Cheap Puppy Toys You Can Make At Home

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There’s nothing like the excitement of getting a new puppy. It’s always a special time, going to the pet store to buy a new collar, leash, bed, food bowls, and other supplies for the little bundle of joy. As much fun as it can be, the prices can add up pretty fast. That’s why there is no need to spend extra hard earned money on puppy toys when you can easily make them at home for a fraction of the cost.  Here are a few ideas that will slash your new puppy pet store total while still keeping them totally entertained.

Paper Towel Holder Treat Toy

Supplies:

  • Treats
  • Cardboard Tube (paper towel or toilet paper roll)
  • Tape

How to do it:

Smash down one end of the cardboard and tape it shut.  Then pour some treats inside of the tube and seal that side with tape as well. Your new puppy will have a field day trying to get the treats of of it!  You can even make it a little easier for them by cutting a few treat sized holes in one side so that the treats fall out easily for younger puppies.

The Crunchy Bottle Sock

Supplies:

  • Old sock
  • Rocks (optional)
  • Empty water bottle

How to do it:

Slide the sock over the water bottle and tie the sock firmly at the end. Puppies love the way this feels and sounds when they chew or pounce on it and the sock keeps them safe from torn plastic. If they tire easily of the crunch feeling then add some pebbles, beans, or pennies to change the sound. If you don’t have extra water bottle laying around, get the cheapest one you can find at the store. They often have less plastic which makes it easier to crunch and pop.

Kitchen-Towel Chew

Supplies:

  • Old kitchen or hand towel
  • Scissors

How to do it:

Cut the towel into thirds by making two slits at equal distance along the length of the towel. STOP cutting about an inch from the top of the towel. Braid the strips, then knot the loose end and voila! You have a great braided chew toy for you puppy. As they get older you can use longer towels and add a cut tennis ball or a big knot to the middle. You can also use old jeans or three separate towels together to make it bigger and stronger.

There’s no need in spending tons of cash on puppy toys from the store when you can make them right at home. Nothing is worse than spending $15 on a new toy only to find your puppy playing more with an old piece of cardboard, and loving it.  Upcycling some old items around the house is the way to go when it comes to puppy toys.  Your wallet and your puppy will be happy.

Don’t forget to leave us a comment below and let us know some of the great DIY toys you have made for you pets!

Why Does My Dog Weave Back and Forth When I Walk?

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It’s a beautiful day as you head out for an afternoon walk with your happy and eager pup…you take a second to look up at the fluffy clouds, then all of a sudden they blind side you as they weave from one side to the other and you almost trip right over them. It really does make you wonder, why do they do that anyway?

The Zigzag

Mostly they weave back and forth because they are super excited to be on a walk, which is usually the highlight of their day.  There are so many sights, sounds and most importantly, smells!  Dogs have a sense of smell that can is 1,000-10,000 times stronger than ours.  This can have them zigging and zagging all over the place as they track the scents that tells them what has been going on in the neighborhood.  If your dog has herding blood then it could also be a little of instinct of trying to get you to walk where he wants to you go, especially if they bark or nip while doing it. Lastly, it could be just a small bit of anxiety or even a little sensory overload from being outside with all the exciting stimuli.

How to Counteract

Even though you may be fine with the bob and weave, it can be a safety hazard.  According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 88 percent of fall-related injuries were due to dogs and cats.  Not only can it hurt you, but you could easily break their legs or ribs if you fall on them.  That’s why it best to teach your dog how to walk properly.

  1. Pick a side and practice walking on a loose, but short leash in a distraction free area.
  2. If he begins to cross in front of you stop and use hand or verbal ques to get him back to the proper side. You can use a treat at first if he has a hard time picking up on these ques.
  3. As soon as he gets back on the original side as directed, begin to walk forward again.
  4. Don’t give up!  As with most training, it takes repetition and time.
  5. Lengthen the leash as they get better with the commands and staying on one side.
  6. Hire a dog walker to help burn off some extra energy and reinforce training techniques!

Walking should a fun way to spend the afternoon outside, not in the emergency room.  Helping your dog walk properly will ensure the safety of you both.

 

5 DIY Cat Toys You Can Make at Home

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There’s nothing worse than picking out a new cat toy at the store only to bring it home to find your cat hopelessly disinterested in their new play thing. That is one of the tricky things about cats, you never know exactly what toy will catch their attention. At our house we have a huge cat bag full of discarded toys and the one toy they love the most is an old Jack in the Box antenna ball, go figure?!  That’s why I stopped buying toys for them and started making these awesome DIY cat toys that they seems to love. 

  1. No sew knock-around knot

This simple idea is the perfect way to up-cycle an old shirt.  All you need to do is cut up the shirt into 5 or 6 one inch thick strips. Then take one of the lengths and tie around the others in the center,  The tie them all again into a knot in the middle and you’ve got yourself a perfect cat toy. Just make sure the knot is extra tight so that it stays intact while they knock it around.

  1.  DIY Cardboard Scratching Pad

Cats love scratching pads, they not only save your furniture and carpets but they help keep your cat’s claws healthy.  This easy tutorial shows you how to make your own round scratch pad for you cat by reusing old cardboard boxes.  Sprinkle some catnip on it and your cat won’t be able to resist! 

  1. DIY Cat Treat Puzzle

I can’t wait to do this one for my cats. They get a little stir crazy in the winter and this is a perfect way to beat the boredom when they are stuck inside.  By cutting a few holes in an old tupperware and putting a some old small toys and a hand full of treats, you make an awesome little game that your cat will love playing all afternoon.

  1. Pom Pom Fishing Pole

One of the best toys for your cat is the classic “fishing pole” game.  This tutorial will show you how to easily (all you need is a fork and some yarn) make little poms poms that you can attach to a stick or pole.  Your cat will love playing to their instincts with this catching-the-prey game.  

  1. Frayed Toilet Paper Roll

This has got to be the easiest toy you can make for your cat.  Take an old toilet paper roll and cut the ends a few centimeters, then bend them out to look like a wheel.  This helps it bounce around at different angles which will keep your cat batting away at it.

 

With these great ideas for DIY cat toys, you don’t have to spend a ton of money on cat toys.  Your house is full of things you can easily make to keep them entertained.  Don’t forget to let us know what homemade toys your cat loves in the comments!

Valentine’s Day Gifts For Cats

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Is your kitty your Valentine this year? What do you get him or her? Cats generally don’t like chocolate or roses, but these gifts are sure to win your cat’s heart over. Here are some great Valentine’s Day gifts for cats.

Catnip 

Most kitties love catnip! Catnip can be a great Valentine’s Day gift for cats. For a gift sure to please buy or make your kitty a catnip toy. Making a catnip toy at home is easy.

Catnip sock toy:

  1. Start with a children’s or small sock, catnip and a needle and thread
  2. Fill the sock with catnip
  3. Sew the top of the sock closed with the needle and thread
  4. Give the sock to your kitty

Another great catnip gift is fresh catnip. You can find fresh catnip at pet stores or grow it from seeds.

Treats 

Treats are awesome Valentine’s Day gifts for cats. A cool new treat is flaked tuna. These are thin flakes of freeze dried tuna that can be fed as treats or as a topping for food. For some homemade treat ideas, check out our previous blog posts on Valentine’s Day treats for cats.

Collars 

A new collar is a fun Valentine’s Day gift for cats. Many cats will love a collar with hearts on it (and maybe a bell). Be sure to fit the collar correctly to keep your cat safe.

Furniture 

A cat tree is a sure win for Valentine’s Day gifts for cats. For a new cat tree check out your local petstore. For a smaller gift try a new cat bed or scratching post. Want to make a homemade cat bed? Take a small box and decorate it, with lots of hearts using construction paper and child-safe markers. Place a pillow in the box and you have a wonderful DIY cat bed.

Valentine’s Day can be a great holiday to share with your cat. These Valentine’s Day gifts for cats are sure to make your cat’s day.

How Do I Know if My Dog’s Paws Are Frozen?

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Winter is in full swing and the temperatures are dipping lower and lower.  As the snow falls we all want to go out and play for a bit, coming in for a warm cup of hot cocoa, then playing some more.  Snowball fights are the best, especially with your dog there to run around chasing them.  But, we have snow boots and galoshes, and even though you pup may have a fur coat, they still have exposed paws that are sensitive to the cold.  That’s when us pet parents ask the question, “How do I know if my dog’s paws are frozen?”  Luckily there are a few ways to tell and also a few ways to prevent it.

What to Look For:  The first thing you need to check is for ice build up in between their pads.  If you find snow, ice, or mud use a warm wet washcloth to remove it.  If they are shivering, that is another indication of hypothermia which means their paws could be frozen. If you’re concerned that they have frostbite, check the tissues too see if they are bright red followed by pale color (vasoconstriction) or black in color.  This could mean the tissue is damaged or dying.

 

What to Do:  First off you want to warm your pet, start by using a hair  dryer on medium warm is a quick start to warm up your pet while someone else is preparing blankets and water bottles. Then, use blankets and put warm water in plastic bottles, then wrap them towels to prevent burns. You can also use plastic zip lock bags filled with uncooked rice that you warm in the microwave for 1-2 minutes then wrap in a towel. If you’re using a heating pad, make sure to put towels between them and the pad, they can get really hot and a weak animal will not be able to move and could get burnt.  Once they are getting warm, check their temperature (should be above 37.5°) rectally and call the vet.

How to Prevent:  The best way to prevent frozen paws is to put booties on your dog’s feet.  Also, limit their time outside and don’t leave them out for too long unsupervised in the yard.  You can also shovel out a little patch of grass for them to play and potty in, that way they’re not as exposed to the snow when outside.

 

Playing in the snow is great, but it’s also important to know how to make sure everyone stays safe.  Frostbite and hypothermia are real dangers, but it’s easy to prevent.  However, if it does happen, it’s good to know what to do that way you can enjoy the winter without worry!

 

What Are the Best Fort Collins Dog Trails?

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Fort Collins dog owners are very lucky to have many friendly dog trails to choose from. There are a variety of trails in city natural areas and parks, county parks, and state parks. Here are some of my favorite hikes with dogs.

Lory State Park- Well Gulch Nature Trail 

This trail is a beautiful 1.5 mile hike through a variety of terrains. The trails has some slow climbs and downhills. There are also many waterfalls along the way. I would recommend this trail because it is not steep or very technical, it is fairly short, and has great views.

Fort Collins Natural Areas- Maxwell Natural Area

The trail in Maxwell Natural Area leads to the A. Taking the foothills trail to the overlook trail will take you and your dog up to the A, with a great view of Fort Collins and Horsetooth Reservoir. This hike is about 4 miles round trip but is lots of fun. It starts with a walk through rolling hills, then you begin climbing up the mountain. The climb is not too steep or technical. I recommend this trail because it has great views, has wide trails, and has few cacti along the trail.

Horsetooth Mountain Park- Horsetooth Falls

Horsetooth Mountain Park has many trails, but the Horsetooth Falls Trail is one of the easier trails. This trail is an out and back, with the whole trip being about 2.4 miles. There are many ups and downs on this trail but few steep climbs. At the end of the trail is a waterfall (sometimes a small trickle) with a water pool. This trail has some narrow portions so be aware of other trail users. I recommend this trail because it is a good workout, and ends in a very pretty waterfall.

These are my favorite trails for dogs in Fort Collins. Most trails in Fort Collins are dog friendly, but few like Bobcat Ridge and Soapstone Natural Areas are not. Always be aware of wildlife and other hikers. Check out our previous article on heat stress in dogs and have a great hike with your furry friend.

How Do I Get My Dog into Shape?

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Getting into shape is a common New Year’s goal for people and their pets. With over 50% of pets overweight, getting into shape is good goal. So, what can you do to help you get your dog into shape?

 

Playing

Playing with dogs can seem like a no brainer. A great calorie burning activity is fetch. Tossing the ball around gets your dog running and engaging many muscles. For a little more oomph in your fetch game, use a ChuckIt, which launches balls much farther than a person can throw them.

 

Getting outside 

Going for walks, hikes or runs is a great way to get your pup (and yourself) active. For overweight or out of shape dogs, start slow. Start with a slow 5-10 minute walk, then increase the speed and duration of your walks over a few weeks. Always bring water for your dog and read his body language to see when he is tired. Once your dog is in shape (and possibly with vet approval) start going for runs or long hikes.

 

 

Reducing calories 

In conjunction with exercise, reducing the calories your dog eats is key to him or her losing weight. Reducing calories can mean switching to a low calorie food or simply reducing the amount of food your dog gets. Start by cutting out excess calories, like lots of wet food or treats. Try feeding your dog healthy treats like freeze dried liver (available at the pet store) or pet friendly fruits and veggies (like watermelon and carrots). As an alternative to wet food try a small amount of boiled chicken. You can also add veggies to your pet’s dry food to add some extra bulk and fiber. This can help make the transition to a lower amount of food easier. Steamed string beans and carrots are great to add to your dog’s food.

 

Every pet parent wants their dog to stay happy and healthy! Getting your pup into shape helps keep your pet healthy and might even help you get healthier too.

Is Sidewalk Salt Bad for My Dog?

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Taking your dog for a walk is great and has many health benefits for both of you. Yet, as the temperature drops and ice become more of a threat, homeowners will begin applying sidewalk salt to melt the ice. But is all sidewalk salt bad for your pets? While there are many pet-safe salt options, not all homeowners will use them. So what are the risks of sidewalk salt and how can you keep your pet safe.

Sidewalk ice salt is made of a variety of ingredients such as sodium chloride (table salt), magnesium chloride, or calcium chloride. While sodium chloride is safe for pets many of these other ingredients are not.

Possible risks of sidewalk salt

  1. Sidewalk salt is irritating to dog paws (and human skin).
  2. Sidewalk salt is poisonous when ingested and can cause kidney problems.
  3. Sidewalk salt can irritate the respiratory tract when inhaled.

What can you do to reduce the risk to your dog?

1. Try to avoid walking your dog in areas where unsafe salt may have been used.

Many public places, such as parks, don’t use pet-safe ice melt. Avoiding these areas can help reduce the risk of your pet getting non pet-safe ice melt on their paws.

2. Wipe your dog’s paws right away after each walk; this will prevent your dog from licking the salt off of his paws.

You can either use a damp cloth or a pet-safe wipe of your choice. These Earth Rated wipes also come in unscented.

 

Earth Rated Dog Wipes on Amazon @ $29.99

3. Do not allow your dog to lick water off the ground.

Ground water can contain a variety of things, not to mention remnants of ice melt which is toxic if ingested.

4. Walk your dog is winter booties.

There’s many different brands out there but if you’re looking for a sturdy pair to invest in, RUFFWEAR makes durable boots that are not only designed for the winter but also hiking and outdoors. You can find pet booties online and at most local pet retailers.


RUFFWEAR, Grip Trex Outdoor Dog Boots on Amazon @ $37.50

5. Use pet-safe ice melt.

The best thing you can do to help yourself and other pet parents is to use pet-safe ice melt. Pet-safe ice melt is commonly made out of urea. Here are two brands of pet-safe ice melt you can pick up either online or in store.

 

Safe Paw Ice Melt on Amazon @ $19.91

 

https://img.smartpak.com/images/product/highres/26205_12lbjug.jpg

Pestell Paw Thaw Pet Friendly Ice Melter, Bag, 25 lbs on PetCo @ $24.99

Dangers of Sidewalk Salt Infographic

While sidewalk salt can be a winter risk, it shouldn’t prevent you and your dog from having an awesome walk. Do you have a favorite pet-safe ice melt or other cold weather precautions we should know? Let us know in the comments or @WetNosesPetSitting

How Much Does it Cost to Use a Self-Service Dog Wash?

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Depending on where you go in Fort Collins or Loveland and what type of bath package you choose, a self-service dog wash can range in pricing. Remember, all services are on a first-come first-serve basis. Be sure to hurry in as peak times are on the weekends during the middle of the day! Here are some of the different options that self-service dog wash locations offer.

Less expensive options:

If you are looking for a basic wash without all the bells and whistles, Unleashed by Petco is the place to go. At $10 per dog, you are permitted the use of an elevated tub, towels, grooming tools, an apron, a dryer, shampoo and conditioner.

Mid-priced options

Do you want to spoil your dog, but not break the bank? Then these self-serve locations may be best suited for you and your pups. Cosmic Dog offers a fun, spa-like atmosphere with a plethora of choices for shampoo, conditioner and even a spritz, all for $14! Doggie Baths and Beyond offers 3 different packages, ranging from a basic wash at $10 to a deluxe wash at $15. Poudre Pet and Feed Supply offers a $15 wash at select locations. Camp Bow Wow offers a $15 wash for current clients only. All of these facilities provide raised tubs, easy access stairs or ramps, no slip mats, dog dryers, aprons, and brushes, as well as a variety of shampoos and conditioners.

More expensive options:

For those looking for a self-service dog wash with a more spa-like environment with a variety of add-ons, The Dog Pawlour or Doggie Dips and Chips may be the place for you. Baths here run about $16 for your first dog, and offer a small discount on your other dog’s bath if sharing the same tub. Depending on where you go, these facilities offer the basics like a tub, grooming tools, and towels, as well as a variety of scented shampoos and conditioners to choose from.

So whether your pups had some fun at the dog park rolling in the mud or just need a bath to freshen up, think about taking them to a self-serve dog wash! Just remember that in Fort Collins or Loveland, self-serve baths will range from $10 to $16. It is worth the money and will save you time from scrubbing your bathroom tub!

What Can I Do to Make My Dog More Comfortable on New Year’s Eve?

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If you’ve read our previous blog post, “Why does my dog not like New Year’s Eve?”, then odds are you’re looking for tips to make your dog more comfortable on New Year’s Eve! Here are some tips to keep in mind so you can start off the year right with a happy, healthy pooch!

Keep Pets Indoors

As tempting as it is to keep your dog outside while your party guests are over, you may want to rethink this option. Your neighbors are most likely experimenting with fireworks and firecrackers, scaring Fido into jumping the fence and running away. Keep your dog inside a secure room in the house with the windows and doors closed so he doesn’t have the opportunity to run!

Turn up the TV or radio

While you are enjoying the chatter, fireworks, and festivities among friends and family, your pup is most likely shaking in fear. To make him more comfortable, keep him secured in a safe location and turn up some familiar noises to soothe and distract him.

Give your dog a special treat

Think about giving your pup a long-lasting special treat, like a bully-stick or bone, to distract him. Chances are, it will take him more than a few minutes to consume it and will keep him satisfied for a few hours.

Rescue Remedy

If you are not familiar with this wonder product, look into buying some Rescue Remedy for your pup. It is a natural stress reliever that you can add to their food, water, or directly into their mouth. It may not be completely effective, but it is worth a shot if you know your pup is the anxious type!

Whether you are hosting a party for 20 or a party for one, remember to keep your dog as comfortable as possible this New Year’s Eve by following these tips! So tell us, what else have you tried to make your dog comfortable in these scary situations?