Pet Obesity: Killing Our Canines With Kindness

Just like their human counterparts, animals are suffering from a growing problem with becoming overweight and obese in today’s society. Recent figures from APOP (Association for Pet Obesity Prevention) share some frightening statistics that show this dangerous dilemma is continuing to rise in our pet population. In the United States, over half of all dogs and almost 60% of cats are considered overweight or obese.

When we pack on a few extra pounds, sometimes it’s barely noticeable, but for dogs, just three pounds can often represent 20% or more of their total body weight. Similar to their two-legged masters, this extra weight also puts them at an increased risk for a number of different diseases and health problems. For dogs, the top ten include:

1.    Arthritis

2.    Bladder and urinary tract diseases

3.    Thyroid and hormone production problems

4.    Liver disease

5.    Torn knee ligaments

6.    Diabetes

7.    Diseased and degenerative discs in their spine

8.    Fatty growths and other tissues

9.    Chronic kidney diseases and failure

10.  Heart disease and failure

This increased weight can put enormous pressure on all of their joints, muscles and other parts of their body including their internal organs. It also causes CCL (cruciate ligament) and hock injuries, leads to carpal hyperextension, along with other painful and problematic conditions that often leads to dogs need to wear braces.

Reducing The Risks

The biggest factor with weight gain in our animals is from feeding them too much, followed closely  by a lack of exercise and activity. Feeding them table scraps, giving them too many treats and leaving a full bowl of kibble out for them all day long are some of the biggest culprits. The only way to reduce the risk of them becoming overweight is feeding them a sensible diet and maintaining a healthy exercise schedule.

Swap Out Treats For Healthier Snacks

As parents of two-legged children, some of us struggle with getting our kids to eat their vegetables, but you might be surprised to find out what healthy alternatives your pet might enjoy. For example, some dogs think carrots are colorful chew toys and will gnaw on them until there’s nothing left. Other healthy treats for dogs include:

●     Apples (without the skin and seeds)

●     Blueberries and strawberries

●     Melons and cantaloupe

●     Watermelon (again seedless and without the rind)

Avoid grapes and raisins that contain chemical compounds that are dangerous for dogs. Also steer clear of nuts, tomatoes, and avocados which are also unhealthy for pets.

                                     

 Increasing Activity Levels

While many of us will walk our dogs daily, sometimes this isn’t enough activity to prevent weight gain or help with weight loss. If your dog is already overweight, start out with smaller exercise sessions and work your way up to longer workout routines.

Think outside the box when it comes to exercising your animal. For example, while many breeds enjoy swimming, there’s a rising trend with a canine competition called Dock Diving. These traveling animal contests pit dogs against each other measuring the lengths and heights they can accomplish when running and then diving off the deck of a dock into a portable swimming pool. Even a trip to the lake or other local watering holes can offer them some low impact exercise, especially on a hot summer’s day.

Make sure to always consult your veterinarian before changing your dog’s diet and exercise regimes. I’m sure they’ll agree with healthier eating choices, but depending on factors like age, breed, size and other circumstances, together you can make a plan for the best activity level for your four-legged friend.

You may Like to Watch this Video On Dangers of Pet Obesity by Veterinary Specialty Hospital of San Diego

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Top Products That Will Help to Maintain Your Dog’s Good Health

We are growing old, and so are our pets. Well, as much as we would hate to admit, old age comes with many health complications. It is also the same case for pets, as they face health challenges juts like humans do in their old age. To ensure your pet stays healthy and active, there are few products designed with exactly that in mind. Other than avoiding inflammation-causing foods and constant visits to the vet, these products help in enhancing your dog’s health.

Inflammation:herbal remedies can be well known for their ability in pain reduction. It can be an excellent remedy for old-age related aches, minor injuries and overexertion. By following instructions, your dog will be up and running within a short while. However, it should be noted that this is not a substitute for veterinary care. Therefore, any major ailments are to be attended to by qualified, veterinary personnel. Only little aches are to be relieved using this product.

                                                    

DogRubber Ball: we all know that dogs love running around. Whoever initially thought of playing ‘fetch” must have observed this. The balls come in different shapes, sizes, colors and they are even capable of floating. Get one and it will keep your dog running all day. Yours is just throwing, and the dog gets to benefit as the running is a form of exercise that keeps it fit.

Dog Tread Small Motorized Treadmill: most homes nowadays have treadmills and you probably have noted dogs’ fascination with this great exercise aid invention. Why not get your dog a treadmill? Sure, there are treadmills meant to help exercise their muscles. It is a great accessory for helping young dogs practice speed. It can also aid dogs; which age has caught up with in keeping their joints flexible.

           

                                                       

DentalSprays:“Brush your teeth after every meal”. That is a phrase repeated so often brushing comes almost automatically for human beings. Regrettably, most of us forget about our dog’s dental care. Unfortunately, for dogs, other than having a cavity they can contract a heart disease named periodontal disease, due to lack of dental care. Before you start figuring how to brush your dog’s teeth we are here to your rescue. There is a broad range of dental sprays available. Some just consist of spraying, and the plaque falls off on its own, leaving your dog’s teeth in pitch perfect condition.  

                                  

Joint, Muscle and Hip Support: as mentioned earlier, hips, joints and muscles ache with old age. To rectify this, there are a number of supplements available in the market. These supplements have been proven as working. Therefore, if your dog has not been as playful as it was in the past, you might want to try out one of these.

Visit The Posh Puppy dog boutique for these and other products. There is plenty of information as well as products in other sectors other than the health sector. All of which are meant to make sure your dog lives its best life. 

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Sleeping Dogs

Sleeping Dogs

If you’ve ever watched your dog sleep – and if your dog is like most dogs and takes a lot of naps, you have had plenty of chances to watch it sleep – you’ve probably seen it move its feet or its jaws, as if it were running or chewing. And you’ve probably assumed the dog is dreaming of chasing rabbits.

How Dogs and Humans Sleep

But you’ve probably also noticed that this dream-like behavior for your dog doesn’t seem to last very long. This occurs because of the way dogs sleep, which is quite a bit different from how humans sleep. As shown in the accompanying infographic, the differences in sleeping patterns require dogs to sleep longer than humans.

• Human sleeping patterns. A human will sleep on a binary pattern, where he or she sleeps for about eight hours per night and is awake during the day. A human will spend about 25% of his or her sleep in REM sleep, which is the deepest stage of sleep where most dreaming occurs.

• Dog sleeping patterns. A dog will go through various stages of activity and restfulness during the day, spending about 50% of its time in a sleep stage, about 30% in a restful state, and about 20% of its time in an active and fully awake state. Of its time spent sleeping, the dog is only in REM sleep for about 10% of the time. Because the dog spends less time in the deepest stage of sleep, the average dog needs more four to six hours more sleep than the average human.

Differences in Sleeping Dogs

If you’re concerned that your dog is sleeping too much or too little, it’s worth keeping in mind that many dogs fall outside the normal sleeping amounts. While most dogs will sleep 12 to 14 hours per day, individual dogs can need a different amount of sleep for a variety of reasons.

• Activity. Dogs that work with a human on a regular basis, such as companion dogs or volunteer dogs, may begin to mimic the sleep patterns of the human. These dogs may sleep less than the average dog.

• Bored. A dog that is bored or that isn’t getting enough exercise may sleep more than the average dog. You may find that as the dog exercises more or plays with other dogs more, it may end up sleeping a little less.

• Large breeds. A larger dog, especially one that is bred as a guardian, may sleep more than average. It also may sleep more during the day, while being active during the night-time hours.

• Older dogs. As dogs age, they will need more sleep. Many older dogs will sleep more than the average.

• Puppies. A young dog will sleep much more than an average adult dog. Perhaps the puppy will sleep as much as 18 hours per day. As the dog matures into adulthood, it should begin needing less sleep than it needed as a puppy.

Rather than worrying about how much your dog is sleeping, it may be more important to pay attention to any changes in the dog’s sleeping habits. For example, if a dog suddenly begins sleeping a few hours more than is normal for it, the dog could have some sort of illness. There is a wise variety of dog illnesses that may impede dogs’ sleep, so it’s best to know how these may be effecting your dog. You may want to have the dog examined by a veterinarian, just to put your mind at ease. And having one less thing to worry about may help you sleep better at night!

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Our Sweaters Are Warm and Comfy

Pet clothes. Tons and tons of clothes mainly for dogs but some also fits cats. Find a huge selection of clothes—especially sweaters—at the Posh Puppy Boutique.

One that is perfect any time of year, but especially for Valentine’s Day, is this pink and white candy stripe sweater (sale price $27). Made with an elastic hem and turtleneck finish, it comes in sizes from XS-XL to fit nearly any dog.

Our Owl Love You Forever Sweater and Toy Set (sale price $71) by designer Oscar Newman features an owl  pocket with knitted 3-D wings and feet, a comfy rolled-cuff neckline, sleeves and hemline. This 100% cotton sweater also comes with a matching owl squeaky toy. Sizes range from XS-L.

The Good Friend Sweater in Beige (sale price $68) from designer Puppy Angel is made with a 70/30 mix of acrylic and wool for a warm, comfortable fit. Sizes range from XS-M only.

This 5^th Avenue Sweater (sale price $27) features a black and white 60’s retro style topped with gold buttons. Several sizes are available.

Go girlish with this pretty pink Pearl Flower Sweater (sale price $25). It features ribbed front sleeves and three knitted flowers with pearl centers on the back. Sizes range from XS-L.

Take a look at this adorable pink Angora Cable Knit Sweater (sale price $36) from designer Hip Doggie. The turtleneck sweater is made with imitation angora so no rabbits or goats were harmed. In addition to being stylish, warm and comfortable, it—and many other products at the Posh Puppy Boutique—is machine washable. Sizes range from XS-XL.

Also take a look the Jewelled Bear sweaters from Puppy Angel, available in pink for her and brown for him (sale price $72 each). These designer sweaters feature elastic lace on the edge of the neck, golden metallic thread plus rhinestones and pearly studs for extra bling. They are made with 70% acrylic and 30% wool. Sizes range from XS-XL.

These are just a tiny sampling of the many sweaters, plus dresses, coats, shoes and outfits, available at your Number 1 stop for couture pet fashions, the Posh Puppy Boutique.

Call us at 888-837-5230, visit us online or friend us on social media.

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Make a Fashion Splash This Holiday Season

The Velvet Holiday Dress comes with a matching leash.

Couture pet fashions, mostly for dogs though some of our smaller sizes also fit cats, is what the Posh Puppy Boutique is known for.

There is no better time than now to dress up your precious present, one who gives the gift of love every waking moment. And the Posh Puppy Boutique has the perfect outfits for any formal occasion.

This purple Velvet Holiday Dress comes complete with a matching leash (sale price: $32). It features a black velvet body topped by a purple skirt and adorned with a jeweled circle. Size range from XS – XL. Please measure your pet’s neck and chest first.

Shades of “The Nutcracker” it’s the Sugar and Spice Dress from designer Ruff Ruff Couture. It has a red plaid double ruffle skirt and a textured gingerbread applique. Sizes range from 2XS-XL.

Faux pearls adorn the neck of our knitted red pullover dress.

Our Red Pullover Sweater Dress (sale price: $52) has faux pearls at the neck. This knitted dress also has Velcro closures at the neck and waist for a snug, comfortable fit. Sizes range from 2XS-L.

Boy dogs will look very handsome in this handmade Alpine Fairisle Sweater (sale price $35) whether at home or out for a walk on a cold day. Warm, comfortable and stylish, they come in sizes from 2XS-3XL fitting everything from a toy breed to a Great Dane.

Add some warmth and style with this Fairisle Sweater.

 The Christmas Couture - Desire Dress (starting at $218) screams style with a bodice made of red silk. A black flower lace applique, white rosettes and other embellishments top a skirt of red striped shimmer organza. This dress is great for any special occasion, no matter the season. Sizes range from 2XS-XL.

If your boy pooch is worth the wait, the two weeks it takes to hand make the Casanova Harness Vest ($158) will deliver the goods. Made with black velvet and featuring a red shirt collar and two rows of yellow flowers it will make your boy a real love magnet. Sizes range from XS-L. Note this item cannot be returned so measure your dog carefully.

Many of the items shown on this blog are available in person at the Posh Puppy Boutique retail store, 6040 Stanford Ranch Rd., Rocklin, CA, off US 80 east of Sacramento. Swing by and say hi.

Call (888) 837-5230 for any questions about out online products or (916) 435-3044 for store hours and information.

Happy Holidays!

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Check Out these Holiday Fashions, Toys at the Posh Puppy Boutique

The Winter Wonderland Vest is by Ruff Ruff Couture.

Outfits, sweaters, jammies, lots and lots of are among the newest arrivals at the Posh Puppy Boutique, landing just in time for the holidays.

Among our most popular new couture fashion items is this bright red Winter Wonderland Vest (sale price: $48), complete with a red bow tie, white collar and white buttons made with rich, soft red velvet. Made by designer Ruff Ruff Couture, it comes in sizes from XS-L.

The matching Winter Wonderland Dress (sale price: $48) has the same red and white design, including polka dots plus a custom crystal candy cane applique. It comes in sizes from XS-L.

The Rudolph Hoodie (sale price: $50) is made with super soft jersey topped with a white fur hood and matching white trim. Sizes range from XS-XL.

Our Football Sweater (sale price:$27) has a large football logo atop a blue and brown design. Sizes range from XS-XL.

The DivaGlam PJs are soft, comfortable and oh so feminine.

Let your little princess go to bed like the diva she is in our Sweetie DivaGlam PJs (sale price: $59) from Puppy Angel. Made with 100 percent cotton and topped with cotton lace at the neck and legs, the four-legged, lightweight design creates a breathable blanket around your little girl. The jammies are topped by the DivaGlam logo in tiny crystals on the back. Sizes range from S-XL.

These Full Blossom Fleece PJs are warm and soft.

Our Full Blossom Turtleneck Fleece PJs (sale price: $30) are soft and very warm. Extended sleeves that can be folded up add comfort for taller dogs. A functional pocket and two “D” rings—one for an ID and one for a leash—plus a colorful floral design make these perfect for puppy flower child.

With five styles of colorful Talking Loopies Toys, all priced between $14-$19, like this Lamb, the integrated sound chip will keep your dog entertained for hours.

One of our most popular dog toys—the Chewy Vuiton squeaky toy—is similar to the purse many women crave yet sized appropriately for small and medium dogs.

Keep your little boy or girl entertained with the Monkey ‘n Banana Puzzle Dog Toy sale priced at $18. Dogs must figure out how to get all three of the tiny monkeys out of the banana burrow.

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Sweaters Add Style, Warmth for Fall and Winter

This Ruff Ruff Couture model is one of hundreds of sweaters at the Posh Puppy.

Old Man Winter has arrived early in much of the U.S. Keep your dogs stylishly warm, and safe from winter’s chills, with a new sweater from the Posh Puppy Boutique.

Among the newest arrivals are several from Ruff Ruff Couture like this Jacquard Hanley Knit Sweater, on sale now for $36. A whimsical design means this rayon sweater is one your dog can wear again and again. Sizes range from XXS-M.

Also on sale—among hundreds of sweaters—is this Jacquard Cardigan Knit Sweater, also on sale now for $36. It features a colorful rayon blend for warmth combined with a bright, colorful design. Sizes range from XXS-M.

Our Sweater Hoodie is great for larger dogs. 

Larger dogs will like this Sweater Hoodie, available in Gray/Aqua and Brown/Orange. Sale priced at $27, it has a leash opening for outdoor use so it can connect to a harness. Sizes range from XS-XL.

Show off your holiday spirit in sweater style with one of many new arrivals. For example,  check out these Furry & Sparkling Trims sweaters that come in red/white and solid red. Sale priced at only $36, these colorful hand-knitted sweaters are more for outstanding style than warmth. Sizes range from XS-XL.

We also have several holiday-themed rhinestone turtleneck sweaters from designer Puppy Angel in a variety of colors and patterns such as this Red Snowflake (sale priced at $68). Made with 70% acrylic and 30% wool, they come in sizes from XS-M. They also feature a stretchable waist.

Our Red and Dark Green Argyle Sweater, sale priced starting at only $27, has an elastic hem and turtleneck collar. Sizes range from XS-XL.                                                                                                                                      

Let your dog have a Beary Merry Christmas.

Also check out our Beary Merry Christmas sweater from designer Oscar Newman, sale priced at $81. In sizes from XS-L, it is made with super soft yarn in cranberry tones and has a custom knitted bear toy soldier applique. Numerous embellishments make it sparkle and standout, especially at Christmas.

These and many more sweaters and coats for dogs of all sizes can be found in one place: the Posh Puppy Boutique.

Visit us online at www.poshpuppyboutique.com or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. Call us at (888) 837-5230 with any questions.

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Sparkle With Couture Pet Fashions This Holiday Season

The Save the Turkey Dress

From the humorous to the exquisite, the Posh Puppy Boutique has your holiday pet clothing and accessories needs completely covered.

The Save the Turkey Dress (sale price $50) from designer Ruff Ruff Couture has a brown jersey with brown and white gingham waistband and double layer skirt topped with a felt applique. Sizes range from XXS-XL.

The Bronze Metallic Tuxedo Vest and Dress make a fabulous combination for the right dogs.

Be ready for any fall special event with this custom-made Exclusive Bronze Metallic Dress (sale prices start at $221) from designer Yvette Ruta. Made with velvet and fully lined with satin, the bottom and bow are in gathered crushed velvet topped with braided sequence trim. Each dress is designed exclusively for one dog: yours. Sizes range from XS-XL, with custom sizing available. There is a 2-3 week delivery delay. Call the Posh Puppy at (888) 837-5230 or email sales@poshpuppyboutique.com for details and exact pricing.

Find a matching Bronze Metallic Velvet Tux Vest (sale prices start at $162) for your favorite boy to compliment his big or little lady. It is made to the same exacting standards as the dress.

The Shimmer Night Snowflake Sweater.

Our Harvest of Autumn Dress (sale price $50) combines the oranges, golds, yellows, browns and greens of fall in a fully lined dress topped with a festive orange bow. Sizes ranges from XS-M only. It is available with and without a “D” ring for easy leash attachment.

The Shimmer Nights Snowflake Sweater (sale price $24) is a 100 percent acrylic pink sweater with a large embroidered silver snowflake on the back. It is perfect for fall and winter nights. Sizes range from XXS-M only.

This Couture Red Dress - Russian (sale price $378) is also from designer Yvette Ruta. It features intricate gold, silver and pink embroidery and is lined in crushed red velvet. Sizes range from XS-XL, with custom sizing available. There is a 2-3 week delivery delay. Call the Posh Puppy at (888) 837-5230 or email sales@poshpuppyboutique.com for details and exact pricing.

Psst: The Posh Paws Grooming Salon in Rocklin, Calif. is having its Grand Opening Soon. If you are going to be anywhere near the greater Sacramento area, call us at (916) 899-6770 or email appt@poshpawsrocklin.com. The full service salon, which is next door to the newly-expanded Posh Puppy Retail Store, offers a wide range of grooming services designed to pamper posh pets.

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Dress in Style for Halloween

Our Couture Sunshine in Fall Tutu Dress is perfect this time of year.

Who needs a costume when you can dress in style? Not the distinguished doggie, especially not those that shop for couture fashions at the Posh Puppy Boutique.

One perfect example of this is our Couture Sunshine in Fall Tutu Dress on sale now for $122. Your little princess (it comes in sizes as tiny as 2XS) or bigger girl (it’s also available in XL for $10 more) will show her fun, whimsical side. Layers of tulle in yellow gold and brown capture the colors of fall. The brown elastic crocheted tube hold it snugly while a large sunflower on the center of the neck is offset by two smaller sunflowers lower down. The design is quick and easy to put on or take off.

Autumn Harvest Halter Dress.

Another great example is our Orange Spider Web Dress in Black and Orange, on sale now for $65. It combines fashion with a Halloween theme and is available in sizes from XS-M. This cotton creation is lined and is available with or without a “D” ring for leash attachment. Two Velcro closures make for a secure, comfortable fit.

Our Autumn Harvest Orange Skirt Halter Dress, on sale for only $36, is bright, cheery and perfect for any Fall occasion. It’s available in small only.

Perfect for Fall or Spring, our Mademoiselle Dress from designer Ruff Ruff Couture and its companion Royal Sweet Treat Dress (sale price: $49 each) share an overall-style with cute appliques. The Mademoiselle dress has a white peterpan collar and pink denim pleated skirt plus a removable lace cameo pin. Royal Sweet Treat is made with brown corduroy and has two large pink buttons.

Louis Dog has a knock-out Organic Triple Dress that comes in black or violet polka dots (sale price: $87 each). Available in sizes from extra small to large, both feature three layers of fleece frill and three layers of lace for a combination of style. These dresses are fine enough to wear under a sweater while heavy enough to wear on their own. The bodice and lining are made with certified organic cotton.

The Lil' Pumpkin Costume Dress.

Larger ladies will like this Lil’ Pumpkin Halloween Costume Dog Tutu Dress, on sale now starting at $43. It comes in sizes from XS-XXL for the largest of breeds. The top is black with a pumpkin in orange crystals while the attached tutu is in bright orange.

And if a couture dress isn’t your style, especially when you have a boy dog, take a look at the more than 350 Halloween costumes available in one spot: the Posh Puppy Boutique.

Visit us online at www.poshpuppyboutique.com or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. Call us at (888) 837-5230 with any questions.

Well heeled dogs now have access to the dog equivalent of a human day spa with the opening of the Posh Paws Grooming Salon in Rocklin.

Located at 6040 Stanford Ranch Rd., Ste. 200, the dog-oriented grooming salon is open 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday-Friday and 7:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday. It occupies the former location of the Posh Puppy Boutique Retail Store, which moved next door.

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