What's Going on Around This Dog House

In our hometown of Pennsylvania as spring is trying to be sprung our thoughts turn to fresh starts and new beginnings, of improvement and change.

Thank You to our first four followers for checking out our newly designed blog...we will be continuing to renovate.

 According to our blog survey question dry/itchy skin seems to be the primary skin/fur issue with our participants doggies, followed by odor. Nikki Green Olive Oil Shampoo is one excellent choice for dry/itchy skin as well as Itchy Dog . Stinky Dog is one great choices for odor. All of our shampoos are natural , some are vegan.

 Please consult your veterinary for stubborn or persistent symptoms as they may be a sign of a more serious medical condition.

This July will mark our 3rd year in business and as we continually strive to find and carry green, natural Eco-friendly products for Pooch, People and Planet we will be looking for you, our friends and customer's input.
Look for our first survey of 2011 soon and please take a moment to paw through it to let us know what your thoughts are.

We have started with March to offer a "Cause Of the Month" program. A percentage of total end of month sales will be donated to the selected rescue or other canine cause. March's is DRG, Inc. Contact us if you are a non-profit organization for helping dogs. this is a new avenue of donating for us so let's see what barks!

We are in the process of adding more Eco-friendly and smart toys as well as expanding our health care  line to include  more choices of supplements starting with the addition of Pet Naturals of Vermont.

We are always looking for unique products , perhaps you or someone you know handcrafts or bakes canine items ? We would love to discuss  teaming up with them to offer their products on our website.

Look for a help us to design our new logo contest in the near future.

Of course, you can always Give Us a Bark at customerservice@alldogsbigandsmall.com!...or even a growl if it helps us improve our business for you.

Woofs and Wags
All Dogs Big and Small.com

Heal, Nuture, Bond with Canine Massage

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  Dog massage includes a variety of techniques -- some centuries old and others quite new.  It has been used to calm show dogs, to relieve pain in working dogs, and to increase energy and focus in agility dogs.  Now it is available to improve the quality of your pet’s life.
    Massage is part of a complete wellness program for your dog.  A massage will relax muscles, invigorate circulation, and stimulate key acupressure points.  Massage does not substitute for veterinary care, but complements it.  Regular massage can often bring important changes in your pet’s condition to your attention so that medical advice can be sought before the problem becomes advanced.

Dogs of All Ages Can Benefit From Massage

Puppies & Young Dogs

• Helps them accept handling by vets, groomers, etc.


• Improves socialization


• Increases trust of humans


• Eases tension of new growth stages

Adult Dogs

• Maintains optimum wellness


• Slows developing problems of old age


• Detects early changes that may signal injury or disease

Elderly Dogs

• Helps maintain mobility


• Stimulates circulation


• Reduces pain

Why do dogs need massage?

  
   Dogs today live in much better conditions, but they are often bored and underexercised. Massage can relax tension while also stimulating both mind and body.  It is especially helpful as our animals’ life spans lengthen.  Our world has changed -- and our pets’ needs have changed with it.

Some benefits of dog massage:

• Comforts tired muscles & relieves pain


• Increases circulation


• Strengthens body by stimulating muscles


• Maintains & restores flexibility


• Increases dog’s self-esteem & lessens behavioral issues


• Enhances body awareness


• Gains acceptance of touch, especially to paws


• Increases caretaker’s awareness of changes in animal


• Empowers owners to work with & help their pets


• Enhances bonding & relationship with humans


• Gives back to dogs something they can’t do for themselves


• Increased circulation, which can improve a dog's health.


• Earlier awareness of lumps and unusual growths.


• Deeper attachment between dog and owner, allowing them to bond further.


• Extended praise for the dog.


• Increased acceptance of handling by the dog.


• Stress and heart rate reduction for the owner.


• Reduced stress by lowering the dog's heart rate and providing a quiet, relaxing experience.

Parts of this article taken from:

Ann Tarvin learned her dog massage skills from canine massage pioneer Jonathan Rudinger at the PetMassage Training and Research Institute in Toledo, Ohio.  She holds Practitioner and Instructor Level Certificates in Dog Massage and also a Certificate in WaterWork for dogs. She is a member of the International Association of Animal Massage and Bodywork.

 

Consult your dog's veterinarian before beginning a massage program.If working with a fragile dog or one with limited mobility due to a joint problem, an injury, or surgery, knowledge of canine anatomy and biomechanics is essential, says Carla Campbell, a Seeing Eye graduate and canine masseuse in Menlo Park, Calif. In those situations, it really does pay to call in a pro, she advises.

 

Just as pleasant scents and relaxing music contribute a positive effect during human massage, so is the same for your dog.

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