Your Pet Can Benefit from Massage Too!

Oh the beauty of massage! There are many benefits to this wonderful technique including stress reduction, relief from muscle pain, and the amazing gift of ultimate relaxation!  A massage can literally turn an ordinary day into extraordinary.  Here at Cabo Dog Boutique we feel dog massage is a great way to bond with your pet while offering them the healthful benefits at the same time.

There have been recent studies conducted on the benefits of massage for our dogs.  Whether an arthritic senior or a nervous newcomer to your home, massage can help bring out their best side. Massage releases positive endorphin's that will leave them feeling great!  It can even speed up the healing process if you have a pet recovering from an illness or injury.

Pet massage therapists are cropping up just about everywhere!  But we all know that the tender touch of a loved one or a trusted friend would be the up most in pet pampering. Some veterinarians recommend you examine your dog weekly or bi weekly to stay on top of changes in their health. Why not provide a caring massage at the same time! Getting to know your pets body the first few sessions is a good idea as well.  Feel for heat, swelling, bumps, lumps or tender spots.

First thing is to position your dog on a comfortable floor or mat where they are not facing a wall or feel corned.   Make sure to pick a time of day when you can focus and be present without feeling rushed. Think and listen to your pet with your fingers. Gentle flowing strokes along with light circular friction are good techniques and will give you the chance to feel out things that may not be normal. Use a quality dog massage product such as this Organic Dog Massage Lotion that is specifically formulated to be non greasy and will absorb quickly into their skin.

At first you will find out what your pet likes the most. For some, too light of pressure may not be stimulating, for others light pressure may be all they need. And like us, different parts of the body will respond to different amounts of pressure. Be aware of what your pet is telling you.  Look for signs of discomfort, anxiety, and non-compliance. If they keep pulling away from your touch, keep looking at you when you touch a certain spot, yelp or cry, then its apparent that your touch doesn't feel good to them, so stop and revisit the process another time.  Most pets come to appreciate pet massage and it can become a strong bonding period for you both ! But like anything new, it may take some time.

Paw massage is another targeted area that your dog will absolutely love!  All that running and playing leaves them with tired feet, why not pamper them with a wonderful paw massage.  This Paw Butter made specifically for Cabo Dog Boutique is full of healing properties that will condition their paws while giving you a moisturizing smell good product to give them the royal treatment.

Ear cleansers are a necessary tool to keeping your pets ears clean and healthy.  By using a good cleanser like this Lavender and Eucalyptus Ear Cleanser you can provide a casual ear and head massage at the same time.  Use clean cotton swabs and gently brush out the build up of wax and dirt.  Then gently stroke and rub your dogs ears between your thumb and index fingers, giving them a relaxing calming moment while allowing you to keep those ears squeaky clean!
If you have a young energetic dog that just won't stand still, you can try a brushing massage! Simply spritz them with a non toxic coat conditioner such as this Olive Oil Leave in Coat Conditioner. With Pro B5 Vitamins, Aloe Vera and Green Tea Extracts it will add shine to a dull, lack luster coats.  After spritzing your pet, use a soft brush and gently stroke them from head to toe in slow, light pressure strokes.  Spritz some of this wonderful spray on your finger tips and rub behind the ears, head and chest.  This is a great way to introduce the idea of massage to pets that are apprehensive to touch or a bit to energetic!

Or why not go for the puppy facial with these Infused Eye Pads.  Quick and easy wipes can keep that face smelling and looking fantastic while you rub in some extra love! This video tutorial has some awesome tips as well to get you off on the right paw for doggie massage.

Cabo Dog Boutique believes in the power of pet massage.  Even just a  few short minutes each week can be highly beneficial!! Give it a try sometime, they will thank you for it!

Wizard of Oz Inspired Collection

The recent release of the movie Oz, The Great and Powerful, has brought back some fun memories of the All American Classic The Wizard of Oz.  Remember watching this film cuddled up with family members while we watched Dorothy's journey back to Kansas?  Its a fantastic movie and one we should all have in our library of Classics.  Are you a Wizard of Oz Fan? We are, and at Cabo Dog Boutique we are happy to share with you this Oz Inspired collection of dog collars.

 Have you seen the recent film "Oz The Great and Powerful"?  We love the iconic film made in 1939 staring none other than Judy Garland and the all star cast. Judy was amazing as our girl Dorothy. She made Gingham and Lace and those Ruby Red Slippers a Dorothy Trademark!  This Dorothy Inspired Dog Collar is adorable with blue gingham flannel accented with white eyelet trim.

Lets not forget Ray Bolger who played the beloved Scarecrow. Why all he wanted was a brain!  Ray Bolger was much like Gene Kelly as a song and dance man as well as an actor.  His lively dancing and singing brought our dear scarecrow to life.  Mod Oz Scarecrow Dog Collar is so cute with corduroy, flannel and straw colored steel hardware.

Oh and the amazing Cowardly Lion, what a love! With the charismatic Bert Lahr bringing this joyful character to life, the Cowardly Lion become the bravest of creatures.  I mean, who doesn't love the Cowardly Lion? This Mod Oz Cowardly Lion Dog Collar from Cabo Dog Boutique is perfect for your own cuddly lion.  Made with textured suede lining and a brown faux fur accent trim. And of course the red bow in his hair! A very fun and unique collar for your own courageous King.

And who can forget our beloved Tin Man, why all he ever wanted was to have a heart! Jack Haley played him beautifully and we will forever remember him and his squeaky can of grease!  It was a work of inspiration to come up with a fitting design for this character because at Cabo Dog Boutique we know that dogs have the BIGGEST HEART of all!  That's why we love this Mod Oz Tin Man Martingale Dog Collar so much! Wrapped in soft lightweight grey cotton, trimmed with metallic silver ribbon and polished nickel hardware and a red loop for where his heart is! Perfect.

Now we can all agree the Wizard of Oz would never have been the great story it is without our beloved Glinda The Good Witch!  Glenda was the one who rescued Dorothy, who led her down the merry path to find her way back home, back to the ones she loves.  Do you have a lovely girl in your life who reminds you of this sweetheart? The Mod Oz Glenda Martingale Dog Collar is perfect with pink Tulle and Glitter Satin!

And so, if there was a good witch, we know there was a Wicked  Witch!! Oh the Wicked Witch was one scary witch! This fun whimsical Mod Oz Wicked Witch Dog Collar features black and white stripes, black satin and a red sparkle trim that represents those striped stockings piled under the house So wickedly trendy and fun.

 The American Classic The Wizard of Oz, and all the wonderful characters, are sure to be enjoyed by generations to come! Cabo Dog Boutique is proud to offer these Oz Inspired Designer Dog Collars to you.  Woof!

Improve Your Dogs To Do List

We all live busy lives with a ton to do each day. But have you ever stopped to wonder about your dogs daily schedule?  If your best friend isn't receiving enough physical and mental stimulation they could fall into a rut. Long days lounging around might sound purely blissful, but the reality is we need to shake things up to prevent boredom or loneliness from setting in. Cabo Dog Boutique has some fun ideas to help you out!
Some common signs of boredom or loneliness in pets that could be a tip that you need to liven things up are as follows:

Couch Potatoes: If your dogs daily routine involves little more than lounging and sleeping, with only meals or quick outings in between, it could be time for a makeover.  Most Couch Potatoes are middle to older aged dogs, but this doesn't mean they don't need new challenges or something special to engage their body and mind.
Clingers: These dogs tend to stick by your side all morning long, then they can be found longingly waiting by the door for your return at the end of the day.  Clingers tend to suffer from bouts of separation anxiety and will turn to destructive behavior as a way of dealing with their anxious tendencies.
Diggers:  This title pretty much says it all!  The digger is the bored dog who seems to have a mission in life to rid the entire yard of the the last bit of landscaping, or dig a hole to China, whichever comes first! Exhibiting this type of destructive behavior is a sure sign your dog needs more to do.
Chewers:  Yes, chewing is natural for dogs and is a great past time and effective way to relieve stress or angst. BUT chewing on the furniture or any of the other no no's is not! Cabo Dog Boutique has a variety of chewing options to offer your dog a safe and suitable option to those new leather shoes or antique furniture.
The idea here is not to feel obligated to supply our dogs with activities every waking moment.  What we are striving for is to keep things fresh and new.  By simply making some subtle changes in their day to day activities, your dog can start to make positive changes in their daily routine.  A helpful outlook while revamping their To Do List is to think like a dog!  Look at things in their everyday environment and think, is this something my dog can enjoy? How can I change something ordinary into extraordinary?
For the Couch Potato, try changing up his walking route and add some small obstacles along the way. Let your dog guide you on the walk, allowing him to decide where he wants to go. Walk up some steps, or take him through a series of stops and turns. Mental stimulation and engagement is the key here.  When your walk is finished, introduce a scent stimulating toy.  These long lasting organic natural Loofa Toys are fantastic.  The natural beef flavoring and Organic Loofa taste great and feel good on their teeth and gums.  Not to mention its a great way to clean and floss their teeth, a win win situation!
For the Clinger, Digger or Chewers looking for something to do, experts advise to introduce a dog puzzle. Cabo Dog Boutique has fun a selection of dog puzzles. These exciting and tricky games let you choose a mildly challenging puzzle or a more complex puzzle, whichever suits your dog best. And they come with a food reward, a definite bonus. Another food reward toy that is top rated for quality and durability is the Tux Dog Toy by Westpaw Designs. Cabo Dog Boutique carries the entire line of these Made in the USA toys. The Tux is a great combination of an extremely durable,stuff-able and toss-able dog toy all at the same time! Crunching toys are also a great way to interest your dog. Water Bottle Crunchers are a super fun way to keep your pet distracted and avoid those unwanted behaviors.  They are a soft cuddly toy stuffed with a removable plastic water mik jug. The sound of the plastic crunching satisfies a dogs desire to hunt and catch prey.  These safe and fun toys are great because you simply refill the plastic bottle with a new one when the time comes!

Summer time toys of engagement are also effective. The Hydro Ball or Hydro Bone combine fun and refreshment in one great experience!  Any Cough Potato, Clinger Digger or Chewer will benefit from this specially designed toy.
Mental stimulation and engagement are critical in your dogs daily To Do List.  We hope these helpful tips are useful!  Woof!

Teaching Your Dog To Swim

Its true, not all dogs are born with the know how to swim! Even breeds such as the Labrador Retriever take time to gain skills and confidence in the water.  Being that swimming is an ideal form of low-impact, socially engaging exercise for your pet, it is something you should spend time teaching them.  We humans know how fantastic it feels to take a dip and cool off during the warm summer months, why shouldn't they! Here's how to help your fur kids learn water safety while also reaping those health and playtime benefits. Its pretty simple really, but will require some patience and practice on both your parts.
If your pet will be swimming in a lake or a pond, its a good idea to invest in a dog friendly safety vest for safety sake.
 First, start by allowing your dog some time at the waters edge to play with their favorite water friendly dog toy.  Have some fun, and remember to speak to them in a happy confident voice.  Next, start to guide them into the water using a nylon collar and leash.  Take your time and don't rush them.  Once you see your pet is comfortable and relaxed in the shallow water, pick him up under his torso so he is secure in your arms.  Then begin walking along the shore in waste deep water as your hold onto your dog.  Once he begins to feel the water and your slowing moving along, nature will kick in and your dog will start to kick his legs instinctively.
Once he starts kicking, continue to hold onto him and walk in small circles watching his paws.  When you see him paddling more quickly, it is safe to slowly release your arms and allow him to strike out on his own. You should keep your hands on the leash and continue with lots of positive verbal encouragement, that means, lots of good boys! He is now on his way to gaining the confidence and skill to navigate the waters safely.
You can use the same approach to teach a dog to swim in a pool.  Above ground pools will require a doggy dock, or floating stairs to help your dog exit the pool. Below grounds pools are easier. You will need to guide your pet to the stairs using your nylon collar and leash and have him walk up the first step. As you enter the pool, cradle your dog and repeat the lesson as described above.  Once he's done with his lesson, guide him to the stairs so he can learn to calmly walk out.  This is a very important lesson for anyone who owns a below ground pool. Regardless of your desire to swim with your pet, its an important lesson for their overall safety and well being.
Summer is loads of fun and being able to swim safely with your dog will allow you to both take advantage of some wonderful opportunities for exercise and playtime.  Keep in mind to never leave your dog alone in the water.  Happy Paddling!

Is there some Wedding Bliss in your future?

Will you or someone you know have wedding bells ringing in the next few months? July has been known as one of the biggest wedding months of the year and if you are planning on tying the knot and going to include your BFF - look no further for great dog wedding apparel and wedding accessories for your dog.

Cabo Dog Boutique is the wedding central location for all your pup wedding needs. Take a look at all Cabo Dog Boutique has to offer in wedding day accessories for your best man or bridesmaid.
Items such as dog jewelry are simply precious, where else will you find a beautiful dog pearl necklace and rhinestone dog necklaces.

Also - a beautiful soft vintage dog collar screams beauty anywhere. How precious would your little girl be in this beautiful shabby chic dog collar made with lace. Maybe the pearl dog collar would be a better match for your needs. This White leather dog collar with Fresh Water Pearl & Rose Quartz beading will be stunning as she trots down the aisle. Nothing could be more breathtaking than a formal wedding dog dress or a tutu dog dress.
 
For the men in our lives - Cabo Dog Boutique has incredibly precious (yet manly) bowtie dog collars, and bow tie dog leashes. Cabo Dog Boutique is thrilled to carry the all white dog tux so that he can match the men.


If your choice is something more simple, how about a Bridesmaid dog shirt, or Ringbearer dog shirt. These cute little dog t-shirts can be worn for several weeks before the big day and even after the knot has been tied.


Congratulations to you!