Tag Archive for: dogs

How To Protect Your Dog’s Paws on Winter Walks

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How To Protect Your Dog’s Paws on Winter Walks

Protecting your dogs paws on winter walks is important to keep your pet healthy and safe this winter season. But how do you protect their paws? Here are a few tips to protect those paws.

1. Paw Wax

There are many different types of paw wax out there but one I enjoy is Musher’s Secret. It’s also great to use on dry elbows!

Musher’s Secret is a paw wax made from natural food-grade waxes and oils designed to condition and protect your pet’s paws. Yes! This also works on cats. It’s fast=drying, non-allergenic, and non-staining which are huge pluses. You can also use it during the summer to add another layer of protection to your pets paws when out for walks in case you have to cross any hot pavement.

Buy Musher’s Secret on Amazon

2. Dog Boots

Dog boots take some time getting used to but can protect your dogs paws from more than paw wax can. There are numerous types of dog boots out there so make sure to do research before purchasing to determine if they’re a suitable fit for you and your dog.

Polar Trex™ Winter Dog Boots

Buy Polar Trex™ Winter Dog Boots on Ruffwear

Buy Pawz Dog Boots on Amazon

3. Wipe Those Paws…

When you dog comes in from a walk, make sure to wipe their paws off to get rid of any ice melt and other debris that may have gotten in between their toes. You can use a wet paper towel or any dog grooming wipe.

4. Or Try a Portable Paw Washer

You should still wipe your dogs paws when they come inside but if you know you’ll be out for awhile, consider a portable paw washer. Ideal for mud this will also work on some winter debris. This one comes in three sizes. Just make sure to bring a towel with you.

Buy Dexas MudBuster Portable Dog Paw Washer on Amazon

5. Check Surroundings

Besides waxes and boots you should be vigilant when walking your dog. This will help you avoid encountering potential hazards. Some things to note are:

  • Don’t walk in front of stores: Most stores don’t use pet-safe ice melt. Non pet-safe ice melt is toxic to pets.
  • Stick to a known path: This can help you avoid any holes/gaps that may be hidden by snow.
  • Avoid ice: Ice is slippery for both you and your canine. Walking around ice patches you see can prevent a fall.

Were any of these tips helpful? Let us know if we missed anything and how you protect your dogs paws on winter walks in the comments below.

Celebrate National Pumpkin Day Header

Celebrate National Pumpkin Day

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Celebrate National Pumpkin Day Header

Celebrate National Pumpkin Day

Looking for creative ways to celebrate National Pumpkin Day? Here are some fun, and healthy, dog treat recipes you can make to celebrate with your pup!

REMEMBER: When buying canned pumpkin, make sure it’s plain pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling contains spices that your dog shouldn’t have. If you feel more comfortable buying a brand that was made to be consumed by cats and dogs, here are a few brands:

1. Dog-Friendly Pumpkin Pie Bites

Ingredients
16 oz. canned pumpkin (plain pumpkin– do not use pie filling)
½ banana
¾ cup flour
½ cup oatmeal
¼ – ½ cup water
¼ cup plain low-fat yogurt
Cupcake or muffin tin
Cupcake liners

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Mix oatmeal and flour together in a large bowl.
3. Add enough water to get the dough to form a ball. Add water slowly, too much will make it too sticky, not enough and it will crumble
4. Line cupcake tins. Take a chunk of dough and press into bottom of cupcake liner. Dough should go up sides a bit, about a 1/2″
5. Bake crust for 8 mins, until firm and slightly brown.
6. Carefully take crusts out of the tin, cool on the rack. When cool, remove liners.
7. Mix pumpkin, banana and half of the yogurt together
8. Fill each crust with pumpkin banana mixture
9. Freeze until firm. Serve Frozen

Dog-Friendly Pumpkin Pie Bites Recipe Card2. Banana Pumpkin Dog Treats

Ingredients
2 Large Bananas (spotted/brown are best)
3tblsp Xylitol-Free Peanut Butter
3tblsp Coconut Oil

Directions
1. Mix bananas in a stand mixer until they are broken down but not a purée. You can also use a hand mixer or a masher.
2. Slowly combine peanut butter and coconut oil until texture is smooth. A few chunks are ok!
3. Pour into your favorite silicone mold.
4. Freeze for 3-4 hours or until firm.

Banana Pumpkin Dog Treats Recipe Card

3. Cranberry Pumpkin Pie Bites

Ingredients
2c Whole Wheat Flour
1c Rolled Oats
1c Whole Fresh Cranberries (Frozen works, just make sure they’re thawed)
16oz Pumpkin
1½c Chicken, Beef, or Vegetable Stock

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350℉.
2. Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl. If the mixture is too dry you can add some more stock.
3. Roll into 1-1½in sized balls and place on a lined cookie sheet.
4. Bake for 50 minutes.
5. Let cool and serve!

Cranberry Pumpkin Pie Bites Recipe Card

What’s your favorite pumpkin dog treat recipe? Let us know in the comments below.

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

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
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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.

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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?

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!