ASK LOLA: What Are Some Tips for Summer Traveling With Our Pets?

Dear Lola: My family is planning a much anticipated vacation to the beach. Do you have any vacation tips for pet loving vacationers with a four-legged passenger in tow?

Sincerely, Are We There Yet

Dear Are We There Yet: Summer can mean lots of traveling. Many pet owners can't bear to hire a pet sitter or board their furry friend and will opt to bring their four legged travel companion. Everyone can agree that traveling, or should I say planning, can be stressful, even for us furry co-pilots. But don't let the stress of planning a well deserved, restful, and fun filled vacation get in the way of bonding time with your pet. With a little planning & preparedness vacationing with your pet can become a family tradition and be enjoyable for everyone. Because even we tail wagging, chewers, droolers, and expert sniffers need to get a way. Yes, even we dogs need an hiatus from our hectic schedules of chasing squirrels.


So, whether your dog, cat or parrot is traveling by land, air or sea it is important to always be prepared for anything. Here are some simple tips to make traveling a pleasant one for both you and your furry or feathered co-pilot.

1. The Paw-fit Destination- It important to plan a leisurely pet-friendly vacation that even your pet will enjoy.

2. Research & stay at a pet-friendly hotel- With more pet owners who consider their furry or feathered friend part of the pack, more hotel & resorts are letting out their welcome pet mats. Many hotels even go the extra mile to make you and your pet feel right at home. But before making reservations, it is important to research and call ahead to make sure pets are allowed, rules & regulations. This is especially important if you are going on a road trip across country and need an overnight stay to rest those sleepy eyes. Phone ahead, to make sure your pet will be welcomed with open arms so as not to be caught off guard.

3. Vet Checkup & Papers- Prior to your travels schedule a vet appointment to ensure your co-pilot is given a good bill of health. Update any vaccinations and ask your vet to supply you with a health certificate to have on hand for the trip. Many airlines and rentals will require this paperwork.

4. Tag You're It- Firmly attach an accurate, up-to-date ID tag to your pet’s collar. Just like you are excited to paint the town and see the sights, so is your pet. Don't forget to keep a good watch on your pet. This is important to heed if you have a four legged escape artist who tends to venture from the pack. With so much see your pet may be tempted to on his or her own tour with you as the tour guide. Consider fastening on a temporary tag, too, that has the address of your pet-friendly vacation rental on it. That way, a lost dog or cat can be swiftly returned to you. Because you don't won't to spend your entire vacation sniffing high and low for a pet that is lost and not found. Consider getting your pet micro chipped as well, this is like an embedded ID card. Microchips provide extra assurance in case the tag falls off. Most shelters and veterinarians have a device for scanning microchips. Microchipping your pet is a great extra step to take, but an ID tag is a must! Unfortunately, traveling with your pet increases your chances of being separated from them.

5. Pack Your Pets luggage- Its important to make sure to pack travel must haves that will keep your pet safe, entertained, and happy. Here is a list of things you should not leave home without:

• H2O for the plane flight or road trip (don't forget that travel water bowl)
• Food for entire vacation + extra for emergencies
• A sturdy leash
• Prescription medications, doggy sunscreen, all natural flea/bug spray & queasy medicine for motion sickness
• Health certificate
• All natural cleaning products (for those doggy rug mishaps)
• Your pet’s favorite toys (eco-toys are safer to chew on)
• Bedding and extra sheets/towels
• Portable carrier (if possible)
• Biodegradable doggy poop bags or cat litter box with litter, liners, and a scoop. Don't leave home without them!
• Grooming brush
• Contact information of your at-home vet clinic and a few local vet clinics
• Photos of your pet in case he or she gets lost
• Don't forget to pack your pets dental kit-fresh breath is a must when travel because you never know who you will meet along the way.

** Don't forget to pack your dogs necessary items in your carry on just in case your luggage gets lost.

6. By air, by land or by sea - If traveling by air, contact the airline’s pet policy few weeks before your trip. Some airlines charge extra fees, don't be caught off guard by hidden fees so call ahead. Depending on the size of your pet, some airlines may allow you to place your pet under your seat (considered pet first class). While others may be required to fly in the cargo. If your pet must ride in the cargo take extra precaution to make sure your has safe & stress free travel. If you are traveling by car don't forget to factor in rest stops, bathroom breaks & playtime along the journey will keep both of you happy. When packing your car make sure leash, paperwork, water, food & toys are accessible on the journey amidst the avalanche of luggage.

7. Pet Ettiquette 101- Now that you have finally arrived at your destination with enough room to roam, relax, and play. There’s is proper pet owner etiquette you should keep in mind. Seeing that the hotel is letting out the pet welcome mat, its important to extend them the same hospitality. Before your dog is let in doors make sure dirty paws are cleaned and dry. Because no hotel, resort or rental property wants to be left looking like a frat house. Remember, if you leave your dog in the hotel room while you visit the city, the maid will need to have access to the room. Either confine your pet to a carrier or make special arrangements to clean the room. Clean up after your dog and especially during walks. If you are renting a house make sure your dog does not mistake the chair leg as a chew toy ( a case of mistaken identity!). No one likes to explain to the hotel clerk or property owner about another chew toy causality or have damages billed to you.

8. Respect Fellow Vacationers- Remember you and your pet are not the only ones on vacation who may be staying in the hotel or in your rental community. Make sure your dog is on his or her best doggy behavior and is not howling, whining or barking incessantly.

Enjoy the trip, take tons of "mutt shots" and don't forget to send postcards my way !!

Barkingly yours,
Lola the eco dog

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Don't forget to shop www.pawlux.com for your doggie summer staples. We offer eco-friendly, all natural and organic goodies for your deserving furry family member. We carry a great selection of Odor Free Bully Sticks / Dog Treats / and Dog Toys !

Working out with Your Buddy: Tips on Exercising Your Dog

Dogs love the dog days of summer! While we all enjoy vegging on the couch all summer long it is important to get some daily exercise. Dogs crave physical and mental stimulation. They also love bonding one on one with their guardian. Daily exercise not only helps you and your buddy build strong muscle. Eating healthy and proper exercise is the first step towards obesity prevention. Because like you, dogs can also put on a few unnecessary pounds.

Not only does exercise promote good health for pets. Exercising gives dogs a natural and constructive way to relieve some aggression and energy. It is true that a happy dog is a tired dog who has had quite a workout. Dogs that don't get enough outdoor play & romping will become bored and have behavioral problems. With so much pent up energy and no outlet, dogs are bound to start digging up the yard & chewing up everything in sight.

Some dog owners have a misconception that a fenced in back yard, treadmill and brief daily walk is enough to keep their dog happy, healthy and on good behavior. But dogs get bored very easily and thrive on variety and spontaneity. Like they say variety is the spice of life. So, with that said instead opt to take your dog to a local dog park to play with other friends off leash. Dog parks are a great way to nurture canine socialization skills, but make sure to follow park rules.

For the adventurous type, hiking the rugged & mountainous trails will do. Don't forget to stop and take in the beautiful views. Remember if you do go hiking in the woods don't forget the bug & flea protection, water & treats to refuel.

For those that love a good run, taking your exercise buddy on a brisk jog will suffice. When you do decide to take your dog for a jog or biking adventure make sure to remember these key points:

1. Take rest breaks because dogs get tired too.
2. Carry plenty of water to quench you and your dog's thirst
3. On hot days jog or bike with your pup early in the morning or late evening when the sun goes down to avoid heatstroke & health complications
4. NEVER take your dog jogging or biking if they have serious medical problems with out the consent of a vet.

So what is the secret to developing an exercise regime that both you and your dog will enjoy? Well it all starts with determining how much exercise your dog needs which is based on age, weight, health and breed. Some breeds require a lot more exercise so do your research and ask a vet or expert. Then the next step is to answer some basic questions. Is your dog eating a lot? If it is, is it eating out of boredom? Yes, dogs can overeat when they are bored so putting your dog n a strict diet and not leaving their bowl filled through out the day can shed a few pounds of their waistline. Is your dog a hunter or a retriever who likes to run or is it a small breed who likes to sit on the couch? If so, then daily excercise & play is a must. Just answering these basic questions will help you gauge the proper workout for your dog.

Do remember that even senior dogs need to stay in shape, but exercising should be monitored carefully. Older dogs should take it easy so slow walks are the best. If you have a pregnant dog you should take extra precaution so as not to exert her. Although daily exercise is key to your dogs overall health and well being you should consult your vet if your dog has any medical issues prior to starting a fitness program.

IMPORTANT: Do not allow exercise for two hours after a meal because your dog could get bloat. Bloat is a life-threatening condition also known as gastric dilation-volvulus (GDV), stomach torsion or twisted stomach. What happens is that gas builds up in the stomach and cannot be expelled by belching or flatulence.

So, how can you prevent bloat? Give your dog two small meals per day instead of one large meal & slow down their eating habits. Do not allow your dog to drink very large quantities of water right before or after eating, and restrict play & exercise for two hours after a meal. Keeping your dog at optimum weight can also aid in prevention of bloat. Signs of bloat include depression, pacing, hard or distended stomach, panting and drooling and unproductive attempts to vomit (it may appear as if the dog is coughing). Call the vet immediately.

As mention above going to a park is a great way for your dog to make new friends and play. Not only can it be fun for your dog, you can also enjoy this bonding experience. Dogs & humans love a simple game of fetch, chase & tug of war. But getting that four legged couch potato on his paws can be a hard task at times. Here are some Summer Toy Must Haves that will get you and your dog excited about a good workout. These toys are fun, eco-friendly, safe, and interactive. The whole purpose of these toys is to get you & Spot in shape while nurturing the human-dog bond. Who said working out couldn't be fun & enjoyable! Hey, with so much fun in the air you & Spot would never guess you were working out!

1. Its a bird, Its a plane, No its the West Paw Zisc! This frisbee is eco-friendly and dog-friendly. It is the perfect toy for dogs learning to catch or those seasoned pros. With just a few throws even the most active, hyper & energetic dog will be dead tired and slumped on the couch, bed or floor.













2. Dog vs. Person or Dog vs. Dog. The Planet Dog Tug is great that avid tugger & fetcher in your life. If you love a good game of "tug-o-woof" then you will love this!
















3. A retrievers dream the West Paw Hurley is all the fun of a ball, bone and a stick in one durable toy. Toss it, float it, chew it, love it.

















4. Summer Fling- The West Paw Huck is a toy that can weather the storm. With a new twist on an old favorite, fetch takes on different bounce !This incredible ball will bounce in all directions, giving your dog added exercise, and a good mental workout, to boot. Fling it across the field, bounce it on the ground, or toss it in the water (it floats!). You name it, the Huck can handle anything your dog dishes out.


Just remember that spending time with your dog & exercising should be fun & enjoyable for the both of you. But its up to you as the parent to make the first step toward a healthier lifestyle. For those just getting started it's all about taking small puppy steps, which can make a huge difference in the well-being of you and your pet.


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Don't forget to shop www.pawlux.com for your doggie summer staples. We offer eco-friendly, all natural and organic goodies for your deserving furry family member. We carry a great selection of Odor Free Bully Sticks / Dog Treats / and Dog Toys !

Hollywood Gone to the Dogs: Top Summer Dog Movies To Watch With The Entire Family

Unfortunately dogs are not allowed in theaters. But lucky for you & Fido you can rent & bring those box office hits home. You can get the best of both worlds relax & stretch out in the best seat in the house, your sofa and surround sound. Nothing beats lounging on the coach alongside your dog watching a summer movie flick with a bowl of pup-corn. Hollywood has truly gone to the dogs and dog lovers can't resist a good movie with a four legged leading characters. Here are our top summer picks for the best dog movies which are great for the entire family.

Hotel for Dogs (2009)- Animals are strictly forbidden at Andi and her little brother Bruce's foster home. But for Friday, the adorable dog they secretly care for, they're ready to risk everything. They finally find him an ideal shelter, a huge abandoned hotel that Bruce transforms thanks to his engineering genius. In what has become an incredible paradise for dogs, Friday is soon joined by all kinds of furry friends, so many in fact that their barks alert the neighbors...and the local pound, who can't understand the disappearance of all the stray dogs. Andi and Bruce will have to call on all their friends and all their imagination to stop the hotel's secret from being discovered

Benji (1974) - This movie is about a scruffy stray dog mixed-breed dog that wins the hearts of a family and ends up saving the kids from kidnappers. The lovable Benji was played by a dog named Higgins who was fifteen years old when he made the movie. Surprisingly for such an old dog, he did all of his own stunts in the movie.

Beverly Hills Chihuahua (2008) - A pampered Beverly Hills chihuahua named Chloe (voiced by Drew Barrymore) who, while on vacation in Mexico with her owner Viv's (Jamie Lee Curtis) niece, Rachel (Piper Perabo), gets lost and must rely on her friends to help her get back home before she is caught by a dognapper who wants to ransom her. In the meantime, Papi (voiced by George Lopez), a male chihuahua who is in love with her is in pursuit of her. Papi's master (Manolo Cardona), a handsome young gardener for Viv, slowly develops a romantic interest in Rachel. Chloe befriends a lonely German Shepherd (voiced by Andy Garcia) who travels with her to protect her from the evil Doberman (voiced by Edward James Olmos) who wants to return her and her diamond collar to the dognapper.

Lassie Come Home (1943) - This dog movie inspired a slew of sequels and remakes, but none are as good as the original, starring Roddy McDowall and Elizabeth Taylor. The movie is about a lovable and bright collie who is sold by her impoverished family. The dog loves her family so much that she escapes from her new owner and makes the long trip from Scotland back to her home in Yorkshire.

Old Yeller (1957) - This Walt Disney Productions feature film is based upon the 1956 Newberry Honor-winning book of the same name written by Fred Gipson. It tells the story of Travis Coats and a stray dog in post-Civil War Texas.

101 Dalmatians (1967) - The original Disney animated version of this film was the highest grossing movie of it's time. With one of the most memorable villainesses ever, Cruella De Vil, this movie follows the story of her plan to make a fur coat from the fur of kidnapped Dalmatian puppies.

Cats & Dogs (2001) - This a spy movie with a canine twist. The world's dogs are on a top-secret, high-tech mission to protect an important scientist and his attempts to save humans from dog allergies. The evil Mr. Tinkles is the dogs' feline nemesis.

Marley and Me (2008) - The most recent heart-touching dog film is based on the best-selling autobiographical book by John Grogan. The movie tells the story of an adorable but high-strung yellow lad named Marley, and how he helps his family learn some valuable life lessons.

Turner & Hooch (1989) - Starring Tom Hanks and Craig T. Nelson, this movie tells the story of Hooch, a large and drooling Dogue de Bordeaux, who is the only witness to a murder.

Best in Show (2000) - This dog movie is a comedy about competing in a national dog show. Not your typical dog movie, this documentary-style film is just hilarious. The dogs are beautiful and their owners are colorful, obsessive, and absolutely hysterical.

Lady and the Tramp (1955) - This animated feature film produced by Walt Disney tells the story of pampered cocker spaniel Lady, and her West Side Story-type romance with stray dog Tramp. This is a great one to watch with the rest of the family.

Beethoven (1992) - This dog film is the first in a series of Beethoven movies. It tells the story of a lovable but destructive Saint Bernard named Beethoven who gets dognapped for animal testing., but his family is determined to find and rescue their family dog.

So thanks all you celebri-dogs for making the dog days of summer even better. And the Oscar Bone goes to.....

What's your favorite dog flick to watch w/ a big buttery bowl of popcorn or shall we say "pupcorn"? Show your love for Lassie, Benji & Old Yeller. Bark out your choices & reason why by leaving a comment below.


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Don't forget to shop www.pawlux.com for your doggie summer staples. We offer eco-friendly, all natural and organic goodies for your deserving furry family member. We carry a great selection of Odor Free Bully Sticks / Dog Treats / and Dog Toys !

Our New Blog Segment Helping Paws-Spotlight on a Charity Salutes Paws Atlanta

Here at Paw Luxury we are passionate about doing good by striving to give back to our community. One of our missions is to choose charitable organizations to support. From funding specific projects to donating products or our time to a cause that will benefit non-profits and animals. But we feel the most important thing anyone can do is bark the word & spread awareness about a bark worthy cause or charity.

We're strongly committed to to taking care of our environment, our communities and, most importantly, the future generation of dog lovers. We foster the belief that giving feeds the soul. So, that is why we have decided to start a new blog segment titled "Helping Paws: Spotlight on a Charity". Every #woofwednesday on Twitter we will be spotlighting a pet charity, our unsung heroes who are dedicated to enriching & saving the lives of our deserving four legged friends. Our hope is that this segment will encourage you to give your time & voice in support of these wonderful charities. Together we can all make a difference!!



Todays "Helping Paws" Spotlight on a Charity is PAWS Atlanta. PAWS Atlanta is a humane society located in Decatur, Georgia, just 10 minutes east of Atlanta.

What they do?

As a no kill shelter the cats and dogs in PAWS Atlanta's care stay there until they get adopted. Every pet adopted from PAWS Atlanta is spayed or neutered, current on vaccinations, de wormed and microchipped.

The cats at PAWS Atlanta live in a cage free environment.

The dogs at PAWS Atlanta have inside and outside dog runs and a one acre wooded dog trail an off leash area.

In our 43rd year of operation PAWS Atlanta started operations as The Dekalb Humane Society. The name was changed in 2006 because of the incorrect perception that Dekalb County funded the organization.

In fact PAWS Atlanta has always operated on donations from the public, grants and fundraisers.


Most of the animals at PAWS Atlanta are picked up from local animal control offices. Unfortunately the supply is always greater than the demand and our cage space is rarely empty. Having said that PAWS Atlanta does adopt more than 1,000 animals a year. The sad fact of pet overpopulation dictates that regardless of how effective we are at finding them homes, there will always be more.


PAWS Atlanta does offer a vaccination clinic at least twice a month that is open to the public. This allows folks to get their pets vaccinated for $45 or to get a heartworm test or a la carte shots.

How Can You Help?

PAWS Atlanta can use help in a number of different ways:

1. Bark or Meow the Word. Pass the word about one of our great cats or dogs to your circles of influence. Hey, you can use your tweets & blogging talents for good. Follow us on Twitter & tell your friends to the same and blog about our charity:)

2. Attend one of our fundraisers. The next one is October 10, The Posh PAWty for PAWS Atlanta, hosted by Victoria Stilwell from the hit show "Its Me or The Dog".

You can purchase tickets to The Posh PAWty here.

3. Volunteer. We need folks to get walk dogs, socialize dogs, clean cat litter trays, tape animals (then upload them to YouTube) and more. How do you become a volunteer?

4. Adopt. Adopting a pet is the ultimate form of recycling. Get a shelter dog or cat, that's an easy way to help... Besides the joy of being a parent is priceless!

Regardless of how you can help, or what you can do-THANKS!

Learn more about this barkworthy charity here:

Our blog can be seen at: http://pawsatlanta.blogspot.com
The main site is: http://pawsatlanta.org
Our Facebook page:
Twitter: @pawsatlanta



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Summertime fun means mud baths & than tub time. Product spotlight: Dirty & Hairy Repel Conditioning Shampoo

Summertime fun + your dog = a dirty & hairy doggy mess.

We all love a good romp in the woods or doggy play date at the park, but most times we find ourselves having to clean up after the fun. Fido tends to do his darnedest to get as dirty as he possible can.

Well fear not we have your little helper that can make bath time a breeze and at the same time help save the day next time fido gets dirty.

Drum roll please: Dirty & Hairy Repel Conditioning Shampoo, Dirty & Hairy Repel Conditioner & Dirty & Hairy Repel Natural Pet Spray Odor Neutralizer to the rescue!

We will be the first to admit that we love our adventurous dog Lola, but not her odor & muddy paw prints on the couch. Is your dog dirty and hairy? Does he or she like to run through the mud, frolic in ditches, and root through debris? Well, now there is a spa line created with the dirtiest paws in mind. Dirty & Hairy Green Tea & Lime Repel Conditioning Shampoo is made with mild, puppy safe coconut base. It gentle cleansing agents remove dirt and grime without stripping fur's natural oils. It will not wash out spot on flea and tick control products. Infused with citronella to repel bugs and fleas...naturally! With no harsh detergents or artificial colors. So, go ahead, make your dogs day spa!






Dirty & Hairy's Green Tea & Lime Repel conditioning rinse moisturizes short fur, and detangles longer hair. Made with top of the line ingredients naturally derived from vegetable oils, this conditioner has inherent moisturizing properties, to leave your dog luxuriously soft. Infused with citronella to repel bugs and fleas...naturally!





Dirty & Hairy's Natural Pet Spray is perfect for those days when there's just not enough time to bathe the dog! Infused with citronella to repel bugs and fleas...naturally! The spray contains proprietary odor-eater ingredient that neutralizes odor to keep your pet and house odor free. Has an invigorating Light and refreshing tea tree and lime scent. With no harsh detergents or artificial colors. Great news, like Febreze "its a breath of fresh air", you can use this spray on bedding, carpet & upholstery. Hey, you may forget you have a dog!

Repel bugs & ticks
Free of pyrethrin based pesticides
Human grade ingredients -safe for puppies and other pets

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How to Clip, Cut & Trim Your Dogs Toe Nails

Does your dog need a paw-dicure? Well, right about now your hard wood floors are probably shouting "YES!" Just like humans, dogs need to have their nails clipped on a regular basis (once to twice month) to prevent ingrown, split nails & breakage. Not to mention it makes the nail clipping process much easier for both parties (you & your dog). Dogs are active creatures and if nails are left untended can make it difficult for your dog to walk and be mobile.

Every month you should check to see if your dog nails are getting to long. A good time to check it is during your dogs grooming & spa day session. A general rule of thumb is that your dogs toe nails should never touch the ground, if they do then they need clipped. If you are uncomfortable and your dog is hesitant about the nail clipping process you can let your vet or groomer do it for you. Hey, remember these are the good guys and have your dogs best interest at heart. Besides, if you need someone to demonstrate the "how to's" they are great people to call on.

For all you DIYer’s here are some easy & simple instructions on how to clip your dog’s nail without the blood, sweat & tears.

1. Get the right tools! No you can't use your hedge clippers for the job. Be sure to use nail clippers designed for a dog. Human nail clippers are designed to clip flat nails. A dog's rounded nails require circular clippers that clip straight through the nail.

2. Proper Exam-First things first is to examine your dogs nail to determine if and where it should be clipped. Inspecting your dog’s nail will allow you to see if there are any cracked nails that need special attention or TLC.

So what is the quick? The quick is the end portion of the vein, and should not be cut. Cut the nail that grows past the quick. If the dog's nail is white or light-to-medium brown, the quick will be easy to spot. If the nails are black, you will likely not be able to see the quick; make smaller cuts and advance carefully to avoid cutting through the quick. The diagram will help you better understand your dogs paw anatomy, knowing this will make the clipping process easier.

3. Get comfortable-Before clipping, position yourself with your dog in front of you. If possible, have a second person take this position, which can allow you to have full use of both your hands. If a second person is not available, use your body weight to maintain control of your dog.

4. Have a firm grip-Grasp your dog's paw firmly. Maintaining complete control over your dog's paw prevents jerking movements that can cause the clippers to slip and cause injury to your dog.

5. Clip away Slowly- Place one nail through the center portion of the clippers. The side of the clippers with screws and a movable arm should face your dog. Clip each nail at a 45 degree angle, leaving about 2 mm of the nail past the quick.

Remember to trim the dewclaw nail, on the inside of the leg. Since it doesn't touch the ground, it wears down less rapidly than the others.

6. Ready, Set, Squeeze! Squeeze the movable arm of the clippers to clip the nail. If the nail is black, repeat the process, if needed.

It is important that to ease your dog into his first nail-clipping session. Clip a few nails at a time, praise your dog with treats & words and take rest breaks. If you cut the quick, don't panic. After wiping the blood away, apply a small pinch of styptic powder (an anti-clotting agent) to the area and apply pressure for 60 seconds. If you don't have any you can use corn starch, baby powder or cotton balls as a substitute to stop the bleeding.

You see, now that was painless!! In the end keeping your cool is key to making sure your dog remains calm in any situation, even a much anticipated and needed paw-dicure :)



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Key to Happiness & Health is Good Sleep: Tips on Buying the Perfect Dog Bed

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.

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.

With a summer packed full of fun activities & things to do, sleep is very important if you are going to keep up. Grandparents visiting toddlers & grandchildren you can relate. Reward your pup with a comfy place to flop so you refuel with some Zzzz's. Just like you, the health and well-being of your dog is not only dependent on diet & exercise. But it also depends 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!!


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Shop www.pawlux.com for eco-friendly, all natural & organic dog beds made in the USA. Sorry, earplugs are not included ! :(

Guest Blog Post by Ask Spike Online: Summer Vacation With Your Pet

Today's guest dog blogger & fellow four legged Twitter tweet all-star is Spike from the famous Ask Spike Online. He has written a bark-tastic article on vacationing with your pet!. We hope you enjoy!

Now that summer has officially begun, the desire to make a break from the office to spend a few days, or even a few weeks, away is in full effect. The kids are out of school and they have been going stir crazy in the house for the last couple weeks.

When you plan your trip, make sure that you also take the right amount of time to decide what to do with your pets. There are multiple options if you do not wish to take your pet along. I do not know why you would exclude such a fun family member from the vacation, but you can seek out a boarding facility, hire a pet sitter or walker, or ask a trusted friend to keep an eye on your pet. For those of us that like to travel, you can certainly take us with you.

Whether you choose a beach, camping, or another tourist attracting destination, make sure your trip is pet-friendly all the way. Not all airlines allow pets to travel, so make sure you find one that does, and make sure they can fly in the cabin with you for their safety. Did you know there is an airline that provides air travel for pets only, called Pet Airways? I have not had the pleasure of flying with them, so I cannot weigh in on their service. There are also many hotels and nearly all campgrounds that allow pets, as do many timeshares and beach rental properties, and you can find many of them at websites like Pets Welcome.

If you are not flying to your destination, and you are making it a road trip, you may want to check out these tips for traveling by car with your pet from my friends over at Theravida Pets. When traveling by car, make sure you schedule plenty of stops for your paw-pal, so they can take some potty breaks. Keep in mind that their usual food and water bowls will be awkward to utilize on the trip and at your destination, so you may want to purchase some collapsible travel bowls to use for your road trip. If you have done a good job training your pup for potty time, you will not have to worry about him or her refusing to “get busy” in a new place. If this is a problem for your pup, I have some suggestions for you to try.

Upon arriving at your destination, let your dog investigate the area fully. There will be many new smells for him to discover, and his bathroom will not be as clearly marked as yours. As a courtesy to others, make sure you bring your biodegradable pickup bags with you, because you do not want to be “THAT family” that did not pick up after your pup at the hotel, on the beach, or along the hiking trail.

Regardless of the area leash laws, I HIGHLY recommend that you keep your dog on a leash, or otherwise confined, AT ALL TIMES during your vacation. Not only is it unsafe for your dog to wander in an unfamiliar area, he may have difficulty getting back to you when his jaunt is complete. Not only will his familiarity be diminished in a strange area, but he can easily be picked up as a stray by animal control or even “be found” by a stranger. Also, dogs do not understand time, so the itinerary you planned so meticulously before you left can be rendered useless by a missing pup.

Obviously, there are some trips that are not very pet-friendly, so you should forgo including your pet on those trips, but there are many activities and fun memories to be had by taking your pet with you on vacation. Sometimes, we all need a little reminder and some tips about keeping our paw-pals safe.

Have a great time on vacation, and share it with the ones you love!

You can follow our twoofin pup pal all star & guest dog blogger on Twitter at twitter.com/askspikeonline or read more wonderful articles at http://askspikeonline.com.

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Don't forget to pack your dogs suitcase with the basic neccessaties . Shop www.pawlux.com for eco-friendly, all natural & safe travel supplies from toys to treats galore & more!