February is Pet Dental Month

Brushing Your Dog's Teeth -

It is Mandatory for a Healthy Pet! February is National Pet Dental Health Month. There are so many aspects of keeping your dog healthy, but in my opinion, none is more important than brushing their teeth. The American Veterinary Dental Society (AVDS) estimates that eighty percent of dogs have periodontal disease by the age of three. A few years ago, the idea of brushing your dog’s teeth was nearly unheard of. While it is gaining popularity, the majority of pet owners still do not brush their dogs’ teeth on a regular basis.

Objections to tooth-brushing:

1. I only give her dry dog food so I don’t need to brush her teeth: Unfortunately most dry dog foods have high starch content. Sugar and starches combine with the bacteria in the mouth and produce acids. These acids can eat away at the enamel on the tooth in addition to causing plaque build-up.
2. My dog doesn’t like it: When I was a kid, I didn’t like brushing my teeth, but it wasn’t a choice. It is part of a healthy lifestyle. If you let your dog make all the decisions in your house, it would be a disaster!
3. I don’t need to; I give them bones and chew toys: This is an equivalent approach to only chewing gum for your personal dental hygiene. You won’t find a dentist that recommends that approach! It is a nice addition but can’t do the job alone.
4. I just put an additive in the water: This is an equivalent approach to only using a mouth rinse for your own personal hygiene, except not even as good because your dog isn’t gargling and rinsing. Again, a nice addition but not sufficient by itself.

If you don’t brush your dog’s teeth, plaque will build up on the teeth, break off, and be absorbed into the bloodstream. This can lead to blockage in the arteries causing heart disease and kidney problems.

Hopefully, now I’ve convinced you that brushing is imperative. Here are some things you should know:

1. Brush at least three times per week to get maximum benefits.
2. Don’t use human toothpaste unless you have taught your dog to spit! Look on the back of your toothpaste. You will most likely find a statement that it should not be ingested. This is because it contains soap. Soap creates foam, which gives people the perception that the product is cleaning but is not indicative of the cleaning power of a product (it is for marketing purposes: perception is reality). Toothpaste designed specifically for pets does not contain soap; it won’t foam up; and it can be swallowed safely.
3. Replace the toothbrush when the bristles become frayed or every 3 months, as the brush will start to harbor microorganisms.
4. Follow teeth brushing with praise and an award so he/she looks forward to it next time.The American Animal Hospital Association says, “proper dental care may add as much as five years to your pet's life!" (http://www.healthypet.com/library_view.aspx?id=142). It only takes about one minute. Isn’t increasing your dog’s life expectancy worth a few minutes per week?

***PRODUCT BUZZ***

You can start your pets brushing routine right here at the Pawhaus Pet Boutique. We carry Cain & Able Kissable Toothbrush sets that will 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! Get yours today!

Source: http://www.cainandablecollection.com/blog.asp

Pawhaus Newsletter

What more could we possible tell you in a newsletter that you don't already read on the internet? Check out our archieves of articles, features, websites and more to get the latest "dish" on what would make your kitten purr!

Check out the latest newsletter edition HERE!

Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society ADOPT-A-THON

AARCS will be hosting their first ever Adopt-a-thon at Hound Lounge in Inglewood on Jan/31 and Feb/1. From 11-4

The idea is to showcase as many of the wonderful animals as possible and get the word out about adopting rescue animals.

AARCS is a registered, non-profit charity whose mandate is to rescue abandoned, surrendered or abused small animals from First Nations communities in Central Alberta and around Calgary
We rely completely on the donations of the public, fundraising events and, and adoption fees.
100% of our staff is volunteers.

Once rescued our animals are placed in fosters homes until adopted.
Not only are there not enough foster homes but also there are not enough forever homes.

Maybe you could help spread the word about our adopt-a-thon too!

Come on down and purchase a raffle ticket to win an awesome Pawhaus Pet Boutique Gift Pack!
See the dogs and our gift pack on BT Friday morning at 8:00 am.

Pawsitive Match Rescue

Tank Needs Your Help
Hi there, my name is Tank! I am a 1 year old Lab/Sharpei cross, and I am a bundle of energy. Unfortunately, I can’t quite run and play as much as a normal 1 year old, you see, my hips hurt a lot and I recently found out that I already need a hip replacement! As much as I would love to go for walks and run about, it is just too painful. The vets told me that in order to walk normally and pain free, my hip replacement is necessary. You know, I am brave enough for the surgery, but I need help raising the money, I will even forgo some treats for a while to know what its like to have the freedom to run. My surgery is expected to cost about $5,000, so please ask all your friends to help.

Plus, you see these little booties on my feet – I plan to wear these babies out as soon as I get the chance! Please help me get that chance.

Please, if you can donate even $1.00, you can help make a difference in my life - and I can't tell you how much it would be appreciated!

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN HELP

EIPKS Boots

During these cold winters days we often wonder what will work best on our pets in keeping them warm and dry outside. Here is a great video about EPIKS boots for you to watch

5 Common Mistakes Cat Owners Make

What are the most common mistakes that cat owners make with their cats? We interviewed several veterinarians to discuss this topic and came up with a list of 5 items. Here are five mistakes many cat owners make:

1. Not have yearly examination done on their cats. Yearly exams are important and can find health problems early when many are more treatable.
2. Don't keep a current ID tag or microchip on their cat. Many cats don't have a current ID tag or microchip. Dog owners do a way better job at keeping their dog identified. However, even indoor cats occasionally get out. This is the most vulnerable of cats. An ID tag or microchip is the BEST way a lost cat can be returned to you. At the clinics – we often see cats brought in without a tag or microchip that end off going off to Rabies Control or the Humane Society. Without Identification, many of these cats are never reunited with their owners.
3. Skimping on nutrition. A good quality food is important to cats. Skimping on nutrition can be a problem. Cats need a high quality balanced diet that is formulated to meet their life-stage needs.
4. Many cat owners don't pay attention to toxins and medications around their household that cats can get into. Maybe it comes down to cat-proofing your home to ensure your cat can't get into common toxins such as rat poison, antifreeze, medications (cat and human) or the trash. Cats are especially fond of tread and other liner objects such as yarn and ribbon. Keep those items picked up and out of the reach of your cat.
5. Lastly, some cat owners don't monitor their cats. It is important to monitor cats on a daily basis. Cats are so good at hiding their illnesses that often by the time we notice – the disease may be quite advanced. For this reason – it is important to look for early signs of problems. Monitor your cat's urinations, defecations, attitude and appetite every day. Don't just keep dry food down and not be sure if your cat is eating – offer a little canned twice a day to ensure he is eager to eat. Whatever you do, keep your cat safe. Ensure he has a good collar with an ID tag. Also, feed a good quality cat food, check that he is eating well and keep your home "cat-proof".

Source: http://www.petplace.com/

Monday Madness - BOGO

This week Buy One Get one! We are offering a great deal on all Pawhaus brand collars - buy one and get another FREE! Or if you don't need another collar get the matching leash FREE! Just include in the message box at the check out which you would prefer and we will send it along.