Thriving Pets International

06/04/2024

I have such great customers. They are so kind.

03/04/2024

This is so true. Love it!

03/03/2024

I have had some people on FB ask for the link to a Personalized Horse Halter. Here is the link for you.

This Riding & Farm Animals item by ThrivingPetsIntl has 9 favorites from Etsy shoppers. Ships from Littleton, CO. Listed on Feb 24, 2024

13/02/2024

Love to hear when customers share their horses pictures. Sure do love seeing their big furry family members.

Our nylon adjustable horse halters are very beautiful and high quality and are made in the USA. If you would like an additional name on the side of the halter, please click on the link below. https://www.etsy.com/listing/1534745409/additional-name-on-horse-halter? These halters are fully

12/02/2024

HI Everyone, I have gotten requests to add my Etsy link to my Facebook business page. Thank you for you interest in my halters and horse evacuation products. Here is the link to see all my products. If you have any questions, please contact me.

Shop items by ThrivingPetsIntl.

12/01/2024

Hey everyone, with the cold weather throughout most of the US, keep your pets safe. Also, if you have bird feeders, fill them for our feathered friends.

07/12/2023

It's wonderful when customers send a picture of the horses wearing the halter they ordered. I don't get to see the halter on the horse very much. This is always a treat! Louie looks great.

07/12/2023

It's been a busy holiday season. I love seeing happy customers that have ordered horse halters for their big furry family members.

21/10/2023

What's In Your Dog's Bowl?
Pet Wellbeing shares great nutritional tips for us. Most dogs go their whole lives only eating kibble, treats and the occasional table scrap. Today, some pet parents like to add variety to their furry friend’s diet.
We can add herbs to our dog’s diet to supplement commercial pet foods as long as we follow a vet’s guidance on dosage and reputable brands. Dogs can safely eat a variety of herbs, including dandelion, ginger, lemon balm, rosemary and more. Avoid picking herbs in the wild since it’s easy to confuse them with potentially dangerous plants.
The raw food diet has become popular. It consists of raw meat, bones and organs. Raw diets must be carefully balanced to ensure dogs are getting all the daily nutrients they need. Be aware that feeding raw meat increases the risk of dogs contracting bacterial infections like E. coli and Salmonella.
Chicken eggs are a great source of protein for dogs. The egg shells are safe to eat, as well. They’re full of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium that help build strong teeth and bones. Egg shells are especially beneficial for dogs with kidney disease, as this disease often leads to a calcium deficiency. However, an overabundance of calcium may lead to a condition called hypercalcemia.
Duck heads can be safe for medium to large dogs to eat. They’re considered “raw meaty bones” and are a good source of calcium, phosphorus, iron and amino acids. Duck meat is also a low-fat source of protein that’s frequently given to dogs with food allergies. Beware though that some dogs might try to swallow the bones in a duck head whole. This can pose a choking hazard, so we must closely monitor our dog if we feed them one.
It’s important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of certain ingredients before adding them to our dog’s diet. Our vet can offer insight about our dog’s overall health and recommend foods to fulfill their nutritional needs.
People sometimes ask: Why did I start Thriving Pets International? Well, when I invest the care and love to make a personalized dog collar, leash, or horse halter for your furry family members - it reminds me of my own. ♥
Thank you, Debbie

12/10/2023

Hello everyone, I thought you might enjoy this article.

Creating a heart-healthy diet plan for your dog
Pet Wellbeing reminds us our dog’s diet should be balanced and rich in heart-healthy nutrients. Aside from choosing high-quality, whole foods and exploring supplements, here are a few things to keep in mind.
Balance macronutrients: Dogs needs protein for growth, development and repair, but should get it in moderation. Inappropriate levels—such as high-protein diets—can put a strain on their heart.
Healthy fats: For instance fatty acids found in fish oil also help in the maintenance of heart health. Our vet can guide us to the right balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
Complex carbohydrates: Whole grains are a good source of energy for dogs, but eaten in moderation to minimize excessive weight gain.
Other foods: Lean meats, fish, carrots, broccoli, spinach, oats and brown rice all contain vital nutrients that our dog needs, such as lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Before introducing any dietary changes or supplements into our dog’s diet, we should work with our vet to develop a plan.
And remember, portion management and feeding frequency are crucial in maintaining a healthy weight, which is also beneficial for our dog’s heart health. Feeding smaller, more frequent meals helps prevent overeating and spikes in blood sugar levels.
People sometimes ask: Why did I start Thriving Pets International? Well, when I invest the care and love to make a personalized dog collar, leash, or horse halter for your furry family members - it reminds me of my own. ♥
Thank you, Debbie

06/10/2023

Pet parents should treat the slightest signs of pain in their pets seriously. Humans have a tendency to ignore feelings of pain until they become unmanageable. Our furry friends can’t tell us how bad they’re feeling. Cats, as well as dogs, tend to mask their pain because of evolutionary instincts and self-preservation.
Acute or chronic pain not only causes discomfort in pets—it also causes distress and can cause other problems. The following signs may indicate acute or chronic pain in cats and dogs.
Behavioral changes: Cats and dogs that are in pain are more likely to hide away from people or other pets and refuse to come out.
Changes in temperament: For example, a typically social and friendly cat may suddenly begin hissing, growling, swatting or snapping at you if they are in pain.
Aggressive: If you manage to touch the painful area of their body, your pet may attempt to bite you.
Excessive grooming: Pets may groom a painful area excessively, causing hair loss or hot spots.
Dehydration and weight loss: Loss of appetite or water intake is another common indicator of pet pain.
The first step in alleviating your cat’s or dog’s pain is taking them to the vet for an examination and diagnosis. Be sure to share all of the symptoms you’ve noticed.
People sometimes ask: Why did I start Thriving Pets International? Well, when I invest the care and love to make a personalized dog collar, leash, or horse halter for your furry family members - it reminds me of my own. ♥
Thank you, Debbie

09/09/2023

Holistic Pet Care Follow-Up
I recently shared an article from Pet Wellbeing about popular holistic pet care options. It stimulated a few questions.
Before you consider holistic care for your pet, you should have a strong understanding about it. Relying on natural treatments, alternative therapies and lifestyle changes holistic pet care seeks to deal with ailments at their source.
Holistic care doesn’t eliminate the use of traditional treatments when necessary. Instead, its goal is to nurture your pet’s wellbeing as a whole with a combination of strategies - alternative and traditional.
Why consider holistic care? This might be a way to get to the root cause of an ailment. Rather than just suppress symptoms, holistic care aims to determine the cause of the issue and prevent it moving forward. For example, a dog with itchy skin might be prescribed an anti-itch shampoo or medication. A holistic approach might determine that the cause is seasonal allergies. It would then target the ailment at the source with a number of strategies to prevent the problem, including herbal supplements, lifestyle changes and medications, if necessary.
Holistic care may actually help reduce the number of medications your pet takes. Over-medication is becoming more of a concern. If you want to start using holistic approaches, bring them up with your vet to ensure your pet gets the best care possible.
People sometimes ask: Why did I start Thriving Pets International? Well, when I invest the care and love to make a personalized dog collar, leash, or horse halter for your furry family members - it reminds me of my own. ♥
Thank you, Debbie

31/08/2023

Holistic Pet Care - Might it be good for your pet?
Holistic care is an alternative to a conventional healthcare approach. It’s important to remember that it does not have to be one or the other. According to Pet Wellbeing:
Popular types of holistic pet care for 2023
Acupuncture: Used to treat arthritis, digestive problems and skin conditions by stimulating specific points to alleviate pain and encourage healing.
Chiropractic care: Getting adjustments on a regular basis can reduce pain and improve mobility in pets.
Herbal remedies: These natural treatments include essential oils and herbal supplements. They are typically more gentle than traditional medications on your pet’s body but remember that every pet is different. It’s important to do your research.
Gut health support: Pet probiotic supplements can support a healthy microbiome, which aids in healthy digestion, immune functions and even seasonal allergies.
Fish oil: Fish oil is a popular way to give your pet extra nutrients to promote healthy skin and coat, improve the immune system, reduce joint pain and much more.
People sometimes ask: Why did I start Thriving Pets International? Well, when I invest the care and love to make a personalized dog collar, leash, or horse halter for your furry family members - it reminds me of my own. ♥
Thank you, Debbie

21/08/2023

Fire Safety and Prevention
In light of recent events on Maui, I hope you read my recent post on fire safety and your pets. Much of the information came courtesy of home safety products Kidde along with the National Fire Protection Association. As a follow up I thought their 4 tips on fire prevention are equally important for pet owners:
If you like candles, get the flameless kind. Cat’s tails are notorious for knocking over the real ones.
Keep pets away from space heaters or lamps.
Get guards for your stove k***s, the child-proof kind, so paws can’t turn them on.
Keep leftovers & flammable items off the stovetop, so pets aren’t tempted to jump up.
And don’t forget about your horses. In the case of fire, they will likely have to “shelter-in-place”. You will want them wearing my evacuation identification neck strap.

01/08/2023

July 15th was National Pet Fire Safety Day

As we wrapped up the month of July, home safety products company Kidde reminded us about pet fire safety. According to their research, each year, roughly 40,000 pets die in residential fires and half a million pets are affected overall. Three preparation steps, courtesy of the National Fire Protection Association:
Make An Escape Plan
Every family should have one.
Assign Family Members to Account For Each Pet
Know your pet’s favorite hiding spots, so that when the
alarms sound, you can grab them and go.
Keep An Emergency Kit or Crate Near the Door
Packed with their food, medication and a leash – it can be a
literal lifesaver.

Please don’t forget about your horses, either. We can help with your evacuation identification needs.

People sometimes ask: Why did I start Thriving Pets International? Well, when I invest the care and love to make a personalized dog collar, leash, or horse halter for your furry family members - it reminds me of my own. ♥

Thank you, Debbie

02/07/2023

Thanks for the kind words! ★★★★★ "Got 3 beautiful well made halters!!" lnicoleb100587 https://etsy.me/46u6iOT

02/07/2023

Excited to share the latest addition to my shop: Personalized Horse Evacuation Identification Neck Strap; 2 inch wide Bright Orange Nylon Webbing with Embroidered Phone Number https://etsy.me/448Ntiz

30/06/2023

Hello everyone,

I thought you might enjoy this article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/occasion-worthy-parade-debbie-pokorn

Thank you,

Debbie

Next Tuesday American will celebrate our country’s Independence day – Hooray! It’s one of our annual occasions worthy of a parade. In Chicago (my home town), one of my clients will sport new horse halters for two of her July 4th parade entrants over the weekend.

05/06/2023

Hello everyone,

I thought you might enjoy this article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/mounted-patrols-debbie-pokorn

Thank you, Debbie

I recently completed an order for a Texas municipality mounted patrol. Five horse halters; four with embroidered names.

25/05/2023

Hello everyone,

I thought you might enjoy this article:
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/evacuating-our-horses-debbie-pokorn

Thank you, Debbie

26/04/2023

Hello everyone, I thought you might enjoy this article https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/pet-exercise-debbie-pokorn

Thank you,

Debbie

Animals are an inspiration to all of us. They are kind, loving, and are the epitome of unconditional love.

22/04/2023

Healthy Teeth?

Can you imagine going your whole life without brushing your teeth? What about your dog, cat, or horse?

In the wild, wolves help keep their teeth clean by eating raw bones, nibbling through skin and sinew, and chewing on ligaments. The natural scraping action helps remove plaque and tarter. But our dogs, cats, and horses don’t live in the wild.

Reports on various veterinary dental forums suggest that up to 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats show signs of oral disease as early as age 3. Symptoms include bad breath, a change in eating habits, pawing at their face, and even depression. Additional information is provided by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA):

Dental disease in dogs and cats can lead to chronic pain, inflammation, and infections. Bad teeth can also cause expensive trips to the vet and lead to a shorter life span. Bacteria from our pets' mouths can enter their bloodstream through inflamed or bleeding gums and over time damage their lungs, heart, kidneys, or liver.

According to the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), routine dental care is essential to our horse's health as well. Periodic examinations and regular maintenance, such as floating, are especially necessary today for a number of dentistry reasons:

The fact that we have modified the horse's diet and eating patterns through domestication and confinement. We also demand more than ever before from our performance horses, beginning at a younger age.

Proper dental care has its rewards. Our horse will be more comfortable, will utilize feed more efficiently, may perform better, and may even live longer.

Although it’s easy to overlook the dental care needs of our beloved pets in today’s harried and fast-paced lifestyle, we need to schedule them for regular dental care.

People sometimes ask: Why did I start Thriving Pets International? Well, when I invest care and love to make a personalized dog collar, leash, or horse halter for your furry family members - it reminds me of my own. ♥

Thank you, Debbie

13/04/2023

Do you let your dog sleep in your bed?

Research published a while back by the American Kennel Club offered a look at the pros and cons on this question. I wasn’t thinking about those recently. I was just reflecting on my little girl Sydney who left us and is now sleeping in God’s bed:

Love the dogs God gave to you because he will want them back someday.

Unknown Sage

We let Sydney sleep in our bed because she was a dear companion. Also, as I have been slowly losing my hearing over the years she became my hearing dog. We didn’t obtain her from International Hearing Dog Inc. although I am a supporter of that organization. They supported me too by purchasing embroidered dog leashes from time-to-time.

Back to the question… Yes, there are some health concerns with letting our dogs sleep with us in our beds. For instance, allergies can be aggravated and quality of sleep can be affected. Our light-sleeping dogs will alert us to anything out of the ordinary; something I actually counted on more and more over time.
The research was ultimately inconclusive. For me, any disturbance or inconvenience was well worth a nighttime of snuggles. How about you?

People sometimes ask: Why did you start Thriving Pets International? When I make a personalized dog collar, leash, or horse halter with care and love invested for your furry family members, it reminds me of my own.

Thank you, Debbie