Even though dogs are born with their natural “wardrobe” – fur, their owners often like to dress them in special clothes, in order to make them feel warmer, cuter and more fashionable. Some new studies have shown that clothes for dogs can be really useful during the winter periods, especially for smaller dogs. Also, when you visit some specialized animal stores, you will see lots of different kind of clothes for Yorkies, Chihuahuas and similar dogs. The fact is that smaller dogs, when we compare them to bigger dogs, lose their body temperature very fast when they go out to the cold weather. Also, clothes for dogs can be very helpful for people who live in rainy climate. Protecting your dog from rain has a lot of benefits to his fur. Another reason why you should use clothes for dogs is to minimize the scent of a wet dog. All of us who have dogs know very well that a wet dog doesn’t smell very good. Because of that, clothes for dogs can be very helpful indeed.

However, when choosing clothes for your dog, make sure that it is comfortable for your pet. Never buy clothes that is too tight, and that is made from synthetic materials. People dress their pets the same way they would want to dress themselves. Like that, some people tend to choose very simple clothes for their dogs, while other people like to choose more fashionable clothes and many other accessories.

If you see that your dog is not feeling comfortable with the clothes that you dressed to him, don’t insist on dressing him what he doesn’t like. Some dogs tolerate clothes, other ones no. They can´t speak and tell us whether they are happy with the puppy clothes or not, and because of that you should be able to see by his behavior what he is trying to express.

Love your dog, and he will love you back twice as much!

Fleas and ticks can be problematic year round. However, they tend to increase in numbers during warmer months. It is important for your dog to be up to date on any shots and vaccinations. Use a monthly application of a flea and tick medication as well. Other products that you may want to invest in are flea and tick shampoo for dogs and a flea comb. Dogs that spend more time inside are not as likely to have problems with fleas and ticks. But if your dog likes to spend hours roaming the woods, you probably need to take a few extra steps in flea and tick prevention. Check your dog thoroughly when it comes in from being outside. Remove any ticks that you find and dispose of them. If you find fleas, it’s a good idea to go ahead and use a flea comb to remove them from your dog’s coat. Excessive scratching and irritated skin may be signs that your dog has fleas. A monthly medication should kill the fleas that are bothering your dog. However, you may want to bathe your canine in a flea and tick shampoo before applying the medication to provide more immediate relief. A dog that is scratching and biting at itself frequently can cause damage to its skin and leave bald spots on its fur. Keep your dog’s nails trimmed and filed to minimize skin tears from scratching. A cone dog collar will keep your dog from biting at those pesky fleas and give the medicine time to do its job. A flea and tick collar may also help. Sometimes, fleas multiply so quickly that they can take over your home or whatever area your dog spends a lot of time in. In a situation like that, you will want to use more drastic extermination methods. A flea bomb or similar will rid an area of fleas in just a few hours. Make sure that you can keep your family and pets away from the area for several hours to prevent inhalation of harmful chemicals.

Just like humans, dogs need to spend a certain amount of time experiencing new things. When properly socialized, a puppy is less likely to grow into a dog that acts aggressive or submissive in new situations. Socializing your dog may involve many different things. It is best to begin socializing your dog when it is a puppy. However, even an older dog will benefit from socialization activities. For example, you will want to introduce your dog to other dogs. It’s a good idea to start out with dogs that are of a similar age and size then gradually add on dogs of different ages and sizes. People are another group that should be introduced to your dog. You need to have people stop by in a variety of looks. Heavy coats, hats, uniforms, and beards are some of the features that may encourage aggressive behavior in an older dog. If your dog is introduced to these characteristics at a young age, it is less likely to respond negatively when it gets older. Dog parks provide an opportunity for socialization as well. However, a dog under four months or a dog that has not been around other dogs before should not be taken to a dog park. Training classes provide an excellent environment for introducing your dog to new things. You may also want to take your dog to other people’s houses (with their permission) to maximize the sensory introductions. Different types of flooring may cause your dog to be shy. If you don’t have stairs in your house, you need to take your dog somewhere to show it how to climb them. Additionally, your dog should be exposed to children of all ages whenever possible to allow it to become familiar with the noises. Small children can be prone to tail pulling and more aggressive petting too. A dog who has never experienced these things may respond by growling or even biting. Be sure to introduce your dog to as many different people and things as possible to avoid bad behavior in the future.

Human, canine, feline, and all other members of the animal world have their staple diet but also thrive on treats. We all need to watch our weight and consider eating healthier alternatives to the typical things we usually use as snacks.

For humans healthier alternatives in snacks often mean eating more fruits and vegetables and fewer sweets. For many dogs and cats having sweets can be very bad for them so finding alternative healthier snacks for everyone in the household is a good idea. Avoiding carbonated beverages which are bad for our bones and replacing them with waters, flavored waters, or fruit drinks can be a healthier alternative for us. For dogs, treats which contain fruits and vegetable flavors as well as additional roughage from those food groups helps to maintain general health and keep their elimination more regular. Coco Therapy Fruit Crunch Dog Treats and Vegetable Crunch Treats can be very helpful in this respect.

In summertime everyone wants to cool down and your pets are no different. Freezy Pups are the treats for the ultimate in summertime snacking. The mixes are included with a freezer pan with bone shaped compartments that allow the mixtures to be frozen. When it is really hot outside everyone can enjoy a good Popsicle® and so can your pet. They can also be used by thawing them out and mixing them with the dog’s regular dry food as a supplement.

Keeping an eye on everything we eat be it our regular meals, between meal snacks, or even our choices for what we drink can make the difference between being healthy and carrying too much weight which is hard on our hearts, kidneys, liver, and other bodily organs. It is essential if we want to have a long life and want to share it as long as possible with our canine friends that we and our furry friends must be willing to forgo some of the quick sweet or fatty snacks and replace them with something more healthy.

Dog parks have gained increasing popularity over the past few years. They are ideal for any dog owner who lives in an apartment or has a small yard. A dog park is a good place to take your dog for playtime. It allows your dog to socialize with other dogs and people in an environment where you can closely monitor its activities. As a visitor to a dog park, there are a few things that you should keep in mind when it comes to proper etiquette. First of all, most dog parks will have rules posted. Be sure to read these rules and follow them. Secondly, always take waste bags with you. Even if your dog park has a waste bag dispenser, it may be out when you need it. It’s best to come prepared. You may also want to take bottled water and a collapsible dog bowl with you for when you or your dog gets thirsty. If you have a regular schedule for when you visit the park, you may see the same owners and dogs there. It is easy to form acquaintances with others while your dogs play together in the park. Watch out for cliques and troublemakers though. Be sure to keep a close eye on your dog while he or she is playing. Look for signs that your dog is bullying or being bullied. Whether your dog is the aggressor or the victim, it is probably a good idea to leave and come back another time. Don’t wear nice clothes to the dog park. Even if you have just gotten in from work, take a moment to change into something more suitable for playing with your dog and other dogs in the park. Avoid talking on your cell phone so that you can pay attention to your dog’s behavior. You want to make sure that he or she is happy and having fun. If not, a dog park may not be for you.

Summertime is great for spending quality time with your favorite canine. The days are longer, and the weather is usually pleasant. There are also many more opportunities to get outdoors, which your pooch is sure to love. Just make sure that you both stay well hydrated and don’t get too hot. There are many great dog products that will help keep your dog stylish and safe during the summer months. Help your dog cool off after playtime with a frozen treat made using the Freezy Pups Kit. It comes with an ice tray that makes bone shaped treats. It also includes four flavor packets to help get you started on making your own doggie goodies. Dress your guy or gal in one of the many dog shirts or dog dresses to keep them stylish. Accessorize with dog sunglasses, dog shoes, and dog hats. Add some bling with dog collar charms or dog jewelry. Hair bows and barrettes will make your girl look even sweeter.  Coordinate dog collars, dog harnesses, and dog leashes to match your pup’s outfit for the day. When you get invited to a dog-friendly party, make sure that your pooch is wearing a dog party collar to match the occasion. For a Fourth of July celebration, the Patriotic Stars Dog Party Collar is a necessity. To make your dog even more patriotic, dress him or her in the Uncle Sam Costume for Dogs. For a more casual look, there are also several patriotic tees and tanks. And don’t forget to take your pooch along when you head for the water. One of the many dog sunglass options and/or dog hats will protect your canine from harmful UV rays. Include a spray dog sunscreen for added protection. Flea the Scene Insect Spray is a sunscreen and insect repellant in one. And don’t forget to include swim trunks or a bikini, along with a life jacket, to keep your dog water-ready.

No place in our lives is more important than where we rest because without proper rest we cannot maintain a proper level of health. We spend hundreds and even thousands of dollars for special mattresses, heating systems, dual systems so both people can be comfortable in the same bed, and a multitude of other pillow and cover combinations to make us relaxed and able to get the proper amount of rest to make it through our busy days.

And yet for our valued canine friends that are members of our family we simply buy a padded standard dog bed and expect that to be enough for them to get the rest they need to maintain proper health. For puppies this probably is enough as they are generally content anywhere they are. But as your animal ages just as when we age, our joints and muscles need extra attention in order to be able to rest properly. Many animals, especially larger dogs can have rheumatism in their joints and problems in their hips which make it incredibly hard for them to get comfortable and be able to rest. Size can also be an issue as your animal grows; make sure to keep up with that growth by providing a larger bed to coincide with their growth.

If your canine friend spends time with you on your sofa or sleeps with you in your bed you may believe that your comfort issues have been handled. As your dog ages it will be incredibly hard for them to make the leap up onto the couch or into the bed to be close to you. As they jump down the impact on their ankles, knees, and hips can be painful as well. An option that many people choose in this situation is a set of steps that can help them get on and off a piece of furniture more easily. These easy steps can come in a variety of heights, widths, and colors to blend in and help regardless of the size of your pet. At Pampered Puppy we have a large selection of dog beds to help keep your dog comfortable.

Somewhere in your house, perhaps in multiple locations, there is space set aside for your family’s personal grooming supplies. As a dog owner, you should also have an area where you keep grooming supplies for your pet. Although you may take your dog somewhere to be groomed on a regular basis, it is still a good idea to be stocked up at home. You never know when your canine friend will decide to take a mud bath in between grooming appointments. This is especially true if your dog spends long periods of time outside. They will roll in the dirt, get into the trash, go swimming in a lake and find other undesirable things that will make them smell bad and look bad. To keep them looking their best, invest in some basic supplies such as dog shampoo, dog brushes and dog combs. For dogs with dry skin or for cold weather conditions, also purchase dog conditioner. Stick with all natural ingredients for the best results. Combat bad breath and disease by brushing your dog’s teeth. Invest in a brand of dog toothpaste and a dog toothbrush to keep those canines pearly white. Also consider using an oral spray for your dog’s mouth. Dog nail trimmers and dog nail scissors are a must have for any dog owner. Your dog’s claws can do a lot of damage to your flooring and furniture. Not to mention the unpleasant sensation of being scratched by them when snuggling with your dog. Have Styptic powder on hand in case you cut too far. Ask your veterinarian to show you the correct way to cut and file your dog’s nails. For a touch of pretty, add a bit of color to your dog’s nails with dog nail polish. Other items that may come in handy for your dog grooming kit are dog perfume, eye pads (for gentle cleansing), ear wipes, sunscreen and styling gel. These dog products will keep your dog smelling and looking great

Whether you are going to be hosting a Christmas party or attending one that is dog-friendly, you will want to be sure that your adorable pet is well dressed for the occasion. For costume type apparel, choose from the Angel Paws Dog Costume, Elf Hat or Santa Summer Uniform. If the dress code is more suited to normal attire, a pretty dress may be called for. The Christmas Dress, Madeline Fur Coat, Christmas Plaid Dog Dress, Winter Wonderland Dress and Holiday Party Taffeta Hand-Smocked Dress are all good choices for such an event. You can decide how casual or formal you want the outfit to be and one of the above dresses will surely meet your needs. The Winter Wonderland Vest will suit your male dog for any degree of formality. To really dress up a Christmas party outfit, do not forget to accessorize! The Holiday Tinsel Flower or Sweet Santa Barrette will look adorable as an addition to your dog’s hairstyle. Add a necklace made of pearls or Swarovski crystal for that extra bit of class. For your guy, include the Oh Christmas Tree Holiday Bow Tie to make his evening wear extra snazzy. Use the Puppia Santa Harness to help keep your dog by your side during the festivities while wearing a charming outfit. Of course, not all dogs will be cooperative when it comes to playing dress up. If this is the case, consider allowing your pooch to don a Christmas Party Collar instead of a full costume or outfit. The available designs include Christmas Reindeer Party Collars, Christmas Stars Party Collars, Jingle Bells Party Collars and Christmas Tree Party Collars. Additionally, if you decide to keep things simple you may want to choose a Christmas Party Collar for your canine. Whatever you decide to do when it comes to dressing your dog up or down for a Christmas Party, there are plenty of options available.

Dog lovers know that dogs need time to socialize with other dogs. In addition to play dates and visits to the dog park, try hosting a party for your pooch’s friends and their owners. Consider making it a themed party and encourage all of your guests to dress accordingly. It does not have to be a Halloween party for everyone to dress up. There are plenty of dog costumes that would suit any time of year. A ladybug, bumblebee or flower costume would be fitting for a Spring Fling party. Throw a Christmas party and have everyone dress in their finest Christmas wear. A classic is the summertime Pool Party. Dog bikinis and swimming trunks are a must for this favorite. Choose a selection of dog goggles, appropriately termed “doggles,” to provide for your canine friends and they can double as party favors. Choose decorations and invitations to match the theme of your party. Send the invitations out so that they arrive at least two weeks before the date of the party and be sure to include RSVP information. Have a selection of durable dog toys that can be shared among the four-legged party goers. Encourage guests to bring toys as well. Plan a few games for owners and pets to participate in. Plan a menu that is appropriate for owners and pets. Be conscientious of any special dietary needs. A good, simple recipe for treats that are sure to please is to combine one cup peanut butter, one cup sugar and one large egg. Mix well. The dough will be easy to roll out once it is blended and it is easy to multiply the recipe as needed. You can use cookie cutters to match your theme. Place the cookies on a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for approximately 10 minutes. Make adjustments to temperature and time for altitude and individual ovens. Once baked, place the cookies on a tray for serving or in treat bags for party favors. They can be enjoyed by both owners and pets. Decide how long you want the party to last and ensure that there will be enough refreshments, games and activities to keep the party going for that amount of time. Arrange tables and chairs to allow the traffic to flow easily throughout the party area.