What could be more alluring than our pups and kitties in costume?

Absolutely Nothing.

Behold BatGonzo, in Downtown Brooklyn. Able to leap tall buildings in a single bound …. and etc!
I’m sure the kids look adorable today stumbling around in their plastic and velcro duds, but I’ll take a costumed dog or caped kitty any day of the year!

While there are very few things cooler than a Frenchie named Gizmo in a SuperGirl costume, sometimes being metaphorically cool just isn’t enough.  Having access to plenty of clean drinking water is a great way to prevent doggie-dehydration, but it is not the only way to help our beloved beasts stay cool in the summer: 

1. AC or Fans – while you are away, make sure the temp is comfortable – remember, they are wearing fur coats
2. Summer cut – shave that fur coat off! (Remember, dogs’ skin is just as vulnerable as ours to sunburn, so leave plenty of fur on their heads, necks, and backs.)
3. Take swimming – there is a dogs-only swimming pond at Prospect Park, but be advised: dogs MUST be kept on leash except for designated off-leash hours.  And algae and microbes make a post swimming bath a necessity.  If you are looking for a more controlled environment, Water4Dogs in Tribeca provides an indoor swimming environment year-round, though reservations are required.
4. Carry a water bowl: there are many collapsible bowls which easily fit in your purse or pocket, but a bottle can be just as useful: you can just squeeze a quick drink into your dog’s mouth and also squirt on their fur.
5. Before going out: (especially for heavy dogs or breeds that overheat easily) pat some cool water on underside – belly, inner thighs, behind ears, armpits – this will help keep them cool for the duration of the walk as dogs do not have sweat glands.
6. Dog cooling bandana – sure they look good, but does anyone know if they actually work? Leave a comment below if you have any experience with this odd but stylish phenomenon.

Special tip for cats:

The “Hand Bath” – no, it’s not a euphemism for something untoward
In the hot months, it’s best to give your cats (and dogs) a daily brushing to help them keep their fur thin and skin healthy. However, many cats detest the brush. Yes, it’s true. For this trick, wash your hands normally and with lots of cool, water on them, pet your cats from forehead down to their tail. this will wet their fur at first, then keep petting until your hands and your cat are dry. You will pull tons of loose fur off her. Reapply water and repeat, massaging her as you go, and offering little scratched under the chin, etc. all the while administering cool water and helping her to lose the excess fur. Think of this as a daily snuggle session that will keep the sheds down, cool her off (get water on her tummy, forehead and inner thighs too) and increase your cat / food-bringer bond. You know that’s how she sees you, right? Only now, you can be the food-bringer AND daily masseuse!

CALLING ALL CATS!  Our clients’  cats are the cutest around. Here’s a contest to prove it! Email us a favorite picture of your feline/s.  The most adorable gets some really purring prizes: one free half hour visit, a bag of kitty treats, and Anitra Frazier’s book The New Natural Cat – the definitive handbook for concerned cat lovers everywhere!

Contest Deadline is July 4th, 2010..send up to four entries per household!!

Last Wednesday, as we got buried in snow, the Walkers sent photos of their doggies live “from the field”. Most of our pups were dressed in their finest winter outfits. Sam sent this one of Bella, in Prospect Heights, sporting the latest booties!  ——>

<——  Some dogs, like Milo in Park Slope, love the snow! Milo could run and play in the white stuff all day if Natasha let him.

Little Kingston of PLG and Bunky in Greenpoint are not so sure about this “snow” thing.  Are we home yet? says Bunky. Matt just loves Bunky. Look at that face!

The Doggywood Hall of Fame and Red Carpet Reveal last weekend took place during a bright, sunny day. Such good fortune, and it made for some richly saturated photos too! Here are a few of my favorites, but to view all 93 of the best pics, go to the ProspectBArk Photostream.