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

Pet Proofing Your Garden 101- Toxic Household & Garden Plants

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If you haven’t already realized, like children, pets are very inquisitive and it is up to us as parents to keep Fido & Fluffy safe. There is truth to the saying “curiosity killed the cat” or in some instances really made him sick.

With the long dog days of summer comes many pet hazards to be aware of. Protect your dogs from having access to dangerous poisons that may lurk inside and outside the home by opting for pet friendly and eco friendly alternatives. Remember foods, herbicides, pesticides, mouse poisons, medications, cleaning products & plant life can signal danger. Although your home should be a safe haven, dangers can lurk in your cabinets & backyard. So safeguarding your pet from accidental poisoning should extend outside your home to your relaxing garden and backyard oasis.

This brings us to the topic of the hour the dangers of plants and the importance of pet proofing your gardens & indoor plants. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center gets thousands of calls each year involving pets who've potentially ingested or came in hazardous contact with insecticides, weed killer and pet toxic plants. In 2008, common household plants were the subject of nearly 8,000 calls in to the Animal Poison Control Center, a staggering number. While you are gardening, landscaping, and filling your home with the wonderful fragrance of flowers and indoor plants to welcome summer there are a few things you must know.

Keep in mind that although beautiful, some plants are toxic if ingested by your pet. Many contain toxins that can lead to mild nausea, diarrhea, skin allergies & and even death. Below is an informative video created the ASPCA that all pet owners should watch. As well as a list of plants that you should keep out of your pets reach. Don't be fooled, if your pet is motivated & determined he or she can & will get into anything and everything. Certain plant life can pose a threat to your furry family member. If you have suspected your pet has ingested a poisonous plant contact your vet immediately or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4335.



Here are some common plants that are toxic if ingested by your pet.

1. Lilies-highly toxic to cats, even if ingested in small amounts can cause severe kidney damage.

2. Marijuana- can cause depression of the central nervous system & incoordination, vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, increased heart rate, seizures & coma.

3. Sago Palm- all elements of this plant are poisonous, the the seeds or "nuts" contain the majority of the the toxin. The ingestion of one or two seeds can cause vomiting, diarrhea, depression, seizures & liver failure.

4. Tulip- bulb contains toxins that causes gastrointestinal irritation, drooling, appetite loss, depression of central nervous system, convulsions and cardiac abnormalities.

5. Azalea- contain substance known as grayantoxins which causes vomiting, drooling , diarrhea, weaken central nervous system. Severe azalea poisoning could result in coma or death due to cardiovascular collapse.

6. Oleander- contains cardiac glycosides that can lead to serious effects such as gastrointestinal tract irritation, abnormal heart function, hypothermia and death.

7. Castor Bean- contains ricin, a highly toxic protein that can produce sever abdominal pain, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, weakness & appetite loss. Severe cases of poisoning can result in dehydration, muscle twitching, tremors, seizures, coma & death.

8. Cyclamen- contains cyclamine, but the highest concentration of this toxic component is typically located in the root portion of the plant. If consumed, Cylamen can produce significant gastrointestinal irritation, including intense vomiting. Fatalities have also been reported in some cases.

9. Kalanchoe-this plant contains components that can produce gastrointestinal irritation, as well as those that are toxic to the heart, and can seriously affect cardiac rhythm and rate.

10. Yew- contains a toxic component known as taxine, which causes central nervous system effects such as trembling, incoordination, and difficulty breathing. It can also cause significant gastrointestinal irritation and cardiac failure, which can result in death.

11. Amaryllis-common garden plants popular around Easter, Amaryllis species contain toxins that can cause vomiting, depression, diarrhea, abdominal pain, hypersalivation, anorexia and tremors.

12.Autumn Crocus- ingestion by pets can result in oral irritation, bloody vomiting, diarrhea, shock, multi-organ damage and bone marrow suppression.

13. Chrysanthemum- these popular blooms contain pyrethrins that may produce gastrointestinal upset, including drooling, vomiting and diarrhea, if eaten. In certain cases depression and loss of coordination may also develop if enough of any part of the plant is consumed.

14.English Ivy-Also called branching ivy, glacier ivy, needlepoint ivy, sweetheart ivy and California ivy,Hedera helix contains triterpenoid saponins that, should pets ingest, can result in vomiting, abdominal pain, hypersalivation and diarrhea.

15. Peace Lily (AKA Mauna Loa Peace Lily)-contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty in swallowing and intense burning and irritation of the mouth, lips and tongue in pets who ingest.

16. Pothos-if chewed or ingested, this popular household plant can cause significant mechanical irritation and swelling of the oral tissues and other parts of the gastrointestinal tract.

17. Schefflera-contain calcium oxalate crystals that can cause oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty in swallowing and intense burning and irritation of the mouth, lips and tongue in pets who ingest.

Click here for a more detailed full list and pics of toxic and non-toxic plants compiled by the ASPCA to keep your animal companion safe all year round. Happy gardening!!

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Hollywood Gone to the Dogs: Top Summer Dog Movies To Watch With The Entire Family

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Unfortunately dogs are not allowed in theaters. But lucky for you & Fido you can rent & bring those box office hits home. You can get the best of both worlds relax & stretch out in the best seat in the house, your sofa and surround sound. Nothing beats lounging on the coach alongside your dog watching a summer movie flick with a bowl of pup-corn. Hollywood has truly gone to the dogs and dog lovers can't resist a good movie with a four legged leading characters. Here are our top summer picks for the best dog movies which are great for the entire family.

Hotel for Dogs (2009)- Animals are strictly forbidden at Andi and her little brother Bruce's foster home. But for Friday, the adorable dog they secretly care for, they're ready to risk everything. They finally find him an ideal shelter, a huge abandoned hotel that Bruce transforms thanks to his engineering genius. In what has become an incredible paradise for dogs, Friday is soon joined by all kinds of furry friends, so many in fact that their barks alert the neighbors...and the local pound, who can't understand the disappearance of all the stray dogs. Andi and Bruce will have to call on all their friends and all their imagination to stop the hotel's secret from being discovered

Benji (1974) - This movie is about a scruffy stray dog mixed-breed dog that wins the hearts of a family and ends up saving the kids from kidnappers. The lovable Benji was played by a dog named Higgins who was fifteen years old when he made the movie. Surprisingly for such an old dog, he did all of his own stunts in the movie.

Beverly Hills Chihuahua (2008) - A pampered Beverly Hills chihuahua named Chloe (voiced by Drew Barrymore) who, while on vacation in Mexico with her owner Viv's (Jamie Lee Curtis) niece, Rachel (Piper Perabo), gets lost and must rely on her friends to help her get back home before she is caught by a dognapper who wants to ransom her. In the meantime, Papi (voiced by George Lopez), a male chihuahua who is in love with her is in pursuit of her. Papi's master (Manolo Cardona), a handsome young gardener for Viv, slowly develops a romantic interest in Rachel. Chloe befriends a lonely German Shepherd (voiced by Andy Garcia) who travels with her to protect her from the evil Doberman (voiced by Edward James Olmos) who wants to return her and her diamond collar to the dognapper.

Lassie Come Home (1943) - This dog movie inspired a slew of sequels and remakes, but none are as good as the original, starring Roddy McDowall and Elizabeth Taylor. The movie is about a lovable and bright collie who is sold by her impoverished family. The dog loves her family so much that she escapes from her new owner and makes the long trip from Scotland back to her home in Yorkshire.

Old Yeller (1957) - This Walt Disney Productions feature film is based upon the 1956 Newberry Honor-winning book of the same name written by Fred Gipson. It tells the story of Travis Coats and a stray dog in post-Civil War Texas.

101 Dalmatians (1967) - The original Disney animated version of this film was the highest grossing movie of it's time. With one of the most memorable villainesses ever, Cruella De Vil, this movie follows the story of her plan to make a fur coat from the fur of kidnapped Dalmatian puppies.

Cats & Dogs (2001) - This a spy movie with a canine twist. The world's dogs are on a top-secret, high-tech mission to protect an important scientist and his attempts to save humans from dog allergies. The evil Mr. Tinkles is the dogs' feline nemesis.

Marley and Me (2008) - The most recent heart-touching dog film is based on the best-selling autobiographical book by John Grogan. The movie tells the story of an adorable but high-strung yellow lad named Marley, and how he helps his family learn some valuable life lessons.

Turner & Hooch (1989) - Starring Tom Hanks and Craig T. Nelson, this movie tells the story of Hooch, a large and drooling Dogue de Bordeaux, who is the only witness to a murder.

Best in Show (2000) - This dog movie is a comedy about competing in a national dog show. Not your typical dog movie, this documentary-style film is just hilarious. The dogs are beautiful and their owners are colorful, obsessive, and absolutely hysterical.

Lady and the Tramp (1955) - This animated feature film produced by Walt Disney tells the story of pampered cocker spaniel Lady, and her West Side Story-type romance with stray dog Tramp. This is a great one to watch with the rest of the family.

Beethoven (1992) - This dog film is the first in a series of Beethoven movies. It tells the story of a lovable but destructive Saint Bernard named Beethoven who gets dognapped for animal testing., but his family is determined to find and rescue their family dog.

So thanks all you celebri-dogs for making the dog days of summer even better. And the Oscar Bone goes to.....

What's your favorite dog flick to watch w/ a big buttery bowl of popcorn or shall we say "pupcorn"? Show your love for Lassie, Benji & Old Yeller. Bark out your choices & reason why by leaving a comment below.


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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 !

Safety Tips for Hiking & Camping with Your Dog- Series PART 3 of 3

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Camping & hiking is a favorite weekend past time of many outdoor enthusiast, four legged included. Nothing beats hiking, camping & answering the call of the wild with your dog by your side. Dogs love exploring the great outdoors and appreciate a spectacular panoramic view. Here are few more tips to finish up our 3 part series on hiking and camping with your pet.


Click here to read part 1 tips !!

Click here to read part 2 tips!!!


13. Keep control & be the leader of the pack:
Keeping your dog on leash is a good idea at all times, even when it's not legally required. If you must let your dog off leash, be sure you have good voice command recall. That means you should be able to recall your dog even though a deer is running away from it. Likewise, you don't want your dog scaring horses or other hikers. You must be sure that you can control your dog even when it's leashed; some people own dogs that are stronger than they are. It truly comes down to choosing the right leash so you & your dog are both comfortable.

Purchasing a six-foot leash will give your dog enough room to tackle the trail without getting tangled up in underbrush or other hikers. If you are having a hard time training your dog to come on command & your dog has mastered the art of not listening, obedience school would be a good option.

14. Back Packing:
Dogs can carry their own weight on a hike, or at least part of it. A healthy dog ought to be able to carry up to 1/3 of his weight in a special dog pack. Keep in mind the age of the dog. Start with an empty pack full off shredded newspaper, though, to acclimate the dog to the pack before you gradually start adding weight on successive hikes. And don't put a pack on a dog on a hot, sunny day if there's a chance it will cause him to overheat faster.

15. Paws:

If you're going to be hiking in an area with rough terrain, consider getting some dog booties to protect tender paws. There are also some wonderful all natural eco-friendly paw rubs out their can give your dog achy paws relief after a long hike.


16. Post hike:
After any hike, do a careful check for ticks and for any burrs or foxtails in your dog's coat. Foxtails can mean an expensive trip to the vet if you let them get in your dog's nose or ears. So better safe the sorry, avoid hiking through areas with lots of them.

17. First aid:
Part of your responsibility to your hiking companion is to be prepared for any scratches, cuts, scraps, bruises, & wounds along the way because accidents happen. Some antibiotic cream & healing cream is a good thing to have along for both you and your dog. Also, some wrap bandage tape or gauze (which sticks to itself but not to hair or skin) is a good thing to have along.

18. Join a Caravan:
Check to see whether there's a dog-friendly hiking group in your area. Some camp grounds have canine hiking groups; others allow pets along on some hikes but not others. Never show up for a hike with your dog unless you're certain he'll be welcome (and legal), so always ask.


So happy trailblazing all you paw pals and enjoy the mountainous views!!


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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 !



Safety Tips for Hiking & Camping with Your Dog- Series PART 2 of 3

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Camping with your dog can be a fantastic bonding experience. It's always fun to explore the great outdoors and see the world through your dogs eyes. Dogs are so much more in tuned to the environment.


So, while you and your dog are experiencing hiking bliss on the trails and sitting around an open fire. Just remember that preparing for the adventure is part of the fun. As our 3 part series on camping & hiking with your adventurous hound continues, here are a few more tips to keep in mind.


Click here to read part 1 tips !!


7. Leaflets three, let it be:

Certain plant life found in the wilderness, such as cactus, nettles and poison ivy, the most common, can irritate and cause injury to your pet's skin. These are plants that your curious dog should avoid . Unsure of what poison ivy look likes well here is a tip from my "Girl Snout" days. Poison Ivy is a "hairy" vine that grows up a tree and have stems with 3 leaves. You may have heard the old saying, "Leaflets three, let it be". Well, be weary because getting an itchy rash is no fun. So please don't use it as toilet ply, better yet bring your own roll!


8. Pick-up Squishy Mess:
Leaving your dogs #2 business on the ground & trails is dangerous to the environment, especially near water sources, and it makes a bad impression on other hikers -not to mention their boots. No one like to be the reason for unhappy campers. Biodegradable waste bags such as Spikebrand Business Bags is good eco-friendly alternatives.


9. Tag you’re it:
Make sure your pet has proper identification in the event she becomes lost. A collar I.D. tag that contains a cell phone number where you can easily be reached is essential. Getting a micro-chip is a painless way to keep track of your dog.


10. No Camouflage:
Extra precaution should be taken when hiking during various hunting seasons. Bright or reflective pet clothing will help your pet stand out from the natural environment. You should wear some too.


11. Hiking Etiquette:
Be considerate and share the trail with others. Be aware that some hikers may become anxious or scared if they see a pet on the loose without its owner nearby, so leash up.


 12. Hydrate with Clean Water:
Staying hydrated is key and just as important for your dog as it is for you, so bring a clean water supply on your hike. In fact, because their body temperature is higher to begin with. Trust me hiking in a full fur coat in scorching temperatures is not pleasant and like me dogs are quicker to overheat than people. Heat exhaustion and stroke can be fatal. Because dogs don't have sweat glands, we are prone to heatstroke in very warm conditions and pant to cool ourselves down. Make sure you carry enough water for you and your pet and take adequate rest breaks and drink often.

**Be aware that some water resources such as ponds & streams are not safe to drink from and may contain harmful parasites or toxins . So bring a clean supply, its better to be safe than sorry. Dog Hydration Systems hiking dogs to carry their own water supply. Some people teach their dogs to drink from a squirt bottle, while others bring along a collapsible water dish. The SIGG Bottle is eco-friendly and great for carrying water on a hike!

If you notice your dog running from shady spot to shady spot, panting excessively or becoming red in the gums, stop and cool him down. Gently pouring water on the stomach and groin area is a good technique.

If you have not been able to read part 1 of our 3 part series on hiking with your dog just click on the link. So go ahead explore the starry nights & sunny skies of the great outdoors with that deserving dog in your life! Leave a comment and tell us a fun memory or story you and your dog have shared in the great outdoors.


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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 !


Safety Tips for Hiking & Camping with Your Dog- Series PART 1 of 3

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Imagine being left stranded in the wilderness jungle, on a deserted island, or in the bone chilling Arctic to fend with no food, shelter, water or tools for 7 days with nothing more than a Swiss Army Knife or box of matches. What would you do? Well, lucky for you & your dog, life doesn't have to be a spoof of an episode of the Discovery Channels suspenseful series Survivor Man (in your dog's case Survivor Doggy)

But it is important for you and your dog to always be prepared for anything. So we have decided to do a 3 part blog series on hiking with your adventurous pups. So, before you venture out on the fun filled trails & treacherous, yet exciting mountain tops. Here are some tips to keep you, your dog, and other hikers safe.

1. Health First:
Dogs are no different than people and just like you must be in shape before undertaking strenuous hike. If you're not sure about your dog's fitness level, start off small and then work up to longer hikes. But prior to the training & hiking make sure your dog gets the vet health seal of approval, especially older dogs. Make sure that all of your dog's vaccinations and medications are current, including rabies, bordatella, and heartworm. If you're hiking in an area with Lyme disease, ask your vet about vaccinations. Condition your dog and his or paws for physical activity on the trails. With its mountainous terrain, rocky patches & high elevation you both are going to need to develop some hiking stamina.

2. Bring Portable GPS system:
Because you can’t always rely on your dogs snout for direction. Maps & compasses are the original GPS system so you don't get lost. They can be your life saver if you & your dog happens to go off the beaten path, so learn how to use them. Especially, if your dog happens to run after a critter in the woods. If you do get lost don't panic just stop to get your bearings. If all as fails just stay on the trail, look for signs and guys don't be ashamed to ask for directions.

3. Follow the Golden Rules:
Check a head with campgrounds to make sure dogs are allowed and the rules. Always have your dog in plain sight and bring a leash. Some hiking trails & parks require your dogs on a leash at all times.

5. Bring Appropriate Gear:
Spring and summer hiking means pesky visits from biting bugs and insects. Be sure to include some insect repellent and UV protection for both you and your dog, because dogs can burn too. One great product for your four legged hiking buddy is Happytails Flea the Scene with sunscreen, works wonders! Also, bring doggy life jackets if swimming, medications for your dogs special needs, some healthy organic munchies for the hike to boost energy and lots of water. Don't forget to wear proper clothing for the weather in which you are hiking & camping. Regardless if the forecast says clear skies it may start raining cats & dogs and get chilly, so be ready.

6. " Its Lions, Tigers & Bears Oh, my":
Remember, that while you are making the woods your home for the week, their are animals that live here on a daily basis. So, beware of snakes, porcupines, raccoons, bears, mountain lions, and coyotes. If you start smelling a not so pleasant odor and a critter with a white streak don't just sit there run, it is not wanting to say hi. If you haven't guessed by the smell of it, you have a skunk. All this wildlife can be a problem with a pet on the loose and can cause serious injury. Besides, you and your dog wouldn't want to pack up your canteen & hiking gear early to spend week in a tomato bath, not my idea of day at the "spaw". So make sure your pet stays in close proximity to where you are hiking. One great tip is to bring along a toy which will help keep your dogs attention span on you & not on the wildlife.

So all you survivor dogs, go ahead have fun! Enjoy the crackling fire, roasting marshmallows and howling camp-fire songs with the family. Don't forget to stay tuned & subscribe to our blog for more tips in our 3 part hiking series. We look forward to sending you and your dog safely off on the trails & the great beyond. Your adventure awaits!!

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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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