KANJI's - New Years Resolutions

Came across this in an email and I thought it was definitely time to start writing and sharing again. This is so appropriate and could have easily been written by my dog, Kanji!

I hope everyone has a great Holiday Season - and a very Healthy one, too.

CONSIDER THIS KANJI's NEW YEARS RESOLUTION  OR HIS 12 DAYs of FORGIVENESS!

Dear God: Let me give you a list of just some of the things I must remember to be a good Dog.

1. I will not eat the cats' food before they eat it or after they throw it up.

2. I will not roll on dead seagulls, fish, crabs, etc., just because I like the way they smell.

3. The Litter Box is not a cookie jar.

4. The sofa is not a 'face towel'.

5. The garbage collector is not stealing our stuff.

6. I will not play tug-of-war with Dad's underwear when he's on the toilet.

7. Sticking my nose into someone's crotch is an unacceptable way of saying 'hello'.

8. I don't need to suddenly stand straight up when I'm under the coffee table

9. I must shake the rainwater out of my fur before entering the house - not after.

10. I will not come in from outside and immediately drag my butt across the carpet.

11. I will not sit in the middle of the living room and lick my crotch.

12. The cat is not a 'squeaky toy' so when I play with him and he makes that noise,
it's usually not a good thing.


P.S. Dear God: When I get to Heaven may I have my testicles back?

(I keep telling him that he looks better without them! and that he really doesn't need them to be a happy, healthy dog - but he's a guy and you know how that is!)

October is Adopt a Dog Month

Haven't written in awhile and decided it was time to do an update. My last write up was on Why to Adopt a Dog - How appropriate that my new one is on adopting as well!October is Adopt a Dog Month.  I found the following on the ASPCA site and thought I would share it with you. 60% of dogs brought to shelters are euthanized. We should try and save as many as possible!

Top 10 Reasons to Adopt an Older Dog

1. What You See Is What You Get
Older dogs are open books—from the start, you’ll know important things like their full-grown size, personality and grooming requirements. All this information makes it easier to pick the right dog and forge that instant love connection that will last a lifetime. If you’re not so into surprises, an older dog is for you!
2. Easy to Train
Think you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? Hogwash! Older dogs are great at focusing on you—and on the task at hand—because they’re calmer than youngsters. Plus, all those years of experience reading humans can help them quickly figure out how to do what you’re asking.
3. Seniors are Super-Loving
One of the cool parts of our job is reading stories from people just like you who have opted to adopt. The emails we get from pet parents with senior dogs seem to all contain beautiful, heartfelt descriptions of the love these dogs give you—and those of you who adopted dogs already in their golden years told us how devoted and grateful they are. It's an instant bond that cannot be topped!
4. They’re Not a 24-7 Job
Grownup dogs don’t require the constant monitoring puppies do, leaving you with more freedom to do your own thing. If you have young children, or just value your “me time,” this is definitely a bonus.
5. They Settle in Quickly
Older dogs have been around the block and already learned what it takes to get along with others and become part of a pack. They’ll be part of the family in no time!
6. Fewer Messes
Your floors, shoes and furniture will thank you for adopting a senior pooch! Older dogs are likely to already be housetrained—and even if they’re not, they have the physical and mental abilities to pick it up really fast (unlike puppies). With their teething years far behind them, seniors also are much less likely to be destructive chewers.
7. You Won’t Bite Off More Than You Can Chew
There are those who yearn for a doggie friend of their own, but hold back because they worry what might happen in their lives in the years to come. And they are wise to do so—a puppy or young dog can be anywhere from an 8- to 20-year responsibility, which is not appropriate for the very elderly or those with certain long-term future plans. Providing a loving home for a dog in her golden years is not a less serious commitment, but it can be a shorter one.
8. They Enjoy Easy Livin’
Couch potato, know thyself! Please consider a canine retiree rather than a high-energy young dog who will run you ragged. Not that older dogs don’t require any exercise—they do—but they’re not going to need, or want, to run a marathon every day.
9. Save a Life, Be a Hero
At shelters, older dogs are often the last to be adopted and the first to be euthanized. Saving an animal’s life offers an unparalleled emotional return on your investment, and you’ll feel the rewards every day you spend together.
10. They’re CUTE!

Getting a dog - Consider Adoption.

I am constantly surprised by the number of calls I get a from people wondering if I sell dogs. I find it interesting that people still think that calling a retail store is the way to go to buy their new dog. With so many dogs, of all types, available for adoption I am saddened that people still turn to pet stores for their dogs when there are so many other options available. Many dogs at pet shops come from Puppy Mills and can bring their own set of problems.

My dog was given to me by a friend - Kanji was an "accident", a wonderful accident between neighbors dogs ( a true love child) -but I wonder if I hadn't taken him would he have gone to a shelter and found a home - I sure hope so. There are lot of good people out there trying to help loving cats and dogs find new homes. There are a lot of reasons dogs and cats end up in shelters and it doesn't mean there is anything wrong with them. All dogs are checked out first to make sure they are adoptable. I suggest to people that a local shelter is the first place they should look for their new pet. I see lots of adopted dogs in my store and all their owners are thrilled with their choices. Even if you are looking for a specific breed there are breed specific rescue groups that can help. Adopting an older dog may also be an option you should consider. They are often well trained and socialized making new dog ownership that much easier.

Some local options for adopting dogs include:

The Animal Shelter Inc. of Sterling, Massachusetts is a non-profit organization (formed in 1988 - incorporated in 1994) and no-kill animal shelter with no time or age restrictions.

One of their great causes that they support is the Save A Sato Program – www.saveasato.org – Established May 1999 - this is a joint life-saving venture with animal rescue volunteers of Puerto Rico. Hundreds of homeless, starved, poisoned and tortured animals are rescued and rehabilitated and sent to the shelter in Sterling, MA each year. The volunteers in Puerto Rico (at their own cost) take these animals known as "Satos" (mixed breed street dogs) off the cruel streets and care for them until they are healthy enough to be flown to Massachusetts. They are bathed, re-vaccinated, spayed or neutered, and vet checked. To date this shelter has rescued and re-homed thousands of these amazing animals.

Animal Rescue League, Boston adoption@arlboston.org The Animal Rescue League is a non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing domesticated animals and wildlife from suffering, cruelty, abandonment, and neglect. Since 1899 we have advocated the philosophy of our founder, Anna Harris Smith, that “Kindness Uplifts the World”.

MSPCA Boston Animal Care & Adoption Center www.mspca.org/boston The MSPCA's animal care and adoption centers around the state take in as many as 1,000 animals per center per month during the busy summer season. They provide vital services such as adoptions, behavior training, humane-education programs and spay/neuter programs.

Northeast Animal Shelter http://www.northeastanimalshelter.org One of New England's Largest No-kill Animal Shelters. Since 1976 Northeast Animal Shelter has placed almost 100,000 animals in loving homes.

A great place to find a cat - The Gifford Shelter www.giffordcatshelter.org is a cageless, no-kill facility founded in 1884 and sponsored by Ellen Gifford. The shelter is a pioneer in creating an environment that does not confine cats to small, movement-restricting cages.

You can always check out www.petfinder.com for other options - a great resource.

Fireworks and Dogs

It's that time of the year - in addition to Thunder and Lightening storms the dogs now need to deal with Fireworks - which can not only be scary but dangerous for them. Many dogs react with fear when they hear the loud, unfamiliar sounds of fireworks.

Here is some info you might find helpful: 8 Tips for Keeping your Dogs Calm on July 4th
by Lisa Spector June 29th, 2009

1. Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise earlier in the day.
2. Keep your dogs inside during fireworks, preferably with human companionship.
3. Provide a safe place inside for your dogs to retreat. When scared of sounds they can’t orient, dogs often prefer small enclosed areas. (I once had a dog who climbed in the bathtub during windstorms.)
4. If possible, keep the windows and curtains closed.
5. Make sure all your dogs are wearing ID tags with a properly fitting collar. (Dogs have been known to become Houdini around the 4th of July.)
6. Leave your dog something fun to do – like a frozen Kong filled with his favorite treats.
7. Train with counter classical conditioning. Patricia McConnell, Ph.D., CAAB, has a very clear definition and tips here.http://www.patriciamcconnell.com/thunderstorm-phobia-in-dogs.html
8. Sound Therapy: Play Music to Calm your Canine Companion Vol. 1 and 2. It is most effective when you first play the music well before the fireworks start, at a time the dog is already peaceful and relaxed. He will begin to associate the music with being calm and content. Then play the music a couple of hours before the fireworks start and continue to play through bedtime. The music doesn’t need to be loud to be effective as it has been clinically demonstrated to calm the canine nervous system. Click here for free samples and downloadshttp://www.throughadogsear.com/music_compositions.htm

Other options include using calming therapies such as:
D.A.P. is a "dog appeasing" pheromone that will help calm your dog's nerves. This pheromone is similar to the one mother dogs use to soothe their new born puppies.
Rescue Remedy: Bach Flower Remedies has an all-natural Rescue Remedy product for pets that you can apply directly to their skin or add to their drinking water or food to help soothe them through stressful situations. Rescue Remedy can be used in conjunction with other therapies - including Lavender aromatherapy foam or treats like Mellow Mutt from Dogswell that contains chamomile, clover, lemon balm and linden flower. We carry these options at Cause to Paws.

I believe you should do whatever necessary to give your dog comfort. Be your dog’s advocate – do whatever you can to make her feel better during the storm.

Another Spring Health Tip

As a follow up to my last Blog where I talked about never leaving your dog in a car - especially as the weather heats up - here are some other Tips for keeping your dog fit, safe and sound during the warm weather months.

We all seem to become more active in the Spring and Summer with lots of activities - primarily out door ones with our dogs. Many of you go hiking with your dogs on trails in the woods, hills or even a long sandy/rocky beaches.

Things you need to think about include:
1. Start early in the day when it is cooler, morning air is the best and this also helps to prevent your dog from overheating.

2. Dog's noses, ears and other sensitive areas need protection with sunscreen much like humans do - they can burn. Sunscreen is especially important in light skinned dogs - especially white ones. There are even naturally dog and tick sprays that contain a sun screen. We carry Mad About Organics - their spray contains Jojoba Oil which is a good natural approach.

3. Always be conscientious of your dogs breathing patterns - it is important to avoid over doing and causing exhaustion in your pet. Keep in mind the rule about going only half as far as you think you can because you have to come back that same distance! Your dog may need to build up endurance early in the season.

4. Just like in humans - Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate! Make sure that you have fresh water with you. There are many types of portable water containers available - including one that is simply a roller ball that fits on the top of any water bottle - It is called Pet Tops and we have carry these a long with other options.

5. Be sure to check your pets paws for wear, damage and injury. Rocks, sticks, sand and other debris can cause injuries. You can use boots on your dog if necessary especially if you are doing a lot of trail hiking in the woods/mountains. Waxes like Mushers or Paw Wax can be used to soothe as well as protect the dogs pads from wear and tear and abrasions.

Have fun but be safe!

NEVER LEAVE YOUR PET IN THE CAR!

We had a very scary experience last week in front of the store. There was a dog left in a closed up car when the temperatures outside were close to 80 Degrees. Everyone on the block went on a search for the owner to no avail. The dog began to look stressed. The police were eventually called and an animal officer showed up (but to be honest he didn't seem to concerned or to even know what to do). Someone was about to use a hammer to break the window when the owner finally showed up. She seemed very unconcerned and said the dog liked warm weather - trust me if it is warm outside it is HOT in the car - even if the windows are open. The good news is that the dog survived, but the woman left in a huff and I am sure she will do it again AND the Brookline police did nothing. This surely must be a crime.

In Watertown a similar incident happened that a friend told me about. In this case the police did break the window just as the woman showed up, gave her a $1500 ticket for cruelty and took her and the dog to Angell Memorial to be check out - this is the way it should have been handled. Thank you Anne Conklin - my hero!

Bottomline - NEVER leave your dog alone in the car on a warm day, regardless of whether the windows are open. Even if the weather outside is not extremely hot, the inside of the car acts like an oven - temperatures can rise to dangerously high levels in a matter of minutes. When a dog is exposed to high temperatures, heat stroke or heat exhaustion can result. Heat stroke is a very serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. Once the signs of heat stroke are detected, there is precious little time before serious damage - or even death - can occur.

Understanding and Preventing Hyperthermia By Jenna Stregowski, RVT, About.com Guide says if you have even the slightest suspicion that your dog is suffering from heat stoke, you must take immediate action.

First, move your dog out of the heat and away from the sun right away.
Begin cooling your dog by placing cool, wet rags or washcloths on the body - especially the foot pads and around the head.
DO NOT use ice or very cold water! Extreme cold can cause the blood vessels to constrict, preventing the body's core from cooling and actually causing the internal temperature to further rise. In addition, over-cooling can cause hypothermia, introducing a host of new problems. When the body temperature reaches 103°, stop cooling.
Offer your dog cool water, but do not force water into your dog's mouth.
Call or visit your vet right away - even if your dog seems better. Internal damage might not be obvious to the naked eye, so an exam is necessary (and further testing may be recommended).
Be smart, Be safe!

Xylitol Poisoning in Dogs on the Rise

Just read an article posted on Pet Health Care about the rise of Xylitol poisoning in Dogs and I thought it would be a good idea to share some of it with you.

Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that is primarily used as a substitute for sugar in a lot of diet and confectionery products.

Xylitol negatively effects dogs as it is quickly absorbed through their digestive tracts. Xylitol in tiny amounts can potentially cause significant toxic poisoning in dogs. Even just one to two pieces of regular sized chewing gum that contains Xylitol can be potentially toxic to a dog that weighs less than 20lbs. In dogs who have ingested Xylitol, the symptoms are vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of coordination, pale gums, liver damage/failure, and even seizures. If these symptoms are not immediately treated, Xylitol toxicity may eventually lead to liver failure, blood clotting abnormalities, and possibly death. Therefore it is of extreme importance that you take your dog to a veterinarian immediately if you suspect that he ingested any Xylitol containing product, especially if it has been less than 2 hours as a veterinarian will have better luck in preventing your dog’s body from absorbing it.

As a dog owner you can prevent Xylitol poisoning by removing all consumer products containing Xylitol from your home. Better safe then sorry.

We've Chosen to Go Natural and Here's Why

EPA warns of some flea, tick control products
By Garner Roberts Special to the Reporter-News Friday, April 17, 2009

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency this week said it is intensifying its evaluation of flea and tick control products for pets that involve the use of spot-on pesticide treatments, sprays, collars and shampoos.

The federal agency reported "a recent sharp increase" in the number of incidents reported of adverse reactions, ranging from mild effects such as skin irritation to more serious effects such as seizures and, in some cases, deaths of pets. The EPA statement issued by Dale Kemery says the "spot-on products are generally sold in tubes or vials and are applied to one or more localized areas on the body of the pet, such as in between the shoulders or in a stripe along the back." The agency lists seven products on its Web site (www.epa.gov).

More than 44,000 "potential incidents" associated with spot-on products were reported to the EPA in 2008. The EPA said "a cause and effect relationship between these products and any individual adverse reaction or incident has not been confirmed. EPA is carefully evaluating all available data."

There are lot's of natural alternatives to protect your pets. We've chosen to use Mad About Organics as our alternative for Flea and Tick control. Their Dog Flea & Tick Skin Treatment is a safe, natural and effective flea and tick treatment Developed using Organic Infused Oils (Olive Oil, Neem, Catnip, Lemongrass and Yarrow) and Aloe Vera Oil, Organic Essential Oils (Catnip, Clove, Calendula, Cedarwood, Lavender, Juniper Berry, Tea Tree, Citronella, Eucalyptus and Lemongrass) with guaranteed results.

Lavender oil which repels fleas as well as ticks, mosquitoes and other insects naturally and effectively. Lemongrass is quite popular as an insect repellent due to its insecticidal properties. Catnip - Researchers report that Nepetalactone, the essential oil in Catnip that gives the plant its characteristic odor, is about 10 times more effective at repelling mosquitoes then DEET - the compound used in most commercial insect repellents. Calendula oil improves the blood flow to the inflicted area and in further tissue regeneration. It remains one of the most popular herbal anti-fungal and anti-bacterial remedies to promote skin healing and cell regeneration. Tea Tree Oil is an efficient insect deterrent and insect killer. It does not let parasites and other insects like mosquitoes, fleas, lice, flies.

We also use Dog or Cat Relief Spray. It's list of Ingredients include - Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, Olive Oil, Organic Infused Oils(Calendula, Lemongrass, Catnip, Neem and Yarrow) and Jojoba Oil, Organic Essential Oils (Lavender, Citronella, Eucalyptus, Catnip, Peppermint, Lemongrass, Calendula, Cedarwood, Juniper Berry, Geranium, Orange, Rosemary and Witch Hazel) Borax and Lecithin. In addition to being a great Insect Repellent a wonderful side benefit from this spray is it also works as a natural sun screen, which is great for those fair skinned animals (My Dog Kanji falls into this category- white colored dogs have sensitive skin and need protection) or to help keep your animal's hair color from fading.

Made in Eugene Oregon by Mad About Organics these safe, natural and effective animal care products are great for those who care about the environment as much as they care about their pets.

Why Canine Dental Hygiene Is Important

I found the following helpful information on vetinfo.com and thought it would be nice to share.

Your dog can't brush his own teeth. But that doesn't mean that plaque and tartar won't build up on his teeth. It doesn't mean that he won't get cavities, or suffer from gum disease, abscesses, or the pain and inflammation associated with infected teeth.

These ailments can cause your dog a lot of pain and suffering. They can inhibit his ability to enjoy meals, and impact his overall health. Daily brushing with dog toothpaste is a necessary part of your dog's dental hygiene regimen, along with yearly veterinary dental exams and dental cleaning. Daily brushing can go a long way toward keeping your dog's teeth, and your dog, healthy.

Some symptoms of canine dental hygiene problems include:
Halitosis, or bad breath, Bloody saliva, Broken or fractured teeth, Excessive drooling , Diminished appetite, Swollen, bleeding, or inflammed gums, Yellowish-brown tartar build-up along the gum line. If your dog exhibits any of these symptoms, he's probably suffering from gingivitis or periodontitis.

Preventing Dog Dental Problems
Dog toothpaste is a vital part of a preventative dental hygiene regimen. You might think that brushing your dog's teeth is too difficult, and it's true that it can take some time to accustom an adult dog to this practice. It's best to start when your dog is a puppy; he'll get used to having his teeth brushed much more quickly. But even if you have an adult dog, you can still begin a canine dental hygiene regimen.
More info on how to brush your dogs teeth can be found at: http://www.vetinfo.com/dog-toothpaste-essential.html

If you find it difficult to brush the dogs teeth daily there are some other options you can try - including Petzlife Gel that helps to "melt" the tarter from the teeth. The ingredients mix with your pet's saliva when applied on your pet's teeth and completely coats your pet’s teeth and mouth. This process kills harmful bacteria and loosens plaque and tarter. Available at Cause to Paws.

How to Calculate a Dog's Age in Dog Years

From Dogster.com

A popular misconception is that dogs age 7 years for each calendar year. In fact, canine aging is much more rapid during the first 2 years of a dog's life. After the first 2 years the ratio settles down to 5 to 1 for small and medium breeds. For large breeds the rate is 6 to 1, and for giant breeds the rate is 7 to 1. Thus, at 10 years of age a Great Dane would be 80 years old while a pug would only be 64.

How to Tell a Dog's Age
If you've taken in a dog whose age is unknown, there are some ways to determine his age. Here are some things vets check to get a general sense of how old a dog is:
The Teeth: Dogs usually have a set of permanent teeth by their seventh month, so if you've come across a dog with clean pearly whites, he is likely a year old or thereabouts. Yellowing on a dog's back teeth may put the dog between one and two years of age, while tartar build-up at a minimal level could mean you have a dog between 3 and 5. Missing teeth or severe wear usually means the dog is a senior and could use some special dental care.
Muscle Tone: Younger dogs are more likely to have some muscle definition from their higher activity level. Older dogs are usually either a tad bonier or a little fatter from decreased activity.
The Coat: A younger dog usually has a soft, fine coat, whereas an older dog tends to have thicker, coarser (and sometimes oilier) fur. A senior dog may display grays or patches of white, particularly around the snout.
The Eyes: Bright, clear eyes without tearing or discharge are common in younger dogs. Cloudy or opaque eyes may mean an older dog.

Old Age in Dogs
The age at which a dog can be considered elderly varies widely among models. In general, the larger the dog, the more quickly it declines. For instance, a Great Dane could be considered "senior" at age 5, while a smaller toy poodle would still be spry at twice that age. Remember, however, that just because a dog is chronologically old doesn't mean that an endless series of malfunctions is in store. In many cases an elderly dog can enjoy many healthy, active, pain-free years.
One of the best ways to prolong the life and improve the functions of an elderly dog is to carefully regulate its fuel intake. Older dogs exercise less and thus need fewer calories. And since age reduces their ability to digest and absorb nutrients, high-quality food specifically formulated for their needs is a necessity. Excessive amounts of protein, phosphorus, and sodium can aggravate kidney and heart problems, so most such foods contain smaller amounts of higher-quality protein, along with reduced quantities of other elements. Levels of vitamins, zinc, fatty acids, and fiber, however, are increased.

Need a Good Laugh - Read This

The following was found posted very low on a refrigerator door.

Dear Dogs and Cats:

The dishes with the paw prints are yours and contain your food. The other dishes are mine and contain my food. Placing a paw print in the middle of my plate and food does not stake a claim for it becoming your food and dish, nor do I find that aesthetically pleasing in the slightest.


The stairway was not designed by NASCAR and is not a racetrack. Racing me to the bottom is not the object. Tripping me doesn't help because I fall faster than you can run.


I cannot buy anything bigger than a king sized bed. I am very sorry about this. Do not think I will continue sleeping on the couch to ensure your comfort, however. Dogs and cats can actually curl up in a ball when they sleep. It Is not necessary to sleep perpendicular to each other, stretched out to the fullest extent possible. I also know that sticking tails straight out and having tongues hanging out on the other end to maximize space is nothing but sarcasm.


For the last time, there is no secret exit from the bathroom! If, by some miracle, I beat you there and manage to get the door shut, it is not necessary to claw, whine, meow, try to turn the knob or get your paw under the edge in an attempt to open the door. I must exit through the same door I entered. Also, I have been using the bathroom for years - canine/feline attendance is not required.


The proper order for kissing is: Kiss me first, then go smell the other dog or cat's butt. I cannot stress this enough. Finally, in fairness, dear pets, I have posted the following message on the front door:

TO ALL NON-PET OWNERS WHO VISIT AND LIKE TO COMPLAIN ABOUT OUR PETS:

(1) They live here. You don't.
(2) If you don't want their hair on your clothes, stay off the furniture. That's why they call it 'fur'-niture.
(3) I like my pets a lot better than I like most people.
(4) To you, they are animals. To me, they are adopted sons/daughters who are short, hairy, walk on all fours and don't speak clearly.


Remember, dogs and cats are better than kids because they eat less, don't ask for money all the time, are easier to train, normally come when called, never ask to drive the car, don't hang out with drug-using people, don't smoke or drink, don't want to wear your clothes, don't have to buy the latest fashions, don't need a gazillion dollars for college and if they get pregnant, you can sell their children ...

Not all Bully Sticks are the same

Not all Bully Sticks are the same. Where they come from and how they are processed are things to consider. We primarily carry Bully Sticks from Top Dog - these are from free range South American cattle- which means that they cattle roam freely and graze on wild grass - there are no hormones, no antibiotics and no steroids involved, nor dyes or coloring used. These are vertically drained and then baked, a safer approach then sun drying, although more expensive. These sticks are not irradiated and are evaluated by the FDA and USDA after going through inspection by the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture. Also it seems that thicker is not necessarily better.

Odor free? Well that's a whole other story. My take is - how did they get them odor free? My dog only likes things that smell so odor free would not cut it for him.

Other options for chews include Trachea - very digestible with a crunchy texture and high in chondroitin, which helps form and nourish cartilage. You can even fill them with peanut butter as an extra special treat.

Lamb chews - such as ears are lower in fat then say pigs ears - and great for small dogs. Also, Pizzles- the lamb equivalent of a bully stick and weasands are other options for the small dogs.

At Cause to Paws we try to carry a large selection of bones/treats/tendons to meet all types of chewers. Be sure to check it out the next time you are in the store.

What is Catnip?

Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a member of the mint family. The active ingredient, nepacetalone, is what has the magic effect on our cats. It pleasantly stimulates pheromone receptors in the cat's nose. Too much catnip can make a cat aggressive, causing her to growl or hiss, so as with all recreational pleasures, moderation is key.

About one-third of cats have no response to catnip. Quality of catnip varies. At Cause to Paws we sell a variety of toys with catnip in them, some are refillable, others are not. We also sell loose organic catnip as well as "teabags" full of catnip to put into toys. Dried catnip can be revived by crunching it between your hands to release the oils. Catnip can also come in a spray- It is steamed distilled to produce a pure extract and then is blended with spring water. It can be utilized to revive those toys that cannot be refilled.

Catnip is not addictive, but if you give it to your cats every day the effect will begin to wear off, so Jane Kelley says "save the 'nip for special occasions". Cat expert and animal communicator Jane A Kelley is the webmaster and chief cat slave for Paws and Effect, a weekly cat advice column by cats, for cats and their people.

According to Duckyworld (our #1 selling catnip - toys and loose), catnip also makes a wonderful tea for people with feverish colds or who have trouble sleeping. catnip tea also helps settle an upset stomach, toothache and relieves gas!

How to Stop Unwanted Barking

Found a great article on Dogster. Here is a summary/shortened version that I thought you might find helpful.

Dogs bark to communicate with you. Learning why they bark is the key to stop your dog from barking. Depending on the reason for barking and your own training skill level, you may need to consult with a qualified trainer/behaviorist to assist you with the training. For more on selecting a behavior professional, check out the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior guidelines for choosing a trainer.

Just as there are many reasons humans speak, dog barking occurs for a number of reasons. Here are a few of the most common:

Distance decreasing: Distance decreasing barking can also be considered attention-seeking barking. The dog is barking to communicate with the owner - "pay attention to me!"
Boredom: Evaluate your dog's lifestyle. How much physical exercise is she getting? How much social stimulation through appropriate play with other dogs? How much play does she get with you? Is she getting adequate mental stimulation in the form of both training and problem solving? If your dog is barking because of boredom, consider more physical exercise, more positive training, and introduce new toys and games for environmental enrichment (At Cause to Paws we have lots of interactive toys that can help)
Frustration: While some frustration barking is boredom barking, not all boredom barking is frustration barking. Often in class, dogs bark when their owners have poor timing or because the rate of reinforcement is too low, the dog is frustrated because the signals are unclear.
Separation distress (limited vocalization, no injury to self or property), consider how long the dog is left alone - if it is more than eight hours for an adult (even shorter periods of separation are recommended for puppies), find a dog walker or pet sitter to break the day up. Provide her with mental stimulation through puzzle toys, kibble hunts, etc., when she is alone. (At Cause to Paws we carry things like DAP - Dog Appeasing Pheromone - sprays or collars, Rescue Remedy drops, Happy Traveler tablets from Ark Naturals which often helps calm the dog while you are gone or Lavendar Foam can help your dog to relax.Greetings, and exits should be low key).
Invitation to play: Some dogs bark to say, "Hey, I want to meet/play with you NOW NOW NOW!" (puppy barking frequently falls in this category). These barks are generally high pitched, and are often accompanied by wagging "propeller tails," loose/wiggly body language, play bows and jumping. Ask those who would like to interact with her to wait for calm, quiet behavior before greeting to avoid reinforcing the behavior.
Separation anxiety: True separation anxiety (destruction to self or property) is a topic beyond the scope of this Blog. If your dog is injuring herself or destroying your home, We recommend you seek the assistance of a behaviorist such as Vera Wilkinson from the Cooperative Dog, in addressing this issue.