We all love to reward our special pets with treats for good behavior and just for being them. What we don’t want to do is give our pets treats that contain all sorts of additives and preservatives. So here are some recipes that are simple and easy to do that allow us to feed our pets healthy treats.
Homemade Dog Treats
1 cup all purpose flour
1/4 cup wheat germ
1/4 cup brewer’s yeast
1 tsp. salt
1-1/2 tbsp. canola oil
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken stock, plus extra for brushing
Oven : 400 degrees
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, wheat germ, yeast and salt and set aside. Place oil in a large bowl. Add stock and flour mixture in three alternating additions, beginning and ending with the stock. Mix well. On a lightly floured board, roll dough to 3/8 inch thick. Shape biscuits with a cookie cutter shaped like a bone or other object that is appropriate for your dog’s size. Transfer to parchment lined cookie sheets. Bake biscuits for 10 minutes. Brush with stock and bake ten minutes more. Turn off the oven, leaving the door closed with the biscuits inside to dry completely. This takes approximately 1-1/2 hours. Store at room temperature in an airtight container.
Cat Treats
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/4 cup soy flour
1 tsp. catnip
1 egg
1/3 cup milk
2 Tbsp wheat germ
1/3 cup powdered milk
1 Tbsp unsulfured molasses
2 Tbsp butter or oil
Oven: 350 degrees
Preheat the oven. Mix the dry ingredients together. Add the molasses, egg, oil or butter and milk. Roll out flat and cut into cat bite-sized pieces. Place on oiled cookie sheets. Bake for 20 minutes. Let cool and store in a tightly sealed container.
Your pets will love their special cookies and you will know you are providing them with wholesome ingredients. Enjoy!
As our pets age, they can develop a kind of dementia that is also referred to as CCD, or Canine Cognitive Dysfunction. If your once friendly and cuddly pooch seems to be getting more distant with you and even tends not to recognize you at first when you walk in the door, these may be signs that your dog is having the effects of cognitive dysfunction or dementia. Other signs include the following:
– You notice your pet seems lost in familiar places around your home or yard
-He doesn’t respond to your commands or even to his name
-He seems startled when you approach him
-Your pet seems to have trouble sleeping and often paces around the house
-There are frequent accidents around the house, no matter how often he is walked
-Can be hesitant to take treats or seems less hungry, almost as if forgetting to eat
-Seems to stare into space and is startled by noises
-Your pet makes frequent noises, growls or barks for no apparent reason
So what can a loving pet owner do to make the last golden years comfortable? There are drugs available that will help many dogs. These work on the amount of dopamine in your dog’s brain. Apoequorin and Anipryl are two such drugs. They may help your dog to think more clearly and help with their memory. They can enhance your dog’s enjoyment of life. Other things you can do are to keep their environment as consistent as possible. Rearranging a room can create much confusion to your pet, so try to keep things in the order your dog is used to. Older pets should have stable floors to walk on and if you have wood or tile, you might want to invest in runner rugs throughout the areas they tend to walk. Stick to routines like feeding times and walking schedules. Keep your playtimes relaxed and gentle. The best thing that you can do is show your dog that you are patient and loving and that you respect the changes he is going through. Enjoy your senior companion and make the end of life’s journey a happy and comfortable one!
We love to surprise our favorite person with an unexpected gift. Imagine finding a brand new car in your driveway! With children, we think of a special gift of a new pet. Having your child run downstairs on Christmas morning or the first day of Hanukkah to find a cute little kitten or puppy with a red bow under the tree or by the menorah sounds so exciting! But, and there is always a but, there are several ways you can give a child a pet. Putting a live pet under the tree or by the menorah on the 8 days of Hanukkah can have its problems. Many children are too young to know what caring for a pet means. Especially children under 10 years old. It is not a wise idea to get a pet to teach your child responsibility. A child who is not usually responsible may not know what it means to care for a pet. What is a better idea is to have a pet be a reward for demonstrated responsibility.
There are many other things to consider. The cost of having a pet can run as much as $400. a year for a cat and $500. for a dog. They need food, supplies, basic shots and other vet care. Having a pet means a great deal of commitment, considering the love, care and time to play with him. Then there are the inevitable accidents, furniture damage and other requirements to make a home pet-safe. The average cat or dog can live 12 to 15 years or longer. They need the security of committed owners with the ability to accept the bumps along the road.
If you really wish to surprise someone with a new pet, consider this alternative. For adults you can purchase a pet gift certificate from Petfinder.com. This way, the gift recipient can search for more than 350,000 adoptable pets. For children, you might buy a stuffed dog or cat, equipped with supplies like food dishes, leashes, collars and treats. Then you can attach a note saying that the family can go to pick out the pet after the holidays. This way the whole family is involved in choosing the type, size and breed of the animal you’re considering. Explore websites that identify breeds that work best with your family’s personality. Kids will enjoy being part of the process and you can teach them what the responsibilities of owning a pet include.
Finally, keep in mind that animal shelters are great places to go for a new pet. The cost is low and they often have discounts on spaying and neutering. Petfinder.com allows you to search by breed, location, size and more. With this kind of planning, your family can have a wonderful longtime family member that brings joy throughout the years!
Thanksgiving is here! It is a time to give thanks for our families and furry friends. The smells and aromas fill the house with anticipation of the great feast ahead. Naturally, our pets are drawn to the yummy flavors that waft through the house. We are often tempted to give them some of the great holiday food. But there are certain things to watch out for. The following are some facts and foods to avoid with your pets:
-Turkey (or any meat) should be cooked well and should always be boneless. Turkey is an extremely rich meat and can cause digestive upsets in your pet
-Sage is especially upsetting to a cat’s digestive system. It can result in an upset stomach or central nervous system depression. So don’t give them turkey stuffing.
-Bread dough when in its raw form reacts with the pets body heat and will rise in the pets sensitive stomach. This will cause bloating and pain as well as vomiting. It can become life threatening and can require surgery.
-Cake batter contains raw eggs which can cause salmonella infection in your pet. It also contains too much sugar. So letting your pet lick the bowl is not a good idea.
-Too much of anything is not recommended. Even small amounts of human food can result in stomach upsets, diarrhea and, in some cases, pancreatitis. Pet owners should also follow this idea of eating in moderation. There are always leftovers to be enjoyed the next day.
-Wraps, wax paper and foils are to be avoided. While licking up the food from these wrappings, your pet may ingest some of the wrappings. These can cause intestinal obstruction so they should be kept separate from the food.
-Hot food carried to the table can be a hazard with pets who are eager to have a taste. Be sure your pets don’t cross your path on the way to the table or weave between your legs causing the food to spill on them.
-Chocolate or beverages containing caffeine are toxic to pets. It is best to keep them out of the pets way and serve only to pet owners.
Keep these ideas in mind as you enjoy your holiday feast. Wishing you a very Happy Thanksgiving!
Most dogs will quickly lick a cone to the bone if filled with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. There are commercially available frozen dog ice cream treats. But many per owners are put off by the long list of ingredients that don’t sound like food. And, they are not cheap!
If you want to go “natural”, try making your own homemade frozen treats. Here are some recipe ideas you can use;
-32oz. plain yoghurt
-a mashed banana or other fruit (no grapes please)
-2 tbsp. peanut butter
-2 tbsp. honey
Mix these in a blender and freeze in silicone cupcake trays, dixie cups, or in cupcake liners in a regular muffin pan. You can also substitute fat free vanilla ice cream for the honey.
For a fun topping to your dog treat, freeze some shredded carrots, cut green beans and/or cranberries. Your dog will lap the treats up with his homemade ice cream. And you will know you are providing him with a healthy, additive free frozen treat.
Stay cool!
Pets like the freedom to come and go as they need to. Walking your dog or letting out the cat is not always possible. Many of us work outside of the home for 8 hours or more. There are companies that for a fee will come to your house to walk the dog or let the cat out. But if that is not in your budget, pet doors make a wonderful solution. Pet doors also put an end to late night trips to the door and allow you to get a good night’s sleep.
There are many types of pet doors on the market. The power pet doors are fully automatic with motor driven panels. A sensing device, which can be ultrasonic, is mounted on the collar and the pet activates the door. The signal works when the pet is on a direct approach to the door, not just wandering near it. Doors with magnetic or infrared collars do not work this way and may cause false openings of the panel. Many are made with a bullet-proof polymer which is more reliable than those made of metal. The high end power doors come with a wall panel that allows you to open the door manually. They have sensor controls that allow you to turn on or off the inside and outside sensors. That way you can set the door to “in and out access”, “in only”, “out only” and “closed and locked”. The panel also allows you to adjust the exact distance at which the door will open from the inside or outside. Once the pet has moved completely through the opening, the panel closes. They are safe for children as the panel is lightweight and will automatically retract if it encounters an obstruction during closing. Costs depend upon the size of the dog and can range from $300.00 to $1,000.00 or more.
Flap doors require the pet to push the door-flap open that is mounted on the door panel. They can be used in a sliding glass door, wall or window. Some work with magnets on the flap which cause it to reconnect with the flap frame after the pet goes out. They are usually weatherproof, chew proof and easy to install. Your pet can be easily trained to use the door with you standing on one side and offering a treat. Some doors have flaps that can be replaced when they no longer close properly. They also come with a sliding panel that can be inserted to prevent the pet from going out or coming in; as well as keeping out unwanted critters. The costs of these devices ranges from $10.00 to $200.00, depending upon the size of the dog opening.
So get that extra night of uninterrupted sleep and know that your pet has the ability to come and go as he likes. It is worth the investment!
Cats can be bored when kept indoors all day long. Providing them with toys, places to climb, scratch and play are good solutions. Cats need adventure to keep them happy and curb behavior issues such as chewing up your favorite leather purse or belt. Cat condos and tree houses can provide a cat with hours of fun scratching, climbing and resting off of the floor or furniture. Cats feel safer from “predators” at extreme heights and feel they have more control over their “prey” or that catnip mouse on the floor. If you loathe to see your cat on the kitchen counter or top of your refrigerator, then a cat condo or tree house may be very helpful.
Cat condos are multi-leveled and are usually covered in carpet material over plywood. They have places to hide, perch, and when placed by a window, allow them to watch the birds and squirrels outside. They are relatively affordable and come in many shapes and sizes. The act of climbing not only keeps your cat toned but also tires him out in a good and entertaining way. It helps your cat stay lean and his joints flexible. However, some people are not too thrilled with the way carpet covered condos look in their main living space.
Cat tree houses are a good alternative for the person who wants a more natural looking piece of decor. They are made with real trees and have green leaves made of silk that truly resemble a house plant. They simulate the outdoors as well as provide the vertical scratching surface for cats so they can stretch as they claw. They allow your cat to engage in his natural feline instincts. Some have varying perches made of wood and the leaves allow your cat to hide.
Cat condos and tree houses can range from under a hundred dollars to as much as fifteen hundred dollars or more for the realistic tree-like house. The nice thing about these portable play places is that you can change locations in your house if you find that your cat is not using them. Cats love to be up high on a perch and, as mentioned, near a window can be very entertaining as he gazes out onto the world.
Whatever type of condo or tree house you purchase, it is very important to have a secure and solid base. Cats like to leap up and latch onto the carpet or other material so sturdiness is essential to their safety. Bolting to a piece of furniture is another way to keep it from tipping over. Which ever one you choose, know that your cat will be happy and entertained and will save your furniture!
Does your dog bark happily when you take out his leash? Does your cat meow as you jangle your car keys and say ,”lets go for a ride?” Have you ever wished your pet could accompany you on your daily bike ride? Bicycle riders can now take their pets for a ride when they pedal their bikes about town, to the park or just in the neighborhood. There are a variety of pet carriers from baskets to bicycle trailers that allow your pet to ride with you.
When deciding upon a carrier, it is important to check the weight and size limits before you purchase one. Basket carriers are usually mounted on bicycle handlebars or crossbars, but some are rear-mounted. The front-mounted basket is generally for dogs (or cats) that weigh between 13 to 15 pounds or less. Those on the rear-mount can fit dogs or cats to approximately 24 pounds (though I haven’t heard of too many 24 pound cats!) The carriers come in many styles from the traditional wicker basket to more sporty, nylon models and colors. They are open at the top or have wire basket covers over them. On the open ones, there are tether straps that connect to the pet’s harness to keep them safe in case the occasional squirrel crosses one’s path.
Bike trailers are becoming very popular for larger pets. They come with a hitch that fits most bikes. There are two wheels on either side that keep them quite steady. They have closed and open tops and mesh windows so your pet can admire the view. They come in various sizes and can accommodate pets up to 110 pounds. Most fold up for easy storage. They are usually padded which is good for bumpier rides and have washable liners. There are pockets to store essentials like water bottles and waste bags.
Some safety tips to keep in mind are to only use these carriers as they were intended. There are those for bicycles only as well as those for car and walking carrier purposes. When using a bicycle carrier, be sure it is mounted securely. Never leave your pet in the carrier unattended. Check to see that the basket type carrier’s straps do not interfere with your brakes or other levers. The ideal conditions for a ride are on a good weather days and in the daylight. However, in case it starts to cloud over or if evening comes too soon, reflective strips are essential for good visibility. Attaching a flag to the back of a pet trailer is also a good idea for all weather conditions.
Take your pet along and enjoy the ride!
As puppy and dog owners, we know there will be times when your favorite shoe or new leather pocketbook is mangled by a bored or just chew-crazy canine friend. Our first instinct is to wave the item in the dog’s face and yell at him that he is a bad dog. You should never hit, yell or frighten the dog into behaving in a certain way. It does not accomplish anything and only teaches him to be scared of you the next time you get angry. It may even provoke an unwanted aggressive reaction. After all, your dog is instinctively going to try to protect himself.
Consistent teaching and rewards for good behavior is important, more so than yelling and telling him what not to do. Dogs learn best from being caught in the act and gently disciplined but it is even better to catch them right before they grab your favorite shoe with a command such as “Leave it!” This command is useful for many situations where your dog might get into trouble. It helps to stop his thought midstream before he acts upon it. You can train “Leave it!” by putting a treat in your closed hand. Let your dog smell it, then close your hand again and say “leave it”. If he backs away from you, give him the treat and much praise. If he doesn’t back away, do not give him the treat. Once he realizes he isn’t going to get it and starts to walk away, give him the treat with lots of positive praise. Do this repeatedly until he backs away at the command every time. You can also give him an “okay” when he has complied so he knows the treat is coming.
The “leave it” command can be used for such things as begging at the table or when he attempts to grab something he shouldn’t. Another good reward for compliance is to give him a favorite chew toy. That way your shoes are preserved and your dog is happy and content to chew on the right thing. Positive teaching will result in a happy friend. After all, pleasing you is what matters the most to him.
There are many different styles, colors, lengths and materials to choose from. It is important that they be made of durable materials, have a length that allows for good control and keeps your dogs safe.
Leash materials can be made of nylon, chain or leather. Leather is often chosen over nylon because it softens and becomes more flexible with age. It is easy to grip and quite durable. However, some dogs find chewing on it to be more fun than a nylon leash. Nylon is more elastic but not as soft and the collar can cause chafing. Chain leashes are the least desirable because they can injure your dog and aren’t good for training.
Dog leashes that are retractable give control but allow the dog to walk farther away from its owner. Too much leash can be dangerous in terms of other animals, people and cars if it can’t be reeled in fast enough. For puppies, a closer leash is preferable to keep him in control and to protect him.
Whether or not to use a collar attached leash, head halter and leash or a harness and leash depends upon you and your dog’s needs. Head halters look like muzzles but are not. One strap goes around the back of the dog’s head and a separate strap goes around his snout. The leash snaps on below the chin. When the dog walks, this head halter arrangement will pull the dog’s head either down or to the side and keeps the dog from pulling you.
Harnesses go around the dog’s neck in front of the shoulders and behind the front legs. They do not put pressure on the throat like a typical collar and leash. The harness allows you to walk the dog safely without pressure to the trachea. Harnesses must be fitted to your dog. There are those that the dog steps into, ones that go over his head and ones that look like a figure 8. Most are adjustable. The important thing to fit it to is the dog’s girth. Once on, it should look symmetrical. Be sure it doesn’t rub too hard on a puppie’s arms. Check the fit as your puppy grows.
For small breeds like chihuahuas, who have fragile windpipes, it is best to stay away from the collar and leash. Additionally, dogs that pull too much or have any respiratory problems, the harness or head halter is preferable. The most important thing to remember is have your dog fitted well with a harness or head halter. This way he will stay safe, comfortable and secure. Enjoy your walks!
| Name: | Weezie |
| Nickname(s): | The Boss |
| Gender: | female |
| Characteristics: | One eye, white face, very large pointy ears |
| Personality: | stealthy, determined, quiet, funny |
