Friday, November 12, 2010

Poooh Busters Contest

Have you heard the news?! We know Christmas is coming soon so we have teamed up with our friends at Poooh Busters to bring you a chance to win one of two $50 Gift Certificates for the Pawhaus Pet Boutique!!

What do you have to do? Just go to the Pawhaus Online Shop at http://www.pawhauspetboutique.com/ and browse the site to find the Poooh Busters paw logo. You know the brown and yellow paw in their name? Once you find it, click on it and an email will open up. Type your name in the email message and hit send.

Find The Paw Contest - At The Pawhaus Pet Boutique That’s your official entry into the contest! The location of the paw logo will change every Monday for the entire month of November, so go back each week to find the  new location and get another entry in. You can enter up to four times! Winners will be drawn on Saturday, December 4th. For more info visit the Poooh Busters blog at http://www.pooohbusters.blogspot.com/.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Wet Noses are Happy Noses

We recently have added treats to our store and one of the brands that we have heard great things about is Wet Noses.  Made in the USA with organic ingredients - NO CHEMICALS, PRESERVATIVES, ANIMAL BY PRODUCTS, CORN, WHEAT, SOY OR WEIRD STUFF!!!  We can give our little furry friends something that is tasty and nutritious without having to worry about what is in it.  They have great flavours like, Chedder, Peanut Butter and Pumpkin - but they also have tiny treats that are perfect for small dogs or for training.

And perfect for the Holidays - their Apple Pie and Sweet Potato Pie flavours are back!  An excellent gift for under the tree (although, you may have to have Santa put it there the morning of opening presents, otherwise someone may find it and open it before the big day!) or for those on your list that you know are always looking for something good for their furry friends.

Check out Wet Noses today!

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

New Beds, Styles and More from Bowsers Pet Products

We at the Pawhaus are very impressed with the Bowsers products that we carry.  We personally have 4 of their beds for the girls - one of which has withstood many, many washings over the past 4 years (yes, FOUR years!) and we aren't talking little washes - we are talking full blown, hot water - sanitize washes and usually at least once a month.  It's a bed the girls use often and that is in the space designated for them when we aren't at home, so it can get a little scudgy.
That's why we are so excited to see the new styles and products that Bowsers has recently released!

Bowsers products are made with the highest quality, furniture-grade, 100% virgin polyester fibre fill for superior loft and resilience.  They wash wonderfully and can blend into or match any decor.  No longer are the dog beds the eye sores in the living room or bed rooms! 

One of the most exciting products that have released this season are the Crate covers!  Your Wired Crate has Never Looked Better! This luxury cover, not only gives your dog privacy and security, but adds a touch of class to unattractive, ordinary wire crates.The finishing touch to our overwhelmingly popular luxury crate mattress! The most practical and stylish crate set on the market. Machine washable and dryable.


So check out what's new at Bowsers and see how their styles can make such a different in your and your pets life!

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Make an older dog's life easier with these tips

Your dog may breeze through years of senior citizenship without any significant health issues, but sooner or later, age catches up with even the most resilient of canine companions.

You may one day discover that your dog can’t see or hear anymore, or that he’s developed an irritable streak where he didn’t have one before. In many cases, the first really distressing issue to come up is incontinence — an old dog may dribble urine in his bed or in the house — and suddenly you have a problem.

Any time a new health issue develops, the best course of action is to have it checked out by your dog’s veterinarian. And there’s this good news: Many problems are treatable at any age, including cognitive dysfunction — doggy dementia — which can be eased for many dogs with medication.
Time, of course, will not be denied. But even for those things that cannot be aided by your veterinarian, you can take matters into your own hands and help your dog age gracefully and comfortably.
Remember, this is an animal who adores you, who lives for your approval and affection. As he begins to lose his health, he needs your assurance more than ever.
Some special situations you may deal with:
  • Blind dogs: Maintain your blind dog’s environment with minimal change. Dogs actually adapt amazingly well when they lose their eyesight — as long as you don’t start rearranging the furniture. If your dog knows his way around your house and yard and has a walking route that suits him, try to keep these things constant to prevent injuries and put him at ease.
  • Deaf dogs: For a dog who lives in a soundless world, sudden contact can be unnerving. It can also be dangerous for the person who delivers the shock, since your dog may nip out of fear. Learn how to let your dog know you’re coming, and teach any children who have contact how to do so, too. Many dogs are hearing-impaired but not completely deaf, and for those a couple of simple hand claps are enough to get his attention. If your dog is completely deaf, step loudly as you approach him — your footfalls will cause a vibration that can be felt even if it’s not heard.
  • Leaky dogs: If your dog has overnight incontinence, know that the situation probably upsets him even more than it upsets you. Take him out last thing before bedtime, and then provide a water-absorbent barrier in his bedding. You can use a puppy pad, cut-up pieces of a water-resistant mattress pad, or an upside-down, rubber-backed bath mat. Whatever you use will need to be washed or replaced daily, but the extra loads of laundry are a small price to pay to ensure your senior dog is comfortable.
Once again, be sure to work with your veterinarian on the challenges of age. Be especially keen on the combinations of prescription pain medications and so-called “neutraceuticals” — over-the-counter supplements like glucosamine and omega-3 oils — that can make life comfortable.
Slow down, be patient, be helpful. You’ll both feel better for the time you spend with your sweet older dog.
All information copyright 2010 by Dr. Marty Becker and Gina Spadafori. This information is provided for the personal use of Pet Connection readers and may not be reproduced in any way or in any media without expressed, written permission of Dr. Marty Becker, Gina Spadafori, Honest Dog L.L.C. and the Universal Press Syndicate.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Tips for Surviving the Scariest Night of the Year


The spookiest night of the year is almost upon us. For kids and many adults, its a howling good time, but for many dogs... not so much. Superstar behaviourist and MD blogger Colleen Safford shares tips for a happy—& safe—Halloween.

Issue 1: Costumes. I know. I know. How do you NOT dress the Dachshund up as a hotdog? It's just too easy. But, as a trainer, I've seen moms and dads with bitten hands because, well, it wasn't so easy after all. Err on the side of caution. Halloween is supposed to be fun after all, and if your dog is stressed or miserable in his or her costume, well then, it's not so much fun! If you opt to select a costume, be sure it's safe. Some pups like to nibble, and loose parts that dangle or those that can be swallowed are hazardous to your dog. Make sure your dog can still wear his appropriate leash/collar and IDENTIFICATION when wearing his or her costume.

Solution: If your dog is less enthused about dressing up, a cute bandanna or festive collar (or wig?!) is perfect.

Issue 2: Candy. It's well known that chocolate and dogs do not mix. If your dog consumes chocolate, call your vet immediately. He or she will likely want to know the amount consumed and will advise you on the appropriate course of action. Sparkly, crackly oh-so-fun to play with candy wrappers can also pose a threat when consumed. Lastly, Xylitol, a sweetener used in some candies, is poisonous to our four legged family members.

Solution: To avoid treats from becoming tricks, always place all candy up high on shelves or in closed cabinets. If possible, avoid having Xylitol and chocolate in your home on this night when you are going to be a bit distracted.


Issue 3: Revolving door of trick or treaters. Halloween is not without a lot of hustle and bustle. Knocking at the door, a ringing doorbell, an opening and closing door, and a constant stream of strangers arriving to your home—dressed up, no less, and screaming "trick or treat!"—are all just part of the festive evening. If your dog is reactive to strangers coming to your home, or the sounds of the door, he may feel overwhelmed by all of the commotion. The opening and closing door also poses a flight risk for nervous dogs or those who simply lack impulse control and want to race out and join in the fun.

Solution: Keep your pooch safely enclosed behind a closed door or crated during trick-or-treat hours. Give your dog an activity to pass the time, like a food stuffed toy (Kong, Molecuball, Tricky Treat Ball). At the minimum, if your dog is not crated, be sure your dog is wearing a collar with identification, in case he or she gets out the door! If your dog is extremely reactive, stressed, and fearful, honestly, your best course of action is to turn off your lights, stick a bowl of apples on the porch (Ha! Who wants apples!?) and skip the festivities. Your priority is your pooch. He or she will be oh so grateful to not get such a fright on this chaotic night.


For more from Colleen, like "Puppy Parenting Reality Check - Peeing, Pooping and Chewing... Oh MY!" to "No Pulling! Tips for Teaching Your Dog to Walk Nicely on Leash," check out Colleen's blog, Secrets to a Good Dog.