Cool DIY Treats Just In Time for Labor Day Weekend!!

TGIF!!  The holiday weekend is upon us and we have just the treat for your pooch!  I have to give credit where credit is due and this is a recipe straight from The Humane Society, but an amazing recipe it is!

Peanut Butter Banana Popsicle Treats!

Ingredients:
1.  1 cup Natural Organic Peanut Butter
2.  1 Banana
3.  1/2 cup Water
4.  Ice Tray

First, assemble your ice tray and ingredients!

Love these silicone ice trays from Crate and Barrel!  

Natural Organic Peanut Butter is best because it has less salt

Next, mash up and combine the peanut butter and banana together.

Scoop the peanut butter-banana mixture into the ice tray and combine with water.

Place mixture in the freezer for at least 4 hours...

Then Enjoy!!  That's IT!!

We hope your pooch loves these cool treats.  Have a Happy Holiday Weekend!!  Stay Cool!

Love,

A & A

Protecting Your Pup from Extreme Heat

We're Back!  It's been quite awhile since our last post.  These past few weeks have been immensely busy with travel, bustling work schedules, our little guy Joey being under the weather (thank you for all your thoughts and prayers!), and the exciting engagement of my sister, Amanda!

Did I mention she moved to California and The Upper Paw is now Chicago and LA based?!?! Very Exciting!!

With that said, we are back this week with important information and tips on protecting your dog from extreme heat.  August is in full swing and with Labor Day around the corner, sweltering temps are still in effect for many parts of the country.  Our goal this week is to educate you on risky conditions and provide you with information on how to prevent putting your pup in harm's way.

Photo Courtesy:  http://jumpingbulldog.wordpress.com

What defines dangerous conditions?  

Surprisingly, the danger zone is considered to be 70 degrees or above.  The level of risk depends also on what type of breed and the level of humidity.  If your dog is flat-faced (i.e. Pugs, Bulldogs) or designed for cold weather climates (i.e. Bernese Mountain Dog), they have a lower tolerance for heat and humidity compared to a Greyhound or Saluki who are built to withstand desert conditions.

Scenarios to Avoid:

High Humidity:  It is not enough to monitor the temperature, you must also be aware of the humidity.  Dogs are only able to sweat through their foot pads and cool themselves by panting.  Panting helps remove moisture from their lungs and helps to reduce the temperature of their body.  If there is too much moisture in the air, your dog may be unable to effectively cool himself.

Photo Courtesy:  PetMD.com

FYI:  Monitor your dog's temperature and do not let it go above 104 degrees, this could result in heat stroke.

Minimize Exercise on Hot Days:  It is important not to over exercise your dog on extremely hot days.  The stress of the heat on your dog's system produces a stress response that can be negatively compounded when coupled with rigorous exercise.  This may mean less exercise than a normal day, but can also inspire you to create fun ways to entertain and play indoors.  Our parents have a Standard Poodle, Boomer, who requires A LOT of exercise!  However, with summer temperatures in Texas reaching 110 degrees and up, they are careful to exercise him in the early morning hours and evening.

Stick to the Grass:  Your tootsies aren't the only ones to be sensitive walking around barefoot.  Your dog's paw pads can also be burned.  When out walking on extremely hot days, avoid asphalt, concrete, or any other potentially hot surface.  Try to walk your pet on the grass as much as possible.

Never Leave in a Parked Car:  This may seem so harmless to many, however, hundreds of pets die every year because of this mistake.  Even with the air conditioning turned on, it's not safe.  According to the The Humane Society of The United States, "on an 85-degree day, the temperature inside a car with the windows open slightly can reach 102 degrees within 10 minutes.  After 30 minutes the temperature will reach 120 degrees.  This can cause your dog to suffer irreversible organ damage or even die."

Photo Courtesy:  http://www.franklinlakesanimalhospital.com

FYI:  If you see a dog in a parked car, call the nearest animal shelter or police.  The Humane Society even has a "Hot Car Flyer" you can print out and distribute around your community.

We hope you found this post helpful.  Next time you consider partaking in the summer heat, ask yourself if it is appropriate to take your dog along or leave at home in the AC.  If you do decide to bring your pup, make sure to always be prepared with plenty of water and available shade.

Don't forget to check us out on Facebook for great products and tips for beating the heat!

Also, tune in next week when we share an exciting DIY treat to help with those hot days!

Love,

A & A

Picking a Puppy: How to Choose the Best Breed for You

As you are out and about enjoying your summer, you are probably noticing people spending time with their dogs.  From jogging, to frisbee in the park, to hanging out at the beach, the range of activities is endless...and who can forget all of those cute little puppies!

It's no doubt, dogs bring incredible joy to our lives and you may be asking yourself if you are ready for a dog to join your family.  If you are considering getting a dog of your own, but not quite sure where to start, read this!

Before you start searching for the right dog, you should ask yourself if you are ready to welcome a dog into your family.  It's important to consider your lifestyle and the time you have available to properly care for a dog.  If you work 16hr days or spend lengthy times away from home, this may not be the right time for a dog.  Additionally, it's important to consider the financial commitment of owning a dog.  You must be prepared for not only purchasing the appropriate equipment, such as a crate, collar, leash, food, and brushes; but also for the required medical care.  New puppies require a series of shots, and you never know when your dog may get sick or injured.

With that said, let's take a look at beginning the search for your new dog!  What is the best breed for you?

What is your lifestyle like?  

Are you active, enjoying running or hiking?  Or do you prefer to relax and chill in front of the television?  It's important to choose breeds that can easily assimilate to your lifestyle.  If you are looking for a dog to go for a 10-mile run with you...an English Bulldog is not your best option.  Choose a dog that can be an active participate in your hobbies.

Photo Credits:  www.tehcute.com

Border Collies are great for active lifestyles!
Photo Credits:  all creatures.tumblr.com

What is your environment like?

Do you live in a climate with extreme heat or cold?  Are you in an urban environment or rural area?  If you live in an extreme climate, be extra careful when selecting a breed that will be comfortable and happy in extreme temperatures.  The majority of breeds are fairly adaptable with our modern conveniences of heating and air conditioning, however, the outside environment can be deadly if you are not careful.  In addition, to your climate, you should also consider your physical environment.  If you are restricted in space, then a larger breed could be a challenge.  This is especially true for highly active breeds, such as labradors and retrievers.  These breeds will require a lot of exercise outside the home.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are great breeds for large or small spaces.
Photo Credits:  www.akc.org

Bichon Frise are great for urban apartment dwellers!  They are a perfect size and don't shed!  This is our friend's Bichon Frise, Honor, who won the group this year at Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show!
Photo Credits:  www.guardian.co.uk

Are you or any members of your family allergic?

This is such an important piece to consider, because if you or a family member is allergic their experience with your new pup could be uncomfortable and disastrous.  When choosing a dog for family members suffering with allergies, look for breeds that produce less dander and/or have little to no hair.  Examples of ideal breeds would be: Bichon Frise, Poodle, Chinese Crested, Portuguese Water Dog or any breed mixed with one of these breeds.

Banks, Goldendoodle and recent Pup of the Month!

Boomer, Standard Poodle and recent Pup of the Month!

Do you want your dog to travel with you?

If you live a jet set lifestyle and want your dog to as well, then you need to consider smaller breeds able to travel in a carrier under your seat.  Suggested breeds would be:  Yorkshire Terrier, Maltese, Shih Tzu, Chihuahua, and any dog under 15 lbs.

Atom by Sleepypod.  Check out our product review of Sleepypod on our previous posts.
Photo Credits:  www.sleepypod.com

Once you have narrowed down your search, there are just a few more important things to consider.  Don't forget to consider the grooming requirements associated with your desired breed, as well as, common health problems associated with the breed.

Well, we hope you found this post extremely helpful.  It's a lot of information, but bringing a dog into your life is a huge decision and the better equipped you are the happier you and your new dog will be!

Happy Puppy Searching!

Love,

A & A