Include your pet on your New Year Resolutions!

New Year's Resolutions are not just for humans, we can make a change with our pet's too!

When we are making our New Year's resolutions of losing weight, or giving up soft drinks, or attending church more, we all make them and whether or not we stick to our resolutions or not, it is tradition to make New Year's Resolutions.

How about including your pet in your resolution this year? Not like buying him more toys or petting him more, but something of real consistency and value. How about commit to a healthier life for your dog? Walking your dog can sure help your dog get the exercise that he needs to walk off the pounds and I am pretty sure it won’t hurt you either.

What about your pet’s diet? Are you giving your dog fatty foods from your table which can lead to more health problems? Maybe you should check into better and more nutritious food for your dog this New Year. See your vet if you have any special concerns about your dog’s diet and he can recommend a good brand to fit your pet’s needs and often times, they sell it at the vet clinic. This might include your treats too because those can be unhealthy too.

Maybe you would like to take better care of your dog in general, that would start with your pet's health from the inside out. When you have a healthy pet you will notice a they will be a lot more active and in turn will save you very expensive pet vet bills in the end and make you a better pet owner.
When you have a healthy dog, you will notice that they are happier and a lot more active. So, if you have not yet started to look at your dog's diet and exercise routine, now would be the perfect time at the start of a brand New Year.

Why not invest in a pet treadmill or items to make your pet more active?
You could get him some Joint tablets to help with his achy joints or just to keep him moving~ or just start by reading about the bond between you and your dog with the "Bond for Life" book.

We know that if we could hear our dog speak, he would be making resolutions too, like not sleeping so much or possibly no vomiting in the formal living room, or shaking off the muddy water as he runs in the house, no chewing of the stuffed animals, or drinking the commode water. BUT.. I am sure our dogs would really appreciate our help by setting the standards for a healthier lifestyle and the rest I am sure will fall into place.

Happy New Year to you and yours from Posh Puppy Boutique!

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Give back this Holiday Season!

When I think of Cancer, I think of my family members that have expired and left this earth and took their life early. I guess I didn't really realize how many pets get cancer too.

There are some common types of canine cancer:

Mouth Cancer

Prostate Cancer

Bone Cancer

Mast Cell Tumor Cancer

Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI) has named November as Pet Cancer Awareness Month! This year is the fifth year that VPI works hard and diligent to raise awareness of Pet cancer and educating pet owners on resources and support.

In the last couple of years VPI has reported the rise of pet cancer. VPI started their awareness in 2005 and since then have raised a large amount of money to aid in the help of pet cancer and pet cancer awareness.

If you are a VPI policy holder and a pet owner, you are urged to contribute to this wonderful cause by buying a VPI limited-edition Pet Cancer Awareness dog collar. The beautiful collars with the Cancer Society logo is available in 4 sizes.You can also find a great cancer awareness pet accessories at Posh Puppy!

All money raised by VPI during the month of November will be donated to the Animal Cancer Foundation (ACF). ACF is a non profit organization that works to help in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of cancer in people and our pets.

For more information on signs and symptoms of cancer in our four legged friends, talk to your vet or read here! However you help, just help this wonderful cause.

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Back to School blues for Fido...?

Laying around the house, swimming, playing outside, watching TV… that was such good times this summer for your dog and your kids. We (parents) are not the only ones who feel the "empty nest" when the kids go back to school.

There are some signs to watch for when your dog experiences the "doggie back to school blues". The kids are with their playmate most all summer and suddenly their gone, you need to watch for signs and symptoms early on.

Some symptoms of dog separation anxiety are:
~Digging
~Chewing
~Scratching at the doors or windows to come in or be back with you
~Howling or crying
~Following you around while you are at home
~Displaying over excitement when you come home

More serious symptoms of canine separation can be:
~Not eating
~Depression
~No energy
~Trembling
~Vomiting

Things you can do to help keep doggie depression down:

~Start early paying less attention to him early making the transition easier.~Give them something to do during the day.. leave toys such as the Kong and the and then rotate during the week. Make sure the toys are high quality and indestructible so that he cannot hurt himself during the day and the toy will hold his interest.
~Create a “home” or “place” for your dog to call his own - get a dog crate, or make him a bed (with “his” blanket) in the laundry room and/or get him a nice doghouse. Pets must feel as if they have a “retreat” to go to.

For more information on pet separation anxiety visit the ASPCA website and in the meantime, please remember that Fido is not mad or acting in anything other than separation anxiety and missing you and the kids.

Be patient, this too shall pass.

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Vaccinate your animals, a decision you won't regret

In Pontiac, Michigan breaking news today was regarding the outbreak of Parvo (parvovirus) in dogs and about how Parvo has taken the lives of hundreds of dogs this summer.

The Detroit Free Press reports that shelter workers in Detroit and Flint have also had outbreaks and it is the worst she has seen in years and even Houston, Texas is showing signs of the outbreak.

Parvo affects dogs by contact with feces (pet waste) from other contaminated dogs and most of the time die after several days after symptoms appear. Parvo is a viral disease and can be highly contagious and should be prevented by a regular vaccination by your vet. Puppies get Parvo more often than adult dogs and is carried by one dog to another. The vomit and feces of an infected animal can live outside the dog’s body for as long as 10 months. Some adult dogs can have this horrible disease and show no symptoms but be a carrier transmitting to other dogs and animals.

Families that are lower income are more susceptible to their pets having diseases because they tend to skip vaccinations and regular dog upkeep and care. There are many vaccination clinics and many of the pet stores in your area that run “specials” on vaccinations, so if you cannot afford your dog to have their shots, please visit one of these portable pet care events. Call your area’s animal shelter and find out what event's are going on in your area. The Humane Society of Southern Arizona offers vaccinations twice a week for $10.00.

Without treatment 80% of infected animals will die.

Some symptoms of Parvo are below but if you want more information regarding Parvo please visit: http://dogparvosymptoms.net/

• Depression
• lethargy
• No eating
• Vomiting and diarrhea

Bottom line is ~ no one (even animals) should suffer especially if you can keep it from happening ~ Have your dog vaccinated, do the right thing :)

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