Homemade Valentine’s Cupcakes

Don’t leave your loving pooch out on Valentine’s Day! Show your furry friend how much you care with a batch of these delicious and nutritious cupcakes! Made of all natural ingredients, these healthy and tasty treats are sure to capture your pooch’s heart!

Ingredients:

For the cake:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/3 cup butter (or 1/4 cup vegetable oil)

• 1/4 cup all-natural peanut butter

• 1 cup shredded carrots

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 1/2 tablespoons all-natural honey

• 1/2 cup low-fat buttermilk

For the frosting:

• 8 ounces of low-fat cream cheese

• 1 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract


Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray a mini heart cake pan with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.

2. Mix the flour and baking soda. Add the peanut butter, vanilla, honey and oil/butter and stir. Add the
buttermilk, 1/4 cup at a time. Stir in carrots.

3. Spoon the mixture into the mini heart cavities, filling each one three-quarters full. Bake for at least 25 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely.

4. While the cakes cook, prepare frosting by beating the cream cheese, vanilla and cinnamon together. Once the cakes have cooled, frost. Drizzle melted peanut butter on top or top with additional shredded carrots.

Yields: 10 mini cupcakes

Recipe courtesy of sheknows.com

Love Is In The Air!

Valentine’s Day isn't just for romance! This day of love is the perfect chance for you to show your fur baby just how much you care! Doggie Vogue wants to make it easy for you to spoil your pampered pooch, so we’re offering 20% off everything in our Valentine’s category, including our new and very popular Full of Hearts collection. This darling collection features a dog hoodie, dog tank, collar, harness, leash, and more, all with an adorable all over heart print your pup is sure to fall in love with! Simply use the code: PUPPYLUV when checking out. Offer ends Monday, 2/4 @ 11:59PM.

New Year’s Resolutions for Your Dog (and You!)

New Year’s Day always brings New Year’s resolutions. Pledges to drop pounds, get fit, and stop smoking are common resolutions. The first month is winding down and many people have already given up. How’s your progress? The reason we make these resolutions is to try to make our lives better and healthier. But what about our pups? Our devoted dogs deserve the best lives we can offer them and just a few minute changes can really improve their lives. Here are a list of resolutions that can really improve your furry friend’s life this year:

1. Regular vet visits give your vet the chance to diagnose any developing problems before they get out of hand. Yearly shots, heart worm, and flea and tick prevention are mandatory. If it’s been a year since your dog has been to a vet, make an appointment!

2. Pet obesity is a serious problem in our nation that can lead to fatal health problems for our canine companions. Our dogs rely on us to feed them properly. Choose to reduce snacks and table scraps this year and offer your dog a new lease on life. If you can’t feel your dog’s ribs easily, he is most likely overweight. Talk to your vet about weight loss guidance.

3. When you look good, you feel good. This is true for our canine companions as well. Regular grooming appointments, whether at home or at a professional shop, can enhance your dog’s quality of life. Matted fur, parasites, overgrown nails, dirty ears, and hot spots all make our pets uncomfortable and can cause serious health problems. Regular nail trims, hair brushing, and baths can go far in making our dogs content.

4. We could all use more activity in our lives. The more sedentary we become, the less exercise our pets get as well. The average healthy adult dog needs 30 minutes of aerobic exercise twice a day. Walks, jogging, and playing fetch are all excellent choices. Going out for a stroll once or twice daily with your dog can also help you keep your own personal resolution to lose weight and exercise!

5. Does your pup have ‘dog breath’? If so, your pooch may need a dental exam. Over time, plaque builds up on our pets’ teeth and needs to be removed or it can cause decay, bad breath, and infection. Make sure to ask your vet how you can help prevent dental disease in your pets.

6. The thought of one of your pets being lost is horrifying. Be prepared for the worst by having ID tags for all your pets – even the indoor ones. Microchips are also a good idea but make sure to update the information if you move or change your telephone number!

7. Remember that not all dogs are as lucky as our pets – Regular meals, a comfy bed, a home, and a family who loves them is every dog’s dream. Offering your time, a donation, or becoming a foster parent are all ways you can help that dream come true for less fortunate dogs.

8. Nutritious food doesn't just taste good, it can lengthen your dog’s life and improve his health! Take time to research dog food ingredients and make sure that you are giving your furry friend a healthy food with high quality ingredients.

9. Your fur baby faithfully worships the ground you walk on and trusts you to be in charge. Continuing to improve your knowledge of dogs, training, health and well being, and issues specific to your pooch and his breed will make you a better owner and will in turn enrich your pet’s life.

10. The easiest way we can make our dogs’ lives a better place is to spend as much time with them as possible and let them know they are loved, cared for, and safe. An extra game of fetch, special treats after good behavior, an extra privilege just because… Our dogs appreciate these gestures and will only fall more in love with us because of them.

Cold Weather Tips: How to Keep Your Dog Warm in the Winter

When temperatures decrease and severe weather presents itself, our pooches are less than pleased. The winter months can be quite difficult for our pups. Keeping your canine companion warm this season is vital not only our pet's well being, but also to perpetuating their health. Here are a ways tips to keep your furry friend from getting frosty paws this winter:

1. Research your dog’s breed and their susceptibility: There are some dog breeds that are more affected by cold weather than others, such as small dogs, hairless and short haired dogs, senior pets, and any dog that has had its fur shaved or clipped very short. Some breeds, such as Huskies, Chows, Malamutes, and Samoyeds flourish in cold weather.

2. Make sure your dog has shelter from the cold: Ideally, indoors is the place for dogs during the winter with quick trips out to play and potty. However some dogs just do not like to sleep inside. If you have a dog sleeping outdoors, make sure your pup has shelter from the cold, such as a dog house with bedding inside for warmth. Straw can provide insulation against the cold and holds in your dog’s body heat.

3. Get your pup a dog coat, dog boots, and dog sweaters: Dog clothes can help keep your furry friend toasty during the cold season. Small dogs, short haired dogs, senior dogs, and sick dogs get colder more quickly than others. A dog sweater indoors and a dog coat outdoors can help retain their body heat and keep them warm. Dog boots protect against snow and salt. Salt irritates dogs’ paws and can leave sores and should be avoided. Dogs are not used to wearing things on their feet, so it may take a little work to get your pup to accept the boots. Positive reinforcement training can work very well.

4. Be careful of grooming: Avoid shaving or excessively trimming your dog’s hair. Their full coat is needed during winter for warmth. Maintain a regular grooming schedule to avoid matted hair; it is less effective at keeping out rain and snow. Only bathe your dog indoors and make sure he is completely dry before letting him out. Keep the fur on paws well trimmed. Snow and ice can get trapped in paw fur.

5. Guard your dog against winter illness: Just like humans, dogs are more susceptible to illness during cold months. Keeping your dog warm and dry will guard against respiratory infections, like kennel cough. Frostbite can be a threat to some dogs, especially hairless or short-haired breeds. The ear and tail tips are the most vulnerable, so make sure to check those areas after time outdoors. Arthritic dogs and those with osteoarthritis may suffer more in the winter time. Talk to your vet about medication and treatment options.

Celebrate National Dress Up Your Pet Day and Save Big!

Today is National Dress Up Your Pet Day and to celebrate, we're having a giant sale all week long! Shop now and save 15% off your entire order (excluding sale items). This is a perfect time to stock up on winter essentials like dog coats and dog boots. Valentine’s Day is on the way and we've added a ton of new items to our site to help your pup celebrate cupid's day in style. No matter what you’re shopping for, now is the time to save big! Simply use the code: DRESSUP when checking out. Offer ends Friday, 1/18 @ 11:59PM.

Top 5 Winter Must Haves for Your Pooch

Winter is underway and a large part of the country has recently been affected by massive snowstorms. Harsh winter weather can take a toll on your furry friends, so make sure they are protected against snow and ice. Here is a list of our favorite 5 winter items, guaranteed to keep your pup protected even on the most frigid days:

1. Waterproof Fleece Dog Boots ($29.99) - These tough boots protect against Mother Nature’s worst! With warm fleece uppers and thick rubber soles, these triple lined dog boots resist water and keep paws safe!

2. Basic Dog Hoodie ($11.99-$23.99) – Our Basic Dog Hoodies combine every day casual comfort with cozy winter warmth! Made of soft cotton, these hoodies are available in a variety of bright colors and are sized to fit most dogs.

3. Fur Trim Dog Parka ($25.99-$39.99) – This awesome dog coat is not only fashionable, it’s warm and durable as well! Designed to repel wind and water, this dog coat has a cozy fleece lining and a detachable fur trimmed hood.

4. Pawz Natural Rubber Dog Boots ($12.00-$17.00) - The world’s only disposable, reusable, waterproof dog boots! Pawz are designed to go on easily and fit securely without zippers or straps and gives your dog a sense of security because without padding, your dog can feel the ground. Great for protecting your pup’s paws from salt and ice.

5. Monkey Business Dog Pajamas ($14.99-$19.99) – Made of lightweight, breathable cotton, these easy-fit one piece pajamas are ultra comfy and will keep your pet toasty on chilly winter nights! Features our popular Monkey Business print!