This record is to look at the potency of the marketing strategies that permit them to widely increase their business around Singapore and Malaysia. And in addition examine the way they react to their competitors.
What is Pet Lovers Centre?
Pet Lovers Centre (PLC) is Singapore's biggest dog or cat retail and service string. It was wide open as a home hobby business in 1973. In 1995, the next era of Ng family got over, and the business enterprise grew quickly as they have extend their business not only Singapore and also Malaysia. PLC is well known for their capability to offer its customer "widest and freshest range, coupled with fast and warm service". They will be the only pet string being awarded for the "Trust SG certification for the entire year" and also an Associate person in Worldwide Family pet Industry Connection. In 2008, it became a franchise-able brand.
Background of Pet Lovers Centre
In 1973, both brothers, David Ng and Robert Ng, have the same interest for dogs because they were raised in a plantation with a myriad of pets and family pets. At the point of time, the pet ownership had not been popular as compare to today, dog or cat shop hardly can be seen on the road, as leftover food were consider proper meals for pets. After that, the two brothers shared a typical dream to open up Singapore's first shop that offered everything a pet should need. It started off with the wholesaling and from then on change to retailing as the demand for dog or cat related retail service was expand and there have been lack of choice in the market. And this switching of business was a success.
After much time and money being spent, they finally open up their first shop at Shaw Centre along Scotts Highway. They also determine to begin their own Research & Development. Such as for example, "turning car cushions into pet cat basket, home carpet into scuff pad for cats". This technology allow the shop to be first in transfer dried out dog food, first to sell anti flea and tick hair shampoo, first to sell nutritional supplement for pets and first to provide dry food to provide to Singapore's authorities and army dog products.
Mission and Center Values
Pet Lovers Centre objective is to provide their quality care and attention to their customer by displaying their care and attention and concern with their customer needs and also good ease of access. Pet Addicts Centre core worth are Integrity, professionalism, performance, teamwork, and service. The needs having this central ideals is to ensure that the personnel being professional in their job, do their part and being genuine, courteous, care and attention and concern to their customer. "PLC is where pet fans can shop with total confidence and satisfaction. " They ensure they did provide quality services and share their knowledge about pet and product with their customer.
Pet addicts centre has received the Singapore Creative Circle Bronze award of the year of 2001, Retail Courtesy Silver Award of the entire year of 2002, Excellent Service Award of the entire year of 2002, Best Family pet Shop Prize 2004 & 2005, Largest Dog or cat Store in Malaysia Publication of Details 2003, Clubpets Readers Choice honor of the entire year of 2003 to 2006, Singapore Prestige Brand Honor in 2008, Trust SG Documentation for the entire year of 2006 -2008 and Second Runner Up, Global Pets Forum Prize 2010.
Pet Lover Foundation
Pet Fans Centre has always offering charities to those animals. And previous years, the foundation arrived with a tagline"Pets, people and out globe" to pets. They donate food for animal shelter in Singapore. The building blocks work with the animal shelters such as Noah's Ark, SPCA and ASD. And this past year when economic perspective is bleak, they organise "Dog Food Drive". They actually collected over 2000kg of dog food for SPCA and Noah's Ark. And just lately, they organise and charity preview of the movie, "Hachiko - A dog's story", and elevated sixteen thousand us dollars for the ASD and Noah's Ark. Presently, they are working by using an eco task and working with Salvation Military to help the animal shelter. Furthermore, their stores got these house brand products "Burp!" and "Trustie" and their exclusive imports products, the sales of the merchandise will be contribute to Pet lovers foundation's beneficiaries.
Location of Stores
Pet fans Centre has develop their business to Malaysia and Singapore. There are 32 stores in Singapore and 8 stores in Malaysia. In Singapore, the stores are located near to the MRT stop or shopping malls. This allows customer to access to the destination easily. For instance: VivoCity, Singapore's most significant retail and lifestyle vacation spot, customer can actually take bus, MRT, Taxi or autos to the shopping mall. And they can even shop around the shopping mall once they have shop at your pet Lovers Centre. So this permit the customer not only able to purchase their pet products, they also could purchase other things from other retailers. And they won't believe that trip had been wasted to visit down.
In Singapore, there are 5 Pet Lovers Centre's wall plug contain the grooming facilities. They could bring their pets to the EastPoint mall, Holland town, Serangoon Gardens, Toa Payoh Central or Vivocity for wild hair grooming. And those groomers are higher level of expertise proficiency and professionalism as they are being trained by the PLC Animal Arts Academy. They train skills in a intensifying manner which helps them to build up the building blocks, learning basic skills of handling and grooming dogs and cats, attaining new techniques as they learn advance skills. Lately, they provide new services to your pet owner. It is the "just a shower" for puppies only. This is to allow the owners have an alternative solution choice to really bring their household pets for a bathtub rather than carrying it out themselves.
There are veterinary Treatment centers located at Vivocity and Holland Town. They also came out with a system for the owner to ask for an advice, view or recommendation through online. So owner can in fact enter their website and consult the veterinary through online before bringing their pet to a veterinarian. And they'll reply the post at the earliest opportunity to solve owner's problem. That is to allow the owner get an idea whether their domestic pets are behaving normally or it does really need a medical care. So this enables owners to save lots of assessment cost if their dog or cat were perfectly alright.
PLC has dog training at their stores. They work together with the Waggie's dog training institution, Doggie Move forward dog training college and Dog Listener consultancy. They might schedule their category at different venue of Singapore. And owners are given a selection to choose which classes they might like their dog to travel for training. Along with the place usually will be at Vivo city 3rd floor. Yet another way owner could do is consult the instructors through online on basic training. This would allow them to have better advice, thoughts and opinions and recommendation from the trainer. So rather than bring canines to training institution, they could actually coach their pups themselves.
They provide home delivery. So owner could purchase bulky item such as dog food, dog cage plus more. Or owner could also online order goods. If goods are being purchase above $50, there exists free of charge for delivery. The delivery calls for 3 to 4 4 business days to process. There's a call receive from other Customer Service Official to verify the requests and time of delivery. So when goods appear, goods can be exchanges within 7 business days from the night out of purchase.
They also provide membership greeting card for those pet addicts to get profit. For instance, 15% discount on birthday month, 5% discount on regular-priced product, makes loyalty indicate redeem items. To use the free regular membership card, customer has to purchase above $100 in one receipt. If not, customer has to pay $5 for request fees for bare minimum purchase of $50 solo receipts or gathered receipts in four weeks. And this account could last for just one year, subsequent time renewal of membership fees will be $2. Customer could check their point and redeem item through their website. With this account, members will have a tendency to visit their stores and buy more items from them, in order that they could collect point. With the idea, customers could actually redeem pet's food, pet's shampoo, pet's solution or supplement, accessories and surprise vouchers.
The price of the products was placed at an acceptable and affordable price. And they do have make of product that could not within other dog or cat stores. Despite the fact that there are some product that are sold higher price than other dog or cat stores, but customer still choose to buy their product as the quality and service was that. They are willing to pay higher price as they wish to get good quality of food.
S. W. O. T analysis
They provide the customer their finest service with a smile from it. This demonstrates they appreciated each of these customers. They willingly to help customers and fixed their problem. They would like to gain the trust from the customer. So they allow exchange of products within 7 days. This will allow customer to get good impress of these business. They'll constantly delivering latest product for customer. That is to prevent them from reselling expired food plus more variety to choose. They not only aim for people around town or city, they also focus on people who live at HDB. This allows them to visitors to happen to be their stores handily. Every month, they certainly have campaign item, this is to entice more customer to buy their product.
They have quite limited types of products compare to other pet shop. And not every store has the same products. As some of the shop size is small, so they cannot actually bring in many different types of products. So, the majority of products will be accessible at the pet safari mega stores only.
Service and Quality of the product that Pet Lover Centre provides to each of these customer are useful. This would permit the customer have rely upon their product and ready to go to the stores again. And this enables the client to recommend more pet enthusiasts to drop by their stores. They are doing organise outdoor event and dog or cat contest. This also really helps to promote responsible pet ownerships and also allow owner and domestic pets to enjoy and have fun. And permit customer to know that all this event are in reality organize by your pet Enthusiasts Centre.
There are a great deal of pet shops in Singapore. They are simply actually Pet Fans competitor. For the reason that they are doing sell dog or cat products, and their products are for sale at lower price. And they do have their own home brand product. So they might miss out with customer because of that. As the majority of the people wouldn't normally wish to pay too much on products, all they want is their pet eating healthy food.
Interview of the Pet Owner
Comments: I prefer to buy pet's product from Family pet Lovers Centre. It is because their foods are fresh. As the day of expiry is either one or two 2 time later. THEREFORE I feel safe to permit my pet to consume their food and snack. There was once, I went to other Family pet Shop to get pet food. I observe that the expiry time was just a few month away. Not only that, tiny opening and insect are available on the product packaging which will make me feel so unsafe and quality of food was kind of bad, which give me an awful impression of the stores. So from that point in time, I favor to buy products from Family pet Lovers Centre. Despite the fact that the price was just a little expensive from other stores, it's more worthwhile.
Although the price of the merchandise are slightly more expensive, but there is a lot of promotion going on throughout the year. So whenever there is promotion on the particular product that my dog or cat loves it, I would like to acquire it bulk and there is a free delivery to my house. So it's worthy of buying it and I do not need to carry those things all the way back home. Incidentally, Pet Lovers Centre can be found almost all the shopping malls and it's located near MRT stop too. It had been as convenient as compare to other dog or cat stores. So whenever I stop by to that retail center, I'll always drop by the stores to check on their promotion. As well as the service was excellent, their advice was very clear.
Being a member, there are so benefits. During birthday months, you can find 15% discount on the things. Sometime you might even receive free gift idea from them. Tips are given to all or any members; I've attempted to redeem items through online. It was great. They even deliver it to my home. What a good service they provide to all participants. So Pet Lovers Centre is a good choice for all pet enthusiasts.
Pets Lovers Centre has being displaying their finest in providing good service and good quality with their customer. Their marketing strategies had been proven and recognise, this allow them to develop in Singapore and Malaysia. They continue to keep the member up to date with the latest information or promotion through email, E-zine or even typically the most popular cultural network, Facebook. This allows the member to go to to Pet Lovers Centre more regularly. This allow Dog or cat Buffs Centre to be success and able to expand their business swiftly throughout the island.
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Animal nutrition & pet food
Rice ingredients have historically been used as basic components in pet food and feed due to the nutritional values of rice, its blend taste, and because rice is free of allergens. Ebro Ingredients has a unique access to rice and broken rice due to its presence in the Ebro Foods Group. Rice is milled by the Group in different parts of the world and therefore we can offer an unlimited amount of rice, broken rice and rice flours of different qualities to our customers. Our native rice flours are ideal for extruded feed and pet food, but we also produce pregelatinized rice flours that are very suitable for liquid products or for cold pressed pet food.
Ebro Ingredients also offers yellow pea and fava bean concentrates obtained by air classification technology. The following 100% natural and sustainable fractions are obtained from yellow pea and fava bean; 55 to 75% protein concentrates, starch concentrates, and fiber fractions.
Pea starch is a popular product for feed and pet food applications due to its nutritional composition, digestibility, water binding capacity, thickening and gelling properties, and economic value. Pea starch can be used among others in grain free pet food, extruded products, and high meat dog and cat food. Finally, another interesting application is the replacement of potato or potato flakes by pea starch.
Pea proteins have been used in pet food for many years, and there is a growing interest in their use. Traditionally, pea protein is used to increase the protein quality and content due to its high digestibility. Lately, a second driver is the rapid growth of grain free pet foods. Our protein concentrates are 100% native thus enhancing binding making it therefore a valuable ingredient for pet food.
Contact us and learn all about our solutions for Animal nutrition & pet food.
OryzaGEL and PisumGEL
Ebro Ingredients precooked rice flour, OryzaGEL, and precooked pea starch concentrate, PisumGEL, are excellent ingredients for preparing cold pressed pet food. Not only do they contain valuable nutrients like carbohydrates and protein, they also create a great texture and they function as a binder.
Cold pressed pet food is becoming more and more popular, but its production process is a challenge because such products are cold pressed and do not undergo any heat step. All ingredients used, therefore, should be ready-to-eat and precooked. With OryzaGEL and PisumGEL this challenge can be easily overcome.
Interested in knowing more?


Disposable Dog Pee Pads: Simplifying Pet Care with Convenience and Hygiene
Introduction: Properly managing your dog’s bathroom needs is an essential aspect of pet care. Disposable dog pee pads have emerged as a popular solution that offers convenience, cleanliness, and peace of mind for pet owners. In this article, we will explore the benefits and applications of disposable dog pee pads, highlighting their role in simplifying pet care routines.
Easy to Use: Disposable dog pee pads are designed to be user-friendly. They typically feature a moisture-absorbent core and a leak-proof backing to ensure that any liquid is contained within the pad. Simply place the pad on the desired location, such as the floor or a designated potty area, and your dog can use it for their bathroom needs. The simplicity of using disposable pee pads makes them suitable for various situations, including house training puppies, assisting senior dogs, or providing a convenient alternative for dogs that cannot access the outdoors easily.
Superior Absorbency: One of the key advantages of disposable dog pee padsis their high absorbency. The pads are made with super-absorbent materials that quickly lock in moisture and neutralize odors, keeping your home clean and fresh. Whether it’s a small accident or a larger volume of urine, disposable pee pads are designed to handle the task efficiently, preventing leaks and minimizing tracking.
Hygiene and Cleanliness: Disposable dog pee pads contribute significantly to maintaining a hygienic environment. The moisture-absorbent core swiftly absorbs and traps liquid, preventing it from spreading or seeping into floors or carpets. This helps to control odors and reduces the risk of stains or damage to your home. Additionally, disposable pads offer a convenient solution for pet owners who may have limited time or physical mobility, as they can be quickly and easily disposed of after use.
Versatility and Travel-Friendly: Disposable dog pee pads are versatile and travel-friendly, making them suitable for various situations. They can be used at home, in crates, or even in vehicles during long journeys. For pet owners who frequently travel with their dogs or stay in accommodations that may not have suitable outdoor areas for bathroom breaks, disposable pee pads offer a convenient and reliable solution.
Conclusion: Disposable dog pee pads provide a practical and hygienic solution for pet owners seeking to simplify their pet care routines. With their ease of use, superior absorbency, and ability to maintain cleanliness, these pads play a crucial role in house training, assisting senior dogs, and ensuring a clean environment for both pets and owners. By incorporating disposable dog pee pads into your pet care regimen, you can enhance convenience, protect your living spaces, and create a comfortable and stress-free environment for your furry companion.


Located in a small town south of Sarasota, Florida, is the home of Calisa Poodles. The aquamarine of
the gulf is a fitting background for the gorgeous jewel red of Calisa's world famous red poodles.
Puppies born here have found wonderful homes in places far away as Australia, Japan, S. Korea, Mexico,
Colombia , Honduras, Puerto Rico, France, Italy, Switzerland, and all over the United States and
Canada. Puppies born in our home have grown up to be top show dogs and major producers, earn
obedience degrees, perform in plays and dance troupes, become therapy dogs and agility enthusiasts,
and best of all, become beloved family members.
Temperament is our first and foremost consideration at Calisa Poodles. Calisa Poodles are "people dogs"
to which anyone who has lived with one can attest. We select, breed, and raise ours with temperament
our top priority. Poodles live to be with their people, and nothing is more flattering than a Calisa
Poodle. Whether you are absent for one hour or six, a warm welcome is assured. After all, you are the
most important thing in his or her life. Here again, our attention to, and expertise in selecting
for temperament gives the owner of a Calisa Poodle an advantage. Our ideal temperament is that of the
poodle who plays actively when encouraged on the floor, but is perfectly content to be on the laps of
his own people. We have found that this temperament best serves a Calisa Poodle whether destined to be
a champion of the show ring or of the home. Variations in temperament can provide the basis for
selection for different situations. We also have the nonstop cuddlers and the even more adventurous
individuals. Whether male or female, each Calisa Poodle is a definite individual, and we are aware of
his/her unique personality. Both Calisa boys and girls make equally wonderful companions- the
individual's own personality should take precedence over a preference for one sex or the other.
Every Calisa Poodle has been examined by our veterinarian and is accompanied by a veterinarian health
certificate. An individual complete written health record with all inoculations is included. Every
Calisa puppy is treated as if he will be a permanent resident in our own home and every recommended
vaccination is given. This means that a Calisa puppy generally has had more shots at any given age
than a poodle purchased elsewhere. Full instructions for continuing this program of protection are
noted for you and your veterinarian's convenience.
Here at Calisa Poodles we have been actively checking our poodles, all colors, for hereditary eye
problems since 1977. Our poodles are certified by one of the most esteemed diplomates of the American
College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists.
We feed the highest quality premium diet available. By providing the best diet, you are assured of the
best possible nutritional start for your poodle. It is important that a puppy remains on this food
at first, and changed only gradually to another if necessary. Therefore, we provide some of this food
with the puppy, in addition to a written guide to feeding and care for the new puppy owner.
This extra care is also reflected in our shipping arrangements. We always choose the best flight and
the most direct route. Hand delivery to major airports is an option sometimes available.
Calisa Poodles is dedicated to breeding the most outstanding poodles available to the show minded,
serious fancier/breeder, and obedience exhibitor. We are known worldwide for our red poodles. We are
proud that CALISA POODLES:
We also raise, show and finish outstanding champion poodles in the other colors. Many of our poodles
have earned obedience titles and are enthusiastic workers.
- Has the most Champions in the color Red world-wide.
- Owned and bred the 1st American and Canadian Champion Red dog.
- Owned and bred the 1st Red toy female to win a U.S. Specialty Best of Variety.
- Owned and bred the youngest Red poodle to win a U.S. Specialty and the only one to win his first time out in the ring.
- Owned and bred the 1st Red female AKC puppy Champion.
- Owned and bred the 1st Red National Specialty winner.
- Owned and bred Canada's 1st Red puppy Champion and the 1st Red Multiple Group Winner.
- Home to 8 Top Producers in the color Red, including the 1st Red Top Producing Dam.
A poodle acquired from Calisa for show or breeding in any color is not just a fine example of the
breed, but also reflects the depth of quality in the pedigree behind that individual. Generations of
champions and producers result in a poodle that is top quality and is capable of producing it, too.
A poodle exclusively for companion enjoys this very same quality, and has always been placed in an
approved home with a spay/neuter agreement since 1977.
In selecting a Calisa Poodle, you are acquiring the years of selective breeding in the background as
well. Calisa Poodles offers puppies, adults, and occasionally selected champions out of champions and
Top Producers. Calisa Poodles concentrates on toys. Occasionally, we do have small to full size
miniatures (11"-14" at the shoulder). These are particularly appropriate for homes with small
children, and are well suited for longer walks. We prefer to show the smaller toys; therefore we
often have the very tiny ones popularly known as "teacups" or "pocket toys." Since there is no
established standard for "teacups", we consider that it will be one if we feel the puppy will grow to
no more than 81/2" at the shoulder. The little ones are amazing for their intelligence in incredibly
minute packages. At Calisa we keep these tiny ones longer in order to ensure that they are healthy,
that they have the best possible start in life, and that they are truly tiny. When choosing the size,
bone structure and build are important factors as well as height.
Regardless of size or destination, all Calisa Poodles are given EXTRA special attention to ensure
that each one will be the real "people dog" your poodle should become. Whether you are seeking a
fabulous pet to impress, or to show or breed, our poodles are raised as part of our family, to become
part of yours.


Ticks – ugh!
They’re creepy and they can carry disease.
Experts warn us each year that it’ll be an especially bad year for ticks. They also share the reminder that the disease incidence is becoming endemic in new areas.
If your dog plays in wooded areas, once in a while he’ll probably pick up a tick or two. Yes, even if you use prevention. No matter what you use for prevention … even the toxic, carcinogenic pharmaceutical products aren’t 100% tick proof.
The good news is that most tick-borne diseases aren’t transmitted immediately. So, if you get ticks off your dog within 24 to 36 hours of a tick bite, he’s unlikely to get infected.
But that means it’s really important to check your dog for ticks and remove them quickly.
But before we talk about the do’s and don’ts of tick removal, let’s look at the tick diseases your dog might be exposed to.
Tick Diseases In Dogs
Are ticks common where you live?
Here’s how to find out …
- The most common diseases ticks can pass on to dogs
- Which ticks carry those diseases
- Geographic areas where these ticks live
This is an emerging disease that’s quite rare but worth mentioning because it’s not spread by a tick bite, but by dogs eating infected ticks …
American canine hepatozoonosis (ACH)
(Hepatozoon canis, Hepatozoon americanum)
- This can happen when a dog removes ticks off his own body, or if he eats prey that has ticks.
- It can be a highly debilitating disease. So it’s especially important to remove ticks from your dog before he does it himself!
- ACH exists in the south-central and southeastern US
Is There Tick Disease Where You Live?
To check the incidence of tick disease near you, go to the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC). They have nice interactive maps for the US and Canada on their website.
These maps show the prevalence for Lyme disease, erlichiosis and anaplasmosis for 2019 … You can also find maps for Canada.
As you view this data, keep in mind that the big pharmaceutical companies sponsor this CAPC website. You know, the companies who make money when you buy their tick products!
Removing Ticks From Your Dog
The first rule is to get ticks off your dog quickly.
So let’s take a look at some DOs and DON’Ts to keep in mind.
DO … remove ticks within 24 to 36 hours of a bite.
If your dog’s out every day in areas with ticks, then you need to check him every day. Otherwise, check him when he’s been in the woods or any tick-infested area.
TIP: Some dogs may “show” you where they have a tick. Watch your dog to see if he’s scratching or biting at himself repeatedly in one place.
DO … check him thoroughly all over.
Ticks especially like to hang out in places like …
- His groin
- Between his toes
- In or around his ears
- Around the anal area
- His tail and eyelids
TIP: If you have a long-haired or double-coated dog, use a dog hair dryer to blow his coat around. The hairs will part so you can see his skin and spot any ticks lurking there. You can also use your own hairdryer on a very cool setting so you don’t burn your dog.
If You Find A Tick On Your Dog
DO … use tweezers:
- Part your dog’s hair around the tick with your fingers.
- Place the tweezers around the tick, as close as you can get to the skin.
- Don’t twist or jerk the tick.
- Pull gently upwards with steady hands. Add pressure until the tick lets you pull it away from the skin.
- Clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol, iodine, or soap and water.
- Dispose of the tick by killing it in alcohol … or flush it down the toilet.
- If you’re concerned about tick disease, save the tick in alcohol for testing.
DO … use a tick removal gadget.
There are several on the market. I like the Tick Key and I keep one in a few rooms of my house so it’s close at hand when I find a tick on my dog. You can also keep it on your key ring.
- Place the large opening of the Tick Key over the tick as close to the skin as you can
- Slide the Tick Key until the tick is in the narrow slot at the end
- Keep sliding the tick key in the same direction, along the skin
- The tick will come out including the head and mouth parts in all
- Clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol, iodine or soap, and water
- You can kill the tick by putting it in alcohol, or wrap it in tape and flush it down the toilet
- If you’re concerned your dog may have contracted tick disease, save the tick in alcohol for testing
- DON’T … remove ticks with your fingers (though I must admit I do sometimes). If you do this too, use a tissue or paper towel. Disinfect your hands afterward with soap and water. You don’t really want tick saliva or blood on your fingers. And don’t forget to clean the bite area on your dog.
- DON’T … squish or crush a tick. This can force infected body fluids through the tick’s mouth. It increases the risk of infection for you and your dog.
- DON’T … worry if the mouthpart of the tick stays in your dog’s skin. It can happen sometimes when they’re really well embedded. It’s a bit like having a splinter and it will fall out in a few days.
- DON’T … put things like nail polish, vaseline or repellents on the tick to try to suffocate or kill it. This can cause the tick to vomit into your dog, increasing the possibility of infection.
- DON’T … burn the tick with a lighted cigarette or hot match. These can also cause vomiting.
- DON’T … throw the tick in your trashcan or sink. They can easily crawl back out.
How Long Can Ticks Survive Without A Host?
I’ve often wondered about this because I’ve sometimes dropped a tick after removing it … so I looked it up.
Now I’ll be a lot less worried that there’s a tick wandering around my house looking for someone to bite.
This is what I found out about deer ticks and most other hard ticks – the ones that usually carry disease.
- They can dry out and die very quickly if humidity is less than 90%.
- Most won’t survive 24 hours and will often die within 8 hours.
- On moist clothing in a laundry hamper they might survive 2 or 3 days, or longer if they’ve recently had a blood meal.
But what if you bring ticks home on your clothes?
Well, here’s what a study by the University of Vermont found. Putting your clothes in the dryer for 5 minutes on high heat will kill ticks.
If you wash your clothes first, the water temperature needs to be above 115°F to kill them.
If a tick survives the wash cycle, put the clothes in the dryer. Dry for 70 minutes on low heat or 50 minutes on high heat.
This study used Blacklegged (deer) ticks … so other ticks may respond differently.
Of course, keeping ticks off your dog in the first place is the best strategy. But it’s always worthwhile taking the time to check him regularly for ticks.
If you remove them promptly, the likelihood of your dog getting a tick-borne disease is very low.
Now, before I go …
Here are some quick tips to help keep the ticks off your dog in the first place:
Keeping Ticks Off Your Dog
There are many chemical tick preventives that can harm your dog.
These include spot-ons and sprays or collars that repel insects. They include brands your vet may prescribe like …
These pesticides are toxic and can all cause risky side effects in your dog.
There are also some new oral flea and tick preventives. You give them monthly or every three months. The brand names are Nexgard, Bravecto, and Simparica.
You might think it sounds very convenient to just give your dog a tasty chew every month or so … but they’re very risky.
These drugs circulate in your dog’s bloodstream. Once in the blood, they work by attacking the nervous system of the insect to kill it.
This means they can also be dangerous for your dog.
The side effects include …
Once these drugs are in your dog’s bloodstream, they’ll be there for several weeks or even months.
So if your dog has an adverse reaction, you can’t get it out of his system!
It’s much safer to avoid these side effects by using organic and natural tick repellents.
3 Natural Solutions
1. Stopping Ticks With Food
- Garlic – Garlic helps repel fleas and ticks as the odor comes through your dog’s skin. Don’t think garlic is toxic to your dog! It’s a healthy addition to your dog’s diet. The key is to feed the right dose – about 1/3 tsp of fresh chopped garlic per 10 lbs of your dog’s body weight.
- Apple Cider Vinegar – Give your dog 1/2 tsp per day per 25 lbs of body weight. Add it to your dog’s food or water bowl. The apple cider vinegar adds acidity to your dog’s blood. This makes him less appealing to ticks – and fleas too!
[Related: Garlic For Dogs: Poison Or Medicine?]
2. Topical Tick Preventives
Herbal Flea And Tick Powder
Herbal Flea And Tick Collars
You can make your own herbal flea and tick collar by …
- Mixing 2 Tbsp of almond oil with 2 drops of rose geranium essential oil or palo santo essential oil.
- Dab a few drops on your dog’s collar or a bandana.
- Remove the collar or bandana when your dog comes indoors.
- Reapply the essential oil to the collar or bandana weekly.
There are also several herbal or essential oil tick collars you can buy.
Avoid any products containing essential oils of wintergreen, pennyroyal, and clove. These oils are dangerous for your dog and should not be used for any reason.
Make your own tick shampoo …
- Mix several drops of palo santo essential oil with your favorite organic lavender shampoo.
- Let the suds sit on your dog for 20 minutes, then rinse.
This will kill any existing ticks … and help repel new ones.
Make your own citrus repellent …
- Cut a lemon into quarters and put them into a pint jar.
- Cover with boiling water. Let it steep overnight.
- In the morning, pour the liquid into a spray bottle.
- Mist your dog (be careful around his eyes and nose).
TIP: For best results, pay special attention to these areas …
- behind his ears
- around his head
- the base of his tail
- his armpits
Diatomaceous Earth (DE)
DE is a fine white powder. It’s the fossilized remains of tiny aquatic creatures called diatoms.
- Buy food grade diatomaceous earth.
- Sprinkle a small amount on your dog, starting at the tail.
- Hold back the coat so you get the powder on his skin.
- The powder will pierce the protective structures of ticks.
- They will dehydrate and die.
It’s safe for your dog but can be drying to his skin. So don’t over-use it, and be careful not to get it in his eyes, nose or mouth.
3. For Your Yard
If ticks live in your yard, you can take steps to get rid of them.
Nematodes feed on tick larvae. This breaks their life cycle and kills off the parasite. The beneficial nematodes are microscopic, worm-like organisms that live in soil. They eat many kinds of garden pests as well as fleas and ticks.
You can buy them online at places like Arbico Organics or Amazon. They come ready to use. Add water as directed on the package. Spray them throughout your yard using a hose sprayer or a watering can.
Use food-grade DE and sprinkle it around your yard. The powder is lethal to ticks and fleas but safe for pets and humans. And it won’t hurt beneficial earthworms either. It also contains minerals that are good for your garden.
Let your dog be a dog and don’t worry! There are many ways to protect your dog from ticks.
Ticks don’t always have to be scary! Remember to check your dog for ticks.
Oh … and don’t forget to check yourself as well!


Are the mid-week blues taking over your day?
We know a fun way to cruise through those blues.
Paws-IT and beat that mid-week slump by taking part in our exciting event!
Freshservice is celebrating "Take Your Dog to Work Day" on June 25th and we are organizing a special contest for all pet-parents and dog lovers out there.
Here’s your chance to win a special goodie basket filled with treats for your canine companion. You will have to:
Post a picture or a video with your dog on Twitter
Tell us one [p]aw-some trait about your dog
Tag us @freshserviceapp with #ITMadePAWssible
We will be announcing three lucky winners on June 28th. Hurry up and send us your entries by June 25th!


(Photo to the left features my “gateway fish” to the aquarium hobby, my plakat male domestic b. splendens, Washi, at various stages of his life.)
Bettas are a far more diverse genus of fish than their depressing rack on the fish room floor at your local Petsmart or Petco would have you believe. The genus encompasses 75 described species of fish, all of whom are native to the slow-moving waters of Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, Indonesia, among others. The average pet store visitor is most likely to encounter the domesticated betta splendens, but all of these fish share a fascinating evolutionary advantage: the labyrinth organ. This organ allows bettas (as well as their cousins, the gourami) to breathe oxygen directly from the air above the surface of the water.
For reasons that I won’t go into in great detail, I choose not to breed or support the sale of domestic bettas within the hobby. The two domestic splendens that I have owned since getting serious about the hobby were rescue fish, and managing their health since bringing them home has been an ongoing struggle. The species I work with and will journal about extensively here will be wild species only.


The greatest thing since the tennis ball has finally arrived!
Daycare dogs are assigned to playgroups based on size and play style. Large indoor and outdoor play areas offer plenty of room to make new fur-friends, and human Pack Leaders provide constant supervision, safety, and love.
Why Dog Daycare?
Daycare gives your dog a chance to have fun with his four-legged pals while you’re off doing important human stuff. Well-socialized dogs are more likely to get along with other dogs and people, and you can feel comfortable taking them out or having company because you know they’ll behave.
Even the best dog can have an accident if you ask him to hold it for too long. As your dog ages, it may become difficult for him to wait for you to get home for his potty break. Puppies need more frequent breaks as well (see our Puppy Playschool page), while their tiny systems work up toward being able to hold it for longer periods of time. Arranging for daycare on those long workdays (plus the monster commutes) means you can save your road rage for another time, because you don’t have to be in a frenzy to get home and let the dog out to potty.
New puppy? Young puppies participate in Puppy Playschool from age 8 weeks to 16 weeks, where they receive extra supervision and special playgroups! Click here for rates and details!
Things to Know About Daycare:
— All dogs must be up to date on the following vaccinations: Rabies, Distemper/Parvo, and Bordetella. We also highly recommend vaccinating against canine influenza.
— Vaccinations must be administered by a licensed veterinarian and proof of vaccines must be provided prior to admittance to daycare.
— Dogs are required to be spayed or neutered past the age of 8 months to participate in daycare.
— We maintain a three strikes and you’re out rule for behavioral issues at daycare. Parents will be notified by pack leaders each time an incident occurs. Depending on the severity of the incident, we reserve the right to expel a dog from daycare at any time for behavior that is not appropriate for off-leash playgroups.
— Dogs are required to be up to date on flea and tick prevention. Flea/tick collars ARE allowed, however, they are considered a hazard and may get chewed off or damaged during the course of regular play. Hounds Hideaway is not responsible for replacing damaged or destroyed flea/tick collars.
Click Location name below to view Rates
Are reservations required?
Only for your dog’s first visit (see next question about getting started). Once your dog is an established client, you can bring him in for daycare without a reservation.
How do I get my dog started in daycare?
Click here to complete our registration forms online! From there, you’re ready to schedule your dog’s first day of daycare with us. On their first day, we ask that you drop your dog off with us between 6:30 and 9am, and pick up between 2:30 and 6:30, so we have plenty of time to integrate him into playgroups at whatever pace he’s comfortable with. Profiles require one-on-one time with our human Pack Leaders, so reservations are required. New furry clients are accepted Monday through Thursday and spots are limited on each day to ensure your dog and his Pack Leader are not rushed in their introductions to all the new activity. We’ll spend time getting to know your dog, and will introduce him to our own pack dogs slowly throughout the day. Based on his play style and interactions with dogs, he’ll be integrated into playgroups that are most compatible with what he prefers. Keep in mind that dogs who show signs of aggression toward people or other guests will not be approved to participate in group play.
- What are the requirements for participating in dog daycare?
All dogs must be up to date on vaccinations for Rabies (1 or 3 year), Bordetella (every 6 months), and DHLPP. If your dog is nearing his due date for vaccines, please remember that Bordetella vaccines must be given at least 48 hours before arriving at Hounds’ Hideaway. The following are also required for dog daycare participants: – puppies must be at least 16 weeks old* (and have at least 3 rounds of boosters and a negative fecal exam) – *puppies age 8-16 weeks can participate in Puppy Playschool – click here for details. – dogs must be spayed or neutered by age 8 months – must be on flea/tick prevention and be flea-free upon arrival
- I just got a puppy. When can he start daycare?
Congrats! Call us to make arrangements. We offer a modified Puppy Program for little ones that are not quite old enough or ready to participate in regular daycare. Socialization is critical for your young puppy, and daycare is THE best way to start him off on the right paw!
- What is the policy for half days?
Due to the setup of our playgroups and lobby hours, half days are required to fall either during our morning hours (6:30a-11:30a) or our afternoon hours (2:30-6:30p).
- Do I need to bring food for my dog?
No. If your dog has a specific diet that requires him to eat more often or is a very young puppy, you may bring food from home and we are happy to feed your dog midday if requested.
- Why is my dog so tired after he comes to daycare?
Rest easy, this is totally normal. Starting dog daycare is like asking a human couch potato to hop up and run a 5k! Dogs at home are used to sleeping most of the day, but in daycare it’s all about mental and physical exercise. That said, if we notice that your dog seems to be overly tired during the day, he’ll get a nice nap break in a private suite to help him catch up. You’ll probably also notice your dog drinks a lot of water after a play day. The pups always have access to as much water as they like, but they play a lot during daycare and may still need to rehydrate more than usual.
- Are the dogs supervised when they play in groups?
Yes. Constantly. By a highly-trained-human.
- What are the pickup and drop-off hours for daycare?
Monday through Friday 6:30am-11:30am and 2:30pm-6:30pm, and Saturday 8am-5pm. The blacked out periods are set aside for the dogs’ nap time and human shift changes, and NO pickups and drop offs are allowed during these times. There is no daycare on Sundays, but we are open from 10-12 and 3-5 for boarding pick up and drop-offs.
- Are there any risks I need to be aware of before letting my dog play in dog daycare?
Yep. Most of the time, they are things that have nothing to do with us humans. A few examples: > Dogs playing together may nicely get carried away but still be poked or cut by a long nail or an accidental bite. > A playful puppy may get too far into another dog’s personal space, causing the older dog to snap back out of reaction (not aggression). > A pair of dogs might play chase and jump off a platform or toy and sprain an ankle.
- What are the requirements for participating in dog daycare?
READY TO JOIN THE PACK?
Click here to complete our New Client Registration Forms, and then you’re ready to schedule your dog’s first day! We ask that the dog be left with us for a Full Day on their first visit, in order to give us plenty of time to integrate them into the playgroups at whatever pace they are comfortable with. It is very important that this process not be rushed, so as to give your dog a great experience and first impression to pack play. This time also helps our Pack Leaders get to know your dog and determine which playgroups he will enjoy most. Think of it as a meet and greet! Advance bookings are required for the first day, and drop-offs are scheduled between 6:30am-9am Monday to Thursday. Once your dog is “in,” he can come anytime you like! Keep in mind that dogs who show aggression toward humans or other dogs will not be admitted to daycare. The safety of our people and your dogs are our highest priority!
After playing all day with friends, it’s likely your dog will be pretty worn out! If he goes home and crashes on the couch until the next day, don’t worry! Dogs normally sleep 18-20 hours a day, so even he isn’t actively playing at daycare the whole day, he’s still awake a lot more than he is at home, and being tired after all that stimulation is okay! Our pet parents like to say their dogs are “Hideawasted” and love to share pics of their pups in full hangover mode!


Welcome to Toll Barn Veterinary Centre!
We are an independent and modern purpose built practice providing high quality care for pets and exotic animals including an exotic pet referral service. Our small friendly team offer a complete range of services including an out of hours emergency service for our clients. Our appointments are 15 minutes to allow time for a complete examination and discussion of our findings, treatment options and prognosis. Our facilities include on site car parking, dedicated cat, dog and exotic pet waiting areas and wards, isolation ward, secure dog run for supervised exercise, 2 dedicated operating theatres, digital xray and ultrasound machine, blood pressure monitoring and ECG, full dental facilities including for exotic pets, in house laboratory for rapid results to guide the best treatment course as fast as possible and anaesthetic protocols tailored to each patient including Sevoflurane (as used in human paediatric medicine) to make the anaesthesia as safe as possible. Our neutering packages include IV catheters and post operation pain relief as standard.
We also offer VIP Clubs for cats, dogs and rabbits where members benefit from FREE OF CHARGE booster vaccinations, flea and worm treatment and many other discounts from the practice.
We have invested heavily in quality facilities and equipment to allow us to treat your pets to the highest standard.
Please contact us for more information on any of our services and facilities and find out how we can help you and your pet.


Get Help Now!
Dog Training App
Start your puppy off on the right paw!
Learn how to turn your misbehaved dog into a well behaved pup without feeling overwhelmed.
Receive coaching from a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and professional dog trainer
Share in an online community of other Pawsome pup parents celebrating successes while promoting accountability, commitment, and support.
Affordable and Effective Dog Training
Are you searching for an educated and experienced dog trainer?
Is it difficult to find a trainer who can work around your schedule?
This App is app is the answer you have been searching for!
Through a combination of 1:1 virtual coaching calls and self-guided lessons in the Pawsome Behavior dog training app, you will gain all the knowledge and tools necessary to train your pup and create a relationship in which your dog looks to you for instruction and cues on what behavior is/is not acceptable. Its everything you have been looking for in one app!
A lifetime subscription includes access to all self-guided course content as well as access to community and tracking features. This does not include 1:1 coaching sessions however you can upgrade at any time.
Fill out a form and I will give you a call to discuss your specific needs. We will evaluate your dogs behavior, discuss your goals, and come up with plan that combines 1:1 virtual sessions with self-guided lessons within the app to achieve these goals.
Benefits to Virtual Training
Attention Pawsome Pup Parents!
Training your dog without attending tedious and slow moving classes is possible and it doesn’t have to be overwhelming! YOU can create the change in your pup that you want you see.
Imagine working with your dog on your own schedule and at your own pace with the guidance of a professional trainer right in your pocket. Imagine the ability to form a special bond with your pup where they look to you for guidance on their behaviors. No more “my dog only behaves when the trainer is here” situations because YOU are your dogs trainer.
Sound too good to be true? It’s not! There’s an app for that!
My name is Courtney Goodman and I am a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). I received my Bachelors degree in Developmental Psychology from The College of New Jersey and I earned my Masters Degree in Applied Psychology focusing in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) from Rider University. Behavior Analysis is the scientific study of principles of learning and behavior. Applied Behavior Analysis is a systematic approach used to examine behavior and reliably related environmental variables in order to use behavioral techniques to bring about a desired change in behavior.
I use reinforcement based techniques to teach new behaviors as well as to decrease problem behaviors. This is achieved by teaching positive replacement behaviors for the problem behaviors. These changes in behavior are brought about using shaping techniques and differential reinforcement (positive reinforcement of appropriate behaviors combined with withholding of reinforcement for inappropriate behaviors).
I use fear-free, reinforcement based training and follow LIMA guidelines for the least-intrusive, minimally aversive methods of achieving behavior change. Learn more about LIMA here: https://apdt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/position-statement-lima.pdf
Staci, Maggie's Mom
As long time dog owners, we recognized the need for training for our extremely high energy dog that we rescued. Courtney has done a wonderful job with our puppy, Maggie. Now our puppy is calmer and has learned how to appropriately greet people and walk on leash. It is obvious that Maggie enjoys her training time and loves to learn new behaviors. As a bonus our older dog has leaned new behaviors and enjoys people more since Courtney has been our trainer. Courtney is an awesome dog trainer! She is reliable and makes extra efforts to ensure the well being of all her clients. On top of all the great things Pawsome Behavior has to offer, Courtney is a wonderful person who truly has a passion for what she does!
Wren, Isla's Mom
Courtney has a been a HUGE help in guiding my partner and I with the addition of another pup. She has helped navigate us through a behavioral training program. We continue to work with Courtney with managing our dogs’ reactivity and how we can become better pup pawrents!
Traci, Provi's Mom
We learned so much doing our training with Pawsome Behavior! Courtney was so knowledgeable about so many different topics, and gave us so many ideas and suggestions. The various training methods we discussed were clear and effective. We noticed a significant improvement in our pup over the course of our training sessions! I would highly recommend training your dog with Pawsome!


Today was the day we took Weagle to the vet for the last time, after her battle with lymphoma. The photo here is of her last visit to Galveston, which was yesterday. She loved the beach, it was her favorite place, so we took her for one last visit. As you can see, we had the beach to ourselves, down by San Luis Pass, and Weagle strolled in the surf and chuffed at some birds, and had her own Sausage McMuffin as a treat.
Weagle was an extraordinary being. She came into our lives as a tiny puppy, adopted from the Houston SPCA after Houston was devastated by storm damage and flooding from Tropical Storm Allison. We knew there would be a lot of dogs hitting the shelters after the storm, and we knew we had to help save at least one.
When we got to the shelter, there were two of cutest little black-and-brown puppies in a crate together, litter-mates. The sign said they were six weeks old, and that they were Rottweiler/Labrador crosses. We picked one to bring home, and she fit in my cupped palms, and was the calmest, sweetest dog we had ever met. That changed dramatically once we got her de-wormed and her true nature as a smart, protective, complex, loving, vigilant, fiercely loyal family member was revealed.
We gave her the name of Princess Buttercup (from the film The Princess Bride), and as she grew her face (and howl) began to look very much like a beagle, so we started referring to her by the nickname of Rottweagle (combination of Rottweiler and Beagle), which was quickly shortened to Weagle, and became her permanent name. We never did figure out her ancestry.
I wrote more about her protective and loving nature two years ago, which you can read here: http://www.cleverdonkey.com/1385-wonderful-weagle/.
Was she perfect? No, but who is? She barked too much, although it was with the best intentions, as she always wanted us to be aware of any real-or-perceived dangers, and we never could convince her the postman wasn’t dangerous (as far as we knew). She did not enjoy rambunctious puppies, although she tolerated them with extraordinary displays of benign disdain. She never fully accepted that she was not part of the committee of humans that ran the household, and although she was never actively mutinous, she did sometimes comply to requests with melodramatic resignation and doggy eye-rolling.
But she was a great soul, and highly intelligent. We recently watched an episode of Nova ScienceNow, where they asked the question, ‘How Smart Are Animals?‘, and they showed some of the astonishing levels of intelligence demonstrated by dogs (and dolphins and octopuses and parrots). And while it was a very interesting program, it wasn’t all that surprising to us, because Weagle was damn smart. Smartness is not always convenient in a pet, because intelligence means that the dog will take


If you have a pet, you know exactly how difficult it can be to keep a clean and cozy home. Especially if you're a dog owner who lets your four-legged friend snuggle on the sofa. But that doesn't have to mean you have to give up a cozy and stylish sofa. A dog friendly sofa with removable and washable covers can be the perfect solution for you.
Why a dog friendly sofa is important
There are several reasons why a dog friendly sofa with removable and washable covers is a wise choice. Here are some of the most important points:
Protection from dirt and hair
One of the biggest problems with setting up with pets is the dirt and hair they can leave behind. A modular sofa with removable and washable covers can help you overcome this challenge. You can simply remove the cover and wash it in the washing machine to get rid of dirt and hair.
But did you know that the type of coat your dog has can also play a role? Dogs with short hair like Dalmatians or Boxers may leave less hair on your sofa than dogs with longer fur like Golden Retrievers or Huskies. It is therefore important to also consider your dog's breed when choosing the right sofa.
Another benefit of dog-friendly sofa covers is that they can help reduce allergens like pet dander, pollen and dust mites. This is especially important if you or a family member suffers from pet dander allergies.
However, there are other ways to reduce allergies, such as regular vacuuming and cleaning your sofa. Regular cleaning can help reduce the buildup of allergens in your home.
Durability and comfort
A Sofa with removable and washable covers can also be a durable and comfortable piece of furniture. The removable covers can help protect the sofa from wear and tear, while providing great seating comfort.
However, if you have a particularly energetic pet, your sofa may wear out faster than expected. In this case, it may be worth investing in a sofa with durable and scratch-resistant materials like leather or microfiber. In this case, we recommend our Velare fabric, which is sturdy, hard-wearing but still pleasantly soft.
And did you know that there are also special sofas for dogs? These are usually smaller and have special padding to suit your dog's needs. So if you have a particularly pampered pet, a dog sofa might be a good choice.
The advantages of removable and washable covers
Now that you understand the benefits of a dog-friendly sofa, let's also take a closer look at the benefits of removable and washable covers:
Removable covers are easy to clean and maintain. They can be washed in the washing machine, so you can quickly and easily remove dirt and stains.
It's especially important to keep your sofa clean if you have pets. Pet hair and dirt can accumulate quickly and make the sofa unsightly. Using removable covers you can clean your sofa quickly and easily to keep it clean and hygienic.
Another advantage of removable covers is design flexibility. You can easily change the covers to change the look of your sofa or adapt it to your changing interior design needs. For easy changing, our Replacement Covers are ideal.
For example, if you move into a new apartment or want to redesign your living room, you can simply change the cover instead of having to buy a new sofa. This will save you time and money and give you the freedom to customize your interior according to your wishes.
Removable slipcovers can also be cost effective. You can replace the cover instead of having to buy a new sofa. This is especially useful if you have a family with children or pets and often stains and damages your decorative items.
If you have a removable cover, you can simply replace it when it gets worn or damaged. This is much more cost effective than having to buy a new sofa. You can also buy different covers to give your sofa a new look without having to spend a lot of money. The Replacement Covers come in various colors and fabrics.
In summary, removable and washable covers offer many advantages. They are easy to clean, flexible in design, and cost effective. So if you're looking for a sofa that's both dog-friendly and easy to clean, you should definitely consider a sofa with removable and washable covers.
You can find out how this works in our article "Removable and washable sofa covers - how does it work?" read.
Materials for dog friendly sofa covers
There are several materials that can be used to make dog-friendly sofa covers. Here are some of the most common materials:
Microfiber is a soft and durable material that is easy to clean. It can also be easily dyed in different colors and patterns.
Microfiber is a synthetic material made of very fine fibers. It is very soft and comfortable to touch. Microfiber sofa covers are therefore very comfortable and provide a pleasant seating experience. In addition, microfiber is very durable and resistant to wear and tear. It is also very easy to clean, as dirt and stains can simply be wiped off with a damp cloth.
Faux leather is a material that is very durable and resistant to scratches and stains. It is also very easy to clean, which makes it a great choice for pet owners.
Faux leather sofa covers look like real leather, but they are made of synthetic materials. As a result, they are much less expensive than real leather, but just as durable and long-lasting. Faux leather sofa covers are also very easy to clean and can be simply wiped with a damp cloth. They are therefore an excellent choice for pet owners who want a durable and easy to clean sofa cover.
Outdoor fabrics are also a good option for dog-friendly sofa covers. These fabrics are durable and resistant to dirt and moisture.
Outdoor fabrics are usually used for garden furniture and other outdoor applications. Therefore, they are highly resistant to dirt, moisture and UV rays. Outdoor sofa covers are therefore an excellent choice for pet owners looking for a sofa cover that is durable and easy to maintain. These fabrics are also available in a variety of colors and patterns, so you can be sure to find a sofa cover that matches your home.
Tips for choosing the perfect sofa for dog owners
When you're looking for the perfect dog-friendly sofa, consider the following tips:
Size and shape of the sofa
Make sure the sofa is large enough to comfortably accommodate you and your dog. It should also have a suitable shape so that your dog can sleep and stretch out on it comfortably.
A sofa is an important part of the living room and should be not only practical, but also stylish. Choose a sofa that fits your living room decor and at the same time meets the needs of your dog.
Stability and robustness
A dog-friendly sofa should be sturdy and stable to withstand your dog's jumping and climbing actions. Make sure there are no loose parts or delicate areas that your dog could chew or scratch.
If you have a puppy that hasn't yet learned to keep his teeth off your sofa, consider choosing a sofa with a durable surface, such as our Velare fabric.
Additional protective measures
Additional protective measures like sprays and covers can help keep your sofa clean and free from damage. Also, consider giving your dog its own bed or mat to protect the sofa.
If your dog spends a lot of time on the sofa, it's important to clean it regularly. Use a vacuum to remove hair and dirt, and wash the covers when they get dirty.
Comfortable and attractive living room decor doesn't have to suffer from having pets. A dog-friendly sofa with removable and washable covers can be a smart way to make your home more pet-friendly without sacrificing your aesthetics. By following our tips and advice when choosing your sofa, you can be sure that you and your dog will enjoy many cozy evenings on the sofa.
Another important factor when choosing a dog-friendly sofa is the materials used. Leather or vinyl covers can be easily cleaned and are more resistant to scratches and stains than fabric covers. However, if you prefer a fabric sofa, choose a durable fabric like microfiber or canvas.
It's also important to make sure the sofa is free of harmful chemicals that could harm your dog.
In addition to being functional and durable, a dog-friendly sofa should also be comfortable. Make sure it has adequate padding and a comfortable seat depth. If your dog likes to sleep on the sofa, you can also consider a pull-out couch or sofa bed.
A dog-friendly sofa can be a great addition to your home, as long as you make the right considerations when choosing it. With these tips, you can ensure that you and your dog can spend many cozy hours on your sofa.


What is catnip? Is this a drug for the felines? What does catnip do to cats? If you have the same questions in your mind, then this is the right article for you.
In simple words, the catnip is a herb. Cats are very fond of this. This herb activates the happy receptors in the cat’s brain. And the feline starts to enjoy the moment by rolling, rubbing, flipping, and meowing out. Eventually, the pet zones out.
Are you curious to know more about the catnip? Then dig into the article. You will get to know about the effects and the true sides of the catnip.
What is catnip?
I have mentioned earlier that catnip is a herb, and it is indeed. The scientific name of this plant is Nepeta Cataria. The active chemical ingredient in this catnip is called nepetalactone.
This nepetalactone stays in the microscopic bulbs of the plant. The nepetalactone releases in the air if the bulbs get ruptured. That is why cats chew the seed pods and leave to get more of the chemical. This herb is mostly found at the roadsides of Europe and Asia.
What does catnip look like? Many owners, especially the new ones, wonder about this question. The catnip is a green plant with gray shades. The leaves of this plant are heart-shaped. Both the leaves and the thick stems are covered in fuzzy hairs.
What does catnip do to cats?
Catnip is a wonder herb that has a different effect on different animals. Even you will be surprised to know that the catnip works differently for each cat. It means every cat has his way to react to the catnip.
So, what does catnip do to cats? And if each cat has his own way to deal with catnip, how can we so surely discuss its effect? Well, scientists have observed many cats before and after ingesting catnip. From the statistical data, they came to a point, and that is what I will share with you.
Whenever a cat smells catnip, it behaves similarly to the queen in season or female cat in heat. Even though the nepetalactone activates the sexual factors, they do not respond to those much. Instead, the cats start rubbing the body and head on everything. In most cases, the felines jump and roll in the bowl of catnip.
The cat will continuously roll around, meow in a loud voice, and salivate. The cat suddenly becomes very excited to see his toys and plays with them. The feline will flip around for a period and then will get zoned out. All this time, he will make a meow or growling voice at the same time.
Some cats exhibit different behaviors after consuming or inhaling catnip. They stretch and drool a lot. The felines may kick around and will chew things.
You can ask why the cats do not involve in mating even after taking catnip. Actually, we still do not know the answer. But in maximum cases, the felines do not have sexual contact though the catnip activates the sexual feeling.
How long does catnip last?
You must be curious to know how long the catnip effect lasts. Well, usually, the cat will stay in a happy and weird behavior for 10 minutes. But it will take 30 minutes to 2 hours for the feline to reset its mood. Generally, the cat falls asleep within 1 hour of eating catnip.
Responding to the catnip is in a cat’s heredity. Statistics show that about 70 to 80 percent of cats exhibit the same behavior after eating or smelling catnip.
How does catnip work?
Nepetalactone, the catnip’s volatile oil, attracts and triggers the response of a feline. But how does the catnip work?
Generally, when a cat kicks, smells, chew, or rubs the catnip leaves, the oil gets released. After that, it enters the feline’s nasal tissue and binds to the protein receptors. These receptors stimulate sensory neurons.
Eventually, the neuron cells provoke a response in the olfactory bulb. This bulb projects several brain functions and controls a cat’s hunger and emotion. So, when your cat inhales or eats the catnip, and information flows from the olfactory bulb to the master gland. And the cat starts reacting differently.
Remember, the reaction of a feline who has consumed catnip will differ from the one who has just inhaled the smell. Also, the more the cat will consume or inhale the catnip, the deeper reaction you will get from him.
It might seem that a cat can devour as much catnip you provide. But that is not the case. After a while, the feline will stop consuming or smelling the herb. Even he will completely ignore the catnip for 1 to 2 hours.
How to use catnip for cats
The cat owners use the catnip for various reasons. The main purpose is obviously to encourage cats to play and explore more. But do you know you can use this herb to train your cat?
Yes, that is right. You can place a little catnip in the scratching post to encourage the cat to scratch. However, if the cat is not entering into the carrier, place a little catnip inside to create a positive environment. Moreover, some vets and cat owners use catnips to relax and calm the cat.
Catnips are quite popular, and you will find it in various forms. For example, dried catnips, catnip toys, solid catnip balls, live catnip plant, catnip spray, catnip bubbles, etc. You can use any category but do not overuse the herb on the cat.
Is catnip good for cats?
After reading all these benefits and amazing facts about catnip, you may be thinking either it is safe for the cat or not. There is no evidence that the catnip causes harm to the cats. But yes, limit the use. If the cat consumes a lot of catnip, it will upset his tummy. And he will vomit or suffer from diarrhea.
What does catnip do to cats? I hope you have got your answer. Catnips are safe for your cats as long as he does not consume a lot.


Collie Club of America
Regional Herding Trials
August 20 & 21, 2011
Pacific Northwest Collie Club
August 19, 2011
HERDING ORIENTATION DAY
WE HAD A BLAST!!
Our breed has a long history as a herding dog and the herding instinct is still present in today's dogs.
Herding is not just for the farm dog - more and more fanciers are learning about the beneficial effects of herding for their show dogs and companions.
•Physical and mental conditioning
•Building the working bond between dog and handler
•Just plain fun
Thank you for joining us for a full weekend of herding and learning at Brigand's Hideout, the premier herding facility in the greater Portland area.


Around this time of year kids start to behave a lot better. Perhaps in hopes of getting that puppy or hamster they have wanted. Here are some pet saving tips and ideas for you to consider if a pet is in your future.
Before buying a pet, research how much it will cost to care for. Take into account the cost of food, medical expenses, toys, accessories, and training time.
Smaller pets such as mice and hamsters are much less expensive to keep than larger pets like dogs. They also require less attention.
Consider adopting a pet from the local animal shelter rather than purchasing from a pet store or breeder.
Make your own pet toys. Pets are like babies. They're more likely to enjoy the box the toy came in than the toy itself. You've got plenty of interesting, entertaining, and chewable items lying around the house already.
Consider purchasing and installing pet doors. This will reduce the cost of heating your house in winter and cooling it in summer as you won't have to open and close the door for your pet each time he must go out.
Compare prices on pet food. Most brand names come with basically the same ingredients, but their prices can vary greatly. Comparison shopping can save you a significant amount of money. Purchasing food in bulk, when possible, at warehouse and discount pet stores can save you money. Be sure to compare these prices against sales at local stores that can sometimes be even better. Consider making your own pet food. There are a number of books that have recipes you can find at your local library, or you can go online into many pet specific sites and discussion groups to learn how to do this. Always feed your pet the correct amount of food. Overfeeding pets is common, which not only costs extra in terms of money for food, but also in health and vet costs.
Get the proper treatments, shots, and vaccinations for your pet when they are recommended. Failing to do so will likely cost you hundreds of dollars in later medical expenses. When pet ailments occur, take care of them right away to help prevent costlier treatment in the long run. Vet prices can vary quite dramatically. Take the time to call and compare local vet prices. Choosing your vet solely on the lowest prices, however, should be avoided. You want a vet that you can trust with your pet's life if an emergency situation does come about. The best way to find a trustworthy vet at a reasonable price is to ask your friends and neighbors who have pets. If your pet is a former stray, let your vet know. Some give discounts when treating former stray animals.
Learn to groom your pet yourself. Your local library or the Internet will have information on how to properly groom your pet. Although certain pets need special grooming care, most pets you can groom yourself and save the expense of paying a professional.
You can't put a price on the joy a pet can bring, but a few of these tips can help you save.


My Pledge to You
- I will treat you and your animal with the utmost respect and compassion, without judgment.
- I will always seek to hear and convey your animal’s true voice.
- I will share all of the information I receive from your animal, without filtering or interpretation.
- I will make myself available, both before and after my consultation with your animal, to answer your questions.
- l give you and your animal all the time you need, without imposing artificial time constraints on the process.
- I will conduct all consultations in complete confidence, and will not share private details without your express permission.


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Capture the world from your dog’s point of view. Compatible with all GoPro cameras.
This harness features two mounting locations for a variety of perspectives: the chest, for bone-chewing, digging, and front-paw action; and the back, for over-the-head shots of running, jumping, fetching, and more. Made of washable, water-friendly material, your dog can swim, play, and get dirty without a worry. Soft, padded construction keeps your pet comfortable. Fully adjustable to fit small, medium, and large breed dogs from 15 to 120 lbs (7 to 54 kg). Chest mount is removable for smaller dogs.
WARNING: Not intended for walking or restraining your dog. Never leave your dog unattended while wearing Fetch. Follow all warnings and instructions in the User Guide.
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Specializing in helping pets & their owners find their homes
When you are planning a move, regardless of the distance, it is important to remember the impact it will have on your pet(s). I’m here to help make your move a smooth transition for ALL of your family members.
I can assist you with finding pet-friendly hotels, dog walkers, local vets and specialty pet stores. I can also provide helpful information on how to minimize the stress of moving with your pets.
Also, as a big proponent of “adopting, not shopping”, I can identify local rescue organizations to help you find a new pet- because as I like to say, “Every Dog Needs a Home and Every Home Needs a Dog”.
And to add that special touch, I offer treats for your furry friends!


Latest News« Back to News
School dog sparks online canine crazeJanuary 25th, 2016
Canine companions have given boarding schools across the country something to bark about on Twitter this week after a mutt from Monmouth inspired a new hashtag.
Thanks to a picture of Humphrey, a cocker spaniel who lives at Haberdashers’ Monmouth School for Girls, being retweeted by the Boarding Schools’ Association, furry friends from near and far have been thrust into the spotlight.
The BSA’s hashtag, #boardinghousedogs, encouraged schools to share adorable photos and fun facts about the pets who are helping to create a family environment for boarders.
Rabbits and guinea pigs have also joined in on the fun.
Julie Ann Morse, who owns pooches Bernard and Lucy, is housemistress at HMSG’s Augusta House for sixth formers.
She said: “It’s been so much fun to see all of the boarding house dogs on Twitter – and it’s great to see school pets’ positive impact highlighted.
“Being housemistress of a sixth form boarding house with 50 plus female residents is never dull.
“Each day can bring a range of emotions, be it examination pressure, a friendship issue or missing selection to your chosen team.
“In addition to the range of coping strategies that we encourage the girls to develop, we have found that one of the best ways to reduce stress and increase happiness has been the calming and constant presence of the house dogs, Bernard and Lucy.
“The dogs are always happy to see the girls, never judge their behaviour and are willing to sit patiently, listening to all their worries and concerns.”
There are 11 dogs in residence at HMSG, with four in particular having plenty of contact with the girls.
Tilly the springer spaniel, who lives in New House at Monmouth School, has also been a hit on Twitter.
“Stroking a dog is an extremely calming experience and the companionship of a dog, snuggling up to the girls when they are feeling down, really makes a difference to their mood,” Julie Ann added.
“Having dogs in the house makes it seem more homely and the girls look forward to seeing the dogs when they arrive home after a busy day at school.
“Greeting the dogs is one of the first things some girls do when they come in to the house. They have an extremely therapeutic role for certain boarders who take the opportunity to walk them as a way to relax and exercise.
“They truly are a vital component of the experience that the girls enjoy during their time in Augusta House.”


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Appetite and Health
Eating disorders are common in pets. Obesity associated with overeating may lead to various physical illnesses in pets, including heart, kidney and liver problems. Additional stress on joints from excessive weight leads to structural instability and arthritis. Contrary to popular opinion, most pets do not self-regulate the quantity of food they consume. A pet can gain weight when it is fed more than it needs. Overeating in pets is often associated with overfeeding by their owners. This often happens after neutering if food intake is not reduced or if food is always available.
To control your pet's weight:
Feed a well-balanced diet that is appropriate for your pet's
Only feed your pet at its regular mealtimes.
Remove the uneaten portion when your pet walks away from its food bowl.
Avoid snacks or treats between meals.
Be sure your pet has some type of daily exercise.
If, despite your efforts, your pet is still overweight, it may be necessary to further reduce the amount of food it eats and increase its exercise. Your veterinarian can offer advice on your pet's weight-reduction program. Excessive appetite may be of medical concern and should be evaluated. A pet with internal parasites or an overly active thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism), for example, may be hungrier than usual and may not lose condition in the early stages of disease. Apparent weight gain may occur even without excessive food intake. This may be a consequence of other physical disorders, such as undiagnosed tumors or an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism). Consult your veterinarian about any weight gain or loss accompanying a change in your pet's eating habits. Certain foods can cause medical problems in some pets. Dietary intolerance, or food hypersensitivity, is a form of allergy that may result in skin problems (rashes, itchiness, hair loss) or digestive ailments (vomiting, diarrhea). Behavioral changes may also be associated with certain foods. Irritability and agitation may appear in pets allergic to certain foods. This resembles mood changes in people with allergic responses to a variety of allergens. Some foods appear to promote increased levels of excitement and general arousal. For example, overactivity may be related to high-protein diets. Give your veterinarian the opportunity to evaluate your pet and advise you regarding any health concerns.
Refusal of Pet Food
A decreased appetite is often the first sign of an underlying medical problem. Report this to your veterinarian without delay. A healthy pet may learn, however, that finicky eating is an effective way to gain its owner's attention. Many pets learn that if they refuse to eat commercial pet food, their owner will feed them "people" food. This may be more true of pet dogs than cats, who are naturally more selective about what they eat. Pets rely on their sense of smell to distinguish what they eat. This survival mechanism is so strong in cats that they will not eat what they cannot smell. A cat with congested nasal passages must be closely monitored until it recovers. Anorexia nervosa, the self-imposed denial of food in order to reduce weight, does not exist in pets. Anxiety-induced anorexia, however, associated with the anxiety caused by social isolation, for example, is relatively common. Pets boarded in kennels may initially refuse food during a period of adjustment. Most of these soon resume eating and require no further encouragement. Some pets become so depressed during periods of separation or confinement that they completely refuse food. This may be avoided if the pet's regular food is provided during boarding. A pet that has not eaten after 2 days must be examined by a veterinarian. If no medical problem is detected, medications that decrease anxiety or increase appetite may be necessary. Some pets avoid eating if eating is associated with negative experiences. For example, aggressive encounters between pets near feeding areas may cause a pet to avoid that location or food. Unless this is corrected by resolving the conflict between pets or changing the location of food, a dog or cat may go hungry. Your pet's appetite is heightened by your presence and praise. If you are often absent and your pet is fed only when you are at home, the pet may be forced to choose between socializing with you and eating. The pet may prefer social interaction to food when these are in conflict.
Pets quickly learn that various types of attention-seeking behavior can result in a food treat from an indulgent owner. A pet's desire for attention, such as for social interaction or exercise, can be misinterpreted as a sign of hunger. To discourage a pet that begs for food or refuses to eat pet food, all household members must completely discontinue rewarding attention-seeking behavior with treats or attention. If these treats are not totally withdrawn, begging will continue and may even accelerate. You must be consistent and dedicated to controlling your own behavior that may contribute to objectionable patterns in your pet. Food is not a substitute for love and attention. Most pets resume eating their own food when they learn that they will no longer be given table scraps. This may take several days, but your pet will certainly not starve in this time. To gradually reintroduce your pet to commercial pet food, mix table scraps with the pet food. Over several weeks, gradually reduce the content of "people" food toward a diet consisting exclusively of pet food. In the absence of underlying physical problems, overeating is occasionally associated with emotional causes. Such psychogenic polyphagia may coincide with a stressful event in the pet's life. Introduction of a new pet or anxiety associated with boarding can bring a sudden and transitional elevation in appetite. The problem may be escalated by unintentionally rewarding the pet with additional helpings of food or more attention while it eats. The cause of the pet's emotional upheaval must be controlled. It should be distracted from eating by using other activities, such as exercise.
Avoidance of Specific Foods
Pets have preferences for the type of food they eat. Some prefer dry food (kibble) over semi-moist or canned food, while others show no preference. Some pets dislike beef, for example, and eat only chicken-based foods. Your pet may learn to avoid a particular food if it perceives a bad taste or becomes ill after eating that food. Owners of hunting dogs may purposely bait the body of a prey animal with foul-tasting substances or with chemicals that induce nausea to discourage its consumption.
Aggression at Mealtime
Anxiety and general arousal in anticipation of mealtimes can result in agitated or aggressive behavior directed toward a pet's owner or another pet. Agitation just before mealtime can take the form of nipping at the owner or simply jumping or running. Some dogs yawn, scratch or lick themselves, while others chase their tail or dig. Such behavior does not indicate that the pet was deprived of food early in life. It may be seen in pets that have never known starvation and may be absent in pets that have experienced real hunger. Irritable aggression because of low blood sugar can be amplified by the excitement just before feeding. Competition between pets over food may also be expressed as outbursts of aggression. Perhaps the most common type of aggression associated with food is guarding behavior. This is a special type of aggression seen in animals that are defending a valued object, in this case, food. To curb aggressive or agitated behavior associated with feeding, the triggering factors must be controlled. If the antagonist is a dog that steals food from a cat, for example, feed the cat on an elevated surface out of the dog's reach. Pets that become aggressive toward each other should be fed separately and kept apart until their respective portions are consumed. This may require feeding them at opposite ends of the room or in different parts of the home, or feeding one outdoors while the other eats indoors. It may be helpful to increase the number of daily meals by dividing the total daily portion. This may alleviate the anxiety at mealtime by distributing it more evenly over multiple feedings. Feeding time is an opportunity to instruct your dog on appropriate behavior. Make your dog earn its food by requiring it to obey a simple command, such as "sit." This obedience practice sets a tone of calm and controlled behavior at mealtime. A dog that is uncontrollably and inappropriately excited must be taught an acceptable alternative behavior.
Vomiting Associated With Anxiety
Healthy cats and dogs may vomit relatively often. A pet may vomit digested food or regurgitate ("upchuck") undigested food soon after consuming a meal if it becomes anxious during or after eating. Some pets express anxiety by becoming aggressive before feeding. Other pets express anxiety at mealtime by regurgitating the meal soon after eating. It may be helpful to feed smaller portions at more frequent intervals. Place the food dish in a quiet location to give a nervous or shy pet more privacy. If vomiting occurs very often, produces blood clots or traces of blood, or is associated with any other change, such as lethargy or diarrhea, consult your veterinarian without delay.


Pawlished Paws began in 2004 as Neiman Barkus, a small boutique in the Canyon Crest Towne Centre. 15 years later we have developed our boutique, carrying over 20,000 items for dogs and cats as well as a Full Service Grooming Salon with 17 employees. We pride ourselves on our low prices, and awesome customer service. We are open 7 days a week. My pets, Pippy, Elmer,and Ollie are often in the salon getting groomed and trying out our new products. I also have 3 cats, Rosie, Mimi and Tabby. We love our Kitty Customers and have a special grooming room just for our feline friends. We pride ourselves on our clean well kept salon. My staff is amazing. They all bring in their own fur babies and groom them and let them hang out at our salon. I am proud of my staff and the extra training they have done to be Certified Groomers with the International Pet Grooming Association. IPG has certified all my groomers, and my salon is also IPG certified. We are also all certified in Pet CPR. We are open 7 days a week for your convenience.
Full Service Pet Bakery
Premium Pet Food, Natural Balance, Blue Buffalo, Taste of The Wild, Stella & Chewys


To some people, a family pet is just as precious as a kid. Caring for your family pet is extremely essential, and so is providing the best food. Great food and the right animal products can assist your pet remain healthy and fit.
Family pet nutrition in our industry plays a big function in our society although not all individuals recognize this. The majority of consumers believe that buying animal products such as canned foods are just equivalent to the meat that you can feed them every day. They likewise think that the canned foods only consist of toxins and preservatives which can damage the animal's health one day.
If you want to give your canine natural, healthy food, however you do not have enough time to prepare raw meals for your family pet, you can buy some of the food such as those ready-to-eat freezes dried and frozen products or raw meals. Your family pets will enjoy this type of raw food. If you can't feed him with a bone, this can be a substitute. These foodstuff are very special that they have food supplements.
Among the alternatives for feeding pet's raw food is Life's Abundance, which is a natural kibble animal food for your felines and canines . The Life's Abundance chicken meal is made from the best chickens raised without utilizing hormonal agents or steroids . It contains only natural, healthy components and is nutrition thick with the important vitamins, fats, minerals and fats which are necessary for the very best health of your pet or cat. It is devoid of ingredients such buy small puppies as wheat, corn, dairy, synthetic colors or dog food grain tastes the spin-offs.
Dr. Jane Bicks, have challenged the requirement to increase diseases and bad health in our animals. If that is so, we likewise need to take excellent care of our family pets.
If you are looking for all natural healthy animal products, they can be found in the regional animal stores. Often, some foods are not proper to the animals that you have.
If you are not pleased with your search, you can search for the animal products online. It is extremely simple to search for pet items online. This conserves your time and you will see a great deal of items that you can choose from. Due to the fact that you are responsible for them, do not risk your pet's health.
Good food and the right pet items can help your family pet stay healthy and fit.
Most customers believe that buying animal items such as canned foods are just equivalent to the meat that you can feed them every day. If you want to provide your pet natural, healthy food, however you do not have sufficient time to prepare raw meals for your animal, you can buy some of the food products such as those ready-to-eat freezes dried and frozen materials or raw meals. One of the options for feeding family pet's raw food is Life's Abundance, which is a natural kibble pet food for your canines and cats . If you are looking for all natural healthy animal items, they can be found in the local animal stores.