Big Paw Blog

RSS Feed Homepage

Articles: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Grow Grass for Your Pets: Easy and Fun
2007-04-05 21:06:00
Do you notice that your pets -both cats and dogs- nibble on the lawn? It's a myth that domestic animals only chew grass when they're sick. They eat it because they like it! If you see your pet throwing up after nibbling on the lawn, it's because of pesticides, fertilizers and who-knows-what else is on it. Here's a simple, fun way to provide safe, healthy wheat grass for your favorite feline or pampered pooch:What you'll need:* Hard Winter Wheat --you can find this in bulk at your local health-food store* 2" deep cake rectangular cake pan* Sterile Potting Soil* Thick, high-end paper towels* Water --if your tap water is very alkaline, use filtered water* Spray BottleSounds easy so far, right? That's because it is! First you need to sprout the wheat kernels. Accomplish this by placing several layers of paper towels in your cake pan. Pour water over towels to fully soak. Spread a single layer of wheat kernels on towels, then cover with another several layers of wet paper towels. P...
More About: Pets , Grass , Easy , Grow

Helping Your Dog Overcome a Fear of Thunder
2007-04-04 21:16:00
A large number of dogs are fearful of thunder and other loud noises, and they suffer immensely whenever there?s a thunderstorm. Some dogs shake and whine uncontrollably, some find a place to hide, and others cause harm to themselves and others as a result of trying to flee. Even after years of experiencing storms, dogs have no idea that thunder isn?t a threat, and many behave as if the world might be coming to an end. Human BehaviorWhen an impending thunderstorm makes your dog anxious, don?t feed his fear by reacting to it. Pets take their cues from humans, and they watch for signs of stress. When thunder booms and lightening strikes, behave as usual, and go about your business. If you act as if nothing is wrong, your dog will be less fearful. Don?t give your dog treats or other rewards in an effort to calm his fears during a thunderstorm. Rewarding your dog when he?s shaking, whining, or fleeing the scene will only reinforce his fears. Only reward your dog when he?s behaving normal...
More About: Fear , Over , Come , Thunder , Ping

Pet Food Recall - Safe food list
2007-04-03 13:58:00
Woof! Meow!For all of you who are worried about the pet food recall - below is a very helpful link that lists all of the verified pet foods not impacted by the recall, along with notes on the foods.The Pet Food List
More About: Pet Food , Recall , Call

Pet Food Recall - Safe food list
2007-04-03 13:58:00
Woof! Meow!For all of you who are worried about the pet food recall - below is a very helpful link that lists all of the verified pet foods not impacted by the recall, along with notes on the foods.The Pet Food List
More About: Pet Food , Recall , Call

German Short Haired Pointers: The Breed & Rescue
2007-03-31 16:11:00
Like the needle on a compass, the German Shorthaired Point er can effectively zero in on their prey, drawing attention to it with the natural pose that earned this dog his name. Still as a statue, with all senses tuned in to where the quarry hides, his foot raised and then frozen in mid-step, tail outstretched - the Pointer is a sight to behold, whether one is a fan of hunting dogs or not. This just like is Charley - from Nor-Cal GSP rescue as seen in the photo.Fans of the German Shorthaired Pointer are sure to tell you that they are the epitome, when it comes to aristocratic hunting dogs. More elegant than the majority of the all-purpose hunting breeds, he has the good fortune of being beautiful and yet far more versatile than the other elegant hunters. In fact, not only is the German Shorthaired pointer capable of tracking, pointing and retrieving but, perhaps even more amusing, he is equally varied in the quarry that he can hunt. While he may be a descendant of a German Bird Dog,...
More About: Reed , Pointers , Rescue

Dog Collar Tags
2007-03-29 16:09:00
Dog tags are a great way to identify your dog in the event that he accidentally wanders off by himself. Fortunately for dog owners today, dog tags have evolved so that they are both functional and attractive.The tags typically come with a strong attachment device. The most common one is the simple ?o? ring that slips onto the collar. In some cases, the ring has been modified into a more attractive shape and style.Additionally, toggle attachments that can be taken off easily are available. They usually have a feature that allows you to open a small section of them to allow you to place it on and take it away from the collar.Dog tags are available in a variety of materials and styles depending solely on how much you want to spend on them. Dog tags are manufactured in basic metals, precious metals, a combination of the two, leather, metal with plastic edging, and more.The dog tags that are crafted from nickel are more durable and will hold up longer. Tags that are crafted from br...
More About: Collar , Coll

Common Things That Are Poisonous to Dogs
2007-03-29 01:24:00
Some substances that are poisonous to dogs are obvious, but the list of what could make your dog sick may contain some items that surprise you. Remember a dog is very much like a human toddler and is quite capable of putting anything that is appealing or looks appetizing into their mouths. Don't just childproof your home, dog proof it too. Get down on their level and see what they see from their point of view. Go around the house from that perspective and you might be really surprised what is down there and what they have access to. The following are some of the things that can pose a health risk to your dog.Plants and FlowersSome of the beautiful flowers and plants that we commonly have around our homes and gardens can be quite dangerous to a dog . Those lovely holiday seasonal blossoms, like Easter lilies. mistletoe, poinsettias, Christmas roses, many of the spring flowers like tulips, crocuses and hyacinth are toxic to your dog. There are more, but the best thing to remember is ...
More About: Dogs , Common , Things , That , Comm

Dogs: Treating Cuts And Scratches
2007-03-23 00:23:00
Rambunctious dogs are sure to have more than their fair share of cuts and scrapes. Even calm dogs can acquire a cut or scratch every now and then. Fortunately, it is usually a simple task to care for a cut or scratch on your dog.Treat ment depends upon the size of the cut or scratch. How long and how deep the cut is may change the manner in which you treat it. Cuts that are at least a half-inch deep or a half-inch long will need attention from the dog?s veterinarian. In fact, it will most likely take a stitch or more, depending on the length of the cut.If you plan to take your pet to the veterinarian, do not treat the cut yourself unless it is bleeding profusely. The staff at the veterinarian?s office will only have to take off any bandages or dressings that you have applied.Typically, minor cuts and scratches require little more than a thorough cleaning. The dog?s skin usually does not bleed profusely unless the cut is deep. In fact, consider any cut that does not penetrate ...
More About: Dogs , Eating , Scratch

Pet and Animal Trivia
2007-03-20 15:11:00
-Before you leave home, turn on the radio or TV for your pet. He will learn that the voice he hears belongs to his pack and will feel less anxious. This curbs the problems that occur when pets experience separation anxiety.-If pets and wild animals are getting into your garbage and leaving it strewn across your yard or on the curb, spray the bags or cans with apple cider vinegar. It is a natural animal repellent. -Geese and sheep travel in flocks, elephants travel in herds, as do buffalo. Did you know that elk travel in a gang?-A sow is a female pig. She has the shortest gestation period of all farm animals; 3 months, 3 weeks and 3 days after she is bred, she delivers her brood. -Moose kneel to graze because of their long legs and short neck. It is the only way they can reach their food. Only in a lake can they stand to eat and then only if water lilies and water grasses are floating on the surface.Visit Big Paw Designs for more pet fun, tips, and cool shopping.
More About: Animal , Trivia , Anima

Renting with Dogs
2007-03-19 01:53:00
Most landlords who forbid dogs have had an unpleasant experience in the past. Let?s face it. Some irresponsible dog owners allow their dog to run loose, mess the yard, or they leave them home for long periods to chew the blinds and howl. You can?t really blame landlords for being less than thrilled with dogs in their housing. If you?re a responsible pet owner, and your landlord frowns when you mention bringing in a dog, try these ten ideas for convincing him or her that your dog will not be a nuisance. First, ask why the no-pet policy so that you know what concerns to address.Invite the landlord to meet your dog. Make sure Max is groomed and on his best behavior.If there is a board of directors or other authority to take your request to, don?t take ?no? from management as the final decision.Assure them your dog will be kept indoors or on leash at all times.Assure them your dog is housetrained and that you will pick up after him outdoors.Offer to sign an addendum to be responsi...
More About: Dogs , Renting , Rent

The Fashion Capital of the World Goes Mad for Pet Jewelry
2007-02-23 16:08:00
Parisians just can't get enough of jewelry and outfits for their favorite pets.I tell you what, it doesn't matter what your peers think about dog and cat accessories, wherever you happen to live; here in Paris, outfitting your pet for his daily promenade is becoming almost as important as how you costume your children. Now that's saying something coming from the fashion capital of the world where tradition has long held that you outfit 'les enfants' for a relaxed family get together as if they were attending the premiere of a James Bond film. Just as the Parisian couture houses lead the way in chic for women and children, it is certain they will lead the way in pet sartorial elegance. As for me, I prefer the American designs.Sales of pet jewelry across the globe are rocketing and never has their been a better selection and prices to fit all pockets.
More About: Jewelry , Fashion , World , The World , Capital