Classic Thumbprint Peanut Butter Dog Cookies

All dogs love peanut butter! These tasty treats are not only simple to make - They look like high end gourmet dog cookies. These delicious dog treats are perfect for your pampered pup and also make great gifts!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup strawberry jam

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325° F

2. Whisk together the flour, oats and cinnamon.

3. Place the peanut butter, chicken broth and water in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave on high for 15 seconds. Stir together the warm peanut butter and liquids. If needed, microwave again for 10 to 15 seconds. Stir again until all of the liquid is incorporated into the peanut butter.

4. Make a well in the dry ingredients.

5. Pour the peanut butter mixture into the dry ingredients and stir, using a fork, until a dough forms.

6. Lightly spray a baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray.

7. Using a tablespoon sized cookie scooper, scoop out rounded balls onto the prepared baking sheet.

8. Create an indentation, and flatten each cookie.

9. Bake for 15 minutes. Leave the peanut butter dog treats in the oven, once it's turned off, to cool.

10. Once the dog treats are completely cooled, place the jam in a microwave safe container.

11. Microwave for 10 seconds. Then stir the jam. If needed, microwave for another 10 seconds and stir. You want a smooth liquid consistency.

12. Using a 1/2 teaspoon, gently spoon the jam into each cookies indentation.

13. Let the jam cool completely before moving the dog treats.

Storing - These peanut butter dog treats are delicate with the addition of the jam. First, they need to be stored in a single layer as the jam does not harden completely. Once in a air tight container, like a freezer bag, they can be kept in the refrigerator for one week. Store them in the freezer for up to four months. These gourmet dog treats will keep fresh longer without the jam middle. You can bake the cookies, not adding the jam, and keep them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks and in the freezer for up to 6 months. Then before you serve, follow the last four steps of this recipe.

Yield - Using a tablespoon sized cookie scooper, this recipe will make 30 dog cookies.

Recipe courtesy of dogtreatkitchen.com 

Buy More, Save More!

Summer is slowly coming to an end and while we'll be sorry to see the nice temperatures languish, it's time to start preparing for autumn! Halloween costumes will soon start appearing on shelves. Why not get your pooch's early? We have a wide variety of dog costumes at bargain prices! Has your furry friend outgrown his winter wardrobe? We've got a plethora of stock marked way down! Now is the time to stock up on dog coats, dog boots, and dog sweaters and save! Shop now to save big - The more you buy, the more you save! We're offering $10 off $50 orders, $25 off of $100 orders and a whopping $50 off of $150 orders! You could find everything your pampered pooch needs for the rest of the year and save huge! Simply use the codes SPEND50 for $50 orders, SPEND100 for $100 orders, and SPEND150 for $150 orders when you are checking out. Coupon expires Thursday, 8/1 @ 11:59PM.

The Importance of Yearly Check Ups for Your Pup

  “My dog is healthy - He doesn't need to see a vet.”

I’m certain a lot of dog owners have that thought go through their minds when they receive their annual postcard reminder from their vet. While your pet might appear to be in good health, he could be showing warning signs and underlying symptoms your vet would  pick up in an exam and could then correct or slow the progress of. An annual exam consists of more than just vaccinations – Your vet inspects your pup’s whole body from nose to tail. Here is what you can expect during a yearly exam and why each is imperative:

Nose, Eyes, Mouth, and Ears - Your vet will inspect your pooch’s nose for nasal discharge. He is checking for more than a cold – a runny nose is a sign of many different ailments. He'll check your dog's eyes for infection, discharge and debris. Dull eyes are a can be a symptom of parasites, stress, and many more threatening ailments. He’ll inspect your dog’s teeth and gums for plaque, disease, abscesses, and tumors. As dogs age, tartar builds up on their teeth, similar to humans, and ultimately your pet will need a cleaning. Your vet will decide if this is a necessity. Your dog's ears should be clean and clear of any odors. Foul odor is a sympton of infection and mites.

Lungs, Heart, Coat, and Abdomen - Using a stethoscope, your vet will  inspect your pup’s lungs for irregular breathing patterns, congestion, or cough. He'll listen to your dog's heart for abnormal beating. Your vet will check your dog’s skin for parasites, in addition to cuts, swelling, scrapes, lumps, and condition of the coat. A dull coat is a sign of illness. By feeling your dog’s stomach and groin area, your vet can evaluate your dog’s organs and check for signs of pain or discomfort which is a sign of illness. He’ll also check your pup’s lymph nodes for swelling.

Back, Tail, Hips, Legs, and Paws - Your vet will feel your dog’s back and tail to check for spinal issues. The hips and legs will be checked for pain, joint swelling, and stiffness that are caused by arthritis, muscle damage, and other diseases. Finally, the paws and nails will be examined for infection or cuts. There are many optional tests and vaccinations our vets offer and it can be confusing as to whether they are necessary for our pets. Here is a brief explanation of each, so that you can decide if they are right for your pet:

Fecal Exam: During this exam the vet will examine a fecal sample from your pet to check for intestinal parasites. These parasites are not only harmful to your pet – Many are transmittable to humans, particularly small children.

Rabies Vaccination: This vaccination is required by law in the U.S as either a 1 year or 3 year vaccination, depending on your state’s legislation. Rabies is 100% fatal in dogs and there is no treatment available.

Distemper/Parvovirus/Adenovirus: This vaccination protects against all three of these life threatening diseases that any dog could come in contact with. Along with the rabies vaccine, it is considered a core vaccination and shouldn’t be skipped. It should be given every 3 years or more.

Bordetella: This vaccine is recommended for dogs in high-risk environments and is required for dogs who participate in dogs shows, are boarded, or before surgery. Kennel cough is not usually serious but can be dangerous to young puppies and is highly contagious. It is given annually for most dogs but for high risk dogs 6 month boosters are available.

Lyme Disease: This vaccination is generally only recommended for dogs that have a high risk of being exposed to Lyme disease carrying ticks. This vaccine is administered annually. You can find out if you are in a high risk area here.

Leptospirosis: This vaccination is generally restricted to established risk areas. Your pet is usually exposed to leptospirosis in areas of standing water and areas with rodents. This vaccination is administered yearly.

Canine Influenza: This vaccination is similar to the bordetella vaccination and is recommended for the same reasons. It is also administered yearly.

Heartworm Test and Parasite Prevention: Parasites are very harmful to your pets and in addition to making them miserable, some parasites are even deadly. Your pup’s annual exam is a great time to stock up on flea, tick, and heartworm prevention. Your vet will need to do a heartworm test annually to ensure that your dog is free of heartworms. There are many different forms of flea, tick, and heartworm prevention and your vet will help you pick out what is best for your pup.

Don’t let financial troubles keep you from taking your pup in to get the care he needs. There are many organizations that offer low cost vet care, including vaccinations. Many are mobile vets that offer high quality care with no exam fees. A little research online could save you a lot of cash while still ensuring your pet is healthy!

Dog Breed of The Month: The Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu, who originated in China, is an ancient breed that was created all the way back in 800 BC. These adorable pups were initially bred to be accessories, their job was to sit in the emperor’s palace and to sound the alarm when someone approached. They are believed to be a mix of Pekingese and Lhasa Apso. DNA evidence establishes the Shih Tzu as one of the eldest breeds. The first Shih Tzus were transported into Europe in 1930s and distributed throughout the country, eventually coming to the U.S. during World War II. They were recognized by the AKC in 1969, categorized as a toy breed and are now recognized by all of the major kennel clubs in the English speaking world.

Shih Tzu are compact, hardy dogs with a round, large heads, big dark eyes, and a long body. Their muzzles are very short, brachycephalic breed, and they possess an under bite, a component of their breed standard. They typically are about 11 inches tall and weigh 10-16 lbs. They have a long, silky double coat that needs frequent brushing, maintenance, and grooming, which could be costly and should be kept in mind while considering this breed for ownership. Their long tail curls over their back and their fur comes in various color combinations.

This breed is inclined to numerous ailments including many different breathing problems, invertibral disk disease, hypothyroidism, ear infections, premature tooth loss, and cherry eye. They can become obese very quickly and their food intake should be monitored. In spite of their health problems, these sturdy pups typically live extended lives of about 15 years or more. Because they are a brachycephalic breed, they are very delicate in extreme heat and cold and should be kept indoors during inclement weather. They are not able to regulate their body temperature and can become very cold in the winter. Depending on their home climate, they might need a dog coat, dog boots, and dog sweaters in order to stay warm in the colder months.

Shih Tzu are very bright dogs, full of personality. They are typically cheerful and fun loving. These gentle dogs are friendly and usually interact well with other dogs and children, though they will probably prefer older children. They can be stubborn and house breaking can be hard, so training and proper socialization from a young age are a must. These people oriented dogs are superb companions and are extremely attached to their masters. This dog is perfect for apartment life and needs only minimal exercise.

Fun Facts

1. The complete name of this dog breed is Tibetan Shih Tzu Kou which literally translates as Tibetan Lion Dog. They are also occasionally dubbed the Chrysanthemum Dog, a name given in England, due to fact that the dog’s hair grows out up ward from it's nose, making it's face look like the flower.

2. The Shih Tzu is one of the 14 ancient breeds of dog according to DNA studies. These studies show that they are the nearest known descendant of Senji, the prehistoric Chinese wolf.

3. Famous celebrity Shih Tzu owner sare  Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor, Jean Harlow, Jane Seymour, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Betty White, Bill Gates, Nicole Richie, Beyonce, Anna Nicole Smith, Queen Elizabeth, and Brooke Shields

4. Old Tibetan monks regarded this dog as holy because it kept guard over the Imperial Palace in olden days.

5. The name Shih Tzu is both singular and plural.

Fun Summer Toys For Your Playful Pooch!

Summer is a great time for toys! We've just added a new batch of dog toys, awesome for both indoor and outdoor play. Here is are some of our favorites, all under the low price of $20!

1. Air Kong Tennis Ball Dog Toy ($1.99-$3.99) – These rugged balls are similar to regular tennis balls but are much better! These heavy duty toys come with a squeaker and are covered in soft felt that is much more gentle on your dog’s teeth!

2. Plush Squawking Nubby Balls ($4.99) – These toys have a lot to offer! A plush nubby texture and one of a kind squawking sound ensure hours of enjoyment for your canine companion!

3. Embroidered Berber Boys Dog Toys ($5.99) – Made of nubby soft berber, these toys have a classic shape that is easy for dogs to grab and chew. Heart embroidery outside and a squeaker inside.

4. MeteorLight K9 LED Ball ($12.99) – Your dog is guaranteed to have a great time with this LED light up toy! This medium sized heavy duty rubber ball is a cinch to turn off and on for neat night time games!

5. Ultra Rubber Ball Dog Toys ($7.99-$8.49) – Made of super visible colors and offering big bounce, these balls will keep your pup busy for hours. Their textured surface makes them easy to grab!

6. Crackle Heads Cuz Dog Toys ($5.99-$9.99) – This unique toy has a rugged rubber outer texture with an inner ball comprised of water bottle material, giving it a crunchy fun sound and hours of rough play!

7. Megalast Dog Bones ($9.99) – These vanilla flavored dog bones will keep your furry friend occupied! These heavy duty rubber bones are buoyant and bouncy, guaranteed to keep playful pups entertained.

8. Attack-a-Jack Dog Toy ($12.99) – Made of intersecting soft and brightly colored plush bones, this huge toy has a total of 6 squeakers for extreme fun! These toys always land with 3 legs up, so they are easy for dogs to grab and pick up.

9. Ball Launcher Dog Toy ($11.99-$14.99) – This long handled plastic launcher offers an easier way to play fetch! Extends the length of your arm to provide throwing distances up to 3 times farther than tossing by hand. Comes in 3 sizes!

10. Flashflight Light Up Dog Disc ($15.99) – This ultra cool light up dog disc is perfect for games of night fetch! Made of soft plastic, this disc lights up with the push of a button. It even floats on water!

Five Fun Dog Facts

We humans interpret our world by sight but our furry friends predominantly use their incredible sense of smell. Here are some fun facts about your dog’s fascinating snout:

1. While a dog's brain is only one-tenth the size of a human brain, the part that controls smell is 40 times larger than in humans.

2. A dog’s sense of smell is about 1 thousand to 10 million times more sensitive than a human (depending on the breed).

3. The mucus on a dog's nose actually helps them smell by capturing scent particles. When a dog’s nose is dry, they may lick it to aid them in scent.

4. When a dog smells something they are not just registering a smell, they get an entire story. They can smell pheromone which is not only found in the urine and fecal, but on the skin and fur. From this they can tell a lot about another dog or human including if they are male or female, what they ate, where they have been, what they have touched, if they are ready to mate, if they have recently given birth, or had a false pregnancy and what mood they are in. They have even been known to smell cancer on people, alerting them to it and saving their lives. This means when your dog smells another person, tree that another dog has peed on, pant leg that another dog has rubbed up against, or a chair that someone has sat in, they are actually reading a story, not just smelling an interesting scent.

5. A dog can sniff and breathe at the same time. These are two different functions. Breathing is for air, but when they sniff.

Fourth of July Safety Tips

For most Americans, the Fourth of July is a celebratory occasion. Firework shows, cook outs, boating, camping… All spectacular ways to kick back and salute the birth of our nation. Since many people acknowledge their pets being family members, it could seem fun to include them in the festivities. While this might seem like a good idea, it could conceivably have a  bad outcome for your pooch. July 5th is marked as animal shelters’ busiest day, due to panicked pets fleeing from the noise of firecrackers. Vets are busy also, with injuries, poisonings, and upset stomachs. Here are 10 tips garnered from the ASPCA for keeping your furry friend protected and happy this Fourth of July:

1. Keep pets indoors: Even if your dog is accustomed to being outside, it could become frightened and flee from fireworks and other loud party ruckus. In their attempt to find a safe and quiet space, they could become lost, run over, or injured.

2. Do not use insect repellent or sunscreen that isn't specifically made for pets: Just because it isn't poisonous to humans doesn't make it dog friendly! Toxics side effects of sunscreen are drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and excessive thirst. DEET is a common insecticide and can cause neurological damage to your pets.

3. Alcohol is poisonous to dogs: Keep alcoholic drinks out of reach! Even a small amount of alcohol can cause your pup to become dangerously intoxicated. This could cause them to go into a coma or die of respiratory failure. Even beer is off limits; fermented hops and ethanol are poisonous to both dogs and cats.

4. If you are attending a fireworks display, leave your dog at home: A crowd of people watching a display of beautiful lights sounds like fun to humans but is not at all a good time for your dog. The combination of loud noises and too many people will freak your fur baby out.

5. Proper identification is a must: If your pet does manage to escape, proper ID goes a long way to getting them back to you. ID tags with their name and your up to date information are a must. Microchipping your pet is a great idea as well, since collars can slip off and get lost.

6. Say ‘No’ to glow jewelry: Dressing your furry friend in festive attire can be fun, if your pet allows it but refrain from adorning them with glow jewelry. They liquid is not toxic, but if your dog chews up the jewelry, it can cause gastrointestinal irritations and the plastic could cause an intestinal blockage from swallowed pieces of plastic.

7. Keep your pet out of the way of fireworks: Curious pets could be seriously damaged from fireworks. Their paws and face could be burned and serious damage could be done to their insides if a lit firework is swallowed. Even unlit fireworks pose a danger – Some contain potentially toxic substances like arsenic and potassium nitrate.

8. Stick to your dog’s normal diet: It can be tempting to indulge your dog in delicious holiday food but this could seriously upset their stomachs. Even if you avoid known toxic ingredients, just changing your pup’s diet for one day could cause severe indigestion and diarrhea.

9. Lighter fluid and matches are harmful to pets: Matches contain chlorate and if ingested, it could cause labored breathing, blood cell damage, and kidney disease. Lighter fluid can cause skin irritation on contact, gastric problems if eaten, and respiratory problems if inhaled. Be sure to keep these out of reach!

10. Citronella products contain toxins: Citronella candles, oils, and insect coils can cause serious respiratory illnesses if inhaled, like pneumonia and if eaten, they can harm your pet’s nervous system Keep your pet at home and indoors in a quiet, secure space. This is the easiest way to ensure your pup has a safe and happy Fourth of July! Happy Independence Day from Doggie Vogue!