If The Cat's Away The Allergens Can't Play

Wipe Allergens Off The Baseboards

The same sticky residue of dried dander and saliva that can cover your walls clings to your baseboards as well. Regularly using a spray cleaner to wipe down the area where the wall meets the floor can make a measurable difference. If you have baseboard heating that blows air around the room, pay special attention to the wall area above the baseboard.


Make Certain Rooms Off-Limits For Your Cats

Keep cats out of rooms where allergy sufferers spend a lot of time. This may sound obvious - or it may seem very restrictive towards your cat(s) - but it will really make a difference. The most important off-limits room should be the bedroom: exposing an allergic person to cat dander all night will kick allergic reactions into high gear. In fact, cats should not be allowed on the bed at any time, since that will cause the same reaction when the bed is being slept in. Keeping closet doors closed will also help in reducing the number of allergens that are found in clothing, sheets and other materials.

Summer Fun for Your Dog Can be Simple... Arrange for a Doggie Playdate

Dogs have so much energy and love to play, Coby, a Shetland sheepdog is no exception. Although we love our dog(s), sometimes you need a break from the energizer “bunny”. Providing regular physical activity is important for releasing excess energy, but to ensure a healthy long life for your dog. A doggie playdate is a great option and can provide you from breathing room from finding new paths and trails for you and your dog to explore. Here are some tips to start the fun.

1. Doggie Daycare - Enrolling your dog in Doggie Day Care full time or for a few hours while you are at work or running errands is a great way to give your dog exercise & socializing time. Many of these day cares have outdoor & indoor play areas. Just make sure to bring your dogs’ tags & vaccination records. Ask the daycare workers who your dog gets along with during most of the day and then talk to those dogs owners about setting up a time to play on the weekend.

2. Off-Leash Dog Parks - You will find a wide variety of dogs at an off leash dog park so your dog is sure to hit it off with one of them. This is a great way to get to know neighbours and interact with their dogs. Often times if dogs like each other the owners will arrange to meet regularly at pre=established time of day for a meet, romp and play time. If you don’t know how to find a local off-leash park go to your City website to find a list of approved parks. These lists helps dog owners find the pet-friendly parks close to their homes or in destinations they’re planning to visit.

3. Join a Play Group - If you don’t feel comfortable bringing your dog to an off leash park, you can join a breed specific or dog personality specific play group that suits your dogs demeanour, size & age. Some communities have indoor venues that cater to these breed specific groups to provide a safe place for dogs to play. If you have a smaller breed this might be a great option if you worry that your dog will get hurt playing in the park with bigger dogs.

4. Advertising for Local Playmates - Place an ad in a local pet publication or on Craigslist is another option r that perfect doggie playmate. This is a great option if you don't have a dog park in the area, no neighbourhood pups, you live in an apartment, or you are looking for that one special dog playmate. Note in your ad the type of playmate, playmates and situation you are looking for.

5. Call a friend-If you have friends with dogs set up an activity with them that includes your dogs. A day at the park, beach or even in your backyard can be fun for you, your friend and your four-legged pals.

Mowfest at Merrill Bridge Park

A big SHOUT OUT to everyone who turned out on Wed evening for MowFest. The gesture of taking care of the neighbourhood hit the news. The Toronto Star pubished a picture July 9, 2009 of mowers hard at work. Friday, July 10th The Star published an article about residence taking back the parks. This led to a radio interview with 680News at 8:20 this morning. Let's hope the 15 minutes of fame is over!

Clink on the link to the article: http://www.thestar.com/article/663812.

Summer Dog Events in Toronto

Toronto Blue Jays 6th Annual Dog Day
Warm weather, and walking the dog go together like a collar and leash.
Here are a couple of events worth ckecking out.
Toronto Blue Jays 6th annual DOG DAY Sunday, July 26 http://www.bluejays.com/


Dog Days of Summer
Sunday, August 23, 12 to 4 p.m.
Back by popular demand! Todmorden Mills is going to the dogs! Bring your favourite pooch and enjoy an afternoon of doggie fun. Participate in contests and games; learn about canine health and wellness; shop for treats and trinkets; and more! Free admission. http://www.toronto.ca/culture/museums/todmorden.htm

Ouch - The Pavement is Hot

Protect your pooch’s paws this summer…

Don’t forget that pavement is warmer than the air in the summer; imagine what your dog’s paws go through pounding the sidewalks all season long! Protect your dog from injuries to the pads of their paws. The Warmer temperatures are here, and that blacktop pavement absorbs heat, and can get a lot hotter than air temperature.

One way to decide if your dog needs to wear booties is to remove your shoe and place your own foot on the pavement. If the pavement is too hot for you to walk on, it is too hot for your dog. Service dogs and other working dogs are at particular risk for burn injuries

Pawganics offers a variety of shoes to address this concern. All Weather Muttluks features a breathable, waterproof exterior fabric and are suited for either hot or cold weather conditions. The All Weather Muttluks are perfect for hot sand, hot pavement, hiking, rain or snow.

EPIKS utilize the differences in the shapes and angles of a dog's front and hind legs to create separate designs for both sets of paws. Both are great options to protect your pet’s paws this summer.

Get out and enjoy the summer. Your dog will thank you for it... don't forget the water.

Laura King Hahn
Founder, Pawganics