As gardening season is upon us...

Please share this with all the pet owners you know and ask them to do the same - the information you take a few minutes to share might prevent the senseless loss of other pets.

Please tell every dog or cat owner you know. Even if you don't have a pet, please pass this to those who do. Cocoa Mulch, which is sold by Target, Home Depot, Foreman's Garden Supply and other garden supply stores contains a lethal ingredient called 'Theobromine'.

It is lethal to dogs and cats. It smells like chocolate and it really attracts dogs. They will ingest this stuff and die. Several deaths already occurred in the last 2-3 weeks. Over the weekend, the doting owner of two young lab mixes purchased Cocoa Mulch from Target to use in their garden. The dogs loved the way it smelled and it was advertised to keep cats away from their garden. Their dog (Calypso) decided the mulch smelled good enough to eat and devoured a large helping. She vomited a few times which was typical when she eats something new but wasn't acting lethargic in any way. The next day, Mom woke up and took Calypso out for her morning walk . Half way through the walk, she had a seizure and died instantly.

Although the mulch had NO warnings printed on the label, upon further investigation on the company's web site,  this product is HIGHLY toxic to dogs and cats.

Cocoa Mulch is manufactured by Hershey's, and they claim that "It is true that studies have shown that 50% of the dogs that eat Cocoa Mulch can suffer physical harm to a variety of degrees (depending on each individual dog). However, 98% of all dogs won't eat it." 

*Snopes site gives the following information:  http://www.snopes.com/critters/crusader/cocoamulch.asp *

Theobromine is in all chocolate, especially dark or baker's chocolate which is toxic to dogs. Cocoa bean shells contain potentially toxic quantities of theobromine, a xanthine compound similar in effects to caffeine and theophylline. A dog that ingested a lethal quantity of garden mulch made from cacao bean shells developed severe convulsions and died 17 hours later. Analysis of the stomach contents and the ingested cacao bean shells revealed the presence of lethal amounts of theobromine.

**PLEASE PASS THIS ON**

Kids' toys are not for doggies!

Posted on the Bow Wow Haus Blog

This came to our attention today via Zen Dog Training and the Chesapeake Bay Retriever Relief & Rescue Group, and we wanted to share with everyone. Please let other dog-lovers in your life know -

"Last night at agility class, a vet, who is a fellow agility student was telling us about a case she had this week. The dog ate a child's teddy bear and was very sick. When she opened the dog up to remove what she thought was an intestinal obstruction she found a huge gelatin type mess inside and the dogs intestines were black and the tissue dead. The dog will die no surgery can fix him up there was no living intestine left from stomach to colon.

This was not an obstruction. .... so she called the manufacturer of the Teddy Bear on a quest to find out what the gel was and what killed the dog. Turns out the stuffing in children's toys contains ingredients for flame retardants and mite control! It is designed to be come a gel. It is highly toxic. Now you would think a child's toy would be safe because it is for children, but they don't expect a child to eat the stuffing of the toys... huummmm that seems a bit scary too. But we all know dogs demolish stuffed toys.

So do not give or buy your dog any children's stuffed animals... some people get them at goodwill etc. The vet will be posting a warning and story and I will send any other facts as needed and as I learn more. Maybe some children's toys do not have this ingredient, but better to be safe than sorry. So meanwhile, make sure all your dog toys are for dogs. Please pass this on... it is a horrible death she described and one that can be avoided."

Earth Friendly Fido

It seems like in another day and age that owning pets was easy. We would feed the dog the table scraps, let the fido run around the neighborhood without a collar or tracking device and use cleaners without worry as to how it was effecting those with their noses closest to the ground. Now the life of a pet owner seems to have changed dramatically and we are always getting new information as to what we can do to make things safer, healthier and better for our pets in order to have them share our lives with us for as long as possible.

Here are just a few quick ways to be a more earth friendly pet owner:

1. 
   
   Clean the air. Open the windows and let the stale air out. Sprinkle baking soda on carpets and vacuum with a HEPA filter. Stop using chemical deodorizers and sprays and instead try natural essential oils or soy based candles.
2. 
   
   Leave your shoes at the door. These days too many neighbors and municipalities are still using harsh pesticides and fungicides in their yards and they can easily be tracked in my dirt carried on our shoes. Any pooch or puss could lick or eat these off the floor. Opt for indoor shoes, slippers or barefoot.
3. 
   
   Consider an organic, hemp collar. Sometimes we don't realize how something like a nylon collar around our pets neck could be harmful to the earth. Nylon production emits nitrous oxide, which may contribute to global warming.
4. 
   
   Clean with natural products. When we use hard-core chemicals to clean our homes we feel like we are doing better for our families - but we could be creating a harmful environment for our pets. Pets that lick the floor or even take food from counters that are cleaned with chemicals can get sick.
5. 
   
   Choose recycled and/or organic toys. Look for new products that are made from recycled rubber, soda bottles or other recyclables. If plush toys are what your pet prefers than try looking for toys made from organic fibres and dyes.
6. 
   
   Cut down on clean up waste. We all know that pets can be messy. When cleaning up waste, use biodegradable waste bags or litter made from recycled newspaper. You can also clean up pet messes with washable rags instead of paper towels.
7. 
   
   Buy bedding made from recycled fibres or choose a duvet to cover old beds old dog bed, or stuff a new one with blankets & clothes from around your house. More companies are becoming aware of the global conscious pet owner and have started to make their bed filling with recycled soda bottles or recycled fleece. Of course, the most selfless remedy when looking for a bed for your pooch - in my pug's opinion - is to just let them cozy up to you under your covers!

The best way to shop for our furry friends at home is to live by the same motto as we should live by ourselves: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Our pets will thank us!

What is separation anxiety and how to treat it?

Find how to treat your pets anxiety at the Pawhaus Pet Boutique.

Vets and trainers are often consulted about dogs, who when left alone, cry, howl, bark, urinate, defecate, or simply destroy everything in their paths. Whatever destructive or inappropriate behavior your dog engages in when you leave him alone, he is not doing it to “punish” you for leaving him alone. Rather, his behavior is generally the result of stress, fear and/or boredom.

Depending on your dog’s behavior when you are gone you can sometimes differentiate between stress-related behavior and boredom. For example, assuming you are giving your dog appropriate opportunities to relieve himself during the day, urinating and defecating in your absence is more likely to be a sign of stress than of housetraining problems. If upon returning home, your dog is panting and sticks to your side like glue, it is likely he is suffering from separation anxiety.

Many dog behavior experts sub-divide separation anxiety into “true” separation anxiety and “isolation distress.” With “true” separation anxiety your dog’s fears are focused on a particular person (“Oh no! Jane’s gone!”). With isolation distress, simply being alone is the problem for your dog. Thus, isolation distress can sometimes be alleviated by the company of other dogs or people – letting your dog stay with a friend when you are out or taking your dog to doggy daycare. Separation anxiety can be more challenging to address because your dog’s stress is triggered by being away from a particular person. To learn several things you can do lessen your dog’s separation anxiety, click here.

How often does your dog need a bath?

How often your dog needs a bath depends on his lifestyle and coat. A dog romping in the fields all day will likely need a bath more frequently than a more sedentary dog, and a dog with long hair will likely need to be bathed more often than a short-coated dog. As a general rule a dog should not be bathed more than once every two to four weeks. Over-bathing can strip your dog’s coat of natural oils and cause dry skin.

If your dog is firmly against the idea of bathing, you might be able to change his mind by re-introducing the concept gradually. Calmly put your dog in the bath or sink and give him a couple treats. Do this every day. Gradually have your dog stay in for longer periods. Then let the faucet drip a little. Over time, let your dog get comfortable with a stronger flow of water and with sensation of standing in water.

Choosing a Shampoo
Never use human shampoo on your dog. Human shampoos do not have the correct pH for a dog’s skin and coat, and human shampoos can end up causing rashes or other skin irritations. Instead, find a gentle dog shampoo to use. Look for dog shampoo brands that contain natural and non-irritating ingredients such as aloe or oatmeal. You can also ask your veterinarian to recommend a shampoo, especially if your dog has a special skin condition.

Getting Ready For Bath Time
To prepare for bathing your dog, you first need to be wearing the right clothes. It is highly probable that you are going to get wet in the process so it is best to have on shorts, a bathing suit, or even your birthday suit. Have your shampoo and several towels within easy reach. A rubber non-skid mat in the sink, bath, or shower will make your dog more comfortable and give him firm footing.

To learn more about bathing and drying your dog, click here.

Rescue groups doing a Food and Supply Drive

Did you know that all animal rescues work is done from donations from people just like you! Without these donations, we would not be able to continue saving these precious furry friends, and giving them a fresh start in life!Where: The Barking Lot 710-22 Midlake Blvd SE
When: March 20 11am to 3pm
Bring donations down to our drive on March 20th and get 10% off a purchase for your favorite pet at The Barking Lot

Rascals Pet Supply will be accepting donations on behalf of the food drive in advance from Thursday Mar 11 to Friday Mar 19. 3804 Edmonton Trail NE

In Advance: Can’t make it for the drive? Pick out some items at the Pawhaus Pet Boutique ahead of time and fill a wish for a rescue by buying them supplies off the top wish list! Just let us know in the comments section which items are for the Food and Supply Drive and we'll deliver it to the food drive!

Calgary Humane Society has kindly made a large donation of dog and cat products that at this time, they are not in need of! Great start to the drive!

Wish List Items:
• Small bites food• Vet Gastro food
• Quality Puppy & Adult Dog food
• Canned puppy & Adult food
• Dry Cat food
• Canned cat food
• Cat litter• Cat scratching posts
• Cat & Dog beds
• Cat & Dog dishes
• Cat & Dog toys
• Quality chews like bully sticks & elk chews
(no rawhide or pigs ears)
• Kong treats & peanut butter
• Martingale collars
• Leashes & collars of all sizes
• Blankets and towels
• Cleaning supplies
• Xpens
• Crates plastic and metal
• Puppy pads

New Design

Our site has a new design! Feel free to check it out and let us know what you think!!