Senior dogs are probably the most grateful. For love. For care. For attention. There’s a shift that happens as a dog moves from middle age into its senior years. Our oncologist, the amazing Dr. Tim Rocha, was telling me today how one of his dogs who’s 14 and used to be the dominant one and keep the 8 year old in line, has started looking to the 8 year old for guidance. And, she’s there for her. It was a gradual shift but Dr. Rocha’s noticed it. And this is what happens. I’ve seen it as my dogs have aged and I’m sure you have, too. Being there for a dog in its later years is especially critical and a blessing for both parties, I think. Yes, there are issues that crop up with old age. However, the gentle trust, devotion and companionship are more than just rewards. So again (and don’t mean to be hitting a hammer over anyone’s head), I’m going to focus on senior dogs in the kill shelter, Animal Care and Control  – (212) 788-4000 – in New York and hope, just maybe, that one of these ol’ boys or girls will strike a chord in one of you and move you to action. Why not wake up to an old friend? Sounds warm and cozy to me. Here are our Shelter Stars for this week.

 Ryer

Ryer is an unspayed, female, black and white Shih Tzu mix. She is about 10 years old. She is called by her handlers at Animal Care and Control “the total package,” because she is loving, sweet, house-trained, good with children and other pets and, while liking walks, doesn’t need long ones. Sounds like a bundle of dream dog to me! ID#A0973463

Betty Boo

She is an unspayed blue & white Pitbull Terrier Mix; about 5 years old and 42 lbs. She’s got soulful eyes and is looking for love. Pits are one of the most devoted breeds to humans. They just get a bad rap from bad owners who mistreat them and turn them into something they were never bred to be. ID#A0991329

Here’s hoping all of these pictures get deleted quickly, which would mean they’ve been adopted. I do see a lot of dogs get adopted from the ACC.

Please share this with everyone you now. It just takes one. Thanks!

Until next time…

photo courtesy of
Dogtrainingtopsecrets.com

Living in a big city with a lot of pedestrians, I do see people with small dogs in strollers. At first, I have to admit I rolled my eyes a bit, thinking it was kind of weird; something just human babies were better suited for. But I’ve since changed my opinion. I’ve learned there are situations and occasions where it makes a lot of sense to use strollers for dogs, and when you hear what they are, maybe, like me, you’ll change your opinion, too. Where & where does a dog stroller make sense? I went to pet parents and experts to find out.  Here’s what they told me.

Where & When

From people packed events to elderly or recuperating dogs, here are the reasons you may want to consider getting a stroller for your dog.

• Runners – athletes or people who like to regularly run and have dogs who can’t handle the distance or speed (or consistency) are using strollers to have their dogs accompany them on runs but be safe and secure. My husband is a triathlete (I know, I have no idea how he does it), and he’s always talking about how great it would be to have Sophie run with him. But there’s no way he’d get more than a half a block before Sophie put the brakes on, and she certainly doesn’t have the stamina for a 10 or more mile run. Companies now make strollers for dogs with specific features for use running or jogging, because you apparently can’t just jog with any old stroller and have it be a smooth ride and have the stroller hold up to the task. Here’s a highly rated one, the Doggyride Novel Jogger-Stroller  that converts from a jogger to a regular pet stroller and has a stronger suspension for a smoother ride. There are also many charity walk-a-thons and runs and, if dogs are allowed, you could have your pup accompany you to help do some good. I actually saw someone with a dog in a stroller doing the New York Marathon last November, no joke!
• Puppies Without All Vaccinations – you want to take your puppy out to meet the world and get socialized, but you can’t expose her to the nasty world of germs. A stroller is a great way to transport a puppy so she can take in the world and stay disease free. Parvovirus is a highly contagious disease that attacks the intestinal tract and can permanently damage the heart muscle. Puppies, especially in urban areas, can be prone to contracting parvo because they don’t yet have antibodies built up in their systems and haven’t yet received a parvo vaccination. This is the very sturdy and great-looking Petgear Sportster for dogs up to 45 lbs, with an internal fleece pad (for comfort) a waterproof tray for any accidents your puppy might have, and a storage basket and tray for all those adorable pet necessities. And, it’s in lilac, the color of 2014!
• Senior Dogs – just because a dog is getting on in years doesn’t mean he wants to be with the family any less. Using a dog stroller for a senior with arthritis or other joint issues that make it painful to walk is a great way to keep them with you on fun family outings. You can get a special orthopedic cushion for the Doggyride Novel Stroller that fits inside and softens the bumps considerably.
• Convalescing Dogs – maybe your dog has recently had an illness or an operation that either requires bed (or crate rest) or staying off of her legs for a period of time, as per your vet. With a pet stroller and if she’s up to it, you can take her out with you for fresh air and to be engaged with the world, something I think would make her feel better than laying around the house all day. Dr. Ann Hohenhaus of the Animal Medical Center in NYC thinks it’s a great idea to use a stroller for this purpose. “Many of the dogs I have seen in the park have been taken out of their strollers to enjoy the grassy park lawns,” Dr. Hohenhaus explains. “Often I notice these dogs are recovering from orthopedic or neurologic disorders and are a bit unsteady on their feet. The stroller allows them to come to the park, walk on the grass, and get stronger. Falling while walking to the park on the hard asphalt and concrete of the city would be dangerous, but a tumble on the grass is much safer until they completely recover.”
• Immuno-Compromised Dogs – perhaps your dog has an illness or condition that compromises his immune system, making it difficult if not impossible to take him out for regular walks on the street, especially in urban areas. A dog stroller could be a great way to accomplish getting your pup out without putting him in harm’s way.
• A Safe Place for Dogs at Events, Outdoor Restaurants – it’s fun to take your baby along to festivals, dog shows, flea markets, restaurants  and, especially if she’s a little one, I know I worry constantly about people accidentally stepping on Sophie’s paws or tail. Then there’s trash, bugs, aggressive dogs and possibly confusion from so much going on to contend with. Candice who is mom to star Yorkie Chloe Polka Dot agrees,. Chloe has a chic black and white zebra print stroller, customized with a little chandelier! Nothing’s too good for this little girl. Candice makes sense when she says, “I like to use the stroller when Chloe and I go to dog friendly restaurants.  Many times dogs are allowed, but not allowed on my lap.  The stroller allows me to have her in a safe contained area while enjoying being with me at a restaurant.” She adds, “A stroller allows Chloe to go to places with me that might not be safe for her to walk on foot (paws).  In the summer, the pavement is too hot for her paws to walk on the ground, a stroller protects her paws.  In crowded places or events, it allows her to enjoy while being safe above trampling feet or other hazards.”  I love that! If you click on the Chloe link, you can see her latest video.
• The Summer Heat – as Candice mentioned, but in Cali, here in NYC on the hottest days of summer, I really do think you can fry an egg on the street. Who would want to subject your dog to that? Its downright dangerous. When Sophie was a puppy, we were waiting for the light to change on a street corner by our apartment and it was very hot outside. Unwittingly, I walked her onto a hot patch she actually began to swoon. I got so freaked out, from then on, I literally place my hand on the filthy street to test the temp of the pavement. If I had a stroller, I’d have a lot cleaner hands.
• Urban Traffic – ok, I’m not sure what it’s like where you live, but trying to cross the street, even when the light is in your favor in NYC is like taking your life into your hands! Bike messengers, food delivery guys on bikes, people running and not paying attention, people entranced by their handheld device so, again, not paying attention…folks walk into each other all the time at New York City speed. Imagine if you have to be vigilant for your little dog, too? Sophie’s had several close calls. If I wasn’t paying attention to her, who knows? Sometimes a stroller in these situations sounds very appealing. That being said, getting enough vigorous exercise is sooo important to a dog’s mental and physical wellbeing. So, despite living in a guerrilla zone, I probably wouldn’t opt for a stroller for this reason. If you have a Chihuahua, let’s say, who doesn’t like to walk and getting him from point A to point B is safer for him and easier in a stroller? OK, I can see that.
• You Have Back or Shoulder Issues – if your dog needs to be in a bag, and using one places too much stress on your back or shoulders, a doggy stroller is a great choice. Not worth injuring yourself or worsening an injury.
• You Have a Big Dog & a Small Dog – and the small baby can’t keep up with the power walks of your bigger dog. So you walk them both until the little one is pooped and then scoop her up into her stroller to watch the world and rest up.
• Evacuations – this is one I never would’ve thought of. But I read in a pet stroller forum (yes, there’s a forum for everything these days I think!) how one woman said getting one was the best investment she ever made because it allowed her to evacuate from extreme weather with her dog safely.
• Frequent Travelers – if you travel with your pet often, having a stroller may make it easier to get him around. You can buy a stroller/airline-approved carrier all-in-one which would be a very convenient piece of equipment to own. There’s a nice-looking Pawhut Airline Approved Travel Pet Backpack & Carrier with Wheels that comes in pink (shown), cobalt blue or red.

How To Choose A Dog Stroller

• According to PetMeds.com, you want to make sure the stroller is not too small, so the dog is cramped, and not too large so there’s lots of room for him to jostled about.
• You also want to consider the number of pets you have who you’ll want to stroll. More than one and getting a larger stroller makes sense, obviously.
• Finally, you’ll want to consider what you’ll be using the stroller for. If you’ll be jogging or running, as mentioned above, your stroller with need features that are required to stand up to that kind of use. Plenty of companies now make strollers for dogs of athletic parents.

In Summary

Thanks for coming with me on this journey to learn more about where and when strollers for dogs make sense. Hope it was helpful and filled with information you could use when making your own decisions. I think a good rule of thumb is, if it will improve the quality of life for your dog, it’s probably a good idea.

Now that you’ve read this, what do you think? Doggy stroller, yea or nay? Share with me. Inquiring minds want to know!

Until next time…

(Disclosure:  If you choose to purchase any of the suggested items in this post, I will receive a small compensation from the company, which goes towards keeping Bark and Swagger up and running and towards the monthly donations I make to animal rights and rescue organizations. Thank you for helping out!)

photo courtesy of BestBullySticks

Sophie in her Climate Changer

Sophie and I were out on our morning walk today, she in her cutie green Ruffwear Climate Changer fleece, and me in layers  for a semi-cold New York morning. Sophie was doing her normal thing: getting spooked by noises, stopping short so she could take in her surroundings and get comfortable as to what was ahead of her, and doing a lot of shaking off and stretching. It looks really cute when she stretches. It’s kind of like a little bow she’s doing. But in reality, the shaking off and stretching are stress alleviators. Granted, Sophie is an 11 lb, scrawny little pup in a very big New York City, an environment that can be overwhelming to full grown adults! But it got me thinking. My dog is skittish and I feel so badly for her when she’s especially nervous. It can’t be easy being Sophie at those times.

I’m sure I’m not alone. There must be a lot of dog parents who also have skittish pups. So, I decided to do research and see what I could find that might help my Sophie and the other moms and dads who face the same challenges, to make our dogs feel more confident. What I discovered was really interesting. You know, I have a new friend who is a fellow pet blogger. She is constantly writing about how she’s learned so much in the last two years of her blog. I get what she means! In doing the research to bring you the freshest information I can find on each topic, I’m learning and growing too, becoming a better mom to Sophie. It’s really cool!

One of the first things I learned is that some dogs are predisposed to being anxious and jumpy. It’s like it’s in their DNA or something. Maybe that’s Sophie, because she’s been this way since we first brought her home at 12 weeks. Either way, there’s great information out there as to what to do and not do. You might not have thought of them; I know I didn’t think of some. Or,  you might not have realized what you’ve been doing could make it worse!

 Signs of Anxiety In Dogs

As per veterinarian Dr. Jon’s PetPlace.com, here are some of the most common signs your dog may be anxious:

• Changes in appetite or weight
• Excessive vocalizing
• Changes in elimination habits
• Self-mutilation (Excessive licking or chewing)
• Disobedience
• Aggression
• Health changes
• Lethargy
• Depression
• New destructive behaviors (such as chewing)
• Trembling
• Restlessness
• Excessive panting
• I’m going to add excessive stretching and excessive shaking off to this list.

Possible Causes of Anxiety (as per PetPlace.com)

• Separation from family
• Boredom
• Lack of exercise / play
• Fear (Loud noises, other dogs, certain people or objects, etc.)
• Inadequate nutrition
• Health problems / pain
• Inadequate living quarters
• Changes to daily routine
• Loss or addition of family member or dog

What all of the experts say, is to first have your dog fully checked out by your vet, to rule out any health issues that may be causing his or her anxiety. Once that’s done and it’s determined to be emotionally-based, there are some tools you can use to relieve his stress and, over time and if you’re consistent, develop a more confident dog. I was so excited to learn this!

What We Can Do

• Stimulation

– Regular exercise is one of the best stress-busters there is, for people and dogs. And, we have to make it vigorous. As I’ve heard so many times, “A tired dog is a happy dog.” When Sophie was a puppy, we would go to see Phil, the owner of one of the first holistic pet stores in NYC. It’s called Whiskers and Phil is a wise man on many things dog. Over the past 26 years, he’s seen it all and has been helping his customers solve their pet’s problems along the way. Phil told me, “You have to walk your dog 2 hours a day; one hour in the morning and one in the evening. Once they poop and pee, then it’s brisk walking the rest of the time.” He’s religious about it and for a long time, that’s what I did. Even more. I wasn’t working when Sophie was a puppy, and we would take hours long walks all over the city. Sophie was tired and happy, but still skittish. She needed something more (we’ll get to that).

Playing with other dogs who are stable in an enclosed area is also a great way to socialize and exercise at the same time. Interestingly enough, professional trainer, Cheri Lucas, says no to dog parks for skittish dogs. We have no control over the other dogs there, and maybe a bully will overwhelm or traumatize your dog and set the process back to square one. Lucas gives a thumbs up to walks with dogs who are balanced, because it allows your pup to experience the ancient ritual of migrating with other dogs. Sophie likes to do that with her best friend, Holly, the Havanese.

Dogfinder Interactive Game

– Mental stimulation is a great way to challenge our dogs, and making them think takes their mind off of being anxious and, actually, tires them out. Nina Ottosson’s interactive dog games are awesome. Sophie loves them and so looks forward to playing. They are treat-based, of course, and your dog has to figure out under which cup or board piece the treat resides. Sophie’s favorite is the Dogfinder Interactive Game. It has plastic bone shaped cups that fit into grooves on the “board”, two to a section. One bone can come out of the groove easily, the other in the section, can’t, unless it’s moved forward where there’s no lip preventing it from being pulled out. Sophie has to figure out how to get the bone that can come out moved and then to push the other one into the spot where she can knock it out. Endless entertainment! Maybe one of Nina’s games would be good for your dog, too.

• Training

– All of the experts say training is key. When we give our dogs things to do and praise/treat them when they do good, it calms them by giving them a directive and focuses their attention on us.  Training also speeds the bonding process with your dog, says E.H. Amos, a 27 year dog owner and a 16 year dog rescuer.

– Constantly review the training basics of sit, down, stay. Keeping them focused on you and their mind engaged keeps them calmer. When Sophie is having a moment out on the street, I start doing sit, stays with her, sometimes repeatedly. Sit, stay, walk. Sit, stay, walk. It does work.

– The Pedigree experts recommend creating repeated positive experiences for the dog with many different people. As Dr. Nicholas Dodman of PetPlace.com says, “Pups should learn that strangers are benevolent and often come bearing gifts.” You do this by having different people over. With a skittish dog, Pedigree has recommended a couple of exercises your friends can perform with your dog.

Exercise 1:

Choose friends who have calm energy and clearly love dogs. They should sit with their back toward the dog with an outstretched hand containing treats. When the dog takes the treat, praise him.

Exercise 2:

Another exercise is to, believe it or not, yawn. Yawning is a calming signal for dogs. Have your dog-loving friend hold out a treat for your dog, while not making eye contact with the dog at all. Have the friend start yawning repeatedly and you join in, too. The dog should start calming down pretty quickly. Try not to crack up in laughter at the ridiculous way you guys must look, as that will probably set your training back. 🙂

– When your dog meets a stranger and until she’s completely comfortable with that person, they should ignore your dog and not touch her, says trainer Cheri Lucas. “Tell them she’s in training,” she suggests. “This allows her to relax and not feel pressured to make friends.” If, over time, she becomes curious and sniffs them, that’s great, she says. But still, no petting. It’s a process.

– If your dog is ok with being touched and seems to welcome it, Pedigree experts recommend starting with petting the chin and chest only, at first, and to kneel down instead of bending down, as this is less threatening to a fearful dog. Avoid petting the head and back. I know Sophie doesn’t even like her head stroked by us, so this is, apparently, a very vulnerable place.

– Desensitize your dog to what he’s afraid of. With noises, start off in a quiet place and, if possible, introduce your dog to the noise they don’t like in small doses, increasing the dose over time. If you live in a big city like we do, a quiet place may be on a side street instead of an avenue. You do the best you can and bring plenty of treats so that when he’s being brave, you can reward him big time.

Same thing with dogs that are afraid of other dogs. The experts says small interactions, starting from a few feet away with dogs that are calm and balanced, can be great. Over time, close the gap more and more.

Here’s a book recommended by Fearfuldogs.com (another great resource) that looks very helpful. It’s called The Cautious Canine by Patricia B. McConnell, and provides a step-by-step training program of desensitization and counter classical conditioning. It is on the top ten of Dogwise’s Dog Training Book Catalog and has helped thousands of dogs and their owners around the country, it says. And it has positive reviews.

Sometimes We May Have to Resort To A Behaviorist or To Medication

If training, patience and time don’t make your dog more comfortable in his own skin and you can see that it’s getting in the way of him leading a happy life, sometimes an animal behaviorist can really help. We went to see one for Isabel, one of our cats. She is very timid and was having some issues with going outside her litter box. This doctor really helped us.

Sometimes a behaviorist, who should be a trained MD in this field, will prescribe medication to see if that calms the dog down. As I’m not experienced in this area, and I’m definitely not a vet, if you feel this is something to explore, your vet will probably have some suggestions for you. You could also ask about natural calming remedies for dogs. Rescue Remedy works for some people. It didn’t work especially well for Sophie but others have told me they’ve had a great experience with it. I am testing out some herbal mists for dogs. I’ll let you know how those work for me.

What Could We Be Doing Wrong?

From what I’ve learned, these are the big no no’s when you have a skittish dog:

– Don’t praise when she behaves timidly. I know with Soph, I feel so badly that I immediately want to say, “It’s ok, Sophie. Good girl.” But this is just what I shouldn’t be doing! According to trainer Cheri Lucas, this is sending the message that this behavior is good and you end up reinforcing it.  Lucas says, don’t nurture when she becomes startled, for example, keep moving forward and be confident and it will eventually rub off on her.

– Praise like crazy when she’s acting brave or confidently. And it could be moment to moment. It is with Sophie, anyway. One minute, I’ll see her jump at a piece of paper blowing or at a noise and I’ll have to consciously tell myself, “Be quiet. Move her on.” And the next, she’ll be trotting along happily, or be curious about another dog and want to run up and say hi. And then, I ‘ll have the treat ready and lots of praise.

– Don’t rush his training. In some dogs, especially ones who’ve had a bad experience when they were puppies, it may take real time to get them through this process of developing confidence. That’s why the experts talk about creating repeated positive experiences for him. He needs to learn, over time, that people are good and noises just come with the territory. The key words are gentle and patience.

In Summary

Having a skittish dog isn’t easy. We love them and, because they’re our kids and they rely on us, we want to protect them. But what I’m learning is, the best way to protect them is to help them build the confidence they need to survive happily in our world. What it takes is regular, vigorous exercise of the body and the mind, and consistent training. Be patient and gentle, and be ready with plenty of love when they get it right. Why don’t we try applying what we’ve learned and reassess in a couple of months? We can compare notes on progress. I’d love to hear your success stories or what you didn’t realize you could do to help your dog. Please reach out and comment below.

And if you like what you’ve read, please share!

Until next time…

(Disclosure:  If you choose to purchase any of the suggested items in this post, I will receive a small compensation from the company, which goes towards keeping Bark and Swagger up and running and towards the monthly donations I make to animal rights and rescue organizations. Thank you for helping out!)

I am a product of the baby boomer generation. Grew up with Hendrix, The Stones, The Beatles, Bowie, Elton, The Who…the list goes on. Like a lot of boomers, I have a strong affinity for the music of my generation. So what could be more fun than seeing pups in the rocker t’s of a cool band or…..of a tweaked, mutt-style version of a cool band? Nothing!! If you want your dog to express your rocker chic or renegade style with a vintage twist, I’ve found some very cool-looking t’s. With the attention your dog will get in these hipster duds, there’ll be lots more smiles and wet kisses in your future. 🙂 So, sit back and relax as we take a trip (with many stops) in the time machine back to the 60’s, ’70’s and 80’s (and a little bit of 90’s), doggy style. I warned you there’d be many stops…

Hey Hey We’re
The Beagles!

The Infamous Tongue

The 60’s

We begin our trip paying homage to one of the most influential bands of all time, who exploded on the pop music scene in the early 60’s. The question became…are you a Beatles or a Stones fan? I loved them both! But there’s a new big dawg in town for Beatles fans – The Beagles! And they even bark in a British accent! Wow, impressive. Here’s their cutie band t. Let’s not forget that other great, big, influential, monster of a band that just won’t retire! Is your dog a wearer of The Tongue?

The 70’s

One Love

If universal love, redemption, activism and ganja is your thing, Bob Marley’s One Love t can turn your doggy into a little Rasta-man. Think Shih Tzu’s, Wheatons or other full-haired fur babies, in case you want to complete the look with a few beaded dreads.

The Psychedelic Blue Bear

Were you a Deadhead? I wasn’t but, jeez, a LOT of people were! My friend, Jim, would literally follow them around the country. For other Deadheads and fans of the ‘jam band,” relive that fun, carefree time in our past through these fantastically colorful Grateful Dead t’s, depicting the artwork that represented the Woodstock and early 70’s generation..and dropping lots of acid.

If breathing fire, wearing very high platforms and lots of glitter is your thing, you were a KISS fan. Come on, admit it! I found such a cool KISS dog t. I can’t make fun. It’s all dark and moody, and the band’s faces have that impossibly square and chiseled look, just like Paul Stanley’s!

KISS Me

The 80’s

Gather round all you Chili Peppers and, subsequent, long hockey socks that cover private parts fans! Our next stop centers around this very cool rock band who infused funk and punk and jam bandy sounds to make wildly infectious music, selling over 80 million records, making them one of the biggest selling rock bands ever. If your dog is cool enough to fly that flag, but with his long tongue firmly in cheek, check this t out. It’s the new singing sensation from Cali – The Red Hot  Chilli Puppies! Pretty pawesome, dude, right?

Headbangin’ Fun

Red Hot Chilli Puppies

Metal heads, we’re calling on you! Who was considered one of the founding big four in the thrash metal genre? Not talking Slayer. Not talking Megadeth. Not talking Anthrax. Yes, it’s Metallica! But Metallica gave birth to a group of long-haired, loud and angry puppies (aw, no angry puppies!), and they’ve named themselves Muttalica (yeah, they botched the name pretty badly). I do love the dog bone with a lightning bolt through it, though.

The 90’s

If darker is better, as in mood, and grunge with a touch of glam is your thing, it’s got to be Nirvana. If Kurt (rest his soul) had had a dog, he might have found humor in calling him Kurt Dog. And so it is with this Kurt Dog Tee, a black terry meets plaid meets studded guitar t shirt. Pretty cute, huh?

Notorious D.O.G.

Kurt Dog

Hip hop heads! Tupac, Biggie, Snoop, Cube, DRE, Em…the list goes on of great 90’s rappers. However, giving new meaning to “Where my dawgs at?!” is this canine cover artist channeling the Notorious B.I.G. (may he rest in peace). Meet the Notorious D.O.G.. You need serious attitude to rock this baby, but if the shoe (or paw) fits….

Our time machine capsule is slowly descended back to earth (as I am, after this post), and that ends our long, strange trip. Hope you’ve had as much fun as I have, or that I at least brought a smile.

Stay tuned for more fashion tips, reviews and interviews with some of dog fashion’s most creatively-inspired designers of the moment.

Until next time…

(Disclosure:  If you choose to purchase any of the suggested items in this post, I will receive a small compensation from the company, which goes towards keeping Bark and Swagger up and running and towards the monthly donations I make to animal rights and rescue organizations. Thank you for helping out!)

Records continue to break as one of the coldest waves of winter weather sweeps across the nation. New York City, our home, was hit with the harshest temperatures in 20 years. The Polar Vortex has reared it’s ugly head. Unless your dog is trained to go on a wee wee pad, they need walks and they do need exercise. In some households, dogs are kept outside for long periods. What do we do to make sure we’re protecting the animals we love and who rely on us to take good care of them? Experts from The Humane Society of the United States, Detroit Dog Rescue and the Maryland SPCA all weighed in on protecting dogs in the winter freeze.

* Keep dogs inside as much as possible. Walks in harsh winter weather should be limited to relieving themselves and a little exercise. The rule of thumb seems to be, if you’re cold, chances are your dog is, too. And with temps in some states descending well below zero, hypothermia and frostbite are real dangers to both you and your dog.

* If your dog lives, for the most part, outdoors and you can’t bring them inside, make sure they have a secure, completely covered and insulated dog house. The dog house should be raised off the ground and have a generous bed of straw (avoid hay), for them to lay on. It’s extremely dangerous to your dog to be left tied to a porch, tree or anything outside unprotected from the elements. I can’t even recommend a good dog house because I really don’t think a dog should be living outdoors in this. FYI, the Maryland SPCA says don’t leave your dog outside for extended periods in very cold weather, period.

* Outdoor dogs may need more food in winter. Keeping warm burns a lot of energy. The recommendation is to consult with your vet about increasing your dog’s food intake under these conditions.

* Make sure your dog has plenty of fresh water, preferably in a plastic bowl, as metal bowls can make the water freeze. Dogs, apparently, shouldn’t lick frozen water as it may contain bacteria that can make them sick.

Quinzee Coat

* Keep your dog warm outside. To some (not us Bark and Swagger readers, of course!), putting clothes on a dog may seem frivolous, but it can and will keep your dog warm in harsh weather. So, unless you have a big, hearty and furry dog, the experts recommend putting a coat or warm sweater on or layers, if you need to. Keep their core and their feet warm and dry.

Ruffwear is my go to for real protection for Sophie in harsh cold. Their Quinzee coat is quilted, insulated, down-filled and made for extreme weather. Price is $84.95.

* Protect your dog’s paws from the salt spread on the street that will burn their pads. Extreme cold can also give them frostbite. I’ve vowed to get Sophie used to booties this winter. Until now, I’ve carried her when I see salt and I wipe her paws down well after walks. I think booties offer far better protection, even for big dogs.

Musher’s Secret

Musher’s Secret was made to protect dogs paws from salt, sand and ice. It actually forms a waxy coat on paws so the salt can’t get through, so it’s perfect for snowy conditions. Price is $16.55.

And, I like these soft paw booties, made from hydroflex coated fabric which is all waterproof. They have a fleece lining for warmth and a non-skid surface and come in sizes that will fit a teacup, up to a 100+ lb dog. Price is $18.00.

Soft Paw Protectors

* The Maryland SPCA recommends not letting your dog off leash in the snow or ice because they can become disoriented. More dogs, apparently, are lost in the winter than any other season. Make sure you have proper ID on your dog, a microchip and a good sturdy leash. I love PetHub and wrote about them in my preventing pet theft post. They have a comprehensive system that provides four-tiered protection for your pet: QR code; online pet profile; 24/7 found pet hotline; GPS tracking. And, their tags are really cool looking.

* Make sure after walks, you wipe your dog’s legs, belly and paws down completely. Anti-freeze, which is poisonous to dogs and cats, can get on their paws during a walk, as can bacteria and snow-melting salt. All are dangerous for your dog to lick when grooming themselves.

* Have a blizzard or severe storm evacuation plan that includes your pets. In the case of a power outage, your dog or cat will not be able to survive the cold in the house by themselves. If you’re going to a hotel or motel, they need to come with.

* Offer your dog a warm place to sleep, away from drafts, preferably with a blanket. We have to put a fleece on Sophie when it gets very cold outside because it’s too cold for her in our apartment and she shivers.

* Never leave your dog in the car alone, in cold or heat. They can’t tolerate it and it can kill them.

*  Most of all, in harsh winter weather, keep your dog with you. If you have her with you, you’re there to protect her.

Let’s keep our pups safe during this crazy cold spell. It’s a perfect time to huddle, cuddle and get cozy.

Until next time…

(Disclosure:  If you choose to purchase any of the suggested items in this post, I will receive a small compensation from the company, which goes towards keeping Bark and Swagger up and running and towards the monthly donations I make to rescue and animal rights organizations.)

With the holidays now winding down, I’m thinking detox. Big time. Overeating, over drinking, too many sugary desserts. Ugh. So fitness is now back in the forefront of my mind. I know I’m not alone out there everyone! And if you happen to be pregnant, keeping fit is extra important.  Actress Emily Blunt, The Celebrity Spot newsmaker today, seems

John & Emily out with Finn

to be doing it right. She’s keeping pregnancy fit with her beautiful dog, Finn, taking hikes in the Runyon Canyon in Los Angeles. Finn is a Red Fox Labrador, which is a reddish version of the breed, and was the norm until around World War II. As husband John Krasinski called Finn on a Late Show with David Letterman interview, “He’s like a young Conan O’Brien.” We love Conan!

Blunt, made famous from her roles in The Devil Wears Prada and then The Young Victoria, met Krasinski of The Office fame, through an introduction by her friend Anne Hathaway in 2008 and they’ve been together ever since. Krasinski has credited The Office with changing his life, saying he was a waiter before that opportunity came along and would never have met his wife if it didn’t. How sweet! They got Finn together in 2009 and, says the couple, it was the first step in preparing them for parenthood. John has mentioned in interviews that they share all of the responsibilities of caring for Finn, including poop clean up duties. He’s said it showed him a lot about Emily, watching her take care of Finn.

In addition to fresh air hikes with Finn, Emily is also still practicing yoga to keep pregnancy fit. Do you think Finn may be giving her tips on proper downward dog form? Um…I think so!

I’ve found two books, one on pregnancy and yoga and one on fitness during pregnancy, that I like and are also very positively reviewed on Amazon.

Preparing for Birth with Yoga: Exercises for Pregnancy and Childbirth– one customer used this book from the 5th month of pregnancy 4 to 5 times a week, through delivering her son, and loved it. She was able to relieve virtually all of the aches and pains that come up during pregnancy with one pose or another. And she said the book is also great for beginners.

Fit & Healthy Pregnancy – this book received 48 positive reviews. It’s written by running coach Dr. Kristina Pinto and triathlete Rachel Kramer, MD and goes beyond labor and delivery through what they’re calling the “fourth trimester,” advising mothers-to-be on how their bodies will change and what nutrition and exercise makes sense through each stage. And they cover how to return to optimal fitness post birth, including tips on breastfeeding, sleep training, nutrition and hydration, weight loss, and how to transition back into workouts and training. Called “comprehensive” and “nonjudgmental,” this book has delivered very helpful advice to many expectant mothers on how to safely get to beach body fitness.

What is your favorite fitness regime and do you include your dog? Tell me about it.

Until next time…

Disclaimer: I am an Amazon affiliate, so when you purchase through my site on Amazon, I will get a small commission, which goes towards keeping Bark and Swagger up and running and towards the animal shelters and charities I’m involved with and donate to.

Nelson, a determined little face
and full of energy

I had a great feeling waking up today. To me, New Year’s Day signifies a new beginning, an opportunity to start fresh and get excited about what’s could unfold in 2014. And I have many things to feel blessed and excited about: my furry family of little Sophie, Isabel and Lola;  my passion for Bark and Swagger and finding great people and fashion tips to bring to you;  and my passion for designing, which i can fulfill through Couture by Sophie. I have no idea where 2014 will take me, but I have this anticipation that it will be an important year. Are you excited about the year ahead, too? I hope so. I know I’m getting a bit philosophical, but new year’s day does it to me! So in the spirit of new beginnings, my dog fashion friend, Shelly, owner of the Puprwear boutique, sent me a picture this morning of her brand new puppy, Nelson, an adorable white ball of fluff. Shelly is one of my advertisers and contributes to keeping Bark and Swagger going when you purchase from her through my site. I like to recommend pieces from Puprwear, because Shelly carries some very stylish fashion that I love. So I thought today I would find a great item for a little boy dog in honor of Nelson, her new beginning. When I saw this little boy’s sweater, I knew it was the one.

The Owl Love You Forever Sweater

This is a cutie pie sweater with a sweet sentiment, something Nelson will surely feel for his new mommy!  Knitted with 100% organic cotton, so you know it’s going to feel soft and great on new puppy skin, this piece features a great color combination of warm toffee, chocolate stripes and a great sky blue owl appliqué that serves as a pocket for….a matching  knit miniature owl toy! Sooo adorable!  The owl applique’s  wings are 3-dimensional, as are it’s bright orange legs. The neck, hemline and sleeves are all rolled to make this even more comfortable for your pup.  The big question is, will Nelson share this toy with his older brother, 12 year old pug, Ralph?

Where to buy: Puprwear

Sizing: XXS – L

Price: $65.90 – $73.90, depending on size

I would hand wash in cool water and lay flat to dry.

What are you excited about for 2014? Share great stuff or concerns you have. I’ve found we aren’t alone in either.

Until next time…

It’s almost here! New Year’s Eve, the end to another year that traveled at the speed of light. Was it that way for you, too? If you’re having or heading to a party, your furry baby may want to join. In addition to getting her a horn or twirler to ring in the new year, she must have a fabulous party dress! I think I’ve found just the one in this Jody Recommends: A Design To Die For. It’s got just the right amount of New Year’s finery and will go with whatever  you choose to wear; you can never go wrong with black and silver!

Just For Bella
Couture Party Dress

The Just For Bella Couture Party Tutu Dress is dramatic yet sophisticated and, definitely, high fashion. Featuring a champagne colored satin bodice with a black lace overlay, the satin gathers at the waist in a pleated peplum effect. The peplum is adorned with small black satin flowers. Sitting just at the base of the bodice  are four larger black chiffon flowers with crystal centers. The skirt consists of several opulent layers of black tulle. With a discreet crystal and onyx button detail at the neckline, the whole effect is one of glamour and style, perfect for a night out with mom and dad for New Year’s or any other special occasion where dressing up is required. I just love the design and wish I had a dress like this!

Where to buy: PoshPuppyBoutique

Sizing: XXS – S (generally fits a girth from 8″ – 12″); S – M (fits girth 12″ – 17″); M – XL (16″ – 22″)

Price: $235.00

What’s your pup wearing tonight? Send a picture of your baby in her New Year’s finery! Will put the most fantastic designs up on the site. 

Neckline Detail

Waist Detail

Wishing everyone a healthy, joy-filled and prosperous 2014! Happy New Year!!!

Until next time…