More Than 80% of Some Dogs Have This Disease - What Is It?

Great article from Pet Place.com and a reminder for those of us who tend to spoil your dogs by over-feeding them:

I recently attended the North American Veterinary Conference - a large annual conference in Orlando. Dozens of speakers communicate new information to veterinarians and vendors show off new products in the exhibit hall. I'd like to pass along some things I learned at the conference today to help keep you up to date with the newest and latest information.

So, which disease affects more than 80% of some dogs? It is arthritis. I have always known that this was a common disease in dogs but I didn't know just how common. Based on research, 33% of adults (human) have arthritis and more than 20% of all dogs have arthritis. With age or obesity those numbers get even higher. This is unbelievable but about 83% of obese dogs have arthritis*!

Like I said, I knew the number was high but I didn't know it was that high. That is amazing.

I guess it makes good sense. The more weight the dog (or human) carries, the more stress is put on their joints. As for age, most seniors (humans) have some aches and pains somewhere, just from constant wear and tear. This is probably why many dogs seem to slow down as they get older. But this really makes you stop and think - it may not be that these dogs are just getting old - it may be that they just plain hurt.

Exercising your Senior Dog

Exercise and play is important to all dogs, including your elderly dog.

First of all, exercise helps maintain a healthy body weight. Being overweight may lead to a number of health problems. It places excess stress on your pet's heart. Excess weight on degenerating joints can speed up the development of arthritis.

Your elderly dog's mental health may also benefit from exercise. Activity keeps oxygen and other nutrients at optimum levels in the brain. The brain is like every other organ in the body in that it requires good nutrition.

Meet SwankyPet, Dexter!

This little cutie is Dexter who lives in Sussex, New Jersey with Mom, Corey & Dad, Marko. Corey tells me:

"My fiance Marko and I adopted him from a rescue in North Carolina. The rescue saved him and his brother from a gassing shelter. We had to drive down to North Carolina from New Jersey to get Dexter because he had kennel cough and couldn't be transported with the other pups. The rescue said he is about 15 weeks old and is a terrier mix, however my fiance and I call him a North Carolina Scruffaluffagus. We've had him for a week so far, and he is one of the most interesting dogs I have ever seen. He loves to fetch, and run his toys back into his crate. He is trying his best to learn how to be potty trained. Every person that has met Dexter so far has fallen in love with him. Dexter loves his new collar by Swanky Pets. It fits his personality perfectly, and is very comfortable for him."

Thank you so much for sending us this photo of Dexter - he looks adorable in his new Kiltlifter collar. He's adorable on his own, but the collar kicks it up a notch!

Today's Featured Print: Kiss Me, I'm Irish!

Today's featured print is: Kiss Me, I'm Irish

Now your dog can get in on the St Patrick's Day fun!

This print features a crisp, white background with tiny green shamrocks. Your dog can't drink green beer with you, but he or she will rock this shamrock collar. This is the perfect St Patrick's Day collar!!

Meet SwankyPets, Lulu-Belle & Bosley!

I received the nicest email from Stephanie in Concord, NC - Lulu-Belle's & Bosley's mom:

"Hey,
I recently purchased on your last "BUY2" deal a preppy brown plaid leash and harness, and funky retro flower harness for my 2 pugs. Not only do they look stylish, but the feel more comfortable in these than others we had originally purchased at Petsmart (for much more in price). Lulu-Belle is the older pug in the funky retro harness, and the baby Bosley is the one with the preppy brown plaid harness, we wanted to show you how appreciative we are!
Thanks again, hope you enjoy our pic."

How adorable are Lulu-Belle and Bosley? Thanks so much for the photos - it's wonderful to see cute little pugs looking even cuter in their swankywear!

Our Buy 2 - Get 1 Free offer has been extended!!

To celebrate the Spring Holidays we've decided to extend our Buy 2, Get 1 Free promotion. When you order three items, enter the code "BUY2" during the checkout process where you are asked "How did you hear about swankypet.net?" and you'll receive a refund for one equal or lower priced item. The refund is manually processed, so you will see a charge for all items, but the refund will be issued within 24 hours.

Excellent Review from Pampered Puppy!

What a wonderful surprise! And isn't Merry the cutest? You can find daily photos of her at: www.pamperedpuppy.com

There's always been a certain type of plaid that spoke of refined elegance and old-school charm; most of us know that style of plaid under a fancy label to remain nameless here (okay: they rhyme with Durburry, get the idea?). Makes you think of British raincoats and posh afternoon tea.

With Swanky Pet's new Swanky Plaid collar and leash set, your pooch can now be ready for afternoon tea and a good cheerio any time the mood strikes.

The collar is a simple but classy woven plaid fabric in shades of tan, cream, black and wine. I love the color scheme - it goes with everything. Findings are all silver metal: contoured zinc die cast side release buckles, cast D-rings. The buckle itself bears the engraved Swanky Pet logo.

Like all Swanky Pet collars, it's crafted from four layers of fabric and of incredible quality - you can literally see the work that goes into the collar just by hefting it in your hand. I'm continually impressed by the workmanship this company puts into its work - and, of course, I'm loving this particular fabric style.

The leash, like all Swanky Pet leashes, is practically the best thing about the set, and that's saying something. Usually leads are a second fiddle, an afterthought for "matchy matchy" purposes and little else. However, this company puts as much thought into the design of their leads as their collrs - they make it adjustable. The leash (also made from four layers of fabric) comes with a cast slip lock so that it can be adjusted in length, anywhere from 2.5 to 5 feet in length. What's more, the handle features its own d-ring so you can bling up your part of the leash, if you so desire, with charms, dangles or a something functional like a clip-on bag holder.

Fit is fabulous, as we've found before with these products. As long as you measure your pet according to their instructions, you won't have any trouble at all.

We're ready for spring and can't wait to show off our fabulous Swanky Plaid collar set at high tea! Four paws up.