Black Syndrome

Surprised by the article on the Chicago Sun Times today - Black Syndrome: Harder to Find Homes For Darker Pups. RSP staff has known many friends that own black or dark colored dogs. All along we thought black and brown are the most popular dog colors particularly for Labradors. This article surely opened our insight on how dog owners think on choosing the breed and color of their dog. Hopefully this article will provide awareness to people who want or think of adopt a darker color dog or cat. Personality and temperament surely is best way to choose a dog/cat rather than its looks. Also, we agree on Kim’s suggestion on accessorizing your dark pet with a festive bandana. At RockStarPooch.com you will find dog collar bandana sleeves which is an excellent alternative to a regular bandana. These bandana sleeves are stylish and easily fits on your dog's existing collar. Your dog will surely be a Rock’n Pooch! Check it out! For the month of March - we are featuring all the green dog collar bandana sleeves.

Update: Obama's Family Dog

Michelle Obama tells People magazine (Feb 27th issue), that they will be getting the first family dog on April. They are looking to get a rescue Portuguese Water Dog who is “old enough and a match for the family dynamic.” Read the full story at www.people.com

Spay Day

Today, February 24th is Spay Day USA. It is an annual campaign of The Humane Society of the United States to inspire people to save animal lives by spaying or neutering pets and feral cats. Most veterinarians and/or other pet organization will perform spay and neuter surgeries at reduced prices. This event will help reduce the number of unwanted pets.

As Good As Gold: Golden Retriever Rescue

The Rock Star Pooch team took some time yesterday morning to visit a pet store and met up with wonderful volunteers from As Good As Gold. It is a non-profit organization that rescues, sets up foster care and adoption for abandoned or unwanted Golden Retrievers in the Northern Illinois area. 

We met up with Fran and Barbara and their dogs Morty and Minnie (both dogs are adopted from As Good As Gold). Both Fran and Barbara, provided information about the organization, its mission, ways to help, and fun stories of their experiences and their adopted goldens. 

It is amazing that just in Northern Illinois that there are so many abandoned, mistreated and/or unwanted Golden Retrievers that are available to be adopted. 

Thinking about a dog? Check out your local area non-profit organization, you will be surprised on how many dogs long to give their unconditional love. 

Traveling With Your Pet

MSNBC The Today show featured a Today’s Pet: Hot Spots For Your Hounds  segment by Jill Rappaport.  Jill reported that 63% of American Household has a pet and spent 41 billion last year to pamper their pet. This spending equates to twice the amount pet owners spent 10 years ago and still climbing even in this economic downturn. Jill also featured places/hotels that you can pamper and take your pets. 

It is always delightful to be able to pamper and travel with your pet. A lot of pet owners are vacationing with their pet. Most 5 star hotels are pet-friendly and offers a luxury pampering stay with your pet. When traveling and staying in a pet friendly hotel, consider bringing familiar items from home to make your pet feel more comfortable. Consider bringing the following items: food, portable food/water bowl, blankets/fold-up or portable beds, and toys.  For safety, do not forget to attach hotel information or id on your pet’s collar. Also, be respectful of the facilities by picking up after your pet. These kind, thoughtful acts reduce hotel facility costs and allow others to continue to enjoy in the ”pampering”.  

Travel in style! 

Check out RockStarPooch.com’s Eco Covers & Throws

LOVE Your Pet Day!

February 20th is LOVE your pet day. All pet owners love their pets. This is the day you can have an excuse to spoil your pet ... spend more time, give them lots of hugs, kisses, belly rubs and special treats. Lots of great gifts on RockStarPooch.com to pamper your pooch. 

Check out our new Eco-Dog products. 

Free $20 Pet Care Voucher From Advantage

Due to the challenging times, there are pet owners that is unable to take care of their pets health and wellness. Pet company Advantage Topical Solution from Bayer Animal Health will be giving $250,000 aid to pet owners. Advantage will provide a $20 voucher for anyone who owns a dog/cat and in need of support for veterinarian treatment. Vouchers will be given out starting 2/16 - 2/28. For more information go to www.gettothevet.com

Rock Star Pooch recently observed the impact of today’s current economic hardship for some pet owners. There are pet stores in the area that are helping struggling pet owners to find homes for their pets. With the increasing rate of rescue pets it is our hope everyone will find ways to help struggling pet owners and find alternate placement in loving homes. 

Dogs and Chocolates

It is not uncommon to receive a box of chocolates for Valentine’s Day. Dog owners need to be cautious of your loving dog’s risk exposure to chocolate. Make sure that you store any left over chocolates in a safe place.

Chocolate is toxic and very harmful to your dog’s health. Your dog can be very ill and in serious cases the effects can be fatal.

What makes chocolate toxic to dogs? Chocolate is made from the beans of the cocoa tree. Theobromine is present in products of the cocoa tree. Theobromine is the main element of chocolate that is a toxic chemical compound. 

Unlike humans, dogs cannot and/or metabolize: break down and/or discharge, Theobromine. It affects their heart, central nervous system and kidneys. As a dog owner, you must be aware of early symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, excessive urination, restlessness and/or hyperactive.

If you suspect that your pet has eaten chocolate immediately call your veterinarian for advice. The toxicity of Theobromine is subject to portion consumed. This means that the size of your pet, the type of chocolate, and quantity of chocolate determine if or how toxic it is for your pet.

Sugar, Rock Star Pooch’s VP of Marketing and Quality Assurance, has experienced a chocolate toxicity. Summer of 2008, Sugar was enticed by the scent of cocoa mulch and inadvertently ate two mouthfuls. Immediately, Sugar was brought to the veterinarian and induced vomiting to extract the cocoa mulch.  Sugar was unaffected by the event but it was very scary and a valuable learning lesson for us. Being aware of the dangers of chocolate for our best friend is very important to help prevent and keep them happy and healthy. Chocolate is not meant to share with your loving dog. 

Valentine For Your Pooch

Woof Woof! That welcoming sound you often hear from your best friend. They truly have an unconditional love that nobody can replace. They become part of our lives, family and worthy of a little treat for Valentine. 

“It's the only love money can buy.” - From a Rock Star Pooch follower.

Here are some “Pawriffic” Gift Ideas from 

Rock Star Pooch to show how much you love them back. 

Dog Spa - Sugar our VP of Marketing loves “Calming Aromatherapy Spritzer” an all natural conditioner that soothes, calms and relaxes.

Dog Collar Bandanas - It looks like a dog bandana but it acts like a dog collar. Valentine prints that show how much you love them back.

Whimsical Dog Bowls - These one of a kind bowls are hand thrown, textured and hand painted.

There are many breed specific bowls to chose from which are as unique as your pooch.

Rock Star Pooch Collection Tee - These unique, quality, stylish dog tees will pamper any pooch just like a Rock Star! Made in the USA with eco-friendly printing on breathable 96/4 polyester fabric and ultra soft cotton lycra.

Warm Gifts - Check out these comfy floor beds offering unique shapes, patterns and textures.

Stump: Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club

Stump, a 10 year old Susses Spaniel, came out of retirement and became the oldest dog to win the Best In Show at the Westminster Kennel Club. Yes, Stump is almost 70 years old in human years. 

Stump has great story to share. He won the sporting group at Westminster in 2004, then went into retirement. Soon after, he got ill and spent traumatic days in the hospital. Stump barely made it past 5 years old and almost dies from a mysterious medical condition. It's a miracle and Stump survived. 

Winning the Best in Show at the Westminster is a great way for a comeback.

 Stump! Love your floppy ears and plodding walk. 

Congratulation from Rock Star Pooch. 

Brushing Your Pet's Teeth At Home

Importance of Oral Care
According to the American Dental Society, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show signs of oral disease by age three. This can lead to even more serious health problems including heart, lung and kidney disease. Ensuring your pet receives proper dental care from an early age is critical.
In addition to oral examinations and dental cleanings performed by your veterinarian, there are several things you can do to ensure the mouth of your dog or cat stays healthy.

Brushing at Home
Brushing your pet's teeth daily helps prevent a multitude of oral and other health problems. It is best to introduce dental home care early with your new puppy or kitten. During your first veterinary visit, request a demonstration of how to properly and effectively brush your pet's teeth.

Below are step-by-step instructions on how to brush your pet's teeth at home.
1. Start with a healthy, comfortable mouth by having your veterinarian perform a dental cleaning. Existing problems may cause pain leading to an uncooperative dog or cat.
2. Start slowly by letting your pet become comfortable with you working inside their mouth with your finger. Gently rub along the gumline. Start at the front and move toward the back upper and then lower teeth and gums.
3. Pull his lip up to rub the outside of the teeth and gums.
4. Pull his head back gently to encourage him to open his mouth so you can clean the inside of his teeth.
5. Repeat on the opposite side of the mouth.
6. After your dog or cat becomes comfortable with your finger, place gauze over your finger and rub their teeth in a circular motion.
7. When your pet can handle the gauze, introduce a toothbrush during the next brushing session. It is important to make this switch because a bristled toothbrush cleans below the gumline where gauze or pads cannot reach.
8. Apply the bristles at a 45 degree angle to the surface of the tooth. Using small, circular motions, brush around the outside of the teeth ensuring the bristles get under the gumline. Brushing the sides of the teeth is not as important, as dogs and cats typically do not have tartar build-up between teeth like humans do.
9. Gradually add toothpaste designed for dogs or cats. Do not use people toothpaste or baking soda as both can upset your pet's stomach.
10. Place your hand over your pet's muzzle gently squeezing from the top.
11. Help keep your pet calm by praising your pet, speaking reassuringly and keeping the brushing sessions short. Remember, you will not always have a perfect teeth brushing session, but it's important to be consistent and keep trying.

Other Considerations for a Healthy Mouth
Hard food and teeth cleaning biscuits can help keep your pet's mouth clean in between brushings. You should also be sure to regularly examine your pet's mouth for signs of periodontal disease. Brownish teeth, consistently bad breath, swollen or bleeding gums and pus between the teeth and gums are all warning signs. If your dog or cat has these symptoms, consult your veterinarian.

Contributed by Pet First Health Care

Pet Article courtesy of http://pet-articles.blogspot.com

RockStarPooch.com Update

RockStarPooch.com is now accepting on-line purchases through Paypal. In addition to our extraordinary products by Rock Star Pooch Collections, we have especially chosen new products to our offerings. We will continue searching and adding unique products to RockStarPooch.com.

Visit RockStarPooch.com and check out our monthly specials. We would love to hear from you, leave us a message, comment, and/or suggestion on our guestbook. 

Invitation to all Bloggers

We are inviting all bloggers to be a guest contributor for our Rock Star Pooch Blog. Posts/Articles must be insightful, fun, and pet related. Interested bloggers, contact us at info@rockstarpooch.com

RockStarPooch.com Update

We are currently updating Rock Star Pooch site to accommodate more unique products. If you wish to place an order, please email us at 

info@rockstarpooch.com

As of February 1, 2009, Rock Star Pooch will only accept Paypal payments for purchases. You do not have to have a Paypal account or set-up an account with Paypal to use your credit card for purchases. Upon checkout you will be directed to the Paypal payment site. 

Rock Star Pooch is looking forward on the product changes and serving you better. Thank You

February:Pet Dental Health Month

Dental Hygiene is very important for your dog all year round. This month, February, Pet Dental Health Month, serves as a reminder to all pet owners - to check your pet’s teeth. 

Most animals are very likely to get oral diseases thus a reminder to all pet owners:  “pay attention and do not neglect checking your pet’s teeth” All pets benefit from having a at-home dental care routine. Also, it is advisable for your pet to see a veterinarian and perform a dental check-up once a year.

From Pet Need Dental Care

Dental Care For Your Pet

Three Steps to Success

Your pet needs dental care - regular, professional care from your veterinarian, 

as well as care at home from you. The American Veterinary Dental Society recommends that pet owners follow three basic steps:

STEP 1: Take your pet to the veterinarian for a dental exam. Don’t wait for his annual checkup if you suspect a problem. 

STEP 2: Begin a dental care regimen at home. Your veterinarian can suggest steps that may include brushing your pet's teeth. One of the most convenient and effective ways to combat oral disease is feeding specially formulated foods proven effective in combating plaque and tartar buildup. The Seal of Acceptance from the Veterinary Oral Health Council, an organization initiated by the American Veterinary Dental Society to guide consumers, appears on products that meet defined standards for plaque and tartar control in dogs and cats. For further information on the VOHC or their product standards, visit www.vohc.org. 

STEP 3: Schedule regular veterinary checkups. These are essential in helping your veterinarian monitor the progress of your pet's dental health routine. Your veterinary health care team can help you schedule the appropriate visits. 

Obama:Chicagoland Tails

President Barack Obama is the cover of Chicagoland Tails magazine, February 2009, The Love and Inspiration issue. The cover photo is an inspirational photograph of President Obama holding a 3-legged dog named "Baby." Baby was rescued from a puppy mill after nine years of confinement in a cage. Her vocal chords were cut and she lost  a limb is due to maltreatment. Baby was rescued by Jana Kohl. In 2005, Jana Kohl reached out to President Obama regarding dog adoption and campaign to end puppy mills.

"The Obama family's adoption of a dog will undoubtedly encourage other Americans to rescue homeless animals and be part of the solution." from the cover article written by Lauren Lewis Innocenzi. President Obama did promised his family a pet dog and publicly announced that they will adopt. Obama's action hopefully stir a consciousness for people to adopt or rescue a pet.

Pets should not be subjected to unnecessary cruelty. Adopting pets help create an opportunity for a better life, where they are welcomed to be a part of a loving family.