Welcome to Cody and Company Pets


This blog features the adventures and thoughts of my life with our little Chihuahuas. Life is certainly never dull when you have such cuties to spoil and enjoy life with!






Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Why Do Dogs Eat Grass?



Who hasn't watched their dog munch on some backyard grass and then promptly vomit? What is up with that? Do they eat the grass to vomit?...or do they vomit because they eat the grass???

According to PetMD:

"Dogs love to munch away on grass, and some even make it part of their daily routine. Fortunately, most experts believe it isn't something you should worry about. So why exactly do they gobble up that green stuff in your yard? The modern dog, partly because of evolution and domestication, is no longer like its ancestors, which frequently ate their prey entirely, including the stomach contents of plant-eating animals. Instead, dogs today seek out plants as an alternative food source. Most commonly the plant is grass -- since that is what is closest at hand -- but wild canines are known to eat fruits, berries, and other vegetable matter, too.

A dog will seek out a natural remedy for a gassy or upset stomach, and grass, it seems, may do the trick. When ingested, the grass blade tickles the throat and stomach lining; this sensation, in turn, may cause the dog to vomit, especially if the grass is gulped down rather than chewed.

Although dogs don't typically graze on large amounts of grass like a cow, they may nibble on grass, chew on it for a while, and not throw up (an unwell dog will tend to gulp the grass down in big bites and then throw up). This may be because they find the texture of the grass palatable, or just because they need to add a little roughage to their diet.

Whatever the reason may be, most experts see no danger in letting your dog eat grass."

Okay. If you have a dog that really likes to chow down on grass, you might consider assigning them the lawn mowing chore.



Just on a concerned note, if your dog really likes to chew on grass, you might consider purchasing an indoor grass garden, available in most pet stores. This would allow them to indulge in their favorite treat without you having to be concerned about pesticides or fertilizers that might be present on your lawn.


Petco has a fun kit that you can purchase to grow.

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Score!!

As most people know who have Chihuahuas, or any of the little breeds, these dogs LOVE to eat. They love treats of any kind and will do most anything to be rewarded with said treats.

People often ask how we get the girls to pose so perfectly. It's all about the treats. They know that the goodies are coming at the end of the photo shoot and the quicker they cooperate, the sooner they will be smacking those goodies down.

We have had fun submitting some photos lately on Facebook as different online boutiques have had contests. It is an entertaining way to share pictures of the girls, but more importantly (to them), they score some new treats!

We sent in a picture to The Doggie Couture shop and got some yummy gourmet treats that Stormie could hardly restrain from scarfing down during the photo shoot.





We also got some yummy treats from Posh Puppy Boutique that Breezy decided to pose with. Can't let Stormie have all the fun, right?




Posh Puppy Boutique also has a picture of Stormie on their website, helping to sell the Pet Pops Mineral Water from Australia. Yeah Stormie!!!
Both of these online boutiques have wonderful, fun items for your pets. The girls send a big MUAH to them for the goodies.
Now it's time to get back to work girls....the sewing room is calling....

Monday, June 7, 2010

Take Your Dog To Work Day 2010

I have the very good fortune of working from home, so my dogs get to come to work with me everyday. Not everyone is so lucky, and so there is a national Take Your Dog To Work Day coming up on Friday, June 25.



First celebrated in 1999, Take Your Dog To Work Day (TYDTWD) was created to celebrate the great companions dogs make and to encourage their adoption from shelters and breed groups.

There is an official website (of course!) at Take Your Dog To Work Day. They even offer a photo contest where you can download a photo of your dog enjoying their day at work with you. The prize is $500 cash , plus a prize package worth $200, and they will donate $500 to your favorite shelter or rescue group!

This site offers all kinds of great information, including the following tips on getting everything ready to have a successful TYDTWDay:

1) Do an office check with management and co-workers to see if anyone is allergic, afraid of or opposed to you bringing your dog to work for this one special day.
2) Puppy-proof your work space. Remove poisonous plants, hide electrical cords and wires and secure toxic items such as correction fluid, permanent markers, etc. Any office items in question should be placed out of your dog’s reach.

3) Bathe and groom your dog before its office debut. Be sure its shots are up-to-date. If your dog appears sick, don’t bring it to the office. Dogs that are aggressive or overly shy should not accompany you to work. Instead, consider bringing a favorite picture of your pooch.

4) Prepare a doggie bag. Include food, treats, bowls, toys, leash, paper towels, clean-up bags and pet-safe disinfectant (just in case). If you are routinely in and out of your work space, consider bringing a portable kennel for your dog’s comfort and your peace of mind.

5) Plan your pet’s feeding times carefully. Be sure to choose an appropriate area for your dog to relieve himself afterward.

6) Avoid forcing co-workers to interact with your dog. Dog lovers will make themselves known. To avoid pet accidents, monitor the amount of treats your pet is being given. Remember that chocolate, candy and other people food should not be shared with dogs.

7) Have an exit strategy. Although most dogs enjoy TYDTWDay, your pet may not. Should your dog become overly boisterous, agitated or withdrawn, consider taking him or her home. Most companies allow for this on TYDTWDay. Never, under any circumstance, leave your pet alone in a vehicle while you work.

When you go to the TYDTWD site be sure to click on the link at the top entitled 'Get Involved' for more valuable information. I especially like the one on how to win over your boss.



Hopefully, with this much notice, you will have time to arrange to bring your dog to work with you on Friday, June 25.

And I will want to see pictures, also!