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5 Halloween Treats Your Dog Will Love Header

5 Halloween Treats Your Dog Will Love

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5 Halloween Treats Your Dog Will Love Header

5 Halloween Treats Your Dog Will Love

Halloween is fast approaching but you can still stock up on Halloween treats your dog will love. Here are some we’ve found that you should give a try.

1. Homemade Candy Corn Dog Treats

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit: petcouponsavings.com

2. Homemade Halloween Pumpkin Dog Treats

Halloween DIY dog treats

Credit: petco.com

3. Candy Corn Frozen Dog Treats

These treats are great if you’re in a warmer area where even those fall temperatures still feel hot. A perfect way to keep your dog busy with a treat while helping them cool off.

Candy Corn Frozen Dog Treats

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit: beaglesandbargins.com

Not into making treats yourself? Consider purchasing some from one of these vendors.

There are lots of different treats out there made for Halloween each year. Check out your local pet store for seasonal bakery biscuits. Ghosts, Frankenstein’s Monster, candy corn, and witch’s hats are all popular cookie shapes this time of year.

4. Bocce’s Bakery Nutty Mummies Biscuits

Nutty Mummies Biscuits

Nutty Mummies Biscuits on Bocce’s Bakery @ $5.50

5. Howl-O-Ween Cookies from Dog Bakery Online

Howl-O-Ween Bag of Treats 4 Pack

Various Howl-O-Ween Cookies on Dog Bakery Online, starting @ $1.99

Should Your Pet Wear ID? Header

Should Your Pet Wear ID?

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Should Your Pet Wear ID? Header

Should Your Pet Wear ID?

You pet should always have some form of permanent identification on them at all times as identification is extremely important in helping you be reunited with your pet. This can be either in the form of a microchip or a tattoo. As of 2021, microchips are by far the more popular of the two. If you plan on going out with your pet or if your pet is know to door-dart, they should have a form of ID that is easily accessible on them at all times. This is most commonly in the form of ID tags but some collars also come embroidered with information. You can get ID tags made at most pet stores or you can order them online on sites like Red Dingo.

 

What information should an ID tag have?

Your pets ID should have at minimum the following information:

  • Their name
  • Your phone number

Optionally you can include:

  • Alternative phone number, ex. a spouse’s phone number
  • Address
  • Medical alert, ex. if your dog needs insulin or is extremely allergic to chicken

If you are placing a collar on a cat, make sure it is a breakaway collar. With a breakaway collar, if they get it caught on a branch or a fence they are able to get unstuck.

Check that chip!

If your pet is microchipped, make sure that the information on the chip is currently up to date. Include secondary contact information when possible. If you don’t have anybody else you can put down you can put down the shelter where you adopted your pet from or consider asking a neighbor if you can put their information down. You should also check any physical tags every few months to make sure that the engraving has not worn away.

How To Keep Your Pets Warm This Winter

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How To Keep Your Pets Warm This Winter Header

How To Keep Your Pets Warm This Winter

Pets love to be warm in the winter. Here are some ways to help keep them warm.

1. Heated Bed/Blanket/Pad

I have a heated bed and let me tell you, it’s wonderful in the winter. I can climb into a warm bed and when I wake up I’m nice and toasty. Honestly makes it hard to get out of bed. I also know that my pets love it as well. So much so that I have three heated blankets, two heated pads, and a heated cat bed for them to use year-round if they so desire. They understand that if they lay on any of them when I notice I’ll turn it on for them.

K&H Pet Products Thermo-Kitty Heated Cat Bed 20″ on Amazon @ $92.99

K&H Pet Products Heated Thermo-Kitty Mat Reversible Cat Bed on Amazon, Starting @ $25.35

There are lots of different brands to choose from but most of the ones I own are from K&H. You can find their dog products here.

2. Keep that heated bed off the floor and away from drafts

The floor is cold, especially if it isn’t carpeted and drafts are no fun either. Even if your pet bed isn’t heated, make sure it stays off the floor and away from

3. Or add another blanket

Not only does adding another blanket provide additional comfort it provides warmth. Any blanket will do, it doesn’t have to be pet specific. If you do want a pet specific blanket, Tall Tails makes super soft ones.

4. Sweaters

Not all pets like sweaters but if yours does, great! Sweaters are a cute way to add an extra layer of warmth to your pet especially when they’re outside. They make sweaters for all sizes of dogs so you’re sure to find one on the market that fits. Go check out the ones on Amazon, Canada Pooch, or Chilly Dog Sweaters.

5. Don’t shave down to the skin

Cats and dogs are built to withstand some cold temperatures. Some breeds were even designed for it like Huskies. Don’t shave your pet down to their skin during winter as this will remove the warm, protective layer fur provides against the cold.

6. Wipe off paws when your pets come back inside

You know what it’s like to have the snow get into your boot and soak your sock. Imagine if you weren’t able to take off your boots and socks? Whenever your pet comes in from the snow, make sure to wipe their paws off to remove and ice and snow. If you’ve just come in from a walk, this is always a great idea in case they have gotten any ice melt on their paws.

7. If it’s too cold for you it’s probably too cold for your pets

Even if your dog enjoys being out in the snow or is stubborn to come in, if temperatures drop too low your pet can freeze. Make sure you keep track of how long your dog has been outside and keep an eye on them to notice if they start becoming disoriented. Always let them back inside when they want to be let back inside. If you know your dog doesn’t like snow, keep trips outside to a minimum.

New to Northern Colorado and not used to snow? Read up on our cold weather precautions for pets.

Foods To Keep Your Pets Away From This Thanksgiving Header

Foods To Keep Your Pets Away From This Thanksgiving

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Foods To Keep Your Pets Away From This Thanksgiving Header

Foods To Keep Your Pets Away From This Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time of abundance but should your pet get a plate as well? We’ve put together a list of foods to keep your pets away from this Thanksgiving to save you a Thanksgiving trip to the emergency vet.

Stuffing

Stuffing often contains onions and garlic which are toxic to pets. If your pet gets into a teeny, tiny amount of stuffing that’s okay but you shouldn’t be giving them a plateful.

Ham & Pork Products

These products tend to be very fatty which is hard on their digestive tracks.

Poultry & Bones

You want to keep any cooked bones away from pets, especially chicken bones. Chicken bones can splinter and are harder to digest which can lead to tearing of the esophagus, intestine, or stomach as well as blockages that require veterinary care.

Mashed Potatoes

Potatoes by themselves aren’t bad, it’s the things we add to mashed potatoes that make them unhealthy. Butter, dairy products, green onions, pepper, can give your pet quite a stomach ache. If you’re looking for a great made-for-humans mashed potato recipe, this is one of my favorites from Taste of Lizzy T.

Grapes & Raisins

While less common at Thanksgiving tables, grapes and raisins may be found in things – like stuffing. Or they may be served in a bowl of nuts as a snack. Grapes and raisins are extremely toxic to cats and dogs and can cause kidney failure.

Nuts

On of the foods to keep your pets away from this Thanksgiving is nuts. Most nuts are extremely high in fat which can cause digestive issues.

Chocolate

Chocolate is one of the most common things pet parents are aware their their furbabies shouldn’t have. But remember, the darker the chocolate the more toxic it is due to the higher cocoa content.

Bread Dough & Yeast

Bread dough and yeast should be avoided due to the alcohol content produced by the yeast, especially in uncooked dough. Uncooked dough is also not safe due to the yeast being active and continuing to rise. Dough can expand well over three times the size it starts out at if conditions are right. It would be like you swallowing a loaf of bread whole!

Gravy

Gravy has a lot of toxic ingredients (garlic and onions) in addition to the high fat content. This makes it harder for your pet to digest and gives them tummy troubles.

Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pet This Thanksgiving Infographic

Want to make your pet a Thanksgiving plate still?

Including your pet in the festivities can be fun but we want to make sure our pets are safe. Here is a list of traditional Thanksgiving foods (with some tweaks) so your pet can get their own plate.

  • Canned, plain pumpkin – not pumpkin pie filling;
  • Sweet potato dog chews – you can either make these yourself or purchase them from your local pet store;
  • Turkey or Pork wet pet food – wet food comes in a variety of flavors. Consider picking up one that is turkey or pork;
  • Carob treats – carob is the pet-safe version of chocolate. You can find a variety of carob treats at your local pet store
Sweet Potato Dog Chews Header

Sweet Potato Dog Chews

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Sweet Potato Dog Chews HeaderSweet Potato Dog Chews

Want to make you dog a fun sweet potato chew for Thanksgiving? Try out these one-ingredient treats.

Ingredients

2 Sweet Potatoes

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 250℉
  2. Line two baking trays with parchment paper.
  3. Slice the sweet potatoes no thinner than ¼in thick.
  4. Arrange the sweet potato slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 2½ – 3 hours, making sure to flip halfway. You want your chews to be shrunken and dried out. It’s okay if some pieces have a different texture than others.
  5. Let cool and store in an air-tight container.

You can also make these in an air fryer with a bit of chicken broth.

Sweet Potato Dog Chews Recipe

Air-Fried Sweet Potato Dog Chews

Ingredients

2 Sweet Potatoes
2c Low or No Sodium Chicken Broth

Directions

  1. Slice the sweet potatoes no thinner than ¼in thick.
  2. Place sweet potato slices into a container and pour over the chicken broth. Let marinate for 3 hours or overnight. Flip periodically to make sure they get evenly coated.
  3. Place sweet potato slices onto your air fryer tray in a single layer.
  4. Bake at 400℉ for 3 minutes. Reduce heat to 300℉ for 5 minutes. You may need to adjust cooking times based on how thick your sweet potato slices are.
  5. Let cool and store in an air-tight container.

Air-Fried Sweet Potato Dog Chews Recipe

What about a dehydrator?

Have a dehydrator? Place your sweet potato slices on your dehydrator for 7 – 8 hours, or until dry.

On a roll with making chews? Check out these jerky treats for cats and dogs.

Top 7 Christmas Gifts For Dogs

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Top 7 Christmas Gifts For Dogs

Not sure what to get the dog who has everything? We have you covered. From light up toys to personalized gifts these Christmas gifts for dogs are sure to bring hours (or minutes depending on your dog) of fun!

1. Nite Ize Flashflight LED Dog Discuit

Have a dog who loves to be outside but struggle to find that pesky Frisbee? Look no further! This Discuit lights up and is easy to spot not only in the snow but also when it’s darker outside.

Nite Ize Flashflight LED Dog Discuit on Amazon @ $16.09

2. Advent Calendar

Most pet stores, large box stores included, don’t list their annual advent calendars online unless they have a surplus of them. That means you’ll have to start checking stores around early November if you want to snag one of these hot ticket items. If you’re looking for a cat version of these, check out our Top 7 Christmas Gifts for Cats.

Honey i'm home advent calendar Honey Im Home UN delivery | Cornershop by Uber

Honey I’m Home Countdown Christmas

7 Best Pet Advent Calendars 2020 - Dog & Cat Advent Calendars

Himalayan Pet Supply Best Friend’s Advent Calendar

3. Jiminy’s Cricket Protein Soft & Chewy Dog Training Treats

I’ll admit, I’ve tried one of these. Was it the best thing I’ve ever eaten? No. Was it the worst? Not by far. If you’re looking for a treat that uses a novel protein Jiminy’s Cricket treats might be for you as they use crickets as their protein source. They are perfect if somebody you know it getting a dog this holiday season as they’re the perfect size for training treats.

Jiminy’s Cricket Protein Sweet Potato and Pea Soft & Chewy Dog Training Treats on Amazon $9.95

4. Spunky Pup Bow Blaster

You’ve heard of Chuckit! but have you heard of the Bow Blaster? It works like a slingshot and launches balls farther than you could with just your arm. Great for the dog who loves tennis balls.

Bow Blaster | Spunky Pup

Bow Blaster @ $24.99

5. DogWine

This isn’t the same wine you buy off the shelf. Made with filtered water, organic bacon, and organic salmon oil this wine is 100% dog safe.

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1382/2223/products/7-20PetWinery0525_43f8b302-c9ee-4634-81c4-4299f2683c7b.jpg?v=1594739073

FetchMe Noir on PetWinery.com @ $9.99

Also check out their DIY ice cream bar for both cats and dogs.

6. Personalized Letter Dog Toy

These cute personalized letter dog toys are sure to be a hit in any dogs stocking. Comes in two sizes for both small and large dogs.

Letter Personalized Dog Toy Christmas Letter To Santa Squeaker image 0

Personalized Dog Toy Letter on Etsy @ $15.00

7. HuggleHounds Christmas Toys

HuggleHound toys are best for dogs who are more gentle with their toys. Each year they release new Christmas and Hanukkah toys in all sizes. This year they’ll be replacing their Starlight Reindeer with a Starlight Unicorn.

HUGGLEHOUNDS® HOLIDAY SANTA KNOTTIES — Agri Feed Pet Supply

HuggleHounds Website

Now that you’ve filled your pets stocking you probably don’t want to have to go and buy new toys for a bit. Here’s how you can keep your pets toys looking like new. Did you pick any of these toys up? Let us know in the comments or @WetNosesPetSitting.

Best Last Minute Halloween Costumes for Your Dog 2021 Header

Best Last Minute Halloween Costumes for Your Dog 2021

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Best Last Minute Halloween Costumes for Your Dog 2021 Header

Best Last Minute Halloween Costumes for Your Dog 2021

With everything happening this year it’s totally okay to need a last minute Halloween costume for your dog. We’ve put together a few ideas that you can even make the night before.

1. Wonder Bread

Wonder Bread Halloween Dog Costume

Don’t have Wonder Bread? That’s ok! Your small-medium dog can go as any brand of bread. Bonus points if you have a tan dog to simulate that perfect looking bread loaf.

2. Hershey Kiss

Hershey Kiss Halloween Dog Costume

You’ll need plenty of foil to pull off this last minute Halloween dog costume. Don’t have the Hershey Kisses ribbon? That’s ok! You can use a wide, white ribbon that has metal in it (to keep its shape) and a blue fabric pen to write Kisses on the ribbon.

3. Bowl of Cereal

Bowl of Cereal CostumeBowl of Cereal Halloween Dog Costume

Is your dog wearing a cone 🙁 or do you have an old one? Have any leftover pool noodles from the summer? Then you can make this costume! You can also make a companion spoon out of cardboard and foil. If you plan on reusing the cone you can use double-sided tape to keep the pool noodles attached but if you don’t mind using it exclusively as a Halloween costume, hot glue is your friend.

4. S’more

S'more Halloween Dog Costume

A chocolate lab is perfect for making this s’more costume. You’ll need some string, cardboard, glue, and cotton balls for this costume.

5. Shark

Shark Halloween Dog Costume

Cardboard, fabric, and glue is all you’ll need to make this shark costume from wearwagrepeat.

There you have it! Some quick, last minute Halloween dog costumes. If none of these appeal to you, go check out our Pinterest board for more fun ideas or check out our past years costumes. There’s something for everybody!

What is Iron Poisoning Header

What is Iron Poisoning?

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What is Iron Poisoning Header

What is Iron Poisoning?

Iron is important for the function of both cats and dogs but when they are exposed to too much iron it can be fatal. The most common source of iron poisoning (iron toxicosis) is ingesting iron oxygen absorbers but iron poisoning can come from a variety of sources:

  • Fertilizer
  • Multivitamins
  • Dietary Mineral Supplements
  • Hand Warmers
  • Heating Pads
  • Iron Oxygen Absorbers

Iron poisoning occurs when your pet has ingested too much iron that has not been oxygenated. Unless you know the exact amount that has been consumed you should seek veterinary care to determine how much elemental iron versus the total iron was ingested.

Iron poisoning can be fatal.

With any poison, it’s important to seek veterinary care as soon as you become aware that accidental ingestion has occurred even if you’re unsure if the amount was enough to be toxic. When you pet has iron toxicosis they will go through four stages. The sooner you get them in the better your pets chance of survival.

  1. Stage 1 occurs usually within the first 6 hours. This includes vomiting, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal issues.
  2. Stage 2 occurs between 6 – 24 hours post exposure. This is where your pet may appear fine and you may no longer feel the need to take them to the vet. After all, we all gets diarrhea every now and then. You still should take your pet to the vet at this stage if you know they have ingested iron or a substance containing large amounts of iron.
  3. Stage 3 occurs between 12 – 96 hours. This is where your pet may begin to experience tremors, bloody diarrhea, and elevated heart rate. They may begin to have seizures, experience organ damage, shock, and possibly death. The longer you wait the more likely your pet is to die.
  4. Stage 4 occurs up to 6 weeks later following treatment. Gastrointestinal issues, such as intestinal strictures and blockages can occur. These issues can appear even when your pet is treated in stage 1.

Symptoms of Iron Poisoning

  • Lethargy
  • Abdominal Pain
  • Shock
  • Elevated Heart Rate
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Bloody Diarrhea
  • Tremors
  • Panting

What to do if you suspect your pet has iron poisoning.

Seek emergency veterinary care immediately if you suspect your pet has iron poisoning or if you have seen them getting into something that contains iron. Most pets can be successfully treated for iron poisoning if treated before your pet shows symptoms. If your pet is showing symptoms, it is within the first 12 hours and you seek treatment, your pet still had a good chance to recover.

Prevention is crucial.

  • Elevate multivitamins and dietary supplements out of reach of pets;
  • Keep products that contain iron oxygen absorbers out of reach of pets (most commonly in dried, freeze-dried, or jerky foods/treats);
  • Fertilizer should be kept in the garage or shed where you pet cannot get to them;
  • When you are done with a hand warmer it should be disposed of properly. If your pet gets into the trash place it in the bin outside or in a locked bin that is harder for your pet to open
Parasites and Pets: Do you need to be worried? Header

Parasites and Pets: Do you need to be worried?

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Parasites and Pets: Do you need to be worried? Header

Parasites and Pets: Do you need to be worried?

Parasites. No pet owner ever wants to have to deal with them. But did you know nearly a third of all household pets currently have some form of parasite? Yikes! I found this out because I saw one of my cats eating a cricket he had caught and it made me wonder: Do crickets carry parasites that can infect cats? The answer to that question is yes. But is it just crickets that can give my cat a parasite? Sadly, no. Today we’re going to look into the types of parasites your pet can get.

Now, this list isn’t all inclusive. There are many parasites out there but these are some of the more common ones you’ll find in the United States.

Roundworm

Roundworms are by far the most common type of parasitic worm you’ll find in your pets. Nearly all dogs will have roundworm at some point in their lives, usually as puppies.

Hookworms

Hookworms are very similar to roundworms in that they are also an intestinal parasitic worm. These parasites are dangerous because they can cause fatal blood loss.

Tapeworms

You’ve heard of this one! Tapeworms are long, flat worms that live in the intestines. There are a variety of species of tapeworm that can infect your dog:

  • Dipylidium caninum
  • Taenia
  • Echinococcus (uncommon in the United States)

Tapeworms usually don’t make your dog sick and do not cause weight loss but it can happen. If you suspect your dog has tapeworm make sure to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian.

Heartworms

Heartworms are nasty things. Primarily in dogs, heartworm is transmitted via infected mosquitoes. These worms don’t only live in the heart but also the large blood vessels in the lungs. Thankfully monthly preventative chews and other preventative options exist. You can read more about heartworm on our post dedicated to heartworm.

Stomach Worms

Also called Physaloptera worms, these can infect your pet when they ingest an infected cricket or cockroach. Your pet can also become infected by eating another animal, such as a mouse, that has eaten the infected insect.

Some other types of parasites are:

  • Cheyletiellosis (Walking Dandruff – Cats only)
  • Coccidia
  • Ear Mites
  • Fleas
  • Giardia
  • Mange
  • Scabies (Dogs only)
  • Ticks
  • Tocoplasmosis (Cats only)
  • Whipworms

Prevention

Prevention is key. Even indoor animals should be dewormed once a season (every 3 months) unless otherwise instructed by a veterinarian. For some worms, like heartworm, a monthly preventative is recommended for most animals. If you bring a new animal home that has not been dewormed you should schedule a vet appointment ASAP and keep the pet separate from others until they are cleared as some parasites can be transmitted.

Are parasites fatal?

Parasites can be fatal if left untreated. Parasites like fleas can cause severe anemia due to blood loss. You should reach out to your veterinarian if you suspect your pet has a parasite, especially an internal parasite. If you find a stray dog or cat that has a severe case of fleas or mange you should seek veterinary care as soon as possible to minimize blood loss and scarring.

Did you learn something new about parasites and pets? Let us know in the comments.

 

5 Halloween Toys Your Dog Will Love Header

5 Halloween Toys Your Dog Will Love

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5 Halloween Toys Your Dog Will Love Header

5 Halloween Toys Your Dog Will Love

You still have time to get Halloween toys that your dog will love! And what’s even better is some of them are already on sale in preparation for Christmas.

1. Frisco Cactus Plush Squeaky Toy, 3 count

https://img.chewy.com/is/image/catalog/270373_MAIN._AC_SL1500_V1624070868_.jpg

Do you LOVE succulents and Halloween? Why not snag these squeaky dog toys shaped like cacti.

Frisco Halloween Cactus Plush Squeaky Dog Toy, 3 count on Chewy @ $7.98

2. FuzzYard Pumpkin Puppuccino w Whip

Dog Toy - Pumpkin Puppuccino w Whip

Who doesn’t love a classic fall staple? This PSL is perfect for your pup and it’s machine washable.

Fuzzyard Pumpkin Puppuccino w Whip on FuzzYard.com @ $8.99

3. FuzzYard Witch’s Brew

Dog Toy - Witch's Brew

Pumpkin spice not your thing? Check out their companion toy, witch’s brew. Now with 100% less pumpkin spice!

FuzzYard Witch’s Brew on FuzzYard.com @ $7.99

4. BARK Snuggle Gum Dog Toy

https://target.scene7.com/is/image/Target/GUEST_fce5bdb8-77e3-44a0-a359-5b9ca52ab9f9?wid=2037&hei=2037&fmt=pjpeg

It might have been our least favorite “candy” to get in our trick-or-treat hauls but your dog doesn’t mind it! This BARK Snuggle Gum Dog Toy contains a squeaker inside instead of some flavorless gum.

BARK Snuggle Gum Dog Toy on Target @ $9.99

5. Puppy’s First Halloween

Cute Repurposed Stuffed Plush Bone Food Fall Puppy's First image 1

Have a friend who got a new puppy? Or did you get a new puppy yourself? Commemorate their first Halloween with this Puppy’s First commemorative toy.

Puppy’s First Halloween dog bone toy on Etsy @ $10.00

Now that you’ve made the perfect Halloween toy basket for your dog you’ll want to keep them looking good as new. Let us know in the comments what your dogs favorite toy is and maybe it’ll get added to our 2022 list!