Pets in the City's Blog

Skin Problems on Dogs

2011-01-02T07:19:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, we went to Boston for the day to enjoy the unseasonably warm weather for New Year's Day. While walking through the Faneuil Hall Marketplace, we saw MANY folks out walking their dogs. It was a breath of fresh air for me, as I recently lost my buddy to lymphoma. We saw Boston Terriers (of course), an Irish Setter, a Cavalier, many many mixed breeds, a few Puggles and my favorite: two old dogs walking with their guardians. The boy was a solid black mixed breed with a grey muzzle (my personal favorite), and a beautiful senior Collie female. The Collie looked as if she's been through a bad situation, and did not fare so well. She had been recently shaved, and her hair was growing back crookedly, she had horrible dandruff, and she smelled just awful.

As this happens often to me in public, Luis simply pushed the stroller with the kids over to the side and let me start my thing. After giving the old gal lots of loving, I asked the couple if they had her shaved to help with the skin condition. They said yes, of course...and began to tell me a story I hear often: "we had to the vet numerous times. Each time we get antibiotics, more steroids, and a special veterinary shampoo." Of course, none of these things are working. Not to mention shame on the doctor who is sending a senior dog out the door with steroids. (read more about the damage of steroids here: http://philosophyofdog.com/blog/canine-health/steroids-and-your-dog/).

I began my conversation by asking the couple what they were feeding her. They told me how they have always fed Iams. I told them they may want to look at a food with whole foods and no grain by-products. I gave them the name of a few, but followed up by letting them know that the brand is not the issue...just as I tell my customers in the store: Ignore the front label and words; turn the bag around and see the ingredients before purchasing. Here is a quickie cheat sheet to use for reading labels: http://www.vetinfo.com/best-natural-dog-food.html

I continued on with my favorite cheap start to help a dog with a fungal or yeast infection. I told them all about the benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar for the lovely Collie. For a dog her size, I told them to try a tablespoon on each meal. I also told them to get her a daily vitamin (antioxidant), a pro-biotic, and some Omega 6 and 3 fatty acids (fish oil, flax seed oil, hemp oil, etc).

As we spoke, I of course also told the family to not feel bad. I just suggested they try a few of the changes I put on the table and see if they get any results. In the least, by changing the food and adding some additional supplements, the old lady doggie will be healthier for it!

Exchanges like this happen to me very often. Mostly because I see the dog first, and I cannot stand to see a dog suffering when I think there could be a simple fix to make him/her feel better!

I always walk away wishing I gave them a card to at least email me with updates. Oh well, let's just hope they follow my regime and are able to stop with the drugs!

Wapiti Labs MOBILITY for Dog & Cat Joint Pain

2010-12-29T07:03:00.000-08:00

Wapiti Labs’ all natural, pure elk velvet antler supplements have become the supplement of choice for many across the country and across the world. Using natural, human grade ingredients, including elk velvet antler and premium Chinese herbs, Wapiti Labs provides products for both humans and for pets. With no known side effects, Mobility Formula has become the product of choice to increase joint mobility and reduce joint pain and inflammation, allowing cats and dogs to live a better life. Other pet products include: Renal, Strength, Chest, Post Trauma and GI Tract Formulas. VelveTan has proven to be a great product for people suffering from joint pains. Hundreds of testimonials explain joint relief, a natural energy boost, reduced recovery time after activity and an overall feeling of better health. Visit www.wapitilabsinc.com for more information.

POINSETTIAS NO LONGER IN THE DOGHOUSE!

2010-12-23T13:38:00.000-08:00

The dogged belief that poinsettias and pets cannot exist in the holiday home because they're poisonous and potentially fatal to four-footed family members is nothing but a well-entrenched myth, so says the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. A recent article on their website reports that this myth has been "doggedly" per-PET-uated since the death of a U.S. Army officer's child was erroneously attributed to ingestion of a poinsettia leaf in the early part of the 20th century.

According to the ASPCA, "poinsettia ingestions typically produce only mild to moderate gastrointestinal tract irritation, which may include drooling, vomiting and/or diarrhea." Therefore, keeping a poinsettia out of paw's reach to avoid potential stomach upset is a good idea. However, pet owners no longer need to fear adorning the home with these staples of the holiday season for fear of fatal exposure to Fido or Fluffy.

With fact now separated from fiction, remember to tie a big red bow around Fido's neck too! Tis' the season! .. for all creatures big and small. Family gatherings, poinsettias, pets all coexisting safely and hopefully peacefully .. what could be more purr-fect?

From Marva Bliss Lanier, Smith County Master Gardener
Texas Cooperative Extension

Supplement Review: Animal Essential's Plant Enzymes & Probiotics

2010-12-22T10:52:00.000-08:00

One of Pets in the City's TOP SELLING Supplements!

Animal Essentials’ Plant Enzymes & Probiotics assists in the digestion and absorption of nutrients which are necessary to maintain your pet’s good health.
A small, very economical sprinkling each day will relieve extra burden placed on the digestive system by breaking down fats, carbohydrates, cellulose and protein.

Digestive enzymes are special types of protein molecules that catalyze the breakdown of food into components that can be utilized by the body. These proteins are not stored in the body but are released into the digestive system based on the anticipation aroma or the actual presence of food. Because they are not stored they must be taken with each meal.

Animal Essentials’ enzymes contain a blend of plant and microbial produced enzymes, none of which come from animal sources. Animal derived enzymes will work in only one area of the digestive system (stomach and intestines), while plant and microbial enzymes work throughout the whole system, from the mouth through the stomach into the intestines. Since our enzymes work over a broader pH range they are active longer in the entire digestive process, reducing the food into usable components.

As your dog or cat’s body ages less enzymes are produced and supplementation is necessary for optimum health. Digestive efficiency can also be reduced by excitement, anxiety or stress of any sort (travel, separation, working stress, etc.). To insure optimum digestion and health we recommend the addition of this supplement to each meal. The supplement should be moistened and added to the food shortly before feeding to be optimally effective.

Each enzyme works on a specific type of food and these are listed below along
with the other key ingredients probiotic and calcium.

Enzymes Present in the Formula:

ALPHA AMYLASE: helps in the digestion of carbohydrates by helping to hydrolyze the alpha 1-4 glycosidic linkages of polysaccharides to dextrin, D-glucose, maltose and oligosaccharides.
BETA AMYLASE: works on the end of the starch molecules instead of in the center, as does alpha-amylase and results in the production of sugars from the starch molecules.
PROTEASES: work on proteins to reduce them to individual amino acids (what they are composed of); some of these are acid stable proteases that start their work in the stomach. Proteins take the longest and are the most difficult food component to digest. With acid stable protease the decomposition starts earlier in the digestive tract, thus providing more complete digestion.
LIPASE: helps to metabolize fats (triglycerides). The fats are broken down into mono glycerides, diglycerides and glycerol. If given in larger quantities the Lipases can enter the bloodstream and help remove excess triglycerides from the arteries and the veins improving circulation.
CELLULASE: as the name implies, breaks down cellulose (fiber) by helping to break down cell walls, resulting in both necessary solubleand insoluble fiber.
HEMICELLULASE: hemi cellulose and an amorphous (sticky) type of cellulose that form long strings as cellulose, is crystalline. This enzyme helps break this polymer down into its individual sugars---primarily xylose.
BROMELAIN: is extracted from pineapple (Ananas comosus) and is a protolytic (protein) digesting enzyme, that helps break the proteins into oligio peptides and amino acids.
PROBIOTIC: is a lactic acid producing bacteria, which bears spores. These organisms exhibit the characteristics of both the genera Lactobacillus and Bacillus. Because they are encapsulated in spores these organisms are protected from the environment and heat. They are activated in the gut by the hydrochloric acid, producing lactic acid bacteria. Treatment with antibiotics results in the killing of these bacteria, which guard against yeast colonies (candida yeast species). These desirable bacteria inhibit the growth of putrid bacterial in the intestine, thereby maintaining the balance of intestinal flora.
CALCIUM SULFATE: the primary carrier or excipient for this product is food grade and adds a minimum amount of calcium to the diet, about 200 mg per gm of product.

Boo on Missouri Puppy Mills!!

2010-08-04T11:49:00.000-07:00

The bad news: Missouri is the Puppy Mill capital of the US; 30% of federally licensed dog breeders are based here. The good news: we have a chance to change that in November!

http://blogs.riverfronttimes.com/dailyrft/2010/08/missouri_puppy_mill_initiative.php

Take care of your Senior kitty!

2010-07-28T10:30:00.000-07:00

Since I moved away from St Louis and left my friend Kramer behind (since he's a St Louis instituion at Pets in the City), I spend a fair amount of time worrying about him. My man is now 12 years old and considered a Senior. At Pets in the City, we already know what advice to give people that are living with Senior Pets, but it's always good to see it in writing! This is a great article.

//www.our-happy-cat.com/senior-cat.html

I really want to emphasize where they talk about feeding a canned diet. Hard food is really hard on your old guy/gal's kidneys. Switch them over to a raw or a canned regimen! Also, think about distilled water, as opposed to the chemicals that are in tap water.

Information on fish and fishmeal from the Gulf

2010-07-22T06:01:00.000-07:00

http://www.petfood-connection.com/forum/topics/information-on-fish-and

This is a great article to address recent questions we've had at Pets in the City about the safety of fish from the Gulf used for Pet Food.

Dog's itch is not scratched!

2010-07-20T10:50:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, I recently left St Louis to move to Southern Massachusetts. Being the owner of Pets in the City had me spoiled...I had non-stop access to the best pet products around! I tried to foresee what items I would need out here and brought them with me. However, one thing that I forgot was a good shampoo. I had been so used to sneaking my trio into the store after we were closed to give them all baths with my favorite staple: Eqyss Microtek Shampoo. We're having a hard time finding it out here, and my dogs are all itchy and scratchy from the sand fleas at the beach. Help me Eqyss!!! Where are you in Massachusetts?!?! //www.eqyss.com/pet_microtek_shampoo.asp In case people do not already realize this...the Pets in the City pet wash keeps Eqyss on hand for everyone to use freely while giving a self-wash to their pet!

City Chickens?

2010-04-06T15:58:00.000-07:00

In the Spring of 2004, Madison, WI passed a law allowing single-family homes the right to raise poultry in the back yard. Previous to this law, poultry was allowed inside the home, but not outside. Coops were not permitted, nor was raising poultry inside the garage. Today it is legal to have 4 hens (no roosters) in a coop, no closer than 25' from the nearest neighbors living quarters....read more

Look into a RAW DIET for your pet!

2010-03-08T07:09:00.000-08:00

We spend a lot of time at Pets in the City teaching people the benefits of a Raw Diet for their dogs and cats. For issues such as: skin problems, diabetes, hyper and hypo thyroid, cancer, etc...

And here's what raw-feeding pet owners around the world see in their raw-fed pets:

Shinier, healthier skin and coats
Cleaner teeth and fresh breath
Better weight control
Improved digestion
Reduction of allergy symptoms
Harder, smaller, less smelly stools
More energy and stamina
Decrease in abnormal hyperactivity
Increased mobility in older animals
Reduced or eliminated need for veterinary dental work

Switching an animal with an existing health problem to a raw diet can often produce an improvement in their conditions. Among healthy animals, a raw diet is likely to help them avoid some of the illnesses that are now becoming common in our companion animals. Regardless of the starting point for your pet, a high quality raw diet will help promote a long and healthy life.

Please give us a vote!

2010-03-05T12:08:00.000-08:00

2010 Best of the FOX 2 HOT LIST

It's on! More than 1,200 businesses are currently competing for the title of St. Louis' Best. Voting ends Friday, March 19th. Pets in the City is found under the Pets Category (Pet Supplies). We would greatly appreciate your vote to help up win!!

Eligible businesses are nominated by readers/watchers of KTVI Fox 2 and their website...and Winners are determined by popular vote meaning that YOU choose the Best of 2010.

Vote for Pets in the City HERE

FDA warning about online pet medication pharmacies. Do your homework before you buy:

2010-03-05T11:02:00.000-08:00

Online Pet Pharmacies

Protect Yourself and Your Pet:

Be Online Pet Pharmacy

A.W.A.R.E.

“Affordable pet prescriptions!”
“Pet meds at discount prices!”
“No prescription required!”
“Your best source for pet meds!”

Click here for Article

It's Girl Scout Cookie Time!!

2010-02-24T10:19:00.001-08:00

We have the Girl Scouts here on Saturday (Feb 27) from 10:30am-4:00pm...stop by and buy them on the spot!! $3.50 a box....

New Groomer at Pets in the City!!

2010-02-18T09:15:00.001-08:00

We have brought on a third Groomer...Laura Green is a fun girl and a Pit Bull lover, so we knew she would be a great fit! Her Grooming Skills are impeccable.

She's "Lulu Approved"...book your appointment, and ask for Laura (mention this blog) and get $5.00 off your first groom with her!

New Hours!!!

2010-02-15T16:06:00.000-08:00

We have been experimenting with new store hours for three months now, and here is what we have come up with:

Mon-Thurs 10am-7pm
Fri 10am-6pm
Sat-Sun 10am-5pm

Thanks!

Sausage Fest at Pets in the City!! :-)

2010-02-12T10:29:00.000-08:00

Saturday, February 20th from 5:30-7:00 pm....We are hosting a Dachshund Party! If you have a weeny dog and want him/her to play with other weenies, come on out to Pets in the City next Saturday at 5:30pm!!

Ten Tips to Become a Green Pet Owner -Yeepet.com Blogs

2010-02-09T09:46:00.000-08:00

Ten Tips to Become a Green Pet Owner -Yeepet.com Blogs

What are Flower Essences and How Do They Work? at Only Natural Pet Store

2010-02-09T09:38:00.000-08:00

What are Flower Essences and How Do They Work? at Only Natural Pet Store

Gateway Pet Guardians pulled another death row doggy today!

2010-02-08T12:03:00.000-08:00

This is Eli. My friend Jamie Case picked him up from Animal Control today. He had just a few days left.... The poor guy has been there since October! He was pulled off the streets as a stray in North County. He was only 10 weeks old when they found him. He is a big boy, but such a sweetheart. He loves other dogs and LOVES attention from any human.

Check out this article! It's great!

2010-02-08T11:24:00.000-08:00

Why do you really need a prescription for your dog’s food? … just follow the money!

By Deb Dempsey

http://content.theamericandogmag.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=286:why-do-you-really-need-a-prescription-for-your-dogs-food&catid=43:nutrition&Itemid=96

2009-05-12T12:27:00.001-07:00

Amy is planning this weekend's Sidewalk Sale to coincide with the Soulard Neighborhood Yard Sale...table space anyone? $10 and proceeds go to Tenth Life Cat Rescue

2009-04-25T18:39:00.001-07:00

is getting ready for Earth Day in Forest Park tomorrow..come out to see Vera, Emily and I at the Pets in the City booth!

Girl Scout Cookies at Pets in the City!

2009-02-23T11:56:00.000-08:00

* February 28th, 11am-4pm: After five years of begging the Girl Scouts, we finally have a date set to have a troop at the store on a Saturday pushing their famous Cookies! This Saturday, from 11am-4pm, we will have a Brownie Troop in the store selling Girl Scout cookies!! The girls are coming equipped with plenty of boxes of cookies to accommodate Pets in the City customers. Cash or check is required to buy the cookies, as Pets in the City cannot run them through the credit card machine.

Small Dog Meet-up Party at Pets in the City

2009-02-23T11:53:00.000-08:00

* February 28th, 5pm: Small Dog Meet-up at Pets in the City. Dogs must be 18lbs and under. This is a FREE event that will be held once a month at Pets in the City, hosted by Vera Lucas of Bark 4 Vera Dog training. RSVP to bark4vera@yahoo.com

SANTA CLAUS Is Coming to Town...or, to Soulard anyway!

2008-11-11T14:44:00.000-08:00

The BEST Santa ever will be making his 5th annual visit to Pets in the City on Sunday, November 23rd (10am-5pm). This year's fund raising is benefiting the Soulard Dog Park who suffered some administrative problems earlier this year and is now fighting to come back stronger than ever!

If you haven't seen our Santa, you are missing out. This guy is the real deal; complete with his own beard, rosy cheeks, and Santa Suit!

Photos are $15 (cash/check) going directly to the Soulard Dog Park (John and Lucille Wendling Memorial Dog Park).

We're getting excited about Chicago!

2008-09-29T21:45:00.000-07:00

This weekend is the annual Holiday Tradeshow for pet retailers in Chicago. This is the show where we learn about and have the ability to order all of the cool new products for you! If you shop at Pets in the City this weekend (Thurs-Sun) be kind to Vera Lukas. Our talented trainer on staff has been generous enough to cover for Dawn and I while we shop in Chicago. :-)

Come out this Saturday (Sept 20) to help St Louis BOXERS!!!

2008-09-16T08:00:00.000-07:00

BOOZN' IT UP FOR BOXERS 2008!!

Luvy Duvy's Cafe and Pets in the City are teaming up to raise funds for Boxer Rescue's ever-climbing veterinary bills. Boozn' it up for Boxers will be September 20th from 6pm-10pm at Luvy Duvy's Cafe on the corner of Jefferson and Arsenal in the Benton Park neighborhood. Tickets are $20 in advance, and $25 at the door. Tix can be purchased at Pets in the City or via Paypal on Boxer Rescue's website.

Your hard-earned money gets you in to a wonderful party with fabulous dog-loving people, unlimited drinks and appetizers, music, and a silent auction that is shaping up to be pretty cool! Donations for alcohol and silent auction/raffle items for this event are still happily being accepted at Pets in the City.

New Doggie Daycare Open in Soulard

2008-09-16T07:54:00.000-07:00

Check out Doggone Furbabyz in the Soulard 'hood, directly behind Pets in the City (facing Gravois).

As we all know, Soulard is the home to the largest dog park in the city, the best Pet Sitting/Dog Walking Services in the city, and of course a pretty cool pet store that boasts healthfoods, grooming, self-wash and a couple of awesome dog trainers...now, the neighborhood is proud to add to its pet-loving heritage a Doggie Daycare!

Doggone Furbabyz is OPENING Monday, September 8th. The owners are still working on their website...it will be live soon. For now, you can give them a call for more information.!

Just a hint of what they offer: Rates $24/day (discounts for multi-dog families as well as half-day rates) and packages available. Shots and/or proof of titers required.

Contact details: Dog-Gone Furbabyz Doggie Daycare, 1250 Gravois Avenue, (314) 621-3309 or (314) 566-3700....call and talk to Shanna, Eileen or Shelly.

Want to Adopt Mabel?

2008-09-16T07:46:00.000-07:00

This wonderful female Pitty is being fostered by Stephie Ernst of St Louis. Stephanie and her partner rescued this wonderful dog from a horrible life...read the blog...meet the dog...adopt a best friend for life!

Get Your Dog Trained!

2008-08-11T05:33:00.000-07:00

...with a Positive Reinforcement Trainer! Vera Lukas is on the 2nd floor of Pets in the City all of the time. Stop in to talk to her or to get some additional information about her private sessions and her upcoming group classes. She's great!

Help with Upcoming Fundraiser for BOXER RESCUE!

2008-08-11T05:27:00.000-07:00

Pets in the City is putting on another rescue fundraiser...this time for St. Louis Boxer Rescue. The event will be the night of September 20th, 6pm-10pm at Luvy Duvy's Cafe on Jefferson and Arsenal.

We are looking for donations of beer or wine AND donations of Silent Auction Items. Contact Amy or Dawn at Pets in the City (314) 772-7387 if you can help! Or, thecitypet@yahoo.com

Thanks!

Nadine's Gin Joint to Host Yappy Hour Every Tuesday!

2008-06-28T16:22:00.000-07:00

July 8th (Tuesday): Nadine's Gin Joint, next door to Pets in the City, will be kicking off a weekly Tuesday night YAPPY HOUR (4pm-7pm) on her spacious porch! Bring your pooch and enjoy a beer and appetizers. For those with a dog in tow, Nadine's will offer 1/2 OFF SELECT APPETIZERS and DRINK SPECIALS, inluding 'Hot Diggity Dogs' and a special 'Doggone Good Martini.' For canine attendees, fresh water will be available as well as Doggie Treats from Pets in the City. POOPER SCOOPER RULES APPLY! Nadine will be doing this Yappy Hour every Tuesday through the Summer and Fall.

Sign up!

2008-05-30T08:44:00.000-07:00

A good customer just informed us about this great newsletter, put out by the Environmental Working Group...for PETS!

Pets for the Environment is a project of the Environmental Working Group, a non-profit, non-partisan research organization dedicated to using the power of information to protect health and the environment.

Sign up for their newsletter and hear about all sorts of cool new eco-friendly pet items!

Professional Photographs for your Pet at Pets in the City!

2008-03-19T14:10:00.001-07:00

Local St. Louis Photographer, Lynn Terry (http://www.lynnterry.com/) will be at Pets in the City on Saturday, April 5th for a photo shoot. Her sitting fee is $10 a dog, and her packages start at $46. Contact us to schedule you shoot!

Just in...Trainer Moves in to Pets in the City

2008-03-04T09:59:00.000-08:00

As anyone who shops at Pets in the City knows, Jamie our Groomer just became a Dog Trainer (graduated from Animal Behavior College). She will start classes in the Spring...to be held outside in the Soulard Neighborhood. Jamie also offers private one-on-one classes.

In addition to Jamie...we just joined forces with long-time trainer, Vera Lukas (http://www.bark4vera.com/). Vera will be setting up shop on the 2nd floor of our store. She will be offering small group classes (no more than 4 dogs), as well as one-on-one's. Also, Vera is a Reiki Master and a Pet Aromatherapy guru. She plans to hold many seminars soon.

Help find Hunter the Golden/ Sunset Hills Area

2008-03-04T08:54:00.000-08:00

HELP HUNTER COME HOME FOR HIS 1ST BIRTHDAY ON MARCH 8TH. WE LOVE HUNTER AND MISS HIM SO MUCH!!! Hunter is an 11 month old male Golden Retriever, who went missing on 2/7/08. We have heard so many stories about dogs who went missing for 3 weeks to 6 months before they were found. WITH PERSISTANCE, WE WILL FIND HUNTER!!! Please call us if you know of anyone who may have Hunter but is unaware that we are looking for him...at this point, he could be anywhere. REWARD!!! NO QUESTIONS ASKED. 314-308-0626