Big Paw Designs |
- Blog Special Alert! 20% off until 9/30/11
- Cat Questions Answered
- It's Hot! Take 20% off to cool off
- Big Savings with 1800Pet Meds and MyCoupons.com
- Save 40% on Doggie Pick up Bags - 3 days only!
- The Bulldog
- 24 hours only - 50% off orders over $50!
- Happy Mom's Day
- Getting on in Years: Your pet and aging
- The Maltese Terrier
- Free Gift With Purchase!!! Spread the word!
- Cats of Some Renown: Celebrity Kitties
- Big Paw Blog Giveaway - win $50 to shop!
- Lucky Dog! (And Cat) Sale
- Add your blog to our blogroll!
- Overstock Sale
- Happy Valentine's
- Blog is back on Blogger!
- Big Paw Designs® Celebrates the Joy of Pets With Angel Paws™ Line
- Year End Sale 25% off pet gifts
- New Blog - Please follow us to the new site!
- Identifying worms in dogs and cats
- Take our short shipping survey!
- The Panther in the House – A Look at the Beautiful Bombay
- 'Max' Hits Top Spot for Favorite Dog Name
| Blog Special Alert! 20% off until 9/30/11 Posted: 20 Sep 2011 06:06 AM PDT Save 20% off - just for our blog readers! Now through 9/30/11 Use coupon code BLOG20sept on http://www.bigpawdesigns.com Cannot combine with other offers, on past orders or out of stock items. Not valid on out of stock items or previous orders. Cannot be combined with other offers.  |
| Posted: 20 Sep 2011 05:20 AM PDT Everyone wants to be the best "cat mom" or "dog mom" there is. But let's face it, we don't always know how or what to do. This is especially true with cats - they can be quite a mystery to most folks. So that is where the website Cat Questions Answered comes into play.  The website has many categories to choose from: treats, behavior, cat breeds - you name it! It looks like they even have an ebook you can download to have a handy reference - and a holistic cat health course you can sign up for. We have written about many cat things - but this website seems to be a true one stop for cat questions - I could not think of any subject they did not cover. They even have an article on how to toilet train cats - I mean these guys are serious about cat questions! I also found the site very easy to navigate and very fast to load. There does seem to be a lot of promotion for the ebooks, but hey - if they are as helpful as the website - why not? So, the next time you have a cat question you are having trouble finding the answer to - this might be your solution. This post brought to you by Cat Questions Answered.  |
| It's Hot! Take 20% off to cool off Posted: 04 Aug 2011 05:26 AM PDT It is hot here at Big Paw - like 110 hot! Way too hot for dogs and cats to be expected to play outside! Please remember to take care of your pets in this heat with plenty of water, bring them inside, etc. Now to the fun! Take 20% off anything online through August 11, 2011! Enter coupon code HOTHOTHOT at checkout.   |
| Big Savings with 1800Pet Meds and MyCoupons.com Posted: 28 Jun 2011 11:35 AM PDT MyCoupons.com is a great site - and if you have not checked it out lately, they have made some changes. Big Paw especially loves this site as you can save money on things like flea and tick medicine, heart worm medicine, etc. as they partner with 1800PetMeds Coupons. The site has a neat little area that tells you average savings - you could save more or less of course - but we found that very helpful. It also tells you when the coupon expires. It also tells you how many people have saved money using a coupon that week. There are several coupons to click on and you can even share the love on Facebook and Twitter. They tell you how much you save - then you click and go! My click turned up 20% off Flea and Tick meds for the upcoming July 4th weekend. Perfect! That is a lot of money saved! Here is a screen shot of the 1800PetMeds page on MyCoupons.com so you can see how well laid out it is:  About My Coupons.com
Make sure to follow mycoupons.com on Facebook too! This post brought to you by MyCoupons.com  |
| Save 40% on Doggie Pick up Bags - 3 days only! Posted: 18 Jun 2011 01:38 PM PDT |
| Posted: 08 Jun 2011 10:33 AM PDT The Bulldog originates from the British Isles, where it was bred for ferocity and used in the sport of bull baiting. However, when dog fighting became illegal in Great Britain during the1830s, the future of the Bulldog looked very bleak indeed. Dog lovers rallied round in support of the breed, in the hope of preserving it and eliminating its aggressive nature. Thankfully, due to their success, today's Bulldog is an affectionate, dependable and gentle dog, which loves attention and is good with children. Although Bulldogs are gentle and love plenty of attention, they can be a little too demanding at times and even dominating. Strong leadership will be required to keep them in their place. They are not huge fans of exercise, particularly as adults, so you may need to coax them out for regular walks to keep them fit and healthy. Appearance Bulldogs are medium-sized dogs with a thickset, low swung body. They have a large short-faced head with wide shoulders and sturdy limbs. They are approximately 12 – 16 inches (31 – 40cms) in height and, considering their size, are quite heavy. Dogs weigh around 53 – 55 lbs (24 - 25kg) and bitches weigh around 49 – 51 lbs (22 – 23kg). They have dark eyes, which are set far apart and close to the nose. They have thin, folded ears - resembling a rose - and dense folds of skin on the skull and forehead. The legs are stocky and set squarely at each corner and the tail is short and carried low. The coat is straight, short, flat and fine-textured and comes in brindle, solid white, solid red, fawn or a combination of these colors. Grooming Bulldogs are average shedders and their smooth and fine coat is easy to care for. Regular grooming with a firm bristle brush will keep it in good condition. Bathe when necessary and keep the face regularly cleaned to keep any dirt out of the wrinkles. Health problems Bulldogs are susceptible to breathing problems – they do snore quite loudly too! They can also suffer from poor eyesight, heat stroke, skin infections and hip and knee problems. The average lifespan of the Bulldog is around eight years.  |
| 24 hours only - 50% off orders over $50! Posted: 12 May 2011 10:36 AM PDT It is a blah rainy day today, so to cheer us (and you) up - we are having a 24 hour sale! As a special treat for our newsletter subscribers - take 50% off orders over $50 at Big Paw Designs ! Offer DetailsCoupon Code ONEDAY50Online at Big Paw Designs Valid 5/12-5/13 2011 only. **Not valid on previous purchases, some clearance items, out of stock items or with other offers. Must enter coupon code at checkout for offer to apply.**  |
| Posted: 08 May 2011 05:28 AM PDT |
| Getting on in Years: Your pet and aging Posted: 23 Mar 2011 05:31 AM PDT Today pets are living longer than ever before, due to improved technology, advanced research and nutritious diet. We, as owners, want our pets to remain in optimum health, and we can ensure that happens by making sure our pets get proper veterinarian care, lots of exercise and a diet that is filled with nutrients. We also need to be aware of the signs of aging so we can take help our pet achieve longevity. As our pets bodies age, metabolism slows down and requires less calories to maintain optimum health. The slowing of the metabolism also means that your pet won't have the energy that it once had. It may not run and play like it did in the prime of its life. Because your pet isn't getting as much exercise, it is your responsibility to ensure that food intake is monitored so that no excess weight is gained. Extra weight can shorten your pet's life. Added pressure to joints and organs can make existing medical problems worse, or cause new problems. Nutrient requirements will differ and you may need to change to a food made especially for senior pets. There are hundreds available on today's market and they are all produced to help aging animals maintain optimum health. Arthritis is a common ailment in pets that are seniors. Many animals get hip dysplasia when they age. The joints become malformed or the lining of the joints may have developed abnormally. Dysplasia seems to be prominent in certain breeds. Alaskan malamute dogs often get dysplasia when they get older. Onset of arthritis can be caused by different factors. Infection due to injuries or wear and tear can cause joints to become inflamed. Being overweight will aggravate arthritis. Symptoms are limping, tiring easily, slowness in getting up and a reluctance or refusal to climb stairs. If your pet displays these symptoms, make an appointment with your veterinarian. Anti inflammatory medications can be prescribed by your vet to treat arthritis in your pet. You may also want to change your pet's environment to make it easier for it to eat, drink or use the litter box. Dogs Many people believe that they can measure a dog's age in human years by multiplying by seven. This is a definite myth. Dogs reach adolescence within the first few years of life. The aging process varies in individual dogs and breeds. Symptoms of aging may include decreased activity, blindness, deafness, a change in temperament, and the loss of the sense of smell. Skin and coat problems are also common. Be sure to create a quiet and secure environment for aging dogs. Other symptoms can include unresponsiveness, frequent or uncontrollable urination, respiratory problems, increased drinking, bad breath and general stiffness. Aging problems can benefit from supplements, but an assessment by your veterinarian is in order. It may be your pet has a deficiency of omega fatty acids, which are produced in the liver. Reduced enzyme activity can cause the production of this essential acid to drop. Supplements of omega fatty acids can improve skin and coat problems and promote growth of essential bacteria in the intestines while diminishing bacteria that is detrimental to your pet's health. Antioxidants, Vitamin E, and betacarotene can increase function of the immune system in older pets. Cats Cats can live into their late teens, or early twenties. Symptoms of aging include decreased activity, increased sleeping, and a decreased tolerance for changes in their environment. They also become more sensitive to weather conditions, such as heat and cold. Dental pain can cause them to stop eating and they will have problems digesting food. Geriatric cats usually respond well to a diet that is high in fiber, low in fat and calories, moderate in levels of phosphorous and protein as well as limited salt and vitamin supplements. Symptoms of illness can include weight loss, diarrhea, excessive meowing, frequent urination, bad breath, hyperactivity and drooling. Aging cats need a diet that is well balanced that contains essential amino acids and a supplement of Vitamin E. This will aid your pet's immune system in fighting infection. Checkups Regular examinations by your veterinarian should include blood tests, blood count, and a urinalysis. These things will tell him if your pet has anemia, vital infections, renal kidney disease, diabetes, urinary tract infection or feline urologic syndrome. As a pet owner, you have responsibilities to your pet. Regular veterinarian checkups including periodontal examinations should be conducted. Your pet should have a daily routine of feeding and exercise so that you are able to detect signs of deteriorating health. At the first sign of stiffness, pain or digestive disorders, be sure to have your pet checked. This will ensure that he is around to give you enjoyment for many years to come. All articles copyright bigpawdesigns.com. Do not repost or copy without permission. View more at www.bigpawdesigns.com  |
| Posted: 20 Mar 2011 03:18 PM PDT  The Maltese Terrier is one of the most recognizable toy breeds in the world, and is thought to be one of the oldest European toy breeds. They are believed to be the result of crossing miniature spaniels with the miniature poodle. More than 2,000 years ago, Phoenician traders were thought to have brought this breed to the island of Malta in the Mediterranean Sea. Malta was a geographic center of early trade and explorers first discovered these little white dogs when they were used as bartering tools for necessities and supplies. They became favored companion dogs by royalty and Mary Queen of Scots, Queen Elizabeth I, Queen Victoria and Marie Antoinette were just a few of the proud owners of this pretty and affectionate breed. The Maltese was also depicted in Greek art and could be seen in ceramics, sculptures and paintings. Appearance The Maltese Terrier is easily recognizable by its long, white and silky coat, small black nose, big brown eyes and drop ears. These dogs have no undercoat and shed little to no hair, making them perfect for allergy sufferers. The coat is often left long, but some owners prefer to keep it clipped short. The coat requires plenty of regular grooming and, if it is kept long, the hair on the top of the head should be clipped back to keep it out of the dog's eyes. MF They are quite long dogs and weigh in the region of 4 – 7lbs and stand at around 30cms in height. They are generally quite healthy dogs with few inherent problems. They have a good life span of between twelve and fifteen years or longer. Temperament Maltese Terriers are very intelligent and loyal little dogs and can be very protective towards their owners. They are, however, inclined to be a bit snappy, particularly with noisy and boisterous children. They are very playful and affectionate and love nothing better than to be cuddled up with their owners'. Maltese require minimal training, as they are very obedient by nature and learn tricks very easily. These dogs make the ideal companion for anyone with limited living space, as they do not require vast amounts of exercise. Interesting Facts o The Greeks erected tombs to their Maltese Terriers. o It is thought that the Egyptians worshiped the breed, as a model of the Maltese was unearthed in Egypt. o The Maltese was once known as "Ye Ancient Dogge of Malta." o The American Kennel Club accepted the breed for registration in 1888. All articles copyright Big Paw Designs - do not publish without permission. Read more at www.bigpawdesigns.com  |
| Free Gift With Purchase!!! Spread the word! Posted: 17 Mar 2011 08:03 AM PDT It is spring break in many parts of the country, so we decided the pets & pet owners need a little treat too! Especially those of us stuck at work instead of on a beach! Big Paw Designs wants to Give you a special treat! A free paw sticker with every purchase over $15. Choose from Turquoise, Yellow, Green, Purple, Pink, Red or Orange.  Simply add the color paw sticker of your choice to your shopping cart with your $15 purchase. At checkout, enter coupon code FREEPAW and the cost of the sticker will be taken off your order. Offer Details: Coupon Code FREEPAW Online at Big Paw Designs Valid 3/17/11-4/1/11 only. Not valid on previous purchases or with other offers. Must enter coupon code at checkout for offer to apply.  |
| Cats of Some Renown: Celebrity Kitties Posted: 16 Mar 2011 10:27 AM PDT Cat lovers know that there's something entirely special about their cat. Felines have been domestic pets since ancient Egypt, at least. In fact, Egyptians considered cats so highly that to harm one was a crime punishable by death. And, when a family cat passed away the whole family would show their mourning by shaving off their eyebrows! Following you will find a by-no-means-complete list of Famous Cats, both modern-day and throughout history: * Felix: Star of the very first animated cartoon, Felix was a movie star even before Mickey Mouse. Felix carried his 'bag o'tricks' with him everywhere he went and often used the contents to thwart his nemesis, Master Cylinder. * Garfield: Created by cartoonist Jim Davis, Garfield is a big orange-and-white tabby with an insatiable appetite for lasagna. * The Cheshire Cat: Denizen of Wonderland, the Cheshire Cat was often found lounging on an overhanging tree limb. He was known to purr-speak something witty to Alice before disappearing, leaving only his smile behind. * Duchess the Persian and O'Malley the Alley Cat: Stars of the 1970 Disney cartoon, The Aristocats, Duchess and O'Malley were two of the most well-loved cartoon kitties ever drawn. * Sylvester: With his blustering speech impediment, Sylvester made his cartoon debut around 1945 and remains one of the most well-known cartoon cats, ever. He was always after the little old lady's pet canary who, when sensing Sylvester's presence, shouted "I tawt I taw a puddy tat!" Sylvester never did catch the bird. * The Cat in the Hat: Created by Ted Geisel aka Dr. Seuss in the mid 1950s, the Cat in the Hat helped teach generations of kids to read with his simple, often one-syllable vocabulary. * Krazy Kat: Created by George Herriman, Krazy Kat was the first comic-strip kitty. He appeared on the scene in 1910 in The New York Journal. Poor Krazy was always being bombarded with bricks thrown by Ignatz Mouse. * Fritz the Cat: Created by Robert Crumb, who originally named him Fred, Fritz was the first (and probably still the only) X-rated animated cartoon cat. Of course, the ratings system in 1970 was a lot more strict; today Fritz would likely merit only an 'PG-13'. * Morris: An enormous orange tabby, Morris was rescued from an animal shelter in 1968 and by 1969 was the most famous cat in America. He was spokescat for Nine Lives cat food and was invited to the White House by then-President Richard M Nixon where he signed (with a paw-print) the National Animal Protection Bill. * Puss'n Boots: Created by the Brothers Grimm, Puss'n Boots has remained famous for generations. The boot-wearing Puss even had a speaking part in the Hollywood movie, Shrek. Cats, with their curious and often humorous behavior, will always be entertaining. Of course, in our own personal lives the most famous kitties of all will be the ones sleeping at our feet. All articles copyright bigpawdesigns.com. Do not repost or copy without permission. View more at www.bigpawdesigns.com  |
| Big Paw Blog Giveaway - win $50 to shop! Posted: 15 Mar 2011 11:36 AM PDT In honor of our blog switching back to blogger - we are having a giveaway! (We are still trying to get some of the posts back on the site too! Our wordpress site will not be taken down yet - so you can still see some of the older posts if you like.) In honor of our old followers and our new ones - you could win $50 worth of pet goodies from Big Paw Designs! Buy it: You can buy pet gifts such as collar charms, stickers and magnets online at Big Paw Designs! Most items are affordable little luxuries and many benefit pet charities. Win it: One of our blog readers will win $50 worth of items from Big Paw Designs! Who hoo! Paws in the air! Here is the scoop: - Giveaway Ends Midnight 3/15 CST, entries posted after this will not be considered. - US & Canada 18+ only, no PO Boxes - Winner chosen via random.com and will have 24 hours to reply to our email claiming their fabu prizes! Mandatory entry - Follow our blog - the Big Paw Blog via GFC and tell us your favorite thing about Big Paw Designs! (1 Entry and Mandatory before other entries, entries that do not follow the first entry requirements will not count) Extra entries - place a separate comment for each: - Follow Big Paw on Twitter - Like Big Paw on Facebook - Subscribe to the Big Paw Blog via email (Feedburner) - Tweet about this giveaway and comment with the link - once a day only - Blog about this giveaway and comment with a link  |
| Posted: 26 Feb 2011 05:46 AM PST  In honor of St Patrick's Day Big Paw Designs wants to celebrate all of you lucky dogs and cats. So we are having a sale! Take 17% off now through St. Paddy's Day! Enter coupon code LUCKY2011 at checkout.  |
| Add your blog to our blogroll! Posted: 14 Feb 2011 06:45 AM PST Have a pet blog? We would like to invite you to add your blog to the Big Paw Blogroll! Look forward to seeing you there! High Paw five to all of our new friends! Woof! Meow!   |
| Posted: 13 Feb 2011 12:25 PM PST Big Paw Designs has added an overstock section where you can find great finds and deals! We had several stores that carry Big Paw items close in recent months that we had stocked inventory to sell.....so we have some extras! Shop for overstocks here (& check back often!)     |
| Posted: 10 Feb 2011 12:28 PM PST Wishing everyone a very happy Valentine's Day!  Woof! Meow!  |
| Posted: 30 Jan 2011 11:39 AM PST Well, a few years ago we switched the blog to wordpress. Quite frankly I am not sure if it ever worked correctly. Today - we switched back to blogger. Unfortunately, the wordpress site crashed and we lost 2 years for posts. But the good news is we now have a blog that is operating smoothly! Thanks to all for your patience! Woof! Meow!  |
| Big Paw Designs® Celebrates the Joy of Pets With Angel Paws™ Line Posted: 29 Jan 2010 06:18 AM PST |
| Year End Sale 25% off pet gifts Posted: 28 Dec 2009 04:53 AM PST After Xmas Sale - 25% off at Big Paw Designs! Shop at http://www.bigpawdesigns.com enter coupon code YE09 at checkout!  |
| New Blog - Please follow us to the new site! Posted: 13 Mar 2009 11:47 AM PDT We have moved our blog to Wordpress, but http://www.bigpawdesigns.blogspot.com will remain active for now. Please visit our new blog to see new posts. You can also see all of the old posts, links and more: www.bigpawblog.com or http://blog.bigpawdesigns.com/ Please email us at blog at bigpawdesigns.com if you have any questions! Woof!  |
| Identifying worms in dogs and cats Posted: 12 Mar 2009 04:59 PM PDT One of the most common problems with dogs and cats is worms. Worms are usually not a life threatening condition, but they aren't pleasant to deal with either. There are many ways for your pets to get worms. Some dogs and cats may even be born with them. Before you can get rid of these pests you need to identify which type of worm they have. Below is an explanation of the four most common types, roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms, and whipworms. Most of these worms have the same type of symptoms that may include diarrhea, weight loss, and vomiting. Roundworms are very common among dogs and cats. They can be picked up by ingesting the eggs which are usually contained in the animal's stools. Keeping your pet's environment clear of feces can help prevent roundworms and other types of worms as well. However, preventing roundworms isn't always easy since mothers can actually pass these parasites to unborn animals. It is also possible to have roundworms without any having any symptoms. However, when they are passed or vomited they are very noticeable and resemble spaghetti. Roundworms are difficult to pass to humans because you would have to ingest the fecal matter that contains the eggs. Tapeworms are harder to get rid of than roundworms. While there are usually over the counter medications that can be purchased for roundworms, a prescription may be needed for tapeworms. It is also easier to catch tapeworms. If your dogs or cats like to eat dead animals, they can easily catch tapeworms. They can also catch tapeworms by ingesting fleas that contain tapeworm eggs. Tapeworms can be distinguished from roundworms by the way they look. What you may see on your dogs and cats are little segments of the worm. The worm is made up of these segments and you will usually never see a whole tapeworm. The segments may resemble tiny worms because they will still move around. This is because the segment contains the eggs. After the segment has been passed it will dry up and no longer move. You may mistake these segments for grains of rice stuck to your dogs and cats fur or in their stools. Hookworms are not going to be seen in the stools or on the fur. They are microscopic and they will only be identified through a stool sample or due to symptoms. These worms attach themselves to the inside of your dogs, and less often, your cats. While attached they will feed off of the blood from your pet. This may make your dogs or cats anemic and could become a big problem. Whipworms are also going to be largely undetected unless your pet is suffering from symptoms. A stool sample can usually show whether your dogs and cats have contracted whipworms. However, there are times when a stool sample will not work. This is because whipworms leave very few eggs. If your dogs or cats have a mucous covering on their stools, they may have whipworms. Dealing with worms is never pleasant for a pet owner. You just have to remember that it is even more unpleasant for the pet. Identifying your culprit is the first step in treating the worm infestation. If you any trouble you should see your veterinarian for help in dealing with this problem. All articles copyright bigpawdesigns.com. Do not repost or copy without permission. View more at www.bigpawdesigns.com  |
| Take our short shipping survey! Posted: 10 Mar 2009 11:53 AM PDT |
| The Panther in the House – A Look at the Beautiful Bombay Posted: 10 Mar 2009 04:38 AM PDT Many lovers or domestic cats are naturally drawn to the beauty and majesty of wild felines, but those denizens of the jungle make notoriously bad house pets. Those cat lovers who crave the beauty of the black panther, combined with the gentle nature of the house cat may want to welcome a Bombay into the home. The Bombay in fact shares many characteristics with the legendary black panther, including the striking deep copper eyes and the luscious black coat. These cats are a striking addition to any home, and those who know the breed have fallen in love with their beauty, charm and intelligence. In fact, many Bombays can be leash trained, providing a safe way to let the neighbors enjoy their beauty. These wonderful felines also love to play fetch with their human owners, combining the playfulness of a kitten with the charm of a dog. In fact, many confirmed "dog people" have been instantly transformed into cat lovers after meeting these inquisitive creatures. The Bombay is far from shy, and many in fact like to greet visitors at the door. This bold nature makes them the perfect choice for sharing space with dogs and other pets, while their gentle nature makes them a great kid friendly choice as well. All articles copyright bigpawdesigns.com. Do not repost or copy without permission. View more at www.bigpawdesigns.com  |
| 'Max' Hits Top Spot for Favorite Dog Name Posted: 07 Mar 2009 07:18 AM PST It is estimated that only about one in five dogs in New York City are registered by their owners. But the latest official figures for those that are registered show 'Max' as the most popular name, with mixed breeds topping the poll for the most owned dog, followed by Labrador Retrievers. 'Max' accounted for about 1.2% of names engraved by the department on new licenses, while 'Lucky', 'Princess' and 'Rocky' were all strong contenders for the top spot. Mixed breeds made up just over 7% of the new dog population, with Labrador Retrievers, Pit Bulls, Shih-Tzus and German Shepherds all retained their places in the top 5. The most current official statistics were compiled for the year 2005 with NYC Health Department issuing just over 100,000 licenses. These are the official 'Top Ten' names and breeds: Most Popular Dog Names of 2005 1. Max 2. Lucky 3. Princess 4. Rocky 5. Buddy 6. Coco 7. Daisy 8. Lucy 9. Lady 10. Shadow Most Popular Dog Breeds of 2005 1. Mixed 2. Labrador Retriever 3. Pit Bull 4. Shih-Tzu 5. German Shepherd 6. Yorkshire Terrier 7. Chihuahua 8. Poodle 9. Maltese 10. Cocker Spaniel Conclusion The most popular breeds make sense as far as great family pets if most people are getting it right with their choices but there are still hundreds of other breeds to choose from. And what is in a name? You may actually want to avoid the most frequent names bestowed on beloved pets. Take your pick.  |
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