Animal Planet - Pet Trends blog

Are You Ready for Some Football ... and Puppies?!

Sports fans and pet lovers alike are counting down to this Sunday's big events -- Super Bowl XLII AND Puppy Bowl IV!

You can bet that Dixie and I will be partying it up with our favorite friends, of the two- and four-legged variety at our house.  We'll be tuning in to watch the adorable puppy action at 3 pm and then watching the Super Bowl too -- we don't like to miss a thing! 

Here are some of my favorite things to include in a Super Puppy Bowl Party!

Do you have a Pats Pooch or has your pet been groomed for the Giants?  Make a statement with these hot looks:

New England Patriots Gear

New York Giants Gear

For the cheerleader wannabe's:

Spirit Paws Cheerleader Outfit

Custom-made Pet Cheerleader Uniforms

Now that your furry friend is dressed for action, the most important thing to remember is the FOOD! 

Make sure to serve plenty of treats.  Check out the Puppy Bowl IV Tail-gate Party Guide for some great ideas on decorations, doggie bags and munchies for your pet and human friends. 

Also, these are two of my favorite snacks:

Nachos for any Super Bowl are a must.  These NaChews will be a hit with the dogs.

And for the human sports fans, decorated sugar cookies like these from Eleni's Bakery.  These cookies are my obsession!!!  Most local bakeries can whip up a special sweet treat like these in no time.  Hey, Dixie and her friends can't get ALL the treats.

So, sports and puppy fans, there you have it.  Get decked out, pick up some drool-worthy snacks, tune in to the Puppy Bowl on Animal Planet at 3 pm e/p and have a bitchin' good time!

Go Puppy!!

P.S.  What are your plans for Super Bowl Sunday?  Do you dress your pets in team colors for sporting events?  Tell me about your activities!

Pigs, er Pets in a Blanket

Sleeping bags are not just for people anymore!  Frankly, they are really not for me, because I haven't been camping since I was ... okay, well I just don't camp.  I'm a city girl.

But even for city dogs and cats, sleeping bags are so cozy, especially since from coast to coast people and pets alike are freezin!  Dogs, like doxies, that like to burrow under blankets will especially take to sleeping bags.  In the mornings, to get Dixie to head out to work with me, I practically have to dump her out of her sleeping bag.

Here are a few of my favorites you should check out:

Fleece Sleeping Bag from trixie + peanut
For the chic kitty or dog in your life, this fleece sleeping bag comes in trendy colors like hot pink and mint.

Khaki Plaid Pet Sleeping Bag from Target
This sleeping bag totally reminds me of Paul Bunyan.  A perfect selection for a camping trip or for pets with a ruff and rugged spirit.

Sales Innovations' Circular Canine Cuddler
This bag is large and in charge and even has a sewn in bolster as a pillow!

Whether you are braving the cold weather in the country or in the city, when it comes to cozy nights, it's in the bag!

Photo Credit: © Trixie + Peanut, Inc

Reaping the Rewards of Pet Ownership

To have a pet or not to have a pet — there is NO question! I've always grown up with animals, so I can't fathom why anyone wouldn't want a pet.  But, in case you know someone who could use some persuasion, check out these interesting findings from Science Daily magazine.

• Senior adults who own dogs go to the doctor less than those who do not. In a study of 100 Medicare patients, those who owned dogs made 21 percent fewer visits to a physician than non-dog owners.
• Pet owners have lower blood pressure, and one study showed that just 10 minutes in the company of an animal significantly reduced blood pressure rates.
• Pet owners have lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels than non-owners.
• Pet owners have overall better physical health due to exercise with their pets.
• 70 percent of families surveyed reported an increase in family happiness and fun after acquiring a pet.
• Children exposed to pets during their first year of life have a lower frequency of some allergies and asthma.
• Children who suffer from autism have more pro-social behaviors if they own a pet.
• Owning a pet - especially a dog - helps children in families better adjust to the serious illness or death of a parent.
• Pets decrease feelings of loneliness and isolation in their owners.
• Having a pet may decrease heart attack mortality rates by 3 percent, which translates into 30,000 lives saved annually.
• Positive self-esteem in children is enhanced if the child owns a pet.
• Children owning pets are more likely to be involved in sports, hobbies, clubs or even chores.

Why do I love having Dixie?  Where would I even begin?! One reason is because of how much fun we have playing with our other friends who have dogs. My building in Gramercy Park is one of the most pet-friendly buildings in the city. In the morning, when Dixie and I are heading to work, my neighbors say hello to both Dixie and I. If I'm walking in the building without her, someone will inevitably say, "Where’s Dixie?!" Making me feel a little bit like a side-show act to Dixie as the main event, but WHATEVER!

Our neighbors fell so in love with Dixie that they decided to get a girl doxie of their own named Lulu. Now, Dixie and Lulu run up and down the halls with each other. When I see the joy on their faces when they first spot each other, there are times when I get a bit teary-eyed.  The unbridled excitement they have at seeing their friends reminds me of my own friends and how much fun it is to just play.

Dixie's other gal pals, Tessy May and Lilly Rose, live on the fourth floor (three dogs with such southern names, right?!). Often, Dixie is invited to take strolls with her favorite pugs through the park (as pictured). Or they just lie around together on heaps of pillows watching movies or chasing each other while the pugs emit their inevitable snorts. 

I am constantly meeting new people, as I'm not exactly a wallflower, but those of you who have pets might agree with me that you feel an instant connection with others who share their adoration for pets, or if we're being honest THE OBSESSION.

Photo courtesy: Ronnie Schultz

Ode to Cat People

Recently I was sitting in a restaurant having brunch with my girlfriends on a Sunday.  I happened to overhear a conversation at the table next to us.  Okay, so it was a guy and girl on a date and we were listening in -- we were playing that game where you try to guess how many dates the guy and the girl have already been on.  The girl, obviously eager to find out what kind of guy she was dating, asked, "Are you a cat person or a dog person?"

It prompted me to wonder, what exactly does it mean if someone says they are a "cat person?"  Can a cat person be compatible with a dog person?  Can someone be both?  There are definitely those that are neither, but I don't choose to associate with those types!  Luckily, there's a ton of interesting and fun ways to distinguish yourself.  These are three of my favorites:

Take this fun quiz to find out if you really are a cat person. 

Check out these funny t-shirts from The Humane Society that perhaps the couple at the neighboring table should purchase!

I found this list reminiscent of Jeff Foxworthy's "You Might be a Redneck" jokes, "You know you're a cat person when ..."

Back to the eavesdropping, the guy sitting with the girl replied that he was a cat person and she looked thrilled.  I think that may have been a major moment in their budding romance.  Perhaps they'll still be together for Valentine's Day.  If he’s smart he'll get her something special for her cat. 

Speaking of Valentine's Day, stay tuned 'cause in the coming days, I'm going to announce Dixie's and my favorite Valentine's Day gift for pets.  I mean, let's be honest, they are our most loyal valentines most of the time. 

Yackity Yack Please Talk Back!

Often times I look over at Dixie and she has this look on her face like she just wants to say something in English.  Sometimes, I'm thinking it's, "Give me a bite of that, will ya?!"  Other times its, "Maggie, you are so nuts.  Stop dancing around the apartment, head to your party and let me have a few minutes to myself to snuggle under the blanket in peace." 

If I wanted a pet who could talk however, I would have gotten a bird.  This thought prompted me to research just how is it that people teach their birds to talk.  Here's what I discovered:

Some breeds of birds are better at learning to talk than others.  Smaller breeds such as parakeets and cockatiels are not the best talkers.  Lovebirds are also not the best talkers.  Perhaps no words are needed for such a love.  The best mouthpiece is the African Gray Parrot. 

Another trait that usually goes hand in hand with being a good talker is a bird that is a bit of a mean biter.  These birds like to use their mouths!  There are CDs you can get to help you tutor your bird.  Check out Birdie Talk CD.  I love how it boasts "family friendly vocabulary." That's no fun!  How funny would it be to have a trash-talking parrot?!

Check out this popular YouTube video of a beat-boxing parrot!  He's got some skills!

So I guess for now, between Dixie and I, I'll stick to doing all the talking.  Growing up, they didn't call me the Mouth of the South for nuthin'!

Dixie's Day at the Dentist

Over the holidays, while hanging out with my family, I looked over to see my dad inspecting Dixie’s teeth like he does to all of my other friends.  I guess I should mention that he’s a dentist, so you don’t think he’s too weird. 

Dixie rolled her eyes and sat relatively patient while he checked out her choppers.  (Fun fact: Most dogs have about 42 permanent teeth by the time they are seven months old.)  My dad told me in a stern voice, that Dixie was due for a teeth cleaning and an appointment MUST be made.  He had a point, she can’t be seen with bad teeth or bad breath, that’s a major faux-paw!

Last week, I made her appointment at the Gramercy Park Animal Hospital for yesterday at 9 am, and I was told no food or drink for Dixie after midnight on Sunday due to the use of general anesthesia.

Yesterday morning, as we began walking towards the Gramercy Park Animal Hospital, Dixie tried to turn the other way.  She knew where we were going!  And, if I’m being honest, she wasn’t the only anxious one.  As we sat in the waiting area, other dogs and cats arrived.  They each seemed to have an uncomfortable look on their furry faces.

Dixie’s vet, Dr. Kuhlman, brought us back to a room for her exam.  Dixie began to shake as he placed her on the scale -- I know how she feels, getting weighed makes me shake a bit too!  Before long it was time to leave Dixie to get her pearly whites cleaned.  I tried to leave quickly so as to not draw attention to my disappearance, but she was on to me and began to cry.  *sniff* *sniff*  Now, I don’t have children yet, but if this is even a little bit like what it must feel like to drop your kids off at school on the first day, I don’t know how you parents do it!

They assured me she was in good hands and promised to call me as soon as she was ready.  Sure enough, at 3 pm, my phone rang.  The nurse said Dixie had been a great patient (due to the general anesthesia, I’m sure), and she’d be ready by 5:30 pm.  At 5:29, I arrived to pick up my girl. 

She was a little woozy, walking a little bit like I do after too many glasses of wine.  I paid the bill ($365, which is a little more than $8.50 per tooth according to my calculations) and was told that Dixie shouldn’t eat until after 8 pm and only soft foods for a couple of days.  They also said that other “normal post-dental reactions” may include blood-tinged saliva for 3-4 days, some increased sensitivity around the mouth and some decreased activity for a few days. 

They also told me that she should have her teeth cleaned once a year.   So, I guess 364 days 'til Dixie (and I) have to do this all over again.  Until then, Dixie is ready for her close-up. 

Book It!

Picture it ... (remember Sophia from the Golden Girls?  She used to begin every story like this and it still cracks me up.) ... an almost perfect Sunday afternoon, nowhere to be, nothing that needs to be done.  Haven't changed out of my pajamas and I'm sipping my coffee.  Lying on the couch, both Dixie and I, are stretched out enjoying the morning.  The only thing missing from this perfect morning, is a good book.  Well, that and a private jet that takes Dixie and I off to the beach in Cannes.  Hey, a girl can dream, can’t she?

Below are some of my favorite books for pet lovers.  They make great gifts too!

Hollywood Cats
by Ann Lloyd

Such a fun coffee table book all about famous felines and how they clawed their way to the top.

All the Presidents' Pets: The Story of One Reporter Who Refused to Roll Over
by Mo Rocca

My hilarious friend Mo Rocca is like a walking encyclopedia of fun facts.  In this satirical book, Mo explains how US political policy has been guided by presidential pets.  A perfect book for anyone who enjoys cable news, political history and pets!

Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul
by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, Marty Becker and Carol Kline

Of course we pet lovers deserved our own Chicken Soup book!  This collection will leave you feeling paw-sitively inspired.

People We Know, Horses We Love
by Jill Rappaport, Wendy Wilkinson and Linda Solomon

I always wanted my own pony when I was a little girl.  My parents said no and I'm still pouting over it.  But, this beautiful full-color photo-essay makes me feel a little better.  It brings horses together with another topic I love: celebrities.

Where the Red Fern Grows
by Wilson Rawls

Who can forget Old Dan and Little Ann? If you're in the mood for a good cry, it’s a classic!

I’m looking for a good book on dog training ... anyone know of one?  Dixie needs to learn some new tricks.  She's not too old, I don't think. 

Political Pets

Everyone's talking politics.  Where do the candidates stand on important issues?  Who will best lead our country?  Just who is a pet lover?  Okay, maybe this isn't considered an "important" issue, but it got me to wondering, so I did some research.   

Let's see how the front-runners stack up.

The Democats, er, I mean DemoCRATS

Caption: John Edwards and family with their two new puppies, Rufus and Lily.
Photo Courtesy: johnedwards.com

Barack Obama — None
Hillary Clinton — Chocolate Lab named Seamus
John Edwards — Golden Retriever, Belle and a Chocolate Lab, plus two new puppies: Rufus and Lily
Bill Richardson — Two cats named Jake and Squeaky

The Republicans

Caption: Mike Huckabee with his dog Jet.
Photo Courtesy: mikehuckabee.com

Rudy Giuliani — None
Mike Huckabee — Black Lab named Jet, and Sonic a Shih Tzu
Mitt Romney — Marley the Weimaraner, who is apparently "lost"
John McCain — A small zoo including:
Coco, the mutt,
Two turtles, Cuff and Link,
Oreo, a black and white cat,
a ferret,
three parakeets,
13 saltwater fish.
And perhaps a partridge in a pear tree?!

Not in the race, NYC mayor Michael Bloomberg has said that while he doesn’t have a dog, he looks forward to whenever his daughters go out of town so that he can doggy-sit.  Hey, Mr. Mayor, Dixie is happy to visit you and be New York’s First Pooch for the day anytime!

Finally, check out this paw-sitively fun site where your pet can get in on the presidential action.  Mypoliticalpet.com is the place to let the political fur fly!  Who would your pet vote for?  Register to vote and let your pet's ruff, purr or chirp be heard!   

What's In a Name?

Okay, so how many of you have a dog named Maggie? It feels like everyone in New York City does. I walk down the street and I'm constantly hearing, "Maggie, sit!", "Maggie, stay!"

My first instinct is to always do what I'm told, so I find myself looking for the closest bench to SIT immediately. Then, after a few seconds, I always do what I want to. Hmmmm, so that's where Dixie gets that from!

According to Veterinary Pet Insurance, some other popular pet names include:

Max
Molly
Jake
Lucy
Bailey
Ginger
Buster
Cody
Bear
and Princess

Does your dog have a trendy name? Or, do you think your pet has a rather unique name? Tell me about it in the comments!

Hot Winter Pet Wear

Brrrrrrr! Here in New York, it is absolutely freezing! My southern bones are just not used to this weather, despite the fact that I moved here seven years ago from Georgia. But, the good news?! Winter fashions! Perhaps my favorite season in fashion -- other than fall, spring and summer.

Want to make sure your pretty kitty or handsome hound is warm and stylish? Check out some of my favorite places.

Disclaimer: Just like in women's and men's fashions, the larger breeds don't have as many choices.

Muttropolis

Dixie and I discovered this shop while visiting San Diego. We even did a fun fashion show for Pet Trends there! The owner is such a doll. Dixie was very excited to take home a studded leash that apparently west coast celebs were also drooling over. Make sure to check out their eclectic collection of knit sweaters and coats to keep your pet warm, like these wild and woolly fleece leopard print coats!

Trixie and Peanut

Yes, I've already mentioned them, but have you seen this site? Even better, if you're in the NYC area, and have checked out their oh-so-stylish store, you'd understand my obsession. And, of course, Dixie is featured as a model throughout their site and what kind of Stage Mom would I be if I didn't tell everyone? The photos they have of their models are ... well, there are no words. And, for me, that's shocking.

Stop in or log on and you'll no doubt get your hands on pet couture and gifts that even Hollywood is drooling over. Word is their clients include Paris Hilton, Drew Barrymore, Funnyman Jimmy Fallon, Tori Spelling and others ... you didn't hear it from me.

Haute Dog Boutique
Check out this fabulous toggle parka! This is so cute for the boys who want to be a little more rugged without sacrificing style.

And finally, drum roll please ...

Saks Fifth Avenue

Try not to drool over the pet couture our friends at Saks have set up! Your pooch will be pretty, pampered and warm in any of these pet parkas.

Your pet will make all the tails wag in any of these fashions so put on your winter best and head out for a cool walk!

Photo courtesy: Muttropolis.com