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Showing posts with label dog pet. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dog pet. Show all posts

Working out with Your Buddy: Tips on Exercising Your Dog

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Dogs love the dog days of summer! While we all enjoy vegging on the couch all summer long it is important to get some daily exercise. Dogs crave physical and mental stimulation. They also love bonding one on one with their guardian. Daily exercise not only helps you and your buddy build strong muscle. Eating healthy and proper exercise is the first step towards obesity prevention. Because like you, dogs can also put on a few unnecessary pounds.

Not only does exercise promote good health for pets. Exercising gives dogs a natural and constructive way to relieve some aggression and energy. It is true that a happy dog is a tired dog who has had quite a workout. Dogs that don't get enough outdoor play & romping will become bored and have behavioral problems. With so much pent up energy and no outlet, dogs are bound to start digging up the yard & chewing up everything in sight.

Some dog owners have a misconception that a fenced in back yard, treadmill and brief daily walk is enough to keep their dog happy, healthy and on good behavior. But dogs get bored very easily and thrive on variety and spontaneity. Like they say variety is the spice of life. So, with that said instead opt to take your dog to a local dog park to play with other friends off leash. Dog parks are a great way to nurture canine socialization skills, but make sure to follow park rules.

For the adventurous type, hiking the rugged & mountainous trails will do. Don't forget to stop and take in the beautiful views. Remember if you do go hiking in the woods don't forget the bug & flea protection, water & treats to refuel.

For those that love a good run, taking your exercise buddy on a brisk jog will suffice. When you do decide to take your dog for a jog or biking adventure make sure to remember these key points:

1. Take rest breaks because dogs get tired too.
2. Carry plenty of water to quench you and your dog's thirst
3. On hot days jog or bike with your pup early in the morning or late evening when the sun goes down to avoid heatstroke & health complications
4. NEVER take your dog jogging or biking if they have serious medical problems with out the consent of a vet.

So what is the secret to developing an exercise regime that both you and your dog will enjoy? Well it all starts with determining how much exercise your dog needs which is based on age, weight, health and breed. Some breeds require a lot more exercise so do your research and ask a vet or expert. Then the next step is to answer some basic questions. Is your dog eating a lot? If it is, is it eating out of boredom? Yes, dogs can overeat when they are bored so putting your dog n a strict diet and not leaving their bowl filled through out the day can shed a few pounds of their waistline. Is your dog a hunter or a retriever who likes to run or is it a small breed who likes to sit on the couch? If so, then daily excercise & play is a must. Just answering these basic questions will help you gauge the proper workout for your dog.

Do remember that even senior dogs need to stay in shape, but exercising should be monitored carefully. Older dogs should take it easy so slow walks are the best. If you have a pregnant dog you should take extra precaution so as not to exert her. Although daily exercise is key to your dogs overall health and well being you should consult your vet if your dog has any medical issues prior to starting a fitness program.

IMPORTANT: Do not allow exercise for two hours after a meal because your dog could get bloat. Bloat is a life-threatening condition also known as gastric dilation-volvulus (GDV), stomach torsion or twisted stomach. What happens is that gas builds up in the stomach and cannot be expelled by belching or flatulence.

So, how can you prevent bloat? Give your dog two small meals per day instead of one large meal & slow down their eating habits. Do not allow your dog to drink very large quantities of water right before or after eating, and restrict play & exercise for two hours after a meal. Keeping your dog at optimum weight can also aid in prevention of bloat. Signs of bloat include depression, pacing, hard or distended stomach, panting and drooling and unproductive attempts to vomit (it may appear as if the dog is coughing). Call the vet immediately.

As mention above going to a park is a great way for your dog to make new friends and play. Not only can it be fun for your dog, you can also enjoy this bonding experience. Dogs & humans love a simple game of fetch, chase & tug of war. But getting that four legged couch potato on his paws can be a hard task at times. Here are some Summer Toy Must Haves that will get you and your dog excited about a good workout. These toys are fun, eco-friendly, safe, and interactive. The whole purpose of these toys is to get you & Spot in shape while nurturing the human-dog bond. Who said working out couldn't be fun & enjoyable! Hey, with so much fun in the air you & Spot would never guess you were working out!

1. Its a bird, Its a plane, No its the West Paw Zisc! This frisbee is eco-friendly and dog-friendly. It is the perfect toy for dogs learning to catch or those seasoned pros. With just a few throws even the most active, hyper & energetic dog will be dead tired and slumped on the couch, bed or floor.













2. Dog vs. Person or Dog vs. Dog. The Planet Dog Tug is great that avid tugger & fetcher in your life. If you love a good game of "tug-o-woof" then you will love this!
















3. A retrievers dream the West Paw Hurley is all the fun of a ball, bone and a stick in one durable toy. Toss it, float it, chew it, love it.

















4. Summer Fling- The West Paw Huck is a toy that can weather the storm. With a new twist on an old favorite, fetch takes on different bounce !This incredible ball will bounce in all directions, giving your dog added exercise, and a good mental workout, to boot. Fling it across the field, bounce it on the ground, or toss it in the water (it floats!). You name it, the Huck can handle anything your dog dishes out.


Just remember that spending time with your dog & exercising should be fun & enjoyable for the both of you. But its up to you as the parent to make the first step toward a healthier lifestyle. For those just getting started it's all about taking small puppy steps, which can make a huge difference in the well-being of you and your pet.


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Don't forget to shop www.pawlux.com for your doggie summer staples. We offer eco-friendly, all natural and organic goodies for your deserving furry family member. We carry a great selection of Odor Free Bully Sticks / Dog Treats / and Dog Toys !

Our New Blog Segment Helping Paws-Spotlight on a Charity Salutes Paws Atlanta

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Here at Paw Luxury we are passionate about doing good by striving to give back to our community. One of our missions is to choose charitable organizations to support. From funding specific projects to donating products or our time to a cause that will benefit non-profits and animals. But we feel the most important thing anyone can do is bark the word & spread awareness about a bark worthy cause or charity.

We're strongly committed to to taking care of our environment, our communities and, most importantly, the future generation of dog lovers. We foster the belief that giving feeds the soul. So, that is why we have decided to start a new blog segment titled "Helping Paws: Spotlight on a Charity". Every #woofwednesday on Twitter we will be spotlighting a pet charity, our unsung heroes who are dedicated to enriching & saving the lives of our deserving four legged friends. Our hope is that this segment will encourage you to give your time & voice in support of these wonderful charities. Together we can all make a difference!!



Todays "Helping Paws" Spotlight on a Charity is PAWS Atlanta. PAWS Atlanta is a humane society located in Decatur, Georgia, just 10 minutes east of Atlanta.

What they do?

As a no kill shelter the cats and dogs in PAWS Atlanta's care stay there until they get adopted. Every pet adopted from PAWS Atlanta is spayed or neutered, current on vaccinations, de wormed and microchipped.

The cats at PAWS Atlanta live in a cage free environment.

The dogs at PAWS Atlanta have inside and outside dog runs and a one acre wooded dog trail an off leash area.

In our 43rd year of operation PAWS Atlanta started operations as The Dekalb Humane Society. The name was changed in 2006 because of the incorrect perception that Dekalb County funded the organization.

In fact PAWS Atlanta has always operated on donations from the public, grants and fundraisers.


Most of the animals at PAWS Atlanta are picked up from local animal control offices. Unfortunately the supply is always greater than the demand and our cage space is rarely empty. Having said that PAWS Atlanta does adopt more than 1,000 animals a year. The sad fact of pet overpopulation dictates that regardless of how effective we are at finding them homes, there will always be more.


PAWS Atlanta does offer a vaccination clinic at least twice a month that is open to the public. This allows folks to get their pets vaccinated for $45 or to get a heartworm test or a la carte shots.

How Can You Help?

PAWS Atlanta can use help in a number of different ways:

1. Bark or Meow the Word. Pass the word about one of our great cats or dogs to your circles of influence. Hey, you can use your tweets & blogging talents for good. Follow us on Twitter & tell your friends to the same and blog about our charity:)

2. Attend one of our fundraisers. The next one is October 10, The Posh PAWty for PAWS Atlanta, hosted by Victoria Stilwell from the hit show "Its Me or The Dog".

You can purchase tickets to The Posh PAWty here.

3. Volunteer. We need folks to get walk dogs, socialize dogs, clean cat litter trays, tape animals (then upload them to YouTube) and more. How do you become a volunteer?

4. Adopt. Adopting a pet is the ultimate form of recycling. Get a shelter dog or cat, that's an easy way to help... Besides the joy of being a parent is priceless!

Regardless of how you can help, or what you can do-THANKS!

Learn more about this barkworthy charity here:

Our blog can be seen at: http://pawsatlanta.blogspot.com
The main site is: http://pawsatlanta.org
Our Facebook page:
Twitter: @pawsatlanta



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Summertime fun means mud baths & than tub time. Product spotlight: Dirty & Hairy Repel Conditioning Shampoo

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Summertime fun + your dog = a dirty & hairy doggy mess.

We all love a good romp in the woods or doggy play date at the park, but most times we find ourselves having to clean up after the fun. Fido tends to do his darnedest to get as dirty as he possible can.

Well fear not we have your little helper that can make bath time a breeze and at the same time help save the day next time fido gets dirty.

Drum roll please: Dirty & Hairy Repel Conditioning Shampoo, Dirty & Hairy Repel Conditioner & Dirty & Hairy Repel Natural Pet Spray Odor Neutralizer to the rescue!

We will be the first to admit that we love our adventurous dog Lola, but not her odor & muddy paw prints on the couch. Is your dog dirty and hairy? Does he or she like to run through the mud, frolic in ditches, and root through debris? Well, now there is a spa line created with the dirtiest paws in mind. Dirty & Hairy Green Tea & Lime Repel Conditioning Shampoo is made with mild, puppy safe coconut base. It gentle cleansing agents remove dirt and grime without stripping fur's natural oils. It will not wash out spot on flea and tick control products. Infused with citronella to repel bugs and fleas...naturally! With no harsh detergents or artificial colors. So, go ahead, make your dogs day spa!






Dirty & Hairy's Green Tea & Lime Repel conditioning rinse moisturizes short fur, and detangles longer hair. Made with top of the line ingredients naturally derived from vegetable oils, this conditioner has inherent moisturizing properties, to leave your dog luxuriously soft. Infused with citronella to repel bugs and fleas...naturally!





Dirty & Hairy's Natural Pet Spray is perfect for those days when there's just not enough time to bathe the dog! Infused with citronella to repel bugs and fleas...naturally! The spray contains proprietary odor-eater ingredient that neutralizes odor to keep your pet and house odor free. Has an invigorating Light and refreshing tea tree and lime scent. With no harsh detergents or artificial colors. Great news, like Febreze "its a breath of fresh air", you can use this spray on bedding, carpet & upholstery. Hey, you may forget you have a dog!





Repel bugs & ticks
Free of pyrethrin based pesticides
Human grade ingredients -safe for puppies and other pets



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Don't forget to shop www.pawlux.com for some yummy treats as a reward for good dog behavior. We offer eco-friendly, all natural & organic dog products made in the USA.

Key to Happiness & Health is Good Sleep: Tips on Buying the Perfect Dog Bed

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Are you having another one of those sleepless nights wedged in between the Abominable Snore-man & Little Miss Kicks Alot? Has your dog taken over the pillow, stolen the sheets and there's no room for your head? Perhaps, as the "Top Dog" you're left grasping for the edge of the bed, finding yourself demoted to the floor while your dog stretches out in luxury and your significant other has sweet dreams.

Truth be told those sad yet cute puppy eyes makes it hard to say no, but know one likes their tootsie hanging off the bed. But don't be sad, gone all the days of solely banishing your dog on the cold floor, now he can sleep in the lap of luxury on a bed of his own. A place to call his own & retreat for a much needed power nap after a day of chasing squirrels is every dogs dream. With his very own place to flop, you won't be able to blame your dog for making you wake up on the wrong side of bed or on the floor.

With a summer packed full of fun activities & things to do, sleep is very important if you are going to keep up. Grandparents visiting toddlers & grandchildren you can relate. Reward your pup with a comfy place to flop so you refuel with some Zzzz's. Just like you, the health and well-being of your dog is not only dependent on diet & exercise. But it also depends on how much comfortable sleep and rest he and you both get. Here are some tips on choosing the perfect dog bed for your furry companion.

1. One Size Does Not Fit All- Just like dogs, dog beds come in all shapes, colors & sizes. So it is important to be mindful of your dogs “paw-sonality & sleeping habits when finding the perfect bed, since comfort is key to a good nights sleep for you and Spot. You should know that there are dog beds that can accommodate a variety of your dog's special needs. Heated dog beds and orthopedic foam dog beds are available and are excellent choices for older and arthritic dogs.

What is your dog's sleep preference & personality?

Curlers (aka Fur ball) – They like to be securely enclosed by their bed, a bumper or cuddler bed will do. Your dog would love a Donut dog bed. If hey had a choice they probably would enjoy spending a Friday night curled up on the couch with a bowl of popcorn, Kleenex & a sappy movie (The Notebook).

Leaners – They prefer the support of a back bolster and a sense of security. Your dog would be a huge fan of bolster beds. If this dog was human he probably would start planning for retirement at age 10 and have quite a portfolio to match (low risk of course).

Sprawlers – They stretch out in all directions like their care free spirit and you can often find them belly up. If you share the bed at night with your dog and find your self on the floor with a bump on your head then you guessed it, your dog is a sprawler. The perfect fit would be dog pads & mats.


Burrowers (aka Cave dogs) –
They like to dig and hide which is their very nature and what they were born to do. So they are not alien to burrowing under the sheets or hiding under a stack of dirty laundry. They are probably adventurous and have been known by the pack as Indiana Dog. Your dog would love Nesting beds.


3. Your Dog's Size- The size of your dog is an important consideration, but make sure the bed is nicely padded for comfort. Whatever size your dog is, pick a dog bed that is slightly larger than him or her. This is to allow room for growth, especially for puppies, and allow room for movement.

So how do you measure your dog for the perfect fit?

Now that you have figured out your dogs sleeping preference, it's time to measure him for that perfect pure-bed just for him. So get out your cloth ruler or for all you resourceful pups who don't have a ruler a piece of rope will do. While your dog is lying down, measure your dog's length from the tip of her nose to the tip of her tail. Add 10-12 inches to obtain the best length for the bed. Add an additional 2-4 inches if your dog likes to stretch out.

3. Easily Washable-Make sure the dog bed is machine washable. Some beds require you to take it a apart for a good cleaning so make sure it is made of removable and washable materials. It will definitely get dirty and smelly, so it is important that you can easily wash it anytime. Make sure too that the material is appropriate for the dog's fu. Look for machine washable bedding if at all possible. ***Note: Follow Washing Instructions Carefully***

4. Location, Location, Location- Where will you put your dog bed? This is also an important consideration when choosing a bed for your pet so you can pick the right material. Some dog beds are more suitable for an indoor location like in the bedroom or living room instead of outdoors, like in a porch for instance. Climate and local weather are important factors to consider as well. Choose a dog bed that will provide warmth for your dog in winter and air circulation during summer.

5. Quality & Durability -The dog bed must be able to withstand Fido's fascination with chewing and his sharp claws. We all know dogs can be a messy handful so chose a bed that can weather the storm of Hurricane Spot, withstand the wrath of the Un-Decorator, and do battle against the Chew-minator. Picking a dog bed cover or bed that is washable and made of durable fabric is key. Also, for those who like to color coordinate with their decor there are many beds to chose from that won't be an eye sore but will complement your home furnishing. Your dog will definitely appreciate his own bed, space and little slice of heaven.

So say good-bye to the edge of the bed and hello to the sleep fairy. As for your husbands snoring you may just have to invest in ear plugs!!


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Shop www.pawlux.com for eco-friendly, all natural & organic dog beds made in the USA. Sorry, earplugs are not included ! :(

Interview: First Dog Bo Obama Seeks Universal Pet Insurance

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This is such a funny parody about the First Dog Bo Obama (a Portuguese Water Dog) and what he plans to do in the white house while in office. From what we hear he plans to offer universal pet insurance. Read the complete article on the Los Angeles Times Blog by Andrew Malcolm. Calling all dogs, please bark in on this topic. Leave a comment on the bottom of the post and tell us your hypothetical thoughts on Bo's imaginative plans for universal pet insurance.

Squeaky Green: Green Pet Friendly House Cleaning Safety Tips

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If you haven’t guessed it, spring-cleaning is here. Time to clean out the attic, throw a yard sale, dust the shelves and mop the floors. Its time to get down to business & use some elbow grease to scrub the counters, those hard to reach nooks & crannies and rid your home of dirt, grime and those sneezing dust mites. Yes, its true cleaning is a hard job but someone has to do!

But some traditional household cleaning products can leave your skin itchy, irritated and you smelling like you've emerged from a bleach bath. An overwhelming smell that leaves you cracking open your windows for some fresh air. Bleach, detergents, & disinfectant products although effective can be very harmful to humans and pets. Some of these cleaning products can be very corrosive to your dogs mouth and digestive tract if inhaled or ingested. According to the ASPCA, last year they received more than 3,200 calls related to household cleaners.

So are their any reliable house cleaners our there that you can safely drizzle down the drain, use around your kids and pets, and feel secure about having on your skin? Hmmm....Well, we are happy to say your prayers have been answered and with green on everyone's mind and shopping list these days there are a lot more healthier, safer, and economical cleaning alternatives for you to choose from. Many of these eco-friendly options can be found on store shelves and even in your kitchen pantries & cupboards.

The Truth About Cleaning Products

Many people using cleaning products in the home figure if it’s available on store shelves then it must be safe. Well, we want you to know that not all cleaning product are created equal and not all are safe for your family and the environment. So with that said it is important to read the labels, anything that says the words “Danger”, “Poison”, or “Warning” can’t very well be good for you. Just keep in mind that some traditional cleaning products like bleaches, disinfectants & detergents contain harmful toxins. Everyday, we come in contact with these toxins which can be found on the clothes we wear, the plate Fido licks off, and the carpet he lounges on with his favorite chew toy. Since dogs spend most of their days so close to the ground it important to keep them in mind when choosing house cleaning products. As dog guardians it is up to us make sure their environment are safe, because they are like our children. So detox your home the all natural & eco-friendly way!

Now a day lemons in the produce section are challenging Lysol in the cleaning section (aisle 9 to be exact) as people choose the natural route. Like the saying goes when you are given lemons you make lemonade or in our case a natural cleaner & polisher. Even your dog’s bed, your clothes, sheets, curtains, and towels can get the royal washing without the chemicals with soap nuts (a natural nut shell with soap properties grown in India).

Humans and dogs have a lot in common, we can both develop sensitivities to harsh cleaners resulting in itchy & irritated skin. The downside is that unlike humans, dogs lack opposable thumbs, which makes it nuisance to itch those hard to reach places. By retiring those commercial cleaning products and upgrading to down to earth products you can help save your dog the headache of trying to scratch those hard to reach places . Opt for a more healthier and natural way to rid dust mites with the help of natural products (aka green cleaning).

What is green Cleaning?

Green cleaning is using products that don’t harm you, your children both two & four legged, or the earth. With so many green solutions you no longer need to rely solely on your dogs licking expertise to get the dishes & floors spic & span.

Many people think that going green means spending the green, but rests assure there are many economical & eco-cleaning solutions out there that are all natural, chlorine, bleach-free & contain no harsh chemicals. But most importantly they are effective, so fear not all you people against dirty. The best part is that they get your house clean minus the chemicals & harmful toxins . Not to mention green cleaning products don’t leave your house smelling of a strong odor or like a freshly sanitized hospital.

For all you Martha Stewart's out there, it’s time to get in the kitchen. In fact, some of these eco-solutions can be found in your pantry or cupboards, they are easy to pronounce & are edible. With just a few ingredients and a quick stir you can brand your very own cleaner that costs mere pennies. Magically, they can really stretch the budget by keeping the house clean and smelling fresh at the same time. Not to mention there many added great benefits:

Lemon - Dissolves soap scum and hard water deposits. It also cleans and shines brass and copper. If mixed with vinegar and baking soda it can be made into cleaning pastes. If mixed with vegetable oil it makes furniture polish. Hey, while you at it you can make a pitcher of lemonade.

Vinegar - Naturally cleans like an all-purpose cleaner. Add one part water to one part vinegar and you have a solution that can clean most areas of your home. Vinegar disinfects and deodorizes. The strong smell of vinegar goes away after it dries. Both vinegar and baking soda have the added bonus of being incredibly cheap. Perfect for heftier residue and can work as a drain de-clogger. With all those dog baths your dog is bound to clog a few drains along the way.

Baking soda - Use to scrub surfaces similar to commercial abrasive cleansers like Comet or Ajax. Baking soda is also a great deodorizer, just ask your fridge & freezer, those leftover Chinese takeout containers leave odor that lurks in the dark. This is great for bathtubs, drains, ovens, tile floors or countertops.



But for those of you who don’t have the time to make green cleaning products from scratch there are some wonderful alternatives. Many of these ready made eco-solutions currently on the market can be found on your local store shelves, online, or a health food store. With a little elbow grease your house will be clean as a whistle and Fido may be caught off guard by his handsome reflection on those shiny hardwood floors.

Many of these eco-solutions are backed by a Green Seal rating, which means they meet the cleaning product environmental standards. Some of these products include: Mrs. Meyer’s All Purpose Cleaner, Seventh Generation, Method, Ecover, EcoQuest, BioKleen and Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds. When purchasing green cleaning products pick multi –purpose; this creates fewer items in the home, less packaging, less waste, and less money spent. Also, look for biodegradable products and post consumer recycled packaging.

So now you are probably wondering how to break the news and get rid of your unwanted guests, no we are not referring to your in-laws, but those traditional cleaning products. When replacing your cleaning products, don’t just throw the old ones in the trash. If they’re too toxic for your home, they won’t be good for the drain or the landfill either. Many communities hold toxics & electronics recycling days and will take all of these off your hands. Throwing chemicals in the trash or down the drain means they might end up back in your water supply and come back to haunt you.

Its important to remember that although all of these green products are nontoxic and more earth-friendly than traditional cleansers. Like anything, the same care should be taken when using them around your dogs since dogs are curious & experiences the world with their mouths. Just because something is natural doesn’t mean it’s safe for your pet to ingest, so watch them carefully when you are cleaning away. After you have finished your spring cleaning store your cleaning products & laundry supplies out of reach in a childproof locked cabinet, locked closet or in a high shelf area out of paws reach.

If you have suspected your pet has ingested household cleaning products contact your vet immediately or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4335.

So roll up your sleeves and welcome spring with a squeaky green & clean house!

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