DogPause

Recently we got some great feedback from our friends in regards to a new product we are carrying - the DogPause Food Bowl

Here is what they had to say:

Idi used the bowl today. worked pretty good! def slowed her down. i only used 2 compartments since she eats half a cup at a time. she barked at the end of the meal cos there was 1 kibble she just couldn't get to so i had to help! must be her smooshface! will def use it! THANKS AGAIN!

Thanks Guys!!!

And also Jess and Clover:

I tried the bowl with Clover, and I think it's a little too big. I tried to attach a video of her trying to eat out of it, but it won't attach for me. At first I thought the bowl was working, cause she was pausing after each bite, and walking around the bowl. But it's a bit too deep - she was hitting her eyes on the piece in the middle when she tried to get a piece of kibble. I feel really bad that I couldn't help to give a good review.

Thanks Guys!!

No worries about a "bad review" because it's important - especially with Pugs being of all different sizes and faces, to know what may work and what may not. I appreciate everyone's imput!

If you are looking for a bowl like the DogPause - feel free to go over to the Pawhaus Pet Boutique and check out the DogPause bowls for your pug (or non-pug :)
Click on the link to the side and receive 10% off your purchase!

Dangerous Toy Alert

I am cross-posting this message:

Please post this link to everyone you know that may be affected by this dangerous toy alert!

Please look through all of your dog toys and make sure that your dogs do NOT have access to a toy called the Pimple Ball with Bell (Item #20227-001, UPC Code 0 4566320227 9) manufactured by Four Paws Inc. (see picture)

This toy has been responsible for seriously injuring at least two dogs, one dog had to have its tongue amputated. Click here to read about Chai's ordeal after his tongue became stuck inside the ball, and the subsequent amputation of his tongue (please note, there are graphic pictures of the damage caused by this ball)

The design of the ball creates a vacuum while the dog is chewing on the ball and the tongue becomes stuck inside the ball causing constriction and swelling. Chai is not the only dog that has been injured while playing with this ball. Concerned dog owners have contacted the manufacturer of this toy. The company stands by the toy, but has claimed that they are voluntarily recalling the toy to retool it so that it is safe. They claim to have contacted their distributors and told them to return their stock of this toy until the retooled toy can replace it.

We are unsure as to when this voluntary recall was enacted, but we've done a google search (as of 20 August 2008 at 7 p.m.) and have found up to 22 stores that are still carrying this product.

Please crosspost to every dog owner that you know and warn them of this toy. If you see this toy in a pet store, please notify the manager that this toy is considered dangerous and that the manufacturer claims to have voluntarily recalled the toy. Have the manager contact the manufacturer directly and encourage them to remove it from the shelves.

If you see someone on the Internet that is still selling this toy, please feel free to e-mail them with the following:The Four Paws Pimple Ball with Bell (Item #20227-001, UPC Code 0 4566320227 9) listed on your site has severely injured several dogs. Allen Simon, the President and CEO of Four Paws Inc. has responded to e-mail inquiries and has assured his customers that it is voluntarily recalling this toy and says it has notified its vendors of this recall. We would not like to hear of other dogs being injured by this toy, so please remove this toy from your inventory, and if possible, notify your customers that this toy can be dangerous to their pet. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Haley Birk or Mr. Simon directly from their Web site: http://www.fourpaws.com/ or calling their number at: (631) 434-1100.

Dog Diseases and Illnesses – Oral Disease

Watch for the following oral disease symptoms in your dog:

• Excess plaque and calculus (dental tartar) deposits on your dog's teeth cause bad breath. Without treatment, this could lead to painful gum and bone infections.
• It is perfectly normal for young dogs to lose their "baby" teeth, just like children do. After the "adult" teeth have grown in, tooth loss becomes a great concern for canine health. Tooth loss is caused by an infection of the tissues and bones surrounding the teeth. Once this infection starts, it is irreversible.
• Bleeding gums could indicate dog health problems known as pyorrhea or gingivitis. Pyorrhea causes inflamed and infected gums that could eventually cause kidney infections or endocarditis in older dogs. Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gum line from food particles.
• Your dog should not have difficulty chewing on hard foods or toys. Sensitive teeth or gums could indicate a tendency towards pyorrhea or gingivitis.

PRODUCT BUZZ: Check out our Kissable Toothbrush and Paste Set! Help your dog ward of bad breath, gum disease, multiple infections, and heart disease by consistently brushing your dog's teeth. The unique design of the KissAble toothbrush makes it easy to clean all three sides of the tooth with one stroke.
The soft bristles massage the gums while the firmer bristles clean teeth.
The vanilla flavored toothpaste is All Natural and is great for dogs and their people! Order your pet one today!

How to Stop Black Dog Syndrome

From Dog Age



Unless you've worked in an animal shelter, you've probably never heard of Black Dog Syndrome -- a term that refers to the difficulty shelters have finding families for dark-coated dogs. Whether it's due to superstition or to visions of black hair on light-colored sofas, rugs, and clothes, too many of these lovable dogs are missing out on good homes and happy lives. So if you've been toying with the idea of adopting a black Lab, poodle, or any other dark-haired beauty, there's really no better time than now to give it some serious consideration.

Dog Travel Tips

From Great Pet Owners

This article offers some dog travel tips that you may find helpful. Traveling with your dog does not have to be an arduous event, but there are some things that you may need to plan ahead for and take into consideration. You need to ensure that your pet still gets enough exercise to keep him calm and he will need reassurance on what is happening. Remember that your pet does not know what is going on—he is only following you because he loves you and trusts you.

Another dog travel tip is to ensure that your dog is adequately exercised as this may be a very important part of his travel experience. If you and your dog are traveling by car, there are a few things you need to consider. Not only will your dog need to be 'relieved' at regular intervals since he is being cooped up in the car for long periods of time. He will most assuredly become restless from being in a small space and from being unable to control any pent-up energy he has. He may also tend to dehydrate more quickly in a warm enclosed space like the car, so he will likely drink more water when you stop, which will then lead to him having to go to the bathroom more often than normal.

Before you plan a car vacation with your dog, make sure you do the proper planning beforehand. Review these dog travel tips to make you and your dog’s trip easier:

• Plan your route to include stops for your dog. And, plan more stops than you think you may need. Your dog will probably become restless in the car. Remember that a tired, well-exercised dog will be better behaved in the car; he will probably sleep.

• Your dog will also need to go to the bathroom. Plan stops for that where it may be appropriate.

• Try to feed your dog a little less than normal when traveling, as the car motion may upset his stomach. Allowing your dog to exercise along the way will help his digestion.

• Research picnic areas along your route that have areas where you can walk or run your dog. You can obtain maps and information from your local Humane Society or from your auto club membership place. You may also locate swimming spots along you route that may be pet friendly. Swimming is a great way to relieve your pet’s pent-up energy.

• Research hotels and camp grounds that accept dogs – and ensure that they have pet friendly areas so you can exercise your dog. Make lodging plans in advance to ensure that your pet has a place to stay. Confirm their pet policies before you book, and ask whether they have a dog exercise area.

• Take along a ball or Frisbee to throw for your dog if there are no expansive areas where you can both walk. Be sure to do this, though, in a controlled area—you do not want your dog to bolt away in an unfamiliar environment. (Always ensure that your dog has proper identification).

• Be sure to take extra water and travel dishes for your dog.

• When walking your dog in unfamiliar territory, always keep him on a leash. When he is let out of the car, he may be excited and rush off into traffic or bolt off after some exciting object (like a squirrel).

• Never let your dog travel in a car with the window down, or let him hang his head out of the window into the wind. Not only can he get debris or harmful objects in his eyes or ears, he could possibly jump out of the car window. • Although it may seem very restrictive, consider using a cage or pet carrier.

Here are some dog travel tips when traveling in an airplane:

• Always keep your dog on a leash or pet carrier in the airport area.

• Find out if the airport has an exercise area for dogs. Call ahead and find out where it is located so that you can take your dog for ‘one last run’ before he boards the plane.