Spring and summer are often the most uncomfortable times in the year for a dog. Uncontrollable scratching leads to hot spots, skin abrasions and even hair loss. Your customers will be rushing into your store looking for solutions… do you have them? If not, there’s still time! Controlling the scratching requires a holistic and integrated approach and this is a perfect time to stock your store with merchandise that helps to alleviate allergies and itchy skin.

It’s also a perfect time to work on your displays. By the time customers walk into your store, they are probably desperate to help their dog. You can make their lives easier by: · having all of your anti-itch and hypoallergenic foods displayed together · educating yourself and your staff on each of the products you’re recommending · creating an anti-itch prepack that bundles key items together at a discount. Remember, predisposition to skin allergies is inherited, and many breeds, such as terriers, Dalmatians, golden retrievers, schnauzers, and poodles, are more prone to allergies. A key point to remember is this: There is not a cure for allergies just ways to manage the allergy. Here are the Categories of products that should be part of your anti-itch arsenal. Food like that from the Honest Kitchen that offers a no-grain diet. Treats that are wheat, corn & soy free—like those from Dogswell. Dog Grooming Supplies- dogs should be regularly brushed especially during the spring and summer. Since most seasonal (environmental) allergies are due to contact with the skin, daily brushing helps to remove pollens grasses and other allergens. It will also improve circulation to the affected area to which will speed up healing. Supplements that include fatty acids (like omegas) and herbal products that help to eliminate toxins. Dogs and human eliminate toxins differently. We sweat them out and since dogs don’t sweat the toxins need to be eliminated through the kidneys and bowels. Topical Products. Happytails offers a full range of topical products to help during allergy season. Here’s a run down: • Comfy Dog Oatmeal Shampoo for Dry & Itchy Skin- helps relieve minor skin irritations caused by insect bites, poisonous plants and allergies. And contrary to popular belief, washing your dog MORE often may actually be helpful in relieving itchy skin. Since environmental allergens are usually absorbed through the skin, weekly bathing can prevent itchiness, washing allergens away before they get a chance to penetrate the skin. TIP- don’t blow dry your itchy dog as it may exacerbate the problem. • Fur Butter - an ultra rich deep conditioner with lots of oatmeal- use this one after Comfy Dog. Has oatmeal, aloe, burdock and other herbs to help with itchy skin, relieve inflammation and it leaves the coat super soft & silky! • Itchin’ For Relief - this is an anytime spray on anti-itch spray. Even though you feed your dog correctly, brush their hair often and do everything you’re supposed to, your dog is still going to scratch. Spritz on some of this all natural spray, perfect for flare ups and generally itchy skin. Helps with inflammation and with putting moisture back in the skin with ingredients like neem, oatmeal, litchi, aloe and more. • Flea the Scene is a skin soothing insect spray with sunscreen. This all natural spray helps to keep fleas, tick and mosquitoes away for up to four hours and it also has a sunscreen. Did you know that dog’s can get sunburned too? Flea the Scene is also great to use on horses and even on yourself! • bowWOW Butter Balm is a quick relief spot treatment- this blissful balm is shea butter based and very moisturizing. You can apply it on areas where the hair has fallen out from too much scratching, directly on to flea bites or any other area of discomfort. It contains aloe, boswellia serrata which helps with inflammation, just a touch of tea tree oil, and more. (Great for your own dry cuticles, elbows and even makes a great lip balm!)

There are many possible causes of the chronic itchy skin, hot-spots, dandruff and oily coat that plague many dogs. In the summer months, fleas or environmental / contact allergies may be the culprit – many pets are sensitive to certain types of grass and weeds. Other possible irritants in the home include detergents used to wash blankets and bedding, household cleaners, or sprays used in the yard.

One common cause that’s often overlooked, is diet. Food sensitivities are abundant in almost every breed, possibly due to genetics or that fact that many animals are fed the same food for months or even years on end, with no variety in ingredients or alternative sources of nutrition, such as fresh real food.

One of the most common causes of food sensitivity in pets, is grain. Lots of pets are sensitive to gluten, which can cause an inflammatory response that manifests itself as itchy skin or red and inflamed feet, GI Upset or persistent ear infections.

Recommending a no-grain diet to customers who have itchy pets, is a great first stop in helping them to overcome this problem that can be uncomfortable for the pet - and frustrating and upsetting for the whole family.

If it is not possible to feed a completely no-grain diet, then one with only organic, whole-grains would be the next best choice. Grain fractions (gluten, husks, hulls etc) can be more problematic than the whole grain, and organic food, by definition, cannot be genetically modified. One school of thought is that GM grains are more likely to cause an adverse reaction in a sensitive pet; Studies show that when butterflies and other species come in contact with pollen from genetically modified crops, they suffer a number of health problems and genetic mutations eventually occur. It is possible that a similar thing happens when other species consume GM grains – especially species whose systems aren’t designed to cope with a grain overload in the first place.

Some pets are sensitive to ingredients other than grain, such as certain meats, vegetables or herbs. These sensitivities are generally less common, and in fact a pet who seems to be allergic to a certain meat, say chicken, because she gets itchy every time she eats her chicken flavored kibble, may actually be just fine when eating real, home-prepared raw or lightly cooked chicken. The problem is high heat processing that alters the amino acid structure, making the protein problematic in its processed form.

A natural, no-grain, minimally processed diet that’s also free of chemical preservatives and fillers, can go a long way to combating the problem of itchy skin, from the inside out. Customers are usually delighted with the results and under veterinary supervision , they may even be able to start reducing the long-term steroids and antibiotics they’ve had to administer to their pets. Many cats and dogs show a noticeable improvement in just a few days after starting a no-grain diet.

You should also consider the types of shampoos that you’re using. Are they all-natural? Are they PH Balanced for a dogs skin? Do they have ingredients to help combat itchy skin?  If not, you should find a shampoo that does. We recommend Comfy Dog Oatmeal Conditioning Shampoo for Dry & Itchy Skin .

Also contrary to popular belief, in some cases washing your dog more often can be a good thing! Since environmental allergens are usually absorbed through the skin, weekly bathing can prevent itchiness , washing allergens away before they get a chance to penetrate the skin.

Back to food–Our favorite line of fresh no-grain food is The Honest Kitchen . They produce a line of dehydrated foods that are guaranteed human grade because they’re actually produced in a human-grade plant. The company offers several completely grain free diets as well as a gluten free option made with the ancient grain, Quinoa.

In the meantime, you can try a topical all natural anti-itch spray until a more permanent solution can be found.

Good news for pet store owners– We happen to know that they are currently offering specially priced ISO’s for new stores (whooo hooo!) Contact Cami at accounts@thehonestkitchen.com for more information.

2 in 1 Dog Shampoo & Conditioner from happytails

Dog Grooming Review - A Merryvaluation
by Angie McKaig

Once you leave behind the cheapo pet "big box" grooming supplies for your pet and start stepping into the world of upscale and/or natural coat care products for dogs, it’s a whole new world, baby. And a confusing one. If you think "all natural" is a hard word to define in the world of human food, just try it with pet grooming unguents and see how far you get.

It’s one of the reasons I’ve always liked and respected happytails™ - because they not just believe in but insist on transparency with the customer. The information they make available about their products - what goes into them, and more importantly why those ingredients are used - is among the most comprehensive in the entire industry.

I’m all about transparency. How am I supposed to make an informed choice if I don’t understand?

This is never more true than with their newest product, InFuzion.

InFuzion is the company’s first (I believe) 2-in-1 product, combining shampoo and conditioner in a single bottle. But it’s much more than that.

The secret, or part of it anyway, is in the little blue and white bubbles: microbeads. They contain conditioning vitamins and are designed to burst up against the skin and roots, and to really penetrate tough coats.

The rest of the formula is incredible: a powerhouse of 14 amino acids (to improve shine, softness and heal skini damage), Jesuit’s Balsam and Brazil Nut extract (to reduce flaking and irritation), Canadian Willowherb (an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant) and three tea tree oils (to reduce itching and redness).

The company makes a one-page info sheet available on their web site about the product which includes a full list of all the ingredients as well as their purpose (it’s a bigger list than we can provide here). Highly recommended particularly for the side-by-side feature comparison of their three main shampoo products and where InFuzion fits in. Makes life much easier for the pet owner trying to decide which one is bets.

The scent is really interesting. The company calls it "Clean Laundry" and it’s definitely got that soft, springtime scent to it. But it’s not overpowering at all - you really have to sniff the fur closely to smell it once the pooch is dry again. (Nobody likes an overpowering scent - least of all, your pooch.)

It wasn’t a hugely frothy lather though it was more than enough to get the princess clean, and it rinsed very clean - one of my sticking points. And the princess’s coat felt gorgeously soft afterwards.

I have to say, though, my favorite part was the 2-in-1 part. The beads looked cool, but it was really convenient to only have to go through one product while dealing with a wet pooch, rather than having to go through two separate steps for cleaning and conditioning.

InFuzion has definitely made a place for itself on the side of our tub. You should check it out.

You can find out more about happytails™ from their web site at www.happytailsspa.com . Tell them Merry sent you!

Click here to read the original article at PamperedPuppy.com

With warm weather approaching, it’s the perfect time to host an event or two in your store to build community, entice people to shop in your store, and to just have a good time!

This is a list we compiled of different events around the country specifically designed for hounds and humans.

Mutt Mingle – Once a month event where people and their dogs are invited to come socialize at the store, snacks & drinks available.

Paws on the Patio – Pet Adoptions

Vet Days – The first Sat. of every month vets are available at the store to perform routine stuff such as shots, clip nails and more

The Anti Super bowl Party – Champagne & cupcakes served, 25% off all non sports related merchandise (which is basically the whole store).

Compliments of Pussy & Pooch in Los Angeles, CA

“Canines and Cocktails for a Cause ”

Loews Annapolis Hotel and Paws Pet Boutique host “Canines and Cocktails for a Cause,” a summer-long series of fund-raisers in Annapolis to benefit area animal shelters and other causes.

Each dog-friendly Friday night event will have its own theme (not to mention “cocktails, appetizers, mocktails and Snoopy snacks.”) and will run from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the hotel.

Some of the Themes include:

• “ Bark and rejoice.” Prizes will be given for unique barks. With nearly 60 beagles seeking homes, representatives will be on hand to answer questions about Westminster’s top dog. Proceeds go to Beagle Rescue of Southern Maryland .

• “Black is beautiful .” Black dogs are the focal point, but dogs of all colors are invited to attend. Pam Townsend, a board member of SPCA and Humane Society of Prince George’s County, has published Black is Beautiful: A Celebration of Dark Dogs , a book that touts the beauties and desirable traits of black dogs, which statistically tend to be the least likely to be adopted. Proceeds go to SPCA/Humane Society of Prince George’s County.

• “Wagging contest.” Dogs will partake in a tail-wagging contest. Prizes will be given and guests enter raffle drawings. Proceeds go to Fidos for Freedom , which provides companionship to residents of the Baltimore-Washington area through specially trained service, hearing or therapy dogs.

• “Ice cream social.” A doggie ice cream-eating contest will be part of this event, proceeds from which go to Mid-Atlantic Westie Rescue .

• “Fashion show.” Dogs will take to the catwalk to model the latest fall styles from Paws Pet Boutique. Donations will be made to Modest Needs

Compliments of Paws Pet Boutique which raised over $13,000 in 2007 for pet-related causes .

Health, Wellness & Spaw Day With Doga Yoga!
The event will feature valuable health and wellness advice from pet nutrition experts, pet massage therapy demonstrations, dog behavior and obedience advice, calming aromatherapy treatments for dogs and cats, free refreshments, tray-passed wholesome dog treats and giveaways. A portion of the day’s proceeds will be donated in-kind to local animal welfare organizations. Free pet massage therapy from 11-3PM. Massage is a powerful tool to improve the physical, emotional, and mental health of your dog. Dogs naturally seek, and readily accept, the power of touch for healing and comfort.

For the best spa products to use during your Spaw day try Happytails Canine Spa Line

Beagle Mingle & Howling Contest
Join us for a howling good time. Bring your beagles and join us for a howling contest. Prizes will be given for the longest howl, loudest howl and most entertaining!

Mutt Mingle
Would you like some fleas with your whine? Enjoy cheese and wine tastings for you while you pup enjoys Fido Friendly vino and treats. Oh what a night!

Herding Dog Day
Enjoy a fun appreciation day for border collies, aussies, heelers, Old English Sheepdogs, Shelties & Corgis. Learn more about your breed, current sports they excel at and where your dog came from and what they grew up herding. Plus, meet other herder parents like you, receive 10% off your purchase and mutts more.

Ain’t Nothin’ But A Hound Day
Grab your hound and come on down for a fun hound day. Enjoy free goodie bags for canines and light refreshments & snacks for humans as well as “Pup-paw-razzi” will be present. Plus, enter your hound in the howling contest at 2 pm.

These were compliments of Muttropolis in Solana Beach (San Diego) CA

WOOFSTOCK is an fundraising event we host every summer, on the coast of Maine. We team up with the Rotary Club for a day of pet-related seminars and demos, which in the past have included a pet communicator, agility demo, vet seminars, flyball demos and family fun pet show.

There are usually between 6-8 shelters/rescues in attendance, all of who host services/activities at their tables. We also have between 30-35 pet-related service and product vendors, as well as a Silent Auction with items donated from our vendors.

In the past 3 summers, we have donated over $15,000 to the shelters/rescues in attendance. Every cent from this event is donated to them. Our best table last year was “taste testing”. Evangers, one of our food companies, donated a case of food to the shelter of choice if an attendee was willing to eat half a can of dog food. We donated over 40 cases of food!

We have great turnout- last year we had over 500 people and their dogs in attendance, and it is a great way to give back to the community and get the word out about pet adoption. And…its FUN!!!

Compliments of Aubrey Martin of The Animal House

Battle of the Rescue Groups!

We’re hosting a big event in our parking lot - the 1st Annual South Austin Rescue Rescue! We’re having 7 rescues out for a “friendly competition” to see which rescue can pull in the most attendees and thus the most donations!

We have 3 live bands playing and our posters are more like concert posters than “rescue event” posters - they ROCK!

The rescues can sell merchandise, have kissing booths, whatever they want that they think will bring in the most donations. The “winning” rescue will receive 180 pounds of dog food from Nature’s Variety, vet service certificates, dog washes, training and daycare days for foster dogs, and more!

The remaining rescues will receive 10% of sales from us, the coffee shop next door, and 5% of sales from the bike shop next to us - it is going to be a great time! Our parking lot will be closed off and everyone is of course allowed to bring their dogs on leash to enjoy the music and the day! =)

Compliments of The Furr Factor

SHOP FOR A CAUSE

We are planning Shop-for-a-Cause Events. We will do this once a month and a portion of all proceeds will go to a non-profit, dog related organization. We will have reps from the organizations and dogs available for adoption on hand. We were also thinking about doing 2 Wild Card nights each year where the customer can pick the organization of their choice instead of a predetermined organization.

Compliments of Must Love Dogs Boutique & Spa

BEST IN SHOW

We are an in-home pet accessories party biz. We always donate a portion of our profits to animal welfare, but we are planning a special event “movie night” party when we will screen the all time favorite “Best in Show”. Our products will be set up thematically, (spa, toys, treats, etc.) to go along with the film. Popcorn, ice-cream, movie snacks served, and a follow up contest for a “Best in Show” photo of a dog using one of the purchases from the evening!

Compliments of Pawsh Parties

Other Themes

Yappy Hour

Maltese Meet Up

Pug Pick ups

Powder Puff Days

FUN DRINK IDEAS

• Key West-Highland Terrier,
• Bichon Bellini
• Wide Awake Whippet (with a kick of espresso).
• the Spaniel, a mixed drink with Grey Goose vodka, Lillet Blanc fortified wine and Plymouth gin
• Chocolate Labrador martini
• Poodle colada

The other day I found myself mesmerized by an article about a wedding ceremony recently performed in Florida. What made this ceremony so special were the participants;

"Tiffany is an 8-year-old standard poodle and Skipper is a 12-year-old beagle/jack russell mix. On Saturday they will take a break from their therapy dog roles and don a wedding dress and tux before some of their closest friends. Actual vows will be exchanged – doggie style – and a champagne reception complete with “people” and “doggie” wedding cakes and hors d’oeuvres will immediately follow".

But that wasn’t the interesting part, after all, I work in the pet industry so I see a lot of this kind of thing, the paragraph that got me thinking was:

“Skipper ditched his old wife for a younger one with Tiffany,” said Helen Savill, of the Treasure Coast Humane Society.
“The wedding is the second marriage for both.”

I have heard of quite a few dog weddings but this was the first time I’d heard of a doggie divorce. And this got me thinking; with the human divorce rate above 50% what do dogs know that we don’t (I should say in the interests of full disclosure that I am part of the divorced 50%)

Let’s crunch the numbers. Taking an admittedly small sample (me) I have heard of about two dozen doggie weddings over the last five years and in that same time this is the first divorce I’ve encountered. Given a sampling error rate of 5-10 % (I’m wrong about 10% of the time) that still leads us to the the conclusion that up to 90% of all doggie marriages are successful. That’s amazing!

So what can we learn from our canine compadres? I’ve drawn up a list of the ten things dogs can teach us about marriage.

1. Make sure your marriage is arranged, preferably by someone who feeds you regularly and is happy to pick up your poop. It’s a fact of life that anyone who picks up your poop must really have your best interests at heart. (let me also point out here that arranged marriages have been the norm rather than the exception for most of human history)

2. Your partner doesn’t always have to be of the opposite sex.
(Especially if you live in Massachusetts) Remarkable but true! I’ve heard of several same sex doggie weddings that are still going strong years later. Draw your own conclusions here

3. Leg humping is an art form, and like any art form, practice makes perfect.

4. There’s no reason why the wedding should be limited to only two parties. I have heard of several situations where three or more dogs have participated in the festivities (It also spices up the honeymoon no end) Of course these dogs all lived in Utah and are currently evading the law.

5. It’s not the size of the snozzage, it’s the tastiness of the treat…of course no matter how tasty the treat bad breath is inexcusable, especially on the wedding night! A few squirts of Dog Smog Remedy Breath Freshener will prevent this muttrimonial "faux paw"

6. Always dress up for your wedding. Tuxedos and wedding dresses, are a must, however it seems less important that the clothes actually stay on throughout the entire ceremony (I have to say however that for the majority of human weddings long term clothing retention is a definite plus…I for one prefer my relatives clothed) A little spritz of Shimmering Mist is an excellent way to class up even the most dog-eared wedding gown, spray a little on the bride’s "decolletage" for some doggie sparkle.

7. Be loyal

8. Be flexible on rule 7, especially if your being disloyal with someone who has great snacks

9. Don’t take it too seriously. In fact if you feel like going for a pee in the middle of the wedding vows go right ahead, of course your prospective mother in law may have a heart attack. and depending on your relationship with her this could be a good or bad thing.

10. …and please, be responsible, always have have your partner spayed or neutered! (Especially if you catch him with that bitch from down the street!)

These are only the ideas that sprang to my mind. Has your dog taught you any interesting lessons about marriage? Drop us a line and we’ll post the funniest, or most insightful.

Click here to read the press release