Ahhh, Valentine’s Day. ‘Tis the season for lovers everywhere to stroll hand in hand through the park, exchange gifts, and celebrate their relationship with the one they love. If your dog is the love of your life, you can certainly share the day with him. Even if you have a partner, three is definitely not a crowd when that third person has four legs and a wagging tail.

 

What if you’d like to find that special someone to share your life? Valentine’s Day is the ideal time to look for them, and it’s important that they too are a dog lover. These days, many relationships begin online, and subscribing to dog friendly dating sites such as www.doglover.biz  means your new partner is likely to love your dog as much as you do.

 

While your dog will always enjoy walking hand in leash with you, he’ll also appreciate a little gift as a token of your affection, especially if it is liver flavoured.

 

You may have to think a little outside the box. Fido isn’t likely to appreciate the traditional Valentine’s Day bunch of flowers. Their perfume will probably leave him cold, and if he nibbles on them, he may end up spending the day at the veterinary clinic. If eaten, many plants can give our dogs a sore belly, with vomiting and diarrhea.   

 

 

Sweets For The Sweet

 

I love chocolate, and in my opinion, it’s one of the five basic food groups! Anyone who gives me chocolate on Valentine’s Day has a good chance of winning my heart. Although my dogs would be delighted to share my treats, chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures and death in dogs. As little as 100g of milk chocolate will make a 7kg dog unwell. This gives me the perfect excuse to eat all my Valentine’s chocolates myself.

 

If your dog does steal your chocolates, contact your vet straight away, as early treatment will result in a happy outcome for both of you.

 

You can still share something yummy with your dog. Consider giving him treats made with carob, which is quite safe for him. Alternatively, put on an apron and whip up some homemade dog biscuits.

 

Smelling Nice

 

Another popular gift at this time of year is cologne. Although your dog probably prefers rolling in the fragrance of dead fish or old compost, this doesn’t win him any friends when it comes to getting up close and personal. The solution – Fur Breeze. This all-natural dog fragrance doesn’t just mask that doggy smell, it actually eliminates lingering odors from his coat and bedding.

 

Choose either citrus vanilla or rosemary peppermint fragrances, and you won’t need to hold your nose when your dog wants a Valentine’s Day hug.

 

You also want to make sure that both you and your Valentine have fresh smelling breath. Nothing is worse than that road kill flavored slobber your pup so eagerly shares with you! Pick up a bottle of Dog Smog Remedy- it’s a breath freshener for dogs that also helps with the other end– gaseous emissions!

 

Time, Toys and Tuxedos.

 

Perhaps you’d prefer to choose a gift for your dog that lasts a bit longer. If your dog is active and enjoys a game, he’ll love a gift of a new ball or toy. Make sure you buy a toy that lasts; it can be so disappointing when a gift breaks the first time he plays with it.

 

Any relationship is improved by spending quality time together. Giving your dog a massage or a thorough brushing is as much a gesture of affection as anything you can buy or make, and is a great option for when the budget is tight. Your dog will appreciate the extra attention, and you’ll both feel warm and loving afterwards.

 

Have you seen the latest dog fashions you can buy for your dogs?  Booties, hoodies, and even formal wear – your dog will turn heads wherever he goes, and you’ll be proud to be seen with such a well-dressed companion.

 

Valentine’s Day is a great excuse to show those you love just how much they mean to you. Don’t forget to include your four legged best friend in your celebrations. After all, their love is unconditional.

I’ve been in the pet industry a long time and thought I’d heard it all… but wait… there’s more!

The other day, the Bark itectural Digest came across my desk! This group of architects designs and builds functional doghouses for their four-legged friends. The project was conceived to give  architects a chance to display their creative skills and to help raise funds for charity.

I’ve seen a lot of dog houses, but nothing like these… here are my faves. But you can check them all out here .

Design based on 3-D mechanical puzzle created in 1974 by Hungarian sculptor and professor of architecture Erno Rubik.  Doghouse design by Page Sutherland Page

This design won Best In Show. By Newberry Campa Architects. Built for a large dog looking for a stylish home to retreat from his active lifestyle.

A modular and prefab style house designed for indoor use and to be placed nar furniture to allow a small dog to have access to the rooftop. By Modular Dog/Dunamis Media

Preparation is the key to a safe and enjoyable winter, especially if you live north of the Mason-Dixon line. The sleet and snow don’t have to get you down. With the right products and the right attitude the season can be an enjoyable one. Here are a few ideas that can make both you and your best friend more comfortable during the shorter days.

Great fitting, warm and totally waterproof, the Cloak & Dawggie new Sport Parka will keep your pet warm and dry! Available in 4 fabulous colors in 10 sizes covering dogs from teacup to very large!

Bubbles n’ Beads is the perfect cold weather product because it cleans and conditions in one go so your dog spends less time being wet (always welcome when there’s a nip in the air). It’s unique microbeads contain both vitamins and conditioners so even though you’re spending less time washing him you’re not skimping on conditioning.

After the wash it’s important to dry well , it’s easier to dry a squirrily dog with a Soggy dog Towel from FarFetched. Soggy Dog’s specially designed pockets help you get a grip on your wet, wriggly friend. Great after a muddy romp or a post-bath pat-down, Soggy Dog minimizes bath time for dogs of all sizes, short-hair or long

Of course if it’s really chilly and you want to skip a few bath times try DryDog Instant Clean , an all natural bath replacement spray. It not only helps to clean your best friend without water but also contains ordenone, an ingredient that traps and removes the bad smells that seem to flourish between groomings. TIP: Keep a rag and bottle at the door to use on after-walk muddy paws

Don’t let your little guy get a chill after bathing just slip him into a great Ruff Ruff and Meow sweat shirt . Hundreds of styles to chose from all in warm fleece and sized to fit perfectly

At some point you’re gonna have to leave the house and salty frozen sidewalks can be a dogs worst enemy. Not only do his paw pads (and nose) get cold but they’re dried out by the salt. It’s always a good idea to rinse and wipe his paws (and nose if he’s been sniffing around) when you come back in from a walk. A great product to use before and after walks is bowWow Butter Balm . Apply a little before you go out (it forms a barrier between the skin and the environment) and a little more after you come in (it will prevent irritation and heal dry skin). Note you should never use Petroleum jelly or Petroleum based products on your dogs pads; petroleum jelly contains petrolatum, which can cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested. bowWow Butter balm is all natural shea butter and is perfectly safe

Those winter nights can be cold! Give your dog a heated bed so he’ll stay nice and toasty. The All Season Snuggle Sleeper  uses the award winning Cool Bed III insert for summer cooling and the safe plush heated pillow insert for winter warmth.

If you want to be proactive in keeping your best friend healthy this year Eyemunity is the perfect product. It contains Epicor an all natural immune booster that will not only improve your dog’s overal health but also help prevent tearstains.

I know, shoes for dogs seem lame, but … if you live in an area that snows, you might think otherwise. We recommend the fleece lined variety (think ugg boots for pooches). They feature a waterproof exterior fabric, a fleece lining, self-tightening 3M reflective Velcro straps, treated leather soles and cuffs which come up the leg.

The weather outside may be frightful but with a little forethought and preparation your winter can be… delightful.

When it comes to traveling with your dog planning can mean the difference between a memorable, trip and a nightmare vacation that you’ll never forget. Before you board that train, plane or automobile here are a few things to consider.

1. Microchip your dog. If (heaven forbid) the worst happens and you’re separated make sure he is wearing ID and has been chipped. You can contact one of the many companies that perform the service ( Crystal Tag , HomeAgain , Microchip ID (AVID) or you can ask your local pet store if they offer microchipping. It can seem like an expensive luxury but the peace-of-mind it affords is priceless.

2. Training. Unruly, uncontrolled behavior will often be amplified in unfamiliar environments. If your dog is scared or uncertain he will express these emotions by being uncooperative, impatient and excitable. Your dog will look to you for reassurance and calm so if you have trouble providing that for your dog it’s time to attend an obedience school. You will be taught how to handle a variety of situations but most importantly you’ll be taught how to exert your authority as leader of the pack and nothing calms a dog more effectivly that knowing he is in the good hands of his pack leader.

3. Make sure you are armed. With poop bags, a leash some treats, and it’s also a really good idea to have a bath replacement spray like Dry Dog Instant Clean to deal with the odors of a confined dog. However if the smell is emanating from the inside of your dog opening the car window will only help so much. We always prep our traveling dogs with Dog Smog Remedy a few days in advance of the journey. Not only does it help with bad breath but the digestive enzymes in the formula diminish bad gas, and I’m sure I don’t have to point out how that can ruin a road trip.

4. Should he even come along? If you’re on business or won’t have a lot of time to spend together it may be a better idea, no matter how painful, to leave your little guy at home. If you have a friend or a family member willing to take him that’s always preferable however there are many excellent kennels available that will provide a welcoming environment for your baby. The best way to find one is by referral, from your vet, someone at the dog park, from a friend; it’s hard to beat experience when looking for someone to watch over your most precious possession.

5. If you’re flying, can you bring your dog in the cabin with you? If he’s small enough it’s much better option for all concerned. Check with your airline about the regulations regarding traveling with your best friend and make sure you have an airline approved carrier .

6. Prepare for calm. There are many products on the market that will help to calm your dog before traveling but if you’re looking for an all-natural, highly effective solution Sleepytime tonic is perfect. It’s a great idea to start the program a few days in advance of departure with a few drops twice a day in your dog’s mouth, (or if he resists this you can put it on a treat or in his water). By the time you leave he’ll be much calmer, more relaxed and ready for the adventure.

7. Road trip!. The car is by far the best way to travel with your dog. Usually the back seat is a familiar location and perhaps he even has his own blanket and car toys. However if your dog only rides with you to the vet it might be a good idea to prepare for the trip by taking him to the dog park, or to the store (for treats) so he starts to associate the car with good things. Needless to say take plenty of water and stop often for a walk and a bathroom break, and don’t forget the poop bags and the leash.

8. Stay! Remember that just because a hotel allows dogs that doesn’t mean that they actively welcome them, and here the internet is an invaluable tool. Do plenty of research before you leave the house. Make sure that the hotel has an area to walk and play with your dog. Check the fine print about liability associated with bringing your dog to the hotel.

9. Camping. Now here is a great vacation for a dog; back to the wild, lots of open space and room to run off leash. But beware, many state and national parks do not allow dogs. If you have a smaller dog please be vigilant and make sure your little guy does not stray too far into the woods alone. Nature can be cruel and uncompromising; You see a wonderful ball of love and fluff but there are plenty of creatures out there who see a tasty morsel.

10. Emergencies. The last thing you want on any vacation is a medical emergency but it does happen and it’s smart to be prepared. If your dog has medical issues don’t forget to bring any medication and it’s always a good idea to bring his medical records and the phone number of your vet back home.

Vacation can be a relaxing, rejuvenating experience for the whole family and a little planning can be the difference between getting away from it all and feeling all alone and helpless

It goes without saying that dogs and fireworks don’t mix well. As July the fourth approaches it’s a good idea to start thinking of ways to make your best friend more comfortable during the evening hours. Don’t forget that your dog’s hearing can be up to ten times more acute than yours so the loud bangs, whistles and screams that may be fun for you are not at all pleasant for your dog.

And don’t forget that your dog has no idea what’s going on. You know this is all meant to be fun and will be over by midnight but dogs have no facility to anticipate the future. If you can, it’s best to stay with your dog. The fact that you’re there will reassure him and at least give him the feeling that the world he knows is going on as normal.

Here are a few things to try if you have an anxious dog.

1. In an effort to ease YOUR anxiety make sure your dog has his collar and ID tags on . Every year hundreds of frightened dogs escape the mayhem and run as faraway as they can. Make sure that if the worst happens (and we sincerely hope it does n’t) your best friend can be brought home quickly.

2. Prepare; Spend plenty of one-on-one time together before the fireworks begin. Give him plenty of exercise, a strenuous game of catch, a long walk (or run), or an afternoon of tug-o-war. Not only will a tired dog be less anxious but if you have to leave him home while you go see the fireworks he won’t feel quite as much resentment after he’s spent all that time with you. (He may even be grateful for the rest)

3: Make sure he’s been allowed to poop and pee a plenty before nighttime. Do you really want to be out walking your nervous guy after dark?

4: If your dog enjoys bathing (and you’re planning on staying home with him) why not give him a bath before the fireworks start "bursting in air". Most bathrooms are located in the interior of houses so they are more insulated from the outside noise of early fireworks and the sound of the running water and the warm humid air are very relaxing. We recommend Comfy Dog Shampoo with a little Fur Butter massage afterwards and of course a finishing spritz of Calming Aromatherapy Spritzer . It’s also a good idea to use the spritzer on his bed as the essential oil of lavender is very calming for dogs. You never know, if you get him relaxed enough he may sleep through the whole thing (right!)

5: If your dog is not allergic you might also try adding a little cooked plain potato or white rice to his food. Just as with humans the carbohydrates will help your dog feel full and sleepy. Oh and before I forget…I know we usually equate alcohol to relaxation but keep the chardonnay in your glass not his bowl, alcohol is just not good for dogs

6. However it is a great idea to add an all natural herbal remedy to help your guy relax. We recommend Sleepytime Tonic which you can give about 30 minutes before the fireworks begin. It won’t put your dog to sleep but the all natural Bach Flower Essences will help to make him less anxious and more able to deal with the stress of all that noise.

Of course if you have a dog who is terrified of fireworks, to whom the forth of July is a nightmare it would be a good idea to discuss this with your vet.

Just remember that not everyone likes fireworks and your job as pet parent is to make sure that your whole family has the kind of Fourth of July they’ll enjoy.