Tag Archive for: dog

6 Easter Safety Tips for Pets

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6 Easter Safety Tips for Pets

Easter is a fun time for humans of all ages and for pets! Keep these 6 Easter safety tips for pets in mind to make sure your pets are safe this Easter.

Keep lilies plants away from pets.


Lilies are known to be toxic to pets, especially cats. Even getting a little pollen on their fur required immediate medical attention. It’s best to not bring lilies into your home to avoid any accidental contact.

 

 

 

No chocolate for pets.


Chocolate is a tasty treat for humans but it is not good for pets. Keep all chocolate out of your pets reach and do not let them out in the yard until you have picked up any leftover eggs.

 

 

 

 

Pick up any leftover eggs from an egg hunt.


Small plastic eggs can be a choking hazard as well as their contents. Before you let your pet outside do a double check of your yard to make sure there were no missed eggs.

 

 

 

 

Keep trash cans secure.


Pets can be mischievous. Make sure your trash cans are secure so they don’t get into something they shouldn’t. Broken plastic eggs, basket filler, and discarded candy can all be dangerous for your pets to ingest.

 

 

 

 

Keep pets in a separate room.


Sometimes the best thing to do is keep your pets locked in their own room, away from the noise and tempting treats. Cats especially may prefer a quiet space to hide.

 

 

 

 

Dressing up your pets? Read their body language.


Some pets like being dressed up while others don’t. Watch your pets body language when attempting to put a festive costume on them. If you are dying your pets fur make sure to use a pet safe dye. Contact your local groomer for recommendations.

We hope you have a safe and fun Easter with your pets! Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments below.

St. Patrick’s Day Costumes for Pets 2023

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St. Patrick’s Day Costumes for Pets 2023

If you’re looking for an excuse to dress up your pet St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner. From guinea pigs to great danes we’ve compiled some of our favorite St. Patrick’s Day costumes for pets.

Cats & Dogs

Wagatude Green Bearded Glitter Belt Dog Hat

Wagatude Green Bearded Glitter Belt Dog Hat, Medium/Large slide 1 of 1

Frisco Let’s Get Shamrocked Dog & Cat T-Shirt

Frisco Let's Get Shamrocked Dog & Cat T-Shirt, Small slide 1 of 6

Frisco Kiss Me I’m Lucky Dog & Cat T-Shirt

Frisco Kiss Me I'm Lucky Dog & Cat T-Shirt, Green, X-Small slide 1 of 6

St. Patrick’s Day Riding Leprechaun

JOTFA St. Patrick’s Day Dog Bandanas

Guinea Pigs

Frisco Guinea Pig St. Patrick’s Day Costume, Green

Frisco Guinea Pig St. Patrick's Day Costume, Green slide 1 of 5

4 Pack St. Patricks Day Small Animal Hats

 

Bearded Dragons

Vehomy 4Pcs Saint Patrick’s Day Bearded Dragon Hats & Lizard Bandanas

Rabbits

Vehomy Small Pet St Patrick’s Day Outfit

CooShou Small Animal Patrick’s Day Hats and Bandanas 4 Pcs

Pet Safe Dyes

Warren London Critter Color Central Park Green Temporary Fur Coloring for Dogs

Critter Color - Temporary Pet Fur Coloring/Dog Dye Spa Product Warren London Alexa's Pink Kiss

OPAWZ – Pet Hair Dye

Semi-Permanent Dye - Kelly Green (SM03)

6 St. Patrick’s Day Safety Tips for Pets

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6 St. Patrick’s Day Safety Tips for Pets

St. Patrick’s Day is a day filled with celebrating, alcohol, and delicious treats for humans. But as with all holidays, there are things to keep in mind to keep your pets safe during the festivities. If you’re looking for safe ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day? Keep your pet safe by following our tips!

Keep shamrock plants away from pets.


Shamrocks can cause stomach upset, drooling, and head shaking if small amounts of ingested. Large amounts can cause kidney damage and a decrease in the blood calcium level.

 

 

 

No alcoholic beverages for pets.


Alcohol can cause difficulty walking and upset stomach. Keep alcoholic drinks out of reach and if any spills clean it up right away.

 

 

 

 

Remove the raisins in Irish soda bread.


Irish soda bread is a popular St. Patrick’s Day treat but it contains raisins. Raisins are known to cause kidney failure. If you really want to serve Irish soda bread, make it yourself without the raisins.

 

 

 

 

Keep trash cans secure.


Pets can be mischievous. Make sure your trash cans are secure so they don’t get into something they shouldn’t. Glass bottles and sharp bottle caps in the trash can cause cuts.

 

 

 

 

Keep pets in a separate room.


Sometimes the best thing to do is keep your pets locked in their own room, away from the noise and tempting treats. Cats especially may prefer a quiet space to hide.

 

 

 

 

Dressing up your pets? Read their body language.


Some pets like being dressed up while others don’t. Watch your pets body language when attempting to put a festive costume on them. If you are dying your pets fur make sure to use a pet safe dye. Contact your local groomer for recommendations.

We hope you and your pets have a fun and safe St. Patrick’s Day!

How to Choose a Dog That’s Right for You

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How to Choose a Dog That’s Right for You

Welcoming a new animal into your home is a big step. So how do you make sure that the dog you’re adopting is the right one for you? We’ve put together some of the most common factors in choosing a dog that’s right for you.

Size


How big or small is your space? Do you have room for a large dog? Are you able to comfortably handle a dog that weighs 100lbs or 10lbs?

 

 

 

 

Activity Level


Are you a person who is always on the go and wants a walking companion? Or are you more sedentary and like to stay at home?

 

 

 

 

Physical Maintenance


Some dog breeds require more grooming than others – especially long hair dogs! Are you able to keep up with a regular grooming schedule?

 

 

 

 

Age


Puppies require the most training and attention and can be a wild-card for personality. While an adult dog will give you a better idea of their energy level, attitude, and temperament. How about letting a senior pup spend their golden years with you?

 

 

 

 

Breed


Do you want a purebred dog? What about a mutt? If you’re looking for a specific breed check with local rescues in your area that specialize in that breed or research reputable dog breeders.

 

 

 

Congratulations on your new friend! We hope you two have many happy years together. Finding yourself needing help getting all of those daily walks in? Wet Noses Pet Sitting can help! We can custom tailor a dog walking schedule to your new dogs needs. We also offer puppy visits!

If there’s any other important tips for choosing a dog that’s right for you that we missed, let us know in the comments.

Easy 6 Ingredient Dog Biscuit Recipe

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Easy 6 Ingredient Dog Biscuit Recipe

Today is National Dog Biscuit Day! Which means if you’re not making dog biscuits today you should be! We wanted to find a simple dog biscuit recipe that didn’t take a lot of extra ingredients and we think this one works great. You might already have everything to make these six ingredient dog biscuits in your pantry. Keep reading below for the full recipe.

Is flaxseed good for dogs?

Flaxseeds, which come from the flax plant, are small and nutty flavored seeds. They offer a lot of health benefits for dogs because they contain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Omega-3’s help reduce inflammation in the body while omega-6’s boost overall skin health. Additionally, ground and pressed flaxseed oil provides similar health properties to that of flaxseed itself. It is rich in both essential fats.

Flaxseeds are loaded with fiber and protein, both of which are beneficial to a dog’s digestive health. In addition, flaxseed contains valuable antioxidants that support the immune system.

Flaxseeds are a significant source of both fiber and nutrients, including lignans. These compounds can have positive effects on cardiovascular health by reducing inflammation, bringing down blood pressure levels, aiding in the functions of the kidneys, and improving skin quality in pets. In addition to these benefits, flaxseed also has anti-inflammatory properties which could help alleviate symptoms related to arthritis.

Can dogs eat peanut butter?

If the peanut butter does not contain xylitol or birch sugar then yes, peanut butter is a safe treat for dogs to have in moderation. To be extra safe, you can purchase peanut butter that is meant for dogs. This includes brand such as Green Coast Pet and Nature’s Logic.

Easy 6 Ingredient Dog Biscuit Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 cup plain flour
  • 1 cup wholemeal flour
  • 1 large free-range egg
  • 2/3 cup chicken stock
  • 6 tbsp peanut butter
  • 2 tbsp flaxseed

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F
  2. Place the flour in a large bowl and mix well. Add in remaining wet ingredients and seeds and mix until you have a rough dough.
  3. Roll out to approx 2cm/3/4″ in thickness and using a bone or dog shaped cutter, cut out biscuit shapes. Depending on the size of your cutter, you should get 15-20 biscuits.
  4. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and cook for 25 mins or until golden brown.
  5. Cool the biscuits on a wire rack before transferring to an airtight container where the will last up to three weeks.

Did you try out this recipe? Drop a message in the comments. We’d love to hear how they turned out for you!

Easy Dog-Friendly Banana Pancake Recipe

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Dog-Friendly Banana Pancake Recipe

Today is National Pancake Day! To celebrate, we’ve made up these delicious banana and pear dog-friendly pancakes. Let us know your thoughts in the comments about how much your dog enjoyed them!

Ingredients:

For the pancakes:

  • 2 x bananas
  • 2 x medium eggs
  • 1 x dash of cinnamon
  • 2 tbsp. coconut flour
  • A little coconut oil

For the topping:

  • 2 x pears

Directions

  1. Dice up your pears, add to your oven-proof dish and bake at 400 degrees C for about 20 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, smash up the banana and eggs. You can use a food processor if you like a smoother texture, but doing this by hand works just as well, especially if the bananas are ripe!
  3. Stir in cinnamon and coconut flour. Allow batter to sit for 2 – 3 minutes while the coconut flour rehydrates.
  4. Heat a nonstick pan or griddle and liberally baste with coconut oil.
  5. Scoop generous spoonfuls of batter onto the pan. Wait until bubbles appear in the center.
  6. Carefully flip the pancakes. Cook on this side until golden brown.
  7. Serve up with your soft baked pears and enjoy!

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Easy Dog-Friendly Strawberry Pancake Recipe

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Easy Dog-Friendly Strawberry Pancake Recipe

Looking for a recipe for dog-friendly strawberry pancakes? We have you covered! To celebrate this upcoming National Strawberry Day (February 27, 2023) and National Pancake Day (February 21, 2023) we’d like to share this dog-friendly strawberry pancake recipe.

Ingredients
For the pancakes:

  • 1 medium egg
  • ½ cup + 2 tablespoons (160 g) buttermilk
  • 2 tablespoon all-natural peanut butter (unsalted)
  • ½ cup (70 g) buckwheat flour
  • 2 tablespoons (20 g) quick-cook polenta
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • 2-3 tablespoons water
  • Oil for cooking

For the peanut butter drizzle:

  • 2 x tablespoons of peanut butter
  • 1 x tablespoon of warm water

For the topping

  • 150g strawberries washed and chopped

Directions

  1. In a medium bowl, beat the egg. Mix in the buttermilk and peanut butter. Mix in the buckwheat flour, polenta and baking powder. The batter should be thick, but be able to drizzle off a spoon very slowly.
  2. If the consistency of your batter looks too thick, add small amounts of water a spoonful at a time. Let sit for 10 minutes.
  3. Heat a griddle to a medium heat. Add oil to the griddle and add the batter. If you happen to have a dog bone cookie cutter handy, pour the batter into the cookie cutter and spread to the edges using a spoon.
  4. Cook for around 2 minutes, until the underside is golden brown. Flip and cook for an additional minute, until both sides are golden brown.
  5. To make the peanut butter drizzle, mix 2 tablespoons of peanut butter with 1 tablespoon of water. Depending on your choice of peanut butter, you may need to slightly adjust the amount of water to get a runny consistency. To serve, drizzle the pancakes with peanut butter and fresh strawberries

Like this recipe? Give it a Pin!

10 Reasons to Adopt a Golden Retriever this International Golden Retrievers Day

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10 Reasons to Adopt a Golden Retriever this International Golden Retrievers Day

Looking for reasons to adopt a golden retriever? With International Golden Retriever Day right around the corner, you may be asking yourself, “Is it time to bring a sweet golden fur baby into my life?!” Well, if you’re on the fence, let this help you decide! Here are 10 reasons you should adopt a golden retriever (as if you needed another)!

1. They have HUGE hearts!

The golden retriever breed is most known for its phenomenal temperament. These golden babies not only have a bright sunny coat but a sunny disposition to match! Often used as therapy
dogs for a wide range of patients, golden’s are loving pets that will warm your hearts with their capacity to care!

2. They are so gentle.

Originally bred as hunting dogs, golden retrievers are known to have “soft mouths” or bite inhibition. This means they are extremely gentle natured and less likely to chomp down on stray
fingers that may find their way to your pets mouths. This makes them excellent pets for homes with young kids!

3. They’ll enrich your life as much as you enrich theirs

Golden retrievers live to please! As much as you will love them (and you will LOVE your golden friend), they will love you back tenfold! Nothing beats coming home after a long day to
someone who celebrates your arrival with unbridled love and affection! They truly are an instant mood booster!

golden retriever

4. They are very compliant when it comes to training!

Golden retrievers are renowned people-pleasers. This makes them easy-to-train pets! They are highly intelligent which makes them capable of a wide variety of tasks whether it be assisting a
visually-impaired patient or simply coming when they are called. They’re some of the easiest dogs to walk. Just another reason these devoted pups make an excellent extension to your pack!

5. They are the perfect pet for homes with animals already.

Due to their gentle, loving disposition, golden retrievers are also naturally highly social! This makes them an awesome addition to homes with already-established pets! Of course, their
curious nature will encourage them to explore and sniff out any new friends, but their amicable nature prevails through and through!

6. They have a relatively long life expectancy.

Golden’s make a great addition for many reasons, but another bonus is their life expectancy! The average lifespan of a golden retriever is about 10-13 years! If you are looking for a long-term
companion look no further! Their loyal demeanor will stick by your side for as long as they are with you!

adult cream golden retriever laying on floor

7. They will brighten your home and your day!

Golden retrievers come in a wide variety of shades of their signature golden hue. From cream to a dark goldenrod, their array of sunny shades also translates into their bright personalities!
Generally happy-go-lucky pups, Golden Retrievers have an infectious smile that is sure to bring happiness to all who get the pleasure of meeting them!

8. They’ll enjoy the outdoors as much as your family does!

Due to their breed history, golden retrievers are moderately active dogs who require at least 40 minutes of exercise a day to maintain the happy, healthy life they truly deserve! Couple their
athletic, sporting nature with their obedience and loyalty, and you have a new companion in whatever outdoor hobbies you may want to pursue! Adopting a new pet can also encourage you to get outside more and enjoy the fresh air!

9. They aren’t big diggers or droolers.

Besides the ongoing list on why golden retrievers make an amazing addition to your house, an added bonus is they aren’t big droolers like some larger breeds are! On top of this, you needn’t
worry about your garden because golden’s aren’t keen on digging either! This makes them comparably less messy than some other breeds, good news for the neat and tidy home makers!

golden retriever lying on green grass field during daytime

10. They are the best family pets!

Overall, golden retrievers are known for their happy, loving disposition. They are loyal until the very end, and will bring nothing but happiness to whomever they encounter. They are extremely
gregarious making them great for homes with kids or already established pets. If you’re looking to celebrate International Golden Retriever Day this February 3rd, you may want to introduce a
gentle, loving, furry friend into your home!

There you have it! 10 reasons to adopt a golden retriever this International Golden Retriever Day! Did we miss any of your favorite reasons for adopting a golden retriever? Let us know in the comments!

5 Ways to Get Fit This Year With Your Dog

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5 Ways to Get Fit This Year With Your Dog

When it comes to getting fit this year, there’s no better workout partner than your dog. They’re always happy to go for a run or a walk, and they’re always eager to please. In fact, with the right motivation, your dog can help you get in great shape this year.

Here are five ways to get fit this year with your dog.

1. Go for a Walk

Going for a walk with your dog is a great way to get fit & bond with your dog. In fact, walking and jogging are the most common forms of exercise for humans and their pets. Some dogs love going for multiple walks a day and will be happy to join you for every walk. Others are content with joining you for a short jaunt around the block.

Live in an area that doesn’t have a place to walk your dog? Fort Collins and the surrounding areas are filled with trails and parks that are dog friendly such as the Reservoir Ridge Trail or Arapaho Bend.

When you go for a walk with your dog keep the following in mind:

  • Your dogs age
  • You & your dogs physical fitness
  • Weather
  • Proper gear to walk your dog safely

Walking is one of the easiest and most effective ways to exercise with your dog, and can be incorporated into almost any routine. In general, a daily walk of 30 minutes can help you burn between 300 and 600 calories. Pets burn approximately 70 calories per hour while walking, and can burn as much as 15 calories per minute while jogging. If you are just starting out, begin with a simple walk or jog around the block. As you get stronger, increase the distance and the pace.

Want to make sure your dog gets enough walks during the day? Wet Noses Pet Sitting offers dog walking services! While it won’t get you in shape it’ll help your pup keep their walk routine and their fitness in check!

2. Hiking with your Dog

If you live in Colorado then you’re no stranger to hiking. Hiking is a great activity for both you and your dog, and can be done in any season. Hiking can also be done at a slower pace, meaning you can take in new places, and enjoy the scenery with your pet. If you don’t have a hiking trail near your home, you can search for a park or trail near your home that your pet has never been to such as Horsetooth Falls Loop Trail or the Fort Collins Poudre River Trail. Make sure to pack plenty of water and a collapsible bowl for your pooch, along with a leash to keep them from wandering off. You can even bring along some dog-friendly treats to entice your furry friend to enjoy the fresh air with you.

3. Agility Training

Have a dog that never seems to run out of energy? Agility training is a great way to keep your dog mentally and physically active, and can be enjoyed by dogs of all ages. Agility training focuses on your dog’s ability to quickly respond to commands, and play a new sport that combines obstacle courses, jumps, tunnels, and other obstacles. You can start with basic obedience training and work your way up to more challenging courses.

There are many agility classes that are available for dogs with owners such as the ones at Summit Dog Training and Sunset Agility.

4. Play with your Dog

Playing with your dog indoors or outdoors is another way to help get fit. Some activities, like tug-of-war can be done indoors or outdoors while activities like frisbee should only be done outside.

For dogs, a frisbee is a safe, fun alternative to ball playing, and can be played on land or water. For a short, 5-minute exercise, toss the frisbee and ask your dog to fetch it back, then play catch.

5. Go Swimming

If your dog is a fan of the water then swimming might be the perfect activity to get fit this year with your dog. You can even bring that frisbee from the previous tip!

At the end of the season, some pools will have doggy swim days. This is right before they drain the pool for winter. While this doesn’t help you get fit, your dog will still have fun. Unfortunately, as of 2023 the Fort Collins City Park Pool will no longer be holding their Pooch Plunge.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for ways to get fit this year with your dog we hope the above tips help you and your dog stay active. What is your favorite way to get fit with your dog? Let us know in the comments.

Can Dogs Eat Bananas?_Header

Can Dogs Eat Bananas?

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Can Dogs Eat Bananas?_Header

Have you ever wondered can dogs eat bananas? The answer is yes! Packed with with essential vitamins and minerals, bananas make for a healthy snack. Bananas are low-calorie, fat-free, and low in cholesterol. This helps to support your dogs health.

What are the health benefits of bananas?

Bananas provide your pet with a wide variety of vitamins and minerals. Such as: potassium, magnesium, Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin B7 aka Biotin. You also get these benefits when you eat bananas as well. Plus, bananas are a great source of fiber to help you be more regular as well as being low-calorie and fat-free. These vitamins, minerals, and health benefits help your dogs health.

As with all treats, feed in moderation. Bananas are high in sugar. You should watch how much bananas or how many banana chips your dog is getting daily. A diet consisting of 10% or more of treats, such as bananas, is not balanced and can lead to a variety of health issues.

 

brown and white short coated dog on white and pink banana

c: Alex Gruber

Can my dog eat the peel?

Banana peels are not toxic to dogs but they can cause blockages. Due to the thickness of the banana peel and the lack of digestible fiber it’s best to keep the peel away from your dog. They also don’t taste super great. Looking for an idea of what to do with your banana peels? ivaluefood.com has a handy infographic on a variety of things you can do with your banana peels.

Are banana chips as good as fresh banana?


Banana chips provide a portable, shelf-stable treat for you and your dog. The downside? Banana chips that made for human consumption are often high in sugar. If you have an air-fryer you can make your own banana chips.

Don’t want to make your own banana chips? Products like Wholesome Pride Banana Bites are made for dogs. These contain only two ingredients: banana and coconut oil.

Banana chips make great training treats. They hold their shape well, put into a treat pouch, coat pocket, or plastic baggie and eaten on the go.

How much banana is too much banana?

Like with humans, your dog may get an upset stomach if they eat too much banana. Every dog is different. It’s best to check with your veterinarian on how much, if any, banana you should be feeding your dog. This is important if they have any underlying health conditions. As a general rule of thumb a large dog, 50lb+, can eat around half a banana a day. Smaller dogs should only be given one to three 1/4 inch pieces a day.

For products like Wholesome Pride Banana Bites, check the bag. Freeze-dried and fresh bananas should be fed in different amounts.

My dog doesn’t like bananas!

That’s okay! All dogs are different and there are SO MANY options out there for health dog treats. From sweet potato chews to frozen green beans you have options. Your dog might be a bigger fan of freeze-dried meat treats such as these Vital Essential Beef Liver treats.

Your dog might also like bananas in a different form. Try mashing them up and putting them inside of a KONG. Add a bit of xylitol-free peanut butter and kibble and BAM! You have a new, tasty treat.

Your dog may prefer a softer or firmer banana. Room temperature might be a no go but from the freezer? Worth a shot! Experiment and see what your dog might like.

Is your dog still not a fan? It’s best not to force your dog to keep trying something they have shown to not be interested in. Instead, eat those bananas yourself or if they’re ripe enough make some banana bread.

person holding yellow and white banana

c: Karsten Winegeart

Can Dogs Eat Bananas?

Yes! Your dog can eat bananas in moderation without the peel. Bananas provide a good source of many vitamins and minerals as well as fiber.

If you can’t find fresh bananas or would rather have something more shelf-stable, banana chips are a great alternative. Keep an eye out for the sugar content when purchasing them or buy ones specifically marketed for dogs.

If your dog isn’t a fan on bananas that’s alright. There is a wide variety of healthy treat options. You’re sure to find one your dog likes.

How does your dog like bananas? Let us know in the comments.