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ONE Day Sale!
2007-06-03 18:47:00
Woof! We all have muddy paws here again today - it is pouring down rain. Since we are a little couped up today we thought we would run a ONE Day only special for our Big Paw Bloggers and My Space Bloggers.So.....drumroll please! Shop online today only - Sunday June 3rd - and get 20% off anything! Enter coupon code RainyDay at www.bigpawdesigns.com checkout in the coupon code box and shop away!
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Free E-Cards! Send one now or submit your pets photos!
2007-06-02 14:53:00
Big Paw Free E-cards are back by popular demand!Send a free E-cards to your pet-lovin' friends!Send E-cards now!Choose from several 'cat'egories like funny pets, breed specific and rescued pets!We are still building our photos - send us your pet photos for condsideration. Not all will be posted, but those that are will get a special coupon code for 10% off onlineshopping!Email info@bigpawdesigns.com with your submissions...
More About: Photos , Pets , Submit

Dogs on the Beach
2007-06-01 16:05:00
Bringing your dog to the beach has all the makings of a great day. Not only can the Frisbee playing, ball fetching and splashing around result in an afternoon?s worth of healthful exercise for both dog and dog owner, it can be a terrific way to bond with your best friend. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when you and your pet hit the surf and sand.First of all, sand is not necessarily a benign element. Many a hound has picked up some unwanted hitchhikers from a day at the beach, otherwise known as sand fleas. These tiny annoyances can cause irritations much the way typical fleabites can. An owner?s best bet is to flea-proof your pooch before a trip to the beach with products like Front Line or any recommended by the dog?s veterinarian.Similarly, water can be dangerous for a dog to drink. Naturally, salt water lapping should be avoided, but even the water from fresh water sources could spell a bout with dangerous micro-organisms. Ideally, you should bring some w...
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Talking dogs
2007-05-27 00:37:00
Woof! Enjoy a little fun this holiday weekend!
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Safe and Sound: Why Indoor Cats Should Stay Indoors
2007-05-26 02:27:00
When a cat sits in a window, avidly watching birds or squirrels, does it mean that she would prefer to be outside hunting? When she yowls at the presence of another cat in your backyard (having seen it from the enclosed patio), do you feel a pang of guilt that your cat is "indoors-only"? Does your cat's longing for sunlight and fresh air compel you to let her outside, even if just for a few minutes? Many pet owners feel pity for their cats who seem to yearn to play in the garden or climb trees in the front yard. Sometimes, cats who are used to being inside are allowed out under the watch of their owners. These brief moments in the elements can turn a contented cat into one who paces back and forth, waiting for you to open the back door. It can make your cat feel confined and unsatisfied in the comfortable home you have maintained for her. It can also cause your cat do to damage to your house by trying to get out on her own or to communicate her displeasure. Your cat's psycho...
More About: Cats , Sound , Indo , Safe , Stay

Avoiding Ticks
2007-05-24 01:45:00
As the weather begins to warm up, parasites become more active. Tick s are an especially annoying part of spring and summer, though they can be found all year round.Ticks are known carriers of Lyme Disease and Ehrlichiosis. The tick's bite itself is not a serious injury, but infection caused by the bacteria transmitted during the bite can be a hazard.Even dogs and cats who are kept 100% indoors can pick up the occasional tick. Ticks, like fleas, can ride into the home on a person or another animal that has walked through grass or bushes. While it is less likely that an indoor animal will pick up a tick, it is good to know what to look for just in case.If your pet has picked up a tick, it's best to remove it right away. Grab the tick's body as close to the dog's skin as possible and gently pull it straight out. If the head remains in the skin, don't worry. The dog's immune system will fight back. You may notice a small bump of grainy skin around the bite. This helps to ward off ...
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Dog Treats
2007-05-21 01:47:00
Dog treats serve several purposes including rewards for good behavior, satisfaction of chewing needs, and prevention of boredom. No matter which reason or purpose leads you to select treats for your dog, they probably serve more than one purpose at any given time. Treat s, often used as positive reinforcement for good behavior, can also serve as a means of allowing dog and master to bond more closely. Dogs easily associate a particular individual with the treats that he acquires from him. Therefore, the dog may begin to eagerly await the appearance of the individual who supplies the most treats. Additionally, your dog will learn to associate certain types of behavior as the ones that lead to the appearance of a treat or two.Substituting treats in place of your dog?s regular diet is not a good idea. It is important to continue to provide your dog with his daily nutritional meals. Additionally, it is even more important to keep an eye on your dog?s weight. If he seems to be put...
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The 411 on Heartworm Preventative
2007-05-20 02:01:00
Do you know how heartworm preventative works? Your vet has told you how important it is to follow a regular heartworm preventative schedule, especially if you have dogs. Here's why heartworm preventative so important, and some tips on choosing the right heartworm preventative for your pets. Heartworm preventative is a daily or monthly treatment prescribed by veterinarians that kills the heartworm, or Dirofilaria immitis. The heartworm is an actual parasitic worm that is transmitted by mosquito. Heartworms develop and invade your pet through the bloodstream. Once mature, heartworms choke the heart and other organs, causing death if left untreated. Heartworm preventative is used to kill the heartworm larvae and ensure that your pet does not become infected with heartworm disease. Some cats are able to spontaneously fight off heartworm disease, but not all of them are so lucky and dogs are unable to fight heartworm disease without treatment. Using a heartworm preventative is vital to ...
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Lago Vista Paws - Animal Shelter needs help
2007-05-12 20:17:00
Lago Vista PAWS Animal Center is an independent, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to protecting and promoting the lifelong partnership between people and pets. Our no-kill shelter has not escaped the escalating disaster caused by contaminated pet food. We have had a high number of sick dogs and puppies, and our cat population has been particularly hurt because we have lost two cats, have tested/treated a dozen others, and are monitoring 50+ daily. We are spending thousands of dollars to care for these sick animals. Donations from the public have been slow in coming, and we are struggling to keep up with the vet bills. Donations for the Medical Emergency Fund can be sent to Lago Vista PAWS, PO Box 4100 , Lago Vista , TX 78645 . To make an online donation, go to www.lvpaws.org and click on Network for Good near the bottom of the right-hand column.
More About: Need , Shelter , Needs

The Wild Looks of the Egyptian Mau
2007-05-11 13:42:00
Many lovers of domestic cats are also fans of the beauty of their wild cousins, and the Egyptian Mau allows those pet lovers to bring the beauty of the wild into their homes. The striking appearance of this breed makes it a real crowd pleaser, and their delightful personality, charm and intelligence makes the Egyptian Mau a favorite household companion as well.There is much evidence to suggest that the Egyptian Mau is in fact the same cat that was first domesticated in ancient times, and that it is in fact the cat pictured on the walls of pyramids and other structures in Ancient Egypt. The unique coloring of the Egyptian Mau certainly seems to lend credence to the theory that this is the cat that was domesticated from the spotted African Wild Cat.The spots are of course a major feature of the Egyptian Mau, and in fact this breed is the only naturally spotted breed of domestic cat. The Mau is an extremely intelligent and engaging cat, and they are quite active as well. The voice ...
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Dogs: Toy Safety and Fun
2007-05-10 02:43:00
Even dogs need to be amused from time to time. Therefore, it is important to provide a variety of toys for your pet. With the exception of the terrier breed, most breeds of dogs do not show a preference for one type of toy over another.However, it is equally important to provide toys that are safe for your dog to play with on a regular basis. The things that you give to your dog to play with should not resemble common household items. If they do, it may be difficult for your pet to distinguish between the two. There?s no sense to setting him up for failure by confusing him from the get go. Young puppies, in particular, need a variety of toys to keep them amused and out of mischief. If they have been separated from their mother and littermates, they no longer have company to keep them entertained. It is up to their owner to provide them with the means to stay out of trouble. As stated above, most dogs do not show a preference for their toys and will play with each of them in...
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Flea Control
2007-05-08 14:59:00
Fleas are more than a pesky annoyance that bring itching and pain to cats, dog, and people; they can also affect your pet's health. Flea bites can cause allergic reactions, anemia, skin problems, blood disorders which may lead to death, and they may also carry parasitic worms. Their saliva can cause a severe allergic reaction called flea bite dermatitis. A single flea may bite 400 times a day, and you may see your pet scratching when you don't see a flea on him! Flea-infested pets are truly miserable. Flea prevention and control are a necessary part of responsible pet ownership. Fleas don't usually live on your pet. They jump on to get a meal by biting them and drawing blood out of the skin, eliminating digested blood (flea dirt), and then may jump or fall off into the environment. They will live in your yard, floor, carpet, upholstery, or the pet's bedding, and jump back on when another warm body comes by to get their next meal. Fleas will lay eggs on your pet which may fall of...
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Flea Control
2007-05-08 01:51:00
Fleas are more than a pesky annoyance that bring itching and pain to cats, dog, and people; they can also affect your pet's health. Flea bites can cause allergic reactions, anemia, skin problems, blood disorders which may lead to death, and they may also carry parasitic worms. Their saliva can cause a severe allergic reaction called flea bite dermatitis. A single flea may bite 400 times a day, and you may see your pet scratching when you don't see a flea on him! Flea-infested pets are truly miserable. Flea prevention and control are a necessary part of responsible pet ownership. Fleas don't usually live on your pet. They jump on to get a meal by biting them and drawing blood out of the skin, eliminating digested blood (flea dirt), and then may jump or fall off into the environment. They will live in your yard, floor, carpet, upholstery, or the pet's bedding, and jump back on when another warm body comes by to get their next meal. Fleas will lay eggs on your pet which may...
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Dog Breeds ? the Standard Poodle
2007-05-05 21:21:00
When many people think of the poodle, it is the tiny toy poodle that comes to mind. This tiny dog has a much larger cousin, however, and the standard poodle is a loyal, loving and highly intelligent dog.The standard poodle is also known for being a very good watch dog, and a dog that is good with both people and pets. Since they are both large and high energy, they do need lots of space to run, and regular exercise is important to both their physical and their mental well being.At between 22 and 27 inches in height at the shoulder and carrying a weight of between 45 and 70 pounds, the standard poodle dwarfs its smaller relative. This large size makes the standard poodle a great choice for lovers of big dogs.Since the standard poodle is somewhat large in stature, owners should be on the lookout for signs of hip dysplasia, a common problem in large breed dogs. The breed is also known to suffer from ear infections and stifle problems, and it is important for new standard poodle own...
More About: Standard , Anda , Reed , Breeds , Stand

Happy Cinco de Mayo! Woof
2007-05-05 14:15:00
Happy Cinco de Mayo from BigPawDesigns.com
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Goldendoodle
2007-04-30 00:35:00
The Golden doodle, as its name would suggest, is a hybrid dog produced from breeding Golden Retrievers and Poodles. Some suggest the mix was first bred in Australia, but North American breeders claim to have first created Goldendoodles in the mid 1990s. Due to their very light shedding coats, amiable personalities, and largely hypoallergenic nature, they have become very popular pets in recent years.Both Poodles and Golden Retrievers are widely considered to be among the smartest dog breeds, and Goldendoodles retain the high intelligence of their parents. They are very playful, and love water. They will eagerly give chase to anything that moves, following the hunting instincts inherent in all retrievers; in addition, they have a strong sense of smell that often keeps them sniffing everything in sight. Kids, strangers, and other dogs are all greeted with a friendly and sociable attitude. For the most part, they are easily trained and almost always enjoy fetching. Most Goldendoodles ca...
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How to Read Your Cat?s Face
2007-04-26 14:45:00
Reading your cat?s face can be easy if you know what too look for. Cats are not a social species, so they do not have a need for cooperative signals. Cats have not developed a gesture or facial expression to greet you, like a wave or a tail wag. Your cat may be truly happy to see you, yet they maintain a relaxed and alert look.The eyes, ears, mouth, and whiskers all work together in combination to give clues. You must know what each one does and how it relates to their mood.Your cat?s eyes reveal his mood. When completely relaxed, the eyes shut and the cat shows no sign of fright. When your cat is frightened or curious, adrenalin is released causing your cat?s pupils to dilate. When your cat is unsure of how he feels, the pupils look restricted, and this could lead the cat into any direction concerning his mood.The ears of your cat will usually give you the most accurate clue to her mood. There are over 20 muscles in your cat?s ears to control position. If the ears are he...
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Do Dogs Sweat?
2007-04-23 16:03:00
In a simple word, yes, but not the way human beings do. A dog does not have sweat glands in their skin or in their armpits the way we do. They sweat through the pads on the bottom of their feet. Apocrine glands in humans produce sweat but in dogs those same glands secrete the pheromones that give the dog it's own peculiar odor. It also helps seal the outer layer pf the skin, but it doesn't produce sweat. The eccrine glands in a dogs paws release a substance much like human perspiration. Nerves, stress and heat can cause the release of that water like substance and the dog may leave behind damp paw prints as they walk.The sweat glands they do have in the paws of their feet do not cool them down sufficiently so they pant. Panting helps them breath out excess heat from their bodies.Like human beings dogs lose water when they sweat and it is important to keep them hydrated the same way we need to keep fluids in us on hot days or when we exercise. Keep bowls of cool fresh water bot...
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Pet Food Recall Updates - Pass it on
2007-04-22 18:05:00
One of our dog friends gave us some new sites to check in on the food recall. One now has a email list you can sign up to receive recall updates. Woof! I am signing up for the email alerts now!Here are a few sources for current and breaking information:Howl 911 Itchmo --Itchmo also has an email alert for new recalls you can sign up for.Petsit USA Woof! Meow!Big Paw Designs
More About: Food , Pet Food , Recall , Updates , Update

Pet Photo Contest - Enter to win!
2007-04-22 16:09:00
Don't forget to enter your pet's photo in our Q2 contest!View the contest here Enter hereFeel free to forward your pet on our contest page to your pet friends and family! Woof Meow!
More About: Contest , Photo , Test , Contes

Senior Pet Feeding Habits
2007-04-22 02:42:00
If your pet is a senior, you?ll want to adjust their food intake. Geriatric diets help older pets meet the challenges of aging. You don?t need to be an expert to realize that, as pets get older, there is a reduction in their physical and mental capabilities. Just like humans, aging pets need special care. Their muscles weaken, their digestive systems and metabolism get slower and eyesight and hearing deteriorate. This means that older pets need different nutritional requirements. Specially formulated geriatric foods can be purchased from pet stores for senior canines and felines.When metabolism slows, your pet?s energy is reduced. This means that your pet will require fewer calories. Geriatric foods contain less fat and protein, which will allow their metabolism the handle their food intake. Sense of smell and taste also become less keen, lessening their appetite, reducing food intake and, at times, causing weight loss. To aid aging pets, senior foods are higher in quality, but not ...
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Cat Toys: Tips to Make the Most of Kitty?s Playtime
2007-04-21 16:20:00
You bring home a brand-new cat toy and carefully unpack the thing. In no time, your kitty is right there ? playing with the packaging or batting the instructions around. Worse, your feline pal is ignoring you completely, as if she knows that she is expected to engross herself in your latest investment.As frustrating as cats can be sometimes, there are still things that you can do to pick the right toys and make the most of your cat?s playtime. -Turn down the lighting when the cat?s playing with you. Cats are nocturnal by nature, so they?re more likely to enjoy the hunting game when the room is below high-noon light levels. And if you?re the one holding the toy, try different maneuvers. Jitterbug the fake mouse across the room. Make the toy run away from your cat. Try different things to see what interests your aloof pal. -Find types of toys that your cat likes. Some cats love chasing the feathers on the end of the stick. Others can?t stand that game. If your fuzzy buddy isn?t intere...
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The Happy Dog Home ? Dealing with Separation Anxiety
2007-04-18 02:26:00
There are many behavioral issues seen in otherwise wonderful dogs, but one of the most common has to be separation anxiety. Many otherwise well adjusted and delightful canines become nervous wrecks the minute their humans leave the house, and the resulting separation anxiety can manifest itself in a myriad of ways, from house soiling to chewing to self-injury. It is important for owners of these anxious dogs to get a handle on the problem and address the root cause of the issue.One of the simplest ways to deal with separation anxiety is to leave home often and for short periods of time. Simply leaving the dog alone for a few minutes, while you walk around the block or drive around the neighborhood, can help to ensure your canine friend that you will indeed be returning. Many dogs that suffer from separation anxiety seem to fear that their owners are never coming home, and this causes a great deal of stress. Simply returning home, armed with treats and lots of scratches behind th...
More About: Home , Happy , Separation , Separation Anxiety , Deal

Scratching Post 101
2007-04-15 22:43:00
Teaching your cat early to use a cat scratching post will save you a lot of headache and damaged furniture in the future. There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a cat post:1. It should be tall enough for you cat to stand on its hind feet and really stretch up high with the front legs. This is how many cats like to scratch. If a post is too short many cats may scratch at the base, but still use the sofa to stretch up. The flat types also allow a cat to stretch out along the ground to scratch.2. Find one as stable as possible. The style that hangs on the door may swing or bang around when a cat tries to scratch and they won?t like it. Also posts that wobble when scratched are not attractive to a kitty. 3. Different cats like different surfaces. Generally carpet is the most popular post covering, but some cats like the cardboard scratching surfaces or the rope style. You may need to try a few to find your own cat?s preference. 4. It?s okay to have several posts...
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Dogs of Some Renown: Five Famous Pooches
2007-04-13 14:51:00
They say that every dog has his day-- here are five canines who's fifteen minutes of fame have outlasted most:* Rin Tin Tin: This rescued German Shepherd began his movie career in 1925 in the movie Where the North Begins. Rin Tin Tin went on to make 25 movies (wherein he always saved the day) and signed his own contracts with his paw.* Snoopy: Created by Charles Schultz, Snoopy is still one of the most beloved of all the characters in the Peanuts comic strips. The beagle is forever chasing the Red Baron but never even comes close to catching him. Snoopy fancies himself a novelist who always begins his stories, 'It was a dark and stormy night..'* Spuds McKenzie: Spokesdog for the Anheuser-Busch beer company, Spuds had a lengthy career as Senior Party Consultant during the 1980s. One of the more active doggies of the decade, Spuds water skiied, skate-boarded and spent a lot of time in the company of beautiful women.* Laika: Her name means 'barker' in Russian. Laika was the first ...
More About: Dogs , Famous , Reno , Five , Some

Tax Day - Take 15% off
2007-04-12 13:49:00
Big Paw cannot make the Tax Man go away - but we can help with a little retail therapy!Take 15% off anything at Big Paw Designs until April 20th! Simlpy enter the coupon code BLOGTAX in the coupon box at checkout when you shop online. Woof! Meow!

Puppy Treats
2007-04-11 01:54:00
If you have ever owned a puppy or visited someone who does, then you know that puppies love to chew. In fact, puppies are not discriminatory and they will simply chew on anything and everything when the mood sets upon them. Therefore, it is in your best interest (and the best interest of your home) and in the best interest of the puppy (and the puppy?s health), for you to provide your puppy with lots of appropriate treats.If you are buying treats for your puppy, realize that your puppy has different needs than adult dogs. The physical characteristics of puppies are much different than that of adult dogs. Puppies are much smaller than adult dogs, their jaws are not as strong, and their need to chew is more intense. Therefore, it follows that their treats should be treats that have been formulated with puppies in mind. Most importantly, puppies need treats that are much smaller, so that they can enjoy them. If you purchase treats that are too large for your puppy, then he won?t...
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Happy Easter!
2007-04-08 17:33:00
Hoppy Easter from Big Paw Designs
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Hold the Avocado!
2007-04-07 01:49:00
You may love guacamole, but it doesn't love your pets. While it may be high in plant proteins and other healthy vitamins for you, it can be deadly to your pet.Avocado plants, in all their parts, contain a toxin called persin. Guatemalan avocados, which are the most prevalent variety, is also apparently the highest in persin content.For dogs, the primary concern is gastrointestinal distress including diarrhea and vomiting. These effects are typically seen in dogs who have consumed significant quantities of the fruit. If you bring home a doggie bag to share with your four-legged friend, make sure there is no avocado in it before sharing.Rodents and birds are particularly sensitive to avocado. Ingestion of the fruit, or other parts, can lead to severe respiratory distress, congestion, and even to fluid accumulating around the heart. Any of these conditions, if left untreated, can lead to death.Keep avocado fruit, leaves, seeds, and bark away from your pets. If you suspect your pet of ...
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What to feed your dog
2007-04-07 01:19:00
When it comes to choosing a dog food, consumers are faced with an overwhelming number of brands, all claiming to keep your pet his healthiest, with the shiniest coat and most energy. This is especially true with the latest pet food recalls. The truth is that there are many excellent pet foods on the market and one particular dog may not do as well on a particular food as another dog. You may have to try a few different brands before you find the one that suits your dog. Then you have another decision: dry, semi-moist or canned? Much of it is personal preference, but there are some things to keep in mind when choosing a food for your pet.Meat, eggs, fish, or meat or fish meal should be the first or second ingredient on the label. Some foods are corn or grain based and may not offer a high quality protein content. Avoid foods that list generic ingredients such as animal fat, poultry fat, corn gluten meal, meat by-products or meat digest. These are byproducts of human food prod...
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