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Known as the dog days of summer, July boasts long, hot days with an abundance of sunshine. Originally called the dog days in reference to the timeframe following the rising of the star Sirius – also known as the “Dog Star” – these summer days were first characterized by heat, drought and a feeling of lethargy. Similarly today, the term “dog days” is used to capture the hottest and perhaps most uncomfortable part of the Northern Hemisphere’s summer. Amidst summer’s most intense heat, it is also a time to think of our dogs and how to keep our furry friends safe, comfortable and cool. As we enter the hottest days of summer to date, our friends at Paws ‘n Claws have some tips and tricks to share to help your pets enjoy the dog days of summer, rather than despise them. From cooling vests to sunscreen to life jackets to bug sprays and more, they have your pet covered when it comes to summer safety and comfort. “Helping your pets stay hydrated and cool is going to keep them at their optimum activity and nutrition levels, impacting their overall health,” explains co-owner Eli Campbell. One way to keep cool on the hottest of summer days is by putting cooling apparel on your furry pup. Just as some dogs might wear a winter jacket to keep warm, some dogs enjoy wearing summer cooling vests to keep cool. At Paws ‘n Claws you can find Ruffwear’s evaporation-based cooling vests, harnesses and neck gaiters, along with Goldpaw’s sunshield tee to provide UPF50+ sun protection - for short-haired pups, sun protection is also key, especially in the sunshine-filled state of Colorado.  Speaking of keeping your pet cool, it is worth mentioning the hot car factor and what it can do to your pet. On a warm summer day, leaving your pet in an enclosed vehicle for just a few minutes can cause permanent brain damage, multiple organ failure or even death. “70 degrees outside with windows even cracked in a vehicle can turn to 104 degrees inside the car quickly,” explains Eli. “80 degrees outside turns to 114 very quickly unless the windows are completely rolled down and in the shade.” Signage is posted in the front of the store regarding the dangers of a hot vehicle, and our friends at Paws ‘n Claws have solved that problem by welcoming you and your pet into their store. Not only is it an exceptionally fun field trip for your furry friend, but it is also guaranteed to be a safe one in the summer - complete with fresh water and of course, treats!

A month to celebrate the joy pets bring to people’s lives and promote responsible pet ownership, May is National Pet Month . Whether you are a current pet owner, a hopeful pet owner or unsure if pet ownership is for you, it’s a great time to learn about the benefits and responsibilities that come along with having an animal companion in your life.

Keeping Your Dog Happy and Healthy in Mud Season

Give Your Furry Valentine the Gift of Oral Health This February

​Steamboat Springs, Colorado – known for its champagne powder® – is not only a winter playground for people – it’s great for four-legged powder hounds as well. From skiing to snowshoeing to hiking to fat biking to everyday trips to the dog park, there are plenty of wintertime adventures to enjoy with your pup. Paws ‘n Claws , known for being the experts in “all things pet” at their Central Park Plaza location, shares some wintertime tips to make adventures with your powder hound enjoyable for all.

​Likely a touch naughty but hopefully more nice, your pets – whether they know it or not – are gearing up for a visit from Santa Paws. From holiday treats to festive toys to advent calendars, our crew at Paws ‘n Claws is ready to make your furry friend’s Christmas dreams come true. ​  “We find that pets – dogs or cats – like to open their own stockings and find surprise gifts on Christmas day just like we do, just like our kids do,” says Paws ‘n Claws co-owner Erin Campbell. “Whether it be a dog treat or a cat toy, they also enjoy being surprised with a new gift.”

November is a month to celebrate and bring awareness to the many amazing shelter animals in this country. Coming off the heels of October, which is Adopt-a-Shelter Dog Month, November highlights the older shelter animal population with its designation as Adopt-a-Senior-Pet Month. Also in November is Animal Shelter Appreciation Week – always the first full week of November – and is a great time to honor not only animal shelters, but also the wonderfully compassionate people who dedicate their time to helping and supporting these inspiring animals.