Musings about dog life, canine couture, and dog-friendly events.

Tuesday, May 29, 2007

Is Your Dog a Good Citizen?

To find out, take the AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Test!

Your dog can earn an award from the AKC!

This two part test is conducted in approximately 10 minutes and is scheduled for the first Wednesday of every month from 6-7 p.m.

The test fee is $20 per dog and 100% of the fee is donated to Animal Haven.

To register contact us at 212-414-9597 or info@AndreaArden.com

Sunday, May 27, 2007

Summer Pet Care Tips

When the lazy days of barbecues and swimming pools roll around, you can make them even better by sharing them with your favorite pet. By following a few summer pet safety tips, you can keep your animal friends healthy and enjoy the months of sun and fun.

* Never leave your pet in the car. Though it may seem cool outside, the sun can raise the temperature inside your car to 120 degrees Fahrenheit in a matter of minutes, even with the windows rolled down. If you need to run some errands, leave the furry ones at home.

* As you're outside enjoying the warm weather, keep your pet leashed. It will keep her from getting lost, fighting other animals, and eating and drinking things that could make her sick. This tip isn't just for dogs--even cats can learn to walk on a leash if you train them.

* Water, water everywhere. Whether you're indoors or out, both you and your pet need access to lots of fresh water during the summer, so check her water bowl several times a day to be sure it's full. If you and your furry friend venture forth for the afternoon, bring plenty of water for both of you.

* Pets need sunscreen too. Though all that fur helps protect her, your pet can get sunburned, particularly if she has light skin and hair. Sunburn in animals can cause problems similar to those it can cause in people, including pain, peeling, and skin cancer. So keep your pet out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and when you do go out, rub a bit of sunblock on unprotected areas like the tips of her ears, the skin around her lips, and the tip of her nose.

* Say no to tangles. Keeping your pet well groomed will help her hair do what it was designed to do: protect her from the sun and insulate her from the heat. If she has extremely thick hair or a lot of mats and tangles, her fur may trap too much heat, so you may want to clip her.

* Watch out for antifreeze. Hot weather may tempt your pet to drink from puddles in the street, which can contain antifreeze and other chemicals. Antifreeze has a sweet taste that animals like, but it's extremely toxic. When you're walking your pet, make sure she doesn't sneak a drink from the street.

* Be cautious on humid days. Humidity interferes with animals' ability to rid themselves of excess body heat. When we overheat we sweat, and when the sweat dries it takes excess heat with it. Our four-legged friends only perspire around their paws, which is not enough to cool the body. To rid themselves of excess heat, animals pant. Air moves through the nasal passages, which picks up excess heat from the body. As it is expelled through the mouth, the extra heat leaves along with it. Although this is a very efficient way to control body heat, it is severely limited in areas of high humidity or when the animal is in close quarters.

* Make sure your pet doesn't overexert herself. Though exercise is an important part of keeping your dog or cat at a healthy weight, which helps her body stay cool, overdoing it can cause her to overheat. Keep the walks to a gentle pace and make sure she has plenty of water. If she's panting a lot or seems exhausted, it's time to stop.

* Take it easy on pets that can't deal with the heat. Elderly, very young, and ill animals have a hard time regulating their body temperature, so make sure they stay cool and out of the sun on steamy summer days. Dogs with snub noses, such as Pekingese, pugs, and bulldogs, have a hard time staying cool because they can't pant efficiently, so they also need to stay out of the heat. Overweight dogs are also more prone to overheating, because their extra layers of fat act as insulation, which traps heat in their bodies and restricts their breathing capabilities.

* Bring them inside. Animals shouldn't be left outside unsupervised on long, hot days, even in the shade. Shade can move throughout the afternoon, and pets can become ill quickly if they overheat, so keep them inside as much as possible. If you must leave your pet in the backyard, keep a close eye on her and bring her in when you can.

* Keep an eye out for heatstroke. Heatstroke is a medical emergency. If you suspect your pet has heatstroke, you must act quickly and calmly. Have someone call a veterinarian immediately. In the meantime, lower the animal's body temperature by applying towels soaked in cool water to the hairless areas of the body. Often the pet will respond after only a few minutes of cooling, only to falter again with his temperature soaring back up or falling to well below what is normal. With this in mind, remember that it is imperative to get the animal to a veterinarian immediately. Once your pet is in the veterinarian's care, treatment may include further cooling techniques, intravenous fluid therapy to counter shock, or medication to prevent or reverse brain damage.

Even with emergency treatment, heatstroke can be fatal. The best cure is prevention, and Fido and Fluffy are relying on you to keep them out of harm's way. Summer does not have to be fraught with peril--with ample precaution, both you and your furry friends can enjoy those long, hot dog-days of summer.

Signs of Heatstroke

* Panting
* Staring
* Anxious expression
* Refusal to obey commands
* Warm, dry skin
* High fever
* Rapid heartbeat
* Vomiting
* Collapse

Content provided by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). Visit the AAHA pet owner Web site at www.healthypet.com for more pet care advice and to find an AAHA-accredited veterinary hospital near you.

Wednesday, May 23, 2007

Roxie's favorite: Benny's Brownie Bites


On special occasions, I like to give my pup Roxie something yummy and fun to eat as a reward -- Benny's Brownie Bites!

Yes, these brownies sure are a hit among the four-legged kids.

They are made by The Dog's Business (www.thedogsbusiness.com). This small upstart is the brainchild of Jennifer and her Schnauzer Benny. She bakes her 'paw lickin' treats out of her home in Brooklyn and Benny is the official taste tester.

Jennifer uses natural ingredients and also takes special requests, such as doggie birthday cakes, cupcakes, and more.

Roxie went stir crazy the first time she bit into one of those brownie bites. I was amazed at the response, so much so, I took a bite out of the treat myself! Not bad at all...haha! What the heck? They're all natural!

Amid the pet food scare, many owners are having a hard time finding suitable snacks for their dogs. I highly recommend The Dog's Business! As her Web site says, "your dog will love you for it!"


Here's a limited-time offer from The Dog's Business:

Hey Guys!

With all this hoopla about so many dog foods and treats being contaminated with poison, I would like to offer 10% off your total order on my Web site.

I make carob dipped banana chips, mini bones covered in either yogurt, carob or peanut butter with colorful sprinkles, dog brownie bites (a best seller) and other items.

If you would like to place an order please go to www.thedogsbusiness.com and when you get to check out under coupon code put in YUMMO.

I also can do special requests if your dog has allergies or if there is anything special you would like have done for your pup. Just let me know!

Jennifer & Benny
The Dog's Business

Thursday, May 17, 2007

UWS Schnauzer Playdates are Baaack!

When: Sunday, May 20 at 12:00PM
Where: Riverside Dog Run @ 72nd
West 72nd Street & Riverside Drive
New York NY 10014

FREE!

Spring has finally sprung and Upper West Side Schnauzer playdates are back! Woohoo!

This Uptown affair is free to all and will be at the 72nd & Riverside Drive small dog run, hosted by Carl and his Schnauzer Dudley Walnuts! Yay! Thanks for volunteering Carl! :-) You're da best!

What to expect:

* Dogs romp and play off leash
* Doggie parents chat about Schnauzers and anything you like
* Enjoy fun moments in a beautiful setting near the water
* Bring a camera, bring a friend, and come to have fun!!

In warm weather, this outdoor dog run has a hose and water bowl for thirsty pups.

Schnauzers and Schnauzer mixes are very welcome to attend :)

Please RSVP today!

See who's coming or update your RSVP:
http://schnauzer.meetup.com/4/calendar/5588191/

Monday, May 14, 2007

Calling All Active Dogs!

You've seen it on Animal Planet and ESPN...teach your dog to crawl through tunnels, walk across a see-saw, jump through hoops, leap over hurdles and more! Agility strengthens the bond between you and your dog, teaches you and your dog to work as a team and is a great way for you and your dog to have a blast!

Classes are held at Animal Haven Soho (403-407 Broome Street)in their 2,500 square foot training room.

Next Start Date for Agility Classes:
May 17 (Thursdays) 5:00pm (Advanced Beginner)
May 17 (Thursdays) 6:00pm (Beginner)
May 17 (Thursdays) 7:00pm (Beginner)
May 17 (Thursdays) 8:00pm (Intermediate)

To register contact us at info@AndreaArden.com or 212-414-9597.

Thanks Andrea for the tip!

Thursday, May 10, 2007

Hi there!

Sorry I've been away from the Rex in tha City blog. I took a much needed vacation to Mystic, CT and it was lovely. I highly recommend our fave B&B, The Inn at Harbor Hill Marina. The innkeepers Sue & Dave Labrie are wonderful people and their cute little inn sits right on the water. Doggone it! I'm back to reality!

Which brings me to this e-mail I received today from my pal Rece, organizer of the upcoming Canine Cruise, she's definitely got her paw on the pulse of the dog world. Please read the following and help out a worthy cause....


Hey Pooch Pals,

In the world of New Media (that's the world wide web), advertisers want you to see the products and services they have to offer. They pay out to web site companies based on the number of views which are measured by the click of YOUR mouse.

We can make a difference!!

Please click on over to The Animal Rescue Site and then click on the purple button that looks like this:



(make sure you click the purple button located on the web page!)


This doesn't cost you a thing. Their corporate sponsors/advertisers use the number of daily visits to donate food to abandoned/neglected animals in exchange for advertising.

Who knows? You might even find products that interest you! Choosing to linger and peruse is up to you... but let us at least give up 20 seconds and 2 clicks to make a difference!

2 clicks and you've done your good deed for the day! 20 seconds per day and you're filling the pantry of canines less fortunate than yours!

READY? GO...I'm ready to make a difference with 2 clicks & 20 seconds!!

pass it on...

Regards & Wags,
Rece & Maximus

Tuesday, May 1, 2007

Barking Beauty Pageant

Does your dog like to strut its stuff on the dogwalk? Or does your precious pup take naps on a fluffy Chewnel No. 5 dog bed? If so, maybe you and your furry friend should enter the Barking Beauty Pageant this month!

Stone Soup Theatre is holding their second annual Barking Beauty
Pageant on May 13th, at 4 p.m. Don't miss this event! It will surely be the talk of the town.

Here is the link to register: http://www.stonesoupkitchen.org/thebarkingbeauty/

Me and Ro

Me and Ro
Roxie and I attend the 2007 Canine Cocktail Pawty hosted by Jenna Gates

Adopt a Pet

Animal Breed Zip Code