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Cruciate Ligaments in Dogs
2008-06-06 02:49:00
Today's post takes a personal note. Cruciate Ligaments injuries in dogs is quite common. And one of the Big Paw Designs dogs has now experienced it. Big George, our Great Pyrenees mix goes into surgery tomorrow to repair his knee. This injury is the equivalent to ACL in humans. It often goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed as a hip issue - so be vigilant in documenting your pet's behavior to give tips to your vet for diagnosis. After doing some research, this is a very common issue with dogs. Especially hunting dogs and larger dogs. In addition, dogs who are middle aged (5-7) seem to be impacted. It is important, especially in larger breed dogs, that they not be overweight. However, some of the cause may be genetic - just based on their body structure. Mr. George is not overweight - and perhaps a bit underweight - we wanted to avoid any unnecessary hip issues in large breed dogs with him. So part of it in his case is probably a combination of age, the angle of his legs, and...
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Remembering Passed Pets
2008-06-04 01:56:00
A memorial gift can be a thoughtful testimony to the meaningfulness of the life and love of a beloved pet who has passed on. It can also be the gift of life for other animals in need. It can add just the right touch for expressing compassion to someone who has had a loss and who cares about animal welfare.Buying a plaque for the wishing well of your local animal rescue group (such as Citizens for Animal Protection) or a paving brick (Houston Zoo and SPCA) is a way immortalizing that lost loved one. People see the names emblazoned there every day, and many are warmed at the thought of the love symbolized by the remembrance.The Houston SPCA also maintains kennels sponsored in the memory of passed pets, as well as living animals and other sponsors. You see the engraved plaques above each kennel at every visit.The Houston Humane Society has a memory tree prominently displayed on one wall. It’s foliage is comprised of engraved brass leaves featuring the names of donors to the program a...
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Socializing your Dog
2008-05-30 01:11:00
Your DogMany dogs lack basic social skills because they are seldom exposed to strange people or animals. Dogs who are raised without ever leaving their own home or yard may be shy or fearful of new situations that have unfamiliar sights, smells, and sounds. For such dogs, any change in their environment can be stressful and they will have a hard time adjusting to a new environment. Shy or fearful dogs who end up in animal shelters may be considered antisocial and unfit for placement in a new home. When you bring a new puppy home, it is a good idea to begin his socialization early. Get him used to being handled and take him places with you so he gets used to unfamiliar places, people, and pets. Give him proper obedience training so he will be well-behaved in public places and other homes. Before beginning to teach social skills to an older dog, give him basic obedience training if you haven’t already. Teach him to walk on a leash, and “sit-stay” and “come” commands. If you ...

Hound- Basset Fauve De Bretagne
2008-05-26 15:55:00
The Basset Fauve De Bretagne, one of the hound dogs, is a small dog. This dog typically weighs between 35 and 39 _ pounds when fully grown. This breed of basset reaches between 12 _ and 15 inches in height for a fully-grown dog.The coat of a Basset Fauve De Bretagne almost invariably comes in a reddish fawn coloring. The Basset Fauve De Bretagne’s coat is tough and harsh in appearance and to the feel. Grooming this breed requires a bit of time. In fact, in addition to brushing and combing, this dog occasionally needs a bath due to the odd odor or two that he has a tendency to accumulate.The Basset Fauve De Bretagne is one of the shortest of his breed. His appearance is very neat and he tends to present an appearance that is similar to the terrier group.He might be considered a good ratter or hunter because he will go after almost any type of small animal, in particular, rabbits. However, true to the nature of his breed, once he has his sights set on something, he is slow to...
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Used Dogs Rescue Updates
2008-05-18 17:54:00
Here are the lastest updates from USED DOGS Rescue in New Orleans!Don't forget - The Woof Fleur de Lis charm and keychain benefits USED Dogs ...Used Dogs has been trapping at the BW COOPER Demo site and gotten 2 adult dogs that were the sources of some of the 4+ litters of puppies we had pulled from there.Here is the first one. I named here Ava Lucille!She wasn't feral at all and seemed very relieved to finally be caught.She is emaciated and has some skin issues but is well on her road to recovery.She of course spayed now. She has a really neat temperament.I am glad we got her, cause she a super dog, but in the condition we found her in, she would have been a prime candidate for euthanasia at Animal ControlUsed Dogs has been doing some really good adoptions too! Bowser got an AWSOME home. As did Trigger and Zampino AND Sportacus!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Getting lots of spay/neutering of pit bulls done.
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Secret Sale Friday!
2008-05-16 20:55:00
They don't come often, and you never know when...but today is secret sale day!So shop online at www.bigpawdesigns.com and get a huge discount. Enter coupon code SECRET508 at checkout and see what kind of discount you get!
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What Do You call your dog?
2008-05-14 22:04:00
We recently asked our Big Paw Designs newsletter subscribers to submit their favorite pet sayings and nicknames - we are always looking for inspiration for our designs! We will be posting some of them If you have suggestions - keep em comin! Send us your pets and nicknmes to info@bigpawdesigns.comLady (pit bull/shepherd mix): Lady Bug, Miss Lady DoCocoa (87 lb chocolate lab): Frankenpuppy, Bubby, monsterCongo (chow, shepherd mix): dogzilla, 'zilla, junkyard dogLuciferThrowing a Missy Fit
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How Can you resist this face! Help Rescue Pets
2008-05-13 15:34:00
How can you resist this face, or the many others at the Heard County Animal Control in Franklin Georgia. As so many rescue groups are overcrowded, this shelter has a great need - so if you live in Georgia, make the drive to this shelter and pick up one of these cuties! You can read more here...
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Designer Dogs: The Puggle
2008-05-08 21:17:00
A new trend has begun in the dog world and many have referred to it as an emergence of designer dogs. In fact, designer dogs can be more expensive than purebreds due to the increased demand for them. The popularity of designer dogs has soared over the last few years, and the puggle is only one of several types of designer dogs.A puggle is a cross between a pug and a beagle that exhibits some of the characteristics of each breed and yet seems to eliminate some of the more annoying characteristics of each. The typical pug is not very athletic. He is easy going, portrays a calm demeanor, and does not show any signs of insecurity. He does not become overexcited, nor does he circle about yipping for attention.The typical beagle is athletic and gregarious. Although he is not easy to housebreak or very obedient, he is very lovable and pleasant. Additionally, his grooming needs are minimal. Unfortunately, he is an excitable dog and does like to howl or yip for attention.Puggles, on ...
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Dogs: The Utility Group
2008-05-03 21:45:00
The Utility or Non-Sporting Group seems to be a catch all for all sorts of sizes and shapes of dogs. The dogs within this classification have been bred to perform special functions, however, they do not fall within one of the other groups. It is important to note that Britain and the United States differentiate among the dogs classed within this group. For example, the United States does not include the Japanese Akita within this group, but rather, places it within the Working Group.Most of the breeds that fall within this category have their origination from many years ago, and therefore, their lineage is ancient. Once upon a time, these dogs may have had a working purpose in life, but no more. These breeds make wonderful companions due to their dispositions.Additionally, some of these breeds do quite well as show dogs. The dogs have a variety of coats, coloring, heights, weights, and body shapes. The following dogs are included in the Utility Group:Boston TerrierBulldogCanaa...
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The Bloodhound: The Nose Knows
2008-04-30 23:59:00
Somewhat comical to gaze upon, and yet famous for his sense of smell and tracking abilities, the Bloodhound is a very old and noble breed of dog. In fact, while the true origins of this dog remain a mystery, many believe that his creation far predates Christianity. Early reference to the Bloodhound was made as far back as 3 A.D., when Claudius Aelianus made note of this incredible dog in his Historia Animalium. There, he described the breed as a dog whose ability to hunt by scent was unrivaled. He also made mention of how determined the dog was, staying on the trail until it had located its quarry against all odds.While the Bloodhound owes most of his origins to the Mediterranean countries, it must be said that he was refined further, following his introduction to Europe. Originally appearing there, prior to the Crusades, there were two known varieties of Bloodhound at the time - the black and the white. The black variety of this breed later became known as the famous St. Hube...
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A game of Tag
2008-04-28 15:10:00
Ok - not the game of tag you are thinking of. The blog game of tag. We usually don't do this - but who knows! Heck - it is Monday and it could be fun! I've been tagged by Pet Rescuer Central and now I am it! The rules of the game are as follows: 1. The rules of the game get posted at the beginning. 2. Each player answers the questions about themselves. 3. At the end of the post, the player than tags 4 or 5 people and post their names,then goes to their blogs and leaves a comment,letting them know that they have been tagged and asking them to read your blog. 4. Let the person who tagged you know when you have posted your answer.1.What was I doing 10 years ago?Hmmmm....1998Let's see, I was working in an ad agency and single and carefree.2.What are the 5 things on my to do list for today (not in any particular order). I usually don't make lists, maybe I should. * Take the baby and dogs on a walk * Go through emails * Get orders that came in over the weekend for Big Paw D...
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Cool Test - How old is your dog?
2008-04-27 15:13:00
Take the Dog Age Test - really cool! It asks some questions to customize how old your pooch really is.Woof!
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Cats and Milk
2008-04-26 01:27:00
Kittens live off their mother's milk for the first several weeks of their lives. After that period a startling change often occurs in their digestive systems. If a cat fails to ingest dairy products for too long, the bacteria in his intestinal tract will change. He will become unable to properly digest dairy. Cats in the wild are not exposed to milk products after they have been weaned, and modern domestics still go through that primitive system alteration. Cats generally love dairy, though, and will ask for it. In older cats, ingestion of dairy products can cause diarrhea and flatulence. If you choose to treat your cat with dairy, do it infrequently and in small amounts. There are also alternative "milk" products at your local petsmart.All articles copyright bigpawdesigns.com. Do not repost or copy without permission.View more at www.bigpawdesigns.com
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Why Should You Play with Your Dog?
2008-04-25 01:07:00
Besides the simple fact that it can be a lot of fun, playing with your dog can have other important ramifications. Both the dog and the owner will learn to communicate better with each other. The more time that they spend together, the better they will know each other. Each of them will begin to understand facial expressions, voice intonations, and gestures more fully. Verbal expression may take a back seat occasionally as these other forms of communication become better understood and perhaps even more expressive.Additionally, playtime can be an excellent opportunity to teach your dog good manners. This is turn will turn the dog into a better family member. After all, taking turns is not only part of playtime, but also, it is part of daily living.People who play with their dogs often meet other people who are also playing with their dogs. They can share useful information that can help them to be better pet owners. Perhaps they will learn more about their dog or dogs in gen...
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Schnoodle
2008-04-18 17:00:00
An emergence of designer dogs has created a whole new set of dogs to select from for a family pet. Designer dogs are, however, more expensive than purebreds in many cases. The Schnoodle is only one of several types of designer dogs.A schnoodle is a cross between a schnauzer and a poodle that has some of the characteristics of each breed. Typically, crossbred dogs do not exhibit any of the inbred traits for diseases that purebreds have.This selectivity of good characteristics and the absence of negative ones are due to the fact that many of the problem traits in a purebred are recessive. Both parents of the puppies must have the trait in order for it to appear. Crossbreeding eliminates many of these undesirable characteristics.For the most part, schnoodles are easily trained and very intelligent. Therefore, they learn quickly. Plus, they make great family pets because they are friendly and affectionate. Even though they are not overly noisy or aggressive, they are good watchd...

Save 20% on Bone Hunter Charm!
2008-04-17 21:14:00
For our blog readers, we have a special deal - save 20% on our Bone Hunter collar charm! Just shop online at bigpawdesigns.com and enter "bhblog" in the coupn code at checkout....woof!
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Mixing It Up for Your Pet
2008-04-10 17:20:00
With cats and dogs, dry kibble can get a bit boring. Mix it up for your pet by combining wet and dry food for a special treat. Any single kibble variety can be invigorated into a seemingly endless assortment of flavors and textures to keep your pet interested.Try crumbling some dry kibble on top of a bowl of wet food. This can add some crunch to an otherwise soft meal. This is also a good way to start a wet food eater on kibble, but introducing it to them slowly.To keep a picky pooch or kitty from licking out only the wet food in a dish, try putting your kibble and wet food into a zipper bag and shaking it up. This will help to completely coat dry kibble and give your pet a more interesting meal time experience.For a real treat, put a few spoonfuls of wet food on top of the regular kibble in your pet's dish. This offers an appetizer and a main course all in one.If your dog or cat is a gourmand, serve up something special. Serve your pet's normal wet food meal on top of a small amo...

Dog Breeds ? The Pointer
2008-04-09 21:13:00
Many breeds of dog owe their existence to the human quest for birds and other game, and the Pointer is certainly no exception. The Pointer was developed to help hunters flush out game birds, by ?pointing? in the direction of the game. This unique breed retains its love of the hunt, and it loves to run and play. It is important, therefore, for Pointer owners to have plenty of space for their new dogs, and it is important for these dogs to get plenty of exercise.The Pointer is a medium sized dog, with adults standing between 24 and 27 inches at the shoulder and weighing in at between 40 and 65 pounds. As with other similarly sized breeds, owners of Pointers should be on the lookout for signs of hip dysplaysia and obesity, as well as kidney problems that are sometimes associated with the breed. It is important for all dog owners to have their pets thoroughly vet checked at least once per year.The dense, short coat of the Pointer requires less grooming than many other breeds, but i...
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Winter Pet Contest Winner
2008-04-06 04:19:00
Ozzie is our Winter 2008 Pet Photo contest winner.Our Spring 2008 pet photo contest is now underway....enter your pooch or kitty now!
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Easter Pet Photos
2008-03-22 15:24:00
Woof! Meow!It is time to submit those cute Easter Dog and Cat pet photos for our 2008 Easter Pet Photo Gallery...And don't forget the pet photos contest (a new one begins in April) or the other fun photo galleries - like the Irish dog photos.
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Cavalier King Charles
2008-03-07 02:20:00
The Cavalier King Charles is a toy dog descended from the King Charles Spaniel admired in medieval times. Breeders first began to develop the King Charles Cavalier in the 1920s, when the popularity of toy spaniels with longer noses was high. The original King Charles dog was named after Charles II of England, who was said to adore the diminutive dogs. By the 1940s, the Cavalier prefix was added to distinguish them from their ancestors. In appearance, the Cavalier King Charles is similar to other spaniels but with several unique characteristics. It has large, dark round eyes set in a flat skull. The muzzle is short and gently tapered. The ears are long and downy. Some dogs have a chestnut red spot at the top of the head between the ears known as the Blenheim or kissing spot; this distinctive trait is preferred by breeders. At only 12-13 inches tall and 12-18 lbs, the Cavalier is roughly the size of a large cat.The coat is silky and wavy. Coloring can be mahogany red, black and tan, t...

Gifts For The Rescuer
2008-03-04 15:07:00
Has your cat already given up a few of its nine lives? Perhaps your dog has actually earned the name ?Lucky?. With our rescue charms, you can let your hero know just how much you appreciate his/her help.Firefighters and rescue personnel are often called to situations involving pets. From kittens in sewers to trapped horses, these men and women put themselves at risk to save the life of your cherished pet. And then there is also the bystander who, with no training or equipment, goes above and beyond to insure your pet?s safe return. Even your pet?s veterinarian may have gone to extraordinary lengths to put your pet back in your arms where he belongs. All of these people are deserving of a little token of gratitude.These people are usually left with little more than the memory of what they did that day. Our line of rescue charms is a wonderful way to say ?Thank You?. In addition, you can help out other pets with the purchase of our Woof Fleur de Lis charms. A portion of the proceeds f...
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Pupcorn is back!
2008-03-02 16:17:00
Yes - Pupcorn is back. Your dog loves it - crunchy cheesy or peanut butter snacks. He will roll over and shake for this! And they are low calorie so no worries of a little snack every now and then.Order yours now! Woof!
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Is Your Elderly Dog Overweight?
2008-02-28 01:59:00
Now that your pooch has entered her golden years she needs more tender loving care than ever. Like people, dogs and cats tend to put on weight, as they grow older. A few pounds here and there might not make that much of a difference but too much extra weight can cause health problems and limit mobility. Many older dogs suffer from such conditions as hip dysplasia, heart disease or other health problems. Too much extra weight can add to already existent heath problems, increasing their severity. Older dogs are naturally less active therefore they don’t get as much exercise and tend to pack on the pounds more easily. You may need to adapt your dog’s diet to meet the needs of her changing body. People tend to overfeed their pets. More food does not automatically mean your pet is getting better or even proper nutrition. Empty calories can easily add weight without providing essential nutrients. A hefty pooch is not necessarily healthier than a slim dog. In fact, most dogs and cats u...
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Pug
2008-02-25 00:09:00
With its wrinkly face and stubborn, individualistic nature, a Pug is a dog with a strong personality. A Pug can be tough and opinionated and will often stand its ground with an unblinking stare to express its wishes. But, Pugs are also affectionate and playful and adore human attention and companionship. Pugs originated in China over two thousand years ago and were favored by Chinese Emperors. They also became popular with Tibetan monks. Eventually, this breed made its way to Japan and then Europe, probably transported by merchants and crew members from trading ships. Pugs were companions of aristocrats and kings in the 16th and 17th centuries. In 1754, William Hogarth, an English painter, painted his self-portrait along with his Pug, “Trump.” Queen Victoria owned many Pugs and also bred them.A Pug has a muscular, thickset, compact body with a deep chest. Its head is large and round with prominent, dark eyes and a short, flat, black muzzle. The face has well-defined wrinkles. Th...

Providing Unconditional Love ? Therapy Dogs
2008-02-22 02:02:00
To an ailing child in a hospital bed, the elderly in a nursing home, someone in a domestic abuse shelter or a prisoner locked away from family, a visit from a therapy dog can be a much-needed dose of love. Everyone has a deep, inner need for love, and unconditional love is the best kind. Seeing someone?s eyes light up and a smile come to their face is priceless, especially someone who is ill or depressed. Therapy dogs provide unconditional love in abundance, freely. A therapy dog is different from a service dog. Service dogs assist their disabled owners in ways such as guiding the blind or hearing impaired, helping with mobility, seizure alert dogs, or other needed services. Service dogs are permitted in public areas with their owners.Therapy dogs, on the other hand, work by invitation to nursing homes, hospitals, prisons, shelters or other institutions to visit with the residents. A therapy dog is a member of a team along with their owner or handler; they work together to pr...
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Dog Breed - The Australian Shepherd
2008-02-20 01:25:00
If you're interested in a high-energy, relatively low maintenance dog, the Australian Shepherd may be for you. They belong to the Herd Group according to the AKC, and often act the part. They are neither large dogs, nor yet outstandingly small. Females have a definite feminine look and attitude that's unmistakable.Being even-tempered dogs, you will rarely see natural displays of aggression or fear. They are not shy dogs by nature, being instead very friendly and good natured.Aussies are very intelligent, loyal, and have strong herding and territorial instincts. They are agile, well-balanced, muscular, and love to show those traits off! They also have a lot of stamina and may be able to out-play even the most athletic of owners. They make outstanding Frisbee players.The Aussie coat is moderate in length and shed, and comes in a wide rainbow of colors, including the merle pattern. Their coat is fairly weather resistant. The undercoat varies according to the climate, and it will adju...
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Exercising you Dog
2008-02-19 01:39:00
Shop and read more ad BigPawDesigns.comExercise is as important for our dogs as it is for us. Puppies and healthy adult dogs need regular daily workouts, and senior dogs will benefit from regular exercise, too. Spending time exercising your dog can give you a healthy workout at the same time! Twenty to thirty minutes of exercise per day is recommended. Like human athletes, dogs can adapt to strenuous exercise if they are allowed to train properly. It increases the capacity of their cardiovascular systems, keeps them at a healthy weight, and strengthens their bones and muscles. If your dog has not been receiving regular exercise, begin with just a few minutes each day and gradually lengthen the exercise period. Before beginning an exercise regimen, have your dog checked out by the vet to rule out any health problems, such as obesity, or heart and lung problems, that could make exercise dangerous.Exercising your dog also has behavioral as well as physical benefits. Like humans, their ...

35% off pet gifts - This weekend only!
2008-02-17 15:48:00
For our blog readers only - take 35% off orders online at BigPawDesigns.com. Enter coupon code PRESDAY at checkout. Hurry - this only lasts now thru Monday!
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