Tips for a Pet-Safe New Years

If you're throwing (or attending) a New Year's Eve bash with a furry friend, beware of the dangers of those festive decorations! Even if you wanna take a photo of your pet perhaps wearing a party hat like this fella, take it off immediately afterwards. Not only is it dangerous if he decides to munch on the paper, but the elastic string can choke your pal or lodge in his throat if he decides to eat his entire costume. Please also beware of the following things:

• Noisemakers. I don't know about your pet, but North ran away the first (and only) time anyone blew one of these noisemaking horns in my home. I don't know if it was the loud sound, or the popping out, but my pup looked at me like I was crazy and ran into the next room. Never again.


• Confetti. Just like tree tinsel is dangerous, metallic confetti and other lil bits of paper can still cluster in a pet's throat or tummy. Be on the safe side, and keep this unsafe stuff out of the house!


• Hanging Decorations. Streamers and balloons can get stuck in a furry friend's intestinal tract so keep them up high and don't leave an animal unsupervised in a room with these things.


• Alcohol. I hope I don't really need to remind you of this, but alcohol is not for pets. While I'm sure no responsible animal owner would offer this substance to a pet, parties can result in spills or left out cups that pets may try to lick. Make sure this liquid (and any poisonous foods like chocolate) is faaar out of the reach of your pet's nose and tongue.

Happy New Years to everyone!

Source: http://www.petsugar.com/2651486

Year End Blow-Out Sale

What Not to Wear

I admit there's plenty of fashionable (and bizarre) dog clothing out there, but here's one of the most common questions I get: "Dogs have fur, isn't it silly to put anything else on them?" Well, the answer I give without fail is vague, but true: It depends. While a Samoyed in Minnesota may not need a heavy coat, it's possible that a Chihuahua may need one on a chilly night in the Valley. As a general guideline, smaller dogs with shorter coats will be more likely to need that extra layer than a larger, long-haired pet. The best way to tell what your animal needs is to watch his behavior. If your Italian Greyhound is shivering or trying to enter every open door on his evening walk around the city, chances are, he'd appreciate an extra layer. Remember, more activity makes your pets warmer just like running will make you break into a sweat faster than a leisurely stroll, so a pup sitting outside will get colder than when chasing his pals around a NYC dog park. Use your judgment and don't let anyone else decide for you.

Source: http://www.petsugar.com/2557597

Poopy Sak

*** PRODUCT BUZZ ***

Last Chance Sale

Silly Little New Items!

***PRODUCT BUZZ***

The Pawhaus Pet Boutique is proud to introduce Silly Little Sock Monkey Dog Toys. Exclusive to our shop! and we LOVE that these adorable monkeys are made right here in Canada! Talk about take us back to our youth!

Silly Little Sock Monkeys are made in Calgary by a local artist. They are original pieces of folk art that have been created for us with a squeaker set inside! They are quality made with all new materials. When you purchase a Silly Little Sock Monkey you are supporting an independent artist and investing in a lifelong friend for your pet. They love to be carried by their long and gangly arms, legs and tail and are guaranteed to get a bark of approval!

Each one is original - so if you see one you like, better grab it before it's gone!

10 Steps for a Pet Safe Holiday

We are already deep into the Christmas holiday season, and millions of homes sport either real or faux trees – glittering towers of beauty that can pose a threat to your pets. Before you put the tree up, take a few moments to go over some safety precautions.

1. Choose the Right Spot. Pick an area where the tree can be enjoyed by the family but so much in the center activity that it can be easily knocked over. An area by the wall or in a corner is ideal and out of the traffic flow pattern of the house. Try to place the tree near an outlet so you don't have to run electrical cords long distances.
   
2. Prepare the Area. Lay down plastic sheeting or buy a "tree bag." This is an extra large trash bag used for live trees. Center the tree on the bag. When the season is over and you have removed the tree ornaments, pull the bag over the tree.
   
   This will catch the pine needles as they fall from the tree – and prevent them from being chewed or swallowed by your pet.
   
3. Secure the Tree. Many trees have been sent swaying by a rambunctious dog or puppy. Dogs can knock over a tree by rubbing against or playing under it. Pet can be injured if the trees or ornaments fall and break. You can place the tree in a corner and secure it from two sides to small hooks in the walls. Another trick is to place a small hook in the ceiling above the tree and use clear fishing line from the top of the tree to the hook. Apply gentle tension and tie. The clear line is invisible.
   
4. Hide the Cords. Electrical cords are a grave danger to pets – especially puppies and that tend to chew on anything. Cords can cause electrocution and serious injury or even death. Secure the cords by positioning them higher than the pet can reach or hiding them with special covers.
   
5. No Hooks. Check your ornaments and replace hooks with a loop of string tied in a knot. Ornaments often fall from the tree and pets may catch their mouths on or swallow the hooks.
   
6. Choose Safe Ornaments. There is no perfectly pet-safe bulb, as any ornament can be ingested and cause an intestinal obstruction. Pet "safer" bulbs would be plastic or wood. Glass bulbs on the lower limbs can be especially dangerous. If broken, pets can step on them and cut their feet or worse yet – treat the bulbs like a ball and chew on them causing them to break, resulting in mouth or throat trauma and bleeding. Many pet owners have learned the hard way not to place any ornaments on the lower limbs. Ornaments made of food may be especially attractive to pets.
   
7. Ribbons. Big red velvet ribbons are a lovely addition and may replace tinsel and garland that can be eaten dogs and caught in their intestine. Cats are especially attracted to the bright shiny tinsel and should really be avoided in households with cats. Ingestion of this material can cause intestinal obstruction that may require surgery.
   
8. Presents. Dogs love to investigate and most don't understand that the presents are not meant to be opened before Christmas Day. Decorative ribbons and string can be ingested, gifts can be destroyed by a playful pet. Consider storing the presents in a safe area until right before the holiday or make sure your pet is always supervised while investigating and searching for his special gift.
   
9. Sweep and Water. Sweep up the pine needles. Ingestion of needles can cause vomiting and gastric irritation. Keep the tree watered and only turn the lights on when you are at home. Risk of fire is always there with a live tree. Do not allow your pet access to the tree water to drink.
   
10. Supervise. The safest thing to do is to allow your pet access to the tree only when supervised that continue to want to bother the tree should be encouraged – using positive reinforcement – to leave it alone. Bitter apple can be sprayed on low branches for persistent chewers.
    
    Consider these steps for a holiday safe tree. For other tips on holiday hazards, please click on Holiday Hazards.
    
    
    Source: http://www.petplace.com/dogs/10-steps-for-a-dog-safe-holiday-tree/page1.aspx

Dog Age - Winter Skin Saver

Know how your skin gets dry and itchy in winter? Your dog's skin struggles with cold weather, overheated houses, and low humidity, too. Here's how to keep your pooch itch-free:

• Brush her often. Even shorthaired dogs need help sloughing off dead skin cells. Brushing stimulates circulation and kicks up production of natural moisturizers from oil glands.
• Shampoo less often. Experts warn that weekly baths remove much-needed lubricating oils.
• Keep your own shampoo -- even the gentle one -- on the shelf, and use a moisturizing doggie-formulated one.

If dry skin persists, take Fluffy to the vet. Itching can be a sign of something more serious.

Source: Dog Age

The Comfy Cone

** New Product Buzz **

The Comfy Cone is a soft, comfortable alternative to the plastic lampshade surgery recovery collar for pets. Prevents pets from licking, biting, scratching or pulling stitches out of wounds. Great for hot spots, allergies, post-surgery and any time you need to protect your pet. Better than a hard plastic e-collar because it's comfy! Easily folds down to allow your pet to sleep and eat in a normal position. No more bumping into the walls. No more pushing the food dish across the floor, trying to eat or drink. No more stress from not being able to see. No more running smack into the pet door.

The Comfy Cone is comfortable, washable and flexible. Just as effective as a plastic cone, but made of durable fabric. Folds back if needed so you can adjust the length, increase your pet's visibility, assist with mealtimes or allow you to examine your pet more closely. Try that with a hard plastic cone! Attaches with Velcro, which is fastened all along the seam. This allows you to not only get a very comfortable, custom fit, but it also allows you to adjust how wide you want the open end to be. Change easily from a wider cone to a more narrow tube-like shape, depending on what your pet needs. Comfy Cone won Best New Product at the SuperZoo 2007 New Products Plaza.

Features:
- Made of durable rip-stop nylon
- Elastic loops so you can slip your dog's collar through - helps it stay on
- Thin foam inside - keeps collar's shape without being hard
- Wipes clean with damp cloth
- Lightweight
- Machine washable
- Sturdy stitching and binding
- Folds flat for easy storage
- Velcro closure for greatest range of adjustment
- Reflective trim around edge for safety
- Use again and again
- Folds back if needed
- Affordable

Check out a video on Animal Planet about the benefits of the Comfy Cone

Monday Madness

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