Beverly Hills Getaway Vacation

Doesn't that sound fabulous - A Beverly Hills Getaway vacation?  Well you can try your chance in winning this awesome vacation here at Posh Puppy Boutique.

Good luck to everyone!

13 Most Common Causes of Pet Poisoning

Was looking around online today and found this interesting article about the 13 most common causes of pet poisoning.  It is very very interesting.  You can read the article here.

I need to get one of these

when we get to our next house I think I am going to get Josh to make me one of these.  They would be perfect for the pups and its absolutely amazing. 

I love where the pups bowls are now, but I really just like the look of this and that the microwave is above and the cooking books are on the side of that.  Perfect look for me! 

Operation Christmas Child

I know this is not pet related, but I really wanted to share with you all about these amazing organizations - Operation Christmas Child and AnyAirman.com.

Operation Christmas Child

Here is what you do:

• Pack a shoe box with loving goodies
• Print a label and choose a gender and age group
• Drop off your box
• Track your box to the recipient

Drop off locations are open from November 15th-22nd.  This really is a lot of fun to do, and doesn't cost that much money.  

Please take a look at this video.  This year, they plan on giving MANY of the boxes to children in Haiti among the countries they will be serving this year. 

AnyAirman.com

Visit www.anyairman.com or www.anysoldier.com

• Sponsor troops
• Receive address
• Pack boxes
• Send them off

I started doing this this year and its absolutely a great feeling knowing that the items that I am buying are going to people who take joy in receiving them.  

I hope you all have an amazing Thanksgiving!  

Halloween Safety Tips for Dogs

Halloween is vastly approaching and that means tons of awesome costumes and tons of candy!  So, I know we all know tips on keeping our pups safe, but I decided I wanted to share a list of Halloween Safety tips for you animal lovers!


Halloween can be a fun time of year for the whole family - even your dog. However, there are also many potential dangers and sources of stress for your dog. Just remember to keep your dog safe from these Halloween hazards.

• Halloween Candy and Other Treats 

  Remember that human treats are not usually good for dogs! Candy - especially chocolate - can be extremely toxic to your dog. Artificially sweetened candy, gum and other goodies may also contain xylitol, a highly toxic substance. Dogs may also ingest food wrappers, causing a risk of choking, upset stomach or gastrointestinal blockage. Various party snacks can be too salty and may contain ingredients that can poison your dog. Alcoholic beverages and dogs do not mix - they pose a significant risk of severe illness or even death! Keep all of these "human goodies" far out of your dog's reach. If you are not positive that you can keep your dog away from these hazards, then consider confining your pet to another area of your home during the festivities. Keeping appropriate dog treats around for your dog can be a great idea, but remember not to overfeed. Sliced carrots or apples (hold the caramel) can be tasty and healthy snack alternatives for people and dogs alike! 

• Halloween Decorations

  Your dog is bound to be curious about new objects around the house, and that includes Halloween decorations. Be sure decorations are not in areas where your dog could ingest them or bump into them. Power cords trip your dog or lead to electrical shock if chewed. Be careful with the placement of jack-o-lanterns - have you ever seen a dog eat a whole pumpkin? It is not pretty! Also, candles can be knocked over, potentially burning your dog and/or starting a fire. Other decorations can be eaten or broken, causing serious harm to your dog. Have fun and decorate - just think about your dog first!

• Trick-or-Treaters and other Guests

  Though many dogs love visitors, some can become fearful of strangers. Many dogs will even be afraid of people they know if those people are in costumes. Plus, constant ringing of the doorbell might get your dog over-excited or very stressed out. Think about your dog's typical reaction to visitors and take extra precautions for Halloween. Keep your dog at a distance when greeting trick-or-treaters by putting up an baby gate or confining her to another area of the home. When inviting guests into your home, introduce them to your dog in a positive manner. If your dog seems afraid of guests in costumes, remove her from the situation calmly. During parties and loud gatherings, your dog might do best in another area of your home unless she is used to these types of events and has done well in the past. 

• Halloween Costumes for Dogs

  Some dogs really enjoy getting dressed in costumes - they might ham it up and revel in the attention. Other dogs can become scared or uncomfortable in clothing of any type. If you want to dress your dog up, start simple and see how she handles it. If she does not like it, then don't push the issue. Try a Halloween bandanna or collar instead. If your dog does seem to enjoy getting dressed up, be certain you choose a costume that fits comfortably. If it is too tight, it could cut off circulation or cause sores to develop. Loose-fitting outfits can trip your dog or get caught on objects around the house. Because of these potential dangers, never leave your dog unattended in the costume. She could become injured or may ingest parts of the costume and choke, become sick, or develop gastrointestinal blockage.

• Outdoor Dangers

  I personally feel that unsupervised dogs are best kept indoors year-round, though some dogs will do fine living outdoors alone. However, the rules are different during the Halloween season! It is extremely crucial that you keep your dog indoors unless directly supervised. Sadly, there are cruel people who have twisted ideas of fun this time of year - and your dog can be the victim. Though it is more widely know that black cats are targeted during Halloween, any household pet can be at risk and MUST be kept indoors!

Your dog can be part of Halloween fun if you play it safe. As always, follow common dog safety rules: be certain that your dog wears current identification at all times, keep your dog on a leash when outdoors, and keep her safe from potentially dangerous situations. Have fun, be safe and have a happy Halloween!

Safety Tips: Pets and Bedbugs

 Found this today and wanted to share with all my readers.  

Get the facts on protecting your pet from pests.
The bedbug craze continues to catch New York City by storm, with residents reporting an estimated 7,021 complaints of the blood-sucking bugs in the first seven months of this year.
No individual, establishment or building, from recently infested Nike and Abercrombie & Fitch clothing stores to the Empire State Building, is safe from the epidemic. That also includes dogs, cats, birds and all other warm-blooded pets, which serve as prime game for the semi-nocturnal, parasitic insects.
Pet owners can best protect their pets from bedbug bites by ensuring that their homes are bedbug free. That isn’t always possible, though, and if homes do become infested, it might prove more traumatic for the owner than for the pet or pets. What’s ultimately the bigger issue and potential hazard is the pesticide treatments used to eliminate bedbugs, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, or ASPCA. The chemical often used in eradicating bedbugs, called pyrethrin, can be safe if used correctly around pets — but serious illness and even death can occur if it is not.
In 2009, nearly 11,000 calls about bedbugs were made to New York City’s information line, marking a drastic increase from the 537 calls made in 2004. A pest control company recently ranked New York City the most infested city nationwide, according to Linda Rosenthal, a New York State Assemblymember who introduced legislation this year requiring landlords to disclose to prospective tenants any history of bedbug infestation in the apartment building and individual unit within the past year.
“Bedbugs have caused terrible panic, discomfort and financial hardship for those afflicted, but it’s important that people safeguard their pets while the exterminators do their work,” Rosenthal said. “Pesticides can cause grave injury and even death to cats, dogs, birds and other pets, so we have to make sure they are not exposed to this danger.”
The fast spread of the rust-colored, apple-seed sized bugs, which nestle into cracks of furniture, walls, pillows and mattresses and tend to bite people and animals’ shoulders and arms, tends to make people uneasy, but they should first recognize that bedbugs do not live on the body of their host.
“Dogs, cats and other pets, much like humans, cannot carry bedbugs,” said Dr. Tina Wismer, the ASPCA’s senior director of veterinary outreach and education. “You could see bites on them, most likely in their stomach area, depending on how much fur they have, but even if that is the case, there is no need to physically treat your pet.”
Ridding a home of bedbugs, which can usually be identified if not by the blind eye than by their droppings or by little blood stains they leave on mattresses, can be a tricky process that should always include a licensed, professional exterminator. Bed bugs can survive for up to a year without feeding and can adapt to a wide range of temperatures.
Though necessary, the routine pesticide treatment — the New York City Department of Health recommends at least three visits — is the most dangerous aspect of having, and then ridding one’s home of the blood-eating insects.
“You want to make sure you keep pets out of the area where you have people spraying and that the pets do not go into the area until it is completely dried, which is usually a 24-hour period,” explained Wismer. “Animals are really sensitive to the inhalation of pesticides like this but they can also get sick if it is still wet by absorbing it through their skin, or licking it off their paws.”
Dogs and cats typically display symptoms like vomiting and drooling if they have somehow ingested or absorbed the pesticides. Birds tend to puff up, and will usually be at the bottom of their cages, displaying difficulty breathing.
People should not try to treat their homes themselves, Wismer cautions, as this strategy will likely prove both ineffective and potentially more dangerous for both the people and pets in the house. If they do treat their homes on their own, they should always be sure, as always, to read the label very carefully.
The ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center fielded nearly 30,000 calls related to insecticides last year, a 5 percent increase from the year before. If your dog or cat is exposed to a potentially toxic substance, contact your local veterinarian or the Animal Poison Control Center at (888)-426-4435.

Tips on Taking Awesome Pet Photos

Its hard sometimes to capture your furry friends, especially when they want to place while you are trying to take pics of them or they just want to lick you constantly.  LOL!  My pups did this a lot when I first started taking pics of them, but now from some helpful tips that I read a long time ago I was able to get them to sit still long enough for me to take a good photo of them.  First tip - HAVE TONS OF TREATS CLOSE BY!

Here are some more helpful tips:
Like the photo above of Coco licking her lips, you can get this shot by sticking some peanut butter to the roof of your dog's mouth.  This way in the shot you can get him/her licking their lips!  :-)

I usually set my camera on continuous shooting, so that I can take a ton of photos one right after the other.  This way when you are going through the photos and you have duplicates, you can delete which ones you don't like and keep the ones that are fab.

To get their attention, I usually hold the squeaky plastic thing from the inside of toys above my head or right by the camera (that really gets them interested.  Don't know about your furbabies, but mine love to chew them up!)  If they get bored of the squeaker then I entice them with treats, by doing the same thing - holding it by the camera.

To make the photo less distracting, I really like using a white backdrop.  I love the clean cut of a white backdrop behind the pups.  For Dolce, since she is white, I use a black backdrop or some color drop, like pink, teal or green. 

The studio photos are amazing and I absolutely love they way they look, but I do have to say that my fav is shots of the pups in natural sunlight.  Shooting photos of the pups outside in the natural light, gives you so much more of their personality.  Action shots are awesome and so playful!  You can catch them doing some funny things. 

And last but not least, just keep those treats a coming.  I'm sure all your furbabies love treats.  I use CocoTherapy Coconut chips, Wellness Wellbites and some other goodies!

Smile Bru Dawg :-)

Spotted at Coolboom

Nope its not a real dog, but its a cute glowing silhouette of a chihuahua.  I totally would love to have a space like this and having the glowing chihuahua would top it off.  Shade Club - is what this place is called - designed by Square One and is located in the basement of a residential building in Romania.  

I know its not really about dogs, but I just wanted to share with you all how cute these little glowing chihuahua silhouettes were.  Hope you all are having a good day!

Bone Appetite Seat

Check out how cute this is?  I don't know about you, but Coco tries to figure out anyway to get up in our laps when we are at the dinner table.  She is just too cute to resist and let her up to sit with us, but this Bone Appetite Seat does sitting in a lap justice.  Posh Puppy Boutique has this cute amazing dog high chair.  Your pup can sit with you at the dinner table with no probs.

The Bone Appetite Seat is made from solid wood construction.  Each seat is hand painted with a Talin Original design.  The "bone" opens like a doggie door and there are little steps up the rear of the chair if Fido wants to get in by their self.

The seat can support up to 30 lbs.  Custom chairs are available for larger dogs too.

Check out Posh Puppy for this unique high chair for your pup!

BUSY BUSY BUSY

Oh, my, who would have thought being a 'lady of leisure' would be such hard work!  No days of lounging and eating bon bons for me.  As many of you know, I am preparing for a big move to join my husband at his tech school location.  It will be so very awesome to be with him again -- these 8.5 weeks have been very lonesome!  I have learned much but am totally grateful to my Creator for allowing me to make this huge step in our new journey.  I have left my job and am spending my days packing up our household goods and getting ready to attend his graduation ceremonies soon.  There is so much to be done and I am truly overwhelmed.  I won't be on my blog, phone, or out/about for the next few weeks as I have to ensure that I get everything accomplished, and be ready to hit the road on the date we have scheduled.  If you buzz me, don't be surprised if you get only my voicemail .... I will try to return calls as time allows but .... I really did not know how much needs to be done when you make a major move like this!  Thank you to all my fans and please keep posted for further posts.  I will totally try to post something small each day!  Hope you all have a wonderful week!  

Blanket

I know what you were thinking, with a title like Blanket you thought I was going to talk about blankets today, huh?  Nope - this is something totally different - check out this unique BlanketId tag.  

Help your lost pet make it back home 

• Access to vital information to return your pet quickly and safely
• Email broadcasts with photos to local SPCA, shelters, hospitals, and other local BlacketID members
• Broadcast service operates throughout North America.

There are Four steps to get your lost pet home faster:

1. Register your tag.  Enter your unique BlanketId number to activate your membership
2. Enter your details  Create an online record of your contact details together with photos and details of your pet.  you can change and update this information as often as you choose. 
3. If your pet gets lost.....  Report your pet missing and blanketID.com automatically sends a broadcast email to local SPCA, animal hospitals, shelters, other local blanketID members. The email links to your online information so that everybody has 24/7 access to a full description and photos to help identify your lost pet.
4. If your pet is found..... At any time of day or night, the finder simply needs to enter the BlanketID tag number at blanketID.com to gain immediate access to all of the information they need to care for and safely return your pet. 

BlanketID tags give your lost pet the best chance of being identified and reunited with you as fast as possible.  Your blanketID tag is possible the only tag you'll ever need to buy - if

you move or change your details, you can simply change them at blanketID.com.  You will never need to change your tag. 

You can find some of the stores that they are available here!  

BlankeID also has a fund called the Blanket Fund - for every blanketID tag registered and every membership purchased, money is donated to their Fund for Animals.  Every penny raised for this fun is used to help animals in need.  

däv Chihuahua Umbrella

däv® has teamed up with the Cesar and Ilusion Millan Foundation and designed two new boots and umbrella to support the rehabilitation and rescue of abused and abandoned dogs. Portions of the money made from the four items will go directly to the Cesar and Ilusion Millan Foundation.

Proceeds from the purchase of däv® donation program prints will go directly to The Cesar and llusion Millan Foundation.  

The Cesar and llusion Millan Foundation

• A national, non-profit founded by the Dog Whisperer star with his wife llusion Millan
• Provides funding to non-profit dog rescue shelters for rescuing, rehabilitation and placement of abused and abandoned dogs.  
• Provides fundraising and educational materials to shelters and rescue groups.  
• Creates and supports projects for education and awareness or proper dog behavior and care. 

Got mine in the mail yesterday!  Absolutely love it!

Compact Chihuahua

Color:  Lemon

Price: $32.00  (I was able to get a great deal on this umbrella at www.hautelook.com, but they no longer have the deal available there!)

New to the däv line, their spring Chihuahua print will surely make you the "bark" of the town whether it's raining or shining.  Small enough for your purse, the compact umbrella features an easy grip handle and sleeve cover and auto open/close action.  Simply press the button to open and press again to close.  Goes well with their flatter flirt Chihuahua boot. 

Flirt Chihuahua

Color:  Lemon

Price:  $78.00

2" heel, waterproof, corset top with lace, Poron insole, textured sole

Compact Boston Terrier

Color:  Sky Blue

Price: $32.00

Flirt Boston Terrier

Color:  Sky Blue

Price:  $78.00

2" heel, waterproof, corset top with lace, Poron insole, textured sole

Images courtesy of davrain and the Millan Foundation

Doodlebug Duds has done it again

Are you looking for toys, carriers, leashes, collars, beds, etc?  You can find them here at Doodlebug Duds.  They have the cutest handmade products around!  You can find anything to fit small or large breed dogs and also anything in between.  

Here is one of their newest items.....a bag carrier for your wonderful pup!  Choose what fabric you want and they will make this amazing carrier, so your pup will feel comfortable strolling around with you.  Dolce absolutely loves this carrier....she didn't move around a lot like she normally would.  She felt comfortable and just sat still the whole time!  

Veterinary Pet Insurance Lists Top Pet Poisoning Claims

Find out what dangers may be in your home -- and how to keep your dog safe from poisoning.

Accidental ingestion of medications (pet or human drugs), rodenticide and methylaxanthine toxicity (chocolate, caffeine) were the top three sources of pet poisoning between 2005 and 2009, according to Veterinary Pet Insurance, which recently analyzed its database of more than 485,000 insured pets to find the sources behind the hundreds of poisoning claims submitted to the Brea, Calif.-based company every month.

Policyholders spent more than $6.6 million during that four year period treating their pets for poisoning, VPI noted. Accidental ingestion of pet or human medications cost policyholders an average of $791 per claim. Heavy-metal poisoning came out costing the most at an average of $952 per claim.

“Not only can a poisoning incident be life-threatening for the pet, it’s traumatic for the pet owner as well,” said Carol McConnell, DVM, vice president and chief veterinary medical officer for VPI. “Depending on what substance the pet has ingested and the amount, the reaction can be sudden with the animal exhibiting alarming symptoms such as staggering, vomiting, drooling, seizures and even loss of consciousness.

“We recommend that pet owners be aware of which items around their homes can be harmful to their pets—medications, insect poisons, chocolate and certain nuts—and keep these items safely out of reach.

“Also, they shouldn’t assume that their pets will ignore that bottle of bleach in the laundry room or the Philodendron plant by the window. Our data shows this just isn’t so.”

VPI recommends that pet owners be prepared for such emergencies. For example, owners should keep the phone number of their pets’ regular veterinarian and a phone number for an emergency veterinary hospital handy at all times, according to VPI.

For details on pet-poisoning prevention and poisoning first-aid, visit the Pet Poison Helpline at www.petpoisonhelpline.com. 

Changing the image of rescue, one animal at a time!

That is The Pixie Projects awesome slogan!  The Pixie Project is a local doggie daycare who not only provides daycare services, but they find homes for shelter dogs and cats as well!  Pixie Project were featured on the Today Show.  I unfortunately wasn't able to get the code for that video, but I was able to find another video to share with you about The Pixie Project.



Amy Sacks and Karli Covington, the founders of The Pixie Project are committed to changing the image of a "rescue" or shelter animal.  While some animals come to the Pixie Project seeking medical or behavioral attention not accessible in a typical shelter, many Pixie Project "kids" are professionally trained, family friendly pets whose circumstances have left them in a need of a new home.

With a fully stocked non-profit pet supple store and a knowledgeable and supportive staff trained in the art of "pet matchmaking" adopting a pet through the Pixie Project feels more like a personalized dating service than your mom's blind date setup.

The Pixie Project also serves a unique support function working tirelessly to connect pet owners with the resources they need to keep their pets with them.  No situation is too big or too hard.  "Nothing is impossible" is their motto.

With over 1000 successful adoptions, an inexhaustible staff armed with expert animal knowledge, a whole lot of humor and an ever-changing cast of fantastic animals, The Pixie Project gives animal rescue a fresh and flirty facelift.

They are located at 510 NE MLK Blvd, Portland OR directly across from the southern end of the Oregon convention center, in a spacious renovated building with adjacent parking.  While our adoptable dogs are playing in daycare or enjoying a walk on the waterfront with one of our many dedicated volunteers, our cats are playing and lounging in their sun filled, communal cattery which is open to the public during all operating hours.  All of the animals in the Pixie Project adoption program are spayed or neutered, vaccinated, micro chipped and temperament tested to assure that they are good candidates for adoption.

Sun and Skin Safety: How to Protect Your Pets

Yes, pets get sunburn too! Before you hit the beach this summer, learn how to prevent sun damage.

Romping about in the sun and basking in its warmth is a favorite among all pets, but it is a pastime which owners should regard with caution.

Skin cancers are the most common tumor in dogs, accounting for approximately one third of all tumors, according to CanineCancer.com. Sun exposure can lead to specifically three types of cancer: squamous, basal cell carcinoma and hemangioma, said Dr. Heather Willis-Goulet, a board-certified veterinary dermatologist with Florida Veterinary Specialists.

"Just like humans, pets can also be at risk of developing skin cancer," the Tampa-based veterinarian told Zootoo Pet News. "Exposure to direct sunlight can be significant contributing factor, but it is not the only cause of skin cancer in pets."

The sun's damage does not discriminate, although skin cancer often is found in middle-aged to older-aged dogs and certain breeds more than others.

"Light colored dogs with thin hair coats, such as Dalmatians, Pit bulls, pointers, bull terriers, and hairless breeds have a higher risk of developing skin cancer," Dr. Willis-Goulet said. "Also, pets that are shaved [have a higher risk], whether it is a new summer clip or recently received medical treatment and now have an exposed, shaved area."

But Dr. Willis-Goulet says sunburn can strike cats -- even those who are indoor pets -- particularly white cats who might like to sunbathe in windows.

Pet owners should also be careful with "sun worshippers," those pets she describes as loving to sunbathe on their backs exposing their bellies.

Other vulnerable areas, which have low pigmentation, include: bridge of the nose, ear tips, skin around the lips.

Dr. Willis-Goulet strongly suggests owners apply sunscreen to their sun-exposed pets, citing that typically those safe for babies can be used on pets, "but if they do lick a lot, then it is toxic so you should get one specifically for pets."

But she levied some insight that pet sunscreen labels are not equal to human-marketed sunscreens.

"One of the problems with pet sunscreens is that they don't have a very clear label for SPF's. Some of them don't because the FDA hasn't established and tested these ratings for pets," Dr. Willis-Goulet explained.

Most importantly, though, Dr. Willis-Goulet says pet owners should adjust their mindset about pets and the sun.

"They think because humans can tolerate it, that their pets can tolerate it, too," Dr. Willis-Goulet said. "But a big mistake in thinking is that because your dog or cat has hair that they are not going to get sunburned."

Signs and symptoms of sunburn and sun damage include changes in skin color, redness, and skin changes that look like blackheads. These changes could potentially be pre-cancerous and should be checked by your veterinarian.

Some of Dr. Willis-Goulet's tips:

1. Any time you could get sunburnt, so could your pet.

2. Avoid the peak sun hours -- from 10am to 2pm.

3. Take your dog for a walk at dawn and dusk to stay out of the sun and heat.

4. Apply sunscreen on your pet every 4 to 6 hours and use 1 tablespoon per body area.

5. Keep your pet under an umbrella at the beach.

Provided: ZooToo

Whatever floats your boat

Had a long stressful day?  What could be better then chillaxin' in my new boat, that my human bought me.  They picked up this little purple kiddie boat from Walmart.  I absolutely love it.  Mom put my Juicy Couture towel in there so I wouldn't poke holes in the bottom of the boat with my nails.

We are going to have a big bash here tomorrow; Grandma and Grandpa are here from Washington; Auntie is arriving from Cali tonight and my local buddies are coming over to chow down.  I sure hope the humans leave some of those ribs for us!  This is my dad's last weekend with us, as he is going off to serve our country as a member of the United States Air Force.   We are going to miss him so much, but we are very very proud of him!  We will have to be extra special to mom and keep her company while he is away.  She will be lonesome!

Hope you all have a wonderful 4th of July weekend!  And remember are Support Our Troops!  Thank you to all the military men and women out there fighting for our country!

SALES SALES SALES

Doggie Couture Shop
25% Off except for Sale Rack and $15 Category
Coupon Code - July


Posh Puppy Boutique
25% Off - not Combined With Any Other Offers
Coupon Code - July4


FunnyFur
Juicy Couture Special
15% OFF everything Juicy Couture through this Sunday 7/4/10
Coupon Code - INDEP15


The Haute Hound
20% Off ALL orders on July 5th
Coupon Code - 4th2010


GlamourDog
Free Shipping through July 4th
*On U.S. Orders only


Cody and Company Pet Products
20% Off All Orders Friday-Sunday.
Savings will be refunded after purchase is complete


G.W. Little
10% Off ALL orders on July 4th. 
Does not apply to any other discounts.
Coupon Code - Stars


Pure Country Pet Boutique
25% Off This Week "ONLY"
Coupon Code - 25PCT4TH

Prepare your dog for July 4th fireworks

Fortunately, preventing pet problems on Independence Day is possible by simply planning ahead and taking some basic precautions.

"With a little bit of planning and forethought, you can enjoy the excitement of the Fourth of July and know that your animal companion is safe, sound, and enjoying a little peace and quiet," said Nancy Peterson, an issues specialist with The Humane Society if the United States.

To protect your pet on the Fourth of July, take these precautions:

• Resist the urge to take your pet to fireworks displays.
• Do not leave your pet in the car. With only hot air to breathe inside a car, your pet can suffer serious health effects—even death—in a few short minutes. Partially opened windows do not provide sufficient air, but they do provide an opportunity for your pet to be stolen.
• Keep your pets indoors at home in a sheltered, quiet area. Some animals can become destructive when frightened, so be sure that you've removed any items that your pet could destroy or that would be harmful to your pet if chewed. Leave a television or radio playing at normal volume to keep him company while you're attending Fourth of July picnics, parades, and other celebrations.
• If you know that your pet is seriously distressed by loud noises like thunder, consult with your veterinarian before July 4th for ways to help alleviate the fear and anxiety he or she will experience during fireworks displays.
• Never leave pets outside unattended, even in a fenced yard or on a chain. In their fear, pets who normally wouldn't leave the yard may escape and become lost, or become entangled in their chain, risking injury or death.
• Make sure your pets are wearing identification tags so that if they do become lost, they can be returned promptly. Animals found running at-large should be taken to the local animal shelter, where they will have the best chance of being reunited with their owners.
• If you plan to go away for the holiday weekend, read our information on Caring for Pets When You Travel.

If you follow these simple precautions, you and your pet can have a safe and happy Fourth of July.

Pet-Friendly Furniture thats perfect for those slobbery furbabies

Once upon a time, Debbie Wiener understood why people shooed their pets off the upholstery. She, too, cared more about how her home looked than how it functioned.

But she found herself cleaning endlessly because she lived in a house full of slobs — a husband, two sons and a "chubby, large-scale Yorkie" named Daisy, who vomited often. "I would return home with dread," Wiener tells PEOPLEPets.com of facing the mess.

So Wiener, an interior designer from Silver Spring, Md., decided that slob-friendly furniture was what her home needed. She recently launched a line of upholstered furniture, Slobproof, made with Crypton mess-repelling fabric.

Though there are abundant options for pet furniture — dog beds and cat condos— "this is furniture for the pet lover," says Wiener.

Crypton fabric, which was originally used in institutional settings, repels water, food, drool, mud and worse. Its moistureproof treatment is woven in at the fiber level rather than sprayed on afterward. But the fabric's stiffness made it less than comfy.

Wiener helped the company develop a fabric with "a better hand and a softer feel" — one that people and their pets would enjoy sitting on, lying on and even wiping their feet on. She demonstrates its properties by squirting on ketchup and chocolate sauce, then successfully sponging off the mess. Upholstered chairs range from $490 to $1,175, while sofas range from $1,399 to $2,500.

Wiener's clients tell her that with Slobproof furniture, their pets are welcome in formerly off-limits rooms. No longer are the animals relegated to unhappily "whining in the hall" behind closed doors, Wiener says. "This is furniture both humans and animals can enjoy."

Provided by: Peoples Pets