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Pet Insurance
2007-10-02 01:52:00
Rising veterinary costs can be frightening, especially when your furry or feathered friend is in dire need of assistance. It doesn't have to be that way. Pet health insurance can help defray the costs so you don't have to face the tough choice between your pet's health and your checkbook's balance.Many small companies offer pet insurance, some within certain breeds or species, and others for any animal. The insurance may range from covering exclusively healthy pet services, to full coverage hospitalization and emergency care, to term life.The ASPCA, for example, is offering pet health insurance to its members with a portion of the premiums going to support the ASPCA's various functions. While ensuring your pet's health on this plan, you are also contributing to pet health and safety nationwide.Being a responsible pet owner means more than just kibble and a soft bed. It can also mean being able to offer your pet a higher quality of life with just a little insurance.
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Raising a Healthy Happy Cat
2007-09-20 18:19:00
For the past few decades, cats have been America?s most popular pets. Their attractive appearance and typically affectionate nature have endeared them to the hearts of many, but perhaps the biggest factor in their popularity is the kind of lifestyles that modern people lead. Many don?t have an adequate yard, or live in close enough proximity to open spaces, to give a dog the exercise that it needs. A lot of households have two adults working and spending significant time away from home. Cats are easy to care for. They are small, quiet (usually), and don?t need to be taken out for walks. Their convenience has made them the pets of choice for people living in city apartments or other small dwellings.Still, there is much more to quality pet care than simple housing and feeding. Though they are easily domesticated, cats are still wild on an instinctual level. Kittens born outside of human influence can find it difficult to adapt to civilized life; and even a cat that?s house broken will...
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Halloween Kitty Collars are here!
2007-09-16 20:48:00
Just in time for goblins, ghouls and tricker treaters - Halloween kitty collars are here. Choose from pumpkins, ghosts, skulls, spiderwebs, skeletons and devils. oh my!These Beastie band collars are flexible, soft and velco for safety. For six bucks a pop, buy a few for all of kitty's Howloween fun! MeoW!
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Dog Breeds ? The Pekinese
2007-09-14 21:10:00
For many dog lovers, the Pekinese is the ultimate lap dog, content to lounge around the home for hours. These affectionate and friendly dogs have a low activity level, making them perfect companions for apartment dwellers and elderly owners. Despite their low activity level and small size, however, the Pekinese can be a good watch dog, alerting its owner to any possible dangers.The Pekinese is not generally thought of as a dog for children, and while older children may do fine with the breed, the Pekinese generally does not get along as well with younger children. Of course each member of the breed is an individual, and a well socialized puppy may do just fine with well behaved children in the home.The Pekinese is among the smallest of dog breeds, with adult dogs measuring just 6 to 9 inches at the shoulder and weighing a mere 8 to 10 pounds. Owners of these diminutive dogs should also be on the lookout for special health problems associated with the breeds, such as kidney stone...
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What to Consider Before Bringing Home a Second Dog
2007-09-11 02:00:00
Many of us who have dogs eventually bring home a second dog. Maybe we couldn’t resist that adorable mutt at the pound that looked up at us with pleading eyes. Or perhaps our friend asked us to adopt a dog that needs a home. In any case, we reason, our dog would benefit from a companion.That’s all fine and dandy—until, in some cases, we introduce the new dog to the dog we have at home and the two don’t get along. Despite our high hopes for a peaceable co-existence, it’s not unusual for two dogs to start snarling the second they meet. How are we to know if two dogs will or will not get along? And is there anything we can do to prevent dog-on-dog conflict?There are steps dog owners can take before they place potentially incompatible dogs under the same roof. Most involve doing a little research—and exercising a little restraint in the selection process—before picking out your current dog’s new room mate. Mix the Sexes Most good matches occur between one female a...
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Spoiled Rotten Pet Contest
2007-09-03 17:38:00
Big Paw Designs' 5th birthday contests continue! The winner of the August "I Dig" contest can be seen hereAnd now for the new contest:Here is how it works - please read carefully: Tell us why your pet (dog or cat) is spoiled! Winner receives a Spoiled Rotten CharmEmail us at birthday@bigpawdesigns.com with why your dog or cat is spoiled, along with a photo. Send your name, email, pets name, the story and attach the photo.We will post the entries/stories and photos on our website and select entries on our blog and the winner will be announced on the blog and in our November newsletter(if you have not signed up you can do so here.) Contest ends at the end of October. You may submit multiple entries, as long as each is a different pet in your family. Inappropriate entries (i.e. not family friendly) or entries not related to the contest, etc will not be accepted.

What your Dog does when you are gone
2007-08-31 18:18:00
Think your dog sits at the window with your shoe in his mouth anxiously awaiting your return while you're out? Think again. Early studies done with spy-cams often showed dogs engaged in a single activity for most of the time that their owners were away. New studies, that include cameras in all rooms of the house, have come up with some disturbing, in-your-face evidence about the truth of dogs left alone. The reason that it has taken us so long to figure out the rest of the puzzle is simple. We are in denial. We know that our dogs are mad and confused when we leave the pack, but we don't want to think that our trusted friends are going to such lengths to get their payback. You may want to have a seat while you read about what your beloved companion has really been doing all this time.1. The Processed Cheese Single Lick-Off: Believe it or not, but as soon as you leave, your dog is going to your refrigerator, opening the meat and cheese drawer, resisting all the deli meat, meticulous...

USED Dogs Rescue Updates
2007-08-26 00:38:00
Here are some new updates from USED Dogs rescue in New Orleans!Don't forget - shop the Woof Fleur de Lis charm and keychain - as well as the pet treat recipe books - they benefit this great rescue group.Here is BOWSER.He had scheduled to be euthanized due to the fact that he did not pass a temperament test.Food Aggression was the reason.USED Dogs had him 3 days and he was eating out of the their hand.
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Altering Rough Play Behavior in Kittens
2007-08-25 01:54:00
When kittens play, they are training for becoming the hunters that cats are by nature. Rabbit kicking (holding on with the forelimbs and striking out with the hind) and biting are normal extensions of this training. When your kitten plays with you, she will become excited and the play will often become rough. She may begin to bite or kick harder than you would like.Play with her up to the point that she becomes too rough, and stop. Tell her firmly, ?No.? With repetition, this action should put an end to the rough behavior. Your kitten will begin to associate roughness with the end of playtime.
More About: Behavior , Kittens , Alter , Erin

Prince Digs....Ralphie
2007-08-23 13:52:00
Our latest I Dig Contest Entry:"Our dog Prince , a mix of border Collie and Papillon, actually doesn't dig too much. What he does do is "dig" being the older brother to our newest family member, Ralphie. Prince tells him when to eat, when to sleep, and when it is okay for us to pet him. Come to think of it, Prince tells us the same thing."Don't forget to enter - contest ends soon!

Dog Breeds ? The Portuguese Water Dog
2007-08-19 15:18:00
The Portuguese Water Dog was originally bred to help fishermen with their daily work, and as such the breed loves the water. These unique dogs also love to run, and they need a wide area in which to exercise and play. It is important that these dogs get plenty of regular exercise, whether walking with their owners or running in a fenced yard or dog park.The Portuguese Water Dog is a fairly large breed, standing between 16 and 22 inches at the shoulder and weighing in at between 35 and 55 pounds. The breed does share some of the health problems associated with larger dogs, including a tendency toward hip dysplasia and inherited eye conditions. It is important for dog owners to discuss these special needs and health concerns with their animal?s veterinarian.The coat of the Portuguese Water Dog has evolved to help the animal cope with long periods in the water, and as a result the coat is profuse and heavy, and the hair can be either wavy or curly. This thick and lush coat should ...
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My Dog Digs contest - Pochi the Digging Dog
2007-08-15 15:08:00
Below is the latest entry in our August I Dig Contest . Don't forget to enter soon - the contest ends on 8/31!You can enter here:http://www.bigpawdesigns.com/aucofrc h.html I think my dog, Pochi, should win because even though she is a little Lhasa Apso, she loves to dig. She not only digs out side, but sometimes she feels the need to dig the couches. She'll scratch at them as if she is actually going to make a hole. If you look closely at the fallen flower petals in the picture attached, you will see that she does dig anything.
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Dog Breeds ? The Pug
2007-08-13 21:06:00
The flat face and smiling demeanor of the pug make it one of the most recognizable of all dog breeds, and one of the most enduringly popular. This little lap dog is full of fire and energy, and he makes a great companion for a wide variety of dog owners. While the small size of the pug make it an ideal dog for the apartment dweller, it is important for this high energy dog to be afforded plenty of exercise. Regular walks or romps at the local dog park are essential to both the mental and the physical well being of this breed.The pug is known for its round and compact body style, with adult males ranging from 12 to 14 inches at the shoulders and weighing between 12 and 20 pounds. The females tend to be a bit smaller, averaging between 10 and 12 inches high and weighing an average of 10 to 15 pounds.As with many breeds of dogs, the pug is prone to a number of breed specific health concerns, including breathing problems caused by the flatness of the face, skin allergies, heart prob...
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Best Introductions
2007-08-08 00:52:00
Bringing a new cat or kitten home when you have other pets in your household can be tricky. If your present pet has been used to receiving all the attention, he/she will probably find it difficult to accept a newcomer at first. The easiest way to achieve success is to choose a good time, take things slowly and make introductions feel as warm and friendly as possible for both parties.The importance of scentCats and dogs have an extremely good sense of smell. You can use this factor to your advantage whilst working on introductions. Before you go to collect your new cat or kitten, rub your pet?s blanket or a towel over your pet and then rub this all over the new cat or kitten before bringing it home. Part of the acceptance process will be based on scent; so if the newcomer smells familiar it will make initial introductions a lot easier. Allowing your new cat the opportunity to experience smells from its new environment before it arrives, will also be helpful.Once in your home, the new...

Dixie Digs
2007-08-04 02:36:00
The reason my dog Dixie deserves to wear the "I Dig" charm is not because she digs dirt but because she "digs" everything else. You may be thinking, what does she dig? Well, she digs life. She digs her friends Token (my cat), Luna (the neighbors dog) and Corona (our friends dog). She digs children and most of all, she digs the frisbee. So, if you were to think that a tag stating "I Dig" is a warning sign of a dog that digs up dirt and ruins the grass, than that is the wrong way to look at it. A dog that wears the tag "I Dig" is a dog that digs more than just dirt...it is a dog that digs life.You can enter your pet in the Big Paw "Why My Dog Digs" contest here

Agility and Flyball Training for Dogs
2007-08-02 01:41:00
Two of the advanced obedience training sports are agility and flyball. These two sports have become extremely popular in the United States. The agility competitions involve an obstacle course. The requirements for each activity are very strict. They must be followed exactly or the dog will lose points from his possible score. The obstacle course involves a series of activities that are timed. The activities include a seesaw, a tunnel, several jumps, a stay on a table, and several obstacles that involve weaving in and out.Again, the dogs must perform each event correctly in order to achieve the maximum number of points. If the dog fails to navigate each obstacle in the course properly, he will lose points.Flyball competitions usually prove to be a bit more exciting for the dog, the owner, and the spectators. The flyball course includes a straight strip, short in length. At one end of the strip, a box that has a foot lever and a trap is located.The flyball event involves seve...
More About: Dogs , Training , Agility , Ball

How To Teach Your Dog Tricks - Teach Your Dog To Sit And Shake
2007-07-31 13:12:00
One of the most amusing and enjoyable things that one can do with their dogs is teach them tricks. Learning how to teach your dog tricks is more than just fun though, and helps the dog's obedience and understanding of the fact that you are the boss. While some tricks and commands are almost necessary, such as teaching the dog how to come, sit and stop, some others are just amusing. These include 'shake', lie down, fetch (anything), and beg. In this article we will go over how to teach your dog to sit and shake. The reason for choosing these two tricks is simple - sitting is natural to the dog, while shaking isn't. The two different principles of teaching a dog tricks that are applied here can then be used to train the dog to obey and perform just about any trick out there. How To Teac h Your Dog To Sit:This is one of the first tricks you should teach your dog, since this forms the base for many other tricks, and it also key to developing obedience in the dog right from the start....
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Happy Birthday to us - and win a free charm!
2007-07-28 15:40:00
It is Big Paw Designs's 5th year in business - and we are celebrating our birthday year and want you to as well!We thought we would occasionally post some fun birthday celebrations so all of our pet loving friends can join in the fun too!Our first one is a giveaway contest of one of our first dog collar charm designs, I Dig. Here is how it works - please read carefully: - Post a comment or Email us to with why your dog should be wearing the I Dig Collar Charm. Make sure we can find your email through your blog. If not, email us privately at birthday@bigpawdesigns.com- If you have a picture that illustrates your dog and why he/she typifies the I Dig charms spirit, please send it to birthday@bigpawdesigns.com along with your name, your dogs name, the post or story and an email address so we know who to enter in the contest. - We will post the entries stories and photos on our website and blog and the winner will be announced on the blog and in our September newslette...
More About: Free , Happy , Birthday , Happy Birthday , Harm

A Cat?s Five Senses
2007-07-26 00:56:00
Most cats today live in a safe environment with all the food, love and attention they require. However, they still display many of the characteristics that were developed for their survival; when hunting for food was very much a part of their daily routine. VisionMany people are under the misapprehension that cats can see in the dark. This is not true, as they can?t see any better in the dark than we can. However, they can see more than humans in low levels of light because they have large corneas and pupils, which collect more light in dimly lit conditions. They also have a reflective structure at the back of the eye called the tapetum, which reflects light back out of the eye. Their eyes are set further apart than human eyes too and this gives them a much wider field of vision. Apart from regulating the quantity of light, cats use their pupils to focus with because their lenses aren?t as flexible as ours. The pupils also display the cat?s mood, by increasing in size to express f...
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Dog Gone It! Easy new tag changer
2007-07-23 22:10:00
Dog-gone it! Don?t you just hate it when the time comes for new rabies tags, collar charms or a new collar. Those tricky little tags turn into people proof torture devices!We have found this nifty little device that will take your broken fingernails and frustration away. Big Paw Designs now carries the Tag-It. It is a neat little device that looks like a mini ?collar and allows you to easily transfer tags, charms, etc to a new collar.Now you can happily indulge in a new collar for your pooch every season, or just for the holidays. Or don your pooch with a different collar charm for every mood?.some days he may be a Couch Potato and others and All American Dog.And for $4 bucks - how can you go wrong?Buy yours today at www.bigpawdesigns.com
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Your Pet and Your Will
2007-07-23 00:50:00
If something happens to you, what will become of your pets? Legally they are listed only as part of your assets. Your will should reflect your wishes in that regard, and that should include your beloved pets.Be sure to include specific instructions as to the disposition of your pets, just as you would for your children. You can provide for them, arrange who will have their keeping after you, and so forth. Speak with your executor as well to ensure that there is no misunderstanding.Writing a will may be an unpleasant task, but it is the surest way to know that your pets will be well cared for.

Herding Dogs
2007-07-15 21:47:00
The dogs in the herding group were bred to herd livestock for farmers, and even though they are still used for herding today, they've proven to be all-around dogs. If you are considering buying a herding dog for your farm or just for your family, this will tell you more about the different breeds and what you could expect from one.In general, the herding breeds are highly energetic and athletic, so you're going to need a lot of room for your dog to exercise regularly. They are alsointelligent and easily trainable and often excel in obedience classes, and because of their intelligence and athleticism, herding dogs are the most commonclass to compete in agility. Most herding dogs also make great family pets as they are extremely loyal and often good with children, though they may try to herd them from time to time.The most common of all the herding breeds is the German Shepherd. German Shepherds are admired throughout the world for their strength, intelligence, and beauty. They are ...
More About: Dogs

Q3 Photo Contest & July 4th photos! Send us your photos!
2007-07-14 17:25:00
It's Photo time!It is that time again! Send Big Paw Designs entries for our Q3 Photo Contest !Did your pet have a great July 4th - or was your pooch in a parade? Send Big Paw Designs your July 4th pet photos for the July 4th Photo Gallery. Email photos to info@bigpawdesigns.com
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How to Animal-Proof Your Home
2007-07-09 01:50:00
Whether you are bringing home a young pet, or simply introducing a new pet into your home, it is in your best interest, as well as the best interest of your new pet, to make sure the house is ready and safe. Failing to animal-proof your house before bringing the new family member home can result in the destruction of your belongings and put the safety of your pet in jeopardy. However, by implementing a few precautions, you can prepare your home and ensure your pet?s safety. PlantsMany plants are toxic to animals, so check to make sure your plants are non-toxic. Cats and dogs each react different to plants, so a plant that is not toxic to a dog could very well be fatal if ingested by a cat. If you are unsure about the toxicity of your houseplants, check your local library or the Internet for information about your specific plants. Often times, cats are drawn to the plants within their reach. If your cat or dog is harming your greenery, the best approach to keeping your pet away is to...
More About: Animal , Home , Proof

Jogging with your Dog
2007-06-26 01:01:00
You've decided it's time to get your couch potato body back into shape. Jogging is an excellent way to lose weight and tone up. Instead of running alone, which can get boring, or putting up with a human running partner who complains consider making your dog your jogging companion! Your dog is eager to please and ready to go wherever you go. Jogging together can be an enjoyable way to enjoy your dog's devoted companionship and get you both into shape.Before beginning a fitness program it is important for both you and your dog to have medical evaluations that will rule out any health issues that might make jogging a risky endeavor.Before jogging or running with your dog be aware of your dog's athletic ability. Some breeds are not built for endurance. Greyhounds are sprinters, not long distance runners. Toy breeds won't be able to keep the pace. Labs are one of the best breeds for physical endurance.Start slowly and just walk the first few times out. Jog for short distance...
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Preparation for a New Kitten
2007-06-16 16:24:00
Bringing home a new kitten can be a challenge. A bit of adjustment is always required.If you bring your new friend home when the house is busy and noisy, she is likely to run and hide, and may never seem to come out. Bring her home when the house is quiet. A time when you are on a normal schedule is good, so she won't get spoiled having all of your attention, as she might if you are on vacation.Have a room prepared to receive your new friend. Confine him with a litter box, water and food for the first couple of days. Let him get used to a secure place before he explores the rest of the house. The Kitty can smell the other members of the household, and be visited, but has time to take it all in slowly. Make sure your kitten has a cubby hole of some sort. This provides a sanctuary for your kitten when she's tired or frightened. It can be as simple as a cardboard box with a warm old towel or pillow, or as elaborate an enclosed bed as you care to acquire for her. Be sure to place the ...
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The Best Dog for you?
2007-06-15 17:08:00
There are many people who truly love dogs but lack the right temperament or sufficient energy to take good care of them. They might buy a couple of puppies, on impulse, from a pet store in the mall only to be shocked by how quickly those puppies become full-grown dogs that wreak havoc in the house and need frequent exercise lest they become aggressive or unhappy. Other owners with active lifestyles may still make bad matches for outgoing dogs like Labradors or Golden Retrievers because of their urban environments: in the city, there?s few places to let these animals run to the extent that they need to.Those of us who lack the time, the ability, or the right living conditions to keep up with more energetic breeds - but who still long for the companionship of dogs - should consider others that are more docile by nature. Some are quite content to be couch potatoes alongside us, or will be satisfied with occasional walks around the block. These dogs make great companions without taxing ...

Therapy Dogs
2007-06-10 00:26:00
Therapy Dogs International, Inc. (TDI) was founded in 1976 by Elaine Smith, formerly of Hillside, NJ, now a resident of California. A registered nurse working in England, Smith observed the benefits of pets interacting with patients. She noticed how the patients reacted to the daily visits of the chaplain and his companion, a Golden Retriever. Upon returning to the United States, Smith was determined to bring the concept of pet therapy to health care facility. She began this program with a rigorous training. Therapy dogs must pass the Canine Good Citizen Test before beginning training as a therapy dog. When that training is complete, they are tested by certified TDI instructors to see if their dispositions and behavior around hospital equipment is suitable for certification. They are re-certified each year and evaluated by their handlers for any behavioral problems that might arise. National organizations such as TDI and the Delta Society register these dogs and keep track of t...
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Pet Bells provide both fashion & function
2007-06-08 14:50:00
Bells for small dogs and cats are a great pet gift. Pet bells provide an attractive and colorful addition to a dog or cat's collar. In addition, there are benefit to adding bells that jingle to your pet's collar: Cat Bells allow you to know where your cat is - no more sneaking around! Cat bells may just save a bird's life. If you don't want your cat to hunt the wildlife in your backyard, jingle bell charms on Fluffy's collar may just do the trick to alert the bird and keep him from being an afternoon snack. Jingle Bells are also for small dogs. Put a bell charm on the mini-yorkie or puppy that gets underfoot. Your small toy dog will be much safer as you zoom around the kitchen making dinner or getting ready for work if he has his doggie jingle bell charm on. Putting a dog bell on your pup's collar will also alert you to where he is. No more hiding when you are trying to find fido at bathtime or for the trip to the vet! And of course...
More About: Fashion , Function , Ovid , Fash

Brushing Cat Teeth
2007-06-05 18:35:00
Brushing Your Cat?s Teeth Promotes Good HealthCats need good dental care to help them stay healthy and happy. Just like us, our cat?s health benefits greatly from routine dental care. Brushing your cat?s teeth is important for her health because dental disease can lead to several systemic illnesses. This can be avoided by continuing a good oral hygiene program on a regular basis. Signs that your cat?s teeth need cleaned include: -Bad breath-Red or bleeding gums-Yellow staining along the gum line-Crusty yellowish-brown tartar on the back teeth-Difficulty eating hard or crunchy foodLike humans, cats develop plaque on their teeth from bacteria in their mouth. Within only two or three days, this plaque can form a hard, yellowish-brown substance called tartar. Once this tartar is formed, it cannot be removed by brushing, it will need to be scraped from the tooth surfaces. Your veterinarian can provide this service. Your cat will be anesthetized, have a complete oral exam, and a ...
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