Friday, January 29, 2010

# 10 !

This week the American Kennel Club announced its list of the most popular dogs. For the 19th year in a row the labrador retriever took top spot. Shih-tzus came in at number ten! I would have to disagree, they should be much higher on the list. But, here's your top ten dogs:

Top 10 Most Popular Dogs in the U.S.


1. Labrador Retriever

2. German Shepherd Dog

3. Yorkshire Terrier

4. Golden Retriever

5. Beagle

6. Boxer

7. Bulldog

8. Dachshund

9. Poodle

10. Shih Tzu
 
I wonder what the list would look like for Canada's favourite dogs...

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Watch Your Step

Last winter there were a number of incidences in Toronto of dogs stepping on manhole covers and getting electrocuted. A few dogs even died from this. Toronto Hydro went around checking hundreds of manhole covers for any chance of an electical charge. They replaced old covers and added new safety measures.

However, just this week another dog was electocuted while walking in the city's west end. Toronto Hydro is once again at work to make sure this doesn't happen to another pet. 

It's difficult to say if all metal covers around the city are safe at this point, although many have been inspected. The recommendation is to walk around, and avoid stepping on these covers just to be safe.

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Getting Crafty

I recently came across this post on PawNation's website describing an initiative called Save the Dogs From the Chill Project.

It sounds like a really creative idea. Basically what they do is collect donations of old sweaters. They then repurpose the sweaters with some crafty sewing into sweaters for dogs. These new dog sweaters are then donated to animal shelters and provided to the dogs in those shelters to keep them warm in the winter months. To stay updated on this initiative, the founders publish a blog.

This is a nice gift for dogs in shelters who need some comfort. I would be interested to know if there's anything like this in the Toronto area.

Sunday, January 10, 2010

animalhouseradio.com

In connection with my previous post. There is an online radio program that broadcasts live Friday nights at 8pm. This show is hosted by Aaron and Dr. Mike. They cover topics about pets and pet ownership.

After some investigation on the website I realized that you could listen to the program over the internet, and it's not a typical radio station. At this stage I think the website could use a bit of work. There isn't much content up yet. But, it would still be worth checking out the show on Fridays.

http://www.animalhouseradio.com/ 

Your Pet, Your Vet

There is a new show for pet owners airing on RogersTV Sundays at 5pm-6pm. It will be hosted by Dr. Cliff Redford and Aaron Thomas. They will be discussing everything from pet care, parks, products and personal stories from local pet owners.

It's a call in show so pet owners are invited to call in with questions and comments to 1-866-715-1010.

The nice thing about having a show like this, is that it is local and the issues will relate directly to the viewers. It will be a good way to stay connected with what's happening in the pet community in your area.

For more information:
http://www.rogerstv.com/option.asp?lid=12&rid=17&sid=3250

Monday, January 4, 2010

Scratchy Paws

Elli gets really rough paws every now and then. She gets them all year long, but a bit worse in the winter.

This past summer I stopped at a specialty pet store and picked up a product that I thought might help her. The product is called 100% Natural for Pets: Paw Rescue Spray.

Of course, after I bought the spray her paws smoothed out so I didn't get a chance to use this new product until a few days ago.

The problem with sprays is that they terrify Elli. So I have to spritz a gauze pad and dab onto her feet. So far the product does seem to sooth her paws after application. But, her paws are still scratchy. I've only used the product a few times, so maybe it takes more consitancy to really make a difference.

The nice thing is that the product is 100% all natural. It protects paws from heat and cold, conditions and cleans cracked irritated pads, prevents brittle nails and splitting, and is non-staining and non-sticky. I also found it to absorb quickly so you don't have to worry about your dog walking on the floors afterwards.

The company that makes this product offers a full line of other products, inlcuding the invisible boot (which I would like to try out). The prices range from $10-12. You can find their products in select stores, or, order online.