Big Paw Blog

Choosing the Best Dog For Your Children

noreply@blogger.com (Big Paw) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:16:00 +0000

At some point in every parent’s life, a child will ask “Can we have a dog?” Dogs can make wonderful companions for children but care should be taken when choosing a dog for your family. Any dog that is raised from puppyhood with children around may become reasonably accustomed to their presence, and some breeds are known to be especially fond of kids, but some dog breeds are not recommended as pets for families with small children.

The best dog for young children is one that was raised around children and is known to be fond of them. A younger dog (less than a year old) will have energy levels more closely matching your child’s; an older dog may not appreciate wild play. Have a supervised visit for the child and dog, and watch to see that the dog is not inattentive to the child or runs from him, and that the dog doesn’t overreact to having its ears and tail pulled, feet stepped on, and fur ruffled up. Of course, children should not be allowed to treat a dog this way, but you know kids, it’s going to happen eventually. Check the dog’s pain threshold by squeezing his paw. A dog with a high pain threshold will not yelp. Don’t take a dog that appears stressed, over-excited, or growls at children.

If you want to add a puppy to your family, choose one that is gentle and mildly submissive. Try to roll the puppy on his back to rub his tummy. If he allows you to do so, he will be a submissive dog. A puppy that won’t allow you to roll him over will have a more dominant personality and may consider your child his inferior. Avoid buying a puppy from a pet store. Many such puppies come from puppy mills and often are not tested for genetic defects, health or temperament problems. Choose a reputable dog breeder if you must have a pedigree dog. Mixed breed dogs often have the most even temperaments and combine the best qualities of their dominant breeds.

Adopting an adult dog without a proven track record with children should only be done by parents who have experience with dogs, who can supervise the dog and spot any signs of potential trouble. Don’t leave your children alone with the dog until you can trust them to get along.

Larger breeds of dogs are almost always more tolerant of children than toy breeds. If you have toddlers in the family, however, you may want to choose a smaller breed because a larger dog may playfully knock down a small child. Large dogs should be trained not to jump up on people. Labrador Retrievers are the most popular family dogs, but can be extremely energetic when they are young, and destructive as puppies. Boxers are very fond of “their people”, especially children, but are a powerful and energetic breed. Collies are great with people, very smart dogs, and not so wild as some larger breeds. Other larger breeds that are known to be fond of children are the Mastiff, Newfoundland, and Bloodhound. With have proper obedience training, Dalmatians, Great Danes, German Shepherds, Irish Setters, Old English Sheepdogs, and Irish Wolfhound can be good family pets.

Small to medium size dogs are a good choice if you want to avoid potential harm to either the dog or child. Beagles are great with children and make great family dogs but they tend to bark a lot. Basset hounds adore everyone but children should not be allowed to pick them up, as they need their long backs supported to avoid injury. Bichon Fries are small dogs that are able to keep up with rowdy children. Dachshunds, Chihuahua, Chow Chows, Pekinese, and Lhasa Apsos are often not very patient with small children.

Toy breeds are not generally recommended for families with toddlers. Little Bobby might just conk the tiny pooch over the head with his toy truck, possibly harming the dog and causing it to bite out of self-defense. If you prefer a toy breed for your family, choose the Pug, which is the largest of the toy breeds, and a very happy, high-energy dog.

Some breeds who are best with older children are Basenjis, Airedales, Fox Terriers, Yorkies, Whippets, Shih Tzus, Afghans, Standard Schnauzers, Rottweiler, Dobermans, Malamutes, Weimaraner, Shelties, and Manchester Terriers.

Studies have shown that children raised from infancy with pets in their home have less chance of developing allergies and asthma. If your allergic child asks for a pet, the answer doesn’t always have to be no. While no dog breed is truly non-allergenic, there are some breeds that are less likely to cause allergic reactions. Dogs with non-shedding, constantly-growing fur, that require regular grooming, may produce less allergy symptoms (Poodle, Bichon Frise). You can reduce the allergens in your home so your child can enjoy the rewards of pet ownership. Keep the child’s bedroom off limits to the dog, and remove carpets, upholstery, and draperies from the child’s room, replacing them with washable surfaces. Launder the bedclothes regularly and cover the mattress, box springs, and pillow with allergy-resistant coverings. Having an allergen-free environment at night can reduce daytime symptoms. Vacuum the carpets and upholstery in the rest of the home regularly. HEPA filters can remove most of the allergens from the air. Teach the child not to touch his face when playing with the dog, and to wash his hands with soap and water afterward.

Whatever breed you choose, teach your children how to behave around dogs. Many children are harmed by dogs of all breeds by mistreating them or not respecting the dog’s instincts to protect himself, his food, or his toys. Adding a dog member to your family will provide your children with a faithful companion, and give them a measure of love and acceptance not always found in human relationships.

Article property of Big Paw Designs - do not republish without permission.

Acting like a Dog

noreply@blogger.com (Big Paw) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 13:15:00 +0000

There may come a point in our life when we begin to attribute human characteristics to our beloved pet dogs. This is natural; who is to say that dogs cannot acquire human traits from association? My pet grew up to be a very loud dog from a very silent pup. Now, whom do you think did he get it from?

My point is, dogs are smart. They are smart enough to learn by associating with their masters and constant companions. Some say their dogs are geniuses. Do we believe these claims? I donít know. Thereís one thing I sure do know and thatís the fact that dogs are still dogs and whatever you do and however smart you think they are, they're not going to stop acting like dogs. Here are a couple of tidbits about dog behavior. May you learn from them.

There's a dog pecking order.

When I walk my dog and we meet other dogs, my dog usually just flips over with his paws waving up the air, trying to make himself as small as possible. It's obvious that my dog is afraid of the other dogs! (Now don't go asking where he got that from; he certainly did not get that from me!)

Fact is, there is a dog pecking order. Some dogs want to lord it over other dogs and some dogs willingly submit to othersí superiority. To assert its dominance, the dog with the superiority complex will stand as tall and straight as possible. He will even extend his ears and tail as high as possible to lend to his height so he can tower over other dogs. The dog with the inferiority complex will crouch down as low as possible, occupy as little space as possible, will avert his eyes and flatten his ears. Now if two superior dog beings meet, they will circle each other; stare at each other, stand up as tall as possible, until one submits.

As sinister as the establishing-dominance routine seems, do not be overly worried when it happens to your dog. After one dog yields, the two of them are probably going to end up being the best dog rascal buddies.
There may come a point in our life when we begin to attribute human characteristics to our beloved pet dogs. This is natural; who is to say that dogs cannot acquire human traits from association? My pet grew up to be a very loud dog from a very silent pup. Now, whom do you think did he get it from?

My point is, dogs are smart. They are smart enough to learn by associating with their masters and constant companions. Some say their dogs are geniuses. Do we believe these claims? I don’t know. There’s one thing I sure do know and that’s the fact that dogs are still dogs and whatever you do and however smart you think they are, they’re not going to stop acting like dogs. Here are a couple of tidbits about dog behavior. May you learn from them.

There’s a dog pecking order.

When I walk my dog and we meet other dogs, my dog usually just flips over with his paws waving up the air, trying to make himself as small as possible. It’s obvious that my dog is afraid of the other dogs! (Now don’t go asking where he got that from; he certainly did not get that from me!)

Fact is, there is a dog pecking order. Some dogs want to lord it over other dogs and some dogs willingly submit to others superiority. To assert its dominance, the dog with the superiority complex will stand as tall and straight as possible. He will even extend his ears and tail as high as possible to lend to his height so he can tower over other dogs. The dog with the inferiority complex will crouch down as low as possible, occupy as little space as possible, will avert his eyes and flatten his ears. Now if two superior dog beings meet, they will circle each other; stare at each other, stand up as tall as possible, until one submits.

As sinister as the establishing-dominance routine seems, do not be overly worried when it happens to your dog. After one dog yields, the two of them are probably going to end up being the best dog rascal buddies.

Dogs don’t talk human.

I know what you’re thinking; that this is pretty obvious and unworthy even of being said. Believe me, I thought that, too, until I heard some people claiming that their dogs talk to them! Right, maybe they are trying to talk to you, but please! They still do so through barking.

That being said, dogs express their feelings through their body language (doggie non verbal communication) and their vocal chords. An example of canine non-verbal communication is found above.

If you have been observing your dogs when they bark, you will notice that the pitch, the pace and the volume of their barking vary according to what they want to express. There’s a standard Doggie wants to play bark as there is Doggie is hungry bark. Still, there’s a There’s someone at the door! and a Doggie is afraid, Mommy. Try to observe your dogs more if you haven’t noticed such variations in his barking. You’ll definitely be surprised.

Article property of Big Paw Designs - do not republish without permission.

The Importance of Socializing Your Puppy

noreply@blogger.com (Big Paw) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 13:14:00 +0000

Dogs are natural pack animals, and they tend to get along quite well with other members of their species, be they a tiny Pekinese or a giant Mastiff. Even so, however, puppies need to learn how to socialize with one another appropriately, and how to control any natural aggression they may possess. . Each puppy will react differently to the same situation, and it is important for pet owners to help socialize their puppies properly.

It is important for those new puppy owners to start socializing their young dogs as early as possible. Taking the dog to places where there are lots of people and other dogs, such as a local dog park, a pet store or similar venue, will help a great deal. It is important of course to use caution when introducing the puppy to dogs and other animals, and to get the permission of the other dog owner before approaching.

A structured puppy kindergarten or other type of training class can be a perfect way to socialize the young dog. Many pet stores, including many of the largest chains, offer some sort of training for dogs and their owners. This type of training is a great way to socialize young puppies while teaching them the commands and skills they will need to be good canine ambassadors and trusted citizens of the community.

Copyright Big Paw Designs, do not republish without permission.

Feeding Homemade Dog Food

noreply@blogger.com (Big Paw) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 13:13:00 +0000

Homemade dog food prepared in the proper nutritional proportions is considered by many experts to be the best diet for your dog. Before switching to a homemade diet, check with your veterinarian. Individual dogs may have unique nutritional requirements. Remember that changes in diet should be made gradually to avoid digestive upset.

Experts vary in their recommendations for a good general homemade diet for dogs. Meat recommendations run from 25% to 40% and can include beef, lamb, poultry, and fish. Fish and flaxseed or good sources of omega-3 fatty acids that are healthy for your dog. Organ meats, such as liver, hearts and kidneys, are good for your dog but should not be fed every day. Other sources of protein include cottage cheese, eggs, and soybeans. Dogs also need vegetables and grains in their diet. These can include carrots, green beans, spinach, potatoes, rice, oatmeal, or pasta. A good canine vitamin/mineral supplement along with Brewer’s Yeast should be added for optimal health. It is suggested that you rotate your dog’s foods so that he gets nutritional variety.

Some pet owners feed a raw food diet but most experts recommend cooking your dog’s food to kill parasites and aid in digestion.

Foods to avoid that are dangerous for dogs are chocolate, onions, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, avocados, and bones, especially cooked bones. Feeding garlic to dogs is controversial. It may better to err on the side of caution and avoid giving your dog garlic.

A good, easy homemade dog food recipe to begin with is a mixture of ground beef, cottage cheese, rice, carrots, and green beans, including a good canine vitamin/mineral supplement. Stir-fry the meat, boil rice, carrots and green beans, and then combine them. Blend in cottage cheese and add the supplement after the mixture has cooled.

Remember to store any unused portions in a covered container in the refrigerator and keep no longer than three days.

Your dog will love the new taste of human quality food. Most dogs need to be fed only once a day but old dogs, sick dogs, pregnant and nursing dogs, and very young dogs should be fed twice a day.

Article property of Big Paw Designs, do not republish without permission.

January Clearance! 25% off already Great Sale prices

noreply@blogger.com (Big Paw) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 23:25:00 +0000

It is time for our January Clearance Sale!
For a limited time for our email subscribers -take and additional 25% off of items in our January Clearance Section online at Big Paw Designs. So it is a Sale on a Sale!
Enter coupon code JANSALE12 at checkout. Valid online at http://www.bigpawdesigns.com/jacl.html!

Offer Details

Coupon Code JANSALE12
Online at Big Paw Designs
Valid 1/1-1/31/2012 only.
**Not valid on previous purchases, or out of stock items or with other offers. Valid for the January Clearance section only. While supplies last. Not valid on wholesale orders
Must enter coupon code at checkout for offer to apply.**

Training Your Puppy to Collar and Lead

noreply@blogger.com (Big Paw) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 13:12:00 +0000

Training Your Puppy to Collar and Lead
Teaching a dog to walk on a lead is perhaps the most basic of all dog training, but judging from the dogs I see walking around the neighborhood every day, this basic piece of training is missing in many cases. No matter what the size of the dog, the best time to teach this important lesson is when the puppy is still young. Young puppies are much more accepting of new things and new situations than are older dogs, and it is far easier to teach good habits from the start than to try to eliminate bad habits later on.

One of the most important parts of teaching a puppy to lead is simply allowing him to get used to the strange new thing around his neck. Simply placing the collar on the puppy and leaving it in place can teach the important lesson that this new object is nothing to be afraid of. Of course it is important that the puppy be supervised whenever the collar is left on, and providing positive reinforcement in the form of treats or other goodies can help things along as well.

Dog owners can learn a great deal simply by watching the puppy and his reaction to the collar. Some puppies will take the collar right away and act as if it has always been a part of their lives. Others will resist, perhaps trying to chew the collar off or rub it off on the floor or carpet. These simple observations can help dog owners determine when it is appropriate to move on to the next training step.

It is important to wait until the puppy has fully accepted the collar before beginning any further training with the leash. The collar is the most basic of all training tools, but every puppy will learn at his own pace, and it is important for dog owners to respect those differences and use them to their advantage.

All articles copyright bigpawdesigns.com. Do not repost or copy without permission.
View more at www.bigpawdesigns.com

After Christmas Sale - 40% off - Hurry!

noreply@blogger.com (Big Paw) — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 15:11:00 +0000

After Christmas Sale!
Didn't get all you wanted? Have some extra holiday cash? For a limited time for our email subscribers -take [40% off online] at Big Paw Designs, including SALE items!
Enter coupon code REINDEER at checkout. Valid online at http://www.bigpawdesigns.com!

Offer Details

Coupon Code REINDEER
Online at Big Paw Designs
Valid 12/25-12/28/2011 only.
**Not valid on previous purchases, sale items or out of stock items or with other offers. While supplies last. Not valid on wholesale orders
Must enter coupon code at checkout for offer to apply.**

Happy Holidays

noreply@blogger.com (Big Paw) — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 12:33:00 +0000

Wishing a warm and safe holiday season to our friends and of course our furry companions!

Best Gifts for Pet People

noreply@blogger.com (Big Paw) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 22:57:00 +0000

And #3 on the list is Big Paw Designs!

3. Big Paw Designs
Big Paw is a wonderful online store that sells unique gifts for pet lovers has a very sweet line of charms and keychains and other items that benefit Used Dogs Rescue in New Orleans.

Check out this great post from our friends at Romeo the Cat and see more exciting Gifts:

New Facebook Store - Like and Get a discount!

noreply@blogger.com (Big Paw) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 19:42:00 +0000

Big Paw Designs has added a store to our Facebook page with select products. We will be adding more as time goes on. If you "Like" our page - you get a friends and family price - how cool is that!

Check it out!

Blog Special Alert! 20% off until 9/30/11

noreply@blogger.com (Big Paw) — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 13:06:00 +0000

Save 20% off - just for our blog readers! Now through 9/30/11
Use coupon code BLOG20sept on http://www.bigpawdesigns.com

Cannot combine with other offers, on past orders or out of stock items.

Not valid on out of stock items or previous orders. Cannot be combined with other offers.

Cat Questions Answered

noreply@blogger.com (Big Paw) — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 12:20:00 +0000

Everyone wants to be the best "cat mom" or "dog mom" there is. But let's face it, we don't always know how or what to do. This is especially true with cats - they can be quite a mystery to most folks. So that is where the website Cat Questions Answered comes into play.

The website has many categories to choose from: treats, behavior, cat breeds - you name it! It looks like they even have an ebook you can download to have a handy reference - and a holistic cat health course you can sign up for. We have written about many cat things - but this website seems to be a true one stop for cat questions - I could not think of any subject they did not cover. They even have an article on how to toilet train cats - I mean these guys are serious about cat questions!

I also found the site very easy to navigate and very fast to load. There does seem to be a lot of promotion for the ebooks, but hey - if they are as helpful as the website - why not?

So, the next time you have a cat question you are having trouble finding the answer to - this might be your solution.

This post brought to you by Cat Questions Answered.

It's Hot! Take 20% off to cool off

noreply@blogger.com (Big Paw) — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 12:26:00 +0000

It is hot here at Big Paw - like 110 hot! Way too hot for dogs and cats to be expected to play outside!
Please remember to take care of your pets in this heat with plenty of water, bring them inside, etc.

Now to the fun! Take 20% off anything online through August 11, 2011! Enter coupon code HOTHOTHOT at checkout.

Stay cool! Woof!Meow!

Big Savings with 1800Pet Meds and MyCoupons.com

noreply@blogger.com (Big Paw) — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 18:35:00 +0000

MyCoupons.com is a great site - and if you have not checked it out lately, they have made some changes.

Big Paw especially loves this site as you can save money on things like flea and tick medicine, heart worm medicine, etc. as they partner with 1800PetMeds Coupons.

The site has a neat little area that tells you average savings - you could save more or less of course - but we found that very helpful. It also tells you when the coupon expires. It also tells you how many people have saved money using a coupon that week. There are several coupons to click on and you can even share the love on Facebook and Twitter. They tell you how much you save - then you click and go! My click turned up 20% off Flea and Tick meds for the upcoming July 4th weekend. Perfect! That is a lot of money saved!

Here is a screen shot of the 1800PetMeds page on MyCoupons.com so you can see how well laid out it is:

About My Coupons.com

Hundreds of coupons codes on site from retailers like Sears, Macys, Kmart, Children’s Place, etc
Nations oldest coupon site – founded in 1995
CouponPros on staff that talk to merchants to get exclusive deals and to help people with couponing and saving money
Exclusive offers only available on site
Weekly Newsletter emailed with top deals and promotions
Facebook site with VIP List for additional deals and weekly prize giveaways
Discounted Gift Cards – buy retailer cards below face value, ex. AMC Theatre card with $25 balance for $21.25
First coupon site to adapt Google +1 and one of first companies in US to adopt this feature

Make sure to follow mycoupons.com on Facebook too!

This post brought to you by MyCoupons.com

Save 40% on Doggie Pick up Bags - 3 days only!

noreply@blogger.com (Big Paw) — Sat, 18 Jun 2011 20:38:00 +0000

Save 40% on Bon Ton Pick up Kits & Refills - Coupon Code BONTON40

http://www.bigpawdesigns.com/pickupbags.html

The Bulldog

noreply@blogger.com (Retail Therapy Lounge) — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 17:33:00 +0000

The Bulldog originates from the British Isles, where it was bred for ferocity and used in the sport of bull baiting. However, when dog fighting became illegal in Great Britain during the1830s, the future of the Bulldog looked very bleak indeed. Dog lovers rallied round in support of the breed, in the hope of preserving it and eliminating its aggressive nature. Thankfully, due to their success, today’s Bulldog is an affectionate, dependable and gentle dog, which loves attention and is good with children.

Although Bulldogs are gentle and love plenty of attention, they can be a little too demanding at times and even dominating. Strong leadership will be required to keep them in their place. They are not huge fans of exercise, particularly as adults, so you may need to coax them out for regular walks to keep them fit and healthy.

Appearance
Bulldogs are medium-sized dogs with a thickset, low swung body. They have a large short-faced head with wide shoulders and sturdy limbs. They are approximately 12 – 16 inches (31 – 40cms) in height and, considering their size, are quite heavy. Dogs weigh around 53 – 55 lbs (24 - 25kg) and bitches weigh around 49 – 51 lbs (22 – 23kg). They have dark eyes, which are set far apart and close to the nose. They have thin, folded ears - resembling a rose - and dense folds of skin on the skull and forehead. The legs are stocky and set squarely at each corner and the tail is short and carried low. The coat is straight, short, flat and fine-textured and comes in brindle, solid white, solid red, fawn or a combination of these colors.

Grooming
Bulldogs are average shedders and their smooth and fine coat is easy to care for. Regular grooming with a firm bristle brush will keep it in good condition. Bathe when necessary and keep the face regularly cleaned to keep any dirt out of the wrinkles.

Health problems
Bulldogs are susceptible to breathing problems – they do snore quite loudly too! They can also suffer from poor eyesight, heat stroke, skin infections and hip and knee problems. The average lifespan of the Bulldog is around eight years.

24 hours only - 50% off orders over $50!

noreply@blogger.com (Big Paw) — Thu, 12 May 2011 17:36:00 +0000

It is a blah rainy day today, so to cheer us (and you) up - we are having a 24 hour sale! As a special treat for our newsletter subscribers - take 50% off orders over $50 at Big Paw Designs !

Offer Details

Coupon Code ONEDAY50
Online at Big Paw Designs
Valid 5/12-5/13 2011 only.
**Not valid on previous purchases, some clearance items, out of stock items or with other offers.
Must enter coupon code at checkout for offer to apply.**

Happy Mom's Day

noreply@blogger.com (Big Paw) — Sun, 08 May 2011 12:28:00 +0000

Happy Mom's Day to all Moms, Dog Moms and Cat Moms!
Take 15% off today at Big Paw Designs!

Getting on in Years: Your pet and aging

noreply@blogger.com (Retail Therapy Lounge) — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 12:31:00 +0000

Today pets are living longer than ever before, due to improved technology, advanced research and nutritious diet. We, as owners, want our pets to remain in optimum health, and we can ensure that happens by making sure our pets get proper veterinarian care, lots of exercise and a diet that is filled with nutrients. We also need to be aware of the signs of aging so we can take help our pet achieve longevity.

As our pets bodies age, metabolism slows down and requires less calories to maintain optimum health. The slowing of the metabolism also means that your pet won’t have the energy that it once had. It may not run and play like it did in the prime of its life. Because your pet isn’t getting as much exercise, it is your responsibility to ensure that food intake is monitored so that no excess weight is gained.

Extra weight can shorten your pet’s life. Added pressure to joints and organs can make existing medical problems worse, or cause new problems. Nutrient requirements will differ and you may need to change to a food made especially for senior pets. There are hundreds available on today’s market and they are all produced to help aging animals maintain optimum health.

Arthritis is a common ailment in pets that are seniors. Many animals get hip dysplasia when they age. The joints become malformed or the lining of the joints may have developed abnormally. Dysplasia seems to be prominent in certain breeds. Alaskan malamute dogs often get dysplasia when they get older.

Onset of arthritis can be caused by different factors. Infection due to injuries or wear and tear can cause joints to become inflamed. Being overweight will aggravate arthritis. Symptoms are limping, tiring easily, slowness in getting up and a reluctance or refusal to climb stairs. If your pet displays these symptoms, make an appointment with your veterinarian. Anti inflammatory medications can be prescribed by your vet to treat arthritis in your pet. You may also want to change your pet’s environment to make it easier for it to eat, drink or use the litter box.

Dogs

Many people believe that they can measure a dog’s age in human years by multiplying by seven. This is a definite myth. Dogs reach adolescence within the first few years of life. The aging process varies in individual dogs and breeds.

Symptoms of aging may include decreased activity, blindness, deafness, a change in temperament, and the loss of the sense of smell. Skin and coat problems are also common. Be sure to create a quiet and secure environment for aging dogs. Other symptoms can include unresponsiveness, frequent or uncontrollable urination, respiratory problems, increased drinking, bad breath and general stiffness.

Aging problems can benefit from supplements, but an assessment by your veterinarian is in order. It may be your pet has a deficiency of omega fatty acids, which are produced in the liver. Reduced enzyme activity can cause the production of this essential acid to drop. Supplements of omega fatty acids can improve skin and coat problems and promote growth of essential bacteria in the intestines while diminishing bacteria that is detrimental to your pet’s health. Antioxidants, Vitamin E, and betacarotene can increase function of the immune system in older pets.

Cats

Cats can live into their late teens, or early twenties. Symptoms of aging include decreased activity, increased sleeping, and a decreased tolerance for changes in their environment. They also become more sensitive to weather conditions, such as heat and cold. Dental pain can cause them to stop eating and they will have problems digesting food.

Geriatric cats usually respond well to a diet that is high in fiber, low in fat and calories, moderate in levels of phosphorous and protein as well as limited salt and vitamin supplements. Symptoms of illness can include weight loss, diarrhea, excessive meowing, frequent urination, bad breath, hyperactivity and drooling. Aging cats need a diet that is well balanced that contains essential amino acids and a supplement of Vitamin E. This will aid your pet’s immune system in fighting infection.

Checkups

Regular examinations by your veterinarian should include blood tests, blood count, and a urinalysis. These things will tell him if your pet has anemia, vital infections, renal kidney disease, diabetes, urinary tract infection or feline urologic syndrome.

As a pet owner, you have responsibilities to your pet. Regular veterinarian checkups including periodontal examinations should be conducted. Your pet should have a daily routine of feeding and exercise so that you are able to detect signs of deteriorating health. At the first sign of stiffness, pain or digestive disorders, be sure to have your pet checked. This will ensure that he is around to give you enjoyment for many years to come.

All articles copyright bigpawdesigns.com. Do not repost or copy without permission.
View more at www.bigpawdesigns.com

The Maltese Terrier

noreply@blogger.com (Retail Therapy Lounge) — Sun, 20 Mar 2011 22:18:00 +0000

The Maltese Terrier is one of the most recognizable toy breeds in the world, and is thought to be one of the oldest European toy breeds. They are believed to be the result of crossing miniature spaniels with the miniature poodle. More than 2,000 years ago, Phoenician traders were thought to have brought this breed to the island of Malta in the Mediterranean Sea. Malta was a geographic center of early trade and explorers first discovered these little white dogs when they were used as bartering tools for necessities and supplies. They became favored companion dogs by royalty and Mary Queen of Scots, Queen Elizabeth I, Queen Victoria and Marie Antoinette were just a few of the proud owners of this pretty and affectionate breed. The Maltese was also depicted in Greek art and could be seen in ceramics, sculptures and paintings.

Appearance
The Maltese Terrier is easily recognizable by its long, white and silky coat, small black nose, big brown eyes and drop ears. These dogs have no undercoat and shed little to no hair, making them perfect for allergy sufferers. The coat is often left long, but some owners prefer to keep it clipped short. The coat requires plenty of regular grooming and, if it is kept long, the hair on the top of the head should be clipped back to keep it out of the dog’s eyes.
MF
They are quite long dogs and weigh in the region of 4 – 7lbs and stand at around 30cms in height. They are generally quite healthy dogs with few inherent problems. They have a good life span of between twelve and fifteen years or longer.

Temperament
Maltese Terriers are very intelligent and loyal little dogs and can be very protective towards their owners. They are, however, inclined to be a bit snappy, particularly with noisy and boisterous children. They are very playful and affectionate and love nothing better than to be cuddled up with their owners’. Maltese require minimal training, as they are very obedient by nature and learn tricks very easily. These dogs make the ideal companion for anyone with limited living space, as they do not require vast amounts of exercise.

Interesting Facts
o The Greeks erected tombs to their Maltese Terriers.
o It is thought that the Egyptians worshiped the breed, as a model of the Maltese was unearthed in Egypt.
o The Maltese was once known as “Ye Ancient Dogge of Malta.”
o The American Kennel Club accepted the breed for registration in 1888.

All articles copyright Big Paw Designs - do not publish without permission.
Read more at www.bigpawdesigns.com

Free Gift With Purchase!!! Spread the word!

noreply@blogger.com (Big Paw) — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 15:03:00 +0000

It is spring break in many parts of the country, so we decided the pets & pet owners need a little treat too! Especially those of us stuck at work instead of on a beach!
Big Paw Designs wants to Give you a special treat! A free paw sticker with every purchase over $15.
Choose from Turquoise, Yellow, Green, Purple, Pink, Red or Orange.

Simply add the color paw sticker of your choice to your shopping cart with your $15 purchase. At checkout, enter coupon code FREEPAW and the cost of the sticker will be taken off your order.
Offer Details:
Coupon Code FREEPAW
Online at Big Paw Designs
Valid 3/17/11-4/1/11 only.
Not valid on previous purchases or with other offers.
Must enter coupon code at checkout for offer to apply.

Cats of Some Renown: Celebrity Kitties

noreply@blogger.com (Retail Therapy Lounge) — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 17:27:00 +0000

Cat lovers know that there's something entirely special about their cat. Felines have been domestic pets since ancient Egypt, at least. In fact, Egyptians considered cats so highly that to harm one was a crime punishable by death. And, when a family cat passed away the whole family would show their mourning by shaving off their eyebrows!

Following you will find a by-no-means-complete list of Famous Cats, both modern-day and throughout history:

* Felix: Star of the very first animated cartoon, Felix was a movie star even before Mickey Mouse. Felix carried his 'bag o'tricks' with him everywhere he went and often used the contents to thwart his nemesis, Master Cylinder.

* Garfield: Created by cartoonist Jim Davis, Garfield is a big orange-and-white tabby with an insatiable appetite for lasagna.

* The Cheshire Cat: Denizen of Wonderland, the Cheshire Cat was often found lounging on an overhanging tree limb. He was known to purr-speak something witty to Alice before disappearing, leaving only his smile behind.

* Duchess the Persian and O'Malley the Alley Cat: Stars of the 1970 Disney cartoon, The Aristocats, Duchess and O'Malley were two of the most well-loved cartoon kitties ever drawn.

* Sylvester: With his blustering speech impediment, Sylvester made his cartoon debut around 1945 and remains one of the most well-known cartoon cats, ever. He was always after the little old lady's pet canary who, when sensing Sylvester's presence, shouted "I tawt I taw a puddy tat!" Sylvester never did catch the bird.

* The Cat in the Hat: Created by Ted Geisel aka Dr. Seuss in the mid 1950s, the Cat in the Hat helped teach generations of kids to read with his simple, often one-syllable vocabulary.

* Krazy Kat: Created by George Herriman, Krazy Kat was the first comic-strip kitty. He appeared on the scene in 1910 in The New York Journal. Poor Krazy was always being bombarded with bricks thrown by Ignatz Mouse.

* Fritz the Cat: Created by Robert Crumb, who originally named him Fred, Fritz was the first (and probably still the only) X-rated animated cartoon cat. Of course, the ratings system in 1970 was a lot more strict; today Fritz would likely merit only an 'PG-13'.

* Morris: An enormous orange tabby, Morris was rescued from an animal shelter in 1968 and by 1969 was the most famous cat in America. He was spokescat for Nine Lives cat food and was invited to the White House by then-President Richard M Nixon where he signed (with a paw-print) the National Animal Protection Bill.

* Puss'n Boots: Created by the Brothers Grimm, Puss'n Boots has remained famous for generations. The boot-wearing Puss even had a speaking part in the Hollywood movie, Shrek.

Cats, with their curious and often humorous behavior, will always be entertaining. Of course, in our own personal lives the most famous kitties of all will be the ones sleeping at our feet.

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Big Paw Blog Giveaway - win $50 to shop!

noreply@blogger.com (Big Paw) — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 18:36:00 +0000

In honor of our blog switching back to blogger - we are having a giveaway!

(We are still trying to get some of the posts back on the site too! Our wordpress site will not be taken down yet - so you can still see some of the older posts if you like.)

In honor of our old followers and our new ones - you could win $50 worth of pet goodies from Big Paw Designs!

Buy it:
You can buy pet gifts such as collar charms, stickers and magnets online at Big Paw Designs! Most items are affordable little luxuries and many benefit pet charities.

Win it:
One of our blog readers will win $50 worth of items from Big Paw Designs! Who hoo! Paws in the air!

Here is the scoop:
- Giveaway Ends Midnight 3/15 CST, entries posted after this will not be considered.
- US & Canada 18+ only, no PO Boxes
- Winner chosen via random.com and will have 24 hours to reply to our email claiming their fabu prizes!

Mandatory entry
- Follow our blog - the Big Paw Blog via GFC and tell us your favorite thing about Big Paw Designs! (1 Entry and Mandatory before other entries, entries that do not follow the first entry requirements will not count)

Extra entries - place a separate comment for each:
- Follow Big Paw on Twitter
- Like Big Paw on Facebook
- Subscribe to the Big Paw Blog via email (Feedburner)
- Tweet about this giveaway and comment with the link - once a day only
- Blog about this giveaway and comment with a link

Lucky Dog! (And Cat) Sale

noreply@blogger.com (Big Paw) — Sat, 26 Feb 2011 13:46:00 +0000

Lucky Dog! (And Cat) Sale

In honor of St Patrick's Day Big Paw Designs wants to celebrate all of you lucky dogs and cats. So we are having a sale! Take 17% off now through St. Paddy's Day! Enter coupon code LUCKY2011 at checkout.

Add your blog to our blogroll!

noreply@blogger.com (Big Paw) — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 14:45:00 +0000

Have a pet blog? We would like to invite you to add your blog to the Big Paw Blogroll!
Look forward to seeing you there! High Paw five to all of our new friends!
Woof! Meow!