Love is in the air… or is that gas?

This is the time of year when you want to get closer to your canine companion (& backup Valentine’s date) and nothing helps that closeness more than a fresh-smelling,  gas-free dog. Happytails Canine Spa Line offers up their ‘ Be My Valentine ’ Collection  which includes everything dog owners need to get their furry friends Valentine-ready. (Believe it or not, over 2.5 million Americans buy Valentine’s Gifts for their dogs)

The Be My Valentine Collection includes four travel-sized products that eliminate turn offs such as bad breath and BO all while adding a subtle hint of sparkle, shine and eau d’ cologne.

• Is your dog’s gas making you a little nauseous? It’s not his fault; he needs some Dog Smog Remedy to get the two of you close again.  Spearmint, peppermint and fennel will freshen the breath while digestive enzymes of bromalain and papain will ease the gaseous emissions.

• Does your dog need some Sparkle & Shine to get the sizzle back between the two of you?  Shimmering Mist is a finishing spray that not only smells good enough to eat but will add significant amounts of bling to your dog’s coat so she’s ready for an evening out.

• If your dog’s coat has faded a bit over the years (and whose hasn’t?) might we recommend Sparkle & Shine Brightening Shampoo ? It will bring back the bling and refresh the shine of even the dullest coat. Pearlescent brighteners add shine, while yogurt & honey not only condition the skin but smell delicious.

• Fur Breeze (Citrus Vanilla) This freshen-up spray is a must have for the modern muttrosexual. More than just a pretty scent, Fur Breeze contains ingredients that capture and eliminate unpleasant odors leaving your better half refreshed, renewed and ready for his hectic dog-park duties.

Los Angeles-based happytails creates eco-friendly spa, grooming and wellness products for the modern dog. We use the finest (“better than human quality”) ingredients to solve the toughest problems that dogs face, like itchy skin, tear stains and bad breath. Happytails is sold and recommended by veterinarians around the world for one simple reason- they work, naturally!

Top 10 Christmas Gifts for Your Dog

Every year we search high and low for the healthiest, most practical and innovative gifts for our four-legged companions. This year’s list is a compilation of products that we have used and highly recommend. You’ll notice that the products are all useful items that for the most part solve a problem (okay, there are a couple of silly and fun products) but with money being a bit tighter this year, we want to make sure you get just what Fido needs.

If you know of any other cool dog gifts, leave a comment so our readers can get more ideas.

Here are the top 10 in no particular order.

1. Santa Paws & Hanukkah Hound Spa Collections

Four grooming products to make your smelly dog smell Fabulous!  Includes a shampoo for dry and itchy skin, an ultra rich conditioning treatment, a freshen up spray and even a breath spray that also helps eliminate gas!! If your dog doesn’t celebrate Christmas, no problem, Hannakuh Hound is also available! Get it at www.happytailsspa.com

2. Matching Kiss Me Dog & Human Tank Top

"I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus"

Gift for human and hound! Ruff Ruff and Meow have designed a plethora of matching tank tops and dog shirts. Check them out on their website ruffruffandmeow.com

3. Squeaky Balls

Squeaky Balls?  WHAT??? Kong has the patent on Squeaky Balls—ummm… that is squeaky tennis balls. Your dogs will love these Air Kong Squeaker Tennis Balls. I have one dog that is obsessed with squeaky toys and another who loves to chase bouncing balls. So this satisfies everyone concerned. They also have them in x-small! Available at most pet retailers.

4. Good Karma Rope Toys

"Frosty the Snowman"

These adorable toys come in 2 sizes and are offered in a variety of animal shapes. The toys are made from 100% natural dyed cotton thread and are hand tied. Proven to improve dental health and guaranteed to provide hours of chewing and tugging fun.  A portion of the proceeds go to the Rescue Train organization. Visit jaxandbones.com

5. Sleepytime Tonic

"Silent Night, Holy Night"

With all of that joy, cheer and happiness, dogs can become very nervous around the holidays. The change in routine, people in and out and late night wrapping sessions (a difficult task  with no opposable thumbs) can make any dog a little stressed out and anxious. Sleepytime Tonic to the rescue. This all natural herbal remedy helps to calm a nervous, anxious overactive dog. Perfect for travel, thunderstorms, fireworks, trips to the groomer, vet and more Calms your dog within 20-30 minutes.

6.  Holiday Cards

"I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas"

The modern dog needs his own holiday card to send out, doesn’t he?  Gifty Idea has a whole slew of uber cute cards like this one. Hurry before it’s too late! Go to Giftyidea.com

7.  Dogswell Treats

If you really want to get your dog the best gift EVER- get her Dogswell treats. I have two small dogs that are super picky and these treats are like crack cocaine for dogs. Forget about dog clothes, collars and leashes, this is what your dog really wants.  And they are great for bribes! Available at most major petstores.

8.  Lighted Collar

"How Brightly Shines the Morning Star"

You don’t want your adventurous dog to get lost on all of those off-leash walks in the mountains or on the beach, do you?  This handy light clips right onto any collar. It’s lightweight, useful and inexpensive and as far as we can tell it is water resistant. Get it at niteize.com

9.  Have you Buttered Your Dog Lately?

Pamper your canine in healing relief. Fur Butter (or Fur Worse) is an Ultra-Rich Deep Conditioning Treatment for Dry & Itchy Skin. Just wash your dog, slather on Fur Butter and rinse. It will leave your dog super soft and silky and will moisturize that dry skin.

Click here to get other holiday ideas for your dog

10. Your ideas???

If you know of any other cool dog gifts, leave a comment so our readers can get more ideas.

The Pet Industry May Not be

Recession-Proof After All!

Making the Move from Luxury to Multi-Functional Products

by Xiomara Iraheta

It’s no surprise that amidst these tough financial times consumers are rethinking their shopping patterns, especially when it comes to their dogs. Recent pet manufacturing trends show that consumers are honing in on the move from “glitzy to green,” that is, they are no longer shopping for luxurious or flashy pet items but instead high-quality, healthy products that solve a problem.

The American Pet Products Manufacturers Association Inc. (APPA) reports that the average dog owner spent just under $500 on their dog for food, grooming products and toys in 2006. But we may see that average drop as consumers learn to manage their dog expenses valuing quality and function over Paris Hilton style “bling”.

Bo Nelson, owner of Wholesalepet.com, has been selling to upscale branded pet products pet stores for 15 years. “Over the past several months we have noticed more conservative buying patterns. Pet Boutiques are still purchasing clothing, jewelry and frivolous items but in smaller quantities,” Nelson said.

“We have seen less of a drop-off in the sales of treats, toys, collars, beds, bowls and spa products. Overall it seems that sales for items people and their pets use on a regular basis are faring better than items people and pets only use on special occasions.”

Sheri Scarborough a pet industry veteran and owner of Gotorovers.com concurs. “Buying decisions are more focused on price point than ever before.” She adds, “ Retailers are adding more holistic, organic, and raw food lines as well as products made in the USA and made from recycled material.”

For years as the pet industry was growing in double digits, business owners claimed that the pet industry was recession proof. According to recent articles in Pet Product News this may not exactly be true. Very expensive high end items sit on the shelves longer while quality well-priced items continue to sell well.

Stretching your dollar and keeping Fido safe and happy doesn’t have to be a contradiction. Weighing in on the situation, Lorna Paxton, owner of happytails Canine Spa Line says, “in order for products to sell they have to solve a problem, they have to actually do what they claim to do, and it helps if they perform more than one function."

You don’t want to lower your standards as far as quality products go and risk safety or comfort for your dog. Therefore, consider the following tips when shopping for products under these three categories.

Grooming and Bathing:

• Problem/solution based products: If your dog has itchy skin, find an oatmeal shampoo
• Multi-functional: Combined shampoos & conditioners and other products that can perform more than one function
• Holistic: Products that focus on the overall health of the dog, not just the outside appearance
• All natural
• Made in the USA

Food :

• Grain Free Food: Not only will your dog be nourished but the food could help with itchy skin
• Read the labels! Experts say to protein should be at about 30 percent and fat to be at least 18 percent.
• Read the Whole Dog Journal which often publishes reviews of every food on the market.
• Seek deals: Register your e-mail address on your manufacturers’ website and you may get coupons sent to you via e-mail or a heads up on specials

Treats :

• Functional treats: Like a treat that has supplements for joint support, vitality or other health concerns
• All natural and made in the USA
• Treats that are not fattening (if your dog has weight issue)
• A treat that takes some time to eat. Maybe it’s hidden in a toy and takes a while to get to. This is entertaining and stimulating for the dog
• One that your dog loves. You can use them as bribes and training tools!

Toys:

• Ones that you can hide food in
• That engage your pet’s interest whether it be a bouncing ball or squeeky toy
• Toys with longevity: If you purchase toys that are made from good materials you can get even more use of it by rotating them weekly. Making one or two available to your dog for one week and switching it with a different one the next can seem like their getting new toys all the time.

FOR IMMIDIATE RELEASE

The Right Dogma Can Improve Your Karma:

happytails Canine Spa Line Premiers Holiday Spa Collections

Los Angeles, CA, October 9, 2008- Happytails Canine Spa Line, Inc recently premiered their new Holiday Spa Collections, Santa Paws and Hanukkah Hound for the dog about town.

Kevin Fisher, co-founder of happytails says, “We have four marvelous ways for you to say "good job" to the favorite canine(s) in your life. You can take a festive approach with our Santa Paws and Hanukkah Hound Collections, give a little something special for that trip out of town or reward your best friend with a Spa day. Whichever option you chose you can be sure that you’re giving the very best.”

Both collections include four 2oz. bottles of happytails products that will make your dog feel valued and pampered all year round. The collections contain: Comfy Dog Oatmeal Shampoo for dry and itchy skin, Fur Butter (or Fur Worse) a super rich conditioner to nourish and rejuvenate a lackluster coat, Dog Smog Remedy that helps eliminate bad breath and gas, and Fur Breeze (Citrus Vanilla) a spray that’s more than just perfume, it eliminates odors and leaves your dog smelling fresh.

This collection is a ready-to-give gift for the dog lover and their dog; it even comes with a gift tag. Consider your holiday shopping complete with either one of these collections. The Santa Paws collection will have your dog jumping higher than eleven lords a-leaping, while the Hanukkah Hound will have your little mensch lighting up the festival of lights. Keep in mind that the right dogma can improve the performance of your Karma.

Los Angeles-based happytails sells and markets happytails spa products for the dog about town. happytails Canine Spa Line uses the finest (“better than human quality”) ingredients available to pamper, soothe and beautify today’s harried hound. The products can be ordered through the company website at www.HappytailsSpa.com or by calling 1-866-HAPPY-20.

###

Contact:

Xiomara Iraheta

happytails Canine Spa Line

2140 Westwood Blvd. Suite 206

Los Angeles , CA 90025

Phone: (310) 470-3051

e-mail: Xiomara@happytailsspa.com

New Counter Displays that POP happytails Launches its new counter displays– Save 10% on all four through June 13th (use promo code counterdisplays) Got Bling? Our new smiling-enducing Shimmering Mist Counter display fits 12 products. This small display is just 5 1/2" inches wide so it will fit on the most crowded of counters. Also available is our Itchin’ For Relief counter display , that also fits 12 products. The display is just 5 1/2" w x 9 1/2" d x 12 1/4" h. Itchin’ For Relief is an all natural anti-itch spray that eases the discomfort of itchy skin caused by minor irritations and insect bites. It also Helps relieve hot spots and c ombats inflammation To learn more about counter displays and how they can increase sales, click here. Other Counter Displays: Dog Smog Remedy is a Breath Fresher and Digestive Solution– it gets rid of bad breath and gas. The counter display conveniently fits 12 products. To order 1. Visit. http://www.happytailsspa.com/ (use promo code counterdisplays to receive a 10% discount through June 13th) 2. Call:866 HAPPY 20 3. Fax: 310 470 3045 4. email; sales@happytailsspa.com