Helpful Tips to Calm Your Dog During a Thunderstorm

It can be heartbreaking to watch: even before the first sound of thunder, seemingly well behaved dogs can have a radical change in their temperament and behavior.  You may see your pet begin to pace, or pant, and become very clingy to you.  Some dogs will look for a dark place to hide like a closet. And some who truly suffer from fear and anxiety of thunderstorms can do damage to walls or carpets trying to claw their way out in a panic. Do you know the story of Marley and Me?  Poor Marley had a severe case of thunderstorm phobia.
The fear of loud sounds such as fireworks and thunder are not uncommon, and shouldn't be ignored.  Most of the time your pet will not simply grow out of the phobia, and its possible it can get worse over their lifetime.
Its hard to put a finger on what triggers dogs to have Thunderstorm phobia's in particular. Aside from the loud rumbling of thunder, it is thought that the change in barometric pressure and the static electricity that we humans are not sensitive too play a major roll in igniting this behavior.
Its the height of the rainy and stormy season in most of the US right now.  Recently our own dog went through a series of days where he was just not himself. He was clingy, panted nonstop and didn't want to come back inside the house after his walks.  This started a few days even before we had heard of a storm in the forecast. I began to look for something to help him, and in doing my research I discovered Nelson Bach Rescue Remedy.
This all natural homeopathic product has five main ingredients that target sensitive pets.  We noticed a big difference in our dog right away, and now we keep a bottle of Bach Rescue Remedy on hand so that we can give him a dose at the moment we notice a change in his behavior. This product is great for Cat Anxiety issues as well.
Another all natural approach to providing your dog support during these fearful moments is the patent-pending Thundershirt.  This amazing product is a pressure wrap that applies gentle, constant pressure on a dog or cats torso.  From real life experiences it has been proven to make a difference which is why there is a money back guarantee. Over 85% of dogs showed significant improvement when wearing the Thundershirt. Cabo Dog Boutique is happy to offer this well-designed and affordable wrap specially made for dogs in four different color options from Classic Gray, Rugby Blue, Red Polo, Rugby Pink and Blue Polo. There is even a Thundershirt for cats to help with your cats stress and anxiety issues.
Adding a Natural anti-anxiety dog supplement to your dogs diet during thunderstorm season can be a very helpful benefit for your dog.  The Peaceful Pooch Calming Supplement has an amazing blend of ingredients such as Melatonin, Valerian, Chamomile and Passion Flower, all of which have been proven to relieve stress and anxiety during anxiety-filled moments such as fireworks, Thunderstorms or separation anxiety. You simply add it to their favorite food daily.

Cabo Dog Boutique is dedicated to helping you with natural solutions for your pet.  Here are the Top Five Helpful Tips from WebMD Pets:

1. Reward calm behavior year-round.
2. Give the dog a safe place where he can go in a storm like a crate.
3. Consider a snug garment.
4.  Desensitize your dog during the winter months by playing a CD of thunder recordings at very low volume so as not to frighten your dog, and give them treats, you can help to build up their acceptance levels for the sound of thunder which is a major trigger for an anxiety or phobic attack.
5. In severe cases, seek medical help from your Veterinarian who may feel a prescription medication is necessary.

Want to see how a Thundershirt can help? View this video of some "Before and After" clips!

Choosing The Right Bed For Your Small Dog

Every member of the family needs a place of their own to rest, including your furry friends.  Dogs sleep approximately 16 to 18 hours a day, so having the right dog bed can provide that perfect, quiet spot for any canine.  In addition to adding a stylish element to your home, a dog bed can provide a variety of benefits for your pooch, and you!  While some of us think sharing our own bed with our dog is the perfect solution, it can lead to a poor nights sleep and will leave you feeling sluggish and less productive in the morning. With the amazing selection of shapes, sizes, fabrics, styles and colors, today's dog beds have really come into their own.  From functional to fabulous, there is a dog bed out there that is sure to fit the needs of your pet.
Dogs on the smaller size tend to have a harder time keeping warm so they tend to like beds they can snuggle into.  Small dogs or toy breeds also like that extra layer of security so providing a bed to suit their needs is important. The bed you choose should be large enough that your pet can lie flat without hanging outside of it, but also provide ample security and ultimate snuggly-ness!

Evaluate the age and health of your dog as well.  Older dogs, even small dogs, have joint pain or can have mobility issues that make it difficult getting into or out of bed.  Some products offer support or a bolster on one side making it easy for dogs with these problems to access their comfy spot without difficulty. The Tuckered Out Dog Bed by West Paw Design is made for easy access but does not skimp on it ability to provide comfort and security. Covered in a Berber fabric, it features a double pillow top design and open front for easy access. It comes in four bright and cheerful colors and are made with 100% recyclable material making it an Eco Friendly option as well.

A product that allows you to easily remove and wash the shell portion of the bed are very attractive.  Keeping a clean sleeping environment is important not only to your pet but will make your home a nice environment for all that share in the same living space.

Cabo Dog Boutique has a great selection of Small dog beds for you to choose from. The Buttercup Dog Bed by Crypton Fabrics is a wonderful nesting type bed that allows you to create the ultimate cozy comfort zone. With the simple pull of a string at the top of the Buttercup Design is allows you to open or close the walls of the bed to suit the needs of your pet. You can let the strings completely out and make it a floor mat type of bed. How wonderful to have these options!

For small dogs who like to dig into the covers or really enjoy being tucked into bed at night, this Cuddle Fleece Small Dog Bed is made in three sizes. The 22 inch high walled version is so perfect to give that sense of protection and warmth your dog will never want to leave. Made of Chocolate Brown Ultra Cuddle Fleece on the inside, it is machine washable, triple stitched for durability, and stuffed with tons of non-allergenic fiberfill and even comes with a matching pillow. Sweet dreams. And this bed is perfect for cats too, we how they love to cuddle.

Bolster beds are a more traditional style of dog bed and have been on the market for sometime for good reason. Made with elevated sides and an easy entry point, these beds are the ideal resting place for your pups head and body after a romp in the park.  This particular bed is the Savannah Lounge Dog Bed and is made of soft and velvety microsuede to feel great under paw. Furniture-grade craftmanship and even-basting stitching will ensure years of use.  Filled with the perfect amount of density high-loft planetFill filler, its a breeze to clean with a removable cover that you can toss in the machine for washing.  It also comes with options! The inner cushion and exterior can be flipped, allowing you to enjoy four different looks so that it will fit into your home decor.

We all love our four legged friends, but don't you know that they can change their mood as often as we can! Finicky pets can have their way with this wonderful creation.  The Reversible Cuddle Dog Bed by Pet Play can transform from a Cup, to a flat bed, to a Cave or a Pod! Its a convertible dog bed and we know having options is sometimes a must.  Sewn with dirt-resistant canvas on one side and luxurious faux fur on the other, you can mold this puppy into a variety of shapes and uses, conforming to you and your pets lifestyle with ease.
Cabo Dog Boutique has a great selection of dog beds for small dogs, large dogs or even kitties.  Its suffice to say that getting a good night rest, or days rest when it comes to your pets, is an important factor in maintaining a balanced and healthy body.  A dog bed is an investment into the overall health and well being of your pet, so choosing just the right bed is important.  Look for quality craftmanship and a product that will suit the needs of your pet first.  Happy resting! Woof!

Antioxidant Rich Treats for Health and Wellness

Antioxidants are all the rage when it comes to our health and wellness these days.  These little do gooder's help tackle the free radicals and cell degeneration in our body taken in through toxins in the environment, stress and lack of a perfectly balanced diet.  Antioxidants are small yet powerful enough to stop the the chain reaction of nasty free radicals before they move in to do damage to our cells and cause inflammation and disease.

Dogs are acutely sensitive to free radicals they are exposed to through our environment and the foods they eat.  Those results can show up in all kinds of ways from skin issues to eye disorders like cataracts, or general problems associated with aging.  Not to mention very serious diseases such as Cancer.  Antioxidants can play a very powerful roll in your pets fight to grow old gracefully and lead a full life free from pain and complications.

There are some very good Antioxidant products made specifically for pets these days.  Research has shown that dogs and cats that are given antioxidant supplements have a stronger immune system and are able to fight disease and infection more easily than pets who are deficient in Antioxidants.  Cabo Dog Boutique believes in the power of Mother Nature and all the healing and healthful benefits she has to offer.  This is why we try to carry unique products that not only connect you with your pet, but allow you to provide them healthful options as well.
We recently discovered an amazing line of dog treats we wanted to highlight and share with you.  These treats truly stand out among the crowd.  Not only are they great tasting and your pet will love them, but they are power packed with some essential ingredients for optimal health.  Take for instance the Health Dog Treats.  The name truly says it all.  Made from Organic Flaxseed, blueberries, carrots, apples and sweet potatoes, these treats are antioxidant rich and are obtained from whole food sources with no additional sythetic vitamins or fillers. Just Mother Nature's best.
There is also the Vital Dog Treats.  This treat features a scrumptious blend of peanut butter, flaxseed, rolled oats and pea protein to help support a healthy and vital lifestyle.  These treats have a high percentage of protein to help rebuild muscle and brain function through vigorous playtime!

Achy joints are a common ailment and not just in the older crowd.  Dogs in their middle years can suffer from inflammation of the joints through rough play or hereditary traits.  In these Joint Health Dog Treats  you will find a special blend of organic cherries, apples, flaxseed and glucosamine and chondroitin to help support bone health.

Does your dog suffer from stinky breath?  Oh boy, sometimes those kisses can give us one puckered face, but love knows no bounds!  In all seriousness, bad dog breath is a sign something might be wrong.  If your dog suffers from bad breath it is always advised to talk to your vet during a regular check up.  One way to help freshen his breath is give a treat or chew that is made specifically for this issue. These Breath Dog Treats are an all natural treat that freshens bad breath with flavorful sweet milk and Toffee extracts. This unique blend helps keep breath fresh, while healthy whole grains, organic fruits and vegetables and whole flax seeds promote health and wellness.
Senior dogs have some special needs all their own.  Of course they aren't able to run and play like they used to so keeping a low calorie diet in mind is always a good idea.  Senior dogs also tend to have more digestive issues than our younger pups. Cabo Dog Boutique just loves this very special treat that has been created for the Senior Dog in Mind.  The Senior Dog Treats from Isle of Dog combine organic fiber rich peas and rolled oats with a patented strain of probiotics.  These low calorie biscuits support smooth digestion and healthy intestinal tracts and allow you to still spoil your fur baby in the golden years.
Cabo Dog Boutique carries all of these fantastic antioxidant and vitamin rich treats.  There is also a teeth cleaning treat that helps to remove tartar called Smile Dog Treats.  Not only is it good for their teeth but the taste will leave them smiling too! Or the Chillout Dog Treats that have no added sugar, salts or synthetic vitamins or preservatives. With lavender extract, french vanilla and lemon balm extract these delicious treats are a wonderful way to wind down from a busy day with your pooch!
All these treats are available in the Tasty Bites section at Cabo Dog Boutique.  We are proud to offer this line of top notch biscuits and cookies to help you spoil your pet while at the same time provide an Antioxidant rich, healthful alternative to some not so healthy treats.  We all want to do the very best for our pets, making good choices for their lifestyle including proper exercise and a balanced diet can go a long way in helping your pet to live their very best life, EVER! Woof!

Dog Gone Birthday Fun!

Most of us enjoy celebrating our Birthday, and why not! Its the one day of the year you can gather with your favorite friends or family members, have your cake and eat it too!  Lots of spoiling is expected on your special day.  Its as much, if not more fun, to celebrate the Birthday of your dog too!

If you know the actual day of birth of your fur kids its great, but if you have an adopted or rescued pet, you can still be part of the party.  Use the day you brought them home, or the day you were introduced to each other.  This day should be cherished always, why not have a celebration of the birth of your relationship?

Cabo Dog Boutique has a special liking for Birthdays, which is why we created our Birthday Club!  By simply registering your pet in our Club you will receive free shipping on any order during their Birthday Month, as well as be entered to win a $25.00 gift certificate to be used in our store for one whole year! You can read about our Club and sign up here Cabo Dog Birthday Club.

If your planning a Birthday Party for your pooch, don't forget the cake!  This Woodland Squirrels Motif Dog Birthday Cake is scrumptious with organic peanut butter and carrot cake and a hard yogurt coating. It is perfect for a gathering of 3 -4 four dogs and even comes with a candle.  Or if your having a larger group you can try the Happy Birthday Dog Bones that would be an extra special treat for any canine guest! Pick your color of icing from blue, white or Pink.

We all need that something special to wear on our big day and the fur kids do too! Cabo Dog Boutique has Birthday bandanas and printed T's like the Birthday Girl Dog Scarf or the Birthday Boy Dog Tank with sequin wording and a cupcake.  There are some super fun toys to get the party going like this singing cake Birthday Dog Toy made of plush fabric colorful candles.  And if your looking for a special gift to bring to the party why not show your love with a Birthday Boxed Dog Treats for the little boy or girl.  We don't know too many dogs that turn down treats!! 

Cabo Dog Boutique has a special section dedicated to all things Birthday!  Check out some other creative ideas for the ultimate Birthday celebration.  If your as crazy about your dogs as we are, we know that any good reason to spoil them or turn an ordinary day extraordinary is a chance to show them how much we appreciate the love and devotion they show us all year through. Don't let the year slip by!

Visit our Happy Birthday Section today and don't forget to sign up for our Birthday Club, the party could be on us!  Cheers!

Cabo Dog Birthday Club

Are You Ready For Some Football?

Hey folks, are you all ready for some football??  The NFL Season Opener will kick off on September 5th between the Baltimore Ravens and the Denver Broncos. Lets all hope for a fun and exciting season of Football Mania!
For some of us in Football Nation, showing our team support is not only expected but it will be graded! It is all the more fun when your four legged friend can get into the spirit too! Cabo Dog Boutique has a special Sports Store dedicated to the football enthusiast and it is chock full of all your favorite NFL gear.
Are you a fan of last years Super Bowl winners the New York Giants? Or How about the second team in the league in 2012 the New England Patriots? Cabo Dog Boutique is sure we aren't the only ones who also enjoy the Puppy Bowl of 2012!

Jersey Mesh Dog Bandanas

Bandanas are an all around great way for your pooch to get in the game.  These specially constructed dog bandanas made of mesh jersey with your Teams Logo have a special feature. They are made to easily slip over your dogs collar so that it will hang nicely and won't get all bunched up. This San Francisco 49ers bandana comes in Small and Large sizes ($19.95).

Are there any Indianapolis Colts fans in the family? The Officially Licensed NFL Colts Dog Jersey is great way to stand out in the crowd.  These v-neck jerseys are made of a micro-mesh polyester and Velcro closure with button trim.  Jersey material and original team logos just like the pro's wear!

NFL Team Logo Stainless Steel Bowls

Are you rooting for the Minnesota Vikings? These NFL Dog Bowls are not only a fun football accessory but a downright necessity.  These stainless steel bowls with a no-tip feature and non-skid rubber can show your team colors all year through. The  Minnesota Vikings Dog Bowls measure 7 inches in diameter for the base and 3.5 tall. ($27.95)

How about some treats just for the furry friends! No Football gathering is complete with out great snacks.  These adorable Peanut Butter Football Treats come 12 to an order and are made with Organic ingredients like Oat Flour, Brown Rice, Peanut Butter and Cage Free eggs. Customize all twelve with your favorite team! ($24.99)

Pink Team Logo Collar and Leash

Now lets not forget about the girly girl fans out there! Since when was football a mans sport?  You and your princess can now bedazzle in some fun girly gear!  This Indianapolis Colts Dog Collar ($24.95) in pink is sporty!
Or for all you Dallas Cowboys fans the Cheerleader Dress is simply precious! Screen printed with the team logo and Velcro closure. $29.95

Cheerleading Dresses for the Girls

Plush Football Dog Toys

What would football be without a little game of scrimmage! You can have some fun during those time outs and half time breaks playing around with your pooch with a Licensed NFL Plush Dog Toy.  The Jacksonville Jaquars are a popular team and this Jacksonville Jaguars Dog Toy (18.95) is made with an embroidered NFL Team Logo, squeaker and contrasting tug rope for quick game of tug o' war with your furry friend.
The Arizona Cardinals are a favorite West Coast Team! Cabo Dog Boutique has some fun things for these fans in our Sports Store.  You can't go wrong with a Arizona Cardinals Dog T Shirt. (29.95). These T Shirts come in sizes Small through Extra Large and are 100% cotton and machine washable.

Team Logo Cotton T's

All of these fun Football items come in every team in the League!  Don't let the season get past you with a visit to our Cabo Dog NFL Sports Store. Now, GO TEAM!!!!!!!!!!

Vacation Tips when Planning a Trip with Fido!

We are right in the heart of summer, and here at Cabo Dog Boutique we think its a great time to get out and have some fun with your favorite friends, and that most definitely includes your dog!
Summer is the most popular season for travel, but the fact is that we have an entire year to plan a fantastic vacation with our four legged friends! Many popular human destinations are actually places both people and dogs can enjoy together. So when your thinking of planning your next getaway, don't leave the dogs bag behind.

Cabo Dog Boutique is all about fun, so we did some sniffing around and came up with the Top 5 Pet Friendly Travel Cities in the U.S.  These cities not only offer a selection of hotels and restaurants that cater to our furry friends, but it also has to have a lot of open space for pets (and their owners) to be active and enjoy time outdoors together.  From Beaches to Parks, these cities are making the effort to welcome us AND our pets.
Number 5:  Orlando, Florida
Known for having some of the Countries most popular theme park attractions, its no surprise that Orlando ranks on this list.  Not that you will be taking your dog on any rides, but many of the parks offer pet sitting so that YOU can go and enjoy a day of fun while your pup is entertained and pampered.  The Loews Portofino Bay Hotel has a Loews Loves Program which gives your pooch the VIP treatment. Special bedding, toys, treats, room service menu and walking services.  Many Orlando restaurants are doggie friendly. In 2006 Jeb Bush passed the doggie dining law, no joke, that allows pets to sit with their owners in all outdoor eating areas, woof!
Number 4:  Colorado Springs, Colorado
As Colorado's second largest city, this quaint Rocky Mountain town has plenty to offer to make it a pet friendly destination.  With over 10,000 acres of public parks, including seven dedicated dog parks, Pets and their people have plenty of scenic outdoor play space to pick from.  The luxurous Broadmoor Hotel is one of the finest five stat Hotels. They offer special bedding, food bowls and complimentary treats to give your dog the welcome he deserves.



Number 3: San Diego, California
America's Finest City is certainly that, and with its year around mild climate and white sandy beaches, San Diego is an ideal spot to get outdoors with your pet. There are three separate off leash dog beaches, all in wonderful sea side towns such as Del Mar, Coronado and Ocean Beach.  Petco Park even has themed canine events. Visit in the summer you can take in a Padres game with your best friend during the annual Dog Days of Summer Event.  Note: most of the off leash beaches adhere to leash laws during the summer months, so if your planning a lot of time on the beach plan your trip in the winter months. What a great escape from the cold!

Number 2: New York City, New York
For being The city that never sleeps, New York offers some of the most comfortable and luxurious pet friendly accommodations around.  You can also take your pet along with you tour the city's attractions. New York Dog Tours offers three different doggy-and-me excursions -- to Central Park and the West Side, Midtown and Downtown.



Number ONE! Portland, Oregon
Along with 20 plus off-leash dog parks, this city is numero Uno when it comes to selection and scenery for outdoor fun. Portland also allows pets to visit some of the cities most beautiful natural attractions including the 62-acre Grotto and Catholic Shrine and Botanical Garden. In town you can find low drinking fountains made just for your pooch! The Hotel Monaco is a favorite pet hangout with VIP treatment from the Director of Pet Relations, Art, a friendly Golden Retriever. If your thirsty stop off for a beer at the Lucky Labrador Brewing Company, or a a cup Joe at the Iron Mutt Coffee Company.  Both have pet friendly porches and biscuits for your pooch!Not

Of course you will need some travel friendly items to make the trip easy breezy.  Cabo Dog Boutique has a travel section dedicated to great stuff for any trip.  A comfy Cabo Dog Boutique Travel Dog Bed is great to use in the car and hotel. You can also lay it out for picnics or beach time as well.  You will need some handy easy to clean and non-breakable bowls.  The Cabo Dog Boutique Travel Dog Bowl is collapsible so it saves on space too.  Travel carriers for airlines are an all important piece of the puzzle if you plan to fly to your destination. We love this Cabo Dog Boutique Airline Approved Dog Carrier. A cleverly designed pet carrier with rolling handles, it is ultra light weight and has dual layer reinforced mesh windows. For long days on the trail or out on the town, the Cabo Dog Pack 'n Go Dog Pack is the ultimate day pack! Designed for the dog lover at heart, it has compartments for everything, and we mean EVERYTHING! And if your dog is anything like our dog, he will not let you forget about his Kibble!! The Cabo Dog Kibble Carrier is an easy and clean way to transport your pets food when on the go.

An important thing to keep in mind when traveling with your pet are that not all pets are up for the trip.  Dr. Takashima has some useful information on this video to help you assess your pet while giving some all around useful tips for traveling.
 Happy Trails to you from Cabo Dog Boutique! Woof!

Owls Are HOOT and Trendy!

Owls are Hoot and Trendy!

Here at Cabo Dog Boutique we can't help but notice that everyone seem to be going Hootin' crazy over owls lately. It seems like there are Owls popping up just about anywhere and everywhere! From fashion accessories to clothing, and now to our very own fur kids fashion trends, owls are all the rage.
Its hard to say just what provokes a fondness to the Owl. But you can't argue with the fact that those adorable faces and fluffy feathers, and that sweet Hootin' sound they make, all make us feel warm and fuzzy inside!











The Owl as a symbol, represented Athena, the goddess of wisdom and strategy long before the Greeks started to give the pantheon human forms. As a creature of the night, the owl lives in a dark environment that can be associated with magic, mystery and ancient wisdom! Not to mention they are an elusive animal that is hard to see up close in the wild, that just helps to add to their mystery.

Cabo Dog Boutique is also a little cookoo for owls!  We love finding fun and cleaver Owl inspired items.  Let your dog show their love for the Owl with this adorable Hoot Hoot Pet ID Tag.  Made in the USA of recycled steel core and coated with a special coating, the colorful graphic will last for years to come.
This Eco Friendly Colored Green and Brown
Owl Dog Collar is so cute!

Lets not forget that Halloween is just around the corner! What a fun way to express your fascination for the Owl than with this adorable Owl Dog Costume.  We love the colorfulness of this costume, so feathery fun.
Cabo Dog Boutique didn't forget about the girly Owl lovers of the world! The Pink Owl Dog Collar with a collage of colorful owls across it is perfect for your Owl loving princess.
 Toys are always fun and this Poppy The Owl Dog Toy will bring your pup hours of squeaky fun.  Made of Ruff-Tex, a thick and flexible 100% natural rubber and painted with safe color paint. It even comes in a Mini Poppy for tiny breeds or a large Poppy for the big dogs!

So its no surprise that the Owl is back as a popular inspiration for artists and designers.  We just think they are darn adorable!  A beautiful reminder of Mother Nature and all her glory, The Owl continues to be a leading trend in fashion and fun!