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Special 15% off for our Blog Readers!
2008-01-28 14:36:00
Big Paw Designs is offering 15% off of online purchases - especially for our blog readers. Simply enter coupon code FEBBLOG at checkout. Enjoy!Happy Valentines Day - Woof! Meow!
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Feeding Your Cat
2008-01-25 01:48:00
It is obviously very important to provide your cat with a well balanced diet. Feeding the correct diet will ensure the healthy formation of bones, teeth and internal organs, which will be reflected in the condition of your cat?s coat. Many people think that cats are very similar to dogs and that they both have the same nutritional requirements, but this is not true. Cats have a completely different metabolism to dogs and are actually considered by scientists to be strict carnivores. Cats are usually quite sensible about the amount of food they eat and don?t generally put on weight as easily as dogs do ? although they can sometimes get addicted to a certain type of food. They are excellent hunters too and will catch and eat small rodents, birds, lizards, etc, if allowed to roam around outside. Although this is instinctively your cat?s way of balancing its diet, it is not really necessary with the correct feeding and can lead to toxoplasmosis and internal parasites. The only way to di...

Dog Breeds ? The Keeshond
2008-01-21 21:03:00
The breed of dog we know today as the Keeshond first originated in the Netherlands, where they most likely descended from the Pomeranian, Chow Chow, Elkhound and Samoyed. These unique and useful dogs were used to guard the canal boats in this seafaring country, and the Keeshond is still very much a working dog.The Keeshond makes an excellent watchdog due to its alert nature, and the fact that it likes to bark. The Keeshond also tends to get along quite well with people and other pets, especially if he has been socialized properly as a puppy.The Keeshond stands between 17 and 18 inches high at the shoulders, and weighs in at 35 to 40 pounds, with the female generally a little smaller and lighter than the male. Although the Keeshond is generally quite a hardy breed, there are some health concerns owners should watch out for. One of the most significant is hip dysplasia, an inherited condition that plagues many large breeds of dogs. Keeshonds can also be prone to heart defects, sk...
More About: Breeds

Dogs: The Working Group
2008-01-18 13:34:00
Out of all of the classifications for dogs, the working group of dogs includes the largest number of breeds. Some countries, like the United States, have separated this group further into the following two categories: working and herding. The working group includes the breeds that are known for guarding, hauling, and rescuing. The herding group includes the breeds that are known for caring for flocks. Sizes of dogs in this group range from the very small to the very large. The Mastiff and the Great Dane are two of the largest working dog breeds. The Lancashire Heeler is the smallest breed of the working group.Dog breeds within the working group have been bred for many generations for specific purposes. In fact, the particular breeds within this group were chosen specifically for their trainability. Dogs in the working group have very active minds and a great deal of energy. In fact, their high level of obedience accounts, at least in part, for their popularity. Despite the...
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Caring for Senior Pets
2008-01-13 00:54:00
It's too bad that our dogs don't age at the same rate as we do, so that we might grow old gracefully together. It is difficult to see our beloved petís gradual decline into old age, but we can help him to enjoy his golden years as long as possible. Improved nutrition and veterinary care are increasing the longevity of our pets. As they age, our dogs face the same aging process and gradual decline in the body's ability to repair itself as we humans do. Changes in metabolism, endocrine disorders, lowered immune system function, arthritis and muscle weakness, organ dysfunction, urinary problems, cancer, loss of vision and hearing, behavioral disorders and cognitive dysfunction are all common results of aging.Smaller dog breeds tend to live longer than larger breeds, and mixed breeds longer than purebred. Generally, a small adult dog (under 20 pounds) is considered a senior dog at nine to 13 years of age; a medium dog (21-50 pounds), at nine to 11 years; a large dog (51-90 pound...
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Antioxidants for Dogs
2008-01-11 01:39:00
Antioxidants have been proven important for good health in people, but what about in your dog? Dogs , like most mammals, also benefit from a diet high in antioxidants. A balanced diet rich in antioxidants can help keep your dog's immune system active and slow the aging process. Look for ingredients such as vitamin E, vitamin C, beta carotene, and lutein when selecting your dog's food.Oxidation is a normal part of the aging process. It is the breakdown of tissue over time. Think of it as the process of cells "rusting out". When oxidation happens, oxygen molecules called "free radicals" can damage healthy molecules. Some of these free radicals are necessary for enhancing the body's immune system. Too many, however, can lead to poor immune system function. Antioxidants support healthy cells and help rid the body of excess free radicals. Your dog's body, like your own, produces some antioxidants, but generally not enough to combat the naturally occurring levels of free radicals.Take ...
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Fall 07 Pet Photo Contest Winners
2008-01-07 15:22:00
Zeus & Sophia!Enter the Winter 2008 pet photo contest here!
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Doggy Dining Out
2008-01-07 01:35:00
In an age when many people think of their dogs as children, some restaurants are becoming more dog-friendly. Health codes do not allow dogs, other than assistance dogs, inside establishments that serve food but if there is an outdoor dining area, it?s up to the restaurant owner whether or not to allow them there. Some, not only allow dogs, but go so far as to offer doggy diner menus.Doggy dining out is a fairly new concept and may or may not catch on. It depends on how responsibly dog owners behave. As with any privilege, there?s always the potential for abuse. There may be the owner in denial whose dog nips the waiter. There may be the lax owner of the mutt who plants his muddy paws on everyone. There will probably be the over-zealous dog owner who allows the dog to lick the plate. And there may be the occasional doggy spat, or complaint from a cat owner who wants the same privilege. Overall, it can be a good thing, especially for those traveling with their pooch and tired of...
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English Springer Spaniel
2008-01-03 14:26:00
English Springer Spaniels are intelligent, energetic, bouncy bundles of fun. They are perfect to own as family pets as well as for use as working dogs. Here we will take a look at some of the traits and facts of this fascinating breed of dog. We cover its history and traditional uses, appearance and characteristics, as well as its common personality traits.Historically, all breeds of spaniel originate from Spain and until the 1600s were considered as a single breed or group of dogs. Litters often produced dogs of differing sizes and the larger of these went on to become the forerunners of English Springer Spaniels. Initially, Kennel Club of Great Britain recognized the breeds of both Springer and Cocker Spaniels back in 1892, but there were problems in that often the two breeds stemmed from the same litter. In 1902 the discrepancy was resolved and English Springer Spaniels were officially recognized as a separate breed by the Kennel Club of Great Britain. They had to wait until 1927...
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Happy Holidays from Big Paw Designs!
2007-12-19 13:26:00
Happy Holidays from Big Paw Designs ! Check out our holiday pet photo gallery to see lots of cute holiday pets - below are a few we selected for our blog:LuLu:Bailey:Kali:
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Happy Holidays & Used Dogs Rescue Updates!
2007-12-04 14:10:00
Used Dogs rescue in New Orleans sends it Holiday wishes! Now how can you argue with cute faces like these!You can help Used Dogs and pups like these. A portion of the proceeds from the Big Paw Designs treat recipes and Woof Fleur de Lis charms and key chains helps feed and neuter these cuties!Used Dogs also got this fabulous this guy in.He has a super FABULOUS temperament!!!!!!!!!!!Loves children, loves to meet new people, crates well, gets along well with other dogs.
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As our Dogs Age
2007-12-02 01:46:00
As our dogs age, we may begin to notice changes in their behavior. They may become more vocal, less active and interested in exercise, begin to have accidents in the house, and show signs of ?senility.? Most of these changes can be attributed to physical or neurological aging, and there are steps we can take to give our elderly pets a better quality of life in their golden years. A dog who was always comfortable being left home alone may develop a separation anxiety. Decreases in vision, hearing, and mobility may cause them to become more anxious, especially when the owner is not at home. This may result in excessive vocalization (whining, barking), destruction, ?accidents? in the house, and becoming overly excited when the owner returns home. Dogs will learn to recognize departure cues, signs that you are getting ready to leave, such as the alarm clock that wakes you for work in the morning, keys jingling as you leave, putting on your coat as you go out the door. Desensitize your d...

Fascinating Facts: The History of Dogs
2007-11-30 21:09:00
There is evidence to show that domesticated dogs date back as far as the first known human beings, and they have continued to be true friends, companions, and they remain virtuous symbols of faithfulness and love. There are many fascinating facts about dogs that will probably surprise you, and these facts are proof that dogs are truly the best friends of men, women, and children all over the world, as they have been for thousands of years. Dogs have a rich history that is unlike the history of any other domesticated animal. - Dogs are noted in the Holy Bible fourteen times.- Ancient Greek literature says that when Odysseus returned home in disguise after a twenty-year absence, his faithful old dog Argos was the only family member who recognized him. Argos wagged his tail and dropped dead after the long wait for his master.- The Greyhound was bred in ancient Egypt more than 5,000 years ago, and prior to the ninth century in England, those in the upper class bred Greyhounds for huntin...
More About: History , Facts

Dogs: The Toy Group
2007-11-28 21:42:00
The smallest of the dog breeds, Toys typically have a small size and a sweet expression. However, don?t let their diminutive size fool you into thinking that they are push overs. Their temperaments, personalities, and behaviors vary from breed to breed.Some of the breeds in the Toy Group are more popular than others. Among the largest of the Toys, you will find the Lowchen and the King Charles Spaniel. Among the smallest of this group, you will find the Chihuahua and the Pomeranian.Most breeds in the Toy Group share some common characteristics including the ease with which they can be picked up and carried. However, although they are all small in size, variations in average weights are quite apparent. In fact, the Kennel Club?s official Breed Standards usually lists ideal weights for each breed. Additionally, although the differences can be measured in mere inches, variations in height exist as well. Generations of breeding have produced the Toy Group as we currently know an...
More About: Dogs

Blog only Coupon! 15% off bigpawdesigns.com
2007-11-26 14:36:00
Happy Monday! Hope your shopping paws are not too tired and did not eat too much Turkey. We have a special offer for our blog readers - take 15% off when shopping at Big Paw Designs!Hurry - it expires 11/28.Just enter coupon code BLOGMONDAY at checkout.Woof! Meow!
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Send us your Holiday Pet Photos!
2007-11-25 15:54:00
Send us your cute pet photos for our Holiday Pet Gallery !Just email blog@bigpawdesigns.com with the photo and your pet's name and let the holiday jingle bells and treats begin!
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Dogs: Pedigree or Non-Pedigree
2007-11-24 16:40:00
Should you get a pedigree dog or a non-pedigree dog? Although this may seem like an extremely important question, it?s really more a matter of personal taste than anything.If you get a pedigree puppy, then you know exactly what to expect when the puppy grows up. You know what the average height and weight for a dog of this breed is. You can also read up on your new pet and discover what characteristics he will most likely have.You will be able to gauge important things like the level of exercise the dog will require, the amount of grooming he will need, and the degree of aggressiveness he will display. Moreover, you will know what diseases are inherently more likely due to the breed of dog that you have chosen. It follows that you will also be readily able to find advice on treatment of any inherited diseases.Nonetheless, certain advantages exist to the acquisition of a crossbred dog. In general, a crossbred dog is less expensive than a pedigree dog for obvious reasons. In fa...
More About: Dogs , Pedigree

Do?s and Dont's That Children Should Know
2007-11-24 01:55:00
The most important thing that parents can teach their children about dog ownership is that dogs are not people. Yes, dogs may be incredibly affectionate and they may follow us around much like humans do, but canines are animals. Animals react instinctively. They will not hesitate to show displeasure by snapping, nipping?or biting. Children ?and adults?should know that it is not unusual for a dog to ?seem OK? with a certain behavior that is described under the ?Dont's? section. Like many people, you may not be familiar with a dog?s body language and you may not realize that your dog is upset until he snarls, or worse.Even if you are sure you can ?read? your dog it?s not unheard of for a dog to suddenly decide it won?t tolerate something it has put up with for a while. After countless times of putting up with inappropriate behavior, your dog may decide to let you know it is displeased.To prevent dog-related injury, there are several rules that should be impressed upon your offs...

Charms That Match Your Dog's Character
2007-11-23 16:07:00
These are charms that will bring a smile to your face.We have a great range of pewter charms for both dogs and cats with pithy sayings that capture the identity of your pet. But! Do you have any quotes or maxims of your own which could be used to expand the choices we offer? It goes without saying that they need to be very brief, encapsulating an idea in two or three words. In conclusion, we are always on the lookout for great new ideas, so don't hold back.
More About: Character , Match , Hara

The Collie as He Should Be
2007-11-20 01:37:00
How He Presents HimselfBefore we go into any more details, may we say that a Collie tends not to be either a vain dog or a diva, in any way. This is a special breed that interests himself in contributing to (as far as he is concerned) the essential code of making the world a better place through exacting and serious work in order to make a substantial advancement in the well-being of his master. He is a highly developed guy who well understands a certain amount of individual sacrifice for the benefit of all. That said, he still may have quite a sense of humor and retain his very individual personality. He is desperate to please his master or mistress, but please treat him as he should be; a lack of praise for his labor may quite well confuse him and depress him.Physical Description and BreedingThe collie is a herding breed and normally his colorings are either sable and white or a definite predominance of white on their smooth coats and also often rough coats. White, black and tan m...
More About: Ollie

Holiday Pet Gallery
2007-11-19 03:15:00
Howloween Howls were so much fun - just check out Lucky the clown~ Don't forget to send us your holiday pet photos too!
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View the Halloween Pet Photo Gallery
2007-11-04 14:52:00
Check out our Howloween Photo Gallery - all of the entrants were great - check out everyone here. We have highlighted a few of our favorites - so have fun and enjoy!
More About: View , Halloween , Allo

Submit your Halloween Pet Photos!
2007-10-29 02:03:00
Don't forget to send your Halloween Pet photos for the Howloween gallery! Just email info@bigpawdesigns.comWoof! Meow!
More About: Photos , Submit , Allo

Traveling with Pets
2007-10-22 02:19:00
A family vacation may not seem complete to some families if they don't bring along their pets. Road trips with a dog or cat add a little extra work to the journey, but it can be an enjoyable experience for the human and pet family members when some advance preparations are made.Prepare a traveling kit for your pet that includes food, a bowl, a waste scooper and plastic bags, a leash, any medications the pet needs, grooming supplies, and plastic drinking jugs with fresh water. Drinking water from an unfamiliar area might upset your cat or dog's tummy. When traveling across state lines, bring a record of his rabies vaccinations. Some states require this information as you cross the state line. Bring along a favorite toy or blanket so your pet will have some sense of security in unfamiliar surroundings.Small dogs and cats should travel in a well-ventilated pet carrier. The carrier should be large enough for the pet to stand up without touching the top, turn around in, and lie ...
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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.
More About: Insurance , Pet Insurance

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...
More About: Happy , Healthy , Heal

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!
More About: Kitty , Collar , Coll , Ween

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...
More About: Breeds , Breed

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...
More About: Home , Consider

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.