Fido and Rover move over - make way for Max and Rocky, which topped the list as the most popular dog names chosen by dog owners in New York City. According to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Health, Princess, Lucky, Lady, Buddy, Daisy, Ginger, Buster, and Sandy rounded out the top-ten list.
It's certain that Max, Ginger, and their pals will be well taken care of and pampered. Americans spend $34 billion each year on their pets, and the pet business is seeing an annual growth rate of six percent a year. Increasingly, pet owners are indulging their dogs as they would their children. From doggy day care to birthday "pawtys," from fancy dog collars to T-shirts for dogs, man's (and woman's) best friend is reaping the rewards of his or her loyalty and unconditional love.
This season, bling is the thing for uptown dogs. Crystal dog accessories, such as hair clips, dog necklaces, fancy dog collars and leashes, come in a variety of colors and styles. And anything pink gets a bark of approval from the top dog in the house. Pink dog clothes, pink dog accessories, pink bedding, pink fancy dog collars, and pink T-shirts for dogs keep puppies panting with enthusiasm.
While dog clothes and dog sweaters are still popular, T-shirts for dogs are all the rage. Not only do dog T-shirts keep pooches comfortable in a wide range of temperatures, but T-shirts for dogs make a fashion statement for both the pet and his or her owner. Dogs whose tastes run to designer duds can sport T-shirts for dogs that say, "Canine Kline," "Tommy Dog," and "Liz Claibone." Urban dogs may go for dog T-shirts that proclaim, "Badda-Bing," while preppie dogs stick with the classic polo, of course! T-shirts for dogs that want to show off their sporty side include those that say, "Air Dog," and have that telltale (or "tell-tail") swoosh, "Mighty Dog Gym," and "Bark Beach."
Dog T-shirts and dog sweaters can help keep a pet warm during the cool fall and cold winter weather. But dressing a dog warmly is only one element to keeping this member of the family safe. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals offers these tips for cold weather:
* Make sure to keep a dog leashed when in snow or ice, as he can lose his scent and become lost.
* Wipe down a dog's paws, legs, and torso after coming in from the snow. Otherwise, he can lick himself and ingest salt or antifreeze.
* Keep a dog's coat long during winter months.
* If a dog is a shorthaired breed, have him wear a dog sweater when going for a walk.
* If a dog is particularly active during the winter, feed him extra protein to keep his energy up.
* Be sure to provide a dog with a warm bed and blanket, and keep him away from drafts. |
