17 Common Poisonous Plants

The ASPCA has created a searchable list of pet-poisonous plants that include many common house hold plants. The scary part is most of us have at least one of these in our yard or home. Symptoms of poisoning can include minor problems like an upset stomach and diarrhea all the way to death. Among some of the most common plants are the tulip, azalea, mum, english ivy and yew. Before purchasing your next plant, please consult the ASPCA's website and select both a beautiful and pet-friendly plant.

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/17-common-poisonous-plants.html

Your Very Own Backyard Zoo

If you have ever thought your house was a zoo with so many animals, here is your chance to complete the experience with a backyard habitat. Habitat Haven has created DIY(do it yourself) projects that instructs you how to create an outdoor habitat for your pet. Projects ranging in size from a simple patio enclosure to a cavernous tunnel experience are available through the Habitat Haven website. These projects allow your pets to experience the great outdoors while maintaining a safe and comfortable environment. For more ideas and images:

http://habitathaven.com/index.html

The Matchbox Dog House

Here is another contemporary dog house which combines a beautiful aesthetic with an easy maintenance. The architecture firm Archimania worked with a rescue charity to design this concept driven home. The idea comes from a matchbox composed of outer wrapper and inner box. The inner box may be slid out for a quick hosing down, then returned to the outer shell for use again. For more information visit:

http://www.archdaily.com/64927/dogone-house-archimania/#more-64927

Top Ten Dog Beaches Announced

On June 10 2010, "FIDO-Friendly Magazine" announced their top ten dog beach picks in the US. Huntington Beach California topped out the list at number one with several other California beaches following suite. Florida beaches also dominated the list, while North Carolina and Chicago slipped in at 7 and 8. For more information on rankings and locations:

http://www.ocregister.com/news/beach-252750-dog-leash.html

Dog Houses for Homeless Dogs

In the Brazilian city of Caxias do Sul there is a shanty town for dogs. Shaky shelters for humans are not uncommon in many of the Brazilian cities but these small houses are a Soama idea. One of Brazil's humane societies called upon the help of volunteers to donate individual dog houses. Collectively they were able to house 1,600 dogs and 200 cats, but still the goal is to place as many pets into forever homes as possible. For more information:

http://inventorspot.com/articles/brazil_volunteers_builds_dog_houses_homeless_dogs_43031

The Pet Insurance Decision

Pet owners often have to face a difficult decision when it comes to emergencies. Unexpected visits to the vet can easily climb to an unaffordable amount of cash and loved pets are weighed differently than a human. Pet Insurance is becoming increasingly popular as new medical treatments for pets are becoming available. However choosing an insurance company is usually not an enjoyable task. When checking different options, it is important to look at whether your premiums increase, what emergencies are covered, your deductible and the total amount the insurance will cover. "Trupanion" allows you to compare the top pet insurance coverages in an easy to read table. While giving no preference to a certain company, we urge you to compare companies on "Trupanion's" website:

https://www.trupanionpetinsurance.com/

Modernism Meets Modern Pooch

If you want to make "the doghouse" a stylish place to be, visit the "best friend's home" website today. With four different designer homes for your dogs, plus an additional option to customize, Spot will have never felt so pampered. Each of these homes come in a small, medium and extra-large size and average around two grand. Check out the website for more images of these miniature mansions:

http://www.bestfriendshome.com/

How to Brush Your Pet's Teeth

You (hopefully) brush your teeth everyday so why should you neglect your pets teeth? Daily to once weekly brushings are recommended to prevent Periodontal Disease as well as other gum diseases. Its estimated that 80% of dogs and 70% of cats will suffer some sort of gum disease by the age of 3. However, we can easily prevent this disease from happening! Above is a demonstration on how to introduce teeth brushing to your pets.

Top Ten Dog Friendly US Cities

DogFriendly.com announced the top ten dog friendly cities in the US. Rankings 1-10 plus runners up were based on accommodations, attractions, beaches, parks, stores and restaurants that allow dogs to join their human companions. Not surprisingly San Diego, CA won first place for their fantastic dog beaches. For more rankings and links to city events:

http://dogfriendly.com/dognews/