Feb 26, 2009

Does your dog eat too fast? A few products that will help

Does your dog have a problem snarfing down food? Fast eating isn't good for any dog, as it can result in bloating, chest pains, or even stomach flips.

Vets often recommend putting another bowl upside down in your dogs dish so that they eat around it. If you're looking for something a little more fancy or something that is in one piece there are great options from Eat Slower Pet Dishes, Brake-Fast and other brands.

Feb 25, 2009

Pets Help College Students During Stressful Times

According to Ohio State researchers pets help college students through their beginning years of college during times when their lives & environments are changing.

According to Sara Staats, lead author of the study, “Most of the studies on pet ownership focus directly on those adults and older generations who have heart problems or special needs. But there hasn’t been much recognition of that fact that young, healthy college students also derive benefits from pet ownership such as hedge against loneliness and improved ability to cope.”

“Many students said that their pets fulfill a significant role that is missing in their lives. The pets are not a substitute for human social interaction and support, but they do provide important interaction for these kids who might otherwise feel isolated from their current environment,” Staats said.

I think it is incredibly interesting how pets effect a large variety of our emotions. There are days when I think that I'd be incredibly bored without my dogs, it would be so quiet! ;)

Feb 24, 2009

Puppy flower bouquets

Now, you've received the email showing the cutest puppy bouquets, but where can you get them? Who makes them? Can you make you're own?


Through doing a little research I've found out that The Country Petal Floral & Wedding Boutique in Elsie Michigan creates these cute little puppy bouquets and many other amazing creations. They also claim to deliver Nation wide - so check in to it if you're interested in a special bouquet for yourself or another.

Now, do you have the urge where you want to create your own? I haven't been able to find an instructional website on how to go about making them, but I'd suggest getting some silk flowers and play around with the assembly until you figure out the best way to arrange them. Once you find the arrangement pick up a cheap bouquet and try it with the real thing!

Feb 19, 2009

Great gift for new dog owner

Every once in a while a friend or family member gets a new puppy or adopts a dog. Usually everyone HAS to come over to see the cute new puppy. Other times you might want to treat your dog to a special treat during a holiday or special occasion. In either of these scenarios a dog basket might be a great idea to give as a gift to a new dog owner, or to give to your own pet.

Things you might want to include in your basket are chew toys, tennis balls, tug ropes and treats. The new owners are sure to love it and so will the new four-legged addition.

If you aren't feeling as creative, there are many options to purchase a ready made basket. Dog Lover Gift Baskets create baskets for all occasions: Valentines Day, winter, dog/owner combo, pet grooming, small to large breed and so much more. With a variety of sizes & prices there is sure to be something that will fit your budget!

Feb 18, 2009

What toys are the best for your dog?

Often times we shop around for dog toys that look appealing to us as we pass by them in the store, but what toys are really good for our dogs? Every dog has a different personality and the stores are full of toys that satisfy their needs. Some toys can even improve their health!

Active breeds
For active dogs you may be looking for the basic tennis ball, frisbee, or something to throw. This gets them running around and wears them out. However, if your dog thinks that the basic throw toy is boring look for a non-plush throw toy that squeak adding an extra element of excitement. Changing it up helps to make sure that your dog stays active & involved.

Look for: tennis balls, ball chuckers, boomerangs, frisbees & squeaky toys to throw

Dogs that like a challenge
Some dogs prefer toys that keep them entertained through thinking. They have a few puzzle toys out there that often use a treat reward system that keeps their attention while they figure out how to get their treat.

Look for: Tricky Treat Balls, Kongs, treat puzzles

Dogs that just want to chew
Whether your dog has a bad chewing habit, or chewing on something helps them to calm down, dog chews are a great way to provide tartar protection and strengthen the dog’s teeth and gums. The perfect chew toy should be entirely edible such as rawhide bones. There are some great nylon bones out there as well, but depending on your breed they may not be ideal.

Look for: rawhide bones, rawhide sticks, Nyla Bones

Be sure to mix up your dogs toys in order to create a healthy happy fido.

Feb 17, 2009

Owners passing on germs to their pooches

Often we think that our dogs are more dirty than humans, and pass their germs onto us. However, a recent study shows that it's humans that are passing their germs onto their pooches!

In fact this study shows that it's humans who are passing on their germs to their four legged friends. There was no increase in owners who allowed licks on the face, compared with owners who took an opposite approach.

Dr Stenske found 10 per cent of dog-human pairs shared the same E. coli strains. "This make us think that dogs are not likely to spread multiple drug-resistant E. coli to their owners, but perhaps owners may spread them to their dogs" said Dr Stenske.

Her research is to be published in the American Journal of Veterinary Research.

Feb 12, 2009

How to teach a new dog to fetch


Do you have a dog that simply looks up at you when you throw a ball? Are they simply saying "seriously.... what do you want me to do" or do they run & grab it and continue running?

Well - while I was cruising some blogs I found out this great info from Get a City Dog.

Get a City Dog mentions to keep it simple, get them interested and get them ready and in the zone by sitting and paying attention. He also mentions starting a 'clap & reward' system that starts off by your dog getting a treat after a clap, and eventually ends with your dog doing a sit & stay until you call them by clapping.

To read more check out his step by step guide on teaching your dog to fetch!

Or - if your dog is a pro I recommend this Chuckit! It's our dogs favorite toy for the dog park :)

Feb 11, 2009

What pet stores are doing for Valentine's Day

You love your pet, and what better time to celebrate it then on Valentine's Day!

What are the retail stores doing for the event?

  • Petco is offering a pet photo, Valentine and bandana for only $5.95.
  • PetSmart will have Valentines apparel from Companion Road and plush toys from ToyShoppe.

Pet Product Deal: Shop your local Petco or PetSmart after the holiday for great deals on the remaining toys & gifts for your pet.

Feb 10, 2009

Today Show: 15 gifts for your pet for Valentines Day


As many of us work our lives away we don't always get to see some of the morning shows that have great spots on gifts during the holidays. I'm filing you in! Here are 15 items that the today show suggests if you are looking for Valentines gifts for your furry friends.

Dogo Design Endless Love Sweat Shirt
$25; Available at TrixieandPeanut.com

26 Bars And A Band Avant Garde™ Heart-Print Retractable
$39; Available at 26BarsAndABand.com

Fetchers & Fighters Pink Sparkling Collar
$35; Available at FetchersandFighters.com

Poochee Dog-Heart Beat Step-in Harness
$58; Available at HauteDogBoutique.com

Cleopatra Personalized Alpha Letters & Heart of Gold I.D. Tags
trixieandpeanut.com

Custom photo canvas artwork
$59-$109; Available at CanvasOnDemand.com

WetNoz Studio Bowl
$4-$9; Available at WetNoz.com

‘The Organic Dog Biscuit Cook Book’ by Jessica Talley
$12.24; Available at Amazon.com

Bubba Rose Biscuit Company Treats
$12.50; Available at BubbaRoseBiscuit Co.

DogToids Breath Fresheners by Bamboo
$4.50; Available at PetCo stores nationwide and petco.com

Roll Over Red Rover-Party To Go Martini Treats
$18.50; Available at RollOverRedRover.com

Planet Dog Orbee-Tuff-Strawberry Treat Spot
$10.45; Available at Planet Dog

Sexy Beast Fragrance
$50; Available at SexyBeastStyle.com

Lani Dig Your Dog (Spa Treatment)
$18.95; Available at LaniDigYourDog

Feb 5, 2009

Animal Radio will be broadcasting from Global Pet Expo

Are you a pet owner that wants to hear about the newest products for your pet? The place to find out about the newest trends & products is the Global Pet Expo that is being held at the Orlando Convention Center on February 12-14th.

If you aren't within driving distance to check it out you can listen live on XM satellite radio Ch. 158 (America's Talk) Saturday Feb. 21st at noon EST and again Sunday at 5pm EST. Animal Radio
is America's most listened to pet-talk show with 90+ AM/FM radio affiliates around the United States.

Feb 4, 2009

New Dog Toys by Orange County Choppers


Is someone you know obsessed with TLC's Orange County Choppers? If you watch you've definitely noticed how much Paul Sr. loves his dogs Marty & Gus.

Fuzz-Butt Marketing is launching a new pet line that includes a line of dog toys such as the Paul Sr. dog toy that has tattoos & all along with jackets, leashes, collars and more.


(photo courtesy of PRWeb)

Feb 3, 2009

Does Your Dog Smile? My Dog Smiles....

Our dog Chopper is always grinning ear to ear, sometime in a creepy fashion, sometimes in the cutest way possible. I've always wondered if he's smiling because he's happy, or if there is a different reason why dogs smile. I decided to search for the answer...

According to one of Pet Place's answers, dogs smile because they are extremely astute observers. If we reward our dogs when we see them smile, by rubbing their belly, or smushing their faces & telling them how cute they are, the dog notices and realizes that he gets something in return.

So, in all actuality he's associating that form of expression with something that makes him happy.

Show me your smiling dog photos! I'll post them on my blog.