Cold Weather Walking Tips

The heat of summer is just a memory, and as the weather gets colder, there are some precautions we can take to make sure our furry friends are as comfortable as possible. No matter what size or breed your dog is, he most likely gets cold in the winter - yes, even the cold weather breeds, like huskies or malamutes. Even if we would all love to hibernate through the freezing temperatures, our pups need walks and exercise even in the winter. Here are some tips for making sure they get the exercise they need while staying as comfortable as possible:

• •Get your dog used to the temperature gradually. When fall approaches, keep going out for long walks and trips to the dog park. Do not let weather keep you inside because regular outings will help your dog acclimate to the weather.
• •If you have a greyhound, boxer, terrier or other dog with short hair, it is best to put a sweater or jacket on them to keep them comfortable. Cold weather can cause not only discomfort but also injury or illness. Some breeds, like miniature poodles or dachshunds, may not be able to go out at all on very cold days. Dogs with thicker coats still may need a coat in extreme temperatures. Look for those which cover both the back and the belly so heat is retained in the core.
• •Do not neglect your dog’s feet. You wouldn’t dream of going outside on icy, snowy sidewalks without your boots, so do the same for your dog. If he lifts his paws, whines, or appears to be walking gingerly, he probably needs boots. Many dogs are extremely sensitive to cold on their paws, and ice and salt build up can cause discomfort and injury. Boots can be very useful to keep buildup from forming.
• You can also use Vaseline or cooking oil on the bottom of your dog’s paws to protect them. When you are done your walk, brush off his paws to remove salt, which can be very irritating. You can also try waxes which are available at many pet stores.
• •You may have to limit time outside on very cold days, but you should get in one good walk to release pent-up energy. Both of you should bundle up.
• •Watch what you are feeding your dog during the winter months. Many want to eat more, but because they are typically receiving less physical activity, they can gain weight. Consider cutting back their portions if they are not exercising as much.

If you’re cold, your dog is likely feeling chilly as well. A thick winter coat is sometimes not enough to keep him warm, so make sure that you listen to his cues to ensure that he is comfortable.

Tips on Choosing the Best Duds for your Pup

There is no question that pet owners love their furry (or scaly or feathered) friends; pets provide us with unconditional love, joy, and let us glimpse at pure happiness when we scratch behind their ears. Whenever we can do anything to show them how much we appreciate them – and to do something practical for their health and safety – it is well worth it. Dog clothes are one way we can help keep our favorite pals warm, happy, and of course, stylish. Here are some tips for choosing the right clothes for your dog:

First, make sure you get the right size so your dog is comfortable. To measure correctly, use a tape measure to determine the distance from the base of the collar to where the tail joins the body when your dog is standing. Also measure around the widest point of your pup – which will be behind the front legs. It can hard to estimate sizes – even when you are shopping for yourself! Take a few minutes to do this so you can make sure whatever item you choose fits properly, doesn’t slip off, impede movement, or constrict breathing.

Many dogs need clothes for colder months to prevent chills, discomfort, and joint pain. Even larger, furrier breeds, like Huskies, may need coats in extremely cold temperatures. You can find dog clothes in a number of sizes and styles, and if you need warmth, choose fleeces or wool blends. If they are pretreated, they will not shrink, and they are light-weight, durable, and washable.

Some dogs chew. You may have tried every trick in the book, but they just love chewing. If you have a chewer, clothes may not be for him. If you want to give it a try anyway, choose clothing without flashy embellishments, sparkles, or buttons. This will invite the dog to chew away. Stay with solid colors. Also if the clothing is properly fitted and made with soft fabric, it should cut down on chewing.

When you buy your children clothes, you know that they need to be washable because kids are guaranteed to get them dirty. It is the same with dogs. Choose fabrics that are machine washable. Also, if you are going to be upset with a spot of dirt or grass stains, choose darker colors that will not show spots as readily.

Make sure the clothing you choose is easy to get on and easy to get off. Dogs will not sit still for ten minutes as you try to figure out the buttons or zippers. For instance, you should be able to slip on his winter coat before going for a walk without taking a huge chunk out of your outdoor time.

The most important tip is to listen to your pet when choosing his clothes. Take into consideration his personality. For instance, if your dog loves to sit and snuggle, maybe a warm, fuzzy fleece will be perfect. If he loves his walk, even in the rain, try a great raincoat. If he likes to watch sports with you, get a jersey. There are a host of options, and you can find comfortable, well-fitting options in a number of styles.

Most of all, listen to him if he is telling you that the clothing is uncomfortable. If he is scratching at it, biting at it, or seems not to enjoy it, take it off! It may as simple as finding a different fabric or fit. Maybe he doesn’t like the stripes you put on him. In any case, if he doesn’t like it, take it off. You can try again later.

The selection of dog clothes is only growing; you are sure to find the perfect fit for you and your pup.

Staying Ahead of the Seasons

As the weather warms across the nation, it is time to consider switching up your dog’s wardrobe. Even if your beloved pooch only owns two or three clothing items, it may be time to put away the heavy dog sweaters in favour of a lighter sweatshirt or adorable doggie hoodie. As the seasons change, we are always quick to add and subtract the clothes we need from our wardrobe but seldom from our pets. Many dog owners don’t even realize that there is a whole range of pet clothing out there just waiting for our pets to try them on. Who knows, your dog may look perfect in this year’s new summer outfits and you don’t even own any!

The most important thing when shopping for clothes for your dog is to make sure what you’ve chosen not only fits properly so it is comfortable for your pet to walk around in for long periods of time, but that is also reflects their personality. There are super cute items out there if your dog is a bit of a princess and more macho shirts, hoodies and even little winter jackets if your dog is more of a fighter than a lover.

There are several other fun ways in which your dog can express him or herself. There are literally a million different dog collars out there you can choose from. You can go the basic route or you can give your pet a bit of pizazz with a designer dog collar that tells the world just want kind of pet you have. The first thing you have to keep in mind when shopping for a collar is the comfort and safety of your dog. Every dog should have a license and an ID on at all times, but once those basic amenities are taken care of, you can really get creative. Everything from bells to chimes to bright colors can help you and your dog express themselves, not to mention they can help keep your dog safe, as well.

Finally, you may want to consider some special jewelery pieces that reflect the changing seasons. Dog jewelery can be worn around the collar or on clips that can be gently placed on the dog’s fur. If your dog is a bit of a prima donna, than this is the perfect item for you. Jewelery can also make the perfect gift for the dog owner that has everything.

Get Out in Style This Spring

Warm weather is breaking out all over this spring as the final snow storms of the year push through leaving behind a populace that is suffering from a serious case of cabin fever. It is important to remember, however, that you aren’t the only one in your household that needs to start spending a bit more time outside. Our dogs were never made to be inside for long stretches of time and now that spring is almost here, it may be time to invest in a dynamic new lead, leash and collar to help greet the coming warm weather.

Not only does a new collar look better on your best friend, it is likely more comfortable for your dog, as well. Older collars can chafe and wear down just like any other piece of fabric, so it is important that you replace the items you have on a regular basis. If your dog is a threat to run, you may want to consider changing up the collar, leash and lead even more frequently so that there isn’t a chance one will fail and lead to a potential disaster. Providing your dog with new items such as these is just a part of responsible dog ownership.

Which kinds of collars, leashes and leads are for you and your dog? Obviously price is a major consideration but you should also take your dog’s personality into consideration, as well. If you own a big, butch mastiff or bulldog, you probably want to leave the delicate pink leashes at home, but a nice bamboo pooch lead would be quite appropriate. The items you buy for your dog are for both of you. They give you a chance to show the world just want kind of special friend you have and they are also a way for your dog to look his or her best when out in public.

Along with a new collar and leash, you also want to take a moment and make sure that your dog’s ID tags are accurate and up to date. Sometimes, a dog and throw off his ID or it can somehow get pulled off and months can go by without anyone noticing. Take a moment to check to see if your dog’s ID tags are in place and accurate. If you’ve moved, have your dog’s tags changed immediately. Don’t wait, you could be playing with your dog’s long term safety.

Cruel Wandering Dog Statute Put Out to Pasture

American law books are filled with old fashioned and antiquated laws. Books have been written, and are likely still being written, categorizing them all, however, a pair of dog related laws on the books in Washington State are finally on their way out. The two laws, one that required the immediate killing of any dog found wandering and another law that required dog owners kill their own dogs if they are found killing another animal, are both on the way out. Even though these dangerously antiquated laws are being justly wiped from existence, it only helps to demonstrate the importance of engraved dog tags for your pet. It is up to you to protect your dog if he or she should get loose and no single item helps whoever finds your dog more than a pair of dog tags.

According to Washington State legislators, the law was originally enacted in the early 1900s as a way to protect livestock from possible rabies infections and attacks from packs of roaming dogs. Although support for the repeal of these old laws was extremely high, some senators say that new laws need to be passed that will help those who have their property affected by loose dogs. Currently, in Washington State, no such law exists.

No matter what your state laws entail, it is more important than ever for you to protect your dog from possible accidents and encounters with the dog catcher. If you have recently moved or changed addresses, make sure that updating your dog’s ID tags is a top priority. You don’t want to endanger the future of your favourite pet by simply ignoring something that is incredibly easy to do. Today’s engraved dog tags come in color and feature several different adorable logos that people will be able to see even from a distance. There will never be a question about if your dog is properly licensed.

You can also help to ensure the safety of your dog by investing in a new dog collar and leash. The majority of accidents that people have with their dog can be traced back to faulty dog collars that are either too big, too small or too worn out. Don’t lose the most important four legged friend in your life because you didn’t keep up with his needs, get a new collar, ID and leash today and ensure the safety of your pet over the long term.

Fashion and Travel in One Package

If you are like most people, you lead an active lifestyle that requires you to travel with your dog on a regular basis. You could use one of those unsightly grey carriers with the cheap looking metal swinging door like all of the other dog owners, or you could use a fashionable dog carrier that lets your pet travel in style and comfort. The world of high end dog carriers has come a long way in the past few years. You can find carriers made by top designers that run into the thousands of dollars or you can purchase something far more utilitarian but still comfortable for your pet and preferred over those ugly plastic boxes.

The new range of Couture dog carries this year have been amazing. You can carry your dog from one place to another and someone passing you on the street would have to look very closely to even tell that you are carrying anything other than a stylish new purse. Some of the hottest fashion designers this side of Paris now create dog carriers, such as Charles Nantucket and others. Not only are these high end carriers a far more handsome way for your pet to get from point A to point B, but they will be far more comfortable, as well.

There is even a line of striking dog luggage available, as well. If your dog is a bit on the bigger side and needs more room or if your pet is headed on a longer trip, they will enjoy traveling in style thanks to this beautiful dog luggage carriers. They come in ten different colors and all of them feature an easy to use sliding handle and wheels so they can be pulled from place to place without worry.

Pet Flys are also a great way to take your small dog or cat with you when you need to. One side is made of easily breathable mesh and the bags themselves come in many different colors and feature beautiful, hand drawn patterns. Help your pet stand out from the crowd with a new pet carrier this year, and retire that clunky old plastic box forever.

Prepare Your Pooch For the Great Outdoors

Recently, the incredible Iditarod Sled Dog race was completed for another year and the entire state of Alaska rejoiced at the successful completion of this gruelling event. We’ve all heard the stories about how the race was begun and how a group of sled dogs helped to save the lives of tens of thousands of adults in children during a particularly harsh Alaskan winter. While your dog may not have to face those kinds of conditions when he goes outside this year, you still need to be sure that they are outfitted properly. One tool that more and more owners are using is a harness. A dog harness properly secures your pet so that there is less of a chance that they could slip their collar and get away during a walk. The first job of every pet owner is to protect your dog and there may be no better tool to help you accomplish that goal than with a beautiful new harness.

Best of all, Duds4Pups sells so many different kinds of harnesses, you can always find the perfect one for your pet. Does your pooch have a happy, playful personality? There are several different harnesses available that can help your dog show off his boisterous personality, but if you have a serious dog that takes protecting you and your family seriously, you can easily find the perfect harness for him, too.

Not only does a harness protect your dog from possibly running away while in public, it also protects others from your dog. Even if you have a dog that doesn’t have a reputation for biting, it is difficult to judge your pet’s behavior in every situation. A harness allows for you to have greater control over your dog’s movements, which can be the difference between someone getting nipped or not. If you have a large dog, a harness is even more important since you can lose control of your pet that much easier. When it comes right down to it, do you really want to risk the happiness and safety of your pet to a simple leash?

A harness can be a bit of an uncomfortable strain on your dog at first, but it only takes a few times outside for your pet to adjust to this new apparatus. Duds4Pups has every kind of harness you could ever want for your pet, so don’t even think about wasting your time shopping anywhere else.