Banana Dog Cupcakes Recipe

Making your pooch homemade dog meals and dog treats is not only fun, but it’s a healthy substitute from all that processed commercial food. Your pup will go bananas for this delicious doggie recipe of banana dog cupcakes!

Ingredients:

2 c. water
2 (mashed) bananas
½ tsp vanilla
3 c. whole wheat flour
½ tbsp baking powder
1 egg
2 tbsp honey

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

With a large mixing bowl combine the water, mashed bananas, vanilla, egg, and honey. Add the flour and baking powder. Mix well.

Pour the batter into a muffin tin that has been lightly sprayed with nonstick cooking spray or lined with paper cups.

Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the middle of one of your dog cupcakes comes out clean.

Cool and serve. ENJOY!

(Recipe courtesy of 3 Dog Bakery)

Lucky Dog

March is right around the corner, and pretty soon everybody will be sporting green in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. Have a little fun this year and get Spot in on the Irish festivities with some green doggie products. Whether you are headed out to a St. Patty parade or throwing your own Irish party from home, browse our St. Patrick’s Day category and pick out some lucky attire and accessories for your pooch. Deck your doggie out in one of our green dog tops; our Lucky Tattoo Tank is a great way to show off your pup’s Irish pride. Get creative and keep your canine trendy with some green dog nail polish in recognition of St. Patrick’s Day, you can even invest in some green dog hair dye gel that is safe for dogs and entertaining for all. Gear your furry friend up with a snazzy green dog collar and dog lead, our flat leather dog collar and flat leather dog leads in green are perfect for showing off your pup’s lucky side. Check your local area for some pet-friendly St. Patty’s Day events and show off your festive friend, remember to stay safe!

Dog Bites

Recently an 85-pound Argentine mastiff dog was saved from an icy lake after falling in while chasing a coyote; a Denver news channel decided to cover the story and reunite the dog, owner, and rescuer just a day later for a telling tale of bravery. Just minutes into the live interview the Denver television news anchor, Kyle Dyer, leaned her face toward the panting dog as she pet him and received a startling bite that left her with 70 stitches on her lips (which are currently sewn shut due to loss of blood) and nose. The dog was quarantined and later released, but the dog bite has made national news and become a topic of debate. All of this current talk brings us to today’s blog: dog bites. How can you prevent dog bites, and what are treatments if one is to arise? There are many reasons a dog bites; it may be out of fear or aggression; it may be territorial; or, it may be a lack of socialization that causes a pooch to bite. Keep your puppy content (fed, exercised, loved, trained) and with well socialized to avoid unnecessary nips, teach from a very young age that biting is not acceptable. Don’t forget to keep your furry friend up to date on their shots. If you approach a canine that is not yours, always assess their demeanor before throwing your hand out for a pat on the head. Panting may be due to a recent exercise, but it could also stem from fear. When dogs sweat, panting is a natural cooling system. News anchor, Kyle Dyer, reached to rub the head of a panting pooch that had just undergone rather traumatic circumstances a day earlier in an unfamiliar setting; it is more than likely that pup was panting out of nervousness, and the bite was a way of protecting himself. Likewise, don’t startle dogs by invading their space suddenly. Let the dog sniff around and approach you instead. If a dog is eating, sleeping, or caring for young pups, do not interrupt. If there is a dog bite that occurs, take action immediately. Wash the bitten area to avoid infection and seek medical care. If the bite is bad enough an ambulance might even be necessary. Get in touch with the local authorities, owner, and the dog’s veterinarian for medical papers, as well as future preventative steps. Being a responsible dog owner and an educated public are the two main steps to lowering the statistics of dog bites.

Fat Tuesday (Doggie) Meat Cakes Recipe

Fat Tuesday is a time to eat and be merry – don’t leave your hungry hound out of the mix! Spoil your pup on this celebration with some delicious meat cakes that are not only nutritious for your furry friend, but a treat that you can both enjoy.

Prep Time: 35 Min.
Cook Time: 1 Hr. 15 Min.
Ready In: 2 Hrs.
Serving Size: 4

Ingredients:
2 tbsp. and 2 tsp. of brown rice
2/3 cup water
¼ large potatoes, grated
½ large carrots, grated
¼ large celery stalks, chopped
11 ounces ground beef
7/8 eggs
1/8 dash salt
1-1/4 tsp. olive oil
2 tbsp. and 2 tsp. regular rolled oats

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Grease 4 cups of large muffin tins.

2. In a medium saucepan, combine rice with water. Bring to a boil over high heat, uncovered, and cook 10 minutes. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 20 minutes. Remove from heat, let cool several minutes, then fluff with a fork and set aside.

3. In a large bowl, combine the potatoes, carrots, celery, ground beef, and eggs. Mix ingredients together using your hands or a sturdy spoon. Add salt, olive oil, rolled oats, and rice; mix well.

4. Fill each muffin cup with some of the meat mixture, and pat down to make it firm. Bake 45 minutes, or until surface feels set. Cool on a rack 10 minutes or longer.

5. Remove the meat cakes by turning the muffin tin upside down over a sheet of aluminum foil. Tap each muffin cup to release the cake. Refrigerate or freeze in sealed plastic bags. NOTE: Do not feed to dogs while still hot.

Dog Hoodies: More Than Just Fashion

Not only are dog hoodies complimenting on canines, but they are also a comfortable way to keep your pooch snug in cooler air. Smaller breed dogs and dogs with less coat density benefit the most from sporting a dog hoodie since they tend to feel the effects of nippy temperatures quicker than others. Like human options, dog hoodies are available in an array of styles, colors, and fabrics to ensure that every pooch may be accommodated for. For more frigid temperatures there are fleece lined hoodies, or just keep it a basic hoodie for those spring and fall months. Not only will your pup be more cozy during walks in cooler weather, but the hood proves to come in handy on windy days. Pick from a variety of colorful hoodies; put your princess in pink and dress your daredevil in red, or deck your doggie out in a vivacious multi-colored dog hoodie that bears a fun pattern or saying for fashion fun. Dog hoodies (and dog shirts or tanks for indoor wear and warmer weather) are also great in helping with any allergies you or your pooch may have; a dog hoodie helps aid in the prevention of itchy pups messing with unruly temptations. Likewise, a dog hoodie can help lessen human allergies by concealing doggie dander. Not only are dog hoodies a great fashion statement, they are realistic options for smaller dogs in cooler weather, allergies, and medical reasons – start browsing for your pup’s perfect dog hoodie(s)!

Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show 2012

Tuesday's victory at the 136th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show went to Malachy, a four-year-old Pekingese. It's been twenty-two years since a Pekingese stole the show, and this year Malachy beat out a Dalmation, a Dachshund, a German Shepherd, and three other canines for the win at the impressive annual event. The crowd at Madison Square Garden arena cheered in approval when Malachy was announced as the winner; Judge Vogels stated, "He (Malachy) was spectacular." Weighing in at just eleven pounds, Malachy the Peke gathered quite a favored stir from the crowd with his fluffed silver and white fur that perfectly framed his adorable black face and happy pink tongue. This pristine pooch is no stranger to wins; he has an outstanding record of 115 best-in-show titles under his belt! While the winner of Westminster does not walk away with any prize money, they do gain a coveted silver bowl, lifetime recognition (along with bragging rights), as well as opened opportunities for prosperous breeding. Congratulations to Malachy and his owner for a successful show!

Show Your Dog Love On Valentine’s Day

Pet owners receive unconditional love from their furry friends, and Valentine’s Day is a great time to show appreciation while keeping it safe. Here are some tips (and treats) to offering your pet the best Valentine’s Day yet:

Safety First!

Chocolate, Cellophane, Decorations – Many of us will be spoiled with chocolates on Valentine’s Day, but chocolate is a fatal hazard to dog’s and should be stored in a safe place. If you indulge in sweets that are wrapped in plastic cellophane, be sure to dispose of the wrapper immediately to avoid risk of your pooch mistaking it for a tasty treat. Likewise, any balloons, ribbons, or other various decorations should not be accessible to your furry friend.

Flowers – Place floral arrangements out of your puppy’s reach; different plants and flowers can make your pooch sick if ingested, or even be fatal, so admire your flowers from afar.

Candles and Cocktails – Candles are a great mood setter for a relaxing night, but don’t forget to blow out any candles before leaving the room. Leaving lit candles unattended can burn your buddy or create a fire. Beverages containing alcohol should be enjoyed safely and then cleaned up; alcohol consumed by pets can lead to comas and respiratory failure.

Love Always, Your Owner.

1. Essence Dog Harness B – This soft, heart patterned jacket style dog harness is not only festive (and adorable year round), but it’s comfortable on your pooch during walks. (We also carry an Essence Dog Harness A style and a separate matching Essence Dog Lead to complete the look.)

2. Heart Felt Moppy Tug Dog Toy – Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a pink heart toy that is perfect for pulling, tugging, snuggling, and chewing.

3. Love and Rock Thermal Dog Tee – This adorable dog shirt features a cool heart tattoo print with a studded double felt heart appliqué that will have them looking as loved as they feel!

National Pet Dental Health Month

Maintaining your dog’s dental hygiene is always important. February has been accredited as National Pet Dental Health Month and supports pet owners in practicing good dental hygiene with their furry friends. Keeping up with your pup’s teeth not only averts bad breath, but also aids in avoiding any dental diseases that may otherwise occur from plaque and tartar build-up. Many owners are oblivious to the dangers that unattended teeth can create; gingivitis and periodontal disease are serious issues. Recognizably bad breath, known as halitosis, is a sign of deeper underlying dental issues that your pooch may be suffering from. Gingivitis has stages ranging from mild to severe, and can develop into irreversible periodontal disease if left untreated. In extreme cases a pooch may require tooth extraction. Bring your pup to the vet if you notice symptoms including halitosis, gum bleeding, red gums, drooling, or loss of appetite. Invest in at-home doggie dental care; a dog toothbrush, dog toothpaste, and dog chews. Make it a habit to tend to your pup’s teeth and gums at least once a week to fight off any tartar and plaque building up. Infection and bacteria found in the mouth could extend through the bloodstream to cause heart, kidney, or liver disease. Such diseases could create serious harm to the organs and lead to early death. Make good dental hygiene a habit from the beginning to ensure a healthy, happy dog.

Those Dog Gone Commercials

The Super Bowl XLVI went to the New York Giants, and according to Pavone’s annual online poll for favored Super Bowl commercials, the top three ads featured dogs. Canine commercials proved to be a great way to advertise, beating out over fifty other ads that used celebrities and beautiful women to market said products. There is no denying a fun commercial with a cute dog, and since many Americans own a dog, using a pooch as the brand’s selling point draws in interest from dog loving viewers. Based off of the Spotbowl.com votes, the top three Super Bowl commercials were:

1. Volkswagen “Slim Dog” – Volkswagen did it right this year, coming in number one with over 100,000 votes and featuring Bolt the dog, a chubby canine who notices the new Volkswagen Beetle outside and loses weight in order to chase the car. The ad ends with Star Wars characters viewing the commercial from a galaxy far, far away.

2. Doritos “Bribe” – The second favored Super Bowl commercial went to Doritos, which also featured a dog as the product’s selling point. In this ad, the family cat, Fluffy, goes missing and a large dog uses Doritos chips to bribe a man on keeping quiet, stating, “You didn’t see nuttin”.

3. Bud Light “Weego” – This clever commercial by Bud Light featured a dog named Weego who fetched beer on command to anyone who said “Here Weego”, which is a play off the product’s catch phrase “Here we go”.

5 Dog Gifts Under $10

Be kind to your wallet and your pooch!

1. Minty Dog Ropes – Soft braids of rope are infused with mint to give dogs a delectable chewing experience and fresh breath. Chewing rope helps dogs clean their teeth, and the mint scent encourages them to continue chewing.

2. Fuzzy Monkey Dog Toys – These plush monkey toys for dogs are tons of fun at playtime. Each monkey is made with brightly colored plush and features a big smile and a squeaker inside.

3. Gingham Bandanas – Our Aria Gingham Bandanas feature classic gingham patterns in three bold colors. Soft cotton bandanas are sized to fit most dogs and feature fray-resistant stitched edges. Perfect for adding a fresh touch to any outfit, and they also look great on their own!

4. Filled Pork Bone Dog Treats – Twice the meat, and twice the flavor! Each flavorful authentic pork bone is stuffed with delicious porn or salmon jerky to give dogs a tasty, long-lasting chew.

5. Rubber Curry Dog Brushes – Curry Brushes remove dead, loose hair and massage the dog’s skin. Helps distribute natural oils in the coat. Improve the effectiveness of shampoo. It also has high-quality rubber construction.