Potty Park (Housebreaking Tool)

PUPPY HOUSEBREAKING GETTING A BIT MUCH?

While you love your little furry bundle of joy, the puppy housebreaking ‘shtick’ tends to become a bit taxing after a while. You can’t very well keep an eye on your new pet 24/7 because life tends to get in the way and if you happen to be busy with something or away at work; you can’t take your puppy out to do his ‘business’ every five minutes. You need something that helps you to potty train your puppy in an efficient, clean and hygienic manner. If you are away from home and can’t let your beloved pet outside for long periods of time it can be very uncomfortable for him to hold it in. Housebreaking your puppy is quite difficult if you aren’t able to open and close the door for him whenever it is necessary. Accidents do happen and it really isn’t your furry friend’s fault when it becomes painfully uncomfortable to hold it in. A puppy potty or dog potty is the perfect solution to this problem.

ISN’T A DOG POTTY UNHYGIENIC?

You might be worried that a puppy potty is an unhygienic option. This is a truly understandable fear but with the Potty Park™ you need not be concerned about a thing. This innovative dog potty comes with pheromone enhanced artificial grass, so your pet will feel as though it has the freedom of the outdoors. This nifty little product can be used indoors or outdoors and enables you to finally throw out those unattractive pee pads that you have had to rely on previously. With the Potty Park™ on your side you don’t have to deal with stains on your floor and can finally put the carpet cleaning solution back in the cupboard where it belongs. HOW DOES IT WORK? The Potty Park™ is designed to make housebreaking a puppy completely effortless and clean. The pheromone enhanced artificial grass surface gives your puppy a perfectly comfortable place to relieve itself. Your dog’s urine drains through the perforated surface and all liquid is stored in the ½ gallon reservoir underneath. All you need to do is empty the reservoir at least once a day and you’ll never have to deal with any unsightly stains or awful odors ever again. If your pet feels the need to ‘have a number two’ all you need to do is remove the waste as if you were at the park. It couldn’t be any simpler. To keep your Potty Park™ clean, all you need to do is rinse the synthetic grass surface once a day and wipe the back of the artificial grass mat at least once a week. Minimum effort is required in the maintenance process. The training process is also quite simple. You will be provided with a training spray which contains pheromones that will naturally attract your dog to the Potty Park™. You will receive all the instructions you need with your Potty Park™ package. Within no time you’ll be able to rid yourself of those late night and early morning emergency “potty train puppy” walks.

CONTACT If you have any queries, don’t hesitate to send an email to customerservice@PottyPark.com or info@PottyPark.com. Alternatively you can fill in the online customer service form or call the toll free line on 1-866-664-6188.

Please note: Pupznpalz rescue is not affiliated with this company nor do we endorse this product. This post was simply added to the Pupznpalz Blog for informational purposes. If you have used this product please e-mail us and tell us how it worked for you!!

Do you really know the right breed for you? Take the quiz and find out!

So, you have decided to get a new dog. Now begins the hard part, it's so easy to fall in love with that picture you saw on petfinder.com or the cute little puppy on the calendar. But do you really know what breed is right for you? You may like the "look" of a certain breed, a Border Collie for example is a beautiful dog, but not right if you are a couch potato. Love Pugs and envision your new dog as your running partner? I can go on and on.

Getting a new addition to the family is not as easy as just picking out a cute puppy or dog. This is a lifetime commitment and the right fit is imperative to a successful relationship between you and your dog. We at Pupznpalz Rescue fell that selecting the right breed is the fist step of adopting. Of course, most dogs you get from a rescue will be mixes, but we think they make the best dogs!!

Below you will find several links that can be very helpful in deciding the right "type" of dog for you and your family.




Find the Perfect Dog!Search Categories What kind of dog is right for you?

Take the Breed Selector Quiz


Are You Ready for a Dog?

ABC Order (All Breeds)
AKC Recognized Breeds
Allergies
America's Pet Registry, Inc. Recognized Breeds, APRI
American Canine Hybrid Club Recognized Mixes
Apartment Life
Cur Dogs
Drool Offenders
Elkhound Breeds
FCI Recognized Breeds
Flock Guardians
Guard
Hairless Breeds
Herding Dogs
High Exercise Demand
Hunting Dogs
Hybrid Dogs
Jogging
Lap Dogs
Low Exercise Demand
Pets
Picture or Size
Poodle Mixes
Purebreds & Breeds Under Development
Reliability with Non-Canine Pets
Rescue a Pet
Shedding
Sled Dog Breeds
Squirrel Dogs
50 Most Popular Breeds
Take a Quiz

Faith the walking dog

Happy Ending For Woman Who Gave Up Car to Find Lost Dog

Happy Endings - Pit Bull Rescue Central

On a lighter note.....

Pupznpalz posted a few graphic videos a few days ago to make more people aware of what is happening to some of our best friends! Dogs ARE "Man's Best Friend" and should be treated as such. Please take the time to view the next set of videos.

Lil Dude is now Riley :) UPDATE

To: Pupz N pupznpalz@yahoo.com
Sent: Fri, April 23, 2010 12:31:50 PM
Subject: Lil Dude


Karri,

Hello. Lil Dude did so good last night. His new name is Riley. My kids are very happy, especially Blake. He loves to be held & is very affectionate. He has become attached to me & follows me everywhere. He slept with Blake & Madi last night & slept all night! He did pee on my son's bed, but Blake could care less. I just wanted to let you know you picked the right home & made the Barlow's very, very happy.
Nanette

Baby Boy Blue UPDATE

To: Karri Pupz N Palz
Sent: Mon, April 26, 2010 8:09:13 AM
Subject: Baby Bor Blue


Hi Kerri Just wanted to let you know that he is doing great. he is very loving and spent most of the weekend on my lap. My girlfriend got a little upset because I spent more on him at Pet Smart, than I spend on her but she was just kidding "I hope" :) he is already very spoiled. when should we bring him for his next set of shots? have a great day! Steve.


Side note from Pupznpals Rescue

We are thrilled that you chose to adopt Baby Boy Blue after visiting shelters, adoption events and doing your reaserch, Pupznpalz is honored that you decided to get your new family member from us!! :)

Let us know when you re-name hime and as always, we LOVE pictures!!

Bonnie is now Guinness :) UPDATE

To: pupznpalz@yahoo.com
Sent: Sun, April 25, 2010 8:38:15 AM
Subject: Bonnie

Hi Karri,

Just thought you might like a first day report on Bonnie. We have renamed her....she is now Guinness (because Guinness is good...if you've seen that ad). Her coloring reminded us it.

Anyway she slept 90% of the way home...was a bit stressed with minor salivating and shivering when I took her out of the crate. She was fine and eating and drinking in about 15 minutes. She slept the night in her crate with whimpering only about 3 times for durations of only about 10 minutes. She slept in the crate in our bedroom. And enters and exits it on her own now. She follows me everywhere.

She is adorable and we just love her already! The cats are a bit leery of her but they've been curious and follow her all around (some hissing and growling but I think they are just not certain what she will do). She hasn't barked at them so that is a plus....I think they all want to play with each other but don't know how to initiate that. We bought toys for her and she drags them all around the house and will even fetch successfully about 75% of the time. I think is a smart one!

I will be contacting you when it is time for her spaying. Thanks so much
for what you do!

Judy

vERY fUNNY dOGS

Help animals

This Cant be happening

The Cold, Hard TRUTH

It's time to face the cold, hard truth! With your help, Pupznpalz Rescue can save more lives. Throughout the day we will be posting videos that should open your eyes to the horrific over population problem.

Some of the videos will be disturbing, but we will also be posting some videos about animals who were saved by people just like you! Pupznpalz needs more foster homes! This is absolutely necessary to save lives! Pupznpalz is also asking you to adopt a pet, not buy from a breeder, pet store, etc.. there are just too many animals out there that are perfectly adoptable in rescues and shelters, so there is NO EXCUSE to buy from a breeder!!

Please note that in most of the videos posted today, the dogs will be in horrific shape, but this is not the case of all dogs in shelters and rescues. Regardless if you adopt from Pupznpals Rescue or you adopt from another shelter or rescue, the message today is ADOPT and if you can not adopt, then become a FOSTER PARENT!! Enough excuses, now is the time to become part of the solution, not part of the problem!

You can check out our dogs on our petfinder site just look up Pupznpalz in Modesto you can also see what other rescues and yes, even shelters have available by going to www.petharbor.com

If you do adopt, please let us know, we would love to share updates!!

See a dog park in action!

Here is a nice video about some dogs at a dog park, we at Pupznpalz thought it was worth sharing. Hope you enjoy!!

http://video.aol.com/aolvideo/AOL Living/pet-on-the-street-name/72512678001


Stay tuned and visit often, pupznpals will be adding new videos, both informative and just plain cute!

Hero German Shepherd Leads Help to Fire

Pupznpalz Rescue would like to share this amazing story with our readers! We are not speculating that a dog adopted from Pupznpals will become another Buddy, but stranger things have happened! We thing you will enjoy this story, we did :)



by Kristen Seymour (Subscribe to Kristen Seymour's posts)
Apr 23rd 2010 @ 12:30PM Filed Under: Pets News, Hero Pets



Just like in an episode of "Lassie," this hero dog led police to the scene of a fire and helped save his family.

Buddy, a German shepherd, was with his owner, Ben Heinrichs, when his family's workshop caught fire. Once he and Buddy were safely outside, Heinrichs turned to the dog and said, "We need to get help." He didn't expect Buddy to actually do anything about it, of course. However, help is exactly what the shy dog brought -- in the form of an Alaska State Trooper, reports the Anchorage Daily News. The dog's heroic act was caught on the trooper's dashboard camera.

Buddy had gone off into the woods, and Heinrich assumed the pooch was hiding. In fact, Buddy had run out to the road, where he caught the attention of Alaska State Trooper Terrence Shanigan, who had been alerted by concerned neighbors when they saw a fireball erupting in the distance. Shanigan was having difficulty finding the fire due to the winding country roads. That's when Buddy suddenly appeared. On a hunch, Shanigan followed the dog and arrived on the scene just in time. He was able to talk the fire department through the difficult directions, and they put out the flames just before the fire spread to the family's home.

Buddy is being presented with an award from the Alaska State Troopers today, including a silver plated, engraved dog bowl, reports "Today" via the Associated Press. We're willing to bet he's getting more than a few extra cuddles and dog biscuits.

See the video! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L53sAVRZUE4&feature=player_embedded

Basic Dog Park Rules

Not all dog parks are going to have the same rules, but here are the basic rules that Pupznpals recommends. By following the basic rules, you and your dog will have a good time as will others at the park!

Dog Park Rules

1. Hours: Sunrise to Sunset (check with the park, but in general, most are open during daylight hours)

2. Dogs should be current on all vaccinations, this will vary from park to park. Do not go to a dog park that does not require that all dogs be current on their vaccines.

3. Dogs should have a current County dog license. Dogs should also wear an owner identification tag at all times.

4. Dogs should be leashed when entering and exiting the Dog Park.

5. For the safety of your dog(s) and other park visitors, choke, prong (pinch) and spike collars are normally prohibited. If you use these types of collars, remove them before entering the park.
6. No Children under the age of 16 should ever be permitted unless accompanied by an adult. Children have a tendency to scream and run when excited, which can trigger a dog's prey drive or natural instinct to chase. For this reason and for the safety of your children, we at Pupznpalz do not recommend bringing small children and infants into the dog park.

7. Aggressive dogs should never permitted on the premises. Dogs should be removed at the first sign of aggression.

8. Female dogs in heat should be prohibited from entering the park. But, if you adopted your dog from Pupznpalz Rescue, this should not be an issue (your dogs should already be spayed before she is old enough to go to the park!)

9. Dog owners must be in the park and within view of their dogs at all times.

10. All off-leash dogs must be under voice control of their owners. If you can not control your dog off leash, keep your pet leashed at all times. Or better yet, wait until you have voice control before you take your dog to a dog park.

11. Dog owners must keep their leash in hand at all times.

12. Please do not bring dog food into the park.

13. Owner must clean up dog feces. Seal waste in the provided plastic bags before disposing in designated receptacles.
14. Fill any holes your dog digs.

15. Proof of a current rabies vaccination and license is required upon request of a police or animal control officer. Tags may serve as proof.



Be a responsible dog handler. If your pet has a contagious condition, stay away until a Vet has said that there is no danger to other dogs. The "Golden Rule" applies here! Legally, only a rabies vaccination is required to enter the dog park; however, you may wish to consult with your veterinarian to get advice on other vaccinations such as Bordatella (Kennel Cough), Distemper, Parvo, etc. Don't forget heartworm protection!
Each handler is legally responsible for his or her dog, therefore, each handler is responsible for supervision of his or her animal.

While it is not recommended, children are normally welcome - however, child's play it is not. A Dog Park is a playground for dogs, not children. Be sure you teach your child how to behave properly in a dog park environment. Playful, unsupervised children and playful, unleashed dogs mixed together could result in injury. Please understand that Dog Parks are areas provided for dogs to interact with other dogs and that your child could be considered an interruption in dog play. If you choose to bring your child within the park, you should SUPERVISE VERY CLOSELY!!! Teach your child proper dog park behavior. Children should not run around, scream, pick up and wave sticks, or approach animals that they do not know.
Many dogs will be experiencing the off-leash environment for the first time and may not be used to the experience. Please watch your dog closely. If your dog acts aggressively, please put the dog on a leash immediately and let the animal "cool down". It takes time for a new dog to become comfortable with the fact that other dogs all share the neutral environment. Keep in mind that everyone at the park wants the same thing - socialized dogs that can have fun together.

You should always wear shoes! Some types of worms can enter your body through the soles of your feet. Are you absolutely certain that every dog in the dog park is worm-free?
Keep your head on a swivel at all times as there will likely be groups of dogs running around the park and having fun. People standing around are obstructions. A dog being chased may try to run its pursuer into a person in order to gain an advantage. Stay alert!

Do not bring human food to the dog park. Small dog treats are acceptable since that's what one uses to train a dog; however, human food or long-lasting dog chews should not be brought into the off-leash area. Many dogs are on diets to keep their weight under control. A normally well-behaved dog can jump at or lunge for food, especially tasty human food, when hungry. Also, do not give any treats to a dog without first checking with the dog's owner to see if that would be permissible. Some dogs have food allergies and that treat might make a dog ill.

Your First Visit to a Dog Park

We at Pupznpalz Rescue want to remind you that you should never take your puppy to a dog park or any other public place (even for a walk around your own neighborhood) until he has had all of his puppy shots completed!!

Your First Visit

My dog has never been in a dog park before. How can I expect it to react?

Reactions vary depending on the dog's nature, its living environment, and its age. For the first visit to a dog park, try to arrive at a time when there are not very many dogs in attendance. This will reduce the stress on the dog.
For dogs that are house-bound or who live in small fenced-in back yards, entering a large area like a dog park and being off-leash can be stressful even with no other dogs. They need time to adjust to the new-found freedom.
Walk your dog around the park on the outside of the fence. Let the dogs that are inside come over to the fence to sniff and greet to see how your pup reacts. If your dog sniffs back and appears friendly, it may be ready to join in the activities inside. If, instead, your dog barks and lunges violently at those inside the fence, it may need more socialization before it will be ready to enter the park.

When you do enter, be sure to remove your leash once you enter the first gate. You can then open the gate to let your pup run into the park. Do not keep your dog on a leash inside the off-leash area since that will put your dog at a disadvantage the other dogs can run away, but yours can't so your dog may react by being more aggressive. When a dog enters a dog park, the first thing you will notice is that a number of other dogs who are already inside the park will come running over to the fence to see who is arriving. This is the Greeting Committee. Dogs are curious creatures, actually they are downright nosy, and they will want to check out the newbie. Depending on your dog's nature, it will either be anxious to enter and play or it will be hesitant to get into a pack of unknown dogs. The "first time jitters" is just your dog being unsure of the new environment.

It usually takes about ten minutes for a new dog to become accustomed to the dog park environment. Initially, you may see the animal with its tail held in a defensive posture, curved down between its hind legs. It may lie down or try to get into a corner as the dogs inside the park all hover around and sniff the newcomer. The dogs already inside the park are being friendly but your dog doesn't know that yet. Pet your dog and give it comforting words as a way to reduce stress. Your dog may run away from and be followed or playfully chased by the Greeting Committee. Stay close by in case the dog wants to come over to you for protection. Once your dog realizes that there are no threats inside the park, you should see your dog's tail rise and eventually curve over its back to the "I am having a good time" position. By this time you will have already remarked that the dog looks like it is really enjoying the environment.
Once your dog makes friends and begins seeing the same dogs on a regular basis, you won't see the same Greeting Committee at the gate. You will instead see your dog's friends waiting anxiously to play and playtime will begin as soon as you open the gate. Dog have different play styles. Some like to just walk around and do not interact with other dogs, some like to chase and run, while others like to wrestle. Your dog will quickly find other playmates that have similar play styles.

While your dog is adjusting to the new environment, be sure to introduce yourself to the other humans in the park. Explain that you and your dog are new and ask for any helpful hints to maximize your dog's (and your) enjoyment of the facility. Keep an eye on your dog so you can adhere to the number one rule of the Dog Park: Scoop Your Poop!

You may also wish to make your inaugural visit to the dog park a short one, perhaps only thirty minutes. Make sure you leave on a positive note. You will want to leave at a time when the dog is having fun, is not too tired, and really doesn't want to go. Your pup will look forward to the next visit very eagerly.

Just as with any park, there are rules. Most dog parks are not supervised; some utilize volunteers who monitor the dog park, while others have park staff during peak times. Dog park attendees do not hesitate to use their cell phones to call the authorities if they feel that their and their dog's safety or health are in question.

Each person is responsible for the actions of his or her dog.

Dog parks!!!!

Now that the weather is milder, we all want to go out and have some fun with man's best friend, below is a link that list dog parks by County.

Pupznpalz is located in Modesto and we were really sad to see that there are none listed in our area. We do actually have a dog park in Modesto (if you want to call it that) it is a depressing fenced off area on a busy road. No grass, no shade and a few plastic stacking chairs that some nice person or persons have left there. Basically a dirt lot :( At one point, the fencing had a big hole that dogs could get through.... so sad. We really need a dog park in our County!! I will mention that there are a few private "parks" that offer a safe place for your pets in our area (you pay a small fee to use them). We will post an updated list of those soon.


http://www.ecoanimal.com/dogfun/ca/north.html

Lil Dude know known as Riley

To: Pupz N pupznpalz@yahoo.com
Sent: Fri, April 23, 2010 12:31:50 PM
Subject: Lil Dude


Karri,
Hello. Lil Dude did so good last night. His new name is Riley. My kids are very happy, especially Blake. He loves to be held & is very affectionate. He has become attached to me & follows me everywhere. He slept with Blake & Madi last night & slept all night! He did pee on my son's bed, but Blake could care less. I just wanted to let you know you picked the right home & made the B*****'s very, very happy.
Nanette

Plants Poisonous to Dogs

With the warmer weather here, we are spending more time outside with our pets. We at Pupznpals rescue wanted to remind you that there are a lot of plants that are poisonous to dogs!!



Listed below are links to the ASPCA® Animal Poison Control Center's information on some common garden and household plants that can be poisonous to your pet. This may not represent a complete list of all poisonous plants. Also, your pet may have a sensitivity or allergy to a plant that is not on the list, resulting in toxicity. Always contact your veterinarian immediately if you think your pet may have ingested a poisonous plant. If you don't find the information you're seeking listed below, click here for our additional sources of information, many including specific effects and plant photos from the various veterinary/horticultural schools.
Special Notice: Several recent reports of dogs having kidney failure after ingesting large amount of grapes or raisins has the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center investigating to determine the causative agents or disease processes. Click here for information.
Alphabetical listing of poisonous plants by common name

Poisonous Plants by Category

Bulbs: Amaryllis, Autumn Crocus, Daffodil, Day Lily, Elephant Ears, Gladiolas, Hyacinth, Iris, Lily of the Valley, Narcissus, Orange Day Lily, Tulip
Ferns: Aparagus Fern, Australian Nut, Emerald Feather (aka Emerald Fern), Emerald Fern (aka Emerald Feather), Lace Fern, Plumosa Fern
Flowering Plants: Cyclamen, Hydrangea, Kalanchoe, Poinsettia
Garden Perennials: Charming Diffenbachia, Christmas Rose, Flamingo Plant, Foxglove, Marijuana, Morning Glory, Nightshade, Onion, Tomato Plant, Tropic Snow Dumbcane
House Plants: Ceriman (aka Cutleaf Philodendron), Chinese Evergreen, Cordatum, Corn Plant (aka Cornstalk Plant), Cutleaf Philodendron (aka Ceriman), Devil's Ivy, Dumb Cane, Golden Pothos, Green Gold Nephthysis, Marble Queen, Mauna Loa Peace Lily, Nephthytis, Peace Lily, Red-Margined Dracaena, Striped Dracaena, Taro Vine, Warneckei Dracaena
Lillies: Asian Lily (liliaceae), Easter Lily, Glory Lily, Japanese Show Lily, Red Lily, Rubrum Lily, Stargazer Lily, Tiger Lily, Wood Lily
Shrubs: Cycads, Heavenly Bamboo, Holly, Jerusalem Cherry, Mistletoe "American", Oleander, Precatory Bean, Rhododendron, Saddle Leaf Philodendron, Sago Palm, Tree Philodendron, Yucca
Succulents: Aloe (Aloe Vera)
Trees: Avocado, Buddist Pine, Chinaberry Tree, Japanese Yew (aka Yew), Lacy Tree, Macadamia Nut, Madagascar Dragon Tree, Queensland Nut, Schefflera, Yew (aka Japanese Yew)
Vines: Branching Ivy, English Ivy, European Bittersweet, Glacier Ivy, Hahn's self branching English Ivy, Needlepoint Ivy
Misc/Uncategorized: American Bittersweet, Andromeda Japonica, Azalea, Bird of Paradise, Buckeye, Caladium hortulanum, Calla Lily, Castor Bean, Clematis, Fiddle-Leaf Philodendron, Florida Beauty, Fruit Salad Plant, Golden Dieffenbachia, Gold Dust Dracaena, Heartleaf Philodendron, Horsehead Philodendron, Hurricane Plant, Mexican Breadfruit, Mother-in-law, Panda, Philodendron Pertusum, Red Emerald, Red Princess, Ribbon Plant, Satin Pothos, Spotted Dumb Cane, Sweetheart Ivy, Swiss Cheese Plant, Variable Dieffenbachia, Variegated Philodendron, Yesterday/Today/Tomorrow



Additional Sources of Information
Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine
URL: http://www.vet.purdue.edu/depts/addl/toxic/navigate.htm
Cost: Free
Texas A&M List of Toxic Plants
URL: http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/plantanswers/publications/poison/poison.html
Cost: Free
Cornell university poisonous plants home page
http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/plants/plants.html
Cost: Free
Canadian Poisonous Plants Information system
URL: http://sis.agr.gc.ca/pls/pp/poison?p_x=px
Cost: Free
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: List of Toxic Plants
Phone: 1-888-4ANI-HELP (1-888-426-4435)
Cost: $45.00 per case (Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express). The Center will do as many follow-up calls as necessary in critical cases, and at the owner’s request will contact their veterinarian. The Center also provides via fax specific treatment protocols and current literature citations when indicated.
Phone: 1-900-443-0000
Cost: $45.00 per case charged to the owner’s phone bill. The Center will do as many follow-up calls as necessary in critical cases, and at the owner’s request will contact their veterinarian. These follow-up calls can be made by calling (888) 299-2973.
Pet Emergency First Aid Videos
Phone/Email: 1-888-380-9966, order@apogeevideo.com
Cost: First Aid for Dogs ($19.95), First Aid for Cats ($19.95), Combo: Dogs and Cats ($34.95)
Links to Poisonous Plant Pages
Phone/URL: http://cal.nbc.upenn.edu/poison/links.htm
Cost: Free

Please note that we at Pupznpalz Rescue are not affiliated in any way with the above companies, we have simply provided this information to you because we felt it would be helpful :)

Flea & Tick Season is Here!!

Flea & Tick season is here so here is some helpful information about flea control and products.

Fleas have a complex, 4 stage life cycle. Control of fleas on your pet and in your home must address all stages of this life cycle to stop the problem of flea infestation.

A mistake seen all too often is the "more is better" approach that some people take when using flea products. More is NOT better when it comes to chemicals or medications! Following package directions is essential when using over the counter products and medications. Only buy products that are labeled for use on the species you will be using them on (dog, cat, etc.). Cats in particular are very sensitive to drugs and chemicals - be sure to read all labels carefully.
Even when labels are read and instructions are followed, adverse reactions to flea product can happen. Call your vet immediately. Other resources are Animal Poison Control Center and Adverse Drug Reporting hotlines.

A flea shampoo, or "flea bath" is a good first attack on fleas for the pet that has large numbers of fleas visible on its body. Cats can be difficult to bathe. It is important to realize that a flea shampoo is not intended for lasting control. Many people are surprised when they see fleas and it was "only a week ago" that the pet had a flea bath. Shampoos are only effective for a day or less. They leave little residual chemical on the animal when properly used.
Flea dips are strong chemical rinses to rid animals not only of fleas, but mites and ticks as well. Dips are not recommended unless absolutely necessary, as in the case of a mite infestation. Dips last approximately 1-2 weeks. That is a lot of chemical residue to leave on an animal! Flea shampoos and dips are effective for adult fleas.

Flea collars work one of two ways - by emitting a toxic (to fleas, anyway) gas, and by being absorbed into the animal's subcutaneous fat layer. The toxic gas is usually only effective in the immediate area of the head and neck. This type of collar is best used in the vacuum cleaner bags to kill any fleas vacuumed up. The collars that absorb into the subcutaneous fat are much more effective. Flea collars are effective for adult fleas.

Flea powders and sprays offer short term (2-3 day) protection from fleas, and with some products, ticks and mites too. Powders and sprays have fallen out of favor recently with the newer spot-on treatments that are available. Most flea powders and sprays are only effective for adult fleas, some offer additional flea protection by inhibiting flea egg and larval development.
Spot-on treatments Common brand names include: Advantage (tm), Frontline®, and Bio-Spot® just to name a few. Please consult with your veterinarian for the best choice for your pet(s).
These products are applied between the shoulder blades of the pet, and typically last about one month. Spot-on treatments are effective for adult fleas. Some include ingredients to inhibit the larva from emerging from the flea egg and some are active against larval development as well.
Oral medications Flea "pills", such as Program® and Sentinel® work by stopping the larva from emerging from the flea egg. Program® is also available as an injectable medication for cats. Fleas ingest the blood of animals on these medications, and the female fleas then lay eggs that are unable to hatch. They do NOT kill adult fleas. These medications are essential to break the flea life cycle and stop the flea problem when used in conjunction with flea adulticide treatments.
Flea control for your house and yard Only about 10% of the flea population (mainly the adults) are on your pet. The flea eggs, larvae, pupa, and the few adults that reside in the carpeting, bedding, and living areas make up approximately 90% of the flea population. Neglecting this population of fleas will ensure that the flea problem will continue and worsen over time.
Daily vacuuming - this is very important for overall flea eradication. This will pick up (and get rid of) adults, eggs, larvae and pupae before they develop. Putting a flea collar in the vacuum bag and emptying the bag frequently are also important; otherwise, the fleas will hatch, develop, and leave the vacuum to re-infest the living quarters. Dispose of the vacuum bag properly and frequently.
Wash all bedding, clothing, and removable furniture covers.
Apply insecticide - over the counter fogger or by a professional exterminator. Follow all instructions very carefully; remove all pets, people, and cover all food in the environment before applying insecticide. Make sure everything is dry and it is safe to return according to package directions. Take special precautions for pets and children - eating or putting items in their mouth, etc.

Here is a comparison chart that may help you, but remember, always consult your vet!!

http://www.healthypets.com/compare.html

This is actually a great site to get information about other topics also.

We at Pupznpalz Rescue hope that this site will be informative to you.

Tipsheet for Controlling Fleas

Which flea medicine should I get?

This is again a tough question, and vets will disagree on it. The biggest brand is Frontline - which also means it's probably prescribed more often by vets. Next is Advantage, and after that there are Program and Revolution. For dogs, there is also K-9 Advantix, a medicine that kills both fleas and ticks. Obviously this isn't a comprehensive list of every flea medication, but these are all big, trusted brands. We at Pupznpalz Rescue use Frontline Plus and have found it effective for the most part.

The basics:

Frontline - Good because it can kill ticks as well, if you get Frontline Plus it will kill both flea eggs and adult fleas. The bad: it's got bathing restrictions, before and after you apply it - a problem with dogs. Read more about Frontline here.

Advantage - Good - it works virtually instantly to stop flea bites because it causes neurological damage to fleas in a few minutes that stop them from biting. Hands down the winner if your pet is having skin problems or allergic reaction to the flea bites. The bad: doesn't kill ticks, and you have to keep children away from the application spot for awhile. Read more about Advantage here.

Program - Good - it is safer for people (i.e. kids) coming in contact with your pets because it isn't applied to the skin. It prevents fleas from laying eggs, cutting off the life cycle. Bad - doesn't kill adult fleas. They only live a couple of days, but if your pet goes outside it will get more. Read more about Program here.

Revolution - Good - Kills adult fleas AND stops eggs from hatching, so doesn't just target one or the other. It also kills heartworms, an added bonus. Bad - it has slightly higher risk of side effects in the form of stomach problems (vomiting). Read more about Revolution here.

K-9 Advantix - Good - It kills other bugs, like ticks and mosquitoes. It is generally more effective at killing ticks than other flea medicines. It is also waterproof. Bad - Only dogs can use it, cats CANNOT.

What about combs, shampoos, bombs, etc, etc.?

You can use any of these things as well, but the core of getting rid of them is a flea medicine. These other products will, generally, reduce the population but not end the infestation. However, they can be great for speeding up the end to the flea infestation in your house. Think of them as a supplement, not the main thing you should be doing.

I've got a kitten/puppy.

Then don't use the medicines until you have passed the recommended age - it varies from 6 to 8 weeks - focus on natural remedies instead, and try bathing them with baby shampoo and grooming them with flea combs.

OK, but what about my house?

What do I do about all the fleas in there now that I've tackled Rover and put smelly goo all over his neck? The fleas should die off within a few weeks, but there's some stuff you can do to speed that up. Vacuum repeatedly. If your pet has a bed, wash it several times in the washer in hot water. Keep your pets indoors if you can. There are some other products you can use around the house - sprays, some sea-shell dust that will kill fleas, flea bombs, etc. There are dozens of different methods people use, and all kinds of products you can buy. Look around the site for more information.

If I don't want to use the flea medications or chemicals, what are alternative ways to get rid of fleas?

You can look at the following pages for more information on: vacuuming to get rid of fleas, diatomaceous earth (basically, fossilized sea critters that make a soil that kills fleas), nematode worms for flea control (little parasites that kill fleas), plants that repel fleas, flea traps, and our general page on natural flea control.

Pupznpalz has posted this for informational use only. Pupznpalz is not affiliated with any of these companies and gets no compensation for posting this information. As always, Pupznpalz recommends that you consult your vet before making a final choice on what method to proceed with.

Become a FOSTER parent!

Becoming a foster parent is not only a great way to help but it can be very rewarding and it can also be a great way to have a dog, but not have the life time commitment.

PupzNPals Rescue depends on good foster homes. The more foster homes we have, the more animals we can save. Foster Families are the heartbeat of PupzNPalz and without them, we could not function.

What does becoming a foster parent entail?

It's quite basic actually. Once approved to become a foster parent for PupzNPalz, you are matched up with a dog or puppy that fits you and your family. Of course everyone wants to foster puppies or cute little fluffy dogs, but the reality of it is that the need for foster homes that will take a bigger dog is in high demand!

A foster homes provides a safe, clean and nurturing environment for their foster dog until the dog is adopted into their forever home. This can sometimes be just a week or several months (adult dogs normally take longer to get adopted). We expect foster families to treat the dogs as if they are their own. You may have to work on some training or socialization, but you will always have a PupzNPalz mentor to help you along the way.

Foster parents care for the dog, but PupzNPalz takes care of all medical needs and can provide you with supplies if needed, like crates, etc...

If you have any questions about becoming a foster parent or would like an application, please shoot us an e-mail!!

Update! Mathew

Looks like Mathew is fitting in well!! Thanks for the update and thanks for chosing to adopt from Pupznpalz Rescue :) How nice that Gunner has accepted his new little "brother"!!

To: Pupz N Palz pupznpalz@yahoo.com

Sent: Sun, March 7, 2010 10:51:57 PM

Subject: Mathew

I just wanted to write to say thank you and give a little update. Mathew had a great first weekend with us and he is such a perfect match for our family. He and gunner hit it off from the start. They have sooo much fun together. So glad we found eachother! We look forward to our future with our new little buddy. : ) thank u girls soooo much. I'll keep in touch.

~ Jessica

Update on Buddy

To: Pupz N Palz pupznpalz@yahoo.com
Sent: Sat, April 17, 2010 3:44:10 PM
Subject: Re: pet adoption, Buddie PFid#15859030

Just wanted to give you an update on Buddy. He is a very sweet dog. We are enjoying the beginner obedience (interspecies communication) class. He seems to catch on to things rather quickly. And he is no longer soiling in the house. He does get nervous in a car and is still clingy. But daily he is gaining confidence and will do okay on our journey to Washington. In Murphys Buddy has about 2 acres of fenced pasture to explore, and he runs as fast as he can up hill and down. There is a barn with a cat in residence, whom he torments with barks but hasn't encountered. (The cat is a survivor, Buddy is not going to get her.) As for food, we've settle on Evo by Innova, chicken, small bits. But I do spice it up with water and a tablespoon of left over whatever.Thank you for taking care of him. He is just the right addition to our family.

Yolanda R********

Help Save The Baby Seals!

This has nothing to do with dogs, but we at Pupznpalz Rescue think that this is a good cause and are in support of saving these babies!

Bulletin from the cause: Animal Rights Go to Cause
Posted By: People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals
To: Members in 149 Causes
America Want to Stop the Canadian Seal Slaughter
Causes family—we need your help!USA Today has launched the 'America Wants,' Twitter hashtag (#) campaign for charity and you can help PETA receive one full-page advertisement in the newspaper for free—nearly a $200,000 value!Just by reposting this simple tweet: http://ansible.causes.com/external/redirect/eyJzaGFyZF9pZCI6MjY1LCJyZWNpcGllbnRfaWQiOjE4MjkwNDk0LCJyZWRpcmVjdCI6Imh0dHA6Ly9iaXQubHkvOURwM2JrIn0= you can help us to spread awareness about the bloody seal slaughter to millions of people! Please be sure to share with family and friends. You can even post a link to our tweet on your Facebook! We can't do it without your support—the seals need us.388,200 seals are slated for slaughter, and you can help one tweet at a time. Please post this tweet now.Pulin ModiAction Team Manager, PETAActionTeam@peta.org

Top 10 Things To Do Before You Bring Your New Dog Home

Top 10 Things To Do Before You Bring Your New Dog Home

Congratulations, you’re getting a new dog!

Your first job as a new pet parent is to prep your home and your family for the furry bundle of joy who’s about to come barreling into your life. After all, you do want to get this relationship off on the right paw!

Here are 10 tips to help you prepare.

1. Stock Up On Supplies
Your new pal won’t need much—the Burberry overcoat and crystal tiara are optional—but essentials include food and water bowls, safe chew toys, grooming tools, a collar and leash, an identification tag and a crate with bedding (towels will do if you don’t want to spend money on a fancy crate pad). When it comes to food, try to buy the same brand he’s already eating. If you want to change foods, make the switch gradually, mixing old food with new, over a period of a few weeks. Dogs and puppies adopted from pupznpalz are fed IAMS dry dog food.

2. Divvy Up Responsibilities
To avoid conflict when Princess has to go out at 7:00 A.M., powwow with members of your household about who is going to be responsible for what. Who will walk the dog at various times of times of day? Who will feed the dog? Who will take the dog to the vet? And if it’s you who winds up walking her in the middle of a rainy night, slap on a smile and remember—pet parenting is a privilege, not a chore!

3. Establish House Rules

Before poochie comes home, decide things such as: Is she allowed on the furniture? Will we ever give her “people” food? What behaviors are encouraged, and which are forbidden? Consistency is the key to training dogs, so make sure everyone will stick to enforcing the new system.

4. Be Consistent in Training
Dogs can get confused when one human says “down” and another says “off” when, for example, they jump on visitors. Then there’s “down” versus “lie down,” and “paw” versus “shake”—surely you see how this is perplexing to another species! Do Fido a favor and be consistent with the terms you plan to associate with various commands. Better yet, write out a vocabulary list of the words that everyone will use!

5. Dog-proof Your Pup’s Environment
Tuck electrical cords out of the way, install safety latches in lower kitchen cabinets, etc. Make sure items that are dangerous to ingest—like children’s toys and chemicals—are off floor level. Some people find it helps to get down on the floor for a dog’s-eye view of every room to see what might tempt a curious canine.

6. Learn Some Handy Housetraining Tips
If your new pooch is not yet housetrained, determine where his indoor “potty spot” will be. Figure out your plan to housetrain him, and coordinate with the entire household.

7. Consider a Crate
Crates often give dogs a sense of security by offering them a place that is all their own. Providing your new pooch with her own safe and secure spot will help her adjust more quickly.

8. Make it Legal
Find out about your community’s dog licensing rules and apply for a license. This information can usually be found by visiting your state’s department of agriculture website. You can also ask your local shelter for information about the rules.

9. Make a Vet Appointment
If you don’t already have one, find a good veterinarian—and bring your new canine to a caring veterinarian for a wellness exam within one week after adoption. Make this first appointment even before you bring home your new pup.

10. Combat Sibling Rivalry
This one’s for folks who already have a dog in the home. Before you introduce the new hound into the pack, pick up anything your resident dog might guard, such as food bowls, bones, toys and beds. Even if your dog has never exhibited possessive tendencies, it is best to exercise caution. This may be an intense experience for your resident canine, so do be patient with her.

Blog Directory

Sweet Pea now named "Anne"

Update on Sweet Pea
We adopted out little Sweet Pea a couple weeks ago to a local vet and just got a wonderful email from her new owners.

I want to thank Karri and pupznpalz for a great little dog. Anne was in great health, well socialized for a pup. She is a real sweetheart. The adoption processes was easy and I think you guys do a great job and service. Thank again!

Kipp Kipp L. Magnussen, DVMMedical DirectorSylvan Veterinary Hospital, Inc.Veterinary Emergency Clinic, Inc.www.sylvanvet.comwww.vetemergencyclinic.com

Awwwww... too cute!

Here is a quck update we just got in from a puppy adopted from pupznpalz! Looks like she is geting along with her big "sisters" just fine!!

Sent: Tue, Apr 13, 2010 2:36

Here are some new pictures of the new puppy getting used to her new home! We decided to name her Daisy, it seemed to fit her and her new friends Dolly and Ashlee :)

Warm Weather is Here, Are You Ready?

Are you ready for Summer?

Summer is a wonderful time to enjoy the company of your dogs. It is also a time when they may be put at risk for overheating, tick bites, fleas, and even drowning and accidents from other recreational activities. Here are some tips to keep your dogs safe this summer.

Fleas, Ticks, and Heartworm… Oh My!

Even a minor flea infestation is unpleasant for pets and people alike. A serious flea infestation can introduce worms or your dog can wind up anemic from all the parasites. Prevention is the key here. Frontline and Advantage are the two most popular monthly treatments to prevent an infestation. They work on ticks, too. This is important since a tick on your dog can wind up on you. Lyme Disease is a potentially serious, debilitating chronic illness for you or your dog and easy to avoid. You will need to medicate your dog separately for heartworm. Ask your veterinarian for guidance if you are unsure. We at pupznpalz recomend and use Frontline Plus, however, please consult with your veterinarian when choosing the product that is right for your dog or cat.

Overheating

Dogs can’t sweat the same way people do and it makes them prone to overheating. That is why you never leave a dog in a car when it is over 72 degrees – it only takes five minutes for the temperature in an enclosed car to reach 30 degrees above the air temperature outside if parked in direct sunlight. Cracking the windows doesn’t help. It isn’t just in the car, though, where dogs are prone to overheating. If your dog isn’t in shape, taking him on a ten -mile hike isn’t such a great idea. Your pup is likely to keep going until he collapses. Take frequent breaks and carry plenty of water with you on hot days – for the dog, too. If he is panting heavily or slowing down, look for a shady spot to relax together.

Portable Water

Don’t let your dog play in standing water, and don’t let him drink it. Giardia is the most common waterborne parasite dogs contract. This is easily avoidable by carrying enough water with you to keep your dog comfortable.

More Car Dangers

Keep a firm grip on your dog’s leash if he isn’t in a completely secure fenced-in area. Summer is the peak times for dogs to be hit by cars. Never “walk” your dog when on a bike or while holding the leash from behind the steering wheel. It is dangerous for both of you. Yes, it is cute when your dog hangs his head outside the window, but did you consider what even a speck of dust traveling at highway speed can do to his cornea? Keep your dog inside the car at all times, preferably restrained, to prevent injuries.

Ami Moore, a Chicago Dog Trainer, had a client call her in a panic. “She had taken her Newfie for a walk and there was blood all over her car. She couldn’t find any evidence of a cut on his paws and the vet didn’t return her call.” The owner was in complete shock when Ami told her that long walk on a hot day probably burned the dog’s paws and the blisters were bursting. Ami was right. The temperature on the ground tends to be warmer – it is part of the reason dogs tend to overheat. Sand is just as dangerous as concrete. “If it is too hot for your feet,” Ami cautions, “it is too hot for your dog’s paws, too.”

Summer Parties

We at Pupznpalz recommends leaving your beloved dog home when you are attending Summer parties, if you must take him, the following information could be helpful.

Dogs often can escape undetected from a big backyard barbecue, where they can become lost or struck by a car. Make sure your dog is secure and check on him regularly throughout your soiree. They also can be overstimulated and prone to aggressive behavior. Ensure none of your guests gives alcohol to your dog, or anything burning hot from the grill.

Parades and Fireworks

Parades can be wonderful fun – so can fireworks. But your dog may not share your enthusiasm. These events can induce anxiety and make your dog unusually fearful or aggressive. It is safest to leave your dog at home while attending these events.
Proper Identification
Keep your dog’s tags current with his name, address, and your phone number clearly visible in the event he gets away from you. Better yet, get your dog microchipped. If he is brought to the pound or a veterinarian’s office, he will be scanned and the odds of a happy reunion with you are greatly improved.

Pupznpalz thinks that the safest place for your dog during the 4th of July holiday is at home INSIDE your house. More dogs are lost and end up in shelters during this time than any other time of the year! Pupznpalz just does not think it is worth the risk!