Why do dogs eat grass?

Any dog owner has probably seen their pup grazing the grass in the backyard at some point. We often overlook this as just a common occurrence in dogs, but have you ever given a second thought to why your dog is doing this?

No, your dog most likely isn't trying a new vegetarian health kick. However, there are some theories as to why our dogs do this.

#1- He is sick.
Some people's dogs only eat grass when they are not feeling well and throw up later on after consuming the grass. Some say the dog knows he has an upset stomach and wants to induce vomiting so they eat the grass to do so.

#2 He is bored.
As we all have fallen victim to the eating while bored syndrome, this is another theory why Fido is munching down on the foliage. Perhaps your dog might be bored and need to do something more stimulating than sleeping the day away. Sometimes eating grass is the next best thing.

#3 He wants some nutrition
Another reason proposed is that your dog instinctively knows they need more of something(nutrition wise). The grass provides fiber and it is often a beneficial food for a dog's digestion. Other suggested reasons why he is eating grass are to treat intestinal worms, or ease the digestion process. The fiber theory is interesting because there is a published study of woman who noted her dog ate grass and vomited every day for 7 years. She found out about the fiber theory and switched her dog to a high fiber diet. The dog completely stopped vomiting.

So, in the end your dog's eating grass isn't necessarily a bad thing. However, there are a few things to be cautious of if Fido continues to eat grass every chance he gets. If you often used powdered pesticides on the grass or perhaps some miracle-gro to keep the garden looking nice, this can be harmful to your pets health and should be monitored.

Other than that, eating grass is nothing new for a dog owner and nothing to be worried about. It's just another one of those interesting things our dogs do.

Maybe your pup is eating grass because he hasn't tasted anything as good as our all natural dog treats!
 Surely after a Peanut Butter BonBon or two, your dog wont even remember what grass tastes like.


Signed, Puppy Love Dog Store

The Name Game- Top Dog Names for 2011

There are a lot of top dog name lists out there. I'm betting dog name favorites are somewhat regional based on where you are from and the breed you are naming.

With our Puppy Love Dog Boutique in Southeast Texas we sell quite a few dog name collars. These collars have the letters that slide on the collars and spell out the name in blingy rhinestones or shiny silver letters.

We also sell a lot of engraved name tags. Based on our records our top dog names for 2011 are as follows:

-Boy Names: MAX, BAXTER, and JAKE

-Girl Names: LUCY, BELLA and IZZY

We see a lot of boy pups named Bailey, Zack, Ace, Axel and Bentley

The girl names that we see over and over are Coco, Abby, Zoey, Molly, Emmy and Lily are also popular in our area.

While Buddy and Daisy make the national lists, we don't see them as often. Petmd.com has a great list voted on by site visitors. It certainly seems to be a comprehensive collection of pet names. It will definitely get you started thinking of that perfect name for your perfect pup.

Whatever name you finally choose that special name will take on a whole new meaning when it defines your precious puppy. "Lily" wont be a name on a dog list anymore. "Lily" will be the name of the best dog ever! Our "Lily" certainly is!



Also guys, do not forget to checkout Obsessive Chihuahua Disorder's newest blog, we think you might enjoy it!
ObsessiveChihuahuaDisorder.com BLOG

Lily's Corner
Puppy Love Dog Boutique

Sunglasses/ Doggles for Pups? Fashion and Practicality

Owning a dog boutique in Texas you get to hear a lot of different comments on a lot of different things. What people love, dislike, or aren't sure about when it comes to their dog's apparel. Our topic today is one of those items that even the most avid doggie shoppers usually will roll their eyes at when they see it. I'm talking about Doggles- Puppy Sunglasses & Dog Goggles

http://www.puppylovedogstore.com

To most this seems the over the top dog luxury. "Sunglasses for dogs- now I've seen everything!" is one remark we get quite often.

The pups do look like Hollywood starlets with their little diva pink-lensed sunglasses with the rhinestone hearts in the corner. Surprisingly enough, these accessories do have a practical side!

The week I got my first order of sunglasses in a lady called asking if I had any sunglasses for her pug- her vet had told her she must have them. Really? Even I was surprised. She explain their family was heading for the beach with their pug who had an eye infection. The vet was worried about wind and sand irritating the eye even more. He told her a pair of goggles would protect the eye. For dogs who love to hang their head out the window, sunglasses are the perfect protection from flying debris. Dogs who ride in the back of a truck or with their owners on motorcycles or boats need protection also. They make them adjustable and available in sizes to fit a 3 pound to 250 pound dog!

The dog sunglasses we carry have a UV coating to reduce harmful exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

They are specially made to fit comfortably and protect your baby's eye. These glasses can protect the eye from trauma, reduce glare, and relieve light sensitivity.

For the older dogs with developing cataracts or poor vision, these glasses prove to be extremely helpful. They are also developed to be shatter proof.

So... ok. They do seem awfully "cutesy" but they are a practical aid for many dogs and yes, quite the fashion statement for the rest. 

So next time you see that adorable chihuahua or that fashionable doberman rocking the shades, don't judge too fast. They may be on the edge of trendy luxury dog fashion, or they may just be practicing safety habits and avoiding blindness or eye infections.

GET YOUR DOGGLES HERE