Pet-Friendly Valentine's Day Guide

Valentine's Day has gone to the dogs and who better deserving of being lavished with gifts (other than yourself of course!) than your always loving, constant companion pup. Check out a list of Valentine-inspired pet-friendly gift ideas to help you spread the puppy love.

Pet-Friendly Valentine's Day Events -

• This Valentine's Day, Show Your Love at Petco. Come get a photo taken of your pet and receive a Valentine for that someone special. All pets welcome Saturday, February 14 11am-2pm.

Pet-Friendly Gift Ideas -

See more of my Valentine's Day - Doggie Style list at ThisNext.

Fur Hits the Field for Puppy Bowl V

The Pittsburgh Steelers may have walked away with a Super Bowl win but Puppy Bowl V was the game that walked away with our hearts! Returning for its fifth season, Puppy Bowl V kick started this year's extravaganza with "Pepper the Parrot" singing a unique rendition of the National Anthem. An all-star, all adoptable lineup of rambunctious pups than took the field for some fur-raising good times followed by a kitty half-time show. With so many cute pups, it was hard to pick a side. There were some intense romping and rolling with few injuries and a lot of slobber. We all hope that each and every pup finds a loving home!

All of the Puppy Players and Kitty Entertainers came from local Petfinder shelters. Visit Petfinder to browse over 300,000 listings of adoptable pets just waiting for a good home.

To check out clips from Puppy Bowl V and more information about the adorable four legged players, go to Animalplanet.com.

Pet Travel - Heading to the Snow

Though the holiday's may be over, we still have winter! The Polka Dot Pup crew recently put on our long johns and headed for the hills for a little snow dog mischief. Check out some of our favorite moments from the trip.

For more snow dog pics and tips to help keep your pet safe in the cold climate, click here.

Holiday Gift Guide for Pets

Finding the perfect gift for your pet can be tough! Luckily the Polka Dot Pup elves have been working their paws off locating some of the best pet-friendly gifts on the web so you can save a little time and money.

Check out a few items from Vixen's wish list -

Santa Paws - Holiday Gifts for Dogs

For other great gift ideas, check out these helpful sites -

Google Holiday Shopping, search for pet specific holiday gifts.
Modern Dog Ultimutt Gift Guide, inspired suggestions for all the dogs on your list.
Dogtime Holiday Gift Guide, find the best in eco-friendly, luxury, edible gifts and more.



Have some great pet-friendly gift ideas? Send the word to Santa Paws and his furry four legged elves at polkadotpupblog@aol.com.

Holiday Greetings from Your Pet

Christmas is just weeks away and it's about time to send out those Holiday cards. Skip the post office this year and check out some of the fun and festive pet eCards on the net.

Adopt a Virtual Pet eCards, Thinkinginsidethecage.org
ASPCA eCards, ASPCA.org
Critter Carols, Petcentric.com
Dog Holiday eCards, Sloppykisscards.com
Pet Holiday eCards, AmericanGreetings.com
Ugly Pet Sweater Holiday eCards, Petfinder.com

Thanksgiving Pet Safety Tips

Thanksgiving is all about great company and even better food. It's also a time to remember that although your dogs pleading puppy eyes are begging you for table scraps, there are a number of items on your table that can be very harmful to your pets.

Food to watch out for:
-Turkey fat
-Bones from fish, meat, or poultry (turkey included)
-Uncooked meat, fish, and poultry
-Onions
-Garlic
-Raisins and Grapes
-Macadamia nuts
-Uncooked yeast dough
-Alcohol
-Coffee/Tea
-Rich, fatty foods (gravy or grease)
-Sweets (especially chocolate)
-Secure leftovers and garbage

Healthy Treats:
-Fresh pumpkin can be good for dogs (who knew)? If a dog has constipation or diarrhea, cooked pumpkin is good for them. If dog is over weight, its a great filler to put with their food.
-Carrots
-Thanksgiving-inspired pet treats


For other food facts, check out the links below -
Season's Eatings, Petside.com
Best Turkey Treats for Dogs, Petside.com
Dogs and Holidays, AKC.com
Holiday Safety Tips for Dogs, Doctors Foster and Smith

Southern California Fires - Pet Safety

Living in Southern California, you know that when the Santa Ana winds pick up there is the chance for wild fires. Although as residents we prepare ourselves for these disasters, you are never really ready for the devastation fires can cause.

Our hearts go out to the residents affected by the recent outbreak of fires including Sylmar, Corona, Anaheim Hills, Yorba Linda and Brea. Below please find a compiled list of evacuation sites where you can bring your pets.

Sylmar
Dept. of Animal Services: Horses can be taken to the Hansen Dam Equestrian Center at Foothill Blvd. and Orcas Ave.

Other animals can be taken to Mission Animal Center at 15321 Brand Blvd. in Mission Hills, or to the athletic fields at both high-school evacuation centers.

Orange County (for Corona/Brea/Yorba Linda/Anahiem Hills fires)
Animals can be taken to the Orange County animal shelter at 561 The City Dr., Orange. Horses can be taken to the Rocking T Ranch, at Lakeview Avenue and Bastanchury Road in Yorba Linda.

The Anaheim Fire Department said that horses may be sheltered at:Rancho Del Rio Stables1314 Sandersen Ave., Anaheim (714) 535-3510


For tips on protecting your pets during a fire, please check out Pet Fire Safety.