Winter Mint Dog Cookies

The winter season is a popular time to bust out your cookie baking skills. The sweet aromas tease your dog’s senses and they beg for a bite when you devour the delectable treats. Spoil your canine by whipping up a yummy homemade recipe of winter mint dog cookies made just for them!

Ingredients:

1 ½ cups whole wheat flour

1 ½ cups bisquick

½ cup mint chopped leaves

4 tablespoons margarine

1 egg

1 ½ teaspoons corn syrup

Directions:

1. Combine the ingredients in a food processor and process until it is well mixed.

2. Roll out on a floured surface to ¼ to ½ inch thickness.

3. Cut with fun-shaped cookie cutters and then lace on a non-stick cookie pan.

4. Bake at 375 F for 20 minutes or until lightly browned.

5. Cool and store in an air-tight container.

Enjoy!

11 Facts All Dog Owners Should Know

Having a new furry friend in the house is a very exciting, yet somewhat overwhelming, change of pace. Canines everywhere are finding homes around the holiday season. If this is your first time caring for a pup in your home, or even if you’ve been an owner for a while, here are 11 facts you should know.

1. Dog shampoos are available in various types and scents, but many dogs are slightly allergic to perfume scented shampoos. Mild oatmeal based dog shampoos get the job done while not leaving your pooch itchy.

2. Phobias are prevalent in dogs just as they are in humans – work with your pooch to eliminate fears of thunder, water, hair dryers, vacuums, lawn mowers, etc.

3. Dogs use their tails to communicate – a wag can express aggression, playfulness, or fear. Get familiar with your pup’s tail talking techniques to have a better understanding of how your friend is feeling.

4. Deep wrinkles in dogs should be cleansed daily to avoid dirt accumulation that can cause odors, or even infection.

5. Fleas aren’t the only reason Fido may be scratching his ears. Your pup could be experiencing anything from ear mites to yeast, so bringing your itchy pooch to the vet is the best idea.

6. Mental stimulation is just as important for a dog as physical stimulation – agility training is a great way to knock out both.

7. Canines love a good car ride, just be sure your playful pal is secured to ensure protection.

8. When you point, your dog focuses on the tip of your finger versus the item you are pointing at. If you want your pup’s attention, teach verbal commands for better understanding.

9. Bored dogs create mischief. Be sure to provide the needed attention, love, and stimulation your pooch needs to stay out of trouble.

10. Table begging is usually a bad habit spoiled pups have picked up because of their success in scoring table scraps in the past. Discourage bad table manners by skipping the scrap sharing.

11. It’s a fact: dogs bark. Your pooch may be exercising their vocal chords for a number of reasons; to protect their territory, express a need, or initiate playtime. Excessive barking may either be a warning or a cry for help. Pay attention to your dog’s barking and enforce commands if needed.

Dog Colds

It seems that with the winter season comes a whole slew of sniffling noses. Although your pooch can’t catch cold from you, they can develop their own form of upper respiratory infection, better coined as a dog cold. The symptoms of a human cold and a dog cold are strikingly similar but can’t be passed from dog to human or vice-versa. Just as in humans, a dog cold arises from viruses or bacteria that are spread from other animals, and weakened immune systems are susceptible to falling victim. Common dog colds typically settle once the immune system strengthens, but untreated symptoms may result in serious health problems. Other serious health issues may mask themselves with common doggie cold symptoms, so bring your pooch to the vet if you notice signs of sneezing, coughing, runny eyes/noses, congestion, or decreased energy and appetite to revive your pup’s health and avoid worsened conditions. If your canine does come down with a common (dog) cold, be sure to evade contact with other animals until the contagious microorganisms diminish. Improperly treated upper respiratory infections have a possibility of evolving into dangerous cases of Pneumonia that require immediate attention. If you notice your pooch has come down with a cold you should always make an appointment with the vet, but there are some home remedies to help the recovery process. For example, canines suffering from a cold may not have much of an appetite, so feeding your sick pup some extra boiled chicken and rice is a great way to help put food in their belly. It may also be a good idea to keep a mist vaporizer near your dog’s resting spot to help with breathing. Don’t have your canine outside for too long, and when they are, bundle them in necessary dog boots and dog coats for protection against winter conditions. To avoid pesky colds do your best to keep Rover warm this winter and stay alert of symptoms!

Doggie Winter Fashion

Dog clothes and accessories are a fun way to express your pooch’s personality in style, but dog attire is also a chic way to practically prepare for winter weather. Sport your pup in a winter dog coat to keep cold temperatures from chilling your dog to the bone. A winter dog coat is also handy for blocking winds. Such a climate change could cause your canine to fall ill, which is why providing the proper outdoor coverage for your pooch plays an important role in avoiding any winter sicknesses. Another great doggie winter wear investment includes a trusted set of dog boots to protect puppy paws from jagged terrain, sharp ice, and freezing temperatures. Dogs actually sweat through the pads on their paws, so only keep dog boots on when needed for trips outside. With such a drop in temperature, it is always important to accommodate your pooch to the weather change. Some breeds, like the Siberian Huskie, are made for winter seasons, while other breeds, such as the Chihuahua, are not physically made to withstand cold temperatures. Dress your dog according to their needs, and have a comfy winter!

News On the World’s Oldest Dog

The world’s oldest dog, a Shiba mix named Pusuke living in Tokyo, passed away recently in Japan at the age of 26 and 8 months. Typically a dog of the Shiba breed will live 12-15 years, but Pusuke doubled his expectancy and made it official in the Guiness Book of World Records just last December (2010). In dog years, Pusuke lived to what would be equivalent to roughly 182 years of age in human years. A dog living long enough to see that age is very rare, but there are things you can do to maintain a healthy pooch. Keep your pup’s diet balanced and free of unnecessary ingredients found in most commercial dog food products. Exercise your pooch regularly to maintain a fit weight, and schedule annual vet visits for check-up’s to confirm your canine’s health. Helping your pup lead a full, healthy life is possible with the correct care. As for Pusuke’s owner, she would like to thank her furry friend “for staying alive so long.”

You and Your Dog: 10 Safety Tips for a Happy Holiday Season

With the winter months come colder weather conditions, as well as holiday celebrations. Keeping your dog safe and content is an important factor in maintaining a happy hound. Adjust with the seasonal changes by taking necessary precautions to help ensure that you and your furry friend brave the weather while enjoying the holidays together.

1. Never leave lit candles unattended and unplug any tree lights before switching rooms.

2. Clean any antifreeze up immediately – your dog will find antifreeze to be tasty, but the coolant is toxic for canines.

3. Watch your pooch around fireplaces and heaters that are in use to avoid burns.

4. Don’t leave your dog outdoors for long periods of time, especially when temperatures fall below freezing.

5. Stay aware of hypothermia symptoms and know how to recognize frostbite on your pup.

6. Invest in the necessary outdoor dog gear that your canine may need to bear through the weather, including dog boots to protect puppy pads from salt, ice, cold, and sharp objects that may be hidden under snow.

7. Ease any stress your puppy may experience from all the holiday excitement with lots of love and attention (plus, a few deserving dog treats for good behavior).

8. Refrain from tempting your pooch with reachable holiday décor that could be hazardous if ingested; tinsel can create intestinal complications, glass ornaments can cut your dog’s mouth and stomach (if swallowed), and edible tree decorations, such as popcorn strings or candycanes, can also call for risky run-in’s.

9. Due to the colder temperatures, your pup will not get as much exercise romping around outdoors – don’t overfeed your dog during the “hybernation” season and pick up indoor games to help burn off some of your dog’s excess calories.

10. When taking winter walks make sure your pooch is secure with a trusted dog leash and identifiable dog collar to help keep your pup with you.
Be safe and happy holidays!

Top 5 Dog Gifts Under $20

The holidays are fast approaching and money may be tight, but don’t let that keep your furry friend from enjoying a gift or two. Our products are priced to satisfy wallets everywhere. With such great deals your deserving dog may even get more than they asked for!

1. Paw Dog Socks – $11.99
These adorable socks keep your dog’s paws warm in cold weather! Have skid-free pads to help prevent sliding on slippery surfaces, and can be used for paws that are in-between shoe or boot sizes to provide a better fit. Can also be used to provide warmth for arthritic dogs or as a protection to sensitive leg or paw areas after surgery.

2. Feisty Fetchers Dog Toy – $12.99
Our Feisty Fetchers Dog Toys are fun from head to tail! Each toy features a mischievous grin, with a double rubber ball center and a pine needle plush tail that is great for grab and toss.

3. Polka Dot Dog Collars – $7.99-$12.99
Give pets a fashion-forward look in three eye-catching, bright colors with a classic polka dot pattern.

4. Cutie Paw Dog Dishes – $7.99-$12.99
Pet Studio Cutie Paw Dishes are ceramic food and water dishes for dogs. Dog dishes have a “chomp it, slurp it, love it” logo.

5. Basic Dog Tanks – $5.59-$11.99
Basic Tanks are a staple in any dogs wardrobe. Cool, comfy design and popular colors offer the perfect look year-round. Try one out for your cool doggie today!

Traveling With Your Dog On the Holidays

During the holidays many people are making plans to visit relatives, or simply to escape somewhere warmer. Many dog owners are left debating whether or not Fido will be joining in the travels. Bringing your pooch along can be great fun if you take the necessary preparations. However, if you choose to make the trips sans Fido then look into a reliable pet sitter or a trusted kennel where you can board your dog. If you decide to include your canine on the travel then begin planning ahead of time to avoid chaos. Start your preparations with a dog collar bearing all current identification on your dog. Microchipping your dog is a great added security in case your pooch wanders off. Before embarking on your travels, be sure your canine is knowledgeable with basic training to ensure good behavior on the trip. Planning transportation, daily activities, and somewhere to stay will help make your trip more enjoyable. If you are flying, keep in mind that most airlines will treat your pooch as cargo and board them as such. Some airlines allow smaller dogs to join their owners on board as long as they are stowed away in a pet carrier and left under the seat in front of you. Although, the automobile is the best way to travel with your dog. If riding in the car to your destination remember to allow rest stops for you and your pooch to stretch, drink water, and use the bathroom. Bring along a dog leash, dog crate, water, dog bowls, dog treats, some of your pooch’s favorite dog toys, a dog blanket, waste bags, and any medications if needed. The holidays can get hectic, but make sure to take some time to plan your trip with Rover accordingly.

Winterizing Your Dog

Winter can call for harsher temperatures and weather conditions that require some every day adjustments. People residing in colder winter climates are frantically putting plastic around their windows for insulation, gearing up their cars with dependable tires, and bundling up in down jackets before heading outside. With this entire preparation taking place, it is important not to forget about your dog.

Brrr!
Chances are if you’re chilly, your canine is too. Invest in a cozy dog coat to protect your pooch in. Some dog breeds have dense undercoats that are useful in winter weather, but many breeds could use the extra warmth of a dog coat in the colder seasons. Browse dog coat options to find the best fit for your furry friend. Puppy paws are another victim to harsh temperatures – a set of dog boots will keep your pooch’s paws free to roam about without being effected by salt, ice, snow, and slush.

ZZZ…
Sleeping is an important thing for anybody, including your pup. Provide your pooch with a well-suited dog bed and keep it in a spot away from cold tiles, uncarpeted floors, and any drafts. Staying warm while trying to snooze will eliminate tossing and turning for your sleepy dog.

Burns
Because climates get so chilly in the winter, your pooch may seek out heat wherever they can find it. Snuggling too close to a space heater, heating lamp, or radiator could cause your canine to suffer from unnecessary burns. Be sure to watch your dog around any heaters in the house, including the fireplace. Use a cover for your radiator and make sure to only keep heaters on when you are in the room.

MMM…
Winters is infamous for hibernation and packing on some extra pounds, but try not to over feed your hungry hound. Winter conditions cut down on your canine’s outside activity and over feeding will only add unneeded bulk to your pup’s body. Keep your dog exercised with indoor activities and keep their diet balanced, an overweight dog can cause health problems.