April 28th, 2009
Posted by lechicpet
Is chewing gum toxic to dogs? The answer is yes - some of it is! It is actually the
sweetener in some chewing gum products that can be toxic. The toxic ingredient is
called xylitol. Many pet owners have no idea about this.
I found out about this recently when customer recounted a story of her dog having gotten
into her purse.There were several different pills with complex combinations
of minerals, herbs and as well as some heart medications that seemed to have been ingested.
The owner thought the dog was acting a little funny so she was on her way to the
clinic. In the mean time, her husband called poison control that handles tons of toxic calls
about dogs and asked about the drug combination and their best recommendation for
treating the dog. Luckily, it ended up the medications were under the toxic level
but in the mean time, the toxicologist asked if was there any chewing gum in the
purse....
He answered, yes, his wife always carried sugar-free gum in her purse. Some sugar free
gum contains an ingredient that can be toxic to dogs - an ingredient called Xylitol.
When the owner arrived at the clinic - the dog was indeed acting a little lethargic.
His blood sugar was checked and it was low. This is a common side effect from the xylitol.
Fortunately, the dog recovered just fine. However, not all dogs are so lucky. Xylitol
cannot only cause a temporary low blood sugar but it can cause liver problems.
"Xylitol" is commonly found in sugar-free gum, candies and some baked goods. It
seems some pets are more sensitive to it than others. The exact amount that needs to
be ingested to cause problems is still being determined. Signs can develop quickly.
So yes, something as simple as your dog eating a piece of your gum can create an emergency
that can cost hundreds of dollars in vet bills.
November 12th, 2008
Posted by lechicpet
What an amazing turnout we had for our Family Pet Expo event. Although our group of exhibitors was a little smaller than we had hoped for, it made for a very intimate setting for all of the attendees. Exhibitors had plenty of time to spend with individuals, lots of samples were handed out, volunteer opportunities were shared.
We were so encouraged by the customer response that we’ve begun planning now for a weekend festival to happen in the summer. If you know of a service, vendor, product, organization, artist, etc. that you recommend we contact for our summer event, please drop us a line at Info@LeChicPet.com so we can extend an invite.
September 24th, 2008
Posted by lechicpet
We’re proud to announce our nomination for the category “Pet Supplies” in Evening Magazine’s annual Best of Western Washington contest. Please visit King5.com today and cast your vote for Le Chic Pet Boutique and Spa.
Thanks for your support!
Click on the link below to go directly to voting page in Pet Supplies category:
http://best.king5.com/contests/best-of-western-washington/2336/pets/pet-supplies
September 21st, 2008
Posted by lechicpet
Le Chic Pet is hosting a costume contest this holiday. We have a selection of quality costumes available for purchase (order deadline Oct. 15th), although purchase is not a requirement of entry to the contest.
Fun prizes will be awarded to 3 lucky winners chosen by LCP team. 1st Prize is a professional photography session with our partner, Raindog Photography. 2nd Prize is a gift certificate for free visits to Le Chic Spa (value $60). 3rd Prize is free bag of food (winner’s choice – up to 7lbs.) and $15 store gift certificate.
Photo submissions are by email to: Info@LeChicPet.com and must include a caption. Entries will be accepted through midnight Oct. 31st.
We’ve got lots of great Halloween toys & treats coming in this week. Stop by & get yours!
September 15th, 2008
Posted by lechicpet
A big thanks to everyone that showed up to support Homeward Pet and take a look at the kitties they brought to our store last Saturday. 5 kittens went home with their forever families! A new record has been set.
This brings our grand total to 9 dogs & cats for 2008. We simply have the best “Pack” around and it’s so rewarding to know we are doing our part to save homeless pets.
June 30th, 2008
Posted by lechicpet
Great news! Homeward Pet brought 3 dogs looking for their forever families to our store on Saturday. 1 lucky little lady was able to go home with her new family that day! We’re so proud that our Le Chic Pet “Pack” has come together during our recent adoption events and we’ve successfully helped find homes for 2 deserving pets in May & June.
Sydney (Chocolate Lab mix) and Amber (Beagle) made their way back to the shelter on Saturday and continue to wait for their new families. Please check out the photo & bio of these remarkable dogs on HomewardPet.org website. They did so well with the number of people walking by, kids running up to them, loud carnival noises and the heat on Saturday. If you or someone you know is looking for a new companion, please think adoption first!
Kitten season is in full swing. The shelters are overloaded with kittens right now. Donations and supplies are literally a lifeline for these babies. Foster homes are desperately needed. Every space made available at Homeward Pet’s no-kill facility is room for one more rescue or surrender of an innocent pet that might otherwise be euthanized in a county shelter.
An enormous Thank You to the volunteers and Homeward Pet staff that made this event a success. Their tireless efforts are rewarded by the unconditional love the dogs & cats that pass through Homeward Pet bestow upon their volunteer caretakers.
Simple ways to help:
- Pick up your complimentary biscuit recipe & bone-shaped cookie cutter at the Le Chic Pet checkout counter. Bake some homemade treats, vacuum seal to keep fresh, then deliver to the local shelter or rescue organization of your choice. (Be sure to attach ingredients so volunteers know when feeding allergic pets)
- Catnip & Baby Socks make perfect cat toys. Simply fill baby socks half-way with catnip then sew shut. Your local kitty rescue organization will be so grateful and the kitties will love passing the time playing with your homemade toys!
May 26th, 2008
Posted by lechicpet
Our first (of many!) onsite adoption event is Saturday May 31st. It is simply heartbreaking to know that over 9,000 pets are euthanized every day in US shelters. We’ve partnered with Homeward Pet, a no-kill shelter based in Woodinville, to bring adoptable pets here to you! Homeward Pet utilizes a network of foster homes and volunteers in addition to their shelter facility and proudly places over 1,000 pets annually. While it’s true a shelter pet can come with “baggage”, it’s important to remember 80% of pets are surrendered because their owner’s circumstances have changed, not through any fault of the pet.
Join us Saturday to meet dogs & cats looking for their forever homes. A little known fact: Approximately 20% of shelter pets are purebred. When you’re thinking of adding a new companion to your home, please consider adoption.
To promote healthy bonding, any dogs adopted during this event are eligible for a special discount rate on training by Cascade K9. Welcoming a rescue pet into your home can be one of the most rewarding experiences for you and your family as you you help your new family member adjust to his/her new wonderful life.
We always support rescue at Le Chic Pet – bring your proof of adoption in to be eligible for special discounts in every department during your first visit.
May 16th, 2008
Posted by lechicpet
You gotta each lunch, right? Why not join us for noshes on Sunday May 17th from noon-2pm. BBQ hot dogs & snacks for us and Ice Cream treats for our furry friends. A trainer from Cascade K-9 training center will be onsite to answer your questions about the right training for your pet. Plus, you can get an early start on our Memorial Day sales before you leave town for the holiday. Don’t miss this chance to meet other pet parents that share your same interests, socialize your pup with other breeds just like him or her, and get a free lunch out of the deal!
May 3rd, 2008
Posted by lechicpet
Late Spring is the best time to begin your seasonal pest program. There are 2,000 known species of fleas worldwide. But the cat flea, which bites cats, dogs and humans, is the most infamous indoor troublemaker. For every flea found on your animal, there are approximately 30 more in your home.
Most chemical flea control products target only 5 percent of the flea population, the adults. Because fleas become stronger and more immune to chemicals with each generation, toxic chemicals must be repeatedly applied. And, although a product may claim to be natural, some natural ingredients may cause allergic reactions or have toxic effects in animals.
Here are natural, easy tips to prevent fleas from entering your home:
- Spray microscopic nematodes in moist, shady spots outside, even in flower and vegetable gardens. The worms eat flea larvae and can reduce populations by 90 percent within 24 hours.
- Set eucalyptus leaves inside and out because fleas can’t stand the smell. Buy bunches at a craft store, cut them up and place leaves and stems in open glass jars. Set one or two in each room of the house. Also, hang pod-filled socks from branches around the yard.
Follow these tips to safely manage flea populations indoors:
- Create a specific pet sleeping area that’s easy to clean often.
- Restrict pets’ access to attics and basements.
- Vacuum carpeting, furniture and floors weekly. When fleas are present, burn the bag promptly for effective disposal.
- Regularly wash all bedding and rugs that your pet has contact with.
- Comb your pet daily with a fine-toothed metal flea comb. Pull in the direction of the fur and drown fleas in soapy water.
- At night, diligently place a dish of soapy water under a light near your pet’s bed to attract and trap fleas.
- Treat your pet monthly with a homemade repellent. Place a thinly sliced lemon in a pint jug. Cover with boiling water and let the mixture soak overnight. In the morning, spray or rub the mixture into your pet’s skin and fur until damp, not wet.
A Le Chic Spa visit will help too! Our citrus shampoo contains d-limonene, a natural oil found in oranges and grapefruits. Not only will your pet smell yummy but d-limonene is a natural flea deterrent.
Remember, a healthy pet is less susceptible to pest infestations. A balanced diet, plenty of exercise & fresh air, and regular health checkups is your best defense!
May 1st, 2008
Posted by lechicpet
This week you’ll find two more spectacular food lines have been added to our selection. Weruva pet food ingredients are better than “human grade”. They use ingredients that humans actually eat! Protein sources from true muscle meats. Hand placed vegetables. Delicate processing. The end result is a super-luxe pet food that maintains natural and recognizable texture. Flavors like “Wok the Dog” and “Paw Lickin’ Chicken” are sure to tantalize your pet’s tastebuds.
We’re proud to be the only location on the Eastside where you can find Taste of the Wild canine & feline formulas. Not only will a visit to their informative website (http://www.tasteofthewildpetfood.com/) tell you all about this amazing grain free product but check out the internet chatter too. This food is working great for alot of people, even the owner of a sled dog racing team feeds her champion dogs this formula. If you’ve been wanting to try grain free but couldn’t get over the sticker shock, then look no further. This high quality grain free kibble is the least expensive grain free kibble on the market that we know of. Satisfy your pet’s innate need for a varied diet of proteins like Bison, Quail, Venison and Salmon. Lean proteins that are smoked and roasted for optimum flavor. Caution: Side effects may include uncontrollable begging, less frequent and less smelly poo, and possibly, howling at the moon.
