Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Dog vs Squirrels : The Squirrels Organize

Lola's Day at the Park. The Squirrels Organized.

Look at the Squirrels evil eye at 50 seconds in. They are trying to surround Lola to pounce!

*Sorry for the shaky camera work, Lola was shooting, obviously distracted by the Squirrels.

Friday, December 26, 2008

Paw Luxury Wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Very Happy New Year


We at Paw Luxury & Lola the eco-dog wish you a merry Christmas and a Very Happy New Year!

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Cute OverLoad!! Poodle Playing Chopsticks on the Piano & Guitar


Piano and Guitar Playing Poodle!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - Funny video clips are a click away


This is such a cute & funny video we found on MetaCafe. Pappy the Poodle plays chopsticks when she's hungry, and Stairway to Heaven when She needs to be taken for a walk. She can even dance and twirl like a ballerina.

Wow!!! We have some talented pups out there. Unlike our dog Lola, this poodle would rather play chopsticks alongside Mozart instead of chewing on them. This dog is a "pro-dogy" or prodigy in human terms. AMAZING !!!

Singing your puppies a lullabye really does work!!





This is such a sweet YouTube video of puppy boxers falling a sleep to a lullaby. The owner is channeling his inner Dog Whisperer, Caesar would be so proud. This is to precious !!!

If you know or have any cute, funny & adorable videos of your dogs email them over. Perhaps you found a hilarious & precious dog video on YouTube that needs barked about let us know. We would love to post them on our blog for readers to watch.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Lola Dishes- Great Biscuit Recipe From Our Twitter Friend / Coconut & Lime Foodie Blogger Rachel Rappaport -Check It Out!!!




As a connoisseur of treats I am always excited when I come across a delish biscuit recipe. My friend Rachel from Coconut & Lime has a great homemade dog biscuit recipe that is to wag. This recipe is sure to be a crowd pleaser for all those grrrowling tummies. Your dog will enjoy chomping on this great tasting treat and won't want to share. But with one bite who could blame him, drooling lips says it all !

But humans be fair warned your taste buds and growling belly may get jealous. You may be tempted to scour to a dark corner of the kitchen just to take a nibble so Spot doesn't catch you in the act. But with the crumb trail you left behind, that obvious milk mustache and Spots keen sense of smell, you may hear him woofing these words "Get your own plate". If you can't fight the temptation (trust us my parents have been there or thought about it), just don't let your watch dog catch you red handed snacking on his treats or you may find yourself in the doghouse.


So, with that said I have been given the pleasure & honor of sharing Rachels recipe, cooking secrets, and thoughts with you.


homemade dog biscuits

Ingredients:
2 cups whole wheat flour
2/3 cup cornmeal
1/2 cup rolled old fashioned oats
2 tablespoons canola oil
3/4 cup chicken broth
2 eggs PLUS 1 egg, beaten


Instructions:
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line 3 baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large bowl, mix together all of the ingredients except for the beaten egg. The dough should easily form a ball and be rather firm. On a floured surface, roll out dough to 1/4 inch thick. Cut into shapes. Re-roll scraps (just once, any more and the biscuits will be tough) and cut out the remaining biscuits. Brush the tops of each biscuit with the beaten egg. Bake for 25-35 minutes or until golden brown and crisp. Remove to a wire rack and cool completely. Store in airtight container.


Yield: about 3 dozen biscuits
Rachels thoughts:
I have thought about making dog treats many times over the years but never actually took the the time to make them. I finally thought the time was right this year (think: cheap present!) and whipped up a batch for our three dogs Elvis (pug), Violet (whippet) and Pippi (dachshund), the neighbor's dog Rocky and my mom's two mixes Caramel and Star (who was my Grandpop's dog-he got her as a puppy when he was 81-13 years ago!) all of whom I thought would appreciate a treat. I don't know why I waited so long, they were super quick to make and I made them using ingredients I always have on hand so I didn't have to buy anything special. These particular biscuits are chicken flavored and full of whole grains. The dogs just gobbled them up!


A little tidbit about Coconut & Lime:

Coconut & Lime started as a place for Rachel to share her recipes with friends. Since 2004 it has grown to one of the top twenty food blogs in the country and is the only one that features only original recipes. MSN’s Delish.com named Coconut & Lime one of the top 50 food blogs in the world.

There is a wide range of cuisines and foods represented on Coconut & Lime, everything from authentic Indian curries to Korean, traditional American favorites, vegan and Japanese food. What sets Coconut & Lime apart from other food blogs is the focus on inventive, original recipes that are easy to recreate at home, but are a slightly out of the ordinary.

For example, some popular recipes have included Cuba Libra cupcakes, a East Meets South East Asian fusion pulled pork, kimbap (a Korean dish similar to sushi rolls), Chicken Chili with Hominy, peppermint marshmallows, blueberry key lime sherbet, along side American classics like red velvet cake, fried chicken and cinnamon buns.

Each recipe comes with a clear list of ingredients and step by step directions that even a cooking novice would feel comfortable following. Rachel’s recipes have been successfully recreated hundreds of times by people all over the world.

If you are on Twitter don't forget to follow her @coconutlime to see what she is cooking up in her kitchen daily. Also, for all you chef's don't forget to subscribe & RSS via email to her blog at http://coconutlime.blogspot.com for daily recipe & blog updates. If you are not already a cook and need a class in Cooking 101 don't fret Rachel offers tips and advice to making the cooking experience tasteful & simple.

So, on behalf of Rachel at Coconut & Lime and me, from our kitchens to yours, enjoy !!! But don't forget to share the love of a satisfied belly with your pup pals.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Paw Luxury / Bissell - Pet Hair Eraser Vacuum GIVEAWAY!

UPDATE: We have 2 winners!
1st. Twitter.com/PlusSizeMommy Wins the Bissell Hand Vac, and #2 Twitter.com/KnoxvilleDoula wins the Bissell Upright Pet Hair Eraser.
CONGRATS! & thank you everyone for entering.
Stay tuned for our weekly giveaways!
Also thank you for the valuable ideas on how Bissell can go green. WOOF WOOF!


To enter follow the instructions below.
1. Follow us on twitter.com. Follow us here -> Twitter.com/PawLuxury and you can follow Bissell at Twitter.com/WeMeanClean

2. Leave a comment below with the following:
--->Why you would like to win this contest (be creative)
--->Leave a tip or suggestion for Bissell's ForeverGreenTeam for how they can go green with their products and packaging, etc going forward.

3. Retweet the following: Enter Best Christmas Giveaway @PawLuxury & @WeMeanClean giving away $170 Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Vacuum http://pawluxury.blogspot.com

That's it. Just do those three steps and enter. There will be 2 winners, one for the Upright Vacuum and one for the Hand Vacuum. Contest ends 12/25 midnight. 2 Winners chosen by random number generator. 1st person drawn wins the $40 Hand Vacuum, 2nd person drawn wins the $170 upright.

Click to link below to watch this funny Bissell Pet Eraser Commercial that all loving pet owners can relate too. This commercial will have you tweeting WOOT (Want One Of Those) !!

http://www.bissell.com/Pet_Hair_Eraser_TV.aspx


--------------------------------------------------------------
Bissell's Green initiatives http://www.bissell.com/Sustainable_Design_Efforts.aspx




Bissell is getting a little greener everyday!! They desire to go green, and not just be green to be green, so they are making calculated long term changes to really make a difference and keep your home squeaky green.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Also Stay tuned for Bissell's Upcoming MVP photo contest.


------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please nominate @PawLuxury for the Shorty Awards in the #Business category.
www.shortyawards.com Thank you so much!

Stay tuned for Video Review of both Pet Hair Eraser Vacuums.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rules: Open to US residents only, Please only comment 1 time. (1 entry per household)

oh, and if you want to stay informed about our weekly giveaways and eco-dog posts, please subscribe to the RSS feed at the top of this page, or sign up for our newsletter on www.pawlux.com

Comment to enter to win ----------------------------------------->

Monday, December 15, 2008

Dogs Love to have fun in the snow! This will make you laugh!

This is a great video of Bailey the Unknown Reindeer. 
This funny doggy video has been watched 3.9 million times. Lets watch it one more time. You will giggle all the way home. Woof, Woof, Woof, Woof.

We know our doggy Lola loves the snow. 

Please Comment ------------------------------->
And tell us a photo story about your dog or pet in the snow. Link photo's if possible.

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Paw Luxury would like to introduce Fuzz Yard Luxury dog products from Australia!

Paw Luxury would like to introduce Fuzz Yard Luxury dog products from Australia!
After month of waiting we are proud to announce that Fuzz Yard is now in stock on www.pawlux.com

FuzzYard premium pet care products offer a modern alternative in pet care. Our Grooming range combines unique blends of organic extracts and essential oils with natural formulas to give your dog the best possible care without the harsh chemicals and additives found in most pet care products.


There products are truly amazing and the fragrance is very light and to die for. You will feel like you are in a doggie day spa being treated to the finest products, because they are!

So head on over to www.pawlux.com and check out these fine Fuzz yard Product.
WOOF WOOF!

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Book “Woof Reviews” by Lola the eco dog "eco-dog :Healthy Living for your pet" + GIVEAWAY

Update: We have a winner in the "eco-dog" book Giveaway. Congrats http://twitter.com/gingerkenney
For everyone else who didn't win, stay tuned for our next giveaway. In the mean time scroll down to enjoy a 15% off this book from Chronicle books plus Free Shipping!
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Must Reads for Dog Lovers & eco-pups wanting to live eco-responsibly.

This week Lola the eco-dog reviewed the book:

"Eco-dog: Healthy Living for Your Pet"
Authors: Corbett Marshall and Jim Deskevich,
Paw Rating:
Published by: Chronicle Books
Cost: $16.95


Lola's "Woof Review":
If the family is eating organic foods, recycling, and steering clear of chemicals, why shouldn't it be the same for Fido? This Bark-tific read has it all. It is a truly comprehensive guide to help doggies live safe, happy and healthy lives. I love all the healthy "do it yourself" tips from grooming to making your own natural flea tonic. There is an excellent chapter on healthy home-made dog food, what to make and what to make sure you include in your dogs dish. The recipe for doggy meatloaf is to wag for which I recommend you try. My favorite chapter is how to keep your dog safe in the home and at play. This is the must read to help create a safe, natural environment for your four-legged friend.

So if you want to go green with that deserving dog in your life but not sure where to start? Well here is book worth barking about! This is the must read for all you enthusiastic eco-pups out there who want to throw the planet a bone.

This book gives great inexpensive green tips on caring for the well being of Fido and the planet earth. From toys, grooming, food, natural remedies, homemade house cleaners, creative & fun crafts, adorable pics and much more !!! These DIY, practical, easy tips are good for the planet and even better for your dog.

Brief Synopsis: Eco Dog is a comprehensive guide to nontoxic and planet-friendly dog care. It delivers information on the potential dangers of conventional pet food, grooming products, and accessories and then offers shopping tips and 25 home projects for all-natural alternatives. Rosemary Conditioner replaces chemical-laden flea collars while a Felted Dog Blanket recycles sweaters long past their prime. With cheerful photos of doggies enjoying organic treats, Eco Dog is a clear reminder that a healthy dog is a happy dog.


Our friends over at http://twitter.com/chroniclebooks ; http://www.chroniclebooks.com/ have extended a free copy of "eco-dog : Healthy Living for your pet" for a giveaway to one Lucky Paw Luxury blog reader.

Also for everyone else that doesn't win the giveaway, Chronicle Books would like to to extend 15% off the purchase of the book "eco-dog" + FREE shipping! Good until 12/30 - Just enter the code:PAWLUXURY - you can shop at http://www.chroniclebooks.com/

ENTER TO WIN A COPY: Comment to enter.
(1) SUBSCRIBE to our Green Newsletter on www.pawlux.com or the RSS feed on this blog
(2) On Twitter.com Follow @PawLuxury and @ChronicleBooks
(3) For great books visit http://www.chroniclebooks.com/ ; For great eco-friendly pet products visit www.pawlux.com

*If you can. Retweet on twitter.com the following:
@PawLuxury and @ChronicleBooks are hosting a GIVEAWAY for the book: Eco-Dog: Healthy living for your pet http:pawluxury.blogspot.com

Just comment below to enter!

(One lucky winner will be choosen Monday 12/15 midnight by Random number generator)

Post your comment by clicking the comment button ------------------>

Please nominate @PawLuxury for the @Shortyawards on Twitter.com



Can everyone head on over to http://shortyawards.com and nominate @PawLuxury for this years @Shortyawards.
Thank you guys so much!
WOOF WOOF!

If you guys don't follow us on twitter yet, please sign up for twitter.com (it's free and fun)
You can follow us for daily updates at twitter.com/PawLuxury

On twitter we answer your pet questions, connect, be real, open and honest. Also this is where we announce great deals and giveaways. So if you want to hear ASAP, follow us up.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Ask Lola the eco-Dog: Twitter edition - You ask, Lola barks!!



This week's Ask Lola the eco-dog is brought to you by Twitter.com
Have a pet question? You ask, Lola the eco dog barks right back!!



Dear Vamomma,

There is much truth to the phrase absence does make the heart grow fonder, or in your dogs case his belly. We are all familiar with those sad puppy eyes and the whines that tug at your heart saying “Please don’t leave” which can be a challenge. It's no fun to leave for work in the morning and hear your dog barking and howling in misery as you drive away. Remember that doges are relation and love to be with their loved ones all the time, but with work and errands this is not possible. If only you could get paid to stay at home with your dog.

It's even less fun to come home and find that he has torn up papers, gnawed your coffee table, dug a hole in your couch, de-stuffed pillows or chewed through your shoe closest. With missing you and having extra time on his paws, your dog can get in a lot of mischief.
Besides, indulging in the occasional comfort snack or box of pop tarts, your dog bark, cry, dig, chew, scratch at doors, howl or leave the occasional surprise soil on your beautiful hardwood floor. But don't be discouraged there are a few things you can do to help your dog's separation anxiety:

1. Keep arrivals and departures low-key- This is the hardest thing for any loving parent to do but does work. When you arrive home, ignore your dog for the first few minutes, then calmly pet him. This may be hard for you to do, but it's important to train your dog to remain calm and collective.

2. Distract your dog from whining, pacing, and recking havoc on your home by giving them a new outlet.Give your dog a fun eco-toy to occupy his time. Toys with treat spots are perfect because times flies when you are having fun.

3.
Leave your dog with an article of clothing that smells like you—such as an old t-shirt that you've slept in recently, but one that you don't mind being possibly chewed or torn.

4. Turn on the tv or radio to a soothing station truly helps any dog to relax. When you leave, put the radio on to a soothing station: classical music is ideal, but any station featuring lots of talk shows is also ideal. Keep the volume quite low, and it’ll calm him down a bit and give him the feeling that he's got company.
My favorite is Food Network.

5. Excercise your dog- If you are going to gone for a long time tiring your dog out will help him sleep while you are away. A good vigorous 15-20 minute walk can really help so enlist the help of a dog walker for mid-day strolls.

6. Get him accustom to you leaving- Try this out!! Taking things nice and slowly, practice getting ready to go: jingle your keys about, put on your coat, and open the door. Then – without leaving! – sit back down and don’t go anywhere. Do this until he's not reacting any more. When there’s no reaction, give him a treat and lavish praise for being so brave. Next, practice actually walking out the door (and returning immediately), again doing this until there’s no reaction. Gradually work up – gradually being the operative word here! – until you’re able to leave the house with no signs of stress from him.


**Important - Never reward you dogs crying and whining by saying "Its okay, good boy !" this only makes things worse. Although this may sounds mean patting and cooing your dog only makes the situation worse and reinforces the behavior.

But if all else fails you can also try Spot Organics Chill Spray or Essential Oil which helps calm and relax any restless dog. Great for separation anxiety, during trips to the vet, training sessions, during storms, family gatherings or parties, or any situation where calming might be needed. Take it from a dog whos had her share of whines and tantrums this works wonders!!

Barkingly yours,
Lola the eco dog



Dear Pamela1986,

Walking a dog can be quite a power struggle literally, especially when the four legged person at the end of the leash is a Great Dane. But don't get discouraged you can teach an old dog new tricks. Like many you found yourself being pulled in all directions leaving you wondering who's walking who. Dogs are always excited for their daily exploration and sniffing walk . I am no perfect angel I've been know to pull the reigns and my handler just to fulfill that quenching squirrel chasing desire. But my squirrel chasing days are cut short when i am corrected in love. So, if not a dog is not retrained and corrected in love he will continue to pull and take the lead, which does not boast well for that sore arm of yours.

Well, it time for you to take back your role as pack leader, the Dog Whisperer would be so proud. No longer does walking have to be a drag, pun intended. One trick taught in obedience training to curb pulling is being a tree that cannot be moved, its all about standing firm. As your dog runs out the leash put your foot down and refuse to walk forward if he continues to pull. This will train him that pulling gets no where fast. Moving forward only when the leash is slack and your dog is not walking you. Using words like "heel" and "stop" will make him aware of his behavior, choose a command and stick to it.

Another tip is constantly walking in different directions. If your dog starts to get ahead of you, turn and walk the other way quickly. Dogs learn best when praised and rewarded so give him a training treat or "Good boy" when you get slack in the leash again.
Speaking in a soothing manner when praising him, patting him or slipping him a treat will let him know he should continue this behavior.

Sometimes the best thing to do with a pulling dog is to start over from scratch, no not getting rid of the dog although that can sometimes be tempting. But just keep in mind walking your dog should be enjoyable for the both of you. If this continues consider enrolling in some obedience classes which will help retrain your dog to follow the leader.


Barkingly yours,
Lola the eco dog




Dear ppierodds,

Alaskan Malamutes aka as the Arctic sled dog can withstand extreme cold weather
. Their double thick, coarse outer coat and woolly, dense undercoat helps keep them warm and protect them against wind, snow, ice and 70 degree below zero temperatures. So, while we are snuggling up with a blanket and layering to bet the chill the Malamute has it warm coat to keep him warm. Being a short haired dog myself an extra layer of fur would be nice during those cold winter months.

But always keep in mind for any dog that although they are dressed for cold weather they should be provided with a sturdy dog house as shelter from the elements. A good insulated house with nice straw bedding is perfect for Malamutes that spend most of their time outside, but as always the best bet for shelter is inside the home. Warm weather is more of a concern for Malamute because of their coats can overheat.

Barkingly yours,
Lola the eco dog





Dear Systembath,

Congratulation on being a soon to new mom of a furry bundle of joy. Thanks for opting to adopt, for that you deserve a paw on the back. Like I always say pet adoption is the ultimate form of recycling. Now on to some barking words of wisdom. It is so important to create a safe and loving haven for your pet. Give them lots of praise and unconditional love even when your dog has the occasional chew-a-thon with your slippers or makes a mess of the house. So, with that said patience is key. The best way to show love is spending quality time with your dog, a nice walk or game of fetch suffice. Not to mention a praise and a good organic treat goes a long way.

Hey all my Twitter friends send @systembath some loving congrats, advice and well wishes of encouragement!!!

Barkingly yours,
Lola the eco-dog




Dear HawiiRealty,

Hey recycling your dogs poo sounds like a great way to save planet, like they say its the thought that counts, however, using your dogs poo as fertilizer can do more harm then good. Many people think that dog poo is your average fertilizer, but this is not the case. Dog poo is considered hazardous waste which should not be ingested, left on the ground, or use in the garden. It carries many harmful organisms which are transferable to humans.

Dog poop contains:

  • E.coli: This potent bacterium can cause infections of the ears, eyes, throat and gastrointestinal system.
  • Campylobacter: This is another nasty bacterium that can cause severe diarrhea in humans.
  • Streptococcus: This bacterium has the ability to cause systemic infections that can be fatal.
  • Salmonella: These bacteria can cause muscle pain, headaches, fever, diarrhea, vomiting and dehydration.

As if that isn't enough to cause some major concerns, dog poop often contains some nasty parasites like roundworms, tapeworms, and pin worms left behind in the ground to await their next host.

So if you want to do something good for the planet, you and your dogs health, and the soles of your tennis shoes by picking up your dogs business in the back yard. If poo is left to sit in your yard, at the park or on the sidewalks it will be washed away by the next rainstorm into our sewers and waterways. It is said that 20-30% of all waterway pollution is due to dog waste. Wow that’s a lot of poo for thought! Lets be the solution to the poop-lution problem by using eco-friendly doggie pick of bags which biodegrade instead of plastic bags that are made of petroleum, which is non renewable, do not biodegraded and takes thousands of years to break down. Spikebrand Business bags are an eco-solution to the worlds smellest problem and vanish without a trace in 45 days.

Also, another eco-friendly sanitary alternative and the closest thing to a “Va-poo-rizer” is The Doggie Dooley a pet waste disposable system for Fido's landmines. It so simple to install and easy to use. Just install in the ground, drop in dogs waste, and add digester powder and water to begin the break down process. This doggie septic tank is harmless to lawns, pets and shrubbery and can withstand the waste of a large dog. It works just like a human septic tank by using enzymes and bacteria to turn dogs waste into a ground absorbed liquid.

Now every business trip you make with Spot, can make for a clean planet and a cleaner conscience !


Barkingly yours,
Lola the eco dog




Dear rhondacarpenter & bubba,

Woof woof! Lola here. Thanks for asking such a good question, you are correct raw hides can be dangerous and can do more harm then taste good. Rawhides are usually treated with formaldehyde, a carcinogen which is something you don't want Bubba chewing on. Not to mention it is not easily digested, so dogs may bloat, get diarrhea, or end up with the bone lodged in his intestinal tract.
From the smell of things they leave my pup pals who eat them pretty gassy, but luckily I've turned them on to a new way to way of cleaning their teeth. Good & consistent dental regime is the first step toward prevention of bad breath, gum disease, multiple infections, and heart disease by brushing and getting yearly vet checkups and cleaning. Here are just a few natural suggestion to rid your dogs teeth of plaque and get pearly whites:

1. Brush your dogs teeth- My parents for one brush my teeth 2 times a week. At first it was weird, but i got used to it, and love the natural vanilla flavor. D
id you know brushing your teeth can add 2-3 years to your doggies life just from brushing 2-3 times a day. You can buy your dog special toothpaste and toothbrush kit.

2. Chew on this!!-Instead of rewarding Bubba with a rawhide give him a eco-friendly and 100% safe toy to chew on. Like hemp rope toys which are not only fun to chew on but help remove plaque naturally and keep my teeth clean. Another great product is Zukes Dental Chews which are all-natural, easy to digest, naturally cleans teeth & freshens breath, helps scrape and polish. These bone shaped dental chews are perfect for allergy prone pups because they are free of wheat, corn & soy.

3. Yum!! Crunchy Organic Treats- Organic all natural treats not only are pleasing to your dogs growling belly but help with the cleaning process by scraping and polishing.

So, with these tips Bubba we hope this gives you the confidence to flash those pearly whites for the camera.

Barkingly yours
Lola the eco dog



Dear Kimnishia,

It is true that we are as young as we feel, well in Spot's case as young as the wag in his tail. But truth be told that with age comes achy joints and sounds reminiscent of creaking floor boards & rusty hinges on a barn door. Like humans, dogs are not immuned to the aging bug and as they get older they can have trouble climbing stairs, experience pain or achy hips and joint stiffness, and develop arthritis. With middle age comes mid life crisis, arthritis that is. Small or medium breed dogs can get began getting arthritis symptoms by age 7 or 8. While larger or giant breeds like your lab can start having aching joints as early as age 4 or 5.

But don't throw in the towel and start planning your dogs early retirement confined as a couch potato. Here are some ways you can help manage arthritis, improve your dogs quality of life and keep him comfortable in the process.

1. Daily supplements- Supplements can slow and even reverse some joint damage. Glucosamine-Chondroitin supplements, often containing the anti-inflammatory effective in the management of arthritis. My parents give me Zukes Hip Action daily, which contains Glucosamine, to keep my joints healthy and maintain mobility.

2. Maintain Healthy Weight
- Keeping your dog on a strict diet will help to maintain healthy weight. Extra love handles, although the more to love can put st
rain on the joints and arthritis.

3. Regular low-impact exercise of walking and swimming
will help maintain mobility and keep those furry bods trim and in shape. Avoid jogging and running with your dog which can put strain and trauma on the joints.


4. Purchasing a good yet firm Orthopedic bed
will help reduce joint stiffness and pain, especially in the morning.
When selecting a bed make sure it is firm enough to provide support to the hips, shoulders, spine and neck.
Cold weather and drafts is not good for dogs with arthritis so make sure your dog has a warm sleeping area. One way to guard your dog from the cold is to keep his bed elevated off the floor, which helps to relive stiffnes and pain due to the cold.

5. Heating Pad-
Applying heat to the achy spot can help minimize stiffness and pain, particularly in the morning or on a cold day. Applying a microwavable heat pack or a heating pad for 20 minutes at a time, two or three times a day, can help lessen arthritis discomfort. Don't forget to apply heat to those problem areas such as the shoulders, back and hips.


6. Give a Deep Fur Massage
- Nothing beats a nice massage to relieve arthritis pain and stiffness. Start at the end of the extremities and move in toward the heart massaging all those trouble and achy spots. Not to mention a deep fur massage can be relaxing to say the least and a good bonding time with your dog. Now, all you need to do is train your dog to reciprocate but with the lack of opposable thumbs this can be a challenge.


7. Medication
can help dogs who are in need of a bit more pain relief and prescription medication can be beneficial. Speak with your pet’s veterinarian if you feel that medication may improve your pet’s quality of life.

So for all you young pups don't start its never to early to fight the war on arthritis, start now and your joints will thank you later when you are climbing Mount Staircase. Thanks for twittering a question as always you ask, I bark back.

Barkingly yours,
Lola the eco dog





twitter.com/PawLuxury
twitter.com/Lola_Eco_Dog

Shop www.pawlux.com for eco-friendly, durable, non-toxic & safe toys for that Marley in your life!!

Sunday, December 7, 2008

MARLEY & ME - THIS CHRISTMAS HEEL THE LOVE !!



On Christmas day the much awaited film Marley & Me will be playing at a theater near you. So sit back, relax in those comfy reclining movie seats and wreck the halls this season with the worlds worst dog!! Marley will make even your dog look like a angel. Gather the pack, a bag of pup-corn, and tickets to see this funny family movie.












twitter.com/PawLuxury
twitter.com/Lola_Eco_Dog

Shop www.pawlux.com for eco-friendly, durable, non-toxic & safe toys for that Marley in your life!!

Friday, December 5, 2008

Paw Luxury / Earth's Best Friend Eco-dog Jacket Giveaway!

Yeah we have a winner! http://twitter.com/learay - Congrats Lea!
We hope your doggy enjoys the eco-doggy jacket!

For everyone else, you win too! Enter code:TWIT10 to get $10 off any order at www.pawlux.com
And also stay tuned! We have weekly giveaway, so subscribe to the blog or our newsletter!



Hello Ladies, Gents & pups!!!

It's that time again! GIVEAWAY time!

Our good friends from www.earthsbestfriend.com makers of 100% hemp and organic cotton dog jackets has graciously supplied us with their "Pete" Jacket for our eco-doggy Lola to review and put her paw of approval on.


Also they were kind enough to let us give-away one eco-dog jacket to one lucky reader! All you have to do is comment in the bottom of this post for a chance to win.


Lola's take: Woof, Woof, Woof....woof. (doggy talk)
Ok we'll translate: "Woof, I look good. Really good"

That's right, Lola is looking her best in her earth's best eco-jacket. And the best part is that it's made from 100% hemp and organic cotton. And the construction of this jacket is top notch.

Dressing your dog in the finest earth has to offer is easy with Earth's Best Friend's eco-jackets. Made from organic cotton and sustainable, biodegradable hemp, these jackets are fashionable and eco-friendly. And, to help you give back to the earth in an even bigger way, we’re proud to introduce their plantable hang tags! Each tag will bloom when planted in soil – making it one less thing you have to throw away! - You heard right, a product tag that blooms into flowers! WOW!

One lucky winner will get to pick Jacket and size of choice from http://earthsbestfriend.com/

Details:
This is all you have to do to be entered. Leave a comment below in this post and do the following.
(1) If you are on Twitter.com Add @PawLuxury and @EarthsBstFriend
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(4) Also Retweet this contest on Twitter to spread the word! What to retweet:
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That's it, Just comment to be entered. Winner will be picked by random number generator. This is a weekend+monday Give-away. So enter all weekend +monday, Contest ends 12/8/08 Midnight, EST. Winner will be picked Tuesday 12/9/08

Enter by leaving a Comment --------------------------->

Thursday, December 4, 2008

How To Pick the Perfect Dog Bed This Christmas Season !!


With Old Man Winter fast approaching nothing beats curling up with a hot cup of coco near the fire. Like many you probably have enlisted your dog as official foot warmer at the end of the bed to keep your toes nice and toasty. Not to mention Spots vibration & snoring gives you that well deserved and must needed foot massage. But like some, although you love the company of your furry friend at night you also want some space to stretch.

Are you having another one of those sleepless nights wedged in between the Abominable Snore-man & Little Miss Kicks Alot? Has your dog taken over the pillow, stolen the sheets and there's no room for your head? Perhaps, as the "Top Dog" you're left grasping for the edge of the bed, finding yourself demoted to the floor while your dog stretches out in luxury and your significant other has sweet dreams. Only to leave you slave to the snooze button and almost late for that important business meeting, making you no "Miss Sunshine". Not even a cup of joe or three for that matter will make it all better.

Whats even worst you have an important presentation in front of clients that kept you up worried & sweating bullets. We all know the importance of getting a good night sleep, but often times getting that standard 8 hours can be impossible with overtime and late nights at the office. The only option left is taking a quick power nap in your cubicles to catch a few Zzzz's. Just don't let your co-workers or boss catch ya sleeping on the job.

Truth be told those sad yet cute puppy eyes makes it hard to say no, but know one likes their tootsie hanging off the bed. But don't be sad, gone all the days of solely banishing your dog on the cold floor, now he can sleep in the lap of luxury on a bed of his own. A place to call his own & retreat for a much needed power nap after a day of chasing squirrels is every dogs dream. With his very own place to flop, you won't be able to blame your dog for making you wake up on the wrong side of bed or on the floor.

The perfect gift this season is the gift of sleep, so reward your pup with a comfy place to flop. The health and well-being of your dog is not only dependent on diet or exercise but also on how much comfortable sleep and rest he and you both get. Here are some tips on choosing the perfect dog bed for your furry companion.

1. One Size Does Not Fit All- Just like dogs, dog beds come in all shapes, colors & sizes. So it is important to be mindful of your dogs “paw-sonality & sleeping habits when finding the perfect bed, since comfort is key to a good nights sleep for you and Spot. You should know that there are dog beds that can accommodate a variety of your dog's special needs. Heated dog beds and orthopedic foam dog beds are available and are excellent choices for older and arthritic dogs.

What is your dog's sleep preference & personality?

Curlers (aka Fur ball) They like to be securely enclosed by their bed, a bumper or cuddler bed will do. Your dog would love a Donut dog bed. If hey had a choice they probably would enjoy spending a Friday night curled up on the couch with a bowl of popcorn, Kleenex & a sappy movie (The Notebook).

Leaners – They prefer the support of a back bolster and a sense of security. Your dog would be a huge fan of bolster beds. If this dog was human he probably would start planning for retirement at age 10 and have quite a portfolio to match (low risk of course).

Sprawlers – They stretch out in all directions like their care free spirit and you can often find them belly up. If you share the bed at night with your dog and find your self on the floor with a bump on your head then you guessed it, your dog is a sprawler. The perfect fit would be dog pads & mats.


Burrowers (aka Cave dogs)

They like to dig and hide which is their very nature and what they were born to do. So they are not alien to burrowing under the sheets or hiding under a stack of dirty laundry. They are probably adventurous and have been known by the pack as Indiana Dog. Your dog would love Nesting beds.


3. Your Dog's Size- The size of your dog is an important consideration, but make sure the bed is nicely padded for comfort. Whatever size your dog is, pick a dog bed that is slightly larger than him or her. This is to allow room for growth, especially for puppies, and allow room for movement.

So how do you measure your dog for the perfect fit?

Now that you have figured out your dogs sleeping preference, it's time to measure him for that perfect pure-bed just for him. So get out your cloth ruler or for all you resourceful pups who don't have a ruler a piece of rope will do. While your dog is lying down, measure your dog's length from the tip of her nose to the tip of her tail. Add 10-12 inches to obtain the best length for the bed. Add an additional 2-4 inches if your dog likes to stretch out.

3. Easily Washable-Make sure the dog bed is machine washable. Some beds require you to take it a apart for a good cleaning so make sure it is made of removable and washable materials. It will definitely get dirty and smelly, so it is important that you can easily wash it anytime. Make sure too that the material is appropriate for the dog's fu. Look for machine washable bedding if at all possible. ***Note: Follow Washing Instructions Carefully***

4. Location, Location, Location- Where will you put your dog bed? This is also an important consideration when choosing a bed for your pet so you can pick the right material. Some dog beds are more suitable for an indoor location like in the bedroom or living room instead of outdoors, like in a porch for instance. Climate and local weather are important factors to consider as well. Choose a dog bed that will provide warmth for your dog in winter and air circulation during summer.

5. Quality & Durability -The dog bed must be able to withstand Fido's fascination with chewing and his sharp claws. We all know dogs can be a messy handful so chose a bed that can weather the storm of Hurricane Spot, withstand the wrath of the Un-Decorator, and do battle against the Chew-minator. Picking a dog bed cover or bed that is washable and made of durable fabric is key. Also, for those who like to color coordinate with their decor there are many beds to chose from that won't be an eye sore but will complement your home furnishing. Your dog will definitely appreciate his own bed, space and little slice of heaven.

So say good-bye to the edge of the bed and hello to the sleep fairy. As for your husbands snoring you may just have to invest in ear plugs!!

Question of the hour!!!

How many of you let your pets sleep with you? If they do sleep with you do you have trouble sleeping? Leave us a comment on your thoughts on this topic!!



Here is a really funny photo taken by one of our Twitter friends on why she is getting her dog a new bed this season. The caption reads:

This is what happens when (a)You don't pay attention to noises coming from upstairs; (b)ignore your dog to watch hockey; and (c)forget to zip the doggy bed cover


If you have a question or need advice from Lola the eco- dog on ways you & your dog can go green just Twitter or email her at asklola@pawlux.com . Lola the eco-dog is here to help! If you are part of the Twitter community or have not joined please do and once you are friend us up and we will do the same. Just click twitter icon to go to website to sign up. It's FREE!!!!




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