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.

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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

Creating Doggie Nirvana at Home

by Xiomara Iraheta

You’ve rightfully treated yourself to a series of outdoor activities this summer but your four-legged friend has been stuck at home. So why not thank them for their loyalty and unconditional love with a special Doggie Spa Day at home.

To set the mood, start by playing relaxing music of your choice and lighting a couple of candles to introduce your dog to aromatherapy. Make sure the candles are set high or away from a wagging tail.

Using a gentle tone of voice and positive verbal praises will assure your dog that he’s been a good boy and that the bath that’s about to ensue is no ordinary one.

Paying special attention to the bath’s water temperature is key to initiating physical contact with your little buddy, make sure it’s not too cold and not too hot.

Begin by applying a soothing oatmeal shampoo, like Comfy Dog that will help replenish that itchy and dry skin from summer dirt, sand and sun damage.

Surely you want to work your fingers down to the root of the hair but now you’re doing more than simply washing you can motion your hands into a deep-tissue like massage while lathering in the super rich conditioner, Fur Butter .

As soon as your dog is getting ready to pass out from your relaxing massage and he’s all rinsed off you can add a little extra touch of shine to their coat with happytails’ Calming Aromatherapy Spritzer , just spray a bit of the intoxicating lavender aroma and the brush out will prove to be nothing less than pleasurable.

Continue to dry and brush out your little one, taking in the incredible sight and smell of your brand new and fully rejuvenated dog.

And now it’s time for PAWdicures! bowWOW Butter Balm is perfect for those dry, cracked paws, apply some bowWOW and those paw pads will heal and feel conditioned. Rub a little on their nose to keep it moist and delicious. You can get in on the action too, since bowWOW is all natural and human safe it’s great for your dry cuticles, elbows and dry patches.

This unique time and attention you’ve dedicate to your dog may seem like a real TREAT but you can really prove their worth by having an assortment of yummy treats at hand.

Think it may be tough to track down the essentials for this Doggie Spa Day, think again, click here and you and your pup are on the road to creating your own sanctuary.

I’m Allergic to My Dog!

dandRUFF

The Facts on Dog Dander

By Xiomara Iraheta

Believe it or not a huge percentage of pet owners are allergic to their very own pets. But what causes human discomfort in the form of inflammation of the nose, asthma attacks, rashes and wheezing isn’t the fault of the innocent dog. The problem is in the dog’s dead and flaky skin that travels around and clings to everything. Several facts are crucial to understanding how to manage and care for your dog when your allergies become unbearable.

Identify the culprit - Whether your dog has long or short hair, your cute friend is not to blame, although it is true that certain breeds with non-shedding coats produce less dander. In comparison to cats, dogs scratch a lot more and therefore continuously shed airborne particles that you in return absorb. Interestingly, your upbringing may have something to do with why you’re so allergic today. Some studies show that children who grow up in a household with pets are less likely to develop pet allergies in adulthood.

Clean Up - You should be washing your hands constantly after petting or playing with your dogs. Washing your face and arms will get rid of the allergens that you may easily spread to your nose or mouth after having contact with your pet. Your home should be cleaned more often as well. Dusting and vacuuming regularly will prevent dander from hanging around.

Wash and Groom- Washing your dog weekly and grooming daily, preferably outdoors will help keep your dog’s skin healthy. A product with colloidal oatmeal like Fur Butter (or Fur Worse) will repair their damaged skin and keep it moisturized. For other grooming products that are sure to address your dog’s allergies check out this helpful page on dry and itchy skin .

Keep Away- We’re not suggesting that you get rid of your dog, but there are certain areas of your home like your bedroom you may want to keep dog-free. Your mattress, bedding and pillows are comfy hosts for dander, so try your best to keep your dog out. But, if you still want Fido in your bed there are still a couple of things you can do to minimize the effects of dander like using a high efficiency particulate air filter (HEPA) to keep the air in your bedroom as clean as possible. Certain fabrics like wool attract more dander than cotton, so think about it when choosing your clothes and bedding.

Food - A well balanced diet is important to keeping dander away. Some helpful supplements in your dog’s diet according to Dr. Pitcairn’s guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats include: “cod liver oil, cold-pressed unsaturated vegetable oil (or oil derived from fish, especially for cats) and vitamin E (or wheat-germ capsules).”

In the future - when you’re thinking of getting a dog you may want to consider a particular breed that the American Kennel Association suggests for allergy sufferers. Keep in mind that there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog but there are some suggested breeds.

The main thing to remember when dealing with pet dander is that it gets on everything and stays for at least six months even after you may have moved your dog elsewhere. Therefore, anything you can do to keep your dog and home clean will help reduce your allergies. If you think your dog has a serious case of dander then please visit your vet.

According to a recent study, EpiCor, the key ingredient in Eyemunity , helped to reduce arthritis in animals.

EpiCor appears to do this by modulating the animals’ immune signaling system resulting in more appropriate signals and a modified immune response by the animal.

This study showed the animals receiving EpiCor had significantly lower arthritis scores at the end of the study compared to the control group.

Researchers continue to study the connection between nutrition and arthritis related to unbalanced immune activation. EpiCor is an immune modulating compound associated with promoting beneficial immune responses for the body.

To read the full study, click here

EpiCor is used in Eyemunity to help reduce tear staining in dogs. It helps to boost the immune system to fight the bacteria that cause the tear stains.

Epicor is a high metabolite immunogen. If you don’t know what that means, watch this video .

If your dog has tear stains there is hope and you don’t have to compromise your dog’s health with harmful drugs or chemicals.

Here’s another amazing video about Epicor, the main ingredient in Eyemunity. It’s a news segment that gives the history of how the product is made, research, benefits and more.