Eco-Pup - Sustainable Modern Pet Living

Frozen Peanut Butter Yogurt Treats

noreply@blogger.com (Susanne Postill) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 17:38:00 +0000

Treat your fur baby to some tasty homemade frozen treats on those hot summer days with this super easy recipe from 'The Poop Pantry'

Flickr photo: Brian Hillegas

1 -32oz. container of vanilla or plain yogurt
1 cup of peanut butter

Put the peanut butter in a microwave safe dish and microwave until melted.
Mix the yogurt and the melted peanut butter together in a bowl.
Pour the mixture into cupcake papers and freeze.

Vancouver Pet Fashion Week

noreply@blogger.com (Susanne Postill) — Thu, 28 May 2009 13:41:00 +0000

Vancouver is holding it's first Pet Fashion Week this weekend on Sunday, May 31st at the Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre. You won't want to miss this free public event as there will be 2 fashion shows at 12:30pm and 2:30pm, sponsored by Barking Babies. Dog models will be strutting their stuff on the catwalk dressed in the latest designer pet fashion collections.

image: barkingbabies.com

Following the fashion show there will be a 'best dressed dog' competition with a fun parade. There will also be a variety of displays, contests, and treats to be had. Best of all, donations made upon entry supports community charities to benefit animals that are sick, needy, neglected or abused.

Be sure to head over to the Roundhouse this weekend with your best dressed fur baby and join in on the pet fashion fun at Vancouver Pet Fashion Week!

When: Sunday May 31st, 2009

Where: The Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre
181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver, BC

Open to the public, no entry fee
Donations will be appreciated to support community charities.

Click here for more information on Vancouver Pet Fashion Week.

Click here to read the Vancouver Sun article about Vancouver Pet Fashion Week.

Shop Eco-Pup Dog Clothing Tax Free!

noreply@blogger.com (Susanne Postill) — Fri, 01 May 2009 16:32:00 +0000

Eco-Pup will pay your taxes for you - on your Eco-Pup purchase, that is!
Shop tax free at Eco-Pup dog clothing until May 15th, 2009.

Click here to start shopping and saving with Eco-Pup Dog Clothing!

Eco-Pup Dog Clothing has a new home!

noreply@blogger.com (Susanne Postill) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 23:33:00 +0000

We'd love to hear from you!
Please leave a comment and let us know what you
think of the new Eco-Pup site, or you can fill out a
short form at our CONTACT page!

Go Green With Your Pets This Spring!

noreply@blogger.com (Susanne Postill) — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 18:55:00 +0000

Today it's officially Spring! And it's the perfect time to bring in this new, fresh season with a new sustainable lifestyle for you and your pets! We all love our furry friends to pieces and only want the best for them, so shouldn't they have the benefit of a natural and organic lifestyle as well?

Nowadays there are so many eco-friendly products available for our beloved pets, it's super easy to make the eco-switch. To help get you started, Eco-Pup has compiled a list of 5 easy things you can do to go green with your pets this Spring.

Happy Spring!!

BYOPC (Be Your Own Pet Chef)

Photo: whiteonricecouple.com

With a shocking amount of pet (and human) food recalls lately, people are becoming more aware and cautious about what they are feeding their pets. Even though the ingredients may not have "mechanically separated" as part of the meat description, unless it's FDA certified food grade meat (safe for human consumption) you could be feeding them things like ground up diseased animal parts. Typically most pet food companies use very low D-grade meat (or lower!). To ease your mind about what exactly is going into your pet's little body, why not be your own pet chef? Now, you're probably wondering when the heck you'll have time to make all of this pet food, but I assure you it's not as time consuming as you think. And it's a lot of fun, as you can give your pets some taste tests, or let them lick the bowl when you're done! I began making my 2 senior dogs their own food just over a year ago now and I won't go back to store bought food for several reasons - after a year of their diet change, their vet checkup/blood test results were amazingly better than the previous year when they were on store bought food. They also have a lot more energy and their coats are more beautiful and healthy looking. Need some recipe ideas? There's a wealth of knowledge at your local library (check in the pet section) as well as on the internet: e-Healthy Pet Food All Natural Dog Treats Dog Food Recipes @ I-love-dogs.com Cat Food and Treats Recipes Don't want to do all the baking? No worries - you can also try these great homemade dog treats at From Stewart's Kitchen - they're all homemade to order with love!

Squeaky clean, naturally!

Photo: shoehorn99 on Flickr

Another thing you need to do often for your pets (moreso the doggies in our lives than the cats) is keeping them clean. Many beauty products contain harmful substances such as parabens, sodium lauryl sulfates, cocomide DEA, cocomide MEA, TEA lauryl sulfate and propylene glycol - things you wouldn't want to put on your skin nor your pet's! Not only can these chemicals be very irritating on the skin, they can contribute to a range of cancers as well. So, next time you go to suds up fido, reach for a gentle (and great smelling) bottle of something natural from Happytails Spa, Grooming and Wellness products. We love their 'Itchin For Relief' spray and their wide range of all natural, detergent-free shampoos & conditioners!

Enviro-Poop!

Photo: zappowbang on Flickr

Another must-do duty of being a pet owner is cleaning up after your pup outside, and keeping Mr. Meow's litter box fresh. While we all know this isn't a very pleasant task, we can get some satisfaction and peace of mind knowing that by using biodegradable poop bags for the waste we are significantly reducing the amount of regular plastic bags that take hundreds of years to break down. You can also flush the poop down the toilet however, never flush the litter down the drain - only the scooped poop!! Another option is to compost the waste by burying it in the backyard or a flower bed. NEVER EVER compost dog or cat waste in your vegetable garden (or anywhere remotely close to it) as the feces contain a lot of very harmful bacteria such as e-coli. This can be very dangerous, if not fatal, to humans if consumed.
Another product we really like are these Simple Solutions Natural Biodegradable Puppy Training Pads - perfect for your new little fuzzy friend or for your senior pets!

Organic Play

Photo: audreyjm529 on Flickr

There is a huge variety of recycled and organic toys for your pets available in pretty much any store nowadays. Since the majority of toys (especially plastic toys) are made in China, there's a very high chance that they will contain harmful chemicals like lead. Let your pets go crazy with these fair trade 'A Cheerful Pet Tugeez Dog Toys' made of 100% natural wool and cuddle (or chew!) these cute 'Simply Fido Organic Plush Toys'. And for the kitties we love these adorable 'Maggie's Mice Organic Catnip Toys'.

Recycle - Adopt a Pet!

One of the best things you can do for our planet and our homeless furry friends is to Recycle and adopt a pet! There are hundreds of animals who are in need of a caring home at your local shelter. You can check out Petfinder.com, an on-line searchable database of animals that need homes. Petfinder is also a directory of over 10,000 animal shelters and adoption organizations across the USA, Canada and Mexico.

EcoPup Photo Contest Winner!!

noreply@blogger.com (Susanne Postill) — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 19:21:00 +0000

Wow! We've had an overwhelming response to EcoPup's photo contest! Thanks so much to everyone who entered to win an EcoPup Dapper Collar. We managed to narrow it down to one lucky winner, however there were so many great photos we just had to offer a second place prize... drumroll please...

And the first place photo contest winner is...
Congratulations to Graham Davis and his beautiful lab, Bubba from Lake Arrowhead, CA! Graham has won a new EcoPup Dapper collar for his buddy Bubba - lucky guy! We hope Bubba enjoys his new EcoPup collar!

And the second place photo contest winner is...
Congratulations to Crystal Vilkaitis and her adorable pup Bruiser from Fort Collins, CO! Crystal and Bruiser have won a $25 EcoPup gift certificate!

And, last but definitely not least - here are the winning photos...

First Place: Bubba playing in the snow on his deck

Second Place: Cutie Bruiser in his party hat

Eco-Pup Dog Clothing Photo Contest!

noreply@blogger.com (Susanne Postill) — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 16:38:00 +0000

Spring is just around the corner, and so is the new Eco-Pup spring/summer 2009 collection!! Have we got some adorable things in store for you! We are so excited about all the wonderful new products that we couldn't wait to share them with you.

To help send out winter and welcome in spring, send us your best 'Winter Pet Photos' for your chance to win a new Eco-Pup recycled collar - made from recycled ties! Send your 'Winter Pet Photo' to info@ecopup.ca - please save the photo as your pet's name with the location (such as "spike-vancouver-bc.jpg". One entry per person.

Don't miss it - Contest closes this Sunday, February 15th at midnight.

Good luck!!

Expanded Peanut Butter Recall List

noreply@blogger.com (Susanne Postill) — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 18:51:00 +0000

If you and/or your pets can't resist a peanut buttery snack, make sure you review the updated U.S. Food and Drug Administration's list of recalled peanut butter products before digging in for that tasty, sticky snack. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's list of recalled products containing peanut derivatives has expanded over the last few days, including seven new pet-food products.

Photo by whiteonricecouple.com

According to the FDA, no pets have been reported ill from contaminated peanut butter, but many humans have been affected. The FDA advises pet owners to wash their hands with hot water and soap before and after handling all pet foods and treats. Pet-food bowls and utensils should also be washed thoroughly with hot water after each use.

Some symptoms of pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic, have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Some may also show signs of decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Animals that appear uninfected and healthy can be carriers. If your pet has consumed a recalled product and is showing these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.

photo by: Sarah M Scott @ Flickr

The FDA peanut butter recall list will be updated as the investigation continues. To read the full list of recalled peanut butter products, including pet foods & treats, visit the USFDA site here

In Canada? Check out the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's list here

Eco Pet Products We Love

noreply@blogger.com (Susanne Postill) — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 18:05:00 +0000

We love our pets and our earth, so we do what we can to help - and spoil - both. Over the last few years more and more green pet products and services have become available, all thanks to many eco concerned pet owners and companies. Here is a list of a few eco pet products we love, so you can help make 2009 a fabulous green year for you and your beloved pet.

1. WoWo Raised Feeding Stations

These stylish WoWo Raised Feeding Stations by Vurv Design will make all your eco-holic friends envious. The wenge wood is an earth-friendly, engineered composite veneer and is finished with a polyurethane varnish, which doesn’t exude poisonous fumes like lacquer.
Available online at vurv.ca

2. Monzie's Organic Cookies for Dogs

Monzie's Organic Cookies for Dogs are made with wholesome organic ingredients like molasses and sesame seeds. Each cookie is so crunchy and delicious, your dogs won't ask for anything less.

Available online at Only Natural Pet Store

3. Grow Your Own Cat Grass Kit

Grow this kit inside the house for a daily cat treat. This healthy homegrown treat is essential for your kitty's diet. Eating grass helps cats free up hairballs and clean out the intestinal tract. Giving your cat their own plant may also help to keep them away from your house plants. Kit contains a blend of Oat, Rye and Wheat seeds, plus soil mix, catnip sample and fool-proof directions.
Available online at Botanical Cat

4. AKC Green Planet Dog Toys

Green Planet Collection toys use recycled packaging and recycled materials. The toys are designed for safe, durable, pet play. These cute toys are made of strong plush fabric, double stitched with embroidered details and there are no small parts for your pup to swallow. Each dog toy includes a squeaker.
Available online at Botanical Dog

5. Good Buddy Doggy Day Pack

This cute handy little pack is always ready to go, when you're ready to go! It's perfect for outings and short trips with your pup. This pack contains a reusable dog water dish and dispenser, biodegradable pet waste bags, a Red Rover rope toy, a reusable container of Good Buddy cheese flavor cookies, a reusable container of Organix adult dog food and over $6.00 in coupons, all neatly packed in a silver day kit.
Available online at Castor and Pollux Pet Works

♥ Show your pets how much you love 'em on Valentnes Day ♥

noreply@blogger.com (Susanne Postill) — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 19:35:00 +0000

EcoPup & fromstewartskitchen.com have a special offer just for your papered pets this Valentines Day! To get in on this special offer, you will need to sign up for EcoPup's newsletter - it's super easy, just go here!

And don't worry, EcoPup will not share and/or sell your info to anyone.
We hate spam too. Read EcoPup's privacy policy

Organic Kitties

noreply@blogger.com (Susanne Postill) — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 21:45:00 +0000

NEW at EcoPup - Organic Catnip Knot Toys

Kitty will have hours of fun with these 100% organic catnip toys. Both material and catnip are organic. Mee-ow!

Need Help Relocating Your Pets?

noreply@blogger.com (Susanne Postill) — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 19:04:00 +0000

Recently we have acquired property in the Dominican Republic. Our plans are to build a house and move the business, us and our 4 beloved pets there once everything is ready. This seemed easy enough until I began thinking more and more about relocating our pets. We have 2 adult cats and 2 senior dogs. The cats will be fine, however I am quite concerned about our 2 senior dogs - especially BoBo who is a little 17 year old Pekingese/Toy Poodle. A car ride for her is one thing, but a long flight in a strange/noisy place seems like it would be a terrifying experience for her!

Luckily @EcoPup has been following @petrelocation on Twitter and who better to ask than a pet relocation expert! They gave us some great info for moving our pets to the Dominican Republic here on their blog as well as a link to a video on Continental Airlines which they highly recommended for their PetSafe program.

Now that I have more information from PetRelocation and my mind is a little more at ease, we can concentrate on finishing everything in DR and start getting ready for the move!

Thanks again, @petrelocation!
WOOF WOOF & MEOW MEOW from Karl, Ned, Cody, BoBo & EcoPup

It's Here: Eco-Pup's Last Big Sale of 2008!!

noreply@blogger.com (Susanne Postill) — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 03:16:00 +0000

Happy Howlidays from EcoPup

noreply@blogger.com (Susanne Postill) — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 17:34:00 +0000

Wishing you and your family warm and wonderful howlidays filled
with loads of treats, tail wags and tummy rubs! WOOF! WOOF!

Love, everyone at Eco-Pup

Kittie's Favorite Treats =^.^=

noreply@blogger.com (Susanne Postill) — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 20:16:00 +0000

Spoil your kitty with these easy whisker lickin' good treats!

photo from icanhascheezburger.com

Ingredients:

1-1/2 cups cooked chicken or turkey
1 large egg
2 T. chicken broth
1 cup cornmeal
1/2 cup whole wheat flour

Preparation & Cooking

In a blender or processor whirl chicken, egg and broth until smooth. Scrape into bowl.
Add cornmeal and 1/2 cup flour, stir until moistened.
Cover dough and refrigerate at least 2 hrs. Then roll out 1/4 in thick on lightly floured board. Cut into 1/2 in squares or triangles.

Scatter on 3 greased 12 x 15 baking sheets. Bake at 350 until golden (about 15 min.)
Remove from oven, stir in pans and let cool. Refrigerate airtight up to 2 weeks, freeze for longer storage.

Makes about 3 cups.

'Kittie's Favorite Treats' recipe is from healthyrecipesforpets.com

Yummy Pumpkin Wafer Treats

noreply@blogger.com (Susanne Postill) — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 18:36:00 +0000

Here's a pumpkin dog treat recipe that's tasty & healthy for winter!

Photo by whiteonricecouple.com

Ingredients:

One 15 oz. can mashed pure pumpkin (NOT the spiced pie filling)

3/4 cup cream of wheat (or rice cereal if wheat-sensitive) You can mix this dry--no need to cook it first

1/2 cup dry powdered milk

Directions: Preheat oven to 300 F.

Mix all ingredients together. Drop small spoonfuls ( I use the about half of a tablespoon) onto a lightly greased cookie sheet and bake at 300 degrees for 15-20 minutes.

If you'd like to make bite sized cookies for small dogs, training rewards or just small treats, use a pastry bag and squeeze out rosettes about the size of a dime for tasty bite sized cookies.

Pumpkin is tasty and healthy for your dog!

This pumpkin dog treat recipe is loaded with Fiber, Beta carotene, anti-oxidants and vitamins C & E. These vitamins help to lower cancer risk, cataracts and heart disease.

Recipe is from all-natural-dog-treat.com

We have a winner!

noreply@blogger.com (Susanne Postill) — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 18:15:00 +0000

Congratulations to Jacqueline!

Jacqueline has won Eco-Pup's contest for a $25 Eco-Pup Gift Certificate, just for following Eco-Pup's blog!

Jacqueline - Please post your contact info (email or MSN) on your profile so we can send you your Eco-Pup gift certificate!

WOOF! WOOF!

Beat the winter boredom blues!

noreply@blogger.com (Susanne Postill) — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 23:07:00 +0000

Unless you live in an area that boast balmy temperatures year-round, the arrival of winter weather can leave some of us buried beneath the snow. Try these suggestions to keep you and your fur baby entertained this winter - both indoors and out!

* Bring your dog with you on outings such as getting a tree or visiting family & friends during the holidays

* Go sledding with your dog

* Have a snowball fight instead of the usual game of fetch

* Go snowshoeing or x-country skiing with your dog

* Play hide & seek, inside and outside - use a glove with a treat inside or one of their favorite toys

* Teach your pet to 'name that toy' - start with one of your dog's favorite toys, and as you show it to him, give it a name (like teddy, kong, ball etc.) Toss the toy a short distance away and ask him to 'fetch teddy'. If he runs to grab it, praise him and treat him - even if he doesn't bring it back to start with. Repeat this a few times until you are sure he understands. Once that's accomplished, toss the toy into a pile of other toys and practice it this way, so he has to choose the one specific toy over all the others. Once he can do this without any trouble, start teaching the names of other toys in the same way.

* Once you've got 'name that toy down' you can both move on to 'tidy up the toys' - once your dog is reliably returning to you with his named toy from the toy pile, have a basket or box in your hand as he brings it back and hold it out for him to drop the toy into. Praise him for getting it right and he will quickly realize what you are asking him to do. Keep practicing until he is bringing named toys and dropping in the box all by himself to get his reward!

* Cuddle up together under a warm blanket and watch the snow fall outside

Eco-Pup's Top 5 Xmas Deal Picks

noreply@blogger.com (Susanne Postill) — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 21:13:00 +0000

The countdown to Christmas day has begun and before you know it, it will be Christmas morning! Haven't finished your holiday gift shopping yet? Don't let the last minute shopping panic mode get the best of you. Here are Eco-Pup's top 5 holiday gift picks you can add to your list to help ease that feeling of "I'm running out of time and don't know what to get!" The bonus: these picks will not only ease your mind, but will be easy on your holiday budget too!

Happy Eco-Holiday Shopping! Woof Woof!

1. Organic Bumper Bed from naturalwoof.com

Sale price: $59.50

This cozy bed is made of both organic and recycled materials. Pamper your pet this holiday with a super-soft eco-friendly bed! Ideal for pets with allergies, sensitive skin or orthopedic issues.

2. All Natural Spa Products from happytailsspa.com

Sale: 20% off their entire collection of spa products

We love natural pet care products, and we think Happytails spa products are great! They have products for every pet - from dry skin to odour solutions and even spa products for kitty! Perfect for happy, healthy and naturally clean pets!

3. Organic Bamboo Striped Hoodie from ecopup.ca
Sale Price: $35.00

Keep your fur baby stylishly warm this winter with Eco-Pup's Organic Bamboo Striped Hoodie. This hoodie is ultra soft & comfy on it's own, and can be layered under a jacket or vest for those extra chilly days!

4. Pup Treads from botanicaldog.com
Sale Price: $5.99

If your pup's a chewer, you will both love this Pup Treads eco toy! Made of durable recycled rubber, this toy provides hours of chewing enjoyment for your dog. The bonus of this toy - the rubber nibs create a natural flossing action for clean teeth and healthy gums during normal chewing actions! Woof!

5. Homemade Dog Treats from fromstewartskitchen.com

Save on all Christmas & Hannukah treats, and save on gift wrapping!

We love these adorable tasty treats from Stewart's Kitchen, and we're sure your pup will give them a lick of approval too! Baked to order these homemade treats will arrive fresh to your doorstep. They are made with all local ingredients and no preservatives - a paw-fect holiday gift for your furry friends on your list!

Eco-Pup Dog Clothing's Having a Contest! WOOF!

noreply@blogger.com (Susanne Postill) — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 18:26:00 +0000

Goulash Recipe

noreply@blogger.com (Susanne Postill) — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 02:52:00 +0000

Your pup will *love* this mouth watering goulash! Mix with an appropriate amount of kibble for a complete dinner <3

Ingredients:

1 pound ground meat (groud beef, groud turkey, ground venison, etc.)
2 cups cooked brown rice
2 cans vegetables -- or 3 cups of fresh veggies such as broccoli, asparagus, sweet potatoes, green beans, carrots, etc.
2 whole eggs -- shells crushed and added
1 can mackerel
1 pound chicken liver -- and/or gizzards

Preparation & Cooking

Pulverize veggies, either in a blender, processor, grinder, etc. Mix all ingredients together in a big pot. Add enough water to cover, mix well. if you feed raw, which we do, place into containers, enough for one feeding in each, and freeze. We use plastic baggies. If you don't feed raw, cover the pot and simmer for about 2 hrs, stirring occasionally. When it is done cooking, cool, and place into containers or baggies, enough for one feeding in each and freeze. Simply get out in the morning to thaw in the fridge.

Recipe is from Healthy Recipes for Pets

'Tis the season for holiday shopping lists!

noreply@blogger.com (Susanne Postill) — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 23:31:00 +0000

It's getting closer to that time of year again, and the holiday shopping lists are popping up like crazy! Eco-Pup Dog Clothing's Recycled Argyle T-shirt has made #3 on AppoziteGeist.com's 'Stuff that’s so awesome it hurts, Vol. 26'! Woof!

Read appozitegeist.com's article

The Health Benefits of Wool

noreply@blogger.com (Susanne Postill) — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 21:43:00 +0000

Wool is a beautiful natural fiber that has not only many environmental benefits, but has many health benefits as well. Who knew Wool was healthy?!

5 Environmental Benefits of Wool:

* Eco-Friendly - Wool comes from sheep making it a natural, renewable resource. Scientists have not (yet!) been able to synthetically reproduce the properties of wool.

* Animal Friendly - Sheep just need a haircut for us to harvest the wool, so no sheep are killed during the harvesting of wool. <3>

* Sustainable - Sheep naturally grow new wool each year so there are no chemical enhancements used on the animals to make them produce the wool.

* Biodegradable & Organic - Wool products last for decades, and when they are no longer of use they can be returned to the earth for natural recycling! You also won’t be breathing in petroleum-based chemicals as they break down. There is no out-gassing of chemicals in pure wool; in fact, there are no chemicals in wool!

* Amazing value for your money - If cared for properly, wool products can last for years. While wool products usually cost more than a synthetic substitute, wool actually offers the lowest cost as it lasts longer and the best comfort.

5 Health Benefits of Wool:

* Regulates your body temperature – No matter what the season, wool will keep you warm in winter and cool on summer nights. Wool's fibers form pockets of air which insulate you naturally. It will keep you dry and won’t feel damp or chilled because wool wicks the moisture away from your body.

* Hypoallergenic – it is resistant to bacteria, mould and mildew which can cause allergic reactions.

* Naturally Flame-resistant – Because of it's unique chemical structure, wool is difficult to ignite. Wool extinguishes itself when touched to a flame and it won’t continue to burn. It will not cling to the skin and cause serious hot melt burns like most synthetic fabrics do.

* Dust-mites don’t like wool – those nasty little dust mites need moisture to survive . They are more readily found in other types of fabrics such as synthetic materials.

* Supporting and soothing – Those who suffer from fibromyalgia, arthritis and rheumatism find that wool supports them with cushioned softness. Wool’s softness helps relieve pressure points and muscle aches.

So, now that you've learned about the natural healthy benefits of wool, you don't have a reason not to dress your dog in an Eco-Pup wool coat this winter! Your pup will be oh so warm, healthy and stylin' this winter!

Winter Care For Your Pup's Skin & Paws

noreply@blogger.com (Susanne Postill) — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 05:38:00 +0000

The winter weather can be fun but also very damaging to your pet's skin and paws. Significantly dropped temperatures, low humidity and snow/ice accumulation can cause very dry skin, and the salt used on sidewalks & roads can cause severe dry and cracked paws.

Here are some tips on how you can help keep your dog's skin and paws safe and soft this winter!

SKIN

The most common skin problem for pets in winter is dry flaking and itchy skin. This is usually caused from lack of moisture in the air - as we often keep our pets indoors more during the cold winter months. They are more exposed to dry heat from furnaces indoors and lower humidity outdoors.

A few things you can do to help prevent and aid your pet's skin are...

* Brush your dog more often. This helps to remove dander and any loose/shed hair.

* Put a warm winter coat on your dog before heading outdoors.

* Feed your pet a high quality diet. Be sure to consult your veterinarian before using supplements or adding oil to the food.

* Reduce the amount of times you bathe your dog during the cold winter weather. Bathing your pet removes essential oils from the coat and skin which can increase the chance of your dog developing dry flaky skin. If you must bathe your dog often and cannot cut back on bathing during winter, use a soothing and moisturizing natural shampoo and conditioner.

PAWS

During winter when it snows there is typically a lot of melting products (such as salt) used on the ground. The salt, sand and ice can get lodged in your pet's paws - in the fur and up in between their pads. If left to build up in your pet's paws this can cause them to become severely dry and cracked, and possibly infected. The melting products can also be ingested by your pet when they lick their paws, which can cause illness.

A few things you can do to help keep your pet's paws safe and soft are...

* Trim the hair between your pet's paw pads. This will help reduce the chance of any ice, salt and/or sand building up in the paw fur.

* Rinse off your pet's feet after each walk with clean warm water. This will help remove any ice, sand and/or salt that your pet may have picked up during the outing.

* You can put petroleum jelly on your dog's paw pads before going for a walk outdoors. Boots are also a good option for foot protection - if your dog doesn't mind wearing them!

Eco-Pup's Great American Turkey Day Sale!

noreply@blogger.com (Susanne Postill) — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 03:59:00 +0000

Don't miss out on Eco-Pup's big Thanksgiving sale!!!