Things to Consider when Coloring your Pet

I’m sure you’ve heard of clothing for pets but here in the pet fashion world they have step up individuality a bunch by introducing pet dye. Personally I love that there is an option to spice up my dogs coat. But there are some pro and cons with dyeing your pet, you first must make sure that it is pet safe dye that you are using. Some people think that dying your pet is awesome and some people think its cruel, the most important thing to remember is the safety of your pet if you decide to add some color.

Some of the pros for pet dye are:

• freaking awesome looking hair
• life of the party
• complements from strangers
• ability to express your pets personality
• match your outfits with your dog

Some of the cons for pet dye is that it can cause:

• Rashes
• Skin irritation
• Skin burns
• Unsafe chemicals that pets can possible ingest

 

There are multiple ways to dye your pet some more permanent than other s. Most common way is to use Manic Panic or Kool- Aid, I’ve used dog friendly blow pens, chalk, Manic Panic, and gel. While personally I prefer the blow pens since they only last about a week or so, Manic Panic is more permanent choice which usually lasts about 2 weeks. My boys are used for events for my work all the time, Dipper my Boston Terrier loves being dyed and will strut his stuff for anyone watching as long as he has a little more color in his coat.

The awesome thing about blow pens is the possibility to use stencils and create customs designs. The grooming industry has boomed with the idea of fur dyeing and making dogs look exotic.

Nowadays you’ll see dogs looking like tigers, pandas, people chose certain themes just like we put a bunch of hearts on my co-workers dog.

 

While adding a splash of color might be super fun please remember to dye responsibly.

 

Best Doggie Goodies in Town!

Include yourself in the drawing and you could win the GRAND PRIZE! At www.fitnfurrynews.com you can check out the prizes that will be given away, as well as the short Training Tips that we have for you to watch. It’s so easy to sign up for the drawing, you can do it in person at Fall Home Show and Family Expo at the Santa Rosa Fairgrounds, or on www.fitnfurrynews.com. We would love if you stopped by our booth at the Fall Home Show and Family Expo just to say Hello!

Toxic foods for your dog! He won’t have to look far to find them.

Tomatoes

This fruit contains tomatine which dogs cannot process; tomatine in tomatoes and solonine in potatoes are cholinesterase inhibitors – meaning they inhibit the breakdown of a neurotransmitter in nerves causing excessive stimulation.

Keep in mind that there is very little tomatine is in ripe fruit. The highest concentration is found in flowers and the lowest found in ripe fruits. Symptoms include lethargy, breathing difficulties, drooling, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, paralysis, seizures and/or death.

Raisins/Grapes

Raisins and grapes are foods that dogs simply cannot process (exact cause unknown) and can result in kidney failure. One single serving can be fatal to a dog’s system. However, not every dog or cat is susceptible and some dogs can tolerate large quantities of grapes or raisins without any clinical signs. Additionally the amount of grapes or raisins that may cause renal failure is not exactly known, so any amount could potentially be dangerous. Given the unknowns of raisins and grapes it is best to err on the safe side and avoid giving these foods to your dog.

Garlic/Onions

While onions are stronger, both garlic and onions contain thiosulphate which can severely damage red blood cells and cause anemia, difficulty breathing and lethargy.

Avocados

Avocados contain persin which is destructive to the heart and lung as well as other tissues in animals – the exact way is unknown. Additionally the high fat in avocados can upset a dog’s stomach and cause vomiting and possibly pancreatitis . Symptoms are subtle but include breathing difficulties and a bloated abdomen.

Pits

Most fruit pits including apple seeds, cherry pits, peach pits, avocado pits, plum pits and all pits of that ilk contain cyanide which is poisonous. The accumulation of small amounts of cyanide or a large ingestion will lead to death.

Caffeine

Caffeine, which can be found in coffee grounds or tea bags, is a natural stimulant and thus stimulates the heart as well as the nervous system. Caffeine in dogs can result in vomiting, agitation, heart palpitations and possibly death. Further symptoms are similar to those associated with chocolate.

ENTER to WIN!

This weekend don’t forget to come out and join Fit’N’Furry at the Santa Rosa Home Show and Family Expo at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds. If you stop by Fit’N’Furry’s booth we will give you a Bark Buck, plus you can enter yourself in the drawing to WIN the GRAND PRIZE. To find out more about the prizes go to www.fitnfurrynews.com, you can even add yourself to the drawing from this site and we have some FREE training tips for you! We will see you at the Expo.

Are the Dogs REALLY Playing?

Have you even been at a dog park watching you pooch play, then things start to get a little more serious? All the other owners say, “Their just playing, let them have fun.” However, it is not always a good idea to let the dogs continue playing when they get too excited. There is such a thing as good and bad play, just because the dogs are playing does not mean it is appropriate behavior. We all need to remember that play is shaping our dogs behavior, and certain behaviors can develop into problems over time, both with dogs and humans.

There are some characteristics of Good Play, both dogs should be willing participants, that is one dog should not be pushing another into activity. There should always be a loose body language throughout the play session, and no one should be getting hurt or yelping in pain. If the play is to hard and fast many times things will escalate and the play can turn into a fight very quickly. Pay close attention to whether your dog is actually having fun or engaging his prey drive. Many times all that is needed is a brief distraction or interruption from you to change the tone of the play time.

WIN the GRAND PRIZE!

Fit’N’Furry was at the Marin Civic Center last weekend for the Bay Area Pet Fair and Adoptathon. There was a tremendous turnout and many prizes were WON!

Sonoma County Family Expo Giveaway at http://www.FitnFurryNews.com

 

You don’t need to be present to be included in the drawing, and it is so simple to sign up. Just follow the link to www.fitnfurrynews.com to find out what you could win and enter your e-mail. Don’t forget to watch the FREE Training Tip we have for you!

 

This coming weekend, September 19, 20, 21 Fit’N’Furry will be at the FALL HOME SHOW AND FAMILY EXPO collecting names for our drawing.

A fun filled weekend is planned for every member of the family at two great shows all for one low admission price. The 14th annual Fall Home Show features over 300 exhibits filled with all your best home improvement needs. Visit Friedman’s How – To Pavilion, tour the new Luv custom home, meet with landscape professionals, and find the latest green products and energy solutions. At the 19th annual Family Expo fun entertainment, concerts, animals, contests, rides for the kids and lots of family exhibits. Plus The Hulk will make a special visit on Saturday. Bring a can or box of food for the Redwood Empire Food Bank and Receive $2 off your admission price. Locations: All six big exhibit halls, lots of outdoor exhibits and food vendors.
Hours: Fri. 1 – 8pm; Sat. 10 – 7pm; Sun. 10 – 6 pm
Location: Grace Pavilion, Hall of Flowers, Finley Hall, Garden Building, Kraft Hall, Garrett Hall, and outdoor areas
Admission: $7.00, 12 & under free
Organization: G & G Productions
Contact: Guenther Hofen
Phone: 800.655.0655
Website: GGShows.com