nestled in blankets next to a sign that reads: “I have been in this bed for 16 hours straight.”

In another photo, two large beige dogs named Phoenix and Angie are sprawled asleep on the living room floor surrounded by the debris of some now unidentifiable item, nearby, a hilarious hand-lettered sign reads: “We wrecked the joint.”

In what could be an online set-up, one of the funniest photos features a dog training DVD punctured with teeth marks and an accompanying brochure with shredded corners. All of these supposed dog shaming photos are perfect examples of the frustrations of pet ownership, but they’re kept humorous, harmless, and entertaining.

Humiliating and questionable
Unfortunately, there are always some dog owners who leave you wondering how these poor dogs will be treated after the camera is put away. There are signs around the dog’s neck or nearby that spell out their shame and call them names, like jerk, a—hole, or even s—face.

This incredibly abusive evidence has raised the ire of other pet parents, as noted by emotional comments and blogs posted. The mean-spirited photos are unsettling and cast a pall over the remainder of lighthearted photos in the mix.

Which type of pet parent are you?
One way to test the treatment of your pet is to ask yourself if you would ever treat a human toddler that way. After all, most dogs only understand language and commands to the level of a 2- or 3-year-old human. If the owner hasn’t raised the dog properly, that is where the real responsibility lies, and hopefully, there’s a special place reserved for people who torment their animals.

With the amount of shaming we’re seeing online, any dog whisperer would have their work cut out for them. So what are some of the remedies for chewed shoes, sofas, and such? Crating your pet from puppyhood helps get the dog accustomed to sleeping quietly in one place while you’re out of the home.

Typically, if you have crated the dog for the first six months of its life, it generally does not associate your absence with an excuse to destroy things. However, it’s important that you don’t leave a pet alone too long – even the best-behaved pet will not like being left on its own for 12 hours straight.

That being said, all puppies are teething and chewing comes naturally, so the important thing is to correct the bad behavior and supply a positive chewable substitute like a rawhide; and then praise them while they’re chewing it.

Of course, you may need to put away your shoes and keep an eagle eye on the dog while at home, to catch and correct behavior. If you do post a dog shaming photo, make sure it’s cute and lighthearted, otherwise, the only one being shamed is you.

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Dogs win pet popularity contest

Dogs are still the most popular pet in America with 36.5 percent of all households in the United States owning a dog, compared to 30.4 percent owning cats, according to a survey of more than 50,000 households by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AMVA).

A representative sample of about 222,000 U.S. households received an online questionnaire in February 2012, and a little more than 50,000 responded. Expected to be released in early December, the AMVA report is not an actual pet census, however pet population estimates were projected based on the sample group.

“Our U.S. Pet Ownership and Demographics Sourcebook is one of the most anticipated sources of information about trends in pet ownership and veterinary care,” said AVMA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Ron DeHaven. “There is really no other source of information in the industry that is as respected and complete. In fact, the U.S. Census Bureau cites the U.S. Pet Ownership and Demographics Sourcebook in their publications.”

74 million cats vs. 70 million dogs
Even though dogs are the most popular choice for a household pet, cats are still the most common pet in the U.S., with the total population hovering right around 74.1 million, compared to 70 million dogs. So while more households own a dog, cat owners are more likely to own multiple cats – 2.1 per household – compared to dog owners, who average 1.6 dogs per household.

Pet ownership on the decline
There are fewer pet cats and dogs in the U.S. Recession, allergies, or changing times – the pet population is decreasing. In the past five years, pet ownership has taken a slight dip of 2.4 percent according to the latest AVMA survey. Dog ownership is down about 2 percent and cat ownership 6 percent.

The dogtor will see you now
The study also revealed dogs visit the vet more often than cats. Dog owners were more dedicated to providing veterinary care, with 130.4 million veterinary visits for dogs, a 9.2 percent increase from 2006 while veterinary visits for cats dropped 4.4 percent to about 60.5 million visits.

Dog owners spent a whopping $19.1 billion in 2011 on veterinary care for their pets, up 18.6 percent from 2006. In the meantime, veterinary expenditures for cats remained comparatively flat, rising only 4.2 percent to $7.4 billion.

The overall picture presents cats as the independent creatures that they are – rarely showing any signs of illness. If your cat is a healthy indoor cat, there’s not a lot of incentive to bring it to the vet. For many pet owners on a budget, it’s a common sense policy: if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. However, if your cat is an outdoor cat, an annual visit to the vet for vaccinations and flea medication is definitely in order.

Dogs, on the other hand, are not shy about their aches and pains – whether it’s a limp, a nose full of porcupine quills, or a hot spot they keep worrying at – all are cause for a visit to a vet.

The surprising fact of this survey is that so few households have pets. Based on the wonderful rewards of having a pet, we pet owners like to think that most people love pets, but in reality only about 4 out of 10 households have a pet dog, and only 3 out of 10 households have a cat – or two. And there you have it: cat people rule by the numbers, while top dogs win the popularity contest. 

Photo credit : FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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Dog attack: What are your legal rights if your dog is hurt or killed?

Every once in awhile, a story crops up about one dog attacking and killing another dog; or worse a human deliberately killing a pet. Unfortunately, the Internet is full of horrific stories of pet suffering at the hands of others humans or animals. This summer in New Jersey, after witnessing her dog being attacked and killed by another – the courts denied a woman’s claim for damages for emotional distress.

Imagine you’re walking your dog on a public trail; he’s not on a leash, but you know he’s friendly and won’t hurt anyone, especially since he weighs less than 5 pounds. Up ahead, you glimpse a large German Shepherd dog off-leash and bounding towards you.

You scoop up your pet, knowing that, for some reason, even normally friendly dogs view your tiny pet as a chew toy. You’ve done everything right. You identified a strange dog on the loose and helped your dog evade a potentially dangerous attack, right?

Unfortunately, in this true story, the Shepherd leaped up and knocked over the pet owner, lunged at the Chihuahua, and in so doing, bit the owner’s hand and punctured the dog’s neck. Fortunately, everyone survived the attack. The Shepherd had never before attacked another dog, but neither had it ever been socialized with small dogs. Both dogs were off the leash.

Who’s to blame? Can you sue? Firstly, since most dogs will instinctively chase a small, moving object, it’s wise to keep small dogs on a leash until you know the other dog’s familiarity with smaller breeds. Secondly, the law in North America is heavily weighted to viewing animals as property, which dates back to our agrarian roots when people rode horses, and lived and worked on farms.

The most courts would recompense the accidental death of an animals is its economic value. So, if you adopted your mutt at the humane society, you might be looking at $50 for the loss of a beloved family member. As pets become more central in many family homes, often treated like surrogate children, the law is beginning to evolve from defining them as a piece of property to that of a beloved furry family member providing affection and companionship.

“In 2000, Tennessee passed the first statute specifying that damages up to $4000 can be awarded to an owner for the emotional distress due to the loss of a pet through the ‘negligent act of another,’” according to Lawyersweekly.ca.

“Depending on the circumstances and state law, a dog owner may be able to convince a court to order the person responsible to pay for: costs of treatment if the dog is injured, market or replacement value of the dog, sentimental value of the dog, emotional distress, and additional money damages to punish the person responsible,” according to Nolo.com.

If your dog is injured, they recommend you keep records of all bills for treatment, medication, and hospitalization to use during negotiations or at trial.

Detractors of pet lawsuits say it will drive up vet costs and the cost of owning a pet, as well as spark an increase in frivolous lawsuits. However, if you witnessed your beloved pet being viciously attacked or killed, or knew its untimely death was caused by someone else’s negligence, perhaps these laws will force others – pet owners, animal control officers, and veterinarians – to be more accountable.

Credit photo: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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Increasing popularity of dog treadmills

We dress them up for Halloween, we buy them birthday and Christmas presents and take a million photos of them, today’s pets have become fur babies or ‘fur kids’ for many of us. We even bring them to the gym for dog yoga or ‘doga,’ so why not teach them how to use a treadmill or buy them one of their own?

Some 3 million dogs were using treadmills in 2010, according to a survey of pet owners by the American Pet Products Association, reports Seattlepi.com The association collected data about treadmills for the first time in its 2011/2012 survey because the machines were selling so briskly.

According to author and trainer Kathy Diamond Davis, “Exercise can improve bone and joint health. Heart and lung function can improve. A dog whose exercise needs are met may rest more calmly at home and be less fretful when left alone.”

Just like human exercise, moderation is the key. “As in most other things, moderation works admirably for dogs when it comes to exercise…Exercise that is healthy for both mind and body is the very best kind of exercise,” noted Davis.

With a sedentary and aging society, the dog treadmill may be an idea whose time has come. If you already have a human treadmill, you might want to check out this helpful and hilarious training video – set to the theme from Rocky – which walks you through the steps of how to train your dog to make friends with your treadmill.

You’ll also get a laugh at two Corgis on a treadmill – but, hey, at least it’s exercise. Even cats are getting in on the act! Check out these two cats starring in a funny YouTube video that’s had more than three million views and counting.

Like human treadmills, doggie-sized ones don’t come cheap. A few companies produce treadmills specifically for dogs. Pawwws.com offers treadmills priced from $599 to $1,499, and Jog-a-dog.com has four treadmill sizes priced from $1,195 to $2,995. The DogPacer is also popular as a folding one-size-fits-all dog treadmill priced at $499.

If you’re a lazy dog owner, you might want to check out this top 10 list of dogs that need the least amount of exercise. Although, take it with a grain of salt, for many dogs a walk outside is also about enjoying a change of scene, socializing with other dogs and people, and spending quality time with their human guardian.

The next time you’re down for the count with a cold, recovering from knee surgery, or unwilling to face the elements, you’ll be glad you trained Rover (and maybe even Kitty!) to enjoy a “W-A-L-K” on the treadmill. Who knows, it might just become your dog’s other best friend.

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Pets Files

Pet vs. skunk: How to clear the air

Even if you think your pet is unlikely to run into a striped adversary, it’s a good idea to be prepared, because when it comes to getting rid of the stench, time really is of the essence. While dogs tend to have the biggest incidence rate, an overly territorial cat may be at risk of getting sprayed as well.

Make sure odor is your biggest problem
When your pet is hit with skunk spray, the smell can be so overpowering that it’s hard to think about anything else. But the first thing you need to do is to make sure your animal isn’t in need of veterinary care.

Skunks are known to carry rabies, and if your pet has gotten close enough to be sprayed, it may also have been bitten or scratched. So hold your breath and give your pet a close examination to make sure there are no signs of wounds.

The American Animal Hospital Association also recommends checking whether your pet has been sprayed in the face, which is, unfortunately, where dogs often tend to get hit. If your pet has taken the spray head on, rinse the eyes, nose and mouth with clean water. If, after rinsing, your pet’s eyes still seem irritated and red, you should seek veterinary attention to make sure the spray hasn’t done any damage.

Getting rid of the stench
Now that you’ve examined your dog and made sure the stench is really your only problem, it’s time to break out the tomato juice, right? Well, not quite. MythBusters actually found tomato to be less than ideal, since the skunky smell still remained beneath the more acidic one; likewise, commercial skunk remover was a less-than-perfect remedy, however both still fared better than beer or commercial sprays.

One of the most effective remedies was discovered by chemist Paul Krebaum in the early 1990s. Combine one quart of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide, one-quarter cup of baking soda, and one-to-two teaspoons of liquid soap. If you have a large dog, you may need to add one quart of tepid water to create enough solution. Mix these items together in a plastic bowl or bucket and then use promptly, applying them directly to the affected areas of the pet, being especially careful to avoid the eyes. Let the solution sit on the fur for about five minutes, and then rinse thoroughly. Never store or mix these ingredients in a closed container like a spray bottle, because the rapid oxidization can cause the container to explode. Also be warned that the peroxide may cause slight bleaching in animals with dark fur.

A few lingering words of advice
Skunk spray is actually a potent-smelling oil that clings to almost any surface with which it comes into contact, making it very easy to spread. If your pet has been sprayed, it’s best to keep him outside if possible until the smell has been thoroughly washed out. You’ll also want to wear old clothes and rubber gloves during the bathing process.

Skunks are largely nocturnal, so you can minimize the risk by keeping your animals inside after dark. If your pet absolutely must go outside after the sun has gone down, it’s a good idea to go with them or even take them on a leash, especially if you know your area is prone to skunks. If your pup is unfortunate enough to get hit, remember to keep calm, act quickly, and make sure your pet is safe and healthy before worrying about the smell.

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Assessing quality of life for pets with heart disease

Quality of life has become accepted as an important predictor of survival among human patients with heart failure. Now American veterinarians at Tufts University in Massachusetts have developed two surveys that can help evaluate quality of life for dogs and cats with heart disease, according to a new study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Sick as a dog
Having a sick pet is one of the worst things a pet parent can experience. Your once lively, energetic dog or cat has become listless, so much so that you start to think about making a call to the vet. If you’re fortunate, it’s just a bug and Rover or Kitty is back to their old self in a few days.

If the fatigue does not go away, it’s time for a visit to the vet. Some of the symptoms associated with heart failure include shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, persistent coughing in dogs (but not cats), especially for smaller dogs, fatigue, and decreased muscle mass as animals slow down to mask their illness. The symptoms of heart failure may not appear until the condition has progressed to an advanced state.

Your vet may suspect the presence of heart disease based on the history, age, breed and gender of your pet along with the physical examination findings. By listening to the heart with a stethoscope, they may detect the presence of abnormal heart sounds or heart murmurs or the presence of a rhythm abnormality. Further tests can help define the exact nature and cause of heart disease.

New tools help determine if more medical treatment is best
Known as FETCH (Functional Evaluation of Cardiac Health) and CATCH (Cats’ Assessment Tool for Cardiac Health), the Tufts University surveys ask owners to rank aspects of their dog’s or cat’s health on a scale of 0 to 5. Your veterinarian is then able to assess the animal’s perceived quality of life, which can help both you and the vet make decisions about treatment, nutrition or even euthanasia.

“Studies have indicated that pet owners value quality of life much more than longevity in their animals,” said Professor of Clinical Sciences Lisa M. Freeman. “We want our dogs and cats to have happy lives, and we believe this tool is a helpful in evaluating whether our pets still do.”

Developed by Freeman and Professor John E. Rush, they set out to create and evaluate a tool for pets similar to the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire, one of the most widely used evaluation tools in human cardiology. The CATCH tool was validated through a study of 275 cats. The FETCH tool was an earlier study of 360 dogs.

Owners are asked to compare their pets’ behavior before the onset of heart disease to determine how much the disease has negatively affected the dog or cat’s comfort or sociability over the past seven days. Sample questions include issues like breathing difficulties, low energy level, changes in personality, as well as notable changes in daily habits for eating, urination, and defecation.

Work on the tools will continue to measure responsiveness to medical treatment and create a clinical and research tool for clinicians. Hopefully, your pet only had a virus and is now in tip-top shape, but it’s good to be aware of the symptoms of heart disease, particularly as your pet gets older.

Photo: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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Travel planning for seniors with pets

As their own children grow up and move out to form their own families, many boomers are left with empty nests and may choose to fill that void with the companionship of a dog. At the same time, the freedom from work and family responsibilities means more opportunity to travel, which can lead to a conundrum: what to do with your pooch while you hit the open road.

Adopting a pet during retirement
If you’re planning to adopt a dog and want to be able to take your pup with you on your adventures, you’ll want to consider the type of travel you plan to do when deciding upon the breed of your new pet. Different sizes and temperaments of dogs offer advantages and disadvantages depending on your chosen activities. Thankfully, petravel.com has broken down the various breeds according to which are best suited to different types of travel.

Smaller dogs, for example, are great if you plan to do a lot of air travel and want to be able to bring your pooch along, and it’s often easier to find a hotel that accepts small dogs. On the other hand, if you’re more of an outdoorsman and plan to go camping, boating or hiking, a larger sporting breed may be better able to handle the challenges of the wilderness. Just make sure you can handle the energy levels of these active dogs – they’re still going to need plenty of exercise even after your trip has come to an end.

Flying the friendly skies
Whatever the size of your dog, if you’re planning on taking your pet with you on an airplane, you should familiarize yourself with the airline’s requirements on pet travel, preferably before you purchase nonrefundable tickets. Smaller animals can usually travel in the cabin with you, but be aware the carrying case will often count as part of your carry-on quota.

Air Canada, for instance, allows dogs and cats that weigh less than 22 pounds (10 kg) in their carrier to fly with you in the cabin on certain flights. Pets that go over the weight limit will need to ride in the plane’s baggage hold. Because the cargo area is more vulnerable to the weather, there are quite a few seasonal restrictions.

Taking the show on the road
Should you prefer to drive to your destination and are bringing Fido, plan plenty of stops so that your dog can stretch its legs. The American Kennel Club recommends using a harness or crate to keep your pet safe within the vehicle, and you should start with several short trips before setting out on a longer journey if your dog isn’t used to travelling in the car.

You’ll also want to feed your pet more lightly than normal before hitting the road – about one-third the normal amount, according to the AKC – and make sure your pet stays well hydrated with access to fresh water.

Accommodating your pet
Once you’ve reached your destination, you’ll need to find a place to stay that welcomes canines. Thankfully, a number of websites can help you to find dog-friendly hotels, motels and campgrounds. Check out both Bringfido.com and Dogfriendly.com which have worldwide listings.

While retirement can bring freedom from work responsibilities, having a pet will help get you out of the house, socialize with your neighbors, and provide you with wonderful companionship during your golden years – why not visit your local humane society today?

Photo: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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World’s ugliest dog contest: A face only a pet parent could love?

In a society that worships and rewards beauty, the World’s Ugliest Dog contest is nature’s antidote to cute puppies and sleek “best in show” dogs. Although its detractors see the contest as cruel and mean, supporters note the contestants are often rescue dogs, and the popularity of the contest is an opportunity to educate the public about the proper treatment of pets and encourage pet adoptions from the local humane society.

The contest has grown over the years as the concept of ugly appears to translate in any language. Camera crews and reporters from Germany, Brazil, the United Kingdom, China, and more descended on the annual contest in Petaluma, California, about 40 miles north of San Francisco.

Raising its wrinkly head above the pack of 29 contenders, a Chinese Crested dog from the United Kingdom named Mugly took the World’s Ugliest Dog title before the assembly of international media and cheering crowd.

Already crowned ugliest dog in his homeland, UK challenger Mugly traveled half-way around the world to wrest the title from contestants of questionable beauty with names like Handsome Hector, Creature, Rue, Icky, Spam-O-Rama, and Mouse.

Said owner Bev Nicholson, “I couldn’t speak when they announced Mugly’s name. I didn’t know which way to look. I was shaking as much as the dog.”

The 24th annual World’s Ugliest Dog contest took place during the Sonoma-Marin Fair’s Dog Lover’s Festival, which included a full day of doggie activities like tricks and training, socializing your puppy, pet adoption, and advice from a dog whisperer. Contestants were also checked by a vet check to ensure they were in general good health before being allowed in the competition.

Pet psychic Sonya Fitzpatrick, star of the Animal Planet television series, hosted the contest where she “talked” to the dogs and discovered they loved the attention they were receiving, and didn’t mind the “ugly” label one bit.

In the U.S., ugliness comes in two classes: pedigree and mutt. Winners in those categories compete for $500 and a trophy. That winner goes up against the Ring of Champions – dogs who have claimed the title in past years, with a grand prize winner finally determined by a panel of judges and a vocal audience. Nicholson and Mugly received a trophy and $1,000 in prize money from the Sonoma-Marin Fair. Mugly also won a photo shoot, a VIP stay at the local hotel, and a year’s supply of the dog cookies.

As well, most dogs enjoy their 15 minutes of fame as the World’s Ugliest Dog, hitting the talk show circuit and becoming a star at local dog events. Some of the dog owners also have causes to champion such as shutting down puppy mills and stopping dog inbreeding. Many of the dogs – as rescue dogs themselves – have gone on to become ambassadors for the rescue dog effort.

Photo © Courtesy of Kira Stackhouse, World’s Ugliest Dog® Contest, Sonoma-Marin Fair, Petaluma, California.

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Ancient art of pet mummification still practiced today

If you’ve ever had to say goodbye to a beloved pet, you know how difficult it can be. So when the time comes – whether through old age, illness or accident – it should be no surprise that pet owners want to memorialize their beloved Kitty or Rover in a special way, and one of them is pet mummification.

The ancient Egyptians practiced an elaborate set of burial customs that they believed was necessary to ensure immortality after death, including the mummification of both humans and their pets.

They regarded animals as both domestic pets and representatives of the gods, and the presence of oils, beeswax, and coniferous cedar resins in ancient Egyptian animal mummies show that the chemicals used to embalm animals were similar to those used on humans.

Thoroughly modern mummy
Believe it or not, the age-old art of preserving human and animal bodies through mummification is alive and well today. An American company based in Salt Lake City, Summum, is the only organization in the world to offer the service of modern mummification for both humans and pets. With advances in medicine and cloning, mummification may not only preserve DNA, but perhaps might be you and your pet’s one shot at immortality.

The laborious time-consuming process of mummification includes bathing and cleansing the body; an incision is made to remove and cleanse the internal organs. The body and organs are immersed for a period of time in a special preservation solution made up of certain fluids, some of which are chemicals used in genetic engineering. Then the organs are placed back inside the body and the incision is closed.

The body is cleansed again and then several layers of cotton gauze are wrapped around it. A polymer membrane is applied over the gauze, followed by a layer of fiberglass resin to form a permanent seal. At the Summum organization, the body is encased within a “mummiform,” which is then filled with an amber resin mixed with quartz granules to completely surrounding the mummy, and the openings are welded shut.

Animal mummification costs
The cost for pet mummification are anywhere from $6,000 to $128,000 – within the continental U.S. – depending on the size of the animal and the type of mummiform you choose. The process requires five to ten months to complete and the standard bronze mummiform is also available with gold leaf or marble patina finishes.

There are, of course, other, less expensive options for memorializing your pet: cremation, taxidermy, pet cemetery, or headstone. Some have already decided upon mummification for themselves when the time comes and want to do the same for their pet. Would you consider having yourself or your pet mummified? Mummies have been around since 5,000 BC, and maybe they’ll be unearthing you and Rover 2,000 years from now.

Photo courtesy of Summum.