Something Silly at the Pawhaus

Just in time for Spring! The Pawhaus Pet Boutique is proud to introduce Silly Little Sock Bunnies Dog Toys. Exclusive to our shop and we LOVE that these adorable bunnies are made right here in Canada!


We thought it would be great to talk a little about who the local artist is who makes are awesome little Silly products and here is what she had to say:


Silly Little Sock Monkeys and Friends are the products of an artistic mom and her beloved, creative side-kick, a four year old with a wonderful adoration for stuffies (and puppies too!).


It all began one day when we came across a pattern for making a sock monkey. It was the perfect companion for my daughter, no batteries to replace, no worries about recalls and with those gangly arms, legs and tails- it could swing as high as her imagination! In no time, we began taking orders from friends and strangers alike that would stop us at the park and ask, where did you get that cute little sock monkey?”.


Just before last Christmas, fate had its way and The Silly Little Sock Monkeys (and Friends) ended up at a table beside The Pawhaus at a community show and sale. I will admit to be a little surprised when Amanda asked if I’d ever thought about making sock monkeys for dogs! After watching my daughter’s fascination with the squeaky toys on display at The Pawhaus , I quickly realized that children and dogs are much alike in their toy preferences!


So began Silly Little Sock Monkeys are Friends for Dogs, our product line exclusively for our canine friends available only through The Pawhaus.


Each of our Silly Little Sock Monkeys and new Silly Little Sock Bunnies are made with all new materials and TLC. Hidden inside, a squeaker will delight your dogs with a cause and effect experience (gnaw and it squeals!) and rest assured that each squeaker has been quality control tested by my vigilant 4 year old little girl.


When you purchase a Silly Little Sock Monkey or Bunny you are buying local-supporting a Calgary art-doll artist and offering your dog really cool toy to play with!
Enjoy!

Holly and Abby McWilliams
Silly Little Sock Monkey and Friends Artist

You can find more of Holly and Abby's creations on her own website at http://www.members.shaw.ca/sillylittlesockmonkey/

Monday Madness

It's the last week for March Madness!! Check out what 2 items are listed at 50% off!

How Often Should I Wash my Dog?

Most advice you find on the internet recommends washing your dog just several times per year!Either these people have outdoor dogs or the articles were written a long time ago when the quality of pet shampoos was very poor! Times have changed!

Today, dog’s enjoy shampoos and conditioners that are on par with the best human shampoos- that don’t have harsh chemicals and that don’t strip the hair of all of it’s oils.The arguments against washing your dog too often are generally about stripping the coat of natural oils. The more often you wash something, the more often the sebum (oil) is going to be removed.

Think about your own hair. If you don’t wash it, what happens? It gets oily. Is the oil good for your hair? Probably, but we wash our hair everyday anyway so that it’s clean!

There are several factors you should consider when deciding how often to wash your dog which include:

1. Does your dog live indoors or outdoors, and does your dog sleep in your bed?
   If your dog lives in your house with you and more importantly, if he/she sleeps in your bed, then you are probably going to wash your dog regularly–depending on the breed anywhere from once a week to once a month. I know this is radical thinking, but, if your dog sits on your sofa, you probably don’t want him dragging in dirt, poop, insects and other grime onto your sofa. So, the trade off is that your dog’s coat ~might ~ be marginally drier but you will have a fresh smelling dog that you can cuddle without the fear that gross stuff is getting into the sheets.
2. Breed of dog.
   Dogs that have dry skin can be bathed less frequently than dogs with oily skin. Harsh-textured coats repel dirt pretty well so they don’t get as dirty as a soft-coated dog. Dogs like Maltese, Yorkies, Afghans and Shitzus should be bathed once a week. Harsh-coated breeds, like Shelties and Collies, can be bathed once a month. If you’re not sure, remember, a clean dog is a happy dog! One of my dog’s is a Maltese and I can’t imagine washing her less than once every week. Little white dogs pick up lots of dirt and by weeks end they are looking brown instead of white. Also, I hate to mention it but long-coated dogs get those famous cling on poops stuck to their bottoms.My other dog, a Westie, who has a thicker coat, doesn’t lget so dirty, but, I have to wash her every week due to the next point– allergies.
3. Is anyone in your household allergic to dogs?
   If so, you SHOULD groom & bathe them as often as possible. According to the American Lung Association, doing so will help remove the dander that accumulates on a pet’s fur.I am allergic to one of my dogs and when I don’t wash her once a week I get wheezy and sneezy.
4. What activities does your dog partake in?
   Do you take your dog to the dog park? Does you dog play in the sand or dirt? Does your dog roll in the grass or go swimming or hiking? What about sniffing butts, eating poop or drooling?Well, if you have a normal dog, she probably partakes in several of the above activities– all of which warrant regular bathing. Again, you have to think of the trade off. Your dog’s coat may be marginally drier. HOWEVER, he will be cleaner, smell better, and most important you will be more likely to give a clean dog lots of love. Those smelly dogs we tend to keep at arms length.
5. Does your dog suffer from itchy skin?
   Unlike humans who absorb most environmental allergens through their noses and mouths, dogs tend to absorb allergens through the skin. Weekly bathing can prevent itchiness , washing allergens away before they get a chance to penetrate the skin.

So at the conclusion of all of this — the answer for MOST dogs is to wash them once every week to once a month, depending on the above circumstances.But remember, use a gentle pet shampoo and conditioner . Do not use your own shampoo.

Click here for an article of why you should not use your own shampoo on your dog. Also, if you simply can’t wash your dog for a prolonged period of time you can use a dry shampoo, like Dry Dog Instant Clean - This is a really effective spray on bath replacement that helps to get rid of bad odors.

Gnawing Problems

Is your dog chewing you out of house and home?

Dogs tend to chew or gnaw on inappropriate objects when they're bored, anxious, or craving attention. Designating play zones throughout your house and equipping each with a few pup-friendly chew toys and treats can cut down on the destruction. If you catch your dog in the midst of destructive chewing, take the item from him or her and walk away. On the other hand, if your dog is happily chomping on a toy, stick, or bone, reinforce the good behavior with enthusiastic praise and petting.


Source: DogAge.com

Pawhaus on City TV

A couple of weeks ago I did a segment for our local morning show and was able to get my two pugs and a couple of rescue dogs from AARCS in on it with me

Check out what products we featured here!

Dog Exercise Needs

Source: http://dogtime.com/exercise-needs.html

We often think of exercise only as a health issue, but it has significant day-to-day effects on a dog's behavior as well. Dogs--particularly puppies and young dogs--have a lot of energy, and if they don't get the chance to burn it off, destructive behavior is often the result. If you're annoyed at the holes your dog has dug, have headaches from his barking, and have to replace pillows shredded into expensive fluff, your dog's probably not getting enough exercise.

These behavior issues cause many people to give up their dogs, even though they're completely preventable. (You know those "free to a good home, dog needs room to run" ads? They're usually placed by people whose dogs don't need room to run; they need exercise they're not getting.) Unfortunately, some people don't think enough about exercise when selecting a breed, and they choose a dog who needs more exercise than they're willing or have time to provide.

How much exercise does my dog need?

How much exercise is enough depends on your dog's age, breed, and health. A 10-month old Irish Terrier puppy is going to need more than a five-year old Whippet (you could appropriately sing, "Wild thing, you make my heart sing" as your puppy races around the house and yard). A sight hound needs short bursts of exercise; guarding dogs don't need as much overall as sporting breeds who like to hunt all day. Even within a breed, the need varies. A highly energetic eight-year-old Golden Retriever could easily need more exercise than a calm three-year old Golden. And geriatric dogs still need to go for walks--just shorter ones than they used to enjoy.
Generally speaking, a leashed walk around the block isn't going to cut it. Most dogs need 30 to 60 minutes of exercise a day. Your canine pal needs enough that he's slowed down by the time you stop.

Some general rules of thumb:

• Active breeds need a minimum of 30 minutes of hard aerobic exercise most days of the week, preferably daily.
• Not all toy or small breeds get enough exercise inside the house (contrary to popular belief). Pugs, for example, are prone to obesity and need much more exercise than they usually get.
• It's not safe to go out in extremely hot or cold weather. During such periods, stay inside and teach tricks to engage your dog's mind, throw toys, or run up and down the stairs together.
• Good exercise uses both mental and physical muscles. Exploring a new hiking trail, for example, engages your dog's mind as well as his body.
• Live by the philosophy that a tired dog is a good dog.

Where to get exercise

Like people, most dogs like both familiarity and a little variety in their exercise routines.
Many dogs get to know the neighborhood during walks and enjoy checking on their favorite spots.

Dog parks are popular places for off-leash exercise and romping with other dogs, which is exactly what most dogs need. However, not all dogs can play nicely with others. If your dog doesn't like other dogs, the dog park is definitely not the place for him.

Doggie day care can exercise both his mind and body. Dogs should come home from day care worn out and deliciously happy.

The cost of not getting enough

Inactive dogs are often overweight dogs, and as in people, that brings plenty of health risks. Obesity contributes to a dog's risk of diabetes, respiratory disease, and heart disease. It exacerbates common orthopedic concerns such as hip dysplasia and arthritis. Obesity can stress joints, ligaments, and tendons. Geriatric dogs often have a hard enough time getting up without the added problem of lifting excess pounds.

Quick Tip Before Buckling Up

Whether your furry friend rides in a belt harness or a car seat while on road trips, I wanted to point out a quick tip for safety. Even if you prefer collars for walking, don't clip these to a seat belt or car seat attachment.

Personally, I don't believe in traveling with an unsecured pet period and, under no circumstances, should you drive around with a restraining device attached to your dog's collar. (I don't need to give you the graphic visual, but I'm sure you can picture what happens if you slam on the brakes.) Next time you're ready to hit the road, stock a harness just in case or, invest in a special version that attaches straight to the car safety device from your walk time, too!

Source: PetSugar

***PRODUCT BUZZ*** Check out the great products we carry to keep your pup safe, secure and CLEAN in the car!***

March Madness Continues - Week 3

Are you ready to get your socks knocked off? We are excited to have a super fun event for the month of March. In true March Madness fashion we will be offering the following deals all month long:

March 1 - 7: 32 Products at 10% off

March 8 - 14: 16 Products at 20% off

March 15 - 21: 8 Products at 30% off

March 22 - 28: 4 Products at 40% off

March 29 - Apr 4: 2 Products at 50% off

And just when you think the madness is over... our first Monday Madness in April will have the last March Madness item listed at 60% OFF! Be sure to check in each week to see which products will be listed. Be sure to let your friends and family know about these great deals too!
Check out what products have great savings NOW!

Add Your Pets to Your Will

Have you ever thought about what would happen to your pets if you were no longer around to take care of them. Yes, I know this is a sad thought, but unfortunately it is a very real concern for many people, as their pets are family. An increasing number of pet owners are including their pets in their wills to provide for them long-term. I have experienced this in practice a few times, where dogs come in with a ‘caretaker’ and are treated according to the guidelines of a will or their trust.

Surprisingly this is not a new concept as pet trusts were recognized by English common law back in 1842. The legal system has changed a bit since then, so it is important to keep a few things in mind when planning for your pet's future needs in your absence.

1. Identify a Caretaker for your pet that you think loves your pet almost as much as you do. Discuss your wishes for your pet with this person, as well as your lawyer. Set aside funds to be used according to your wishes that will be supported by state or local law.
2. Carry an Animal Card in your wallet. This will alert medical personnel that you have a pet at home that will need care in the even that you are unable to tell them yourself. This card should have your pets name, breed, color and your veterinarians contact information on it.
3. Discuss with you estate attorney the yearly budget for your pet, as well as its standard of care; for example: How often it should be fed and what brands of food. How often your pet should be walked, how many physical exams it should get per year. How often it should be groomed. Living conditions (indoors/outdoors). And lastly what should be done with any excess funds in the event that your pet passes prior to using all the money you left for its care.

Source: WagReflex --Dr. Hamilton---------------------Dr. Hamilton is an oncology resident at Michigan State's Animal Cancer Care Clinic and a regular contributor to Wag Reflex.
Disclaimer Regarding Veterinary Information

The Dirt on Goughnuts

Written by: Lynette at the Fun Times Guide



We recently introduced the GoughNuts dog toy to our dog, Tenor, for the first time.
Think: A 'doughnut' that dogs go nuts for.
Let me just tell you... the minute that package arrived in the mail, somehow he instinctively knew it was for him. I don't know if it was the strong smell of the rubber that was wreaking from the package itself, or what. But he kept pestering me until I took the time to open it and let him see what it was.
And he immediately loved it!

What Makes GoughNuts Unique?What makes this dog toy so different is the fact that it's made from nearly indestructible rubber. I'd say it's even tougher than Kong toys. (I know, I was surprised by that, too.)
It's got an outer layer of one grade of rubber that is green, and an inner layer of a different grade of rubber that is red. The built-in secret to this toy is... if your dog should ever manage to chew so much on this toy that he gets to the red inner rubber ring, then it's time to throw the toy away and request a FREE replacement from GoughNuts.

The purpose of the "Chew Toy Safety Indicator" is to change pet chew toy technology for dogs and other pets so that the possibility of blockages (from ingestion of chew toys) in a pet's digestive track will be lessened or eliminated. "The Chew Toy Safety Indicator" is a mechanism for pet owners (primarily dog owners) to visually see a color change in the chew toy indicating that the toy design has been compromised. The universally known colors of "green for go" and "red for stop" are utilized in this inventive design. Source

For the life of me, I can't imagine how a dog could ever do that. But I guess there might be some super power chewers out there that could.

Virtually Indestructible - Many companies claim it, GoughNuts guarantees it. Every GoughNuts toy has been designed by Mechanical and Polymer Engineers. Understanding leverages that are present in the jaws of a dogs mouth and relying on 60 years of rubber technology has resulted in an indestructible toy. If your pet can chew through the Green to expose the Red, GoughNuts will replace your toy free of charge. Source

What Is The GoughNuts Dog Toy Like? The GoughNuts toy itself is a very thick very bouncy rubber ring. It is similar in shape to the Kong Air Dog Donut toy. But the GoughNuts toy is much thicker, much squishier, and a tad smaller in overall diameter -- so it's easier for a large dog to put his whole mouth around it, yet it's still big enough to prevent him from choking on it.
For the record, my dog likes to bite and chew (hard) on dog toys. But chewing for the sake of chewing is really not his main priority. Instead, he gets most of his enjoyment from dog toys by rolling them around on the floor, getting them to make noises, trying to pull things out of them, and occasionally trying to destroy them. (GoughNuts is definitely one dog toy that will never break or wear our in our household. I'm sure of it.)

So, if my dog is not exactly a power chewer, then why does he like the GoughNuts toy so much? For these reasons:

It is extremely bouncy! Sometimes he kicks the GoughNuts toy around with his own paw and then chases after it in a self-fulfilling cat-and-mouse game. Sometimes I'll just roll it on its side down the hallway, and that's enough to entice him to play... hard! It's as if he's been reminded of how much he likes this toy, at which point he starts playing with it like it's the first time he's ever seen it. And it's always fun to just toss the GoughNuts on the floor from about waist-high and watch as the dog waits to see where it lands. At which point, he runs full-speed for it and starts playing with it for a long time.

It makes a squeaky noise. No, there's no squeaker in this dog toy. It's more of a built-in squeaker! You see, whenever the dog's slobber gets on the rubber ring, and his teeth start squishing the rubber, you get this soft squeak that my dog loves. It's as if the toy is challenging him... or talking back to him.

The size is just perfect. I really like that it's a thick and chunky toy, yet there's a hole in the middle that is large enough to make it easy for the dog to grip. That's one important characteristic of a good dog toy in my book: the dog must be able to grip it and grab it and walk around with it and manipulate it in some way. Otherwise, it's a boring playtime experience. The GoughNuts dog toy is sized just right that he can get most of his mouth around it, but not completely.

It's relatively lightweight. I got the large size for power chewers. (I have a 90 lb. Black Lab/Great Pyrenees mix.) And one of my pet peeves is when large dog toys are so heavy and bulky... so much so that the dog tires easily from playing with them. I mean, my dog likes to grip a dog toy within his jaws, then give it a toss and see where it lands. The GoughNuts chew toy is perfect for this. And because it's so bouncy, you never know where it will land. And because of it's shape (a round ring), you never know where it will roll to.

They're made in the U.S.A. with your dog's safety in mind. California, to be exact. You've gotta love that!

Plus, dog safety is their #1 concern. ("Our goal is chew toy safety.") Yep, that's why they invented the patent-pending "chew toy safety indicator" in the first place. GoughNuts are the first dog chew toys that this safety mechanism has ever been implemented in.

Overall, the GoughNuts dog toy is definitely an fun toy for dogs. It's never the same play session twice. My dog really likes this one!

You can "stuff" it with fun goodies. And finally, stepping a bit outside of the box here... I thought I'd try to "stuff" something inside the hole that's cut out of the center of the GoughNuts toy. I grabbed an old dog bone and crammed it in there, realizing that if my dog's teeth weren't going to damage the GoughNuts toy, then the sharp edges on this raw bone weren't going to hurt it either.

This really got my dog's attention! He worked on it for a long time trying to get the bone out of the center of the GoughNuts chew toy. That makes GoughNuts the equivalent of 2 toys in one. You could stuff it with another fun dog toy (maybe one that rattles or squeaks), large dog treats (like XL store-bought treat bones), raw bones (like I did here), and more!

Any Downsides To GoughNuts?I have to say, the only downside to this dog toy is its price. At CAD $20 apiece, GoughNuts are more expensive than most dog chew type toys you find in pet stores.

According to Amy Rockwood, the inventor of GoughNuts dog toys, there are 2 reasons that a dog chew toy like this had not been invented before: "Cost, and a lack of understanding of problems of blockages that have been occurring in pets." Source

I guess that's why GoughNuts are slightly more expensive than other dog toys. But still... this toy is worth it, I tell you!

And it makes a lot of sense, since it takes a ton more rubber to make this one-of-a-kind dog toy. Not to mention 2 types of rubber in the unique configuration that gives the dog owner that patented "safety indicator".

Source: Fun Time Guide

***PRODUCT BUZZ***

You can find Goughnuts at the Pawhaus Pet Boutique! Let your chew-sey dog go-nuts today!

Airline Approved Carriers

Check out our new line of Airline Approved Carriers!

Traveling with your pet never looked so good!

Muttrosexual

If your pooch is of the spa-loving kind, we've got the product for you.

Fur Butter or Fur Worse nourishes and conditions canine coats like no other. Fur Breeze freshens any muttrosexual's presentation with odor eliminators and great scent. Comfy Dog oatmeal shampoo counteracts dry and itchy winter skin. And last, but not least, Dog Smog remedy clears the air in the event of spontaneous odorific gaseous emissions, whether they originate from a two-legged or four-legged family member.

Try our Spa on the Go Set to pamper your pet.

Consider a Canine Massage

Few things in life feel as good as a massage, so your pooch would probably love one. And just as people can benefit from a massage's mind-body effects -- like stress reduction, better blood circulation, and improved muscle tone -- so may your furry friend.

If you think your dog would enjoy a massage, run the idea by your vet. It may not be appropriate for pets with health problems such as arthritis, fractures, cancer, or certain skin conditions.

Look for a certified massage therapist who has been trained in animal massage, or ask your vet if he or she has training in animal massage.

Another option is to learn how to do it yourself. Massage therapy schools in your area may offer animal massage classes. Not only will you gain a new skill, but also you'll get more bonding time with your buddy. A massage also provides an opportunity to check your pet for unusual growths and lumps.

Source: DogAge.com

March Madness

Are you ready to get your socks knocked off? We are excited to have a super fun event for the month of March. In true March Madness fashion we will be offering the following deals all month long:

March 1 - 7: 32 Products at 10% off
March 8 - 14: 16 Products at 20% off
March 15 - 21: 8 Products at 30% off
March 22 - 28: 4 Products at 40% off
March 29 - Apr 4: 2 Products at 50% off

And just when you think the madness is over... our first Monday Madness in April will have the last March Madness item listed at 60% OFF! Be sure to check in each week to see which products will be listed. Be sure to let your friends and family know about these great deals too!

Check out what products have great savings NOW!

Today at Barkability.com

Silly Sock Puppet Dog Toy
Everyone, Duncan Grey. Duncan, everyone.
Sniff around @ The Pawhaus Pet Boutique. ($32)

Thanks to Chris and MacKenzie for posting about our Monkeys! If you haven't heard about them yet - Barkability(tm) is a dog shopping blog. They sniff around and bring back stuff worth barking about! Check them out today!

Formal Wear for your Dog

Now at the Pawhaus Pet Boutique - formal wear for your pup! Available in various sizes - from 1 lbs to 100 lbs - these items are designed, manufactured and distributed exclusively since 1999.

These pet clothes are made from the highest quality fabrics, fully lined and all original Designs by Michele. It is our goal to offer our customers high end, uniquely designed dog clothes, the BEST customer service and the BESTclothes you can find.

Check out what we have!

March Madness at the Pawhaus Pet Boutique