Homemade Pumpkin Dog Treats

Pumpkin is a popular flavor among the holiday season. Spoil your pooch with a taste of the festive flavor and bake some delicious homemade pumpkin dog treats that will not only make for a happy hound, but also allow you to monitor what your pup is actually consuming. These treats are a great way to share some of the holiday love with your deserving dog.

Ingredients:

1/2 c. canned pumpkin (NOT pumpkin pie filling)
4 tbsp molasses
4 tbsp water
2 tbsp vegetable oil
2 c. whole wheat flour
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
2. Blend all of the wet ingredients (pumpkin, molasses, vegetable oil, water) together.
3. Add the dry ingredients (wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon) and stir until a soft dough forms.
4. Grab the dough by teaspoonfuls and roll it into balls with your hands. Drop the balls onto the cookie sheet/pizza pan and flatten them with a fork.
5. Bake until hard (approximately 25 minutes).
6. Enjoy!

Exercising Your Dog’s Mind and Muscles Indoors

Winter weather conditions may prevent your furry friend from enjoying as much outdoor playtime, but don’t let Jack Frost stop the fun. Since your pooch won’t be spending as much exploration time outside get inventive with some indoor interaction that will keep your pup entertained.

Ollie Ollie Oxen Free!
Hide and go seek is a fantastic game to play with your pooch year-round, especially during days that call for rain and snow. Playing a game of hide and go seek will stimulate your puppy’s curious mind as well as provide entertainment for you and your pooch. This game improves your dog’s sense of smell in an enjoyable and satisfying style. Start with a handful of your canine’s favorite dog treats. In the beginning of this game there will be two people involved: one who stays with Fido and another who hides. When the hider is set they will verbally indicate the initiation of the game and your dog can seek from room-to-room until the hiding spot been found. Upon discovery, give your pup praise for finding you with one of those delicious dog treats. Dogs love this game and it helps build their search skills.

Stimulating Toys
Dog toys have out done themselves in today’s day in age. There are newly improved dog tug toys and dog plush toys that can serve for an enjoyable time of interaction between your pup and you. Enhance your pooch’s mind with a dog puzzle that will stimulate their mind while keeping them entertained. For some calorie burning, invest in a laser pen that will have your dog running around in a happy curiosity.

Trick Training
Those daper weathered days shouldn’t keep your canine from getting the exercise they deserve. Teaching your pooch tricks will help shape them into more obedient dogs. Having your dog sit up to beg for 10 reps will keep their core muscles solid and helps improve balance and stability. Another great exercise for your dog’s core muscles is “rolling over”. Have your canine do five rolls each direction to ensure that their muscles have been targeted evenly. Encourage your pup to shake hands with you to assist in stretching out those shoulder muscles, completing 5-10 reps with each front paw.

Thanksgiving Safety for Your Dog

It’s that time of year again: Thanksgiving. Families will be gathering together to enjoy a filling feast over good conversation, but when Rover gives the puppy dog eyes in exchange for some table scraps, refrain from giving in. While your Thanksgiving meal may appeal to your hungry hound it is important to know that some of the foods may not be suitable for your pooch. Avoid sharing these table scraps with your begging buddy:

Turkey Skin – It’s a fact that turkey skin and gravy are high in fat and can be harmful to your dog. Turkey skin is difficult for pups to digest and can even lead to pancreatitis, which includes symptoms like vomiting, abdominal pain, depression, and an unwillingness to move. If you do decide to share some of that tasty turkey, be sure to remove the skin and only give your pooch a small portion of white meat.

Turkey Bones – Dogs love bones, yes. Although, tossing your canine a turkey bone can be hazardous. Poultry bones that have been cooked are frail and can splinter easily. Your dog may easily swallow the turkey bone and get it stuck in the esophagus or create stomach or intestinal pain. If you are going to give a dog a bone, stick with a delicious dog bone that was made specifically for your pooch.

Macademia Nuts – These tasty treats are scattered about different Thanksgiving dishes and desserts and can cause toxic results if ingested by your dog. Just twelve hours after consuming macademia nuts symptoms will begin to settle, including vomiting, weakness, depression, muscle tremors, ataxia, and hyperthermia (to name a few). While symptoms tend to lessen within 48 hours, the aftershock could be detrimental on your pooch and in extreme cases could be fatal.

Onions – We love to season our dishes with onions, but high levels of onion intake by your dog can call for life-threatening anemia. Since many stuffings and casseroles contain onions it is probably best to skip sharing with Fido.

Nutmeg – Around the holiday season nutmeg is a very prominent spice usually found in sweet potatoes, yams, pumpkin pies, and various dessert dishes. While we may love these treats, if consumed by your pooch it can cause mild hallucinogenic properties, as well as seizures, tremors, and central nervous system complications in dogs. There have even been severe cases of shock and death reported, so pass your pup a dog treat when you are enjoying dishes containing nutmeg.

Dog Coats: Winter and Your Dog

Fall never seems to last too long before winter approaches. With a chilly bite in the air it may be time to invest in a useful dog coat for your faithful friend. Smaller dogs and breeds with less natural coat tend to find themselves quivering in frigid weather. Colder conditions can cause unprepared pooches to catch cold. If your pup is affected by the temperature drop, they will appreciate being bundled into a fashionably cozy dog coat. There are countless styles and sizes of dog coats and dog jackets fit to suit all types of canines. If you live in an extra nippy area, a dog coat complete with a hood is a great choice for blocking out unkind winds and excessive snowfall. A thermal lined dog jacket is perfect for canines without a naturally dense coat; the interior helps reflect body heat to maintain a warm and dry pooch. If your area gets cool conditions versus a frosty Fahrenheit, a fleece dog jacket or a cozy dog vest are great choices for helping your hound keep snug. Almost all dogs are prone to falling victim of canine influenza, which can develop into pneumonia if owners aren’t cautious. Bundling up your pooch will help keep them warm and healthy.

Diabetes and Dogs

Dogs are subject to many diseases and conditions that humans are, including diabetes. There are two types of canine diabetes: diabetes mellitus, which is most similar to the human disease, and diabetes insipidus. Both types of canine diabetes, known as endocrine diseases, come about from defects in the body system that creates hormones. Diabetes insipidus happens due to lack of vasopressin, which is a hormone that controls water absorption by the kidneys. Diabetes mellitus is more familiar and tends to be recognized by the shortage of insulin. Granted diabetes is hereditary in some dogs; other canines develop the disease due to poor diet and lack of supplementation and exercise. Your dog’s diet is essential and should not be sacrificed for the cheapest find. Most commercial dog food contains ingredients that are high in carbohydrates and can create problems for your dog’s health. Trimming down your dog’s carbohydrate intake from the gecko can help prevent diabetes from developing down the road. Making your pup’s dishes will help you know exactly what is in your dog’s food. It may also be beneficial to acquire natural supplementation for the immune system from your trusted vet. Using organic products like antioxidants and herbs for your pup’s immune system may help prevent diabetes. Avoid over-vaccinating your dog as well; too much vaccination can lead to toxin build up in your pooch’s system which can prompt the disease. Exercise is a mandatory part of your dog’s life, and enough exercise will aid in keeping your pooch as healthy as possible. Grab your dog’s favorite dog toy and join in the work-out. Diabetes is a life-threatening disease that is best handled at the beginning roots. Bring your dog to the vet for routine check-ups and be aware of any changes in health.

Dog Accessories: Doggie Bling

Spice up your pooch’s appearance by adding some doggie bling to any outfit. There are endless styles of dog charms and pendants available to jazz your pup’s collar up with. Choose from different colored and styled dog charms, including everything from crystal bone dog pendants to enamel paw dog charms. Pick your favorite colors and shapes of dog charms and pendants to create a fancy look. Create your pup’s name with single letter collar charms for a personalized touch. Putting your canine’s name on the collar is also helpful for identification. Add an extra umph to your doggie’s look with countless colors of doggie nail polish, and then add some dog nail appliqués for a final touch. Your puppy’s nails will be a big hit with everyone! Spruce up your pup’s outfit décor with some stylish dog jewelry or a chic dog barrette. There are even dog bows to put the finishing touch on your pooch’s groomed coat. Keep your furry friend looking top of the line with all the doggie bling options.

Five Doggie Facts

Dogs prove to be anything but dull. There is so much to be said about the outstanding world of canines. After all, dogs date back millions of years and hold an abundance of information and history. Learn more with these doggie facts.

1. Dogs actually have three eyelids, the third one known as a nictitating membrane (nickname “haw”) which keeps the eye protected and lubricated. Note: Help keep your dog’s eyes gunk-free with routine cleanings. Dampen a cotton ball and gently wipe your pooch’s eyes, beginning with the corner of the eye and wiping outward.

2. The Taco Bell Chihuahua (real name: Gidget) is a rescued dog. Note: Animal shelters house millions of worthy dogs in need of a home. Adopting your next furry friend is a rewarding option that you won’t regret.

3. Puppies are born into this world deaf, blind, and toothless. Note: Teething is a pesky puppy phase. Dog chew bones and rawhides act as a great teething ring during this time and help keep later developed teeth clean afterward.

4.The Basenji is the world’s only barkless dog. Note: Unnecessary dog barking can be controlled through proper dog training.

5. The first sense a dog develops is touch. All of the canine body, paws included, is covered with touch-sensitive nerve endings. Note: Puppy paws are sensitive, so a set of dog boots is a logical choice for protecting your pup’s pads.

Rubber Dog Boots: Handy Every Month

Weather climates and conditions are continuously changing with the seasons, but protecting your pup’s paws is a year-round job. Footwear for dogs is becoming acknowledged as a trend that is actually quite practical. Styles of doggie footwear are endless, but the rubber dog boots are a versatile choice for any pooch. Rubber dog boots come in a wide range of sizes for all types of canines. The waterproof rubber makes these boots great for venturing out in the rain or snow and keeps puppy paws protected against the weather conditions. Rubber dog boots are also helpful for avoiding jagged terrains and dangerous remnants that are found on the streets, such as glass. During those hotter months rubber dog boots are also convenient in defending paws against hot pavement. They are also suitable shields for everything including ice, salt, and lawn chemicals. Since rubber dog boots don’t have padding your pooch won’t even know they have anything on! To top it off, our rubber dog boots are disposable, reusable, and biodegradable. Get that perfect fit by making sure to get the correct measurements for your dog’s paws. Trace your pooch’s paws on a piece of paper and then measure the marking. Be sure to give a little bit of extra room so that the boots aren’t too snug. Your canine will enjoy walks and bathroom breaks much more with safe paws.

10 Stocking Stuffers For Under $20

On a budget this holiday season? You’re in luck – here at Doggie Vogue we think a dollar should go a long way. Invest in one of our many dog stockings to hang above the fireplace this Christmas and then browse our financially friendly dog goodies. We carry countless canine products to stuff Spot’s stocking with. Surf our suggestions and find the perfect presents for your pooch.

1. Holiday Tartan Stockings – $9.99
Let pets join in the holiday celebration with our Zanies Holiday Tartan Stockings. These cute dog stockings feature a classic tartan pattern and embroidered pawprint or bone accents.

2. Naughty & Nice Tugs – $5.99
Zanies Naughty & Nice dog toys are combination rope and tennis ball toys in festive red and green designs. Each tennis ball has “nice” and “naughty” printed on it.

3. Holiday Tartan Dog Collar – $7.99-$10.99
Add a festive touch to walk time with our East Side Collection Holiday Tartan Dog Collars. An ideal choice for the chic dog! Our classic Tartan pattern adds a festive touch, but can easily be worn throughout the season.

4. Blingle All the Way Dog Sweater – $11.99-$16.99
Blingle All the Way Dog Sweaters features a sequin-embellished Christmas Tree topped with a blinking LED star. Watch your dog light up the room!!

5. Holiday Dog Cookies Box – $9.99
Barkworth Gourmet Holiday Cookies are made from all-natural ingredients. The perfect healthy treat for pets during the most festive time of year. Mix pack of six treats (snowman, candy cane, present, holiday tree, and gingerbread man designs.

6. Sweet Santa Dog Barrette – $13.50
Your little holiday dog is sure to start barking “ho ho ho” wearing the Sweet Santa Barrette. This cute hair ornament features red and white saddle stitch ribbon, red polka dot ribbon and a super cute Santa Clause.

7. Holiday Grunters Dog Toys - $9.99
Holiday Grunters are jumbo size thick plush toys that make a fun grunting sound. Jumbo 11 ¼” size is ideal for medium- and large-sized breeds.

8. Season’s Greetings Collars and Leads Set – $9.99-$11.99
Season’s Greetings Collars and Leads have nickel-plated swivel clips to attach the lead securely to a contoured, adjustable buckle on the matching collar.

9. Flexi Star Sticks – $2.99
Dogs will love the delicious taste of our Be Good Treat Company Holiday Flexi Star Sticks. These rawhide-alternative treats are made with rice flour, tapioca starch and corn flour. 6 Star Sticks per pack (5″ in length each).

10. Rawhide Holiday Gift Boxes – $7.19
Rawhide Holiday Gift Boxes are tasty rawhide treats that are boxed to make great gifts for dogs. Choose from twists, bones, candy canes, and flat candy canes.