Author: rgoessel

Summer Snacks to Make for Your Dog!

Summer months imply that you would be spending a lot of time indoors and avoiding the heat in the great outdoors. With so much time on your hands, why not embark on an incredible treat-making adventure. You would definitely have fun making them and your fur baby would no doubt have a great time helping out (trying to sneak a bite). 

Here are some treats that you can explore:

Peanut Butter Dog Doughnuts 

This homemade dog donut is easy to make and very delicious too. The ingredients are within reach and there is no special process involved. Here are the necessary ingredients: 

  • 1 Cup Oats
  • 1 Cup flour
  • ½ Cup peanut butter
  • ⅓ Coconut oil
  • Plain Greek Yogurt
  • 2 Eggs
  • Bacon Bits

Apple and Chicken Pup Pops

Think about popsicles, but for dogs. Your pup is sure to enjoy this refreshing treat just as much as kids love popsicles in summer. Here are the necessary ingredients: 

  • ½ Cup water
  • ½ Cup unsalted chicken broth
  • 1 Gala apple

You could use raw porkhide sticks, however, it is more ideal to use Enzy-Chews. They have the extra perk of tartar control and they are easier to digest as well. 

Yogurt Peanut Butter Banana 

This is one of the most simple and straightforward treats for summer, and your pup is bound to love it. Here are the necessary ingredients: 

  • 3 Tablespoons of peanut butter (confirm that the brand you are opting for doesn’t have any xylitol)
  • 1 large banana sliced 
  • 32 ounces plain yogurt (yogurt is an excellent source of calcium and double as a probiotic). 

Ensure that you do not add any artificial sweetener particularly those that have xylitol as a component because of its toxicity. 

Conclusion 

These are some great treat ideas for your pet. In addition, ensure that your pet has access to water always so that they can stay hydrated.

This is Why You Need a Miniature Dachshund!

Daschunds can be traced all the way back to the Middle Ages. Their name is derived from two German words ‘dach’ meaning ‘badger’ and ‘hund’ meaning ‘dog’. 

They were great hunting dogs with their keen sense of smell allowing them to hunt both above and below ground, tracking animal scents for extended periods. 

Over the years, different sizes emerged and in the U.S., there are three main sizes: the Normal, Miniature, and Toy. 

Overview of Mini Daschund 

  • Common coat colors: chocolate, blue, tan, black & tan
  • Coat types: long-haired, wire-haired, smooth hair 
  • Average weight: 4kg to 5kg
  • Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years
  • Sociability: medium

Exercise 

A miniature Daschund requires around 30 to 45 minutes of exercise daily. This breed has a lot of energy in spite of their seemingly little frame, and as a result, requires quite a bit of activity to tire them out. Keeping them in a secure environment where they can run off leash is one sure way to keep them healthy and happy. Ensure that they do not have occasion to jump a lot such as over holes and streams because dachshunds may experience back damage easily. 

Diet

A diet with sufficient basic nutrients as well as vitamins and minerals is a requirement for your miniature Dachshund. You should typically explore dog food formulated for small breeds to ensure that they get their required nutrition. For pups, 3 to 4 small servings during the day would suffice rather than two major meals. As your pup grows older, you could limit them to two major meals. 

Training 

Training miniature dachshunds may take a little while because they are quirky and require a lot of patience when being trained. They have an affinity for responding to rewards and good feedback. They may also get distracted very easily when they see something that really interests them. 

Conclusion 

Mini Dachshunds are a family-friendly breed that adapt as well to houses as they do apartments. They also work well for single individuals.

How Important is Having an ID Tag On Your Dog?

Having your dog wear an ID tag is essential. This measure serves as a major precaution in the event that your pet wanders off.  An ID tag not only supplies details about your pet such as their name, it also provides valuable information about you, their owner, and how to contact you.  So, to ensure that the ID is indeed effective, here are some tips to help:

Keep the Information Updated 

Information on your dog’s ID tag is only as useful as can be when it is up to date.  So, if you recently relocated or changed your phone number, be sure to go right ahead and update this information on your pet’s ID.  If you move often, then you should set up reminders that would help you recall. 

Choose One That Works for You 

Dog tag IDs come in a range of sizes, shapes, colors, and types. There are some that are simply handwritten and slipped into a plastic, waterproof case. There are GPS versions that allow for easy tracking; some are silent while others may jingle.  There are others that are extra strong and durable, specifically for breeds that may try to destroy their tags. Overall, be sure to opt for one that does the job and works for you.

Examine Tags Periodically 

There is a good chance that your dog’s tag may have taken some damage at some point in time or perhaps, the written information is no longer so clear. This is why it is essential to check in periodically and confirm that it still works just fine. You should do this at regular intervals. 

Conclusion 

Dog ID tags are a standard precaution to keep your pet safe and ups your chances of recovering your pet in the unfortunate event of them getting lost. 

Picking the Best Food for Your Furry Friend

There is a range of food types that are generally well suited to be eaten by dogs. Wet food diets, kibble, organic, holistic food, and a range of others. However, the best type of food for your dog greatly depends on what would be the healthiest choice for them. 

In other words, high-quality food is one that has nutrient components that are required by your dog based on their breed and age or stage in life. Usually, the best way to pick a great diet for your dog is to talk to a nutritionist or veterinarian.

They are in the best position to make recommendations based on the needs of your pup, and they would be able to highlight the nutrients that are essential at that point in time. They can also help you avoid foods that could induce allergic reactions in your pet since your veterinarian has your pup’s health records. 

In addition to consulting with experts, here are some tips that can help you along in the decision-making process: 

  • Learn about the constituents of dog food so that you know what to look out for 
  • Read labels and ingredients 
  • Note the grain and gluten constituent of the food
  • Check the by-products used in making the food, if any, and ensure that they are healthy for your pup
  • Keep an eye out for adequacy, it would typically read “this food is complete and balanced for all life stages”
  • Read up on information provided about the trial feeding stage 
  • Check out the analysis of nutrients provided on the label of the food
  • As a reminder, consult with your veterinarian 

Conclusion 

Your dog’s food goes a long way in determining so much in their lives ranging from development to remaining in proper health. As such, you should pay close attention. 

Involving Your Pup in Summer Activities

Summer is a beautiful time to be outdoors and you would typically be up to a whole lot of fun stuff. Your pup would definitely appreciate being included in all of these fun activities, and here are some that they would especially love:

Pool Parties 

Summer heralds hot months and a lot of time spent in the pool, and Winter would no doubt love to splash around too. You can picture his tongue hanging out the side of his mouth and then the characteristic wiggle that splashes water all over you. If you can picture it, then you should definitely do it!

Backyard BBQs 

The lingering smell of meat in the air and the occasional treats you toss which are expertly caught by Winter. This is definitely a dream event by all standards; their favorite person in the world and treats! 

Picnics in the Garden 

You can enjoy the warm sunshine, some very cool lemonade, and pastries with the butterflies all fluttering around. This sounds like a dream paradise and definitely one you shouldn’t enjoy alone. Your pup would have a lot of fun and probably get some exercise from chasing butterflies.

Cozy Dinners 

Cozy dinners on the patio in the cooling evening sound like a wonderful idea. You can take in the night air and sounds and you can be certain that Winter would enjoy the calm, laying at your feet. This is an awesome doggo-human moment and definitely one that you would remember for a long time to come.

Hikes 

Going on a hike? Be sure to bring your furry companion along. Nobody loves the outdoors and its sounds as much as they do. 

Conclusion 

Looking to make great memories this summer? Involve your pup and they become even better.

Summertime is the Best Time for Puppy Photos

Summer means the warmer months and of course, spending lots of time outdoors. Since most places are accessible and open in summer, you can definitely find a lot of picturesque backgrounds to use for pictures. Here are some of the best places for puppy pictures that you can explore: 

The Beach 

The beach offers the dual perk of having a great time and taking beautiful pictures too. Following a couple of hours of running around the beach with your pup and playing in the water, well, it’s picture time! You could explore a couple of picture ideas like putting a mini hat on your pet’s head or having them stretched out on a beach chair. 

The Mountains 

The mountains offer an amazing, picturesque background for pictures. It’s like being on top of the world, and the rest of the earth is just at your feet. This is definitely one place to take majestic pictures of your pet. 

The Fields 

Fields with wildflowers and rich soil could be great for a photo op. It would be like being cast into nature and if your pet is very playful, you could capture pictures of them in action. There is an off chance that a butterfly might rest on its nose, so, have your camera ready. 

Sunsets

Sunsets are never a bad idea for pictures. If anything, they make for a soft, beautiful, and calming background. Sunsets provide that incredible feeling in pictures that no other background can beat. So, in addition to enjoying a beautiful sunset, you get to keep a memory from it. 

Conclusion 

There are no doubt many backgrounds for photographing your pup, but these four definitely top the list. 

What to Bring With You While Hiking With Your Dog

Hiking with your pet is some of the best alone time you could enjoy. You both have lots of sights, sounds, and smells to take in and it goes without saying that your darling pet would be ecstatic. 

However, before you embark on a hike with your dog, it is important to ensure that you have checked certain boxes. Some of these boxes include bringing along adequate supplies and ensuring that your pet is in tip-top shape. 

So, here’s a checklist of what to bring with you while hiking with your dog:

  • Water 
  • Food
  • Leash
  • Collar or harness
  • Canine first aid kit 
  • A bowl
  • Clothing
  • Microchip or ID card 
  • Flashlight 

If you are hiking with a big dog, they can carry some things, nothing too heavy. On the other hand, for small dogs, you do all the carrying. 

Before embarking on the hike, here are some things you need to ensure:

  • Physical shape; ensure that they are in top shape and ready for the rugged trails 
  • Ensure that all their vaccinations are up to date, you can always pay a visit to the veterinarian if you’re not certain 
  • Train your dog for the trails so that it’s not an entirely new experience 
  • Research where you would be hiking; the weather conditions, any specific occurrences that are peculiar to that area, among others 
  • Learn and understand how walking the trail goes, otherwise known as trail etiquette 

The benefits of hiking are immense for both you and your pet. There is the baseline benefit of the physical fitness aspect. In addition, the atmosphere helps you and your pet relax and provides for an excellent adventure. 

Conclusion 

For a successful hike, be sure to check off the list here and of course, have a great time!

Why You Need a Poodle Mix

Poodle mixes like Cavapoos, Goldendoodle, Cockapoo, and Maltipoos, have attained critical acclaim because of the myriad of benefits that owning one can bring. 

They are highly attractive, intelligent, and take training easy. In addition to these qualities, here are some others that would definitely seal the deal for you: 

Hypoallergenic 

A number of poodle mix-breeds are hypoallergenic which implies that they are great for people who have allergies. This is because they either do not shed or shed less and infrequently. So, they would either have no dander or very few clinging to their coat.  

Small Size 

They come in very small sizes which makes them well suited to small apartments and given that they don’t shed, you won’t have to worry about getting fur all over your apartment. 

They are also very easy to carry around and their owners explore this benefit to the fullest. For instance, the Cockapoo weighs only about 12-25 pounds and has a height of 9-18 inches. 

The Goldendoodle, which is one of the biggest in this breed category, has a height of about 22-22.5 inches and weighs around 50-90 pounds. 

Great for Families 

Poodle mixes also make for great family dogs, one great example is the Goldendoodle. They also have excellent traits gotten from both parents that they were bred from and are considered a superior breed to their parent breed. 

They do well with kids and are not temperamental. In spite of their small size, some of them are quite energetic and playful and make for a good playmates for your kids. 

Conclusion 

Opting for a poodle mix could be an excellent option especially if you are looking for a small dog. 

This is Why You Need a Goldendoodle

Goldendoodles are a cross between a purebred Golden Retriever and a Poodle. They are a highly intelligent, loving, and loyal breed that sheds way less than a purebred Golden Retriever. This gentle and affectionate breed started gaining popularity following breed development in the 1990s. 

Relative to other designer breeds, it is still regarded as a young cross. Goldendoodles are very social and would interact well with everyone. They would do well in both country and city settings. However, apartment living might not suit them. Rather, they do better in an enclosed space like a fenced yard. 

They also shouldn’t be kept in kennels as they thrive with human contact. 

Here’s a table that details their attributes:

Height17-21+ inches 
Weight50-90 pounds 
Life Span10-15 years 
Breed Size Large (61-100 lbs.)
Good WithChildren, Families, Dogs, Cats
Temperament Friendly, Gentle, Playful, Outgoing
Intelligence High
Shedding Volume Infrequent 
Exercise Requirements Medium 
Energy Levels Active
Drool Amount Low
Bark Level When Necessary 
Coat Length/ Texture Medium, Curly
Breed Group Hybrid
Colors Black, Gray, Blue, Red, White, Gold, Fawn, Brown/Chocolate/Liver, Gold/Yellow
Patterns Brindle, Bicolor, Black, Tan, and Merle 

They also have other traits such as the fact that they are easy to train, are excellent for first-time pet owners, are great hiking buddies, require a great deal of grooming, are strongly loyal, and they may require a significant amount of grooming.

They have a very affectionate nature and are hypoallergenic. The hypoallergenic feature makes them great for people who typically react to allergens. Goldendoodles come in a large standard size as well as a smaller, miniature size. 

They make for great emotional support animals and enjoy spending time in the great outdoors. You can achieve this by taking walks or playing outdoors. This helps to cover their physical needs. 

Conclusion 

A Goldendoodle is the perfect canine companion for both individuals and families.

How To Trim Your Dog’s Nails

An important aspect of dog grooming is trimming your dog’s nails. While a routine trip to the groomer also comprises nail trims, sometimes Saul’s nails may be overgrown and you may have to do it yourself. This is how to make this happen step by step:

  • The first step is to gather your supplies 
  • Up next, gently pick up the foot 
  • Isolate the nail that you want to cut
  • Select the precise place you want to cut
  • Do the cutting at a 45-degree angle 
  • Chip it off in bits
  • Remember the dewclaws 
  • Nail grinding (use as a finishing tool)
  • Reward your pet 

It is important to note that a dog’s nail comprises the outer material known as the shell, which is hard and the living pink quick. The quick runs through the core of the nail and supplies blood. To ensure your dog’s wellbeing and guarantee easy maintenance, short quicks are the recommended length. 

Similarly, if you are cutting your puppy’s nails for the first time, you would have to go very slow, starting with picking up the paw, isolating the nail, getting your pup familiar with the trimmer (especially if there is any vibration involved), cutting only a tiny chip initially. All of these would have to be done over a period of time to aid easy adjustment. 

If your dog feels uncomfortable, it is best to retreat or you might have to eventually use a muzzle. In the way of products, there is a range of nail trimmers comprising scissors as well as grinder tools specially designed for dogs. The main thing is to use what works best for your pet. Also, styptic powder should be kept close in case of bleeding. 

Conclusion 

Trimming your dog’s nails can be quite the task, so remember to be patient and reward Saul with treats too.