Think about the weather changing gives me the shivers and my poor dog trudging in the snow….and babie its cold outside.

Time to bundle up your dog- and stop the shivering, cause its cold outside.

TAGS: Can I has a Dog Coats, Dog Coats, Babie its cold outside.

Reversible Dog Coats

” One Nation Under Dog” is a dog book written by Michael Schaffer is a book every dog lover should read! As Michael puts us into the world of dog – and all the trappings of pet care we can see how this domesticated animal has turned into a family member. As I began reading about their “first dog” Murphy I recalled how I got my latest addition to the family and the joy of having a dog.

Murphy’s story is one of the doting parents who “for the love of dog” we follow in the same footsteps as Mike and his wife travel through the world of a 43 billion dollar industry growing into the next century. The history of dogs is particularly amusing and an eye opener for dog owners on what to look out for -in case you fall into the trappings of dog ownership.

Besides the dog lattes, Bully Sticks and puppy birthday parties – the upscale urban dog today the author takes us through pet bereavement to the pet food industry. The care and feeding of Fido is explained by looking at the stories of obsessions and the changes in our culture from politics to social morals and finally the economics of pet ownership.

If you own a dog you owe it to yourself to get this book and avoid your dog becoming a Prozac-Popping Puppy.  Just simply to avoid the dog park no-no’s and teach yourself how to get accustomed to the new world order – of the dog.

This is a must read book -and highly recommended-and special thanks to Mr. Jason Liebman of New York for sending us a copy of the book – it was a great read!!

You can pick up a copy here:

DOG HEALTH 1    RATES  THIS  BOOK :  5 PAWS UP!!

One Nation Under Dog

by author:  Michael Schaffer

Tags: One Nation Under Dog, Michael Schaffer, puppy birthday parties, urban dog, pet food industry, prozac popping puppies, puppies, dog news, dog book reviews, dog breeds, dog collars, dog fun, dog’s health, Michael Schaffer, Book Reviews, dog books.

If you live in a colder climate in winter there are ways to ensure your pet is healthy and comfortably out of danger during the cold winter months ahead.

Although most dogs will grow a winter coat, it is still hard to understand why some people keep their dogs outdoors all night in the freezing weather of winter.  It is advisable not to leave your dog out in the cold for long periods of time, especially if the temperatures are below zero.  A dog can freeze when with the wind chill it can be colder than normal day time temperatures.  There are some fashionable warm coats on the market that can keep your dog warm on those cold winter nights.

Some people believe their dogs can exist outdoors all night as long as they are in a dog house. Not true. This would kill most dogs even as winter temperatures might appear to be getting warmer.  It does not take long for a cold snap to set in over nite and result in sub zero temperatures.  Frostbite is also a very possible outcome of cold nights or a long walk in sub-zero temperatures.  Warm coats for this type of cold weather are well worth the effort to put them on before venturing out into the winter cold weather for your dog’s comfort. 

Dogs must be kept dry and away from drafty areas as well as the dampness or periods of high humidity.  Groom your dog regularly and especially after walks in the winter as snow can accumulate between a dog’s toes which makes walking difficult and sometimes painful.  Dry and wash your dog’s four paws after each walk, and watch for cracked pads on the bottom, put some grape seed oil or olive oil on their feet to protect them from cold.  After a walk remove the snow and ice between toes and wash the paws of any salt or other chemicals used to melt icy roads.

These chemical additives used to melt ice on winter roads these days, not only includes salt but other chemicals and dirt which can harm the paws.

Your dog’s appetite will increase in the colder weather especially if it spends a lot of time outdoors.   Serve your pet’s meals warm, and load some extra calories will keep them warm outside for daily walks. 

Pet owners must be aware when playing near frozen rivers or lakes where ice can be thin especially with warmer weather during the day.  When ice appears to be solid it sometimes is very thin and cannot hold the weight of a larger dog. 

It is preferable to leave your dog at home when very cold, that to freeze the dog in the car for hours while you shop, unless some one is in the car with the dog. Ensure your dog has plenty of fresh water, as the dry heat indoors and low humidity in the winter can dehydrate your dog very quickly.  Household Christmas plants such as Poinsettias, and Holly can be poisonous for pets.

Keep your dog warm, safe and comfortable this Holiday season and for a Happy New Year!

Written by:  Teri Salvador.  All Rights Reserved.

The dog fashion show of the century was held in Toronto Ontario, this past June kicking off the annual ” Woofstock” sort of a doggie love in fest.  It is the largest outdoor event for dogs in North America with free admission festivals, entertainment and dog lovers fashion shows.  Over 120,000 dog enthusiasts attended with over 200 companies who showed their latest foods, fashion and fun furnishings for our furry friends.  These were the “ must haves” for every canine to live in this dog eat dog world and for 2 days the St. Lawrence Market on Front Street became “ Doggie Heaven” for the participants. 

Dog divas donned their finery wearing pearls, silks, cashmere, leather and outer fashion canine couture, and could partake of: massages, spa treatments, portraits, fashion accessories, furnishings, bedding and decadent treats to satisfy any palate.  We can only hope that Carson Kresley comes next year to do the judging or is it jusshhing as he calls it.   Festivities also included a Doggie High Tea honouring Canine Cancer Survivors at the posh downtown King Edward Hotel.  When Elizabeth Taylor came to town with Richard Burton, she stayed at the King Eddie for 10 weeks, and brought along her dogs who also stayed with her in her suite.

The participants of the Doggie High Tea, dined on fresh baked cookies and lapped it down with a specially brewed tea, in the beautiful Windsor Ballroom.  Guests made donations to help raise funds for OVC Pet Trust Fund for Canine Cancer research.   Also participating was the Smiling Blue Skies Cancer Fund organization.  As these dogs were pampered to the nines with lavish royal treatment, the audience were asked to vote for their favourite outfits, at the Dog Fashion show.  Paris Hilton should have attended this event, but alas she missed out.

This all preceded the main event, a mutt strut culminating with the crowning of the Ms. and Mr. Canine Canada Pageant, which was the contest for the cutest and most handsome dogs, actually they were all pretty cute.  The fashions shows were to ” dog for” , with the furry fashionistas all parading, and strutting their stuff on the cat walk.   An Extreme Makeover produced and donated by Aussie Pet Mobile made over two lucky pooches per day that were transformed by the afternoon events, into Doggie Diva’s or Kool Dudes.  Next was a Best Costume contest where contestants revealed their true inner dog selves, by flaunting their favourite outfits. 

On the second day, a Rescue Me Walk-a-thon too place to support the Ontario Canine Rescue which is a not for profit organization that rescues maimed and injured animals.  After that, was a “Stupid Dog Tricks” show, where canine idols showed off their stunts and trickery.  Donations from the proceeds of Woofstock were presented to the OSPCA, the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, The Toronto Humane Society, and the WSPA which is the World Society for the Protection of Animals.Canine couture has evolved over the years once only for smaller breeds, but has now stimulated dog fashion designers to boldly go forward with fetching outfits for larger breeds.  Although we are discussing dogs, the cat fashion industry is also included in the mix, with collars, clothes and accessories. 

The cat industry is also big business when you see commercials such as that white Persian cat, dining on tender morsels, from a crystal glass in a commercial for cat food.Larger dogs also have a need to make a personal statement of their inner selves, and the mode is in glamour, style and beauty. Companies such as K9Kloud9.com are predicting the advent of fashion spilling over to all sizes of dogs especially the bigger breeds. The term “Big Dog” applies to big jewellery and the growing trend of highlighting big dog stylish apparel that fits in with today’s fashion culture.  No longer will you see a pink tutu just on a Chihuahua.  Now all the plaids, bright colors, polka dots and frilly collars will be on the runway with the big dogs.  Pay attention to that Dalmatian down the street, for it may be wearing more polka dots this year.

As our families evolve and as children grow and moved out of the house, many empty nesters nearing retirement now more than ever before spend more time and money on pet health care and outfitting their pets. The Willis’s in Ontario have an eight pound poodle named Struppi, who wouldn’t be caught dead without her Louis Vuitton doggie bag and a matching LV collar and leash.  The cost is in the thousands of dollars, but to the Willis couple its like splurging on a child.  However, Struppi doesn’t fly Air Canada anymore, since they banned travelling pets in July of this year. There are more singles who are living alone, than married couples but both groups are allocating more money for the comforts of their family pets.  The pet industry has ballooned to a four billion dollar industry that caters to pets for anything from gourmet treats, pet spas, pet hotels, pet vacations, pet foods, and the very lucrative niche of pet designer fashions.  Industries are popping up everywhere and the ideas are out of this world, including catered Dog Birthday Parties?  Yes, when your dog’s birthday rolls around you can have it all catered and invite his/her neighbourhood pals and have a Dog Birthday Bash.

With dog bakeries spawning at such a rapid rate worldwide -it shouldn’t be too hard to find a cake, in the shape of a bone, made of carob which is a natural pure chocolate that is harmless to dogs.  Carob which is the ingredient substituted for chocolate in pet treats,  does not contain caffeine or theobromine, which is most often fatal for dogs, and is free from phenylethylamine.

In the world of canine couture what’s hot you ask?

Hoodies. 

They are cute, comfortable and very in doggie vogue and you never pull the hood over their heads, its all for looks you see.

Bling’s The Dog Thing.

Jewellery is here to stay and doggie fashions must have accessory frills, such as rhinestone studded collars, and leashes, where the bling matches the outfits. Some designers’ have added Swarovski Crystals for the sheer elegance of a well heeled dog collar.  Charm bracelets, well the equivalent for a dog is charms placed on their leash, which are also making a bold fashion statement.  Pearl necklaces are here, and banish that old leather worn out leash, that these days seem as antiquated as yoke straps on an oxen.  Dog Bags:Hand bags to keep their toys, snacks and stuff in while travelling or shopping.  Dog bags for those sleep over nights, at a friend’s house, you have to pack up Priscilla also.  Dog bags, Strollers, Harnesses, and raincoats are all the rage.   

Dog Strollers:

You will see more strollers in the coming years, as our baby boomer dogs are getting older, and again the empty nesters syndrome appears to be working on us all.  Now, many dogs have joint problems and arthritic conditions, and cannot get around as much as they did in the past.  These strollers are not Chevy’s either, but I expect I will see a Hummer Stroller soon, on the streets, as they are designed to move a VIP, a very important pet.  If you have a dog named Arnold, your half way there already.

Dog Life Jackets:

There is now a line of dog life jackets, even for big dogs that can’t swim or have arthritis, and swimming is less damaging to their joints.  Some dog’s breeds are not strong swimmers but love to cool off in these dogs’ days of summer.  Doggie Tee-Shirts: