Tools for the Teeth!

We are so busy with our own periodontal care, trips to the Dentist, teeth whitening, gum care and flossing that we forget that our pet’s teeth are of great importance too.. until we smell that breath! MAN! What did he eat?

Your dog probably won’t LOVE having their chompers brushed but it really is a necessity, especially if he has yucky breath. With repetitive care and brushing he might actually start to like it.

If you are not able to have your Vet clean their teeth (which is the most recommended way), learn how to brush your dog's teeth yourself. A quick brushing a couple of times a week is far better than nothing at all.

You will need the correct tools before you start the dog teeth brushing experience:

• A pet toothbrush ~ there are many to choose from-ones with finger attachments, ones with extra fancy handles and bristles , you can just use a gauze sponge if you want.
• Pet Toothpaste~ Maybe a poulty flavored toothpaste or something a bit sweet or just plain old Baking Soda will work. Don’t use human toothpaste.
• Go ahead and prepare for clean up with the washcloth and towel because it can get messy.

There are pet care sets available like Kissable dog toothpaste and toothbrush that will include both items needed, all in one. 

Feeding your dog dry dog food or hard dog biscuits everyday and provide a hard toy or bone to chew on will help with odor and will help prevent periodontal disease and other infections and gum diseases. Certainly a dog mint or two every now and then won’t hurt either!

How To Brush Your Dog's Teeth
by petside

Paws, Pals and Putts!

Were you aware that the Sacramento SPCA spayed and neutered over 16,000 animals in 2009? OR.. over 3,000 people and their pets were helped through free behavior consultations? The Sacramento SPCA was also honored by the Sacramento magazine as the Best place to Volunteer with over 1300 active volunteers!

The Sacramento SPCA and Hank Fisher Properties will host the first annual Paws, Pals & Putts Golf Tournament at the Del Paso Country Club on Monday, April 26, 2010.

Proceeds will benefit the Sacramento SPCA Senior Services Program, providing services to ensure the continued relationship between seniors and their pets.

There are things you can do to help ensure the success of this fun filled day:

• Golfers needed, you can register online too. It's easy.
• Would you like to donate something to the Silent Auction?
• Would you like to become a sponsor?

Whatever you would like to do, it will be a great day filled with fun and laughter and all for a great cause, the Sacrament SPCA and for the love of all pets!

What a great time of the year to talk about Hearts......

The ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention and Cruelty to Animals) most defiantly has Valentine’s Day in mind and of course~ their love of all animals.

Heart U Back is a great jewelry line that has been created to help the ASPCA in their efforts to protect animals from cruel neglect and abuse. This special and unique line of jewelry consists of bracelets, pendants, charms and earrings. This line was created with the love of a pet owner and pet in mind and was created by Gavin Kovacs.

The Heart U Back Dog Bone Friendship Bracelet is a wonderfully created dog bone bracelet and hand woven together by a colorful cord. The colors of the Heart U Back Dog Bone Friendship Bracelet are: Black/Silver, Turquoise/Silver, Grey/Silver, Pink/Silver, Orange/Silver, Brown/Gold, Purple/Gold, Burgundy/Gold, Green/Gold, Black/Gold, Pink/Gold and Gold/Gold.

I know personally how wonderful this jewelry line is because I bought my daughter one for Christmas and it felt wonderful to give her a bracelet that truly touched her heart and her love of animals. I think it is fitting to think about this line this Valentine’s Day when giving of our hearts is so important.

This amazing line of jewelry has been seen in magazines such as: Family Circle, Ladies Home Journal and People Style Watch and more.

This Valentine’s Day, Easter or for no reason~ think of the Heart U Back Dog Bone Friendship Bracelet or any piece from this wonderful line of jewelry. Remember a portion of these sales go directly back to the ASPCA and that truly touches my heart.

Valentine's Day is about love.......

Valentine’s Day is one month away and it is a time to let those we love know it!

Don’t forget the one who loves you unconditionally, the one that doesn’t care what you look like, or how much money you make, or even that you have been a bit grumpy lately. Your dog is beside you all the time and loves you no matter what, and he shouldn’t be left out on Valentine’s Day.

We all know that times are hard these days, but giving a pet Valentines Day gift isn’t hard and won’t break your bank but will show him that you love him and that you appreciate him for being a constant companion.

A Valentine’s Day Dog Tank would be a great little outfit for your dog on the special day or even a Puppy Love Sweater.

Maybe you have a prissy little one, and for our doggie diva’s a Shades Of Pink Princess Bling Dog Tutu and Matching Hair Bow or a Sterling Silver Puff Heart Collar Charm.

Maybe you need something a little more “manly”, the Black Studded Tank Top should do the trick.

If you dog isn’t cool wearing clothes, try out some dog treats, dog toys or maybe a precious new collar!

We know that all our pets could use a new bowl and this Valentine’s Day, there are great new dog bowls to fit your pet’s personality.

Whatever you choose, whether it’s a gift, or extra time with your pet, or just a small treat, let him know how much you love him on this Valentine’s Day!

Taking care of their "Pawsengers"...

Terrified of putting your dog on a plane? Can you imagine the thought of having your pet put in a cold cargo area of an airplane and possibly having to sedate him? When will he go to the "relieve" himself? It is amazing how far pet care has come and traveling on a plane for your pet isn’t near as tramatic on him or you anymore!

Pet Airways is a pet-only airline that has dedicated themselves to pet-friendly travel making it safe and comfortable for your pet. Your pet will fly in the main cabin of the airplane, not in the cargo area! Pet Airways is located and based in Delray Beach, Florida.

There is a process after booking your pet’s reservation. You drop off your pet at the lounge which is located at the airport. You must check your pet in no later than two hours before take off. Your pet will take his potty break before boarding the airplane and then the attendants will monitor the time making sure that your dog will be able potty at a regular time. No more holding it in that little cage as with other airlines. Your pet boards the plane and is ready for wonderful experience. The Pet Attendant monitors and checks the comfort of your pet every fifteen minutes. After landing, your pet will leave the plane, be allowed to take another potty break and will be available then for pick up in the Pet Lounge.

Your pet will fly in a Beech 1900 airplane that has the look and feel of a human airplane. The Beech 1900 is a 19 passenger plane that has had the “human” furnishings removed, no seats, no overhead bins. Pets are placed in their own personal pet carrier (and with their favorite dog toy or stuffed animal for comfort) and are secured by the restraint system designed and created by Pet Airway.

There are many cities that Pet Airways travels ~ between New York, Washington, Chicago, Denver and LA and has destinations on the horizon.

There are rules and regulations of course for having a pet friendly plane, and tips that you might need. You can find those at the Pet Airways website.

Pet Airways is proud to put the care of their “pawsengers” as their first priority.

Winter weather and your pets

With the Artic Blast headed our way and colder temperatures than normal across the country and some wind chills down to zero, it is so important to keep our family pets safe and warm.

Because animals rely on their human caregivers to keep them safe, especially in these harsh winter months, it is important to take a few extra steps to take care of the ones we love.

You might think that because dogs have fur that they are protected from the cold and harsh weather, but the fur has a tendency to gather ice or snowflakes that can make even the furriest dog cold. Dogs get cold and there are things that we can do to prevent serious health issues in the dead of winter.

Make sure that your dog has an adequate doghouse outside if you have to leave him out. Although it is not recommended to leave any pet outside in the cold elements, if they absolutely must be left outside please make sure there is a closed warm area for him to lay.

Keep your pets away from Antifreeze. Dogs love it but even in small amounts could be deadly.

Make sure you are checking your dog for frostbite and drying his fur when he enters back into the home. Ear tips are especially susceptible to frostbite on dogs and snow can get up in the footpad of your pet as well.

Get your dog winter apparel to help make them more comfortable. There are dog boots to protect the paws and even dog socks for those cold nights. Try a nice dog sweater or winter coat to make sure they are warm when going out into the freezing winter weather.

Trim the hair around your dog’s feet. You can even apply Vaseline or cooking oil to the bottom of their feet before going outside. The layer of oil or moisture barrier will prevent ice from sticking to their paws. You could try Snout Smoother for chapped ears and dry skin!

Try not to use salt on the sidewalks because it can be irritating to the footpad. If they do get salt on the foot are, wipe off as soon as the come in.

Watch your pet’s diet. Pets can get lazy during the winter months and can gain excessive weight. Find interactive dog toys to keep him busy and moving around.

Don’t ever leave your dog in a car, hot or cold. If you cannot take them in, leave them at home.

Keep your dog out of water during freezing weather- canine hypothermia can set in quickly. Keep him away from rivers, lakes and stream as the ice can break and they fall in.

It isn’t too hard to take extra precautions for our pets, especially in weather like this and by making some adjustments and buying a few extra pet accessories, he will be warm and toasty when going outside!

Pets are making a big difference in the US

You have seen the commercials, watched the videos about animal cruelty and for me, I cannot hardly continue to watch as it becomes too heart-wrenching. There could be a light at the end of the tunnel for pet's everywhere!

Pet stores all around the US are making a statement of faith by putting up the “puppy friendly” signs in their windows.

The puppy friendly pledge states the store’s commitment to NOT sell puppies and stand firm and support local animal adoption programs and help to educate their customers about how to find a puppy and where to find reputable sources to purchase a pup.

"Pet stores that profit from the cruel puppy mill industry need to stop their puppy sales. We encourage people who want a new pet to first consider adoption from local shelters and rescue groups, which are filled with healthy, loving dogs who need a family of their own this holiday," said Stephanie Shain, senior director of The HSUS' puppy mills campaign.

Puppy Mills continue to breed dogs in unhealthy and unsafe environments and then sell to pet stores which in turn, sell to you. The dogs at puppy mills spend their time in cramped cages or kennels with no personal touch or contact or attention and have no quality of life. Here are some facts about puppy mills and why Posh Puppy Boutique does not support puppy mills or cruelty to animals of any kind:

• Puppies born in puppy mills are more likely to develop health and/or behavioral issues than puppies who are born to reputable breeders.
• Puppy mills contribute to the pet overpopulation problem, which results in millions of unwanted dogs euthanized at shelters every year.
• Unhealthy and cruel treatment of dogs is what puppy mills are all about just selling in mass production of dogs and making money

There are so many things that we can do as pet owners to help stop the cruelty to animals and mass production of dogs and puppy mills. You can donate or visit the Human Society’s site and make a difference. Check independent retailers in your area and see if they have signed the puppy friendly pledge, and if not~ encourage it~ as it is our duty as pet lovers and humans to stop this inhumane treatment of animals.

Posh Puppy Boutique believes in dogs and animals of all kind and encourage love and support for animals. Join us in making a difference today!

Bark for Bo!

The year 2009 held many historical changes for the United States of America, the loss of pop star Michael Jackson, scandal surrounding celebrities and changes in our economy. One of the most exciting things for Americans was the first African American President, Barack Obama.

A fun thing that pet lovers have enjoyed watching is the choosing of the “first dog”, Bo. Bo was a gift from Senator and Mrs. Kennedy to Sasha and Malia Obama in April of 2009. Bo is a male Portuguese water dog and was born in Texas. Bo’s official American Kennel Club’s registered name was Amigo’s New Hope and his first owner called him Charlie, but was re-named when joining the Obama’s at the Whitehouse.

Whether or not you are a Obama supporter you cannot help but love Bo! That cute little crazy dog running through the Oval office can most defiantly make you smile and forget all the crazy things happening around you!

At Doggie Couture Shop we are excited and please to carry some BO wear and upscale pet accessories so that you can show his royalty off as well, not to mention supporting your passion for our country.

You could get your little one the America's First Dog Bowl Standard Limited Edition, or the America's First Dog Sofa Limited Edition and if you can spend some extra money to have your dog strut like he resides in the Whitehouse, a America's First Dog Bowl in Swarovski Crystals Limited Edition.

If you just want to show your excitement for our new President Barack Obama you can have some great pet items for your pooch to show your support. A great Bark for Obama Tee or a feminine Obama pet dress for her to show her love and support as well.
Start the New Year off with a bang by getting some BO wear or showing your support of our new President and be a part of history with your pooch right beside you!