Even here in sunny Los Angeles there’s a bit of a chill in the air. Ok, a 60 degree chill, but to us that’s winter weather!
We were watching a special on dog breeds last night that featured Dobermans. One of the “negatives” of the breed is that they don’t do well in cold weather because their coats are thin and fine, and so are not good insulators. (Unlike Metro Dog model Mr. Henry, whose fur coat keeps him warm year-round).
So what’s a summer-coat dog to do in a winter-coat climate? Here are three simple ideas to keep your pup safe, sound, warm and cosy this winter:
- Insulate him where he sleeps. Nighttime is the coldest part of the day, so dogs are most vulnerable to the cold while they’re sleeping. Put a few old blankets in the vicinity of where your pup sleeps so he can snuggle up in those if it gets too chilly.
- Keep room temperatures at a reasonable level. Even when you’re out of the house. We know energy costs are higher than ever, but don’t forget that heat rises, and your furry family is low to the ground. And often that ground is tile or linoleum, which is a lot colder than carpet. Consider Fido when you’re setting the thermostat for the day.
- Exercise! Not only is this good for your dog’s overall health (exercise, discipline, affection) but going for a long walk gets the blood flowing and will help warm you both up.
For those in really cold climes, your best friend might need an extra layer to stay safe. We bundle up in the frigid cold; shouldn’t we protect the smallest members of our family in the same way? To keep your dog’s core nice and warm, Metro Dog recommends an Argyle Ski Vest or an Olive Parka. Smaller breeds can keep warm and show off their fashion cool with the Reknitz Sweater.
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November 13th, 2008
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Do you have a large dog? Do you have trouble finding quality, luxury products for him? You’re not alone! Friends who know that I work for Metro Dog always ask: what do you have specifically for large dogs? At Metro Dog, we know the market for “big dogs” is underserved. That’s why we’ve taken great care to include items that cater to your big pooch. Here are some humble suggestions:
- Beds and mats from our LOUNGE category. The Eco Nap, Big Sky Bed, Bumper Bed and more - they all come in sizes fitting to a tiny terrier or a grand Great Dane.
- Doggie dinnerware: our DINE section caters specifically to big pup needs with the Big Pooch Luxury Dog Bowl and Elevated Booster, as well as traditional feeders like the Metro Duo and Studio Duo, each offering height options at 9 and 12 inches, more than enough to keep your best friend from stooping over while she eats.
- Clothing and accessories can be especially tough to find in bigger sizes. For fur babies on the medium-side of big, keep warm this winter with the Reknitz Sweater or Argyle Ski Vest (in Green or Orange). Collars range up to a 20″ neck in the Extra Large size of the Sonoma, Santa Fe, and Masterpiece.
We know it can be a challenge catering for the needs of your larger canine. Metro Dog is here to help. Contact us anytime if you have questions or need product advice. As always, your satisfaction is guaranteed.
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November 11th, 2008
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Our inspiration, spokespup, and Chief Morale Officer Mr. Henry:
It’s always sunny in southern California… Henry working on his tan while lounging on the Eco Nap.
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November 10th, 2008
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The environment is on everyone’s mind. From recycling to carbon emissions to global climate change, hardly a day goes by without new revelations about how the way we live impacts our planet. Call it Eco-Hip: whether it’s a hybrid car or a reusable shopping bag, companies are scrambling to respond to create products that appeal to eco-conscious consumers.
But our efforts to go green shouldn’t end with our human families. As we continue spending time, energy and financial resources reducing our carbon footprint, isn’t it only natural that we do the same for our pets?
Reducing your pup’s carbon pawprint is easier than you might think. In the course of selecting the highest-quality dog products on the market, Metro Dog has seen dozens of companies that claim to offer eco-friendly pet products, and often it’s difficult to sort out genuine value from simple marketing. That’s why it’s important for environmentally conscious pet parents to find brands they can trust.
Here at Metro Dog, we do our homework to ensure that every product we offer is something we’d feel good about bringing into our own homes. That’s why one of our favorite brands is Montana-based West Paw Design.
West Paw offers luxurious beds and mats that use recycled plastic bottles in their manufacture. Each Eco Nap, a colorful and comfy mat, diverts up to 40 plastic bottles from going into landfills. If you’re looking for something a little bit more plush, the Eco Slumber’s fabric is made from 85% recycled fibers, and its interior fill is 100% recycled. And at the top of every eco-conscious dog lover’s wish list is the Organic Bumper Bed. It features the same eco-friendly aspects as the Eco Nap and Eco Slumber, plus it’s made of organic cotton, making it the perfect resting spot for allergic or sensitive pups.
In West Paw Design’s own words:
“We live where we work, and the pristine beauty that surrounds us in the Rocky Mountains gives us reason everyday to do our part to protect our environment. We do all we can to reduce waste, making sure to cut as much raw product as possible out of every bolt of fabric, then reusing the scrap material where we can.”
Metro Dog is proud to feature a top-quality line of products that are as good to the environment as they are to your pup. Now you never have to sacrifice style for substance. Who knew having your dog LOUNGE around could be so good for the planet?
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November 6th, 2008
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As a responsible pet parent, you likely know the official rules of your local off-leash dog park: Be current on vaccinations, fill any holes your dog digs and pick up any “presents” he leaves behind. However, there is also unwritten dog park etiquette that helps ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for human and canine alike. So sit, stay and read on for the five things you should never bring to the dog park:
Food: This applies to both the human and canine variety. Whether it’s Fido’s favorite treat or a quick lunch for you, bringing food into the dog park is one of the best ways to go from zero to anarchy in a matter of seconds. And don’t think you can hide those morsels in your pocket–with a sense of smell that is 100,000 times greater than that of a human, they’ll find it every time. After all, they don’t have bomb-sniffing humans, do they? (http://www.akc.org/press_center/facts_stats.cfm?page=12)
Your own toys: Of course, bringing your dog’s personal toys to the dog park is fine–as long as neither of you wants to see them again. The beauty of the dog park is the communal atmosphere, so expect to see plenty of sharing, but don’t expect to see Rover politely return Fluffy’s ball when it’s time for her to go home.
Small kids: A dog park may seem like an ideal place to let your two-legged charges run loose as well, but even the friendliest medium- to large-sized dog can knock a toddler to the ground with so much as an enthusiastic greeting, causing inevitable conflict between parent and pet owner. Kid parks outnumber dog parks by at least 100 to 1, so for everyone’s safety and peace of mind, keep at least one hand on your tots when they’re in canine territory.
A leash: Though a must in most situations, a leash should never enter the dog park attached to a dog. Rather than keeping your pooch safe, being tethered to a leash can make your furry friend a sitting duck, unable to get away from dominant or aggressive dogs. Last year in San Diego, a Chihuahua/Yorkie mix was killed at Dusty Rhodes Dog Park when its leash kept it from evading an aggressive Husky. While the leash was obviously not to blame for the incident, it left the small dog open to attack.
An attitude: Your love for Lassie may be unconditional, but that doesn’t mean she can do no wrong. Always keep an eye on your pup and be ready to intervene if playtime gets out of hand.
By following the rules–both written and implied–the dog park can be a great place for everyone who is lucky enough to be owned by a dog. Let the butt-sniffing begin!
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November 4th, 2008
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