DFS to sponsor Crufts in 2010

The Kennel club have confirmed that the furniture manufacturer DFS will be the main sponsor tor the crufts dog show in 2010. They are to replace Pedigree petfoods as the principal sponsor of the show.

This is the first time that a main sponsor will not directly related to the pet industry and many may feel this is a strange move, however both parties are very happy with the agreement.

The kennel Club Chairman Ronnie Irving has said “This exciting development will enable us to make sure that the event is better then ever before”.

DFS chariman Lord Kirkham stated “We are proud to be involved with an event dedicated to ensuring dogs enjoy happy, healthy and comfortable lives”.

who know, maybe DFS might start manufacturing some designer dog beds to go with their furniture!!! We shall have to see.

The worlds ugliest dog, official!!

A boxer cross breed was named the world ugliest dog today.

Pabst, a boxer cross breed, won the competition which took place at the Sonoma- marin fair, in Northern California.  The dog’s HUGE under bite helped it gain the title as the ugliest mutt on the planet.

The former champion was Rascal, a Chinese crested pedigree dog that was a worthy winner last year, but this year there was only going to be one winner of this competition!!

Pabst’s owner pocketed $1600.00 of prize money because they owned an ugly dog. More surprisingly Pabst has won a modelling contract with house of dog!!

Do you have any ugly dog pictures? If so post them on the luxury pet department picture allery free of charge which can be found on our dog beds website.

British dogs trained to find diabetes

Latest news;

Dogs are being trained to smell diabetes in humans, and warm them if their blood suger levels are getting dangerously low.  The trianing is currently taking place at the Cancer and Bio-detection dogs research centre in Aylesbury and could prove life saving for owners with a diabetic condition.

This isnt the first time that animals have been used to sniff out specific items, dogs are well known for their ability to snigff our drugs, guns and even explosives. It is also said that dogs are capable of sniffing out cancer cells. One recent case was a dog that wouldnt leave its owners leg alone , when the owner had their leg checked they found a tumor below the skin.

Aparently dogs have the ability to detect a change in the human body when a person is about to have a hypoglycemic attack. Thi is thanks to their amazing nose senses.

There are currently 17 dogs in training with diabetic owners. Claire Guest, Cheif executive of the charity training the animals told Reuters TV “Dogs have been trained to detect certain odors down to parts per trillion, so we are talking tiny, tiny amounts. Their world is really very different to ours,”

The trained dogs will have an official title of  ”Diabetic Hypo-Alert dog”. We wish the the Cancer and Bio-Detection Dogs research center the very best of luck with this new project.

Luxury Pet Department Blog Article. Suppliers of of  Dog Shampoo and conditioners.

Armitage Pet Care send choc drops to dogs in Afghanistan

Pet treats manufacturer Armitage has sent out a batch of good boy dog treats to over 200 dogs serving with the army in Afghanistan.

Armitage has made a generous donation of over 30 crates of dog treats to our brave boys and girls currrently serving with their handlers overseas. treats are also being distributed to service dogs that have recently returned from duty in Afghanistan.

This is a fantastic gesture from Armitage and they deservei credit for thinking about the animals that are doing their bit for queen and country abroad.

Officer captan cees Bennett, from 104 working dog unit said” Our thanks go to Armitage for donating the choc drops. Our military dogs have a vitally important job to do, from helping to guarrd bases to searching for explosives. I am sure they will enjoy an extra treat at the end of their working day!!”

Recent figures show that there was an increase of phone calls sabout chocolate poisioning last year to vetrinary practices accross the UK. this figure has rose from 1166 to nearly 1500 calls.

Remember to feed your dog chocolate specifically for aminals and not human chocolate as this can be very harnful to dogs.

Article created by Luxury Pet Department. UK based Dog Beds Supplier.

400 dogs rescuded from a puppy mill

Latest news from Luxury Pet Department.

Over 400 puppies have been rescued from a puppy mill in Kennewick, USA. State officials are calling this one of the worst cases of animal abuse they have ever seen.

The raid took place at the sun valley kennels that belong to 66 year old Ella Stewart. The raid on the puppy mill was headed up by county sheriff Larry Taylor who said of the incident ” The conditions were not only shocking, but also heartbreaking to veteran deputies”.

Both puppies and dogs were found living in crates, shopping baskets and other makeshift kennels which were in a dreadful condition, soaked in urine and caked in feces.

” all of the dogs require medial treatment and some will require extensive treatment” said Taylor. Dogs were found with malnutrition, urine burns and overgrown nails.

All of the dogs have been placed in  emergency kennels at Benton county fairgrounds. This was one of the largest raids in the country and Ella Stewart could be faced with   90 days in jail and £1000.00 fine. Ella Stewart as pleaded not guilty to the second degree animal cruelty.

Dog Beds from Luxury Pet Department | sales@luxurypetdept.com

Choosing a dog bed pattern

Choosing a pattern for your dog’s bed may at first seem trivial, but once you begin shopping around you may find that the available options can be overwhelming. The pattern of your dog’s bed will become a part of your home’s décor and will communicate both you and your dog’s personalities. From polka dots to toile, every dog bed pattern speaks volumes about you and your dog. You may think that your dog won’t notice the pattern on his new bed, but many will. You’ll want to choose a dog bed pattern that you can live with and that you think your dog will be attracted to. Your dog’s new bed should be a place where he can feel comfortable, safe and at home.

Dog beds, in particular, come in a wide array of colors, shapes and patterns: polka dots, stripes, toile, floral, embroidered, zigzags, light or dark colors, muted or bright colors, square, rectangle, round, reversible, couch, lounger … the list goes on and on. Finding a fun pattern can make your dog’s bed interesting and fun to look at, but shopping in a store with this many varieties of dog bed patterns can be overwhelming if you don’t have an idea of what you’re looking for or some tips to help you along.

First, consider you dog’s personality. Just like your personality dictates the patterns on your shoes, clothes and of course, your own bedding, the pattern on your dog’s bed should do the same. For example, if your dog is assertive and has a big, strong personality, (like a Rottweiler or a Pitt Bull) look for beds in dark colors or strong, bold patterns like zigzags or thick stripes or even a skull and cross bones print! If your dog is small and has a shy, quiet personality, choose a dog bed pattern in a muted, neutral color like beige or a soft pastel like pink or light green. Other details like lace, piping, ribbons or bows can also add to the pattern and further portray your dog’s identity. The material on which the pattern is printed is also important. If your dog is tough and energetic, try something durable and low maintenance like twill or corduroy. A floral pattern on luxurious suede or micro fiber would suit dogs who like to be coddled and praised and tend to be more high maintenance.

You must be sure to choose a pattern for your dog’s new bed that will look good anywhere in your house. For this purpose, the key is versatility. Although you may think that your dog’s bed will stay in one room, his preferences may change as he gets older. If you choose a bed pattern that looks great in your bedroom and your living room, your dog will have the option of sleeping wherever he is most comfortable. For example, if you have one room painted blue and another painted green, choose a polka pattern in beige and white or a red striped pattern – either of these will look great no matter which room you choose to keep it in.

Finally, consider your own tastes when choosing a pattern for your dog’s bed. Although your dog’s comfort is the most important thing, you’ll have to live with and look at the pattern every day, so you want to make sure it doesn’t annoy or bore you. If you make all of these considerations when choosing a bed pattern for your dog, you’ll be sure to end up with something that both you and your dog love.

Resources;

Dog Beds From Luxury Pet Department.

A guide to choosing a dog bed

It can be difficult seeing all the types and shapes of dog beds on hand and then choosing one that’s appropriate for your dog. However your dog actually tells you what type of bed it wants every time it sleeps. It will usually either curl up to some degree, or it will stretch itself out.

You should look for a dog bed that matches your dog’s sleeping style. For convenience the types of bed are listed according to the two different dog sleeping styles.

Curl Dog Beds

Pillow Dog Bed or Cushion Dog Bed. Usually round, square or rectangular in shape. Like with human pillows or cushions, they are soft. Most are stuffed with foam. Or foam and cedar chips. Cedar chips act as a flea repellent, however cedar chips may not be ideal for dogs with skin allergies.

Nest, Donut or Cuddler Dog Bed. These terms are often used, although there are two styles. Both are usually circular or oblong in shape to accommodate the dog in a curl sleeping style. The edges are traditionally subtly raised in height in the pillow style beds or a good deal more pronounced and rigid in the enclosure style beds.

Bolster Dog Bed. Like the above enclosure style beds, except usually having more pronounced raised sides, thus the term bolster.

Dome Dog Bed. These are similar to a nest bed and they are fully enclosed at the sides and overheard apart from the one exit that the dog will leave the bed from.

Stretch Dog Beds

Dog Mat – square or rectangular in shape, suitable for a daytime resting place or to line an outdoor dog kennel. They are a step up from the dog sleeping on a cold and/or hard floor. They are usually made from a thin layer of foam. Memory foam is used in the more pricey mats for support.

Dog Mattress – like with a human bed mattress, a dog mattress is large and rectangular in shape. It’s planned to be a soft platform for dogs that like to stretch out as they sleep.

Specialty Beds

Designer Dog Bed or Luxury Dog Bed. These are designed as dog sized replicas of human furniture such as a bed or sofa. A sofa style is particularly good for your dog if he changes between curl and stretch sleeping styles as it allows room for the dog to stretch and raised sides for the dog to curl against. There are many great styles to choose from to enhance the decor of the room the bed is situated in. However bear in mind the dog’s needs before decor.

Orthopedic Dog Bed. Orthopedic dog beds are designed for dogs suffering from arthritis or hip dysplasia, or dogs that are more at risk of suffering from hip dysplasia. Orthopedic dog beds come in a variety of the above forms. The difference is in the type of material use. They are designed Orthopedic dog beds are popularly lined material with memory foam that is both sturdy and comforting at the same time thus helping the animals joints.

Heated Dog Bed. These come in the above forms and as the name suggests, a heating facility is provided. This is good for beds located in an area susceptible to colder temperatures, or may be judged to be as a viable feature in an orthopedic dog bed to keep the dog’s joints warm.

Travel Dog Bed. These appear in many varieties, for example roll up mats, sleeping bags, house/cages. Obviously a good amount of beds are intended to be compacted when not in use. Many are machine washable. Some come in waterproof fabrics for outdoor use.

DON’T FORGET – The Size of the Dog Bed

The dog bed should be bigger than the dog’s sleeping size so the dog has room to make itself comfortable and adjust itself while it sleeps. For the curl style beds you’ll want at least an extra 8 inches in diameter than the dog’s sleeping length and about an extra 12 inches for the stretch style dog beds.

Choosing the correct dog bed.

A guide to purchasing a new dog bed

It can be difficult seeing all the types and shapes of dog beds on hand and then choosing one that’s appropriate for your dog. However your dog actually tells you what type of bed it wants every time it sleeps. It will usually either curl up to some degree, or it will stretch itself out.

You should look for a dog bed that matches your dog’s sleeping style. For convenience the types of bed are listed according to the two different dog sleeping styles.

Curl dog beds.

Pillow Dog Bed or Cushion Dog Bed. Usually round, square or rectangular in shape. Like with human pillows or cushions, they are soft. Most are stuffed with foam. Or foam and cedar chips. Cedar chips act as a flea repellent, however cedar chips may not be ideal for dogs with skin allergies.

Nest, Donut or Cuddler Dog Bed. These terms are often used, although there are two styles. Both are usually circular or oblong in shape to accommodate the dog in a curl sleeping style. The edges are traditionally subtly raised in height in the pillow style beds or a good deal more pronounced and rigid in the enclosure style beds.

Bolster Dog Bed. Like the above enclosure style beds, except usually having more pronounced raised sides, thus the term bolster.

Dome Dog Bed. These are similar to a nest bed and they are fully enclosed at the sides and overheard apart from the one exit that the dog will leave the bed from.

Stretch Dog Beds

Dog Mat – square or rectangular in shape, suitable for a daytime resting place or to line an outdoor dog kennel. They are a step up from the dog sleeping on a cold and/or hard floor. They are usually made from a thin layer of foam. Memory foam is used in the more pricey mats for support.

Dog Mattress – like with a human bed mattress, a dog mattress is large and rectangular in shape. It’s planned to be a soft platform for dogs that like to stretch out as they sleep.

Specialty Beds

Designer Dog Bed or Luxury Dog Bed. These are designed as dog sized replicas of human furniture such as a bed or sofa. A sofa style is particularly good for your dog if he changes between curl and stretch sleeping styles as it allows room for the dog to stretch and raised sides for the dog to curl against. There are many great styles to choose from to enhance the decor of the room the bed is situated in. However bear in mind the dog’s needs before decor.

Orthopedic Dog Bed. Orthopedic dog beds are designed for dogs suffering from arthritis or hip dysplasia, or dogs that are more at risk of suffering from hip dysplasia. Orthopedic dog beds come in a variety of the above forms. The difference is in the type of material use. They are designed Orthopedic dog beds are popularly lined material with memory foam that is both sturdy and comforting at the same time thus helping the animals joints.

Heated Dog Bed. These come in the above forms and as the name suggests, a heating facility is provided. This is good for beds located in an area susceptible to colder temperatures, or may be judged to be as a viable feature in an orthopedic dog bed to keep the dog’s joints warm.

Travel Dog Bed. These appear in many varieties, for example roll up mats, sleeping bags, house/cages. Obviously a good amount of beds are intended to be compacted when not in use. Many are machine washable. Some come in waterproof fabrics for outdoor use.

DON’T FORGET – The Size of the Dog Bed

The dog bed should be bigger than the dog’s sleeping size so the dog has room to make itself comfortable and adjust itself while it sleeps. For the curl style beds you’ll want at least an extra 8 inches in diameter than the dog’s sleeping length and about an extra 12 inches for the stretch style dog beds.

A little bit of knowledge about catnip

What is catnip?
Catnip is a perennial herb plant from the mint family “labiatae”.
It was originally grown in the Mediterranean but is now native in North America and Canada.

How does it work?
The active ingredient that causes a reaction in catnip is called Nepetalactone. The cat responds to this chemical through the vomeronasal organ (A sense organ) causing the effects documented below.

What effect will it have on my cat?
The response to catnip depends on the cat itself. Some cats are very relaxed after exposure to cat nip. They start with rubbing their face over the area catnip is distributed and then usually roll over on their back while licking and rubbing.
Other cats can have a more dramatic response to catnip. After exposure they tend to start rolling and rubbing which is then followed by running and jumping
A small percentage of cats do not respond to catnip at all. Kittens under three months and senior cats tend not to have any sort of response to cat nip,
On average 10% of the cat population will not respond to cat nip at all regardless of their age. It’s all down to genetics!!

How long will the affects last?
On average the affects last between 5 to 15 minutes.

Can catnip harm my cat?

Catnip is a natural plant that is non toxic. However please be advised that giving your cat large quantities of catnip can sometimes cause vomiting or diarrhea so keep a watchful eye on your children if they have the catnip bag!!
It is very rare that cats become ill after being exposed to normal amounts of catnip. If they do start to show the above symptoms then lower the amount or withhold altogether.

Could I grow my own catnip?
Yes you could, but bear in mind that Catnip is a perennial plant that will grow back every year.
It also has a nasty habit of spreading like weeds and taking over your garden so we would advise buying it!
There are lots of different types of catnip available so make sure you research into the type of plant you want before going out and buying one.

Has anyone seen the damn cat?

Luxury Pet Department Blog entry number 4! ( we are starting to enjoy this).

Today is the first day that our new puppy sandy will be introduced to the company cat “Alanis”. In case you are wondering, Alanis is named after Alanis Morissette much to the displeaseure of my wife

Alanis is a very easy going cat, we re-homed her after she was taken in by the RSPCA and aparently she was living in a house with over 100 other house cats, poor little girl. Anyway now she has the life of riley, during the day I take her into the office where she snuggles up in her new duffle bag cat bed, passing the time sleeping and munching on cat treats . During the evening she comes home with us and snuggles up by the fire in her 2 tier wicker basket (yes thats right, one cat gets a 2 tier basket) anyway, I digress.

We have kept the two apart for the first couple of weeks while Sandy gets used to her new environment and Alanis gets used to the new dog smells, today was the day where the two will meet for the first time in the Luxury Pet Department office before settling them in together at home.

While Alanis was fast asleep on her cat bed I sneaked Sandy into the room on her lead and all was looking good, then Alanis opened one eye to see a dribbling Golden labrador staring her in the face…..

Soon both her eyes were open and we had a cat WITH ITS HACKLES FIRMLY UP, ready to rip Sandys head off!, I might add at this pont that all Sandy wanted to do was get to Alanis so she could lick her, there was no agression from Sandy. Within the space of a few second Alanis jumped out of her cat bed , jumped accross her litter tray knocking the litter everywhere and threw herself at the innocent puppy, I managed to get myself between the two of them to stop it kicking off and once Alanis realised that I wasnt going to let her beat the dog up, she ran away.

At this point I thought to myself, “this isnt going to be easy” and then I thought to myself, “where has the damn cat gone?” I put Sandy in her dog bed and told my other half to keep an eye on her while I go and make up with the cat.

An hour passed and there was no sign of the cat. I cannot find her in the office, in the stock room or outside, I guess the introduction had really upset her but at the end of the day the pair of them will have to live together so she will just have to get on with it.

Now it was getting late in the day and we still couldnt find Alanis, my mind started to think the worst, did she run under a car when she darted out of the office? maybe she has run so far away she cannot find here way back? even the shaking of her favourite cat treats didn’t bring her home, I decided to have one last look in the stock room….

I started rumiging through all the dog clothes to see is she had hidden amongst the dog coats and dog harnesses, I had no joy so I moved onto the dog beds and started rumiging through the Danish Design section, to my relief a little face popped up sandwiched between a Morocco snuggle dog bed and a Rodeo slumber bed.

Alanis looked scared and tired, I gave her a big cuddle and a huge saucer of milk to make her feel better, I am still feeling very guilty and I hope she will eventually accept Sandy into her life.

I am sure she will at least tollerate her!!