Puppycoat Junction Dog Blog

An Airline Just for Pets

2009-04-18T09:36:00.000-07:00

We've been reading about a new airline company called Pet Airways, and they seem to have an interesting concept going. They have designed the cabin areas of their planes exclusively for pets, with the seats having been removed to make room for pet carriers, so no human passengers are allowed. These areas are reported to be climate controlled, pressurized, and fully lit, just as with normal airlines, and a pet attendant is present at all times to see to your pet's needs.

Weekly flights are scheduled to begin in July, and will go between New York, Washington D.C., Chicago, Denver, and Los Angeles, though they claim that other cities will be added as the year progresses. Pet owners will be able to track their pet's travel progress online with their Pet Tracker service.

As a dog owner, I find this to be a great idea. It doesn't take much research to learn how bad it is to have your dog packed into the cargo bay of an airplane, which is what most airlines do with them, and I've never found the concept of stuffing my canine babies in a carrier under a seat for hours on end to be very appealing either (which is the only other option for air travel, IF your pet is very small). However, I'm just waiting to see how things pan out with Pet Airways.

Their site is currently offline, which they claim is due to an overwhelming response to their service, and they have given an eMail address where you can make reservations instead. On one hand, this is understandable, because maybe they just underestimated how many people would be interested. But on the other hand, it shouldn't be taking an organized airline this long to increase their server capacity to allow customer access. Will the website be stable by July, when customers are supposed to be able to use it to track their pet's travel progress?

Another thing that has been at the back of my mind is; has anyone managed to find a picture of one of the cabins of these planes? Maybe I'm just paranoid when it comes to my dogs, but I think I'd appreciate seeing exactly what sort of setting my pups would be traveling in.

Winter Dog Care Tip #5

2008-03-05T05:48:00.000-08:00

This tip should go without saying, but since I've seen so many people do this, I have to suggest... don't shave your dog in the winter!
I know, I know, Fluffy looks *so* cute in her show cut, and Scruffy will resemble a dust mop if he doesn't get a haircut soon, but they really do need the extra warmth during this time of the year. And truly, none of the other dogs are going to laugh at them during their "bad hair day" time : D

Winter Dog Care Tip #4

2008-02-19T07:08:00.000-08:00

Even if your dog never steps a foot outside in the winter, it can still be a miserable time for them right in your home. Cold air drops. Floor temperatures are lower, particularly on tile and hard wood. And since your pooch is considerably lower to the ground than you are, they'll feel it long before it has you reaching for the thermostat. Try walking through the house for an hour or two with bare feet. If you find yourself wanting a pair of socks or slippers, then chances are your pup isn't as comfortable as he wants to be either!
The simple fact is, a dog who may have spent the summer months sprawled comfortably across your living room floor will not likely be so comfy when winter hits if you haven't got the proper sleeping area for him (or her). Now is definitely the time to consider getting a good dog bed, or at least pile up some warm blankets for him to lay on. Be sure to position their bedding away from doorways and drafts and... heat vents. Yep, you read that correctly, keep their bedding away from the heat vents. The reasoning here is twofold: For one, if the bed is near enough for your dog to get overly warm while the furnace is on, the large fluctuations in temperature between running times will not be good for him when he's snoozing. The other reason is, many modern heating systems have a "cool down" cycle where, for a short time, the heating elements shut off and cooler air blows through the vents. This isn't *cold* air so to say, but still cool enough that it could fall into the "draft" category.

Winter Dog Care Tip #3

2008-02-12T18:05:00.000-08:00

It's a common misconception that all dogs can deal with cold weather "just fine" because they have fur. While it's true that Mother Nature has made certain breeds quite hardy, others have virtually no tolerance for cold and need extra protection to stay safe. The age, size, and physical condition of your dog are all factors to consider. Elderly pets and puppies are particularly succeptible to the cold, as are small breed dogs and dogs with thin fur or certain medical conditions.
So if you find that your pooch just isn't cut out for a job at Snow Patrol, the best thing you can do is to provide them with a warm dog coat or dog sweater before they venture outside. Those made of fleece or wool are the best choices because they help retain heat and carry moisture away from the body as well, and be sure to select a style that covers your dog's belly too!
Do keep in mind though that even if your dog is sporting the best coat or sweater on the market, a truly susceptible pet shouldn't be left outside for any longer than necessary.

Winter Dog Care Tip #2

2008-01-30T18:02:00.000-08:00

Everyone knows that leaving you dog locked in a parked car during the hot summer months can lead to tragedy, but did you know that the same warning applies during the winter months too? A car loses heat rapidly after the motor is shut off, and then it becomes a giant refrigerator for your pet. Hypothermia can set in within minutes if the temperature drops too low, particularly in small dogs or elderly pets.
Symptoms of pet hypothermia include shivering, shallow breathing, weakness, listlessness and low body temperature. If your dog has been exposed to the cold and exhibits any of these signs, seek veterinary help immediately. First aid measures involve wrapping the dog in a warm blanket and moving them to a heated room (or vehicle... on the way to a vet!), but even if your dog appears to be fine after awhile you should still seek your veterinarian's advice because kidney and bladder problems are common in pets that have been exposed to overly cold temperatures.

Dog Webpage Templates

2008-01-13T12:57:00.000-08:00

For those of you who are thinking of starting a dog-related website, we're now offering affordable dog website templates! More will be added soon, and our webmaster has also announced that he can do custom graphics work for those needing it. We also have two freebie website templates for introducing a new puppy into the clan Here.

Winter Dog Care Tip #1

2008-01-03T08:24:00.000-08:00

Paw care is essential during the winter months, even if your dog doesn't go outdoors much. Snow and ice can quickly become crusted between their toes and cause serious chapping or even frostbite. If you walk your dog on public sidewalks, salt and other chemicals can also harm them, and can be very dangerous if your dog licks their paws after coming inside. You should always clean your dog's paws and belly thoroughly when they come in from the snow to help avoid this.
You may also want to consider getting a pair of dog boots for maximum protection, or at least some dog paw balm to soothe any chapping.

Check your dog's extremities frequently for signs of frost bite. The skin will redden initially and may be painful, then will exhibit pale whitish or grayish color changes. Eventually the skin or foot pad surfaces will begin to slough off. If you notice these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately for help. First aid measures involve warming the affected area with warm water-soaked towels (not hot), but do NOT rub or massage the area or it may cause further damage. Other areas that are also commonly affected by frostbite include the ears, tail, and scrotum.

A Holiday Wish

2007-12-19T23:37:00.000-08:00

Tis the season of Christmas and it's our heartfelt wish,
That every dog has a food-laden dish.
And someone to cuddle them and rub their ears,
And give them a home for the rest of their years.
Someone who will praise them and have time to play,
And give them a warm bed on which to lay.
That all dogs have safe yards and a favorite toy,
So neighborhoods will ring with barks of joy.
That no dog will feel lonely or sad with mistrust,
And the rescue shelters will house nothing but dust.
So if you have room, and some love to spare,
Please rescue a dog and give them your care.

Cute Christmas Dog

2007-12-18T09:27:00.000-08:00

This was sent to us by eMail this morning, and it's just about one of the cutest holiday dog photos we've ever seen!

The Dog Days of Christmas!

2007-12-16T11:46:00.000-08:00

Hope everyone is having a pleasant holiday season so far! We've been busy as usual, putting up the tree and lights and all that goes with it.
Shopping for doggie gifts has been a real challenge this year though, particularly for our Boxer, Jay. He's almost 11 years old now, and has lived a terrifically pampered life, so finding anything new for him for Christmas is almost impossible. He's too old to want to have any interest at all in toys now, so those are out. He already has the best orthopedic dog bed indoors, and a comfortbale lounger for when he wants to sunbathe outside. He has a huge array of warm dog coats, and a plenty of padded collars and harnesses. We have just about every pet travel item that you could use, and his bowls are new. All of our pups get an amply supply of bones and treats in their stockings, but finding that one "special" item just for Jay is the trick.
So it raises a fairly humorous question... "What do you buy for the dog who has everything?"

Dogs Killed in Puerto Rico

2007-11-14T18:36:00.000-08:00

We were all outraged last year when we heard the news about China killing thousands of dogs, but now it appears we have an equally appalling story coming from Puerto Rico, a United States territory.
The Associated Press reported that thousands of unwanted animals have been buried alive, thrown off of bridges, and otherwise cruelly killed. Adoptable strays were to supposed to be sent to shelters so that they could find homes, and the others were to be humanely euthanized. However, it appears that the leading private animal control program has opted to massacre them all instead.
The full story can be found here: Puerto Rico Pet Massacres

Several organizations are struggling to help the homeless animals in Puerto Rico receive the loving care that all dogs deserve. One is Save A Sato (http://www.saveasato.org/), and they are not only working to save these animals, but they are also working to motivate people to tell the government officials what they think in order to make permanent changes in how the animals are treated. Click on the link "How to Help" (left menu of their site) and you will find many ways to get involved with their efforts.
Even if you have no money or supplies to donate, if you have a minute of time and feel like speaking your mind, this website gives the addresses of several government officials you can write to, or they have a program where you can simply submit your mailing address to send a post card to the Governor.
Their website has a banner that also says they desperately need supplies to keep their efforts going. They need everything from bath towels and veterinary supplies to Frequent Flyer miles. The list is quite extensive, so it's easy to find some way to help.
If you are currently involved with a U.S. animal shelter or rescue organization, Save A Sato needs stateside shelters to help them find homes for these pets. They emphasize their ability to provide high-demand small breed dogs that are often not available in local shelters here, as well as large breeds. The list of organizations currently helping them find homes for these dogs includes New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, and Texas, but they need more.

Another organization who is working to stop the animal suffering is Island Dog Inc. (http://www.islanddog.org/sponseradogcat.html).
One of the unique things we noticed on their site was their "Escort A Pet" program. If you are vacationing in San Juan, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, or St. Croix, and have a direct flight into your city, you can help them by escorting a pet. It will not cost you a cent! They transport the pet to the airport and check them in on your plane. Once you land, a person from a stateside shelter will meet you at the airport to take the pet. It's that simple, and what better way to end a memorable vacation than to have the knowledge that you saved a life?

And on that note, I'm off to write a few letters and start gathering supplies!

Millionaire Dog

2007-09-01T23:54:00.000-07:00

I read an article a couple of days ago regarding the death of a hotel owner who apparently left her little Maltese dog 12 million dollars in her will! While I can fully understand wanting to set aside some money to be sure your dog is cared for after you are gone, this is ridiculous.
Imagine how much good could have been done if she'd willed even half of that amount to the ASPCA or some other animal welfare organization. Her dog would have still had more than enough set aside for it's care, and countless other animals could have been saved.
What in the world was she thinking?

Real Estate and the Dogs

2007-08-22T12:21:00.000-07:00

Along with many people in Florida now, we are busy house hunting. To be blunt, we are being taxed out of our own home, so it's necessary to find another that's more affordable tax-wise. What has me amused is that our arguments for/against each new home we look at has very little to do with our needs, and everything to do with what our dogs need! We were looking at the first round of home's listing sheets last night when I realized this. The one with the gorgeous retro kitchen was vetoed because it didn't have enough yard for the dogs to play in. The one with the prettiest view was tossed because there wasn't enough open floor space in the kitchen to put all of the dog bowls, and it had stairs that might be difficult for our littlest dogs. We decided against the one with the best location because it didn't have an extra bedroom for the dogs (and our pups are used to having their own play room).
So I guess at this point it would be more accurate to say that we are house hunting... for our dogs!
Maybe we are totally crazy, but for us there is very little difference between planning for children and planning for the dogs. How about you? If you were looking for a home, how much weight would your dogs' needs carry when you made your decision?

Dog or Squirrel... Which is Nuttier?

2007-08-05T23:08:00.000-07:00

Ok, ever since we got her, Francis has had a real issue with chasing squirrels, which we have been trying to teach her NOT to do. We have taught her a "LEAVE IT" command, which is generally successful in making her leave all sorts of things alone and go find something else to do.
However, our brilliant dog has obviously found a loophole in the command. This weekend she decided to show mommy that in dog logic "Leave It" does not mean that you can't get as close as possible to an object and STARE at it.
Notice the squirrel to the left side of the photo? Both dog and critter were frozen in that same position for over 10 minutes... just staring. I was doing some yard work and had noticed that she was staring at something (and had been for a long time), but my eyes didn't pick out the squirrel in the scene until hubby came out on the porch with his camera.
I can't decide if this new situation is better than having a dog that chases squirrels or not? (lol).

Free Dog House Plan for Summer

2007-07-31T19:56:00.000-07:00

Everyone knows that dogs who spend a lot of time outdoors need to have some kind of shelter, and we found a website that gives terrific free instructions for building a dog shelter that would be perfect for the summer months. It has a unique A-frame design that is open and airy enough for warm weather, yet it would provide good protection from the sun and rain.
If you're handy with a hammer and saw and are interested in making your dog an attractive summer shelter, check it out: Harry & Sal's Dog House

Respect Pet Friendly Hotels

2007-07-22T15:12:00.000-07:00

Like many dog owners, we never take any vacation trips to destinations where our dogs are not welcome, and during a recent trip, we had the honor of staying at a VERY pet-friendly hotel (even their beach was pet friendly!). The owner complimented us on our dogs' good behavior, which then led to a discussion about how challenging it can be for hotels/motels to let pets stay.
He told us about two area hotels that had recently stopped allowing pets, and this got me thinking that maybe some owners weren't aware of what it takes to keep our pet-friendly hotels "friendly".
After passing what we had learned along to a friend, he wrote an informative article for our website which you can find here: Tips for Staying in a Hotel with Your Dog.

Free Dog Printables

2007-06-22T11:59:00.000-07:00

With the introduction of our new website, we opened up a dog-related "printables" section. We are still working on more ideas for it, but currently you can find dog recipe cards, a pet sitter's information sheet, and a handy printable card that you can use to keep a record of your dog's measurements (for when you are shopping for dog clothes).
If there is something in particular that you are looking for or if you have something that you would like to share on the printables page, just let us know.

Meet Marty!

2007-06-18T22:00:00.000-07:00

This is Marty, the newest addition to the Puppycoat Junction family. She's a rescue pup (of course!) and has a great little personality.

For some reason, she likes to walk around on her hind legs a lot, and it's hilarious. She also like to stand on the window sills, so it looks like we have some sort of strange cat in the window!

A Nursing Home for Dogs

2007-06-14T19:36:00.000-07:00

Recently, Japan has announced that they are opening the first dog nursing home complete with round-the-clock veterinary care and puppies to play with the elderly dogs. Owners will pay around $800 a month to keep their pets there.

While we can only assume that dog nursing homes will become a trend that will eventually reach the U.S., I have to wonder how many of us will actually use them?

On one hand, I can see how owners whose pets have advanced illnesses may want or actually need the nursing home option for their dogs.
But on the other hand I personally can't imagine ever trusting the care of my own elderly dogs to strangers, and it seems that monthly fee would be beyond the reach of the average dog owner anyway.

What about you? Would you put your elderly dog in a nursing home?

World's Biggest Dog

2007-06-11T10:20:00.000-07:00

I got this email yesterday with this photo of a massive dog and all I could think of was WOW! It's a beautiful animal, and the accompanying text said that his name was "Hercules" and that he was in the Guinness Book as being the world's largest dog.
Ok, so I fell for it, "hook, line and sinker" as they say (lol). According to this article though, the photograph is a hoax, but they do go on to tell about the pets who have the honor of being the *real* world's tallest and heaviest dogs.

So I'm gullible. But you do have to admit that the person who created this was *very* good with their photo editing software!

A Sad Announcement

2007-03-19T20:26:00.000-07:00

To all our readers, please know that we are trying hard to get back into "the swing of things" and keep up the blog and such, but you have no idea how very hard it is at this time.

For those of you who didn't know, our beloved Mini Pinscher, Lance, died last week from kidney failure. We had spent the weekend vacationing on the beach and noticed that he just wanted to cuddle the whole time instead of exploring like he usually does. So we packed up early and took him home to our vet. We were shocked to hear that his kidneys were shutting down then. There had been so many health scares with our two elderly dogs, Jay and Mia, that we never even considered losing Lance. His condition deterioriated rapidly, and two days later he was gone. He was such a good little dog, and we miss him terribly. I'm going to go have (another) cry now, but I just wanted to say thank you to all of you who have eMailed us with your love and condolences. It means a lot to us.

Free Dog T-Shirt from Pedigree

2007-03-05T11:43:00.000-08:00

Pedigree dog foods are well-known for donating a portion of every sale to help homeless dogs,
and now they're offering a nifty "Dogs Rule" T-shirt to pet owners!

http://www.pedigree.com/dogadoption/freetshirt.asp

It's a mail-in offer, and it does require some UPC codes for proof-of-purchase, but shipping and the shirt itself are free. The UPC requirements apply to their dog treats as well, for those who do not use their foods.

Your Trash Can Help Save a Dog's Life

2007-02-19T11:02:00.000-08:00

Save your old empty ink jet and laser printer cartriages and they can be recycled to earn cash that can save an animal's life. Noah's Wish is an animal welfare organization that goes to great lengths to keep animals alive during major disasters, but they do need our help to ensure their ongoing efforts.

While cash donations are always appreciated, this recycling program is one of the ways that everyone can help, no matter what the family budget looks like.
Donaters don't even have to pay for postage, as a free UPS shipping label for the cartriages and phones will be provided.
To learn more about the program, visit the Ink Cartriage Program page.

While you're on the site you may want to look around and read about some of the amazing things that Noah's Wish has done to aid animals involved in some of our country's worst disasters, including Hurricane Katrina and the more recent Merced California flood.

How did you name your dog?

2007-02-14T00:22:00.000-08:00

I ran across a 'Net post the other day about someone who had bet $20 on the Kentucky Derby one year and, after winning the bet (on a long shot), they used the money to buy a dog... Thus they named it "Derby".
Then, a couple of days later I met a woman in PetsMart who had an Peekapoo puppy, which she called "Pikachu." She said her kids were crazy about the cartoon and she liked the way the names rhymed.
In our business we run across a huge variety of dog names, but these two really tweaked my curiosity about how other owners name their pups.

For us, Jay, Lance, and Princess Francis were all named by their previous owners and/or rescue center (though we do refer to Princess as "Hurricane Francis" from time to time!), and we didn't want to confuse them by changing their names. Mia didn't respond to any name when we got her from her abused situation, and we literally spent 2 days calling out female dog and human names to her until we found one that made her wag... she chose her own name.

So how did your dog get his or her name?

A Kid & Dog-Related Rant

2007-02-11T23:17:00.000-08:00

Ok, none of us here are generally prone to rants, but this was just too much. Yesterday we had a strange young man come to our backyard fence and begin smacking it with a stick, teasing and barking at our youngest Boxer, Francis. When she went towards the fence, he starting poking the stick through it, trying to hit her. The weirdest part (besides the fact that he was bold enough to come into the yard like that), was that we were sitting right there on the patio! I told him to knock it off and go home, and his reply was basically something you can't repeat on family-oriented websites. He did leave though (after telling us he'll mess with our dogs any time he pleases), so I just chalked it up to poor parenting and kid stupidity.
Then he came back today.
I put Francis in the house as soon as he started his routine, so he then chose to ride his bike back and forth on the road yelling cuss words and "where's your dog, lady?"
I don't know what the kid's malfunction is, but this is a really quiet neighborhood where anything unusual attracts a lot of attention, so the next door neighbor called the sheriff out. He took the kid (who turned out to be 14 years old!) home in handcuffs, and told us that if he came back they would arrest him for tresspassing, harrassment, and a few other things if we would press charges. You bet your britches I will!
I'm truly boggled at why a kid of that age would think such a thing was amusing, and even further boggled by what sort of parents raised a kid to act so rotten!
And folks say that *Dogs* should be on leashes? Hmmm..

A Quick Thank You...

2007-02-11T23:15:00.000-08:00

Kyle, thanks a bunch for all your help in restoring the blog! {{{hugs}}}

Dog Blog Mess

2007-02-08T19:28:00.000-08:00

Ok, if you come to the blog and it looks crazy (weird colors, fonts, etc.) then it's not your computer or anything. We just changed blog software versions and we're having some problems getting the old template to work correctly. We're also trying a few new things. Do any of our readers happen to be a blog template guru?

Winter Care Tips for Outdoor Dogs

2007-02-07T09:44:00.000-08:00

Here are some tips to help you keep your outdoor dog safe:

1. Provide them with a good dog house, one that is as watertight and wind-proof as possible. Hang a heavy rug or piece of carpet over the doorway to help block wind, and try to place the dog house where it can get sun during the day. Ideally, their house should have a raised floor, but if not then try to provide some sort of a buffer between them and the cold ground. A thick bed of straw is a good idea in any dog house--- it is very inexpensive, and quite easy to sweep out and throw away as needed.

2. If you keep your dog in a garage or shed, be aware that though such buildings give them good protection from the elements, they will not neccessarily keep your dog as warm as they need to be. Large spaces won't heat up with the dog's body temperature like a well-fitted dog house does, so be sure to provide them with a "cubby" space in the shelter so they can climb in and get warm.

3. Check their water bowl often. If it ices over, run hot water in it to break the ice free and then refill it with *cold* water (cold water freezes slower than hot water). Don't believe that eating snow or licking the ice chunk in their bowl will save them from dehydration.

4. Feed them a couple of times a day (if you normally feed only once, just split the portions in two), and consider adding some warm water to it. Eating raises body temperature slightly, and a warm meal can go a long way in keeping your dog comfortable.

5. Check your dog's paws frequently for signs of frost bite.

6. Keep your dog as dry as possible. Big dogs especially seem to like to play in the snow, but do try to towel them off and keep them as dry as possible before bedding down at night.

7. If you know the temperatures are going to drop below freezing, do try to find a way to bring them indoors.

National Pet Dental Month

2007-02-04T22:02:00.000-08:00

Though it can be difficult to clean your dog's teeth, it is a highly important part of dog ownership that many people tend to ignore. February is National Pet Dental Month, a time for all of us to educate ourselves and begin an oral care regimen that will benefit your dog's health for many years to come. To help get you started, the makers of Greenies dog treats is offering a free care package that includes a $20 rebate for a teeth cleaning at your vet's office. Their site also offers some very useful information about pet oral care. You can visit them here: Chews to Care.

PetDental.com also has some very useful information, as well as a kid's section to get them involved too.

Last but certainly not least, the folks at the Dog Breed Info center have a step-by-step guide, complete with pictures, to show you how to clean your dog's teeth.

Little Dogs and Garden Ponds

2007-01-28T20:27:00.000-08:00

We had an interesting experience last week that could have turned out badly, and I thought it may be a good idea to share with other dog owners (especially those with very small dogs). We've always wanted a small fountain at the end of our patio so, finally getting a spell of really nice weather, we went ahead and installed one. We used one of those black pre-made plastic pond forms that you bury in the ground and then fill (like you see in the garden centers of most hardware stores), and the one we selected is only a couple of feet wide and maybe a foot deep. It seemed harmless enough, but the morning after we had it filled, our littlest Mini Pinscher fell into it.

We're not even sure why she went near it, since she has no great fondness for water, but nevertheless she did. I scooped her out immediately, and there was no harm done, but it occurred to me then how dangerous even the smallest ponds could be. Though the water isn't even high enough to reach my knees, it's well over her little head. Even worse, most pond forms are very smooth inside (which doesn't allow for traction) and the sides are almost vertical. There would have been no way she would have been ok if she had been outside without supervision. We immediately put a very stout decorative fence around said pond, even though the dogs don't go out alone!

Now I'm sure a some of you are out there reading this and saying "duh!", but when you have a dog that dislikes water and a pond that's just about as shallow as they get, it's easy to feel safe. I post this as a warning to others who have tiny dogs or puppies though... be careful of with your water decorations. Even some of the kiddie swimming pools that are on the market today are deeper that a little dog could handle, and they can apparently pick the oddest times to get curious!

Pegetable Dog Treats Review

2007-01-17T23:57:00.000-08:00

Awhile back we sent away for some free samples of dog treats from the Pegetable company, and ours arrived here yesterday. If you are not familiar with them, Pegetables are edible chews, similar to Greenies. With so many dogs, we are always trying new treats, and these impressed me right away. I noticed that they were a tad bit softer than other edible chews that we had gotten before and, with a quick zap in the microwave, we were able to soften one of the chews in order to cut it in half for our Mini Pinschers.
The company had sent the celery flavored treats, which I had my doubts as to whether our dogs would go for or not, but all four pups took to them immediately. We never give our dogs chew bones without supervision, and as we watched them with the Pegetables it was amazing how the treats were tough enough for the large dogs not to gobble down, yet soft enough that the tiny dogs weren't having any trouble at all with them. What few pieces broke off during the chewing were quite small and somewhat flaky, and when I picked one up I noticed that it was fairly soft compared to other brands--- thus eliminating any worries about them choking on a piece. Best of all, these treats were really clean. No stains, no greasy mess, NOTHING on the carpeting when the feasting was done!
Our dogs really loved these, and I am definitely going let them try the other flavors that are available.

10 Naughty Dog New Year's Resolutions

2007-01-05T23:51:00.000-08:00

Well, we've interviewed the naughtiest of naughty dogs this year to bring you the top ten bad dog New Year's resolutions:

#10. Learn to open the biscuit box
#9. Practice my howling more
#8. Keep the mail guy out of the yard
#7. Find more hiding places for my toys
#6. Teach that bad soccer ball not to run away
#5. Help mom lose weight by snitching her food
#4. Finish digging the hole under the fence
#3. Catch the Evil Squirrel
#2. Rescue the squeeky thing that's stuck in my toy
#1. Poo in the neighbor's yard so ours stays clean

We're Back

2007-01-04T23:14:00.000-08:00

Hello fellow dog bloggers. It's been quite awhile since there's been a post here, but a lot has happened in that time. Puppycoat Junction has undergone a complete re-structuring, and we have added and dropped many brands in the proccess. As a matter of fact, we are still adding some of the new things, so the website is changing almost daily.

More importantly though, two of our dogs have had some serious medical problems in the past few months, and we are spending every spare moment with them. One morning in late October we noticed that Jay (the eldest Boxer) was extremely lethargic, and we couldn't get him to eat anything. Since we have dealt with spinal problems with him (which makes him lethargic) and bladder stones (which makes him lethargic AND not eat), we just assumed that he was having a flare-up of one of those problems and calmly scheduled a veterinary appointment. But the following morning he had a high fever and was noticibly dehydrated... and we all panicked! It took two veterinarians and a whole slew of tests to pinpoint the problem, which turned out to be a severe prostrate infection. I'm still boggled as to how it could have gotten that bad without him showing any signs earlier, and at how quickly he went down. He didn't respond well to the first few antibiotics, and it was late November/early December before he started acting like himself again. Now he's severely underweight. If any of you have any suggestions for anything that might put weight on this guy (low sodium and no dairy), PLEASE let us know. We've tried all the top brands of store-bought dog foods, a prescription-only dog food, and now I'm cooking human foods for him and nothing's working. It makes you want to cry to look at him, because every rib and bone in his body sticks out, but we can't think of anything else to try. The vet says he's fine, but that he's just "old" (as if we didn't know that!!).

A couple of weeks after the ordeal began with Jay, Mia (the eldest Min Pin) stopped responding to her heart medications and her lungs began to fill with fluid. Luckily, we caught this *very* early, and the vet was able to adjust her meds accordingly. We have to watch her activities and her diet very closely now, and we have been warned that her age is working against her too.

Both dogs are on quite a few meds daily, and we have learned an interesting thing about doggie meds that may be useful for some of you. Many of these drugs are the same medications that humans take, and the prescriptions for most can be filled at your local Walgreens or Walmart for a fraction of the cost of getting them from the veterinarian's office (we pay less than half price for Mia's & Jay's at the drug store). This may not hold true for everyone everywhere, but it's sure helped us with our pup's needs!

Your Dog on a Postage Stamp!

2006-10-09T21:12:00.000-07:00

We found this website that lets you order valid U.S. postage stamps with your own photos on them! Our first thought was to order some with our dogs on them (in their best dog clothes, of course!), and we thought other pet owners might be interested too. You can check it out here:
www.photo.stamps.com

Adopt A Dog Month

2006-10-05T19:37:00.000-07:00

Hi! My name's Lance, and I just wanted to pop in and let you know that the American Humane Association had named October to be annual "Adopt-A-Dog Month" in order to draw attention to the numerous homeless dogs waiting to be adopted. Since I'm a rescued pup myself, I can tell you that it's no fun living in a shelter, and I waited every day for someone to give me a home. I'm very lucky to have been chosen, because too many other dogs are never adopted and a lot of them are put to sleep as the shelters get too full. So if there's any room in your heart and your home, why not take the time now to visit your local shelter and give one of my four-legged peers a family of their own?
Petfinder can also help you find a dog in your area that is right for you.

New Dog Shirts section

2006-10-01T21:16:00.000-07:00

Due to several requests that we had for an easier way to navigate our website's Dog Shirts section, we have now broken it down into subcatagories and separated the boy's dog shirts from the girls'. We think that this new method works quite nicely and want to thank the customers who suggested it.

Send Free Doggie e-Cards

2006-09-24T13:29:00.000-07:00

We’ve found a website that offers a huge variety of free online greeting cards with terrific dog pictures on them! They even have an option where you can upload a photo of your own dog to send a truly personalized greeting card.
You can check them out here: DogBreedz.com

Dog Dresses product update

2006-09-18T14:27:00.000-07:00

Our fall fashions are starting to arrive, and there will be many additions within the next couple of weeks. Currently we have updated the dog dresses category with some terrific new styles. Many of our summer dog dresses now have reduced pricing, and are available in limited quantities.

Pet Memorial

2006-09-10T20:45:00.000-07:00

Today is National Pet Memorial Day, established by the International Association of Pet Cemeteries as a special day meant for dog owners to honor their lost pets. People do this in many different ways, including having small memorial services, creating memorial scrapbooks of their pet, creating living memorials by planting a tree in their pet's name, or simply discussing the happy times they had with their pet.

We at Puppycoat Junction lost two beloved dogs in less than a year's time, and would like to to honor their memories by writing a little bit about them.

This is Taz, a beautiful elderly Pug whose lovable antics made everyone he met like him. When he wanted to play, he had a funny way of bugging out his big round eyes and flapping his curly tail that made everyone laugh. He loved to go for long walks, and investigated anything new with a funny little "oink oink oink" snort. He liked to give happy "puggy kisses' to you when you were petting him, and he was always ready to cuddle. To know Taz was to love him.
He died at the age of 10 in August of 2004, just one day before we had to leave for our move to Florida. It was doubly hard to get into the car and drive away, knowing that one member of our canine family was not with us.

This is Twister, our lovable giant Rottweiler. Weighing in at close to 130 pounds by the time he was three, his size intimidated most people until they had the chance to know him. Twister was everyone's friend; a big happy teddy bear. He especially loved kids, and was always extra careful when playing with them. His absolute favorite thing was to play in the water, particularly the lawn sprinkler. He would hop and flip and try to catch as much water as he could before it hit the ground. He never realized how big he was, and always wanted to sit on your lap. Twister was highly intelligent, very well-trained, and taught a lot of people that Rottweilers are not always something to fear.
He died in June of 2005, during his second battle with canine cancer. He was only 4 years old.

Both were wonderful friends, and we will always love and miss them.

Do You Know Dogs?

2006-08-31T10:07:00.000-07:00

If you're sniffin' around the 'Net looking for something to do, why not check out this cool Dog Breed Quiz.
We enjoyed it quite a bit, and were really suprised by some of the answers.

Dog Bed and Breakfast?

2006-08-22T15:39:00.000-07:00

Lately, Mia has taken to sleeping in the larger dogs' bowls. She gets plenty of food (as you can see from her pudgy belly!), and she has a wonderfully soft dog bed of her own, so we're really not sure why she's doing this.
Jay comes running to "tell mommy" whenever Mia's in his bowl, so it's obviously not something that the Boxers find amusing.
Does anyone else have a little dog who has this habit?

National Homeless Animals Day

2006-08-15T23:19:00.000-07:00

August 19th is this year's date for National Homeless Animals Day. The International Society for Animal Rights Online (ISAR) founded this annual holiday in 1992 to increase public awareness of the millions of cats dogs and killed in shelters annually due to lack of homes, and to emphasize the importance of spaying and neutering pets.
Organizations around the world participate in many ways to acknowledge this holiday including: mobile adoptions, animal shelter open houses, festivals, spay/neuter or vaccination clinics, pet walks, and candlelight vigils. We encourage you to check your community calender to see how your area recognizes this event, or even to think up your own ways to participate by supporting your local humane organizations.

Frozen Dog Treat Recipes

2006-08-11T20:17:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple treat recipes to help keep your pup cool this summer. They are quick and easy to make, but they do make a bit of a mess when they melt so you will want to serve them somewhere away from your carpeting!

Yogurt Pops:

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon chicken bouillon granules
3/4 cup water
16 ounces plain nonfat yogurt

Instructions:
Dissolve bouillon in water, then thoroughly mix with yogurt in a blender. Pour into ice cube trays, cover and freeze.

Peanut Butter Pops

Ingredients:
1- 32oz. container of yogurt
1 cup of peanut butter

Instructions:
Melt peanut butter in the microwave, then mix with yogurt in a bowl. Pour into cupcake papers and freeze.

Keep Those Hot Dogs Cool!

2006-08-06T23:44:00.000-07:00

With forecasts across the nation still predicting record high summer temperatures and humidity, we mustn't forget that dogs are even more at risk for heat stroke, dehydration, and other heat-related illnesses as humans are. Dog's bodies are designed to conserve heat, and are much less efficient at cooling themselves. Below are a few things to consider to help your pet cool down and stay safe.

*Access to fresh water is one of the most important requirements for your dog, even if they stay indoors. Dogs will drink more in the hot summer months, so be sure to check their bowl often. Consider buying a "no-tip" bowl or an automatic waterer.

*Encourage your dog to remain as inactive as possible in the heat, if they haven't already taken it apon themselves to do this.

*Let your dog get wet! A plastic kiddie pool or a water sprinkler in the yard can provide lots of relief. If your dog is very small, you can buy a clean plastic pan (such as the ones they use for draining oil) to serve as a miniature pool for them.

*Give your dog a cool treat, such as an ice cube or a small piece of popsicle.

*If your pet is left alone in your home during the day while you work, prepare ahead of time in case there is a power outage in your neighborhood. Be sure there will be someone available who can at least check on your pets and open some windows if the air conditioning goes out.

* If you have an outdoor dog, consider bringing him indoors during the hottest part of the day, and be sure that his area of the yard provides plenty of shade. Try to use a tip-proof bowl for water, and remember to refill it often. Make sure the water bowl is in the shade, since the sun can quickly make it too hot to drink.

*If you must walk your dog, try to avoid walking them during the mid-day heat, and keep the walks short. If possible, select a route that provides as much shade as possible. Remember that dog's paws can be burned on hot sidewalks, sand, and asphalt: lay your palm on the surface, and if it is uncomfortable to you it will be uncomfortable to them. To avoid hot surfaces, allow your dog to walk in the grass as much as possible, or consider getting them a set of dog boots.

*When traveling in the car, don't forget to carry water and a bowl for your pet, and NEVER leave them in the car, even for a short time. On hot humid days, temperatures inside of a car parked in direct sunlight can rise more than 30 degrees per minute, and rapidly become lethal. Leaving windows down will not help (try sitting in the car for a few minutes after you turn it off--- you'll quickly realize what we mean). If you see a pet that has been left in a car, do take the time to contact the store's security officer or the police; it may just save that animal's life.

*Lots of innovative products are available to help keep your pet comfortable, including cooling bandanas, vests, and water-filled cooling beds.

If you dog begins to show signs of heat illness, immediately move them to a shaded or air-conditioned area. Encourage them to drink water, and apply cool packs to the head, neck and/or belly, or immerse them in cool (not cold) water to begin lowering their temperature. If you suspect your dog has a heat-induced illness, take them to the vet immediately. Some signs to watch out for are: heavy panting, vomiting, fever, excessive thirst, staggering, dark red or purple gums and/or tongue, listlessness, dazed look, rapid heartbeat, refusing to drink.

A Doggy Dialect

2006-08-01T19:55:00.000-07:00

Isn't it funny how many idioms and expressions we have that pertain to dogs? Here's a list of some of them we've thought up; can you think of any more?

A barking dog never bites
A dog and pony show
A hang-dog look
Barking up the wrong tree
Dog days of summer
Dog tired
Doggone it!
Every dog has its day
Gone to the dogs
His bark is worse than his bite
Hot diggity dog!
I double dog dare ya
If you can't run with the big dogs, stay on the porch
In the dog house
It's a dog-eat-dog world
Lead a dog's life
Let sleeping dogs lie
Mean as a junk-yard dog
Putting on the dog
Raining cats and dogs
Sick as a dog
The hair of the dog that bit you
The underdog
Top dog
Treat you like a dog
Work like a dog
You can't teach an old dog new tricks
You lucky dog!

Our Dog Bath Day Chaos

2006-07-27T12:32:00.000-07:00

Bath day in our house of four dogs has always been a bit of an adventure, something a two-human team usually accomplishes, and I recently discovered that this is not a task that one person should try alone.
At the first sight of me gathering our favorite doggie shampoos and towels, Jay and Francis head for the bathroom in anticipation, while Mia and Lance try to become the first invisible dogs in history.
We normally start with Lance, since it seems the longer he waits for his turn the more stressed he becomes. First you have to "find' him though. He's hiding where he always is; under Jay's favorite quilt with nothing but his backside sticking out, and when you pull the quilt away he always looks amazed that you found him. Into the tub he goes, and he begins to vocally "grumble", which gets louder in volume throughout the bath. Jay and Francis sit outside the bathroom door, both whining loudly because they can hear Lance's grumbling; this is what we call "bath time music." He does stand still though, as if he realizes that this will make the "water torture" and sooner, so his bathing goes fairly quickly. He tolerates the towel-drying and then shoots out of the bathroom door at the speed of light and begins his ritual after-bath marathon. He runs from one end of the house to the other as fast as he can, bouncing off the sofas and beds, in non-stop fashion.

Jay loves a bath, but he wants you to leave the faucet running while he takes it so he can drink the water. I'm not sure why this is such a fascination, but if you don't leave it running he will sit in the back of the tub and refuse to move, thus making it impossible to wash all of him. So I leave the faucet on, and he happily laps water as he's being lathered. Unfortunately, this results in his needing to go outdoors for a potty break almost immediately after his bath. I let him out the back door, and avoid a near-miss collision in the hallway with the speeding "Super Lance" as I return to the bathroom where Francis is already waiting for her turn.

Francis is bathed without incident, but she insists that the shower curtain be closed, so we can only assume that she's shy. I dry her, open the bathroom door, and this time we both dodge Lance as he rockets past us through the hallway. Jay is barking to be let back in the house now, so I let him in and then locate Mia, who is sitting in the living room chair trying to figure out why Lance is still flying through the house at breakneck speed.

Mia is a little bit timid in the bath and likes to stand up with her front feet on the side of the tub and her face hidden in your shirt while she's being washed. It makes a bit of a mess, but it gives her comfort so we don't mind. When she's done, she likes to be wrapped in a fluffy towel and carried around for awhile, so the wet bathroom has to wait a bit before being cleaned.

Now comes the "drying rituals." Even though he has already been fully towel-dried, Jay is spoiled and wants to be further dried with the blow-dryer as well, which Francis hates. Mia at this point still wants to be cuddled. So I wind up using the blow dryer with one hand to dry Jay as I hold Mia with the other; and Francis is barking at the dryer the whole time; while Lance is STILL rocketing through the house.

About a half hour later things are much calmer, and I take a much-needed rest before starting to clean the bathroom. But then I notice that now *I* am the one who needs a bath... and I think the dogs are laughing at me!

PETCO Spay/Neuter Fundraiser

2006-07-23T19:46:00.000-07:00

Pet overpopulation is a problem that results in thousands of unwanted animals being euthanized in shelters every year.
Today, all PETCO stores begin their annual "Round Up/Spay Today" fundraiser program, which helps to combat this problem. From July 23rd through August 13, customers are encouraged to "round up" their purchases to the nearest dollar at checkout.
Proceeds from this fundraiser will go to local spay/neuter programs in the communities where each store is located. Additional funds will be donated to Spay USA to support their spay/neuter programs and hotlines.

Politics Have Gone to the Dogs!

2006-07-19T18:25:00.000-07:00

What started as a joke among friends has evolved into an event of international notice, as Alaska claims its first dog candidate for Governor of the state.

Ruth Sisk, who is the owner of the lovable Golden Retriever named Brinkley, began posting campaign signs featuring "Brinkley for Governor" in her area to amuse her neighbors, and the idea was immediately accepted with great enthusiasm. Sisk now campaigns up to 15 hours a day selling Brinkley T-shirts and other items to raise money for the ASPCA and other worthwhile dog-related nonprofit organizations. She has already raised over $4000 for her efforts, and the campaign is still going strong.

Brinkley's campaign has received media recognition on America's David Letterman Show, the Today Show, and in the Washington Post, as well as many other media venues worldwide.

You can visit Brinkley's website to learn more about this historic fund-raising effort, and may even wish to show your support by purchasing pins, bumper stickers, or shirts from their campaign store.

Dogs and Computers

2006-07-17T19:30:00.000-07:00

Our littliest Mini Pinscher, Mia, always seems to get irritated when mom spends too much time on the computer. At times, she even tries to push it off of my lap, and she smacks it frequently with her paw. When I received this joke eMail from a friend today, it gave me a pretty good idea of why that may be:

Reasons dogs don't use computers:

* Can't stick their heads out of Windows XP.
* Hard to read the monitor with your head cocked to one side.
* Too difficult to "mark" every website they visit.
* Can't help attacking the screen when they hear "You've Got Mail."
* Keep bruising their noses trying to catch that MPEG frisbee.
* Not at all fooled by Chuckwagon Screen Saver.
* Still trying to come up with an "emoticon" that signifies tail-wagging.
* Saliva-coated mouse gets mighty difficult to manuever.
* All butts smell the same.
* TpO HAqRD TO TgYPE WITyH PAzWS.

We've Added Dog Life Jackets!

2006-07-14T18:32:00.000-07:00

While it is a popular myth that all dogs are natural swimmers, studies have shown that breeds with low body weight and older dogs with hip problems may not have the ability keep themselves from drowning. Even the most active pups can become tired or injured in the water and require a little help.
This week Puppycoat Junction has added to their product line some terrific dog life jackets from Paws Aboard! We like their unique design, which provides a mesh underbelly so that your dog is more comfortably supported. This a particularly positive feature when using the convenient handle on the back to help get the dog out of the water.
Paws Aboard's designer dog life jackets come in your choice of pink or blue with polka dots, and we carry sizes for dogs from 6 to 50 pounds. The original yellow dog life jackets are available in sizes for all dogs from 6 to over 90 pounds.

Sun Protection for Dogs

2006-07-13T18:07:00.000-07:00

From Jay D. Dogg: When I was a very young puppy, we found out that the pink spot on top of my nose would get sunburned after only a very short time outdoors. While many dogs never have to worry about it, dogs with thin fur, bare spots or very light colored coats usually do. Even if your pet doesn't go outside, if they like to sunbathe in front of a window or doorway, they are still at risk. We canine kids can get skin cancer and other sun-related skin ailments the same as humans do, so we need our owners to help protect us. While it is not always possible to keep us out of the direct sun, there are still a couple of things you can do.
If your pet likes to be dressed, a dog T-shirt or hat can be very helpful in shading sensitive skin. Just remember to keep the material lightweight so that it isn't too hot.
Using sunblock, like I do, is another terrific way to prevent burns. Most human sunblocks can be harmful to dogs, but dog products have come a long way, and now there are some on the market made just for us! PetsMart now carries Nutri-Vet Sun Defense, which blocks both UVA and UVB rays and is comparable to SPF 15 sunscreens. It in non-scented, doesn't stain, and doesn't feel sticky on the skin. If you look online, you will find many stores selling Pet Sunscreen made by the manufacturer of Doggles, and it is also SPF 15. For dogs that need a bit more protection, you might try MVP Sports Spray insect repellant and sunscreen. It is a waterproof product made with all-natural ingredients, and is safe for both children and pets. It has a rating of SPF 30.
Another thing to consider is your pet's eyes. Long-term exposure to sunlight also increases your pet's chances of developing cataracts, and Doggles make a wonderful array of shatter-proof dog sunglasses to protect them from those harmful UV rays. Their lightweight flexible frames make them comfortable for dogs of all sizes, and the innovative strap system keeps them from falling off. These are particularly useful for dogs who spend a lot of time near water, sand, snow or light-colored concrete, where the reflected sun rays are more intense.

Dangerous Dog Flu is Spreading

2006-07-11T21:13:00.000-07:00

According to this article from the Miami Herald, dog flu has been reported in 22 states and is on the rise. All dog owners should be aware of the symptoms, since the disease is not neccessaarily deadly if caught in time.

South Florida veterinarians are on the lookout for a deadly dog virus making its way around the country.

Dog flu -- also known as canine influenza virus -- is a highly contagious respiratory disease that has more than tripled since last year, said Cynda Crawford, an immunologist at the College of Veterinarian Medicine at the University of Florida.

In Miami-Dade County, veterinarians randomly sampled 100 dogs with respiratory distress from October to May.

Ten percent tested positive for canine influenza, said Sara Pizano, director of Miami Dade Animal Services. Eight dogs were put to sleep.

In Broward, several dogs were put to sleep earlier this year at the Broward County Animal Care and Regulation Division, said Tarnell Carroll, spokesperson for the Broward County Animal Care and Regulation Division.

Last week, more than 70 infected dogs were put to sleep in an animal shelter. And the shelter has suspended adoptions until Monday.

''If we have no dogs for the remainder of this week with the clinical signs of canine influenza, we will open on July 17,'' said Dianne Sauve of the Palm Beach Animal Control Center.

In September, seven states reported outbreaks of dog flu. As of this month, 22 states have reported outbreaks, said Crawford, a national expert on dog flu.

Please follow this link to read the full article which includes symptoms and treatments.

Your Dog Could Be a Star!

2006-07-10T19:03:00.000-07:00

Every dog is special, and this is your chance to show America what makes *your* pet stand out from all the rest. There's a new talk show airing in America this fall, and they are calling for owners to submit video footage of their pets for a chance to appear on TV. For more information and to download their submission form, visit the Humane Society of the United States.

Free Dog Treats!

2006-07-08T21:26:00.000-07:00

We're always looking for new things for our canine kids to try, and today we found these terrific free offers:

1. Pegetables - Vegetable treats. The "Free Sample" link at the center top of their page.
2. Benny Bullys - They have several flavors to choose from. The "Free Sample" link is in the white space under the top navigation bar.
3. Schmackos - Treats that are made with real bacon.
4. Greenies - ok, these are more of a "chew" than a "treat." Be sure to tell them the weight of your pet, and remember you should always supervise your dog with any kind of edible chew product.

Enjoy!

Storms Affect Dogs Too

2006-07-07T10:29:00.000-07:00

Hi! My name is Lance, and I'm a hurricane Charley survivor, so I know a bit about storms. Since so many areas seem to be experiencing a pretty rough start to "storm season" this year, I just wanted to remind everyone that when you are getting ready for bad weather, please don't forget us canine kids. Even during a harmless thunderstorm, some of us little guys can get pretty scared, and something as simple staying nearby and petting us a little more than usual can sure help a lot. Sometimes having an indoor crate or something else to hide in helps too. We used to make a little "box tent" with a blanket inside for my sister Mia before we bought her a puppy tent, and being able to hide calmed her quite a bit. Whatever you do, PLEASE don't leave your dogs outside during a heavy storm. Even with a doghouse, there's a lot of things that could hurt your dog (like lightning!).
Really bad weather events can cause you to have to evacuate, and you should definitely have a plan long before you need to go. Here is a pretty good article to read; Hurricane Evacuations for Dog Owners. Even though it deals with hurricane prep, it still has as very good list of items you should think about packing for your dog in ANY kind of evacuation.

Greetings...

2006-07-05T23:45:00.000-07:00

Welcome to our blog! Here we will post updates to our website, fun and interesting information about dogs, dog pictures, and more. Puppycoat Junction's website specializes in dog clothes, but we also offer other supplies for them as well because... well, we just love dogs! Each of our own pups has a unique story, and you can meet our special canine crew by visiting our About Us page. They are the inspiration behind our business, and a *very* opinionated lot! We hope that you will find our blog to be both entertaining and, at times, even educational.