Monday, November 21, 2005

Grooming The Dog

Good hygiene improves dog health and keeps your pooch looking stunning. Here are a few tips to keep him looking his best.

Accustom your dog to being brushed. For the first few times, use a soft bristled brush and talk to your dog calmly and softly while brushing.

Use long straight strokes going in the direction of the fur. Going against the fur can sometimes irritate the skin and agitate your dog. Begin with shallow stokes to remove any knots or tangles which may be on the surface of the fur and then work deeper into the fur.

Different brushes and combs are suited for different coat types. Check with a dog groomer or your local pet shop for the best grooming tool for your pet's coat.

For an after brushing treat, apply a bit of dog moisturizer to your dog's coat and skin for a healthy coat and to help alleviate dry skin. An after grooming dog treat is nice too.

Your dog will never be in the dog house in our www.dogclothes-apparel.com Double Fleece Navy Dog Hoodie. Available in all sizes.

Tuesday, November 15, 2005

Feeding The Dog

We all want to make our dogs happy, but making your dog's day by overfeeding him can lead to health problems in the long run. Here are a few things to keep in mind when dinner rolls around.

If your dog loves to eat, rather than giving her large food portions once or twice a day, try breaking it up into more frequent smaller portions. Smaller meals are easier to digest and will keep your dog energized.

When purchasing pet food, check the labels to make certain they are not expired. Also review the contents. For good general health, dogs need certain ingredients such as fatty acids, protein, fiber, vitamin E and beta carotene.

Empty and wash your dog's food dish after each meal. Cleaning the bowl helps deter bacteria such as E coli from growing in your dog's dish. For a thorough cleaning, put your dog's dish in the dishwasher.

For more information on food and your dog go to: http://www.dogclothes-apparel.com/sites/ARTICLESandINFORMATION.html

Our secret agent dog of the day is wearing the dogclothes-apparel.com Duffel Trench Coat in beige (also available in red). Perfect for a full day of squirrel sleuthing.

Monday, November 14, 2005

Cassie the Dog

Meet Cassie - one of the wonderful contestants in our November dog photo contest. To vote for Cassie, visit http://www.dogclothes-apparel.com/sites/PhotoPage.html and cast your vote. The winning dog gets to augment his or her wardrobe complements of dogclothes-apparel.com

Friday, November 11, 2005

Sleeping In

If only we humans could rest as much as our pampered, furry friends. On a whole, dogs tend to sleep up to thirteen hours a day, 24% of which is active REM sleep. But are they dreaming? We wish we knew! A dog's sleep schedule and amount will vary depending upon his activity level and the level of activity around him - with active dogs sleeping less than their more sedate brethren. Small dogs especially enjoy an area of their own where they can rest safe and secure out harms way. Here are a few tips to help make your dog's nap time even more enjoyable.

Just like people, a dog enjoys a good bed for a restful sleep. Make certain your dog's bed is away from busy areas and out of drafts.

During cold winter nights, warm your dog's blanket in the dryer and then place it over your dog for a snuggly warm feeling.

Make certain your dog's bed is large (or small) enough for your pet. A bed which is too small will make your pet feel restless and uncomfortable.

If your dog prefers your bed to his, try placing an old shirt or something with your scent on it in his bed.

Our model of the day is wearing the www.dogclothes-apparel.com Faux Mink Pom Hoodie in Pink (also available in blue for the more manly look).

Tuesday, November 08, 2005

Pampering Older Dogs

We love our dogs dearly and hate to see them get older. Here are a few ways to make your senior pet happy and comfortable.

One of the best ways to pamper your older dog is with heated bedding. This is especially good for arthritic dogs or dogs with joint problems. If you don't have a heated bed, add a warm water bottle to your dog's bed or apply it directly to aching joints.

Purchase a ramp to help your dog climb stairs, get on your bed, or get into your car or truck. Ramps should have good traction and be large and sturdy enough for your dog to ascend and descend without falling off or the ramp wobbling.

Raise food dishes and water bowls so your dog does not need to bend his neck to eat. Older dogs also tend to drink less water than younger dogs. Place a few water bowls around your home. Your dog will be more inclined to drink if water is readily available.

Check with your vet about glucosamine for your dog's joints and multivitamins for nutritional needs.

Go jump in the lake. Even older dogs need exercise. Swimming can be one of the best forms of exercise for older dogs since it is easier on arthritic joints.


Our model of the day is wearing the sporty Red Plaid Hooded Dog Jacket from www.dogclothes-apparel.com. Who said keeping warm needs to be boring?

Sunday, November 06, 2005

Travels with Dog


With the holidays fast approaching, we figured a few pet friendly travel tips may be appropriate to the season.

When flying, try to book direct flights for you and your pet. This will eliminate some of the stress of running through airports and changing planes - for both of you.

Avoid placing food in your dog's carrier. Travel can sometimes cause your pet to have an upset stomach. If he eats, things will only get worse.

If you are placing your dog in a carrier to take on board the plane, remember to check with the airline first to confirm what size carriers they accept and any weight limits they may have. Space under the seat may vary depending upon what plane is being used.

If you are in need of a carrier, call the airlines. Some airlines sell hard and soft side carriers for a reasonable price - and you know they will fit under the seat. When you book your flight, ask if you may reserve a carrier for purchase at the airport so it will be there when you arrive.

For larger dogs who must travel in the baggage compartment, avoid collapsible crates and look for something more sturdy such as aluminum.

Book the flight for you and your dog as early as possible. Some airlines limit the number of pets they allow on each flight.

Better to be safe than sorry. Even if you are carrying your dog aboard the plane, make certain your dog has an ID tag and that your name, address, and contact information are also on the carrier.


Our lovely model is wearing a www.dogclothes-apparel.com Round Pocket Hoodie. Perfect for the jet-setting dog.