PawLux.com:. a day in the life of an eco-dog

Knowing is Half the Battle: Answer to Common Pet Cancer Questions

Bark@pawlux.com (Paw Luxury) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:41:00 +0000

With pet cancer on the rise it is always devastating to hear when a furry friend has fallen victim to this disease. But understanding this silent killer is half the battle. The stats are sad and astounding, for dogs over six years of age, 60 percent will be diagnosed with some form of cancer. Nearly half the deaths of pets over the age of 10 years fall victim to cancer.

There are nearly 100 different types of animal cancer. The most common type in cats is leukemia, and the most common cancers for dogs are lymphoma and mammary gland cancer. But there is hope and good news! With treatment advances and early detection, pets with cancer have a much better chance of survival. Here are answers to some common pet cancer questions. Let's not be silent to this silent killer, educating ourselves about cancer is the difference between life and death. Let's work together toward prevention and a cure.

What is cancer?

Cancer describes cell in the body that grow and divide at an abnormal rate & uncontrollable rates often forming tumors or masses. These growths can be malignant (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous).

Is My Pet At Risk?

Did you know that cancer is the #1 killer of pets. Although cancer is more common in older adult dog & cats, younger pets are still at risk. Make sure to do your research on your pets breed because certain breeds are more susceptible & predisposed to cancer. It is imperative that you understand your pets risk. By speaking with your vet you can take proper precautions. Also, early detection toward this silent killer is the difference between life and death and the key to good prognosis, successful treatment & recovery.

What are the pet cancer warning signs?

*Abnormal swelling that persist or continue to grow
*Sores that do not heal
*Weight Loss
*Loss of Appetite
*Bleeding or discharge from any body organ
*Offensive odor
*Difficulty eating or swallowing
*Hesitation to exercise or loss of stamina
*Persistent lameness or stiffness
*Difficulty breathing, urinating or defecating

Why Is Early Detection & Diagnosis So Important?

Regular vet checkups play a vital life role in the early detection of cancer & other health issues. As loving pet owner it is important that you take your pet for his or her wellness exam twice a year. Annual blood screenings is helpful in detecting & effectively treating pet cancer. If the vet finds at abnormalities in your dogs health x-rays, ultrasounds and other diagnostic test will be preformed.

When should you see a vet if you suspect cancer?

It important that if you see any of cancer warning signs, lumps, bumps that don't go away or a change in your dogs behavior to seek help immediately. Don't wait, because the clock is ticking away with a good prognosis. But remember to not panic and remain calm because not all tumors or growths are cancerous. If you do find a lump on your pets skin or coat seek vet aid quickly, its better safe then sorry. Look for lumps that may appear at the site of a vaccination or injection which can signal a concern. Regular vet checkups will help to detect cancer that is affecting other parts of the body like your pets blood or internal organs that are not visible. Please take your pets annual checkups very seriously and mark your calenders so hidden health problems are detected & treated early.

Is Pet Cancer Treatable?

In many cases pet cancer is treatable, but early detection & treatment is crucial to your pets outcome. With the help of ongoing cancer research, advances in veterinarian medicine and organizations on the front line working to find a cure there is hope. There are so many treatment options available which not only help to treat the disease but improve your pets quality of life. Speak with your vet about these treatment options and do your research beforehand so you can ask any and all questions before making a decision.

Pet cancer treatment options will be based on the type of cancer and how far it has progressed. You may be referred to a cancer specialist or vet oncologist who will work with you to determine the proper course of treatment that's right for your pet. Some of the cancer treatment options may include: surgery, radiation or chemotherapy. There are also some effective homeopathic cancer pet treatment options available which takes an holistic approach. Please seek the advice of a certified vet or holistic vet and do your research first.

What Are Some Common Cancer Terms?

Learning that your pet has cancer can be scary & hard to cope with. But like your qualified vet it is important for you to be in the know when discussing your pets health & options. Here are a few definitions worth remembering.

Tumor-A growth made of abnormal cells, also known as masses or lumps. Tumor can be either benign or malignant

Benign Tumor- non-cancerous growth usually confined only to the affected area.

Malignant Tumor-cancerous growth capable of spreading to other parts of the body

Metastasis-The spread of cancer cells from the primary affected area to other parts of the body via the bloodstream or lymphatic system.

Let's not be silent to this silent killer anymore! Bark the word that November is Pet Cancer Awareness Month and advise your friends on the important of annual vet checkups. Lets remember paw pals who lost the cancer battle, celebrate the lives of survivors, and give hope to those suffering. Let's see Spot run toward a cure!

Is your dog or cat a cancer survivor? We would love to hear about your pets heroic winning battle. Give someone suffering the gift of hope! Share your pets story by commenting below.

twitter.com/PawLuxury

Shop www.pawlux.com for eco-friendly, all natural & organic goodies for your new furry family member. We carry a great selection of Odor Free Bully Sticks / Dog Treats / and Dog Toys !

Canine Cancer Diet: The Recipe for Helping Your Dog Fight Cancer

Bark@pawlux.com (Paw Luxury) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:11:00 +0000

When your dog is diagnosed with cancer, you may feel a sense of hopelessness. You begin to ask the worrisome question "What can I do?". One of the best things you can do for your dog besides the best proper treatment, love & support is to provide them with a nutritious, healthy diet. Many dogs suffering from cancer will require a special diet high in protein, unsaturated fats, omega 3's and low in complex carbohydrates & sugars. Starve cancer cells by avoiding sugar.

Many pet owners have decided to get out their doggy cookbooks. The debate still continues over raw diet and its cancer fighting benefits. Some pet owners opt to feed their dogs a raw diet, while other suggest that raw meat is never good for a dog undergoing chemotherapy and who has a low immune system. Remember, before you start your dog on any diet, you should consult with your veterinarian or holistic vet first and do your research. Every dog is different and each dog requires individualized care.

Its important that after the cancer diagnoses that your dog stays on your vets consistent & strict cancer fighting diet. This will increase your dogs chances of survival & prognosis. Like humans, a good diet also helps to boost & strengthen dogs immune system. Here are some tips to ensure your dog has a healthy and balanced diet that will help in their fight against cancer.

Its important for your dog to have protein rich food. So, what are some good sources of digestible animal protein?

Feed your dog beef, chicken, turkey, pork, lamb, canned fish such as mackerel, salmon and sardines, eggs and dairy products such as whole fat yogurt and cottage cheese. Some holistic vets suggest that dogs should eat animal proteins and some vegetables, but no foods derived from grains. They believe plant-based grains or proteins promote, rather than restrict, the growth of cancer cells.

Now on to the topic of fat content..

Its important that your dog has good a amount of fat in their diet. Meat is a good source of fat, and the fattiest meats include lamb, pork and goat. When feeding poultry, leave the skin on, which is where most of the fat resides, and use dark meat, which is higher in fat, rather than light meat. Eggs also contain fats. Canned fish is also a good source of fat. Remember that a diet high in saturated fat is very beneficial. Omega 3's found in salmon, fish & flaxseed oil can be placed in your dogs food daily (not recommended for dogs undergoing radiation therapy).

Fight Canine Cancer with Nutritious Homemade Dog Recipes

Here are some homemade dog food recipes for canine cancer sufferers from our friends at ehow. Dish up! These recipes are better healthy options then processed foods. Dogs with cancer should avoid commercial dog foods which is high in grains, starches and sugars which fuel cancer cells.

Recipe #1. Mix together 1 scrambled egg, 1/2 cup of steamed broccoli, 1/2 cup of cooked yellow squash and 4 oz. of low-fat yogurt or cottage cheese. Then add meat to the mixture. You may add 1 pound of ground beef or 1 pound of chopped chicken. This recipe will make 2 servings for a 50-pound dog or one serving for a 100-pound dog.

Recipe #2. Mix in a large bowl: 1 can salmon, 1 hard-boiled egg, 1/2 cup of chopped spinach or cabbage, 1/2 cup of carrots and 4 oz. of low-fat cottage cheese. Servings are same as above.

A dog with cancer will understandably lose his appetite, resulting in malnutrition. One simple way to stimulate his appetite is to warm his food up to release the aromas in the food. Make sure before feeding that the food is properly cooled down before serving.

Is your dog or cat a cancer survivor? We would love to hear about your pets heroic winning battle. Give someone suffering the gift of hope! Share your pets story by commenting below.

twitter.com/PawLuxury

Shop www.pawlux.com for eco-friendly, all natural & organic goodies for your new furry family member. We carry a great selection of Odor Free Bully Sticks / Dog Treats / and Dog Toys !

Barking for a Cure: The Canine Cancer Facts & Pet Prevention

Bark@pawlux.com (Paw Luxury) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:26:00 +0000

It is a devastating feeling to find out your furry family member has cancer. We can't imagine the sadness of losing a loved one, your four legged best friend to this terrible life threatening illness. So bark the word that November is Pet Cancer Awareness Month. Lets remember paw pals who lost the cancer battle, celebrate the lives of survivors, and give hope to those suffering.

But there is hope, through continued research & medicine cancer does not have to mean a death sentence for your pet. Making simple lifestyle changes can help your pet fight a good fight and win. Together we can save lives, help support cancer research, spread awareness, educate loving pet owners & promote cancer prevention. Let's see Spot run towards a cure!

The Facts about Canine Cancer

1. Dogs get cancer at the roughly the same rate as humans
2. Approximately 1 in 4 dogs will develop a tumor of some kind during his lifetime
3. Over half the dogs currently aged over 10 years old will die of cancer.
4. Fifteen years ago there was virtually no pet oncology; now the level of dog cancer treatment is similar to human oncology.
5. Available surgery, chemotherapy and radiation treatment is successful in treating many canine cancers.
6. Early detection and effective treatment is essential to give your dog the best possible prognoses.

Early diagnoses is the key to a brighter diagnosis. Recognizing early cancer warning signs and getting proper vet medical care immediately may give your pet a better diagnoses & prolong life. What are the common signs your pet may have cancer?

1. Abnormal swellings that persist or continue to grow
2. Sores that do not heal
3. Weight loss
4. Loss of appetite
5. Bleeding or discharge from any body opening
6. Offensive odor
7. Difficulty eating or swallowing
8. Hesitation to exercise or loss of stamina
9. Persistent lameness or stiffness
10. Difficulty breathing, urinating, or defecating

Preventive Steps Can Save Lives!

Despite the many risk factors facing your dog, there's a lot you can do to help make sure your pet stays cancer free. Although not a 100% foolproof, here are some critical and life saving steps you can take to protect your pets from cancer and allow them to live healthy & happy lives.

1. Visit the Vet: Make sure you and your dog visit the veterinarian on a regular basis for cancer screenings and checkups. The sooner cancer is detected, the sooner it can be treated. This vastly improves the chances that your dog will beat the disease. Vets recommend a checkup every six months for dogs over 7. For younger dogs, an annual exam is a safe precautionary measure.

2. Doggy Exercise: To stay healthy, dogs need regular exercise. Exercise strengthens immunity to a range of diseases, including cancer and reduces stress. In fact, overweight pets are twice as likely to develop cancer than their healthy counterparts. Ensuring that your dog leads an active & stress free, mental & physical stimulating lifestyle can reduce their cancer risk.

3. Avoid Chemical Exposure: As loving and responsible pet owners it is our duties to provide our pets with a nurturing and safe environment to live & grow. There are many known carcinogens that your dog interacts with everyday in and outside the home.

One key to cancer prevention is to keep your pet away from herbicides, insecticides, harsh chemicals and tobacco smoke. In doing so you can make sure they won't develop cancer from chemical exposure. Instead of using toxic house and garden products, choose non-toxic all natural household cleaning & gardening products. Not to mention keep your pets away from secondhand smoke.

When sudsing up your pup opt for all natural, non-toxic, chemical free flea solutions, spa and grooming products. Conventional pet bathing products can contain toxic chemicals you would normally avoid for yourself – parabens, sodium lauryl sulfates, cocomide DEA, cocomide MEA, TEA lauryl sulfate and propylene glycol. Known to irritate skin and contribute to a variety of cancer.

4. Spay and Neuter Pets. Simply spaying or neutering your dog can decrease their cancer risk. For females spaying your dog before her first heat or birthday reduces her risk of uterine infections, reproductive ovarian and breast cancer. While males have a decreased chance of being diagnosed with prostate & testicular cancer.

5. Prevent Sunburn. While all dogs can get sunburned and become a burnt hot-dog, short-haired and light-haired dogs carry a greater risk for developing skin cancers caused by overexposure to sunlight. Dogs need sunscreen just like their owners. Rub a bit on your dog's nose and ears.

6. Avoid Contaminated Water. Keep your pet from drinking stagnant water in street puddles, which can contain cancer-causing toxins. Change your pets water daily, and make sure the bowl is clean and fresh.

7. Give your dog Self-Examinations on a regular basis after a grooming session. Feel for unusual lumps or other skin abnormalities. Check the dog's teeth and gums and observe his gait as he walks. Report any changes in appearance or behavior to your veterinarian immediately.

8. Give daily vitamins & supplements. Vitamin and mineral supplements can help boost your dog's immune system and help prevent cancer. Antioxidant supplements include vitamins A, C, and E, beta carotene, lycopene, and mineral selenium. Fish & Salmon oil is chalked full of Omega 3's & anti-oxidants can be given to your dog daily to help in the prevention of cancer and support dogs immune system.

9. Healthy diet- Diet plays a vital role in ensuring optimal health and building a robust immune system. Many commercial dog foods & treats are made up of questionable ingredients such as animal-by-product, poultry fat and split grains. Allergens and genetically modified crops such as corn and wheat are also often used. These ingredients often contain high levels of toxin and carcinogens.

So, when perusing the pet food aisle spend a little extra time reading the labels & ingredients. Remember you can't put a price on your dog's or cat health. Opt for high quality premium dog or cat food with no artificial preservatives and additives. Choosing a holistic and all natural dog food benefits outweigh the cost and in the long run you will be rewarded with lower vet bills. A huge savings to you!

Monitoring what goes in your pets mouth is your best bet for safeguarding your dog's and cat's overall health. Dogs should eat high protein diets with minimal carbohydrates - high quality kibble ensures that your dog's food is free from poisonous elements like fluoride, melamine and hormones. Kibbles made up of free-range meat and organic vegetables can help avoid these problems.

Is your dog or cat a cancer survivor? We would love to hear about your pets heroic winning battle. Give someone suffering the gift of hope! Share your pets story by commenting below.

twitter.com/PawLuxury

Shop www.pawlux.com for eco-friendly, all natural & organic goodies for your new furry family member. We carry a great selection of Odor Free Bully Sticks / Dog Treats / and Dog Toys !

Natural Flea Control: DIY All Natural Herbal Dog Flea Powder

Bark@pawlux.com (Paw Luxury) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:00:00 +0000

Fleas are a pest to you and your pet and sometimes it may seem like a never ending battle. Although commercial flea medication may work fast and are intended to kill flea infestation, there is a downside. They contain toxic chemicals & insecticides that are harsh on your dogs skin & coat and can cause serious illness.

So, lets take an all natural approach that is both good for your dog and the earth. We were so excited to come across this do it yourself all natural, safe and eco-friendly alternative Herbal Flea Powder that repel fleas and is harmless to your dog.

Herb Ingredients

Eucalyptus
Rosemary
Lavender
Fennel
Yellow Dock
Pennyroyal

Directions

1. Combine as many of these herbs you can find.

2. Mix together equal parts of each herb in a shaker jar

3. Brush your pets coat backward with your hand or a comb while sprinkling the powder onto the base of the hair. Apply sparingly, paying special attention to the neck, back and belly

4. Put your pet outside for a little while after appyling so these tailbitting pest will flea outside the home and not your carpet of furniture.

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Shop www.pawlux.com for eco-friendly, all natural & organic goodies for your new furry family member. We carry a great selection of Odor Free Bully Sticks / Dog Treats / and Dog Toys !

5 most Common Reasons for Dog Tear Stains & Solution

Bark@pawlux.com (Paw Luxury) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 17:39:00 +0000

We came across such a wonderful blog post on tearstains by our friends at Happytails Spa and wanted to share it with you. In this post they bark about the cause of tearstains and an all natural drug free solution. We are so proud to offer Happytails all natural, effective and safe problem solution dog spa products on www.pawlux.com.

Most owners of small white dogs take great pride in keeping their dogs spotlessly clean. You can imagine then how frustrating it is to have to deal with those annoying tear stains below the eyes. If you’ve ever seen a dog with red or brown marks in the areas around and just under the eyes, you’ve seen a dog that is suffering from tear staining .

The staining can matte around the dog’s eyes and leave a gooey, thick mess that is hard to clean. Most people assume that the stains are caused by excessive moisture from the dog’s eyes and that they’re just a fact of life. In fact though, tear stains have many different causes, and figuring out the root of the problem could end up saving you some work and also improve your dog’s life.

1. Ear Infections

Tear staining can be linked back to ear infections, so it’s important to keep your dog’s ears as clean and dry as possible. If you notice that your dog is getting a lot of ear infections which also coincide with excessive tearing, the two are probably related. Use a good cleansing product to make sure the ears are clean and your dog’s tear stains might be reduced as a result.

2. Allergies

Dogs can experience reactions to thing just like humans, and tear staining can often be a reaction to allergens or irritants. In fact, some dogs will suffer reactions to their food which will change the pH level in your dog’s system which in turn can cause excessive tearing. If you notice that your dog’s tear stains get worse in certain situations than it might be an environmental factor that is adding to the problem.

3. Blocked Tear Ducts

Some dogs are born with tear ducts that are closed which need to be surgically opened by a vet, but this isn’t the only way a duct can be blocked. At times, a dog can develop clogged tear ducts which can add to excessive tearing, and unfortunately, a trip to the vet will be needed to irrigate the ducts. Luckily, this isn’t a very common problem, but if you suspect clogged tear ducts, it should be taken care of, lest your dog suffer unnecessarily.

4. Red Yeast

One of the biggest causes of tear staining is from a dog having an excessive amount of tears. This high level of moisture can keep the hair around the face wet, which then becomes an area where fungus can breed. One of the most common forms is called Red Yeast, which causes a yeast infection around the eyes and leads to the brownish-red stains that you sometimes see on dogs.

5.Water

Some waters contain a high mineral content, which can cause staining on a dog’s entire face and beard. A lot of moisture can remain on the face trapped in the hairs after a dog drinks, which can be moved to eye level by the dog trying to lick his face clean. And, if the mineral content is high, it will increase the level of red-brown staining on a dog’s face. If you notice both tear stains and a discolored beard, try switching your dog’s water to combat the problem.

Red or brown tear stains are not attractive to look at, and they can be a symptom of a larger problem. If your dog has excessive staining around they eyes and on its face, it might be worth looking into what the cause of the staining is.

Why So Sad?

If your dog has a chronic tear staining problem, it’s a good idea to have him checked by your veterinarian. You need to find out if there is an underlying medical problem. Hair rubbing on the eye is painful, and may lead to more serious conditions such as an ulcer on the cornea. Infections usually need a course of antibiotics to clear them up. Stray eyelashes and skin folds which cause hair to rub on the eyes may need corrective surgery. If your dog has any of these problems, you’ll probably notice other symptoms such as squinting, or rubbing at the eye with a paw.

If your dog has a blocked tear duct, sometimes flushing it can help. However, because the problem with the duct is usually related to the dog’s conformation, this doesn’t often improve the situation.

Your only real option is to control the staining.

Dry Those Tears, Eyepack to the Rescue!

Maltese, Bichon Frises, Shih Tzus… all adorable and all prone to brown tear stains around their eyes. The staining is by no means limited to these breeds of dogs; it can occur in many light colored dogs, but particularly the smaller breeds. The good news is that there are things you can do to leave your pampered pet stain-free.

Your first step is to keep the hair around the eyes trimmed nice and short. This helps the hair dry out quicker and slows the growth of any bacteria. Some vets recommend using antibiotics to control the bacteria that cause the staining. This isn’t a good long term solution because you may end up with the bacteria becoming resistant to the antibiotic.

There has been some suggestions that changing a dog’s diet can reduce tear staining. It’s not known if the change in diet has a direct effect on the staining, or whether the tear staining is secondary to a food allergy, and the dietary change reduces the symptoms of that allergy.

There are also many anecdotal cures, such as giving your dog demineralised water to drink, avoiding foods containing beet pulp, and adding buttermilk to the diet. None of these have been proven to consistently make any difference.

Many dog owners prefer a natural product to clear away tear stains. Now you and your pup can shed of tears of joy and say goodbye to unsightly stains and grubby muzzles! Happy Tails Eye Pack does the job beautifully. It contains Eyepads to remove the stain, and Eyemunity , a nutritional supplement to boost your dog’s immune system and help him fight the bacteria which cause staining.

The Eyepads are infused with eyebright, an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic herb, and golden seal, well known for its effectiveness against eye irritation. They also contain colloidal silver, a natural antibiotic which helps to reduce the bacteria on the hair around the eyes. Regular use of the Eye Pack will keep your dog’s eyes sparkling, and his coat white. No more red stains on his face, and no more frustration for you, his hardworking owner!

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Shop www.pawlux.com for eco-friendly, all natural & organic goodies for your new furry family member. We carry a great selection of Odor Free Bully Sticks / Dog Treats / and Dog Toys !

Avoid the Moving Blues: Tips for Calming an Anxious Pet

Bark@pawlux.com (Paw Luxury) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 04:08:00 +0000

Pet anxiety can occur with a new move, changes in the household, stressors or traumatic events. Unfamiliar situations or disruptions in your pet's daily routine can cause your pet to feel uneasy, frightened, restless, whiny, finicky and squirmy.

Some pets may even cope by displaying destructive behavior such as chewing furniture, persistent barking or relieving themselves indoors on your beautiful hard wood floors. But don't worry we have some tips that will help calm your anxious pet naturally.

1. Turn your frown upside down. Although moving can be a stressful situation for you, imagine what your pet must be going through. Avoid showing stress around your pet. Pets have heightened senses and can infact sense when you are stressed out which can impact their well-being. Remember to stay calm, keep your pets daily routine, use your soothing voice and provide lots of cuddle time.

2. Reward your pet for good behavior. When your pet exhibits calm behavior in the place of anxiety, reward her. Give your pet treats or bully sticks to reinforce positive behavior.

3. Did you say fetch? Keep your pet busy with stimulating interactive toys as a distraction. Give your pet something to play with, such as a chew toy, bone or ball. If your pet is occupied, he is less likely to become anxious and go chew crazy.

4. Turn on the soothing tunes! Play soft music or leave a radio or TV on in the background.

5. Keep the routine consistent. As you settle into your new home try to keep the routine as regular as possible. Keep feeding, play time, walks, etc. at the same or similar times. Stick to your previous schedule as closely as you can. This will help keep your pet calm and help him to adapt more easily. Any break in routine can cause anxiety in your pet so being consistent in routine can help to keep your pet calm and content.

6. Give pet time to adapt. You may find that when you and your pet arrive at your new home he or she may go in hiding. Don't worry, just give your pet time & space to sniff, explore and adjust to the new surroundings. You will see your pet come out of hiding and finally become accustom to the new digs.

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Shop www.pawlux.com for eco-friendly, all natural & organic goodies for your new furry family member. We carry a great selection of Odor Free Bully Sticks / Dog Treats / and Dog Toys !

Happy Howl-O-Ween! : Tips for Hosting a Halloween Party for Pets

Bark@pawlux.com (Paw Luxury) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:45:00 +0000

Are you getting ready to throw a howling Howl-O-Ween costume bash for your pups four legged furry guest & their humans? Not only are parties a good way to socialize pets & get to know the neighbors. You can even host a party to help raise money in support of a bark-worthy cause that benefits animal shelters, rescues and pets in need.

Well, whatever the occasion here are some tips that will make your Halloween pet party spook-tacular and memorable!

1. Invitations! Use invites that coordinate with your decorations, costume party theme and general feeling of your party. You can never go wrong with orange and black or edible invitations. Ideas include images of doggie bones, paws or pumpkins which can be stamped or stickered on the invitations. When addressing the invite to your pets furry friends make sure to include date and time, location and how to RSVP. To get pups excited reward your guest with prizes for the best pet/human duo, weirdest, spookiest, cutest or original costume.

2. Dog-friendly Decorations. Your Halloween decorations should be spooky, scary and pet friendly. Instead of an open flame in the jack-o’-lantern, opt for battery-powered, kid- and pet-friendly pumpkins. Open-flame candles and pumpkins with lit candles are especially dangerous because a pet’s fur can catch fire. Also, don't forget to set the mood with spooky music.

3. Location, Location! Pick a venue for your dog Halloween party, a fenced in backyard is a great option. Outdoor festivities keeps clean-up easy, family heirlooms safe, and allow dogs more room to roam, mingle and play. If deciding to have your party in doors, keep guest list to a minimum since clean up may not be a breeze and your party may quickly get out of hand. Whether out door or indoors designate a potty area, making sure to have ample amounts of poop bags & clean-up supplies on hand.

4. Serve refreshments. Make sure to have a variety of Halloween themed treats & full water bowls available. You can even speak with your local dog bakery who specialize in baking pup cakes and treats just for dogs made from human grade dog-friendly ingredients. Since, you will be inviting humans as well, make sure you have food for the people.

5. Playtime & Games. Include activities that both people and their dogs will enjoy. You can have a puppy parade, a costume contest, a trick or treat scavenger hunt to find the bone, or a simple game of fetch will do. One idea is a pumpkin catching contest with orange and black tennis balls. Have each pet owner toss the tennis balls to their dog and the duo that catches the most wins a prize of dog chews, homemade dog treats, dog toys or goody bag. You can even have a timed retrieving race. As long as playtime is on the list of festivities dogs and people will have a blast.

6. Take lots of mutt shots! Designate someone that isn't dog-handling to be the photographer or videographer, and take lots of photos. Fun photos sent home with each pet along with their doggie bags filled with treats & eats will be a nice & memorable party favor.

ENTER our Boo-tastic Howl-O-Ween Pet Photo Costume Contest & Win Trick or Treats!

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Shop www.pawlux.com for eco-friendly, all natural & organic goodies for your new furry family member. We carry a great selection of Odor Free Bully Sticks / Dog Treats / and Dog Toys !

ENTER our Boo-tastic Howl-O-Ween Pet Photo Costume Contest & Win Trick or Treats!

Bark@pawlux.com (Paw Luxury) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 18:05:00 +0000

Hey all you furry trick-or-treaters dressed as Cape Crusaders, Princesses, Darth Vaders, barking iphones, Witches & Vampires. Don't forget to tell your humans to enter our Boo-tastic Howl-O-Ween Pet Photo Costume Contest. So cats, dogs & anipals sort through your album and enter your most funniest, sassiest, cutest, be-witching, best human impersonation & scary costume pics.

3 winners will be awarded based on top votes.

Submit your Howl-O-Ween Pet Costume photo via Twitter @pawluxury or email bark@pawlux.com.

Deadline: Picture Submission ends 10/29 and voting begins. Top 3 winners will be announced on 10/31

Prizes: Top 3 winners will receive a goody box of eco-friendly tricks & treats from www.pawlux.com.

Rules: Only 1 photo per household per dog, 1 vote per person.

Contest Details: Once all photos are submitted and submission ends we will post a new blog showcasing all BOO-tastic photos. At that time you and your friends can vote on the best Halloween Pet Costume photo.

But don't forget to bark the word that your pets "Boo-tastic" photo has been entered. You can promote and bark the word to your friends. Spread the word on twitter, facebook, etc that your dog has entered so they can vote for you.

HOW TO ENTER

1. Follow PawLuxury on Twitter.com

2. Submit your Howl-O-Ween Pet Costume Photo via Twitter @pawluxury or email us at bark@pawlux.com.

3. Retweet to your friends - Copy and paste this into Twitter:

ENTER www.pawlux.com Boo-tastic Howl-O-Ween Pet Photo Contest. Tweet @pawluxury or email to submit pic. http://bit.ly/21mjRz

Thanks and have fun & get submitting! May the best costumes win!!

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Shop www.pawlux.com for eco-friendly, all natural & organic goodies for your new furry family member. We carry a great selection of Odor Free Bully Sticks / Dog Treats / and Dog Toys !

Happy Howl-O-Ween! Halloween Pet Safety Tips for Pet Owners

Bark@pawlux.com (Paw Luxury) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 15:44:00 +0000

BOO!! Howl-O-Ween can be a fun & festive time for you and miniature werewolves, ghost & goblins trick-or-treaters. But do keep in mind some pets are easily spooked and frightened by haunted houses, bumps in the night, costume parties, gruesome ear piercing screams, spiderwebs, howling, Headless Horseman & Count Dracula look-a-likes. Constant ringing of door bells, opened doors & commotion can cause your pet to be agitated.

Pets are creatures of habits and can become scared by unaccustomed sights & sounds. With the help of our friends at the ASPCA we were able to compile a list of Halloween pet safety tips so your dog or cat doesn't become a scaredy cat on the run. With these simple tips you and your entire family can enjoy the tricks and treats that are en-store.

1. Don't Indulge Your Pets Sweet tooth in other words "No tricks, No treats". Although it is customary to give your dog a treat after performing a trick. Remember that bowlful of candy is for trick-or-treaters, not for Scruffy and Fluffy.

Chocolate in all forms—especially dark or baking chocolate—can be very dangerous for dogs and cats. Symptoms of significant chocolate ingestion may include vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, increased thirst, urination and heart rate—and even seizures.
Candies containing the artificial sweetener xylitol can be poisonous to dogs. Even small amounts of xylitol sweetener can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar, which leads to depression, lack of coordination and seizures. In cases of significantly low blood sugar, liver failure has been known to occur.
Ingesting tin foil and cellophane candy wrappers can pose a choking hazard or cause intestinal blockage.

*Instead tempt your pet with some of his or her favorite all natural treats. Feel free to trick or treat for healthy eco alternatives for your furry friend on www.pawlux.com.

2. Jack-O-Lanterns Beware of Dog! Popular Halloween plants such as pumpkins and decorative corn are considered to be relatively nontoxic, yet they can produce gastrointestinal upset should pets ingest them. Intestinal blockage could even occur if large pieces are swallowed.

3. Inform your pet that wires are not chew toys, who are we kidding. Be on the safe side and keep wires and cords from electric lights and other decorations out of reach of your pets. If chewed, your pet could experience damage to his mouth from shards of glass or plastic, or receive a possibly life-threatening electrical shock.

4. Place live flame decorations out of paws reach. A carved pumpkin certainly is festive, but do exercise extreme caution if you choose to add a candle. Pets can easily knock a lit pumpkin over and cause a fire. Curious kittens especially run the risk of getting burned or singed by candle flames.

5. Dress-up can be a big mess-up for some pets. Please don't put your dog or cat in a costume UNLESS you know he or she loves it (yup, a few pets are real hams!). For pets who prefer their “birthday suits,” however, wearing a costume can cause undue stress.

6. Make sure pet costume is safe. If you do dress up your pet, make sure the costume isn't annoying or unsafe. It should not constrict the animal's movement or hearing, or impede his ability to breathe, bark or meow. Also try on costumes before the big night. If your pet seems distressed, allergic or shows abnormal behavior, consider letting him go au naturel or donning a festive bandana.

7. Make sure pet costume has no defects. Take a closer look at your pet’s costume and make sure it does not have small, dangling or easily chewed-off pieces that he could choke on. Also, ill-fitting outfits can get twisted on external objects or your pet, leading to injury.

8. Create Safe Haven & Refuge. Unless your pet is ultra friendly and doesn't mind loud noises, music and lots of people playing dress up. All but the most social dogs and cats should be kept in a separate room away from the front door during peak trick-or-treat visiting hours. Too many strangers can be scary and stressful for pets. Place your pet in a room with food and water for the night and check in on them and give potty breaks.

9. Keep eye out for escaping pets & four legged house jail breakers. When opening the door for trick-or-treaters, take care that your cat or dog doesn't dart outside. Make sure windows are closed so your dog or cat doesn't get the itch to flea the scene. DON'T leave dog outside.

10. IDs, please! Always make sure your dog or cat has proper identification. If for any reason your pet escapes and become lost, a collar and tags and/or a microchip can increase the chances that he or she will be returned to you.

11. Don't let the family dog accompany the kids on their trick-or-treat outing. Children may have a difficult time handling a pet during the festivities and your pooch could get loose, especially if your dog is spooked by the strange sights and sounds of trick-or-treaters.

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The Moving Blues: Tips on How to Help Your Pet Adjust to a Move

Bark@pawlux.com (Paw Luxury) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 14:16:00 +0000

If you haven't already realized pets are creatures of habit and love daily routines & stability. Often times moving to a new home or new situations can be stressful for anyone. We all know what its like to have the moving blues when rooms are filled with boxes upon boxes.

But moving with your beloved pet, although a joyous occasion and exciting adventure, can be a challenge. Like humans, packing, unpacking and the unfamiliar can be quite frightening and stressful for pets. Here are a few simple tips to help minimize your pets anxiety, acclimate them quickly and keep them safe during a move.

1. Microchips- Make sure you update your dogs or cats microchip contact information. You never know when your pet will get the itch to wander & sight see around the new neighborhood and get lost in transit.

2. Refuge- When packing and unpacking create a safe haven refuge area for your dog or cat to relax and de-stress. Setting the mood with soothing music will keep your pet calm amidst the constant moving commotion.

3. Welcome- Get out the welcome mat immediately. Pets feel safe when they are around the familiar. Unpack their bed, bowls, treats & toys so your pet feels right at home.

4. Explore- Pets are inquisitive and love to explore & sniff their surroundings. Spend sometime walking your dog through the neighborhood and home so he or she can identify the new smells of their new home sweet home.

5. Be prepared- Make sure you know where the nearest vet hospital is for emergency situations, expect the unexpected.

6. Set up home- If possible move your pet into your new home already arranged and unpacked, since chaos & clutter can cause any pet to go barking mad. Familiar furniture will make you, your pet and home fill more settled and lived in.

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Introducing Our FREE Affiliate Program-Earn 15% Commission on All Sales!!

Bark@pawlux.com (Paw Luxury) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 14:06:00 +0000

You barked, begged and was on your best doggy behavior, so we answered the call! Its finally here, we are excited to launch our anticipated Affiliate Program the highest in the industry. Link to Paw Luxury and start earning $$ today while doing your part to promote healthy pets & spread green awareness!

Do you have a Website and customers/followers who love to treat and pamper their dogs? Are you a pet rescue, animal shelter or charity trying to raise awareness & money for your bark-worthy cause? Perhaps, you just want to earn extra money during these economic hardships. Join the Pawlux.com Affiliate Program to earn money for your cause while adding value to your own website. Every time you send us a customer who buys our products, you earn 15% on the sale (excluding shipping charges)

How do I get started today?
With the PawLux.com Affiliate Program, you can make money by simply linking to PawLux.com from your Website. It's easy and FREE to join. Just apply, add a PawLux.com logo or text link to your Website, and start earning rewards. Each time a visitor clicks from your site to PawLux.com to purchase items using their credit card over the Internet, you earn 15% per item sold. You are not responsible for fulfillment, customer service, or shipping. An unbiased 3rd party tracks the sales generated from your site.

Why should you become a PawLux.com affiliate?
1. Earn 15% commission on every item sold, for orders originating from your Website.

2. Becoming an affiliate is completely free and super easy!

3. You will have access to online reports detailing your success. Check your earnings and traffic reports in real-time, anytime.

4. Fill in some of that extra space on your website- on top, on the side and at the bottom.

How do I join? It's easy!

We want to be the first to welcome you to our family & pack.

1. Read and Accept the Affiliate Agreement
2. Fill out the easy online application
3. We'll send you an email detailing your approval status.
4. Download and use one or more of our approved banner(s).
5. Put up the logo and link to our site, and you're in business!

Need more answers? See our list of Common Affiliate Questions.

Still have questions? Please Email our Affiliate Relations Dept. at bark@pawlux.com.

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Shop www.pawlux.com for eco-friendly, all natural & organic goodies for your new furry family member. We carry a great selection of Odor Free Bully Sticks / Dog Treats / and Dog Toys !

Funny & Adorable Dog Video: The Pug Head Tilt

Bark@pawlux.com (Paw Luxury) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 13:20:00 +0000

We have all had conversations with our pups and find the conversation can be quite amusing to say the least. Especially when your dogs begins to tilt his or her head as though asking the question "What do you mean?". We came across this wonderful Youtube video where three star pugs, Mabel, Minnie and Max demonstrate the endearing "Pug Head Tilt."

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How to Care For A Dehydrated Sick Dog & Frozen Hydration Treat Ideas

Bark@pawlux.com (Paw Luxury) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Got Water? Water is essential to humans and pets living a healthy & happy life. When dog's becomes ill it is so easy for them to become dehydrated & lethargic.

It is important that you constantly hydrate your dog back to health. Here are some simple tips on how to care for a dehydrated sick dog and get him on the road to recovery & back to his old tricks again.

1. Seek help of a certified vet. Your dog may be too ill or dehydrated for you to nurse her back to health and made need vet observation of emergency assistance.

2. Ready Set Hydrate! Place your dog on a strict water diet by hydrating your sick dog every 1/2 hour to an hour. If your dog is refusing to drink it is important for you to be persistent. Your dog may be to weak to drink on his or her own so bringing your sick dog water throughout the night is important.

3. Electrolytes to the Rescue! Make your dog a 5o/50 mixture of Gatorade & water. Gatorade contains sugar and electrolytes that help your dog's body hydrate better.

4. Hydrate with a dropper. You can use a store bought plastic dropper to administer fluid. Your dog may be to weak to suck on the dropper. So one trick is to place the dropper in the corner of her mouth and push it in about 1/2 an inch. Squeeze the dropper and release the fluid in the back of the throat. Hold your puppy's head up for a second or two after each squirt to make sure she gets all of the fluid.

5. Chicken & Rice Diet. Stick to a very simple diet of rice that has been really saturated with chicken or beef broth. Giving your puppy regular food could cause him to develop diarrhea and become even more dehydrated.

6. Revisit the vet if health does not improve. If your dog 's condition worsen make sure you go to the vet immediately as a precaution.

Here are some Frozen Treat Ideas to Keep Your Sick Dog Hydrated

1. Ice is not only a nice cool, fun & delicious treat for your dog it is also a great way to hydrate your sick pup. So, get out your ice trays!

2. If your sick dog is not a big fan of ice cubes then you can substitute in frozen chicken stock ice cubes in place of water.

3. Frozen banana slices

Need Help!

Don't forget to use our Is Your Dog Sick? easy drop down menu on our www.pawlux.com homepage to find eco-friendly, healthy, all natural products that with help with your dogs specific ailment.

twitter.com/PawLuxury Shop www.pawlux.com for eco-friendly, all natural & organic goodies for your new furry family member. We carry a great selection of Odor Free Bully Sticks / Dog Treats / and Dog Toys !

Fetch 101: How to Teach Your Old & New Dog A Game of Fetch!

Bark@pawlux.com (Paw Luxury) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Your dog doesn't have to be a golden retriever to enjoy a fun game of fetch. Dogs young & old enjoy a good ball chase. Yes, you can teach an old dog new tricks. Playing fetch is an enjoyable pastime between dogs & their humans.

This fetching game is great exercise, helps release pent up energy, and nurtures the bonding experience. While keeping your dog's waistline trimmed & face happy go lucky. Now its back to the basic for your fetch lesson! With these simple techniques and tips mastered, you are ready to take to the park or beach with your dog and his or her frisbee or tennis ball.

1. Ready, Set, Play! Throw the first ball and let your dog go after it. When your dog starts to come towards you, ask your dog to "drop it."

2. If dog refuses to drop it! If your dog does not drop the ball, stop paying attention to your dog. Instead take out the second ball.

3. Get out Backup ball. Start to have fun with the second ball. Toss it up in the air. Act like you're having a great time with the second ball. Keep doing this until your dog looks at you. If you've done this step correctly, your dog will drop the ball that he/she has and look up at the one you have.

4. Refocus & throw-As soon as your dog drops his/her ball, show the ball you're holding to your dog. As soon as your dog focuses on the ball that you're holding, throw it.

5. Practice make perfect-Repeat the process when your dog comes back to you. Within a short period of time, you'll have your dog retrieving for you.

Here are some eco-friendly safe interactive fetch dog toy options for that fur ball of energy in your life. With just a few throws even the most active, hyper & energetic dog will be dead tired and slumped on the couch, bed or floor. These toys are buoyant & float, perfect for dogs who love the water. Whether by land or by sea these toys are guaranteed durable - even against the most destructive fetchers!

West Paw Bumi

Introducing Būmi - the interactive toy that your dog won’t want to put down! Būmi™ is the active dog’s dream come true, charged with energetic fun! Būmi is so much more than a tug toy - pull, flex, throw, float, and repeat! Guaranteed to last, even against those “destructive dogs” we love! Since Būmi™ is 100% recyclable, this dog toy will never need to be thrown away... except during a game of fetch. Bumi comes in 3 vibrant colors & 2 sizes.

West Paw Huck

Does your dog have the gift of turning any toy into mincemeat pie? Now a toy that can weather the storm & slobber. With a new twist on an old favorite, fetch takes on different bounce ! Made from our extremely durable, one-of-a-kind material, Zogoflex, Huck will keep your dog jumping…literally! Huck comes in 3 vibrant colors & 2 sizes.

West Paw Zisc

Its a bird, Its a plane, No its the Zisc! Not your average Cape Crusader in tights, but here to save the day by making playtime fun. A fresh new idea in the world of flying discs...the Zisc is designed with all the benefits to keep your dog happy.

Perfect toy for dogs learning to catch or those seasoned pros. engineered from incredibly soft, yet durable Zogoflex material, the Zisc is aerodynamic and flies through the air with speed and accuracy. So fast & furious we hope Spot can keep up, making this a great exercise buddy. Zisc comes in 3 vibrant colors.

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How to Easily Administer Pet Pills & Daily Vitamins to Your Dog or Cat

Bark@pawlux.com (Paw Luxury) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 15:32:00 +0000

How do I get my dog or cat to take his pill? This is a common question that many pet owners ask their vet. Dogs & cats have a tendency to outsmart us when it comes to taking & swallowing their daily vitamins & medications. Leaving you with a wet soggy pill in the palm of your hand and dog or cat on the run.

Administering your pets medication can be quite a dramatic challenge for you and torturous experience for your furry friend. If you have or ever owned a pet then you understand what we mean. We have some simple steps to make giving your dog or cat his medication a painless & enjoyable experience. Gone are the days of having to stick your finger down your pets throat. There is a hassle free and easier way to medicate!

1. Get the pill ready in one hand. Make sure your dog or cat doesn't see or the hear the pill container, one look could cause your pet to flee the scene. Approach your pet in a friendly, kind & gentle manner.

2. Get your lap dog or cat in a comfortable position. Either sit on a chair or sit on the floor and have your dog or cat positioned on the floor in front of you or on your lap. The pet should be sitting with it's side to your chest and wrap your arms around your pet in a non-threatening manner.

3. Open Wide! Quickly with pill in one hand, open your dog or cat's mouth. Place one hand over the top of the jaw and the other hand on the underneath side of the jaw. Then lightly & gently press your middle fingers and thumbs into the gums toward the back of the pet's mouth.

4. Place the pill as far back in the pet's mouth. Quickly & gently close your pet's mouth keeping your hands around the pet's mouth to keep it shut so you don't have a pill overboard.

5. Getting your pet to swallow can be a challenge. One trick is to gently blow into the pet's face while lightly tickling the pet's throat. The air in the pet's face will make them swallow. You may need to repeat blowing the air gently into the pet's face a couple times.

6. Praise your pet and reinforce with treat, toy or favorite past time like a brisk walk, game of fetch or tug of woof.

If all else fails & your dog or cat is still being difficult you can do the following:

1. Crush pill or pour capsule content in to your dog's or cat's dish. Stir the powdered medicine or capsule contents in with a little bit of their pet food and mix thoroughly. It is vital that your pet gets his or her complete dose. Before you get our your meat tenderizer and start pounding away, double check to make sure their pills can be administered in this fashion. Sometimes a pill’s package instructions or your vet may strongly advises against it.

2. Up the ante, use pill treats. There are many types of pill pet treats on the market designed specifically to help you administer your pets medication. If you don't have treats on hand you can use a piece of bread.

3. PB loco! Dogs love the irresistible nutty taste of peanut butter. Place the pill in a small spoonful of peanut or smear this gooey delicious treat on the roof of the dog's mouth, just behind his front teeth. This will force him to swallow. Since the peanut butter sticks well to the pill, your dog is less likely to spit it out.

Need Help!

Don't forget to use our Is Your Dog Sick? easy drop down menu on our www.pawlux.com homepage to find eco-friendly, healthy, all natural products that with help with your dogs specific ailment.

twitter.com/PawLuxury Shop www.pawlux.com for eco-friendly, all natural & organic goodies for your new furry family member. We carry a great selection of Odor Free Bully Sticks / Dog Treats / and Dog Toys !

Irritated Itchy Scratchy Pup-How to Treat Eczema in Dogs

Bark@pawlux.com (Paw Luxury) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 14:25:00 +0000

Is your dog having a itchy frenzy? Well, if his hind leg is whirling like a windmill, then it is no surprise that there is a whole lot of scratching going on. Your dog has probably even gotten the nickname Itchy & Scratchy.

If you haven't already realized getting to those hard to itch places can be a quite a challenge due to your pups lack of opposable thumbs. So instead, a dog may itch, lick or bite the bothersome itchy area. Like humans, dogs can develop issues with their skin and are not immune to eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis or the itches.

The incessant scratching, gnawing & biting can be irritating and unbearable for you to watch, but even more so irritating for your pup to experience first hand. They just can't help but scratch away! So you may be wondering what can cause your pup to go in a scratching frenzy.

Well, allergies, fleas or even hot dry weather can trigger an outbreak of canine eczema (or what some dog owners call red mange), which can lead to itchy, scabs, red patches of dry, flaky skin and even an infection. Here are a few tips to help you get your dog's itchy, inflamed skin under control.

1. Seek Vet Help! Take your dog to veterinarian if experiencing constant skin problem. It is important that your dog can be diagnosed properly & treatment can begin. Its vital for the vet to rule out any other underlining problems like parasites, fleas or mange.

2. Fight the War on Fleas- Flea infestation is one of the most common causes of eczema in dogs. Apply an all natural topical flea treatment to the dog that does not contain toxic chemicals but will do the job. Keep in mind that commercial flea repellents can be just as harmful to your dog as the fleas that plague them; sure they may get to the bite of the problem & work fast. But the down side is that commercial flea repellents contain chemicals and insecticides, which are toxic to your dog and can cause serious illness. This is especially true for sensitive dogs who sometimes suffer from skin irritations and allergic reactions.

Also, give your house & yard a flea free green clean sweep by treating your flea ridden home with all natural flea traps, safe eco-friendly insecticides, & eucalyptus leaves. Don't forget to wash your dog bedding in hot water with strong soap, and vacuum the entire house, paying particular attention to the corners and baseboards, where fleas like to hide. But like anything, the key to flea control is prevention, so ready your arsenal of natural flea repellents, sprays & shampoos!

3. Snoop in Your Dogs Dish! Sometimes, eczema can be caused by an allergic reaction to specific dog food or ingredients. It would be a good idea to change your dog's diet for 3 to 4 weeks, to see if the skin issue will go away. Sticking with simple ingredients will make the ruling out process even easier. Boiled and shredded meats with rice and mixed vegetables is a tail wagging pleasure. Then, when your pup returns to their normal diet, be as watchful as a guard dog for signs of recurrent eczema symptoms. If the symptoms reappear, that will be a sure sign that you need to permanently switch to a different brand of dog food.

4. Suds up & groom your Pup w/ soothing hypoallergenic, all natural spa products. Wash the dog in a gentle shampoo & conditioner that are not only sensitive to your pup but the earth. Choose a shampoo specifically formulated to relieve itchy skin or that is labeled "for sensitive skin". After the bath, make sure the dog is dried properly and brushed well. Remember, that to many bathes can dry out your pups skin & coat and cause your dog to itch like crazy. So, only bath your muddy paw dirty pup when necessary. Bathe your dog less often in the winter, and remember to keep them well brushed.

5. Natural Remedy. Apply aloe vera gel to inflamed areas. Alternatively, you can make a tea from marigolds and apply it to the dog's skin to reduce the itch, soothe irritation and promote the growth of healthy skin. The tea is made by placing 3 flowers in 1 cup of boiling water. Allow the mixture to stand for 10 minutes. Remove the flowers and wait for the brew to cool. Swab the tea over the affected area with a cotton ball.

6. Get out the clippers & trim your dog's toenails. By making the nails blunt, you reduce the risk of your dog making things worse by constantly scratching an itchy area. To much scratching can rupture your pups skin infected area and slow the healing process.

7. Take Vitamins & Supplements. To keep a dog's skin healthy, look into giving your dog an anti inflammatory supplement such as omega 3. This powerful fatty acid can do wonders for keeping eczema under control, and a dog's skin soft.

Since eczema can be caused by allergies, here is a helpful diagram below that will help you recognize allergy symptom & determine if your dog has an allergy.

Need Help!

Don't forget to use our Is Your Dog Sick? easy drop down menu on our www.pawlux.com homepage to find eco-friendly, healthy, all natural products that with help with your dogs specific ailment.

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Sick As A Dog? Tips on Boosting Your Pets Immune System

Bark@pawlux.com (Paw Luxury) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 18:32:00 +0000

Like humans dogs can also feel a little bit under the weather when a virus or infection strikes. So, whats a loving owner to do? When your pet falls ill it important to boost their immune system so they can fight foreign invasions.

Remember that dogs are social creatures by nature and always on the go. Putting them at higher risk for coming in contact with toxins & pollutants that could wreak havoc on their vulnerable immune systems. But no worries here are some preventive steps you can take to promote your dogs wellness, build up their immune systems & be a responsible guardian.

1. Clean & Fresh Water-Keeping you dog's water dish full with fresh clean water is key. Filtering the water is highly recommended as tap water contains chemicals that can hurt the internal systems of your pet. By making sure that they are getting lots to drink, you will know that they are getting what they need to flush out the dangerous toxins that may have entered their system, which in turn will help keep the vital organs working the way they are supposed too.

2. Daily supplement-Adding a daily supplement can help with your dog's immune system. Make sure that it contains important vitamins, minerals, and other special herbs. Look at the labels to determine what they contain to ensure that you are getting something appropriate for your pet. Vitamins A, C, E and the mineral selenium are ones to keep in mind when doing this. Proper supplement that meets your dog needs will ensure a strong immune system.

3. Eat healthy-Make sure that before you let your dog chow down to read the label first. Often times some commercial foods are lacking in the area of nutrition. We such taking a holistic approach and opt for organic, all natural, human grade dog food that are free of animal by-products, hormones, artificial preservatives & ingredients. Things that you would normally not eat. Sure, the organic route can at times be a bit more pricier, but the money that you will save on vet bills makes up for it.

4. Add Yogurt to Your Dogs Diet-You can also buy plain unflavored yogurt that contains acidophilus. Add a tablespoon of yogurt to your dog's meal twice daily. For larger dogs (dog's larger than 100 lbs.) add 2 tablespoons. Stir the yogurt into your dogs food so it's well incorporated.

Natural Remedies to the Rescue!

But just like humans, a dogs strong immune systems must develop over time. Beside annual vet visits and caring for your pets health & wellness. There are several herbs, vitamins & minerals that work wonders to give your dogs immune system a boost:

1. Vitamin A is essential for the natural protection of your dog's skin which is their first line of attack. It plays a critical role in both the repairing and the protection processes of the tissues that surround the mouth, nose, throat, as well as the lungs. It is also essential in fighting eye infections and maintaining eyesight.

2. Vitamin C is an antioxidant and helps the immune system naturally in several ways. It helps both protect against both bacterial as well as viral infections. It also helps to heal wounds and scar tissues naturally as it strengthens blood vessels; and in the process also helps your dogs systems protect against hemorrhaging.

Not to mention it produces collagen, a type of protein that assists in supporting several body tissues. It helps the skin, bones, tendons, and muscles. It also helps to protect internal organs and aids both forms of your pet's immune systems.

3. Vitamin E also know as the miracle vitamin for dogs as it assists vitamin A from breaking down and combining with foreign substances that may cause autoimmunity in your pet. It aids both the innate and the adaptive systems in protecting against attacks on the cardiovascular functions in your dog as well as protecting against aging and cancer.

4. Zinc mineral is present in almost every tissue of your dogs body and is absolutely essential as a natural treatment for dogs immune systems as it builds blood circulation, as well as the brain and nervous system functions. It also helps in the synthesis of both protein and nucleic acid.

Nucleic acid is what makes the memory of the adaptive system work. It allows organisms to transfer genetic information form one generation to the next. Without this natural treatment, your dog's second line of defense will not function properly.

5. Copper is a mineral is found in every tissue of your dog's body. Copper is essential for the forming of both hemoglobin and red blood cells, as well as assisting several enzymes that break down as well as build up body tissue in your pet. It also surrounds nerve fibers and works in harmony with Vitamin C to form elastin in your pet's muscle fibers.

6. Echinacea extract is a herb that acts as a natural supplement which helps to purifying your dog's blood. In doing so, it stimulates the immune system to help fight both viral and bacterial infections. It acts as an interferon which is produced naturally by your dog. Interferon is a group of glycol-proteins manufactured by different cells and react to different attacks. It is an essential herb in building the adaptive immune system & boosting the lymphatic system.

7. Viscum album (Mistletoe) - It is known for its ability to improve the immune system of animals. It also keeps your dog's blood pressure levels under control.

8. Sylibum marianus (Milk Thistle) - It is one of the most commonly used herbs in natural medicine. It strengthens your dog's liver. It contains flavonoids which fight the free radicals which damage your dog's external and internal organs. Without milk thistle, your dog's immunity boost plan is not complete.

9. Withania somnifera (Indian ginseng) - It has a restorative effect on your dog's body. It promotes good health and vitality in dogs. It also nourishes your dog's blood.

10. Uncaria tormentosa (Cat's Claw) - It increases your dog's disease resistance capacity and makes it strong enough to defend against various diseases.

Here are some all-natural products that will help give your dogs immune system a boost!

1. Fuzzyard Eucalyptus Lemon Immunity Blend

This all natural fragrance blend contaisn no harsh chemicals or additives. It works as an immune booster, wards off infection and creates a healthy environment for your dog

2. Organic Pet Superfood Super Immunity Formula Supplement

Provides a complete nutritional defense against the onslaught of invading internal free radicals and external stresses such as nutritionally inadequate food, environmental and situational stresses. In addition to supercharging your dogs immune system the Super Immunity Formula works to promote healthy joints, improved digestion and the maintenance of a beautiful coat.

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Is Your Dog Lethargic, Sluggish, Tired or Fatigued? Facts, Tips & Advice About Pet Lethargy

Bark@pawlux.com (Paw Luxury) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 13:55:00 +0000

You and your dog have something in common, you both get dog gone tired & lethargic and just want to hit the snooze button. For that boost of energy in the morning you grab a cup of coffee, an energy bar, take your daily vitamins or have a hearty breakfast for that extra pick me up. But what's a dog to do? Well, we are here to answer just that!

Is your dog, once a fur ball of energy, constantly tired and all he wants to do is be a couch potato? Does Fido sleep all day and hogs the remote? If your dog is like most lethargic pups not even a persuasive enticing game of fetch, brisk walk, arrival of the mailman, a siren, or a taunting stray cat gets him excited. He's to tired to even bark & lift his snout.

Being the loving pet owner you are, you've even tried to lure him of his dog bed with all his favorite foods but all has failed. His body continues to remain motionless as you wave a yummy morsel in front of his nose. You are probably thinking that it will take a miracle or forklift to get him off the couch and back to his playful ways. Sure you love timeouts & lounging on the couch with your best friend, but truth be told you do miss your normally energetic dog's zest for life.

What is lethargy? Lethargy is decreased energy levels.

What are the warning signs your dog is lethargic?

Tire easily
Reluctant to play, walk, eat, drink, or do other things that he used to enjoy doing.
Don't take outdoor potty breaks as often, resulting in "accidents" in the house or on his bed.
sleep a lot
Lost interest and enthusiasm in almost everything.

**Don't hesitate to seek vet assistance if symptoms persist these could be the warning signs for something more serious. **

So, what can cause your dog to be lethargic & sluggish? Well with the help of a certified vet, it important to pinpoint potential culprits so you can remedy the situation. Sickness, depression & injury can bring on your dogs lethargic ways and should not be taken lightly. Before you can tackle lethargy it is important to dig deep for the root cause. Here are some common cause of lethargy:

1. Anemic pup- If your pup lacks enough red blood cells to transport oxygen to different parts of the dog's body, then he or she has anemia. Anemia leads to lack of oxygen making a dog lethargic. Anemia can be caused by flea infestations, gastrointestinal parasites such as worms, internal bleeding caused by ulcers or other conditions (e.g. poisoning, clotting disorders, bone marrow disorders, cancer).

2. Aches & Pains- If you had aches & pains you probably wouldn't want to leave the couch. Pain caused by injuries or physical problems can make a dog lethargic & not wanting to move. Just keep in mind that if your pup has sustained an injury, then his or her body's resources and energy are probably being redirected to the injured area for healing. Therefore your dog may not have sufficient resources or energy for normal day to day activities. Pain can arise from dental disease; ear inflammation; bone, joint, or spinal diseases; gastrointestinal obstruction; pancreatitis; urinary tract disorders; and eye diseases, such as glaucoma and corneal ulcers.

3. Obesity- Overweight dogs are less likely to move around and engage in activities since it simply takes too much effort and energy! Lack of exercise will cause anyone to feel tired & sleepy. Exercise is key to improved mobility and heightened energy levels. So, get your dog to break a sweat on the treadmill or take a walk around the dog park.

4. Poor Diet -Lack of well balanced diet. Malnutrition & insufficient quality diet can lead to decreased nutrient absorption resulting in weight loss & lethargy. So, make sure you are feeding your dog food that promotes his overall well being & health. Throw away the mystery meat & go for the real thing!

5. Aging Canine-Older dogs naturally have less energy than young puppies and they tend to move slower due to achy joints. They are more prone to suffer from such age-related ailments as heart failure and liver disease, which can also make a dog lethargic.

6. Depression-A dog may become lethargic simply because of a lack of stimulation & socialization! Dogs that are cooped up in the house all day with out companionship, bonding time or paw pals will naturally feel bored, depressed & lethargic. It is important that your dog gets enough play time and outside interaction with you, other humans and furry friends. So a doggie play date or day at the dog park is in order!

7. Infectious Disease such as canine distemper and parvovirus infection.

8. Endocrine disorders. Hormonal conditions as hypothyroidism, a common disease in dogs that causes a slowed metabolism and lethargy. As well as other disorders such as Addison’s disease, Cushing’s syndrome, and diabetes mellitus can lead to lethargy & fatigue.

9. Hypoglycemia- Your dog's lack of energy may be due to low blood sugar caused by severe infection, insulin-secreting pancreatic tumors, liver disease, or starvation.

Mother Nature Knows Best!!

Various herbs such as ginseng & rosemary have been effective in boosting a dogs energy levels for the weak & fatigue. As well as helping pup young & old recover from illness or surgery. Here are some all-natural lethargic remedies & products that will help energize & put pep back in your dogs wags!

1. Happytails Re-bound herbal Elixer

You’ve pampered the outer hound now nourish the inner dog with all natural elixirs designed to improve canine health from the inside out. Re-Bound helps to recharge your dogs battery and restores normal energy levels after periods of general malaise or inactivity. Turn back the paws of time! It's also the perfect tonic for an older or sluggish dog or a dog who is recovering from an operation or illness.

2. Spot Organics Happy Dog Aromatherapy Spray

Is Spot dog-gone tired. Spray a few times on the chest to uplift a depressed dog or increase the appetite of a senior dog

3. Fuzz Yard Organic Rosemary & Peppermint Aromatherapy Refreshing Blend

Pamper, uplift your dog and deodorize your living space all in one spritz! This natural and refreshing blend of organic Rosemary, Peppermint and Aloe Vera essential oils will do the trick. Simply spray the fine mist around the house, on your dog's bed, on furniture or directly on your dog. This unique blend of essential oils helps to create a refreshing environment for you & your dog.

twitter.com/PawLuxury Shop www.pawlux.com for eco-friendly, all natural & organic goodies for your new furry family member. We carry a great selection of Odor Free Bully Sticks / Dog Treats / and Dog Toys !

Announcing New Product Launch: Plato Pet Products Dog Treats & More!!

Bark@pawlux.com (Paw Luxury) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:35:00 +0000

As always our motto at Paw Luxury is "healthy dog, healthy earth, happier life." In order to remain true to our calling we continue to sniff high & low everyday for the best pet product offerings that are good for your pet & the earth. We want to keep our tail wagging fans bellies happy & their drooling taste buds smiling!

So, we are proud to offer Plato Pet Treats to our loyal, valued & tail wagging customers, like you! Plato's philosophy is the highest quality ingredients for the best tasting pet treats they can make.

What will you love about Plato Pet Treats brand?

1. Made in the USA under strict quality standards.
2. Feel good teats you will feel proud & comfortable to giving to your dogs.
3. They use world class ingredients in their line of products. Their Chicken is certified USDA organic.
4. 100% Satisfaction! Give them a try and know that you are feeding the highest quality dog treats on the market

We are proud to launch the Plato Dog treats including 4 yummy flavors that your dog will fall head over paws in love with:
Salmon Strips, Kangaroo Strips , Duck Strips, Chicken Strips

Available in handy 6oz & 16oz resealable pouches.

We also offer Plato's Farmers Market line of 16oz dog treats including 3 drool-worthy flavors:
Sweet potato, Salmon & Vegetable and Chicken & Vegetable

Answer the call of the wild! Introducing Plato's Smart Supplement Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil!!

What could be smarter for your pet than healthier skin and a glossier coat? Not to mention a healthier immune system, better cardiovascular health and healthier brain activity? Just a few drops of our Wild Salmon Oil at mealtime is all it takes. Made from fresh salmon from pure Alaskan waters, for that wild taste dogs love, Cats, too. Plato Salmon Oil is a smart source of natural omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, with no preservatives, ever.

Comes in 16 oz pump for quick, clean & easy dispensing.

twitter.com/PawLuxury Shop www.pawlux.com for eco-friendly, all natural & organic goodies for your new furry family member. We carry a great selection of Odor Free Bully Sticks / Dog Treats / and Dog Toys !

Tips on How to Make Your Dog Stop Humping & Mounting

Bark@pawlux.com (Paw Luxury) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 14:21:00 +0000

Let's start by saying that dogs give the term "public displays of affection" new meaning and aren't shy about it. Dogs are considered "man's best friend", or shall we say "leg's best friend". We all know that embarrassing face redding feeling we have when you have house guest over and your dog takes a fancy to one of their legs. Although this can be viewed as a form of flattery, this situation can get out of control very quickly when your dog refuses to loosen his grip.

Instead he or she goes to town like the energizer bunny, that keeps going and going. Perhaps random passerbyr's, couch pillows, your new furniture & your child's favorite stuff animal has fallen victim to your dogs out of control annoying behavior. Watching your dog get personal with random strangers & household family heirlooms can be quite disturbing, but is not abnormal. So what do you to curb this unsightly jaw dropping behavior. Instead of reaching for the nearest rolled up newspaper to tame your four leg humping friend we have helpful tips.

1. Just say "No" -Remember you are the alpha dog & pack leader. So don't be shy and let your dog know who's boss. A firm "NO" or "STOP" will make your dog aware that this behavior is not appropriate. In order for a verbal correction to work, your dog has to understand that you are the leader. You can also clap your hands to get your dogs attention. Never hit your dog to curb bad behaviour this will only evoke fear & resentment towards you.

2. Spritz Away! Spray your dog with a spritz from a water bottle when he or she starts to exhibit humping & mounting behavior. For experienced dog humpers your may want to carry a spray bottle with you at all times. Having a spray bottle on hand is a gentler way of giving your dog a message that this is not proper pettiquette.

3. The Root of the Matter-Learn the causes for dog humping. Just keep in mind that dog humping & mounting is not always sexual in nature but can be to display dominance or admiration by males or females. Humping may have nothing to do with sex or dominance--it may simply be a form of play. Dogs ages 6 months to 2 years are the ones most likely to hump. If they get into the humping habit at that age, it's much harder to break later on.

4. Re-focus Your Pup-Dog humping is an instinctual response. Change your dog's focus and he or she will stop the behavior. Distract your dog in mid-hump with his favorite toys, a walk & exercise or other sort of playful redirection. If he likes a good game of fetch with frisbee or ball, toss one across the room and see how he reacts.

5. Ignore & Give silent treatment- Dogs love attention so perhaps as simple as it may sound, ignoring the behavior may do the trick. Leave the room suddenly. Ignoring your dog's performance will let him know that his humping is not gaining your approval. Your dog may stop humping if you stop paying attention to him.

6. Spay & Neuter Your Pet-Spaying & neutering not only helps control the pet population, but will slow down your dogs urge to hump everything in sight. But spaying & neutering is no sure cure if your dog has firmly established the habit. Male dogs that hump may have increased testosterone levels. Studies have found that neutering stops humping in 60 percent of the cases.

7. Training Day! Enroll your dog in obedience training or what some may call doggie boot camp. Seek help & advice from an experienced trainer or canine behavioral specialist, who can train the dog to stop the humping behavior.

8. Exercise is key-Daily exercise helps release pent up aggression, energy, stress & desires to hump. In most cases, humping results from stress or aggression, especially if the dog has contact with other canines. Take your dog out for at least one long, strenuous walk and play time each day. Set aside enough time for the dog to tire before you stop the exercise session.

9. Seek vet advice. In some cases, humping is caused by hormone imbalances that may indicate serious conditions, such as hypothyroidism.

Unfortunately their is no such thing as Dog Humpers Anonymous. But not to worry we do have something that will do the trick. Its an all natural miracle blend in a bottle that will get your dog to dismount and calm down.

Spot Organics Me So Horny Oil is the roll up newspaper alternative for your leg humping four legged friend. Our aromatherapy organic essential oil hyper sexuality blend is for that horny dog of yours. This cruelty free blend contains no artificial ingredients, fragrances or colors. It is infused with organic sweet almond oil blended with essential oils of sweet marjoram, lavender, and lemongrass. This blend can help him stop that annoying humping behavior with essential oils that really work!

twitter.com/PawLuxury Shop www.pawlux.com for eco-friendly, all natural & organic goodies for your new furry family member. We carry a great selection of Odor Free Bully Sticks / Dog Treats / and Dog Toys !

**SITE WIDE SALE 15% off: Gift Ideas for Your Dog Here is Lola's Green Shopping Spree Wish list !!

Bark@pawlux.com (Paw Luxury) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 18:41:00 +0000

What about gifts for that four legged friend and child who has everything? Well, we just made shopping a little bit easier & economical with our *SITE WIDE SALE**

You don't want to miss this! Get 15% off every item on www.pawlux.com - Use coupon code: PAWLUX15

Hurry! Sale ends Friday, September 25th 5:00pm EST

So instead of settling for sleepless and restless nights we decided to go right to the source for answers. We asked our spokesdog & eco-warrior for some gift suggestions and her top bark-tastic picks. Here are some of her favorite products and what she barks will be on your dog's top green wish list.

These products are just a few of some of our top sellers and tail wagging must haves for Fido . They are sure to make your dog be on his or her best behavior.

1. Polka Dog Organic Treats (retail: large Can $12.95, small can $7.95)

MeatZZa Feast ! This is the ultimate mouthwatering Meat lovers dream, finally a treat that is drool worthy. Your dog won't be able to resist, and neither will you.

2. Earth Dog Hemp Rope Toy ( retail: large $16.00)

Great dogs deserve great toys ! Earthdog Hemp Rope toys are terrific for tugging, throwing, and chewing. You can feel great about providing an earth-friendly toy for your earth-loving dog.

3. West Paw Eco Nap ( retail: Medium $53.90, Lg $59.90, XL $93.90)

Nap's aren't just for the young, old and sluggish, even the most energetic dog needs a power nap to re-charge. Reward your deserving dog with a lush West Paw Eco Nap, made out of you guessed it, recycled soda bottles. Now your pup can have eco-friendly dog bed and a soft place to flop after a exhausting afternoon of chasing squirrels at the park. The fun is never over, but eventually it needs a nap and with that extra burst of energy your dog will be ready to go for round two. So park critters beware of "Squirrel-Chasing Dog!

4. Spot Organics No More Itch Spray (retail: $11.00)

We have all heard the phrase "You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours". When taken in the literal sense it only applies to humans, this is just something the dog world can't reciprocate. Since dogs lacks opposable thumbs they won't be able to help us with that annoying back itch. s, relief is on the way for your buddy! An anti-itch aromatherapy dog spray that can be applied anywhere there's a little itch or scratch.

Still unsure of what to get your little princess or Rover. Just ask Lola she is here to give you some gift ideas. Just click on the Ask Lola tab on the side bar. She loves getting bark mail from her tail wagging fans and eco-pup pals. On behalf of everyone at Paw Luxury Happy Shopping Spree Sniffing!!!

twitter.com/PawLuxury Shop www.pawlux.com for eco-friendly, all natural & organic goodies for your new furry family member. We carry a great selection of Odor Free Bully Sticks / Dog Treats / and Dog Toys !

The Golden Years: Tips for Caring for Your Aging, Elderly, Senior Dog

Bark@pawlux.com (Paw Luxury) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 15:08:00 +0000

Gray hair, aches & pain, joint stiffness, fatigue are all parts of aging. It important that our senior pups age that we make life much more easier & comfortable for them during their golden years. Here are a few tips to help with caring for that older dog in your life.

1. Annual Vet Checkup is key! Ensure that your dog is under proper veterinary care and has had its annual check up. Follow the veterinarian’s advice.

2. Eat well, Be well! Regardless of your dogs age it is important to feed him or her a well-balanced diet. There are so many wonderful all natural pet foods, supplements & vitamins made specifically to meet the health needs of aging dog generation. Many of the foods & supplements contain omega-3, which is great for alleviating joint soreness. Feed your dog more often with smaller meals, but be sure not to overfeed; keeping your dog at the correct weight is helpful to its general well-being.

3. Exercise at a slow & steady pace. Remember your dogs joints & bones ain't what it use to be, so slow down walks and let your dog set the pace. Be patient walks will take longer but should be shorter in distance. More short walks during the day are better than one long one. Dogs need to remain physically active.
4. Keep those brain juices flowing! Stimulate the brain. It is true that you can teach an old dog new tricks. Car rides, different scenic walk route to smell the roses are two easy ways to keep the brain stimulated. Another great way to stimulate an older dogs brain cells is with interactive toys made with senior pups in mind.
Planet Dog created the Old Soul line with senior pups in mind. Old Soul Orbee-Tuff Ball & Bone innovatively address issues that every dog experiences as they grow older and wiser: reduced vision and snout strength, weakened jaw muscles and brittle teeth. They were specifically designed for senior dogs whose chewing strength and urgency have waned over the years, but who still like a good, gummy chew.
5. Gently massage your dogs achy muscles & joints. This not only helps with your dogs achy joints, but it helps the entire body & promotes the bonding experience. If your dogs yelps in pain from your massage or touch simply stop, if pain persist seek vet help.

6. Groom me please! Its important that as dogs age that you don't let their hygiene & grooming habits go. It not only important for their health but their appearance & self-esteem. Add to your dog’s grooming schedule. Increased brushing helps circulation, plus dogs of an advanced age can’t take care of themselves like they used to be able to. Consider a summer haircut for a dog with long hair.

7. Take a potty break before hitting the pillows! As senior dogs age they can lose control over their bladder. Allow your dog the opportunity to relieve itself immediately after eating, before turning in for the night and first thing in the morning.

8. Provide a soft place to flop. Invest in a orthopedic bed that is good for dogs with achy joints. When selecting a bed make sure it is firm enough to provide support to the hips, shoulders, spine and neck.
Cold weather and drafty living corridors is not good for any dogs, especially ones with arthritis. So make sure your dog has a warm sleeping, draft & damp free area to lay his head. One way to guard your dog from the cold is to keep his bed elevated off the floor, which helps to relieve stiffness and pain due to the cold.

9. Purchase rugs. Put down lots of rugs on slick flooring such as wood laminates and linoleum. Dogs have trouble with the lack of friction on such floors.

10. Is your dog having trouble with walking & mobility? Consider a harness or wheelchair if your dog is having trouble walking.
twitter.com/PawLuxury Shop www.pawlux.com for eco-friendly, all natural & organic goodies for your new furry family member. We carry a great selection of Odor Free Bully Sticks / Dog Treats / and Dog Toys !

Is your dog blind or deaf? Tips on Living, Communicating & Caring for a handicapped pet

Bark@pawlux.com (Paw Luxury) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 16:22:00 +0000

As humans we all can agree that with aging comes loss of sight & hearing and our pets are not immune. Like us, it is typical with doggy years that our canine paw pals can start to lose their keen sense of sight and hearing. But vision & hearing loss is not only common among senior dogs, but often times puppies with hereditary conditions or viral infections may be predisposed to hearing and sight loss even at a very young age.

Besides unconditional love & support, it is important as primary care giver that you learn how to care & communicate with your blind and/or deaf dog. Here are a few steps to make your vision and hearing impaired dog's life much easier and help you transition to be your dogs eyes & ears.

Some tips for working with blind dogs include:

1. Don't do any unnecessary re-decorating or rearranging. Its important that your home be a safe haven and familiar territory. So, try to avoid moving furniture or household belonging in the home or yard. As long, as your dog knows what to expect at every turn or maneuver inside and outside the home they won't have a huge problem with mobility.

2. Doggy Proof your home to prevent injuries. Place baby gates at the top and bottom of stairs to prevent the dog from trying to use the stairs without supervision.

3. Don't play Hide & Seek with food and water bowl. Dogs love routine, so always keep water and food dishes in the same location.

4. Leash them up. Always keep the dog on a leash when outside of familiar settings. Just because your dog has an vision impairment does not mean the urge to chase is gone. Blind dogs may still try to chase other animals that they can smell, which can be dangerous & deadly if they venture into roads & on coming traffic.

5. Let them sniff first & hear your sweet voice. With a loss of sight, hearing & sense of smell is heightened and this will be how your blind dog will relate to the world. Allow a blind dog to hear and smell you before you pet them. They may naturally be more startled if someone simply touches them, so try to give the dog enough time to be aware of your presence before petting. Talk to the dog as you approach to help them understand that you are there.

6. Be slow to punish & anger but quick to be patient & loving. Never punish a blind dog for accidents in the house. He or she may have become disoriented looking for the doggy door or may simply be aging and loosing control of his or her bladder or bowels. Doggy diapers or more frequent trips out to the yard are usually all that is required.

7. Help build their confidence. Although your dog has a physical handicap does not mean that he or she is incapable of living a normal life. Treat your dog as normal as possible. Building their confidence is key and ensure him or her of your unconditional love and that they can still do things. It is important that your blind dog knows that he or she is the same dog in your eyes, even with their vision impairment. For a blind pup it can be the basis for what type of personality they will developed.

8. The Little Engine that Could. Coax, encourage and praise them to do the same things they did before. However, understand and still praise them if they "can't".

9. Mark their territory with scents. Be creative with different safe scents to mark areas for your blind pup so they can distinguish between different rooms in in the home. Use all natural flavored extracts, hanging a car air freshener or potpourri sachet on a door.

10. Use textured materials to guide the way. Throw rugs, decorative pillows, indoor/outdoor carpeting, wind chimes, cedar chips, decorative bricks or blocks can help guide them along their way inside and outside.

11. Purchase a tabletop fountain to quench your dog's thirst. A tabletop fountain is a great alternative to a water bowl, if your thirsty blind pup is having a hard time finding his way. The sound of running water helps to orient, find his water bowl and know his surroundings.

12. Be a vocal coach. Be very vocal with your dog, this will keep him or her out of harms way.

Working with dogs that are deaf:

1. Safety first, so leash up. Always keep the dog on a leash when outside of a fenced area. Deaf dogs cannot hear your voice, traffic, or any noises to alert them to danger.

***Go the extra mile with your dogs collar and consider engraving “I’m deaf” on your dog’s tag so that other dog walkers & pedestrians will know his or her special needs. This is will also help passer-byers if your dog becomes lost & disoriented.

2. Learn canine sign language. Start adapting & pairing hand signs, with facial expressions & voice commands as soon as hearing loss is noted. Basic hand signs for sit, come and down are usually all that is required. Sit can be a stop motion of the palm at the chest, down can be a downward motion of the hand from the chest to the waist and come can be a sideways arching motion from straight out in towards the chest.

3. Let your dog greet you first before petting. Always be sure a deaf dog can see and smell you before you pet it to prevent it from snapping or startling from you.

**Alert friends, family, newcomers, and any strangers you might encounter on walks who want to pet your dog, that he is deaf and to approach him from UNDER his chin palm up and let him smell their hand first.

4. Alert Neighbors of dogs impairment. Be sure your neighbors know your dog is deaf; tell them you never let him out alone. If they spot your dog wandering unattended, instruct them how to react (phone you, approach the dog and so on).

5. Fence in your yard. Invite friendly canine playmates over to socialize, rather than letting your dog off-leash at a park.

6. Teach young children a hand signal for greeting the dog. Although the dog might not need such a formal salutation, teaching kids to pause and sign, “Hello,____!” will result in a gentler approach by both parties.

7. Provide a doggy safe haven out of foot traffic. Set up food, bedding & water stations outside of family traffic patterns.

8. Develop a “visible doorbell”. This will inform your dog that guests are about to enter the house: flash a hall light or stomp your feet before you open the door.

9. Get their attention. Use a small key chain flashlight to catch get his attention through eyesight, stomp on the floor with your foot to create a vibration, or wave your arms in front of him for movement. Light, vibration, and movement is what your deaf dog will respond to.

10. Don't startle. You should never surprise a dog, even if his hearing is perfect. If your deaf dog is catching up on her beauty sleep, but needs to be awaken & your attention touch her gently on the shoulder or back. Use the same spot every time. Gently touch with your hand, but never pat her on the head because this might be interpreted as threatening.

11. Be a gentle giant! Be gentle and VERY patient with your deaf dog. During the training process praise, reward with treats & positive reinforcement. Remember your deaf dog can still see the expression on your face so smile when you are pleased with him.

Blindness & deafness doesn't have to mean that life is over for your dog. With a few changes both you & your dog can adjust and continue to live productive, active, healthy and happy lives.

twitter.com/PawLuxury Shop www.pawlux.com for eco-friendly, all natural & organic goodies for your new furry family member. We carry a great selection of Odor Free Bully Sticks / Dog Treats / and Dog Toys !

Does your dog have pain & achy sore joints? Tips on Arthritis Care

Bark@pawlux.com (Paw Luxury) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 17:04:00 +0000

It is true that we are as young as we feel, well in Spot's case as young as the wag in his tail. But truth be told that with age comes achy joints and sounds reminiscent of creaking floor boards & rusty hinges on a barn door.

Like humans, dogs are not immune to the aging bug and as they get older they can have trouble climbing stairs, experience pain or achy hips and joint stiffness, and develop arthritis.With middle age comes mid life crisis, arthritis that is. Small or medium breed dogs can get began getting arthritis symptoms by age 7 or 8. While larger or giant breeds like your lab can start having aching joints as early as age 4 or 5.

But don't throw in the towel and start planning your dogs early retirement confined as a couch potato. Here are some ways you can help manage arthritis, improve your dogs quality of life and keep him comfortable in the process.

1. Daily supplements- Supplements can slow and even reverse some joint damage. Glucosamine-Chondroitin supplements, often containing the anti-inflammatory effective in the management of arthritis. Zukes Hip Action treats contains Glucosamine, to keep your dogs joints healthy and maintain mobility. While our Happytails Joint Resolution improves joint health and provides comfort for dogs suffering from arthritis & hip dsyplasia. With these wonderful & effective products that active dog in your life won't have to be the commentator on the sidelines in his or her aging years.

2. Maintain Healthy Weight- Keeping your dog on a strict diet will help to maintain healthy weight. Extra love handles, although the more to love can put strain on the joints and arthritis.

3. Regular low-impact exercise of walking and swimming will help maintain mobility and keep those furry bods trim and in shape. Avoid jogging and running with your dog which can put strain and trauma on the joints.

4. Purchasing a good yet firm Orthopedic bed will help reduce joint stiffness and pain, especially in the morning. When selecting a bed make sure it is firm enough to provide support to the hips, shoulders, spine and neck.

Cold weather and drafty living corridors is not good for any dogs, especially ones with arthritis. So make sure your dog has a warm sleeping area to lay his head. One way to guard your dog from the cold is to keep his bed elevated off the floor, which helps to relieve stiffness and pain due to the cold.

5. Heating Pad- Applying heat to the achy spot can help minimize stiffness and pain, particularly in the morning or on a cold day. Applying a microwavable heat pack or a heating pad for 20 minutes at a time, two or three times a day, can help lessen arthritis discomfort. Don't forget to apply heat to those problem areas such as the shoulders, back and hips.

6. Give a Deep Fur Massage- Nothing beats a nice massage to relieve arthritis pain and stiffness. Start at the end of the extremities and move in toward the heart massaging all those trouble and achy spots. Not to mention a deep fur massage can be relaxing to say the least and a good bonding time with your dog. Now, all you need to do is train your dog to reciprocate but with the lack of opposable thumbs this can be a challenge.

7. Medication can help dogs who are in need of a bit more pain relief and prescription medication can be beneficial. Speak with your pet’s veterinarian if you feel that medication may improve your pet’s quality of life.

So for all you young pups, its never to early to fight the war on arthritis. Start now and your joints will thank you later when you are climbing Mount Staircase. Don't let squeaky joints and pain stand in the way of a good old game of fetch or chase the squirrel.

twitter.com/PawLuxury Shop www.pawlux.com for eco-friendly, all natural & organic goodies for your new furry family member. We carry a great selection of Odor Free Bully Sticks / Dog Treats / and Dog Toys !

Funny Dog video: Smart dog playing Pool

Bark@pawlux.com (Paw Luxury) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 21:34:00 +0000

This is one smart dog! What are your dog's talents? Leave a comment below & let us know.

Woof!

twitter.com/PawLuxury Shop www.pawlux.com for eco-friendly, all natural & organic goodies for your new furry family member. We carry a great selection of Odor Free Bully Sticks / Dog Treats / and Dog Toys !