The Dog Scoop December Issue - Woof Woof!

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Season Greetings Fellow Dog Lovers,

Welcome to the December 2009 Issue of The Dog Scoop Newsletter - The ezine your dog knows has his best interests at heart and wants you to read., and Happy Holidays to all from dog-beds-n-beyond.

• 1. Dog Safety
• 2. Why Dogs are Man's "Best Friend"
• 3. Xmas Gift Ideas
• 4. Canine Holiday Games
• 5. Featured Product
• 6. You are a Dog Lover When...
• 7. Gifts Under $10.00
• 8. More Gifts $30.00 and Over
• 9. Recipe of the Month
• 10.Free Dog Wallpaper

During the holidays, there are usually more sweets and other goodies around to nibble on. Our pets like us to share with them, but this isn't always a good idea. Avoid too many table scraps and give your dog healthy treats over the holidays, everything in moderation.

Just a reminder that chocolate and dogs do not go together. Chocolate contains theobromine which comes from the same family as caffeine. Some dogs are highly sensitive to it. If your dog manages to steal a small piece of chocolate it will most likely not have an adverse effect but in large amounts it can be toxic. Symptoms of toxic reaction include increased heart rate, hyper-excitability, vomiting and diarrhea - in which case call your vet.

Just to keep things in perspective, my toy poodle once consumed an entire box of chocolates on a raid of the Christmas tree during the night. She had nothing worse than a little diarrhea.

Keep macadamia nuts out of reach of your dog, they are toxic to canines.

Grapes and Raisins - the APCC found that dogs who consumed these in "small or large" amounts developed kidney failure. Symptoms are abdominal pain, diarrhea, lethargic and lack of appetite. If you suspect your pet has ingested a grape/grapes, treatment is needed immediately.

Another seasonal hazard is anti-freeze, which can be deadly for dogs. It has a sweet taste that can be appealing for a dog to lap up. Quickly wipe up spills on the driveway or try to find a pet friendly alternative to antifreeze.

Other toxic items to watch for - some snow globes contain antifreeze, artificial snow, Poinsettias, holly, Yew and Mistletoe.

1. A dog's parents will never visit you.

2. A dog loves you when you leave your clothes on the floor.

3. A dog limits its time in the bathroom to a quick drink.

4. A dog never expects you to telephone.

5. A dog will not get mad at you if you forget his/her birthday.

6. A dog does not care about the previous dogs in your life.

7. A dog does not get mad at you if you pet another dog.

8. The later you are, the happier a dog is to see you.

There are numerous useful, practical gifts you can purchase for your dog at Christmas.

If your dog's bed is worn out, this would be a good time to buy him a new one. Choose the BEST DOG BED for your pet.

You could buy a new DOG BOWL, NEW TOYS, CLOTHING or DOG GROOMING ITEMS! Your dog might not consider these ideal gifts but if you include a favorite treat inside the package you will for sure get a tail wag.

Stock up on your dog's favorite treats as a Christmas gift or buy a special food item you seldom purchase but you know your best buddy likes.

Also don't forget to look for seasonal promotions for the entire family, on our DOG COUPONS PAGE if you are interested in saving a few dollars and visit our DOG LOVERS GIFT pages...

Find the Treat

Put your dog on a "down" stay then hide a variety of treats. Have your dog wait until you are finished hiding them. Say "GO!" and your dog can run around and try to find the treats.

Hide and Seek

Put your dog on a sit or down wait. Then hide. When you are ready, call him. Watch out they sometimes peek.

As well as being fun for you and your dog, these games are good for teaching your pet to wait until called.

FURMINATOR

A popular and practical dog lovers gift. The stainless-steel edge quickly and easily removes loose undercoat hair and decreases shedding up to 90 percent. For long and short haired dogs.

1. your neighbors find ANY dog running loose and automatically bring it to your house. 2. you want to watch TV and you have to sit on the floor because all of the furniture is "occupied". 3. you have to run an obstacle course to get to the phone. 4. your hungry hubby once ate the dog stew and asked for seconds.

5. your mother-in-law keeps asking when you're going to have children.

6. your hungry hubby comes home from work, lifts the cover of a pan on the stove and says "Is this people or dog food?"

7. you absentmindly pat your husband on the head instead of hugging him.

8. all your non-dog friends know to dress down when visiting your house.

9. you call long distance and talk with your dog.

10.dog hair in food is just another spice.

11.you are cold, you put a sweater on your dog.

12.your voice is recognized by your vet's receptionist

Natural Dental Care Kit for Dogs - $6.99

Dental care is just as important for dogs as it is for humans. Dry food and chew toys help clean some of a pet's teeth...

READ MORE...

MERRICK FLOSSIES - 3.99 - Unique design creates a natural chewing friction against the teeth and helps to clean them. This is a top seller that dogs love...

INCREDI BUBBLES - 4.09

Bubbles for your pet to chase and pop! Comes in a non-toxic peach flavor your dog or cat will love.

The Dental KONG - $8.99

Dental Kong - Large - 5 in. - the strength and fun of a regular KONG with special grooves and ridges that help clean your dog's teeth.

READ MORE...

CERAMIC DOG BOWLS - Fun bone shaped dishes and matching treat jars that are sure to be a conversation piece in your home! Two sizes are available in blue with Prince or in pink with Princess written on the Bottom Heavy Ceramic. Both durable and dishwasher safe!

FAUX SNAKESKIN DOG COLLAR - $36.99

PET ELECTRONIC DEVICES - $30.00 and up...

FREE DOG WALLPAPER - GET IT HERE...

Easy Holiday Beef Dinner

* 1 large potato, peeled, cubed
* 1 cup green beans (frozen)
* 1 lb ground beef
* 1 cup rice, cooked

Put potatoes and green beans in a pot with water, cover and bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender. Drain and cool. Brown beef in a skillet until well cooked. Drain the fat and cool. Stir potatoes, green beans, beef and cooked rice in a bowl. Stir well. This can be refrigerated or frozen in individual serving size portions.

America Loves Its Labrador Retrievers

For the 18th straight year, the bubbly dog topped the list of most popular breeds in the country, according to an annual list of 161 dog breeds put out by...READ THE WHOLE STORY...

U.S. Soldiers Reunite With Battlefield Rescue Puppy

Ally was just a newborn puppy when she was found in Afghanistan. The young soldiers of the 101st Airborne, 159th Aviation Brigade found her in the middle...READ THE WHOLE STORY...