Pampered Pet Business Booms in US

Pampered Pet Business Booms in US

At “A Dog’s Day Out” in Alexandria, Virginia, people bring in their dogs to stay either for the day or overnight.

Interior decorator Gay Lynn Fourney is a regular customer. “She’s my little girl, and I just want to make sure that she has a good time during the day while I’m at work, because I do work a lot, and I just don’t want to leave her at home.”

Pampered pooches

Half of all Americans own a pet. According to the American Pet Products Association, one out of every two households keeps a domesticated animal, mostly cats and dogs.

And despite a recession, many pet owners - like Fourney - are spending more money than ever to care for their animals.
Left- At “A Dog’s Day Out” in Alexandria, Virginia, people bring in their dogs to stay either for the day or overnight.
VOA - D. Block


America's fondness for its animals has created a new and lucrative market for pampering pets. Americans spent $50 billion on their pets last year, up 23 percent since 2007.

Chas Richardson, owner of “A Dog’s Day Out”, has tapped into that market.

He says his business makes a 25 percent profit. “The pet industry continues to explode with growth. Our market, dog care, we believe has nothing but growth ahead of it.”

Duane Ekadahl, head of the Pet Food Institute, believes the industry has grown because more people are treating their pets like family.

“People want to return the affection they get from pets," he says, "and so they buy good food, good products, toys and so on.”

Canine cookies

As Americans seek healthier lifestyles, many are adopting a similar approach when it comes to their pets, including better food and dog treats.


Right - Canine cookies are baked daily at “Dogma Gourmet Dog Bakery and Pet Boutique” in Arlington, Virginia.
VOA - D. Block


“They’re all healthy ingredients," says manager Kamala Mohammed. "We don’t put any added salt, sugar or preservatives into our cookies. In fact, I have some people that come in and buy a cookie for themselves because it’s all human-grade ingredients.”

Judy Smith buys cookies for her three dogs. She owns “Woof Woof Travels”, a pet travel agency, and says more people are traveling with their pets.

“I can tell you which cities are very pet friendly," Smith says, "and once you’ve decide on that, fix you up in a hotel or motel, give you activities that you can do there, including restaurants that are pet friendly.”
Left - Shannon Parker's dog gets a blueberry facial at "Bark and Bubbles” in Fairfax, Virginia.
VOA - D. Block


Salon for dogs

The ultimate pampering for pets might be found at dog salons, such as "Bark and Bubbles” in Fairfax, Virginia.

Pets can be washed and groomed, have a birthday party or get a facial.

High school student Shannon Parker opts for the self-serve version. She's giving her dog a blueberry facial while she bathes the animal.

She says coming here to wash her dog is worth the cost. "She kind of gets the water all over the house. For me, it’s just a much better option than me trying to do it myself.”

The business has taken off, according to owner Vicky Pittman.

“I just always felt that it would succeed because it seemed so practical that if I was looking for a place to wash my dogs that there were other people out there looking for the same thing,” she says, adding that dogs have a special place in American society. “People love their dogs. There is a special dog bond.”

Deborah Block | Fairfax County, Virginia

Most pet owners willing to go mouth-to-muzzle

Most pet owners willing to go mouth-to-muzzle

TAILS Partners with Iams to Feed Pets in Need This Holiday Season

TAILS Partners with Iams to Feed Pets in Need This Holiday Season

A Rescued Dog Rescues His Family

Lee and Elizabeth Littler went to the county shelter looking for a pet, but what they found was a hero. The Littler’s adopted a very underweight Saint Bernard in need of some serious TLC. Fearing the large dog may be euthanized; they brought him home and promised to nurse him back to health. What happened next is amazing.

The Littler’s arrived at their home when the mild mannered and quiet dog, they had named Hercules, began to growl. Surprised by his reaction the Littler’s were stunned when the dog burst through the screen door, onto the back porch, and chased after an individual that had been trying to break into the Littler home through the basement door.

Hercules chased the would-be burglar through the backyard and grabbed the man’s pant leg as he attempted to scale the backyard fence. Unfortunately, the man was able to pull free of the dog’s grip and has not been identified.

A Rescued Dog Rescues His Family

Pets suffer in struggling economy.

PORTLAND -- Pets are the latest victims of the brutal economy, according to the manager of the Clackamas County Dog Shelter.
Workers there said it’s not unusual to find abandoned dogs at their front door in the morning.
Two weeks ago they found two crates holding seven greyhounds, including three puppies. The crates carried a note.
“The note said, 'I’ve been unemployed for four years and I just can’t do this anymore. Please take care,'” said shelter manager Diana Hallmark. “Sad.".
Hallmark noticed a change a year ago; more dogs were being dropped off each week than normal. The shelter can only hold 51 dogs, but Saturday there were 57 there waiting for adoption. Hallmark said she blames the economy.
“It’s frustrating and heart breaking all at the same time because there are families out there giving up their family member,” Hallmark said. “And they're doing it because they don’t know what else to do."
It doesn't look like things will change any time soon.
“We're still flat,” said Tom Fuller of the Oregon Employment Department. “Unemployment's just not moving. We've gone down from last month, but really we're going nowhere."
The state’s unemployment rate in October was 9.5 percent, basically unchanged from September's 9.6 percent rate. Fuller said there are some jobs, but competition is fierce.
He said there were 13,000 openings, but added, “We've got 120,000 people collecting benefits. That’s where you start to understand there are a whole lot more people looking for work than there are jobs for them to get."
Justus Akwenuk said he knows the situation first hand. He has a degree in mechanical engineering but said he can't find work.
At a job fair in North Portland, where a solar company was hiring 100 people, Akwenuk and an estimated 800 others were applying.
“Well it’s been really tough,” Akwenuk said. “Right now I go for even menial jobs, jobs that can at least pay minimum wages but it’s been really difficult."
Everyone, it seems, looks forward to a time when the economy takes off again, and families can afford to keep man's best friend at home.

Original article here

Dog Walkers Bag Ideas

Your ready to go out and take your best friend on a walk. You need his toys, his training treats, some water, collapsable water bowl, some food for yourself, and your car keys along with your cell phone. But wait... how are you going to carry all of this??? A dog walkers bag of course. A great way to ensure you have all of you and buddy's belongings is to bring along a stylish dog walkers bag to provide everything you need for a long day at the dog park without having to cut things short because you left something at home. I just wanted to take a quick moment to share with you some of the dog walkers bag products that I have found useful in the past.

People Dog Walkers Bag:



Mountainsmith K-9 Dog Cube

This one is a great little tote, and not only includes places for all of your and the dogs things, but it also has places for bowls as well as extra food for an extra long trip.

The K-9 Cube makes traveling with your pet simple. Keep organized with the interior dividers, separate food container, and collapsible dishes for your furry friend’s food and water. Don’t forget to stop and play with the included soft sided Frisbee.








Doggie Dog Walkers Bag:



Mountainsmith Dog Pack III

Here is a great option. Have your buddy help you huff all the equipment around. I really like this one because not only does it have straps to helop equilize the load so it isn't sliding all over the place across your dogs back... it also has special floats to help eliminate hot spots. Your dog stays comfortable the whole trip, and this carries everything you need for a great day out with your buddy.

"Mountainsmith Dog Pack - Large (Spring 2010) - in stock now. Keeping everything stowed for an all-day outing or extended trip to town is no problem for the convenient, streamlined Dog Packs by Mountainsmith made by dog-lovers for dog-lovers. FEATURES of the Dog Pack-Large by Mountainsmith Independently adjustable fleece lined straps at chest, shoulders and hips stabilize fit Compression straps stabilize load Inner valuables pocket to stash your keys D-ring on harness for clipping a leash Mesh pocket on top for leash Reflective trim to keep pet visible

An Introduction to Kennel Cough

Kennel Cough

Article by John Stackson

Part of the puppy socializing process is letting them run around and play with other dogs. But when playing with those other dogs leads to your little one getting sick, it can become very worrisome for you. Just like germs spreading in a children’s 2nd grade classroom, so too can germs spread rapidly at a doggy daycare or boarding place.

Kennel cough, or medically referred to as tracheobronchitis (canine infectious tracheobronchitis, “Bordetella”), is an upper respiratory problem within dogs. This problem is caused by and airborne virus that gets into the pup’s trachea. The symptoms include runny nose, sneezing and persistent coughing – much like a common cold in humans.

Since our dogs can’t communicate verbally to us, we have to watch their non-verbal communications. If you notice your dog sleeping more often, there’s a chance he’s sick If you dog has recently spent time in a daycare or kennel with other dogs, and you witness these signs, chances are your dog is infected with kennel cough. Although not life threatening, you’ll want to take your dog to your vet as quickly as possible so that your dog is comfortable again. You will know if your dog is infected with kennel cough because it will sound as if he’s trying to clear his throat, almost a wimpy coughing sound. You may also witness a loss of appetite, low energy levels, and could also have a fever. If your dog vomits and there is mucus in it, that is generally a good indication of the virus.

As states earlier, kennel cough typically isn’t life threatening but that doesn’t mean you should take your time getting him to your vet. You don’t want this condition to worsen any because it will just prolong the discomfort in your pup. Your vet will most likely prescribe cough suppressants and have your dog rest as much as possible. You may ask your vet about vitamin supplements since your dog’s immune system is down. Make sure to give your dog plenty of liquids to keep him hydrated. As with a human cold, you always want to stay hydrated to keep your energy levels up. Keeping your dog hydrated will also help flush out the mucus from his system.

As soon as your dog is healthy again and cleared of kennel cough, you will want to give him some exercise, but not overdo it. You will need to re-strengthen his muscles, energy and stamina through daily workouts and playtime in the park.

If you are looking for a Denver dog kennel, there are many great places to choose from that offer healthy boarding. With the modern technology of today, web cams help ease leaving your dog behind. I would recommend checking out the Denver dog boarding kennel: Club Pet Resorts.

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