The only people who think that pets are “just” animals are the ones who have never had a pet! At the end of a long workday, there is nothing better at melting away the stress than your dog’s excited jumps of greeting or the loud purr from your cat as it winds its way through your legs the moment you get home. Our pets bring more than unconditional love and laughter to our lives – they also offer comfort when we need it the most and add rhythm to our routines that help to improve our health. 

5 Ways that Pets Motivate You to Stick to a Healthy Routine

1) Encourage You to Exercise 

Exercise is the cornerstone of any healthy routine, but it’s also the one that often falls by the wayside. Regular exercise is linked to a significant decrease in risk for several common health problems, especially diabetes, which has become one of the most common lifestyle diseases. Unlike most diseases that have clear warning signs and symptoms, diabetes can go undetected in the initial stages while still damaging your body. This is why it is important to understand the risk factors as well as the ways to prevent diabetes, which include exercise, diet, and other lifestyle changes. Between juggling work, home, and other responsibilities, we never run out of reasons to skip workouts, which is why no matter how motivated you feel at the start, you find yourself back at square one within a few months or even a few weeks. Having a pet encourages you to exercise regularly because you know that your furry friend needs their routine and should NOT skip exercise. To make the most of this daily activity, a guide to training your dog can help improve their behavior during walks and play. With consistent routines and basic obedience, you’ll both enjoy a healthier and more enjoyable lifestyle.

2) Reduces Sedentary Behavior

Most of us relax in front of the TV or scroll through our phones, and we get so lost in the virtual world that we often stay seated in the same position for hours. Several studies show that this kind of sedentary behavior is linked to a wide range of health problems, ranging from minor issues like back pain and muscle aches to increased blood pressure and a higher risk of heart disease. This is where our furry bundles of energy come in! They want to play with us or simply spend time with us, which reduces our sedentary behavior. Even if you don’t get up to play with your pet, research on movement behavior shows that even micromovements – small changes in your position can help to reduce the negative health effects of sedentary behavior. 

3) Nudges You Toward Better Eating Habits

It’s easy to see how having a dog would help you get and stay active since you would need to walk your dog on a daily basis and play with them. However, it’s not as easy to see the connection between having a pet and eating healthier. Studies on how physical activity influences eating behavior found that people who have higher levels of physical activity are less likely to indulge in emotional eating, such as unhealthy snacking.  

4) Helps you Stick to a Regular Sleep Schedule 

There’s something incredibly soothing about falling asleep cuddled up with your pet – it truly is one of life’s simplest yet greatest comforts. Whether it’s your dog curled up by your side or your cat snuggled near your neck, their steady breath, warm bodies, and soft fur bring you a sense of peace that eases your stress and lets you gently drift off to sleep without any thought of your worries and cares. In addition to helping us go to bed early, our pets also make sure that we wake up on time, whether it’s because they are ready for their walk or breakfast! 

5) Make Exercise More Fun 

Walking in the park can get monotonous and make you feel like you’re on a hamster wheel! However, going on a hike with your dog or even running with him is something that both of you can enjoy, and it helps to strengthen your bond. It’s not quite as easy when you have a cat since most of them don’t take to the leash, especially if they have not been trained with it when they were kittens. However, a great way around this is to use a cat stroller so that both of you can enjoy the park together. Cats are curious by nature, so they will enjoy all the sights and smells that a park offers. 

The post How Pets Can Motivate You to Stick to a Healthy Routine appeared first on Pet Safety Crusader.

What is wrong with this picture?!

• An estimated 170,000 breeding dogs are currently living in United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)-licensed commercial facilities for breeding purposes this very moment.
• An estimated 10,000 puppy mills exist in the United States (this includes both licensed and unlicensed facilities).
• Over 2 million puppies are bredin mills each year.
• While an estimated 3 million dogs are euthanized in shelters every year.

Not much different from a factory farm where livestock are lined up to breed over and over again, a puppy mill is also a breeding operation that breeds dogs for profit.  Financial gain over the health & well-being of the animals is prime.  Breeding parents may be kept in cages 24/7 or their entire lives (except when mating), no exercise required.  Many of these dogs never get to place paw on grass as they live in stacked wired cages, urinating and defecating on the dogs less fortunate to reside in the cage below.  Cages may only be 6” larger than the dog’s body (not including the tail), and there is no limit to how many dogs may be at a facility.  Females can be mated every breeding cycle, and when they and the older males outlive their usefulness, do not have to be euthanized humanely – many are shot or drowned!

Most surprising to many is that puppy mills are legal. The standards governing the care of dogs and cats in commercial breeding facilities are set forth in the federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA). The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is the agency responsible for overseeing the commercial dog breeding industry and enforcing the AWA.

Any breeder who wishes to sell to a pet store or to consumers over the Internet with five or more breeding females must be licensed with the USDA, but that license does not provide any assurance of quality or humane breeding. It only means that the breeder is held to very minimal standards of care.  Some facilities may be better than others, but when you find limited to no veterinary care, little staffing and/or humane living conditions, you know it’s not a good situation for the dogs.  These expensive ‘extras’ (which any humane person would consider a necessity) cut into profits, so mills keep overhead costs low by neglecting care and decent living arrangements.

Nearly all puppies sold at pet stores come from puppy mills. Pet stores are the primary sales outlet for puppy mills and are essential for keeping puppy mills in business.

Brokers obtain puppies from breeders, transport them, and then re-sell them to pet stores – they are the proverbial ‘middle man.’  A broker is required to possess a Class B USDA license to operate and is a key link in the puppy mill supply chain as most pet stores obtain their puppies from brokers, and not directly from the breeders. Brokers often ship large quantities of puppies at a time for long distances in crowded conditions.  They can be go up to 12 hours without being provided food or water and are confined in a small space where diseases can be easily transmitted. Many do not survive the transport.

Please however, do not confuse a puppy mill with a responsible breeder!  Responsible breeders know their breed(s) and are single-minded of purpose in perpetuating the line to the best possible degree.  Not only are the dogs well-fed, exercised, socialized and cared for (including medically), but a responsible breeder will screen anyone wishing to purchase one of his or her dogs and…for the lifetime of that dog, will demand it be returned to the breeder should the adopter no longer be able to care for him.  Responsible breeders do not sell to pet stores, and are prohibited from doing so by their breed club guidelines.

On the other hand, never be fooled if a pet store assures you the puppy was raised with the highest of care.  Breeders licensed to sell to pet stores only have to meet the USDA’s minimal standards which are not adequately enforced. The USDA has an estimated 100+ inspectors on staff to inspect over 10,000 facilities!

With due diligence, you can trace the origin of a puppy sold in a pet store through federal and state records. Commercial breeding facilities that sell to pet stores must be licensed by the USDA.  When a puppy is shipped out of state, a veterinarian must file a health certificate with the state department of agriculture for every puppy shipped into the state that identifies the breeder or broker. By looking at the breeder or broker on the health certificates, or by going into the pet store and looking at the name of the breeder, you can see where pet stores are sourcing their puppies from.

Pet stores are culpable for sustaining and perpetuating the puppy mill industry by being the end of the supply chain, so the way to decrease the number of puppy mills is to stop the demand for store-sold dogs.  Millions of dogs are in shelters this very minute, so putting puppy mills out of business will not create a shortage of man’s best friend!   Many shelters and rescues have puppies available, and there are thousands of puppies available on reputable adoption sites (ie:  www.Petfinders.com).  Reputable pet stores also allow adoptions from rescues on their premises. More than 70 U.S. cities have passed retail ordinances preventing puppy mill dogs from being sold at local pet stores.

Looking for a specific breed?  Breed rescues of all sorts exist with full-bred dogs seeking their forever homes.  At any given time, 25% of the dogs in local shelters are full-breeds, and special mixes can also be found without buying a puppy mill dog.

What can you do?

1. Educate yourself on pending animal welfare legislation, and let your representatives know that animal welfare legislation and puppy mills are an extremely important issue to you.  Tell them why but be prepared to think “big picture,” in how the laws affect municipalities and populations in addition to the animals.
2. Contact your representatives. Politicians do care about issues that are important to their constituents because you re-elect them or NOT! Find yours here http://action.humanesociety.org/site/PageServer?pagename=HSLF_elected_officials_federal
3. Review the Humane Score Card  that shows federal legislators’ records on animal issues so that you can stay-in-the-know.
4. Visit your local pet store and make it known that you do not want puppy mill dogs sold in your city. If they don’t change their ways, bring it up to your City Council and don’t stop until mission is accomplished.
5. Educate others who may be misinformed thinking puppy mills are farms where dogs romp and play.

The second week in May is “Puppy Mill Action Week,” but the best time to start any change is always…TODAY!

Please also view my VLOG on this topic at https://youtu.be/f85rMkzb5WQ

The post Puppy Mill Action Week: Do All You Can to Help Man & Woman’s Best Friend appeared first on Pet Safety Crusader.

Lots of people LOVE animals, and I’m glad of that, but our definitions of what love and care differ drastically.  Needs of many pets are unique and although it might be nice to help the teen down the street earn money and gain responsibility, is that truly the best choice for your fur kid, pet pal, four-legged, feathered, finned or scaled family member?  Encouraging that teen to shadow a Professional Pet Sitter would be an awesome idea, but the number one person in charge of your pet’s care when you are aware should be more than someone who just loves animals and wants to be around them.  This person must know how to tend to their every need which could include handling household or even neighborhood emergencies that threaten your pet’s safety.

Whether it’s an impromptu get away or a long-planned and anticipated summer vacation, it is your responsibility to have a plan in place for your furry, feathered or slithering family members as well.  Research the companies that service your area, interview several potential sitters considering them as you would a nanny for your human child, and observe each person’s interaction with your pets.  Also, be sure that the person who meets you and your pal is the one who will actually be doing the visits.

“When it comes to finding pet care, don’t prioritize convenience over quality,” says Pet Sitters International® President Beth Stultz.  “Just because you can quickly find and book the services of a pet lover with a profile on a pet-sitting or dog-walking app doesn’t mean you are choosing a qualified pet-care provider.”

As The Pet Safety Crusader, you can imagine the grilling I put my poor pet sitter through and the training and certifications I want to see as well as the questions I hope he or she will ask me.  Knowing how to properly secure my dog in his harness and seat belt, what to do if a stray dog charges him on a walk, how to handle a cut paw or upset tummy, what to do if the power goes out or where to turn off the water main.  Many animal lovers are observant, but a professional pet sitter can recognize the signs of dehydration in a pet and has a plan in place with a veterinarian should I be “off the grid” and unreachable.  These are just some of the basics I look for in a pet sitter.

Driving home recently, I slammed on my brakes just in time to miss my neighbor’s Yorkshire Terrier fleeing from her home.  I noticed an unfamiliar car on the driveway and a woman frantically running circle around the house calling, “Emmy, Emmy!”  Fortunately, the scared little pooch let me scoop her up in my arms, and I walked over to the house to meet the “pet sitter.” I then learned she had just arrived, having never met the dogs before (Emmy’s sister luckily was safely inside), and upon opening the front door little Emmy dashed out!

Not only should this lady have met and established a rapport with both dogs, but she should have discussed with the pet parents an ‘air-lock’ system to enter and depart the home.  I suggested next time she go in and out of the garage, closing the door behind, so that if a dog slipped out one door, she would not be out in the street.

Obviously, even people who love pets just don’t think of all that can go wrong, so that is why it is imperative you hire someone to care for your fur kids (and others) that has gone through training in all aspects of pet care giving.

According to a PSI Poll taken December 2017-January 2018 of more than 1,000 pet owners, almost 61% say they hire professional pet sitters for the well-being of their pets. Professional pet sitters also offer additional services such as plant watering, securing mail and packages and helping make the home ‘look’ like someone is there.  The majority of people who hire professional pet sitters achieve peace of mind knowing their pets are left in the hands of someone who is adept at knowing what to do and how to care for their pet, and don’t have to rely on a family member or friend.

I could go on and on but rather, I’d like to offer you a list of things I look for in a pet sitter, and hope they are ones you will consider as well:

1. Is the company run like a business?
   • Business license: Shows the company is compliant.  Rules and regulations vary from city to city and state to state in regards to what is required to legally operate a business.  Obtaining a business license demonstrates that the humans caring for your pets are playing by the rules.  If a pet sitter is caring for your pet in his or her own home, be sure that they have the proper authorization and license to offer this service as well.
   • Professional Website: It’s the standard these days and makes a company’s “first impression,” so any business with merit takes the time to make sure that first look is a good one; 78.2% of people surveyed in the above-mentioned poll expected a professional pet sitting business to have a website.
   • Insured & Bonded: Just in case the worst happens.
   • Proof of background check: The person or company you hire will have access to your property and your beloved animal companions. Ask for third-party credentials that verify the sitter has a history of honesty and integrity. Official verification documents will contain a current date (within one year), a Social Security number trace, county-level court search results and the contact information of a reputable investigator. This documentation can provide the peace of mind you seek when admitting a new pet-care provider to your home.
   • Current client references: A referral is the sincerest form of flattery!
   • Supplies a service contract: A well-written contract outlines the details associated with each service the sitter will provide. The contract includes fees, amount of time that will be spent with your pet, exact services provided to pet (walks, feeding, medication, etc.) and other obligations. This ensures that both you and your sitter have agreed on and understand what is expected during your absence.
   • Responds quickly and courteously to calls and/or emails.
   • Belongs to a professional organization: Look on their website for a logo from Pet Sitters International®, National Association of Professional Pet Sitters® or other place where like-minded pros share, learn and grow together.  Membership shows initiative tor stay current on the latest trends and information.  It demonstrates a pet sitter’s commitment to their profession and the industry at large enabling them to have the most up-to-date educational resources and business tools thereby providing the best possible service to clients and their pets.
2. Professional Certifications
   • Pet First-Aid & CPCR: You had to anticipate this would be on the top of my list!  It’s Murphy’s Law that problems are more likely to occur when you are away from home.  A professional pet sitter will know how to treat an upset canine tummy, or help kitty cough up a fur ball.  He or she will know what to do should your bunny stop eating or your bird begin feather-picking.  Your professional pet sitter needs to be trained to handle an emergency with all species in your household and should refresh training at least every two years because human brains lose memory files and protocol is often enhanced.  Over the years, students of mine who are professional pet sitters, have jumped to the task to save a life:  I have heard back from sitters who have had to perform CPR, recognized the early signs of dehydration, spotted a seizure and got the dog to a safe location before it took hold, have bandaged, splinted, treated for bee stings, heat stroke and many have had to use the doggy Heimlich-like Maneuver to open an airway blocked by a toy or food.  This isn’t something people without training are confident enough to do.  In the words of Tina Kenny, Professional Pet Sitter, ““There is nothing as rewarding as knowing that one day after taking Denise’s Pet First-Aid class, I saved a helpless little dog from choking…and her wagging tail and thankful licks let me know she feels the same way.”
   • Certified Professional Pet Sitter® designation or other comparable training as it just shows this person wants to stay on the top of their game and is truly a pet professional, the kind of caretaker your best friend deserves.
3. Household & Neighborhood Knowledge
   • Require a walk-around your home and property, having the sitter note water & gas shut-off locations, where fire extinguisher is stored, exits and entrances, garbage cans and what lights to leave on?
   • Make sitter aware of any dangers your pet is likely to get into. Do you have paint, chemicals or anything your pet likes to seek out?  Let your professional sitter be in-the-know as to what to be on-the-lookout for!
   • Share information about neighbors — who they could call on in an emergency, what other pets are nearby and can they come in contact with yours? Is there a stray always stopping by or are rattlesnakes a concern?
   • Location of a spare key…just in case.
   • Ask the sitter his or her contingency plan should he/she fall ill or injured, if there is some type of local disaster (even a roadblock) preventing them from getting to your pet?
4. Pet Specific
   • Make sure they know exactly where your veterinarian and closest animal ER Be sure you have filled out required paperwork at these locations to allow your professional pet sitter to sign-off on treatment in your absence and that a method of payment has been worked out in advance.
   • Provide written instructions as to food, medications, playtime and sleeping locations. Be specific with amounts and time schedule.  List which toys and treats are okay and which are not; what areas you like your dog walked and any you prefer the sitter not take your dog to.  How much time you’d like spent with your cat and if an animal has any sore spots or locations that they do NOT like touched.  Much of this will be outlined in the contract/agreement, but do not leave anything out that could help the sitter better care for your buddy.
   • Alert your sitter to your pet’s medical history and any on-going conditions. If injections or pills need to be given, it’s a great idea to have your sitter present when you do so prior to going away, so that he or she may observe exactly how your pet does best.
   • Instruct your sitter of your pet’s routine down to when and how your dog’s harness is put on, what door you exit and if he gets a cookie upon return. Sticking to your pet’s normal schedule, as much as possible, creates less stress.

We all have our personal preferences, so other things you may feel important could include:

• Do they offer a free initial consultation to meet with you and your pets prior to booking?
• Will they text photos of your pet at each visit?
• Can you book online or through an app?
• Can they accept your preferred form of payment?
• Do they use GPS to track staff sitters to monitor dog walks?
• Do they accept last minute/same-day requests?
• Does the sitter have signage on their car? Some people don’t like that as it alerts neighbors to the fact that the homeowner is not there.

YES!  It is a lot to think about, but your fur kid deserves you taking the time to research his or her care giver.  A professional pet sitter may hold your pet’s life in his or her very hands and should be considered your pet’s SECOND BEST FRIEND (you, of course are his first)!  Therefore, they must know as much about your animal family member’s health, care and safety as you do because when you’re away, anything could happen.  Even when you are home though, your professional pet sitter just might be your “go-to” person for many of your pet’s needs.  He or she should not be expected to be, an expert at everything animals, however…if you have taken the time to choose well, for your pet’s sake, your professional pet sitter will either have the 4-1-1 you need or is well-connected enough to send you in the right direction to handle whatever your furry, feathered, finned or scaled family member may need or encounter.

Four paws, two wings or fins and a whole lot of scales UP to professional pet sitters!  They are our pet’s lifeline when we can’t be and should become a trusted friend to animal and human alike!

Please also view my VLOG on this topic:  https://youtu.be/r2cJ8Gz0hs0

My sincere thanks to the VBAS Photo Team for these awesome animal photos!

__________________________________________________________

For 20 years Denise Fleck’s Sunny-dog Ink motto has been “Helping people to help their pets,” and she has…teaching more than 15,000 pet lovers animal life-saving skills and millions more on “The Doctors,” CNN, “Kirstie Alley’s Big Life,” Animal Planet and other TV shows.  Denise is a frequent conference speaker, developed a line of pet first aid kits and now offers classes online.  

Note:  The articles on this page are copyrighted.  Please do not reprint or use portions for any purpose without written permission from the author.  Request permission for usage by sending an email explaining how you’d like to use the materials and what parts specifically.  Thank you in advance!

The post No PAWS About It…Hiring a Professional Pet Sitter is the Right Move for Your Pet appeared first on Pet Safety Crusader.

Prior to this moment in time, my husband and I usually adopted senior dogs, but having lost several over an 11-month period, the rescue I volunteered at encouraged me to care for this young pup, knowing good and well that we would become inseparable.  How right they were!  Found wandering the California desert, Hi-Coo (we later changed the spelling to the word for a 3-line Japanese poem), must have been scrappy to survive coyotes,  crows and rattlesnakes in the July heat.  Lancaster Animal Control, part of Los Angeles County Animal Services, placed the pup in a kennel with a litter of mixed breeds until the Director of an Akita Rescue, bailed him out and placed him in my hands.

Since Haiku was the first young dog I had cared for in several decades, I realized I had been offered the gift of helping him live his best life by encouraging his exuberant personality to shine.  Enriching his life with a vast array of experiences, nourished our connection and created the bond of a lifetime.  My first step however, was to move beyond my human brain and truly understand what is important to the canine species:  his different priorities and uses for his 5 senses and his basic instincts.

Exercise & Manners Lead to Exploration

The journey began with helping Haiku to become a well-behaved family member.  Numerous articles² on the web spell out negative behaviors that a lack of exercise can lead to:

• Destructive chewing, digging or scratching
• Investigative behaviors, like garbage raiding
• Hyperactivity, excitability and night-time activity
• Unruliness, knocking over furniture and jumping up on people
• Excessive predatory and social play
• Play biting and rough play
• Attention-getting behaviors like barking and whining

I learned from dog trainer and co-owner of Thank Dog! Boot Camp, Jill Bowers, that a good dog is a tired dog, and not only did I want Haiku to behave, I hoped he would be healthy and well-conditioned by physical exercise.  So, at sunrise, 5-days a week, my work-out partner and I would head to Burbank’s Johnny Carson park to practice manners and get physical.  Haiku’s joy for life was apparent to all, and you can see it in his smile which garnered him the “money shot” at the end of this video³ when we thank our workout partners!

In addition to sunrise activities, we were lucky to provide Haiku with a large fenced yard in which he, his brother and sister, could run to their hearts’ content, always under human supervision, just in case there was a misstep.  His puppy-hood was an exciting time to observe ways in which the other canine family members molded Haiku, teaching him manners and behaviors, enriching his learning and play, and a lot about the pecking order of the pack.

Mr. Rico (black Labrador) taught him to “raise his leg” outdoors.  Haiku idolized Rico and followed him to every corner of our yard sniffing and marking.  Along with playing a nurturing big sister role, I was amazed at how my Lady Bonsai (pinto Akita) took on the role of disciplinarian when Haiku’s play got too rough.

I did seek other outlets for Haiku (and all my dogs) by taking him to a variety of locales:  parks, the beach, public events, and enrolling him in additional obedience training classes, 1) to socialize him to dogs outside his pack, and 2) to keep his brain sharp by reinforcing skills learned.  One such training was with Sit Stay Good Dawg where my best buddy achieved his Canine Good Citizen⁴ status.  Explains Haiku’s trainer, Cyndy Wood⁵, CPDT-KA, “Training enhances communication and the relationship between dogs & humans.  When a dog learns their basic manners and advances learning to CGC and beyond,  there are more opportunities to experience life with their human.  Well trained dogs can accompany their humans to brunch at outside eating establishments, go to street fairs and enjoy hiking on public trails. ” And that is what Haiku did! Obtaining his CGC expanded my best buddy’s world and mine as together we did many things most dogs and humans don’t experience together.

Brain Stimulation

Specializing in senior dogs, I knew that early cognitive enrichment could potentially protect my best buddy from age-associated dementia.  A 2019 study⁶ at the University of California at Davis showed signs of cognitive dysfunction in 62% of dogs age 11 and older, so I vowed to continue stimulating Haiku’s mind, along with his body. Helping his eyes, ears and nose experience as much as possible.  Over the years, we refreshed obedience skills, traveled from coast-to-coast, stayed in hotels, attended conferences, dined in outdoor cafes and hiked many a trail where sniffs vastly varied.  We tackled games and taste tests, and I put him, by my side, in a number of situations that challenged Haiku’s abilities to interact and behave appropriately (i.e. photo shoots, appearing at packed conventions and even on television).

Let’s explore why this enrichment is so doggone important, and why I chose to make sure every sense my boy has – smell, see, hear, taste and touch — was stimulated.

What Zookeepers Do

Considered the gold standard in animal research, the San Diego Zoo places great emphasis on enrichment.  Senior zookeeper, Kelly Murphy⁷ feels enrichment is key to preventing boredom in any animal, and as already cited, a bored pet will display unnatural behaviors which can be either destructive or aggressive in nature.  Murphy explains, “It’s really easy for us to just give animals their food and walk away. But it’s actually been shown that if an animal is presented with food completely free with no obstacles, versus that exact same food presented in a way that requires some sort of problem-solving behavior to get at it, they will choose the harder option to use their brains.”  The name for this is contrafreeloading⁸, and it’s something humans do as well.  Most people value the stuff they work harder to obtain than those things that come easy.

Tim Sullivan⁹, Curator of Behavioral Husbandry at Chicago’s Brookfield Zoo, adds, “Lowland gorillas spend half their day foraging for food.  Even though, in a zoo environment, we can provide all their calories in pellet form that they can ingest in 20 minutes, that doesn’t meet the animal’s behavioral needs.”  Therefore, the zoo scatters and hides much of their food to encourage foraging behavior.

Dogs need this sort of activity too because behavior-based enrichment stimulates a dog’s mind and movement by piquing their curiosity.  Since dogs live a cushy life with their humans in a sort of ‘captivity,’ it is important for us to recreate experiences a wild dog, free of limitations, might experience and to an environment that resembles what his brain, muscles and senses were originally designed for.   As an example, in this video¹⁰, you can watch how Abba, the Andean Bear, pretty much destroys everything she is given.  The challenge is to keep her busy with new things.  That was my Haiku.  I would buy the doggone cutest toys, and in a snap, the stuffed animal was disemboweled and button eyes were separated from each other however, according to the Curator at the Denver Zoo, Emily Insalaco, “It’s only enrichment if it encourages behavior.”  I guess Haiku’s stuffies were sacrificed for good cause, but I did take care to observe and choose toys that could longer sustain his torment without pieces causing him harm.

That famous quote¹¹ from William Cowper’s poem, “The Task” (1785), “Variety is the very spice of life that gives it all its flavor,” became my mantra to help Haiku flourish.

Olfactory Enrichment (The Sense of Smell)

Deemed the most important of all canine senses, a dog’s nose is considered the gateway to his world.  With 300 million receptors¹² (humans have 5 million), a dog’s nose is 100,000 to 100,000,000 times more sensitive, and the part of the canine brain that analyzes smells is 40% larger than the comparable part of the human brain.  Dogs can therefore detect scents that completely escape us.  To put this in perspective, James Walker and colleagues at the Sensory Research Institute at Florida State University, devised this analogy, “Let’s suppose a dogs’ sense of smell is just 10,000 times better than ours.  Comparing that to vision, what you and I see at 1/3 mile, a dog could see more than 3,000 miles away, and just as clearly.”

Norwegian dog nose expert (I bet you didn’t know there was such a thing) Dr. Frank Rosell¹³ is then right in saying, “A dog that has lost its sense of smell is no longer a dog.” This speaks to me in necessity of providing a multitude of sniffs in creating a full life for our canine pals.

Understanding the Uniqueness of a Dog’s Sniffer 

• Side Slits allow a dog to harness his sniffing power. The front nostrils take in air while the side slits let him exhale without disturbing the scent particles he is trying to take in.  The way the exhaled air swirls out, in fact helps usher new odors into the nose and allows dogs to sniff continuously.  Bioengineers at Pennsylvania State University¹⁴ are working to reverse-engineer the canine nose to aid in the design of artificial noses that can potentially sniff as well as man’s (and woman’s) best friend can.
• Dogs shift from right nostril to left until they become familiar with a scent, then one nostril takes over depending on the scent. For example, the right side of the dog’s brain is associated with intense feelings, such as fear and aggression, so if your best buddy gets nervous at the vet’s office, he might shift to using just his right nostril.
• Sniffing independently from each nostril also allows a dog to zero in on where the scent is coming from.
• Dogs have a second olfactory system that humans do not. The vomeronasal organ (sometimes referred to as Jacobson’s organ) picks up pheromones.

Haiku’s sniffer never failed him.  When playing the “Cup Game” where I’d put a treat under one of three paper cups and swirl them around, he found the prize on the first try each time!  His favorite though, was when his dad would scatter a few treats on his bed and have him enter, with lights off!  Almost immediately we’d hear the crunching as he sniffed out his nighttime reward.

Ocular Perception (The Sense of Sight/Vision)

The retina collects light for the brain changing light into images our dog see.  It is made of rods, which detect motion and dim light, cones, which detect color and brightness, and the tapetum lucidum which is like a mirror reflecting light.

Cones & Color – Dogs have only yellow and blue-to-ultraviolet light cones.  This makes red appear green, similar to people who experience red-green colorblindness.  They also cannot tell pink, orange, yellow and green apart, so buying your pooch the same toy in various colors is not as enriching as providing various types of toys.

What helps your dog muddle through less differentiation in color is that he relies more heavily on his sense of smell and hearing, so yes!  Enrichment is multi-sensational!  Additionally, brightness and movement override their attention to color, so if the toy moves, it is likely to be a hit, at least for a while.

Tapetum Lucidum – Our dogs’ ancestors were crepuscular, meaning they hunted during dawn and dusk when prey is active, yet light is dim.  Therefore, dogs see four times better than humans in less brightness.  Additionally, they have a reflective layer behind the retina.  As light passes through the retina, it reflects off this tapetum before passing back through the retina allowing both rods and cones to receive even more light.  The resulting reflection is what gives our pets’ eyes that glow from the flash of a camera.

Field of Vision & Motion

Our furry friends also have a wider field of vision.  Most humans see 180° in front while dogs see about 240° varying by breed.  Increasing their world view is the fact that animals see things more quickly.  Humans, dogs and cats see in a series of very quick still photos as the retina takes a fraction of a second to receive light and translate it into an image in the brain.  For us, this happens about 60 times per second, but for our pets, the processing occurs between 70 and 80 times per second, and this is why dogs rarely miss a catch.  When a ball is thrown, it takes your dog a fraction of a second less to see where it is going.  Flicker fusion rate¹⁵, is why some pets don’t show interest in television.  They actually see the gap between images, so rather than a moving picture, TV appears like a quick slide show of still photographs to them.  This perception of motion may be the single most important factor separating predators from prey.  The additional rods that our pets have in their eyes allows them to spot the slightest movement, the wave of a hand a ½-mile away, for instance.  Yet, sometimes they’ll miss a still object a few inches from their snout, unless the scent is intense.

The sight and sound of toys can draw out the natural behaviors of going on the hunt, chasing, and dare I say, disembowling the creature (Haiku excelled at the last part), but from what we learned above, a range of toys, not just different colors, provides the chance for your pooch to mix it up.

Auditory (The Sense of Hearing)

Paws down, most would rate smell as the #1 most important canine sense, but a close second may be hearing.  If you could hear what your dog hears, you would have a superpower! Dogs use their ears to listen for prey and listen for danger, so it is tuned to high-pitched squeaks and rustlings.  No wonder Haiku never missed the opportunity to show up in the kitchen when potato chips or candy bar wrappers are opened.

• Jack hammer hurts humans 130+db but 85+ hurts dog ears
• Barking dogs at a shelter 85-110dB
• Ultrasonic flea collar sends out pulses of sound 30-50Hz

Taking sound to a different level, really more for the human, but…allowing your dog to have control of his needs is good for mental health.  A great example is to provide a bell or other noisemaker, and train your dog to ring it when he needs to answer nature’s call.  You could provide different sounds for play, a toy or when doggie wants a treat.  One of Haiku’s long ago brothers, Rex, excelled at bringing his dad and me the frog stuffie, the squirrel stuffie or the frisbee on command.

Gustation (The Sense of Taste)

According to Fear Free® guru, Dr Marty Becker¹⁷ , “There is no more noticeable sign of a happy dog than a wagging tail, but there’s no better way to get that dog to wag than to open a bag of treats!”  A symbiotic relationship exists between the mouth and the tail!  Shares Becker, “When I first started Fear Free®, we had a rookie’s pantry of only freeze-dried liver and Honey Nut Cheerios. Now, we have a super power pantry with deli meats, cheeses (including cheez wiz), Fruit Loops and several other sweet breakfast cereals, various freeze-dried meats, Begg’n Strips, baby food, turkey hot dogs, probably five kinds of squeezables, even cat treats for dogs, as well as various canned and moist foods. Whatever will make them wag.”

Even though a dog’s sense of taste is 1/6 as discriminating as a human’s (they have 1,700 to our 9,000 taste buds), dogs have other unique tasting features we do not. Dogs experience the same four classifications¹⁸:  sweet, sour, salty and bitter, but they also have taste buds for water.  Found at the tip of the tongue, these buds are more sensitive after eating salty and sugary foods.  Since their ancestors’ palate experienced 80% meat in the wild, dogs surprisingly do not have an affinity for salt.  Sour and bitter equates to rancid or poison, so could be life-saving, but dogs have developed a liking for sweet flavors as omnivores from the fruits and vegetables they scavenged.  So why will they graze the garbage or your cat’s litterbox?  Smell!  Smell and taste are closed connected and dogs can taste food through their palate.  The stronger the smell, the more interesting.  Oddly, they cannot differentiate between, beef, chicken, pork, or fish without using their nose!

Something I did not try with Haiku, due to our need of working on resource guarding when he had a brother and sister, was to make feeding more challenging by placing his bowl in different locations every day.  For some pets, that can add to mealtime fun.

Honestly, the only thing he ever rejected was raw cauliflower!  Someday, in the future*, just before it is time for Haiku to receive his angel wings and halo, I plan to bring a last moment of joy by sharing the forbidden taste of chocolate!

Tactile (The Sense of Touch)

Touch is the first sense to develop¹⁹ and, during your pup’s first few weeks of life, it is the sense he relies on and learns from most. Touch speaks to both your dog touching objects and how he is touched by others. Covered in sensitive nerve endings, the canine body can feel the world around him:  a fly landing on his back, the wind rustling his fur, a too hard nip from a litter mate and the human touch.

It took Haiku well into his golden years to settle enough to enjoy the feel of a massage.  Belly rubs though, were always a favorite, only treats were more coveted.  Brushing away loose hair also stimulates oil glands, so grooming is enrichment.   Along with hearing, many experts believe that tough is the last sense to leave our canine best friends, so no matter how difficult, be there for your beloved pal’s final journey.  Let your voice be the last he hears and your gentle, loving touch, the last thing he feels.

Action Steps for Your Dog

Shelters too, have discovered the role enrichment can play in making dogs easier to adopt²¹, but as you develop your plan for your best pal, keep just two specific things to keep in mind:

1. Obedience Training not only keeps the mind sharp but prepares your pup to go where other dogs may not have gone before, and…
2. The World is Your Oyster!  You and your dog can achieve anything you wish.  Enrichment does not take a lot of time or money, just a willingness to get creative.

Many of the tips you’ll find in the chart below are easy breezy and inexpensive. Mix it up and get a little of the wild back in your pooch! Let him experience the thrill of tracking prey (even if it’s stuffed), the excitement of finding hidden treats²² and the satisfaction of a doggie nap to recover from all the exertion.

Summary

Enrichment does way more than alleviate boredom.  I know the time Haiku and I have spent together travelling, learning, exploring and challenging, has created a bond that will last beyond his lifetime.  Haiku has truly lived his canine life to the fullest: dipping paws in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, scenting in 14 U.S. states, indulging in room service from Pacific Palisades to Myrtle Beach, and helping his mom demonstrate pet first aid techniques at conferences, on television and for magazine photo shoots (where on occasion, he was reminded of his manners) as well as serving as product tester for my blog.  Haiku had his picture taken by Lassie’s Star on the Walk of Fame and in front of the Hollywood Sign.  He explored the ‘bat caves’ made famous in the 1960s “Batman” TV Show, and wet his whistle in the famous Cafe Lafitte in Exile after a long walk through New Orleans’ French Quarter.  Foremost, Haiku got to be a dog, running, playing, eating, resting, chasing, barking and yes, pooping.  He met other creatures along the way: horses, a tortoise, an owl, bunnies, cats, crows and a rattlesnake up close (but not too close like his sister did) and had the joy of being the baby brother to two older canines. He seemed to flourish in later years being doted upon as the only child, so enrichment came in many forms, each experience connecting us more deeply.  I strongly feel that seeing sights, tasting flavors, sniffing scents and other ongoing mental stimulation was key to my best buddy remaining in the moment these 15+ years.

Of course, I keep in touch with and am forever grateful to that wonderful Wendy Schmerse²², who first placed Haiku in my hands, and recently said, “I remember how tiny Haiku was.  He had so much energy, and I wanted him to have the best life.  I believe he did that with Paul and you.”

A highlight that melted my heart, occurred at an outdoor restaurant during Haiku’s first stay at a hotel.  A young boy came up to my best buddy asking if he could pet him.  When I responded in the affirmative, the boy touched Haiku’s soft fur and exclaimed, “He’s my dream come true.”  What an incredible thing for anyone to say about another being!  Nothing could make me prouder of giving my best buddy a life well lived, and I hope all of you will find that by enriching your dog’s life, you will discover your own life has been enriched as well.

*AUTHOR’S NOTE: My precious baby boy received his angel wings and halo only two days after this post first appeared.  On August 31st, 2020, not only were the last faces Haiku saw mine and his dad’s, but our voices too, whispering our thanks for all the love and memories made together, and YES!  Haiku did voraciously gobble two pieces of forbidden chocolate before we bid him adieu. I miss him terribly, but hope he’s getting plenty of belly rubs and pumpkin cookies wherever he is, until I can once again provide those things for him along with a great big kiss on his nose.  That amazing bundle of fur is forever in my heart and made my life richer by being in it!

Footnotes

¹ American Kennel Club Staff, How to Calculate Dog Years to Human Years, November 20, 2019.

² KanineFit, Problems with Lack of Exercise or Running.

³ MSNBC Wellness, Thank Dog!  Bootcamp episode, October 21, 2010.

⁴ American Kennel Club, What is Canine Good Citizen?

⁵ Cyndy Wood, personal interview, August 29, 2020.

⁶ Maxxipaws, Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome.

⁷ San Diego Union-Tribune, Zoos Entertain Visitors, Now They Also Entertain Their Animals, Bradley J. Fikes, February 18, 2018.

⁸ The Audiopedia, Contrafreeloading, February 1, 2018.

⁹ Fear Free Happy Homes, How to Think Like a Zookeeper About Your Pet’s Welfare, Linda Lombardi, July 6, 2020.

¹⁰ The San Diego Union-Tribune, Making the Animals Feel at Home, September 7, 2019.

¹¹ Dictionary.com.

¹²  University of Chicago Press,  Secrets of the Snout:  The Dog’s Incredible Nose, Frank Rosell, , April 2018.

¹³ Psychology Today, Secrets of the Snout:  A Dog’s Nose is a Work of Art, Marc Beckoff, PhD, April 6, 2018.

¹⁴ NOVA, Tyson, Peter, Dog’s Dazzling Sense of Smell, October 4, 2012.

¹⁵ Herbsmith staff, The Eyes of a Dog.

¹⁶ Petful, How Do Dogs Hear So Well?, Dr. Pippa Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS, June 4, 2019.

¹⁷ Dr. Marty Becker, personal interview, August 2018.

¹⁸ American Kennel Club, Finlay, Katie, Can Dogs Taste?, March 17, 2017.

¹⁹ The Doginton Post, Understanding Your Dog’s (Amazing) 5 Senses, Brandy Arnold, January 26, 2020

²⁰ PetFirst Pet Insurance, Get to Know Your Pet From Snout-to-Tail, Denise Fleck, August 2019.

²¹ The Dog People, Life-Saving Enrichment Helps These Untouchable Shelter Dogs, and Its Good For Your Dog Too, Shoshi Parks.

²² Science Direct, Neurobiology of Aging, Learning Ability in Aged Beagle Dogs is Preserved by Behavioral Enrichment and Dietary Fortification: a two-year longitudinal study, N.W.Milgram^aE.Head^bS.C.Zicker^cC.J.Ikeda-Douglas^aH.Murphey^dB.Muggenburg^dC.Siwak^aD.Tapp^aC.W.Cotman^b, January 2005.

²³ Wendy Schmerse, personal interview, August 29, 2020.

The post Enrichment Creates the Bond of a Lifetime: One Dog’s Journey Using His Eyes, Ears, Nose, Paws and Tongue appeared first on Pet Safety Crusader.

Well, I’m not talking about breeding your pet!  But…if you are considering CBD products for your pets, it’s always best to learn about how the ingredients are grown and what are best practices for all elements of the products you buy.

Growing hemp can be a very profitable business or an exciting hobby. Depending on whether you are growing these plants for personal or commercial needs, you need to be familiar with the method of cultivation and hemp’s life cycle.

Like most novice hemp breeders, you might think that breeding only females will bring you the highest yields. That’s true if you grow hemp to get CBD extract and other products. As you can see on Cheefbotanicals, male plants are not rich in cannabinoids (but they do have some), yet this doesn’t mean they are useless.

The main task of male hemp should be the pollination of female plants, but it should be carried out in controlled conditions, in order to get the best result.  Only the highest quality male plants should be selected to share their genetic material with the ladies. This will help the female hemp acquire improved features and give buds of top-notch quality, and isn’t that what you would want in any product you buy for your pet?

Find the Best Fertilizer

When you start growing hemp, what you want to get are buds full of CBD. Dried flowers can be smoked or steamed, and by processing them, you can make CBD oil, tinctures, and many other hemp-based products that have healing properties.  Please refer to my previous blog on how CBD may help your four-legged best friend.

Although males also develop flowers, they contain minimal amounts of cannabinoids. That’s why they don’t serve the same purpose as buds in female hemp. You can try to smoke them, but it just won’t be a pleasant experience. The desired soothing effect will be absent, and the taste, unpleasant.  We all know how hard it is to give our pets meds that taste icky!

You can’t check the quality of male strains by consuming them. So you have to use other methods to find out which plant you can use as a fertilizer. That can be a daunting task, as you can spot a large number of ‘guys’ on a single plantation. An aggravating circumstance may be that even some female plants may exhibit some male characteristics temporarily (stress response).

See the source below to find out why having males too close to ladies is not desirable:

https://www.cannabisbusinesstimes.com/article/seeded-seedless-cannabis-hemp-fiber-seed-oil-cbd-needs/

Physical Characteristics

Hemp is an annual plant, which in its short lifespan, needs to do many things. That is why its growth is intense, and it happens when the days are long and warm. During the growth phase, pay attention to how the stems develop. This way, you will easily spot male members of this species and know how to choose quality specimens.

Male plants don’t have cannabinoid production activity. That is why they use all their energy into developing physics, that is, into the stem. These specimens are generally taller and thicker than females, but this is not a desirable characteristic for fertilization.

Look for stalks that are not too tall and have fewer leaves. Such plants can develop buds and contain some amount of cannabinoids, which means they are good candidates for fertilizers. Also, the stems should be firm, and the buds densely-packed. Eliminate males that are full of spongy fibers and airy buds. Strong, hollow stems indicate a higher percentage of THC content in male plants.

Sniff It

Well, that’s what your dog would do!  The intense, pleasant smell of the cannabis plant indicates the desired amount of terpenes in them. This substance gives a characteristic scent and aroma to buds and CBD products. Odorless or smelly males are not good fertilizers. If you fertilize ladies with pollen from stinky male plants, the buds’ quality and aroma won’t be pleasing.

Early Flowering Is a No-No

After the growth phase, the next stage in hemp’s life is blooming. It usually begins when the nights get longer than the day. Some males tend to bloom earlier, which is not a desirable feature in fertilizers. The problem is that these strains can turn into hermaphrodites. Then, they will waste pollen on self-fertilization. More on the issue of hermaphroditism read here.

Male individuals are very potent, and if pollen scattering is not prevented, they can pollinate an entire field of female hemp. Buds obtained from such plants are of the lowest quality because they are rich in seeds. But female strains do need a man. With controlled fertilization, you can get the most of both sides.

The post Which Male Hemp Flower Plant is Good Breeding Material appeared first on Pet Safety Crusader.

For those of you who read this blog, I know that your dog (and in some cases, cat, rabbit or other sweet creature) is your best friend! Dogs, like many other pets, are seen as members of the family and so naturally, we want to do everything that we can to keep them safe. This includes looking after them when we leave the house, taking them to the veterinarian for regular check-ups as well as when they are not feeling their best, and choosing comfortable accessories that will keep them safe.

Choosing the right dog GPS collar isn’t just about choosing a pretty design.  The collar must be appropriate for your dog, like the Halo collar.  You can read a review at Halo 2+ dog collar review 2023.   Think of a collar as where you attach your dog’s ID in the event you become separated, not something to lead your dog around by.  Of course a microchip is also vitally important, but a tag is a quick reference for anyone without a scanner, to know where your furry pal belongs.  Many people also attach a leash to a collar to keep Fido by your side.  Just take care not to ever pull on his neck.  If your dog is himself a puller, or can easily Houdini his way out of a collar, you should consider a body harness for him instead.  Read on to hear some of our tips for choosing the perfect collar.

Safety First

Before you even think about buying collar for your dog, you need to make sure you know the proper size. If the dog collar is too small, your dog’s health could at risk. To buy comfortable dog collars, you should measure your dog’s neck with a measuring tape. To find their neck size, you should add 2 inches to the measurement.  Never, ever put on a too tight collar!  Most experts recommend that you should be able to fit two fingers between the dog and the collar. This way, the collar will be comfortable but won’t slip off their head.

Do You Need A Set?

Once you’re assured your dog is comfortable in his collar, you should think about what else you might need. For example, you might want to head to a site like Monro Pets to find a dog collar and leash set as you’ll save money if you buy both together. It is possible to mix and match your leash and collar but if you buy a set, you can be sure that everything will fit together nicely. 

If you do buy a set, we recommend that you choose a leash that is comfortable to hold with a padded handle. This way, everyone will be comfortable.  

How It Looks

While the design of the dog collar and leash shouldn’t be your main priority, it is certainly something that you are going to want to check out. Why wouldn’t you choose a collar that you know your dog will love and that you will love putting on them? There are so many styles that you can choose from so make sure to shop around. Whether you go for a classic color or you choose something with a bit more personality, you’ll be able to find the perfect collar for your dog.  It’s also helpful choosing a leash color that allows your dog to be seen, and matching it with his collar is a plus.

Use These Tips

A collar and leash can keep your dog by your side, and also allow you to steer him out of harm’s way.  If you are on the hunt for a new collar for your dog, follow these tips. Safety should always be your first concern, so measure your dog’s neck twice before you buy, and achieve a perfect fit before leaving the new collar on your pooch’s neck. It will allow you to take a stroll with your furry family member with peace of mind, knowing he will remain safely at your side and be happy to do so.

The post Tips for Choosing A Safe Collar for Your Dog appeared first on Pet Safety Crusader.

This is why some human food are safe for your canine pal and why some are downright toxic. Websites such as http://www.bestdogdads.com/can-my-dog-eat-this/ can give insights as to which foods are suitable for your dog. You might not want to enhance ready-made pet food, but do your research and choose wisely.  Many whole foods, natural veggies, fruits, and meat, can be a great addition to your dog’s nutrition.  Let’s see how?

Vegetables your pet can enjoy

Your canine pet can munch on a variety of vegetables including potatoes, carrots, green peas, sweet potatoes, broccoli, and celery.  Most however, must be chopped fine, lightly steamed or even pureed to more easily pass through your dog’s shorter digestive tracts.  Peas form a core ingredient in many kinds of food for dogs. Tasty and low in calories, these are high in nutritional value and make a healthy treat for your pet. Opt for the fresh variety of peas instead of offering canned ones which often contain added salt.

If you are feeding broccoli, make sure it’s given in moderation as certain elements present in broccoli such as isothiocyanates could irritate his digestive system. Does your pet love to devour carrots? Encourage him as the nutrition and calorie balance in carrots are quite healthy for dogs.  Just take it easy if your pet is diabetic or prone to candida as both carrots and bananas do contain an abundance of natural sugars.  Another excellent source of vitamins and minerals is celery that can be given in small amounts. 

Supervise your pet to prevent choking, and cut veggies into bite-sized pieces before you feed him.   Stay away from onions and chives as they can result in Hemolytic Anemia and cause the kidneys to fail!  

Have a question on specific food items? Check out more on all that your pooch can eat here. 

Edible fruits for your pet dog 

PAWS OFF grapes and raisins as these carry harmful compounds that can lead to severe conditions such as renal failure.  Avocados, particularly from Guatemala, contain high levels of persin, and cause breathing issues in some species.  A little avocado can be okay but prevent Fido from chewing the skin or swallowing the pit.  Both can cause severe injury.  

Blueberries and blackberries are a rich source of antioxidants that can increase your dog’s absorption of certain vitamins, minerals, and fiber.  Apples and watermelons too are considered safe for your hounds, but  remove the seeds and rind to avoid the possibility of choking. Some other fruits you can offer in moderation include mangoes, strawberries, bananas, oranges, and coconut. Just take care with any fruit that contains a seed or pit, as those portions of the fruit contain arsenic or cyanide which can poison your pooch.

Nutty-love 

If your doggy wants to binge on nuts, you need to intervene as it can upset his tummy.  Pulverized nuts in the form of a little peanut butter can be a tasty treat, but be sure it does not contain xylitol!  Also, less is more as peanut butter is high in calories and can lead to weight gain if consumed in higher quantities. Refrain from offering macadamia nuts as they can cause tremors, paralysis and vomiting, and should those be chocolate covered macadamia nuts, you have a double whammy of poisoning.

No need to add additional salt to your dog’s diet, so chips and pretzels should also be avoided. 

Dogs can be given cooked eggs, even the shells on occasion for extra calcium.  Eggs contain all the essential amino acids so are considered the perfect food!  Boneless, cooked salmon is another healthy source of protein you can feed your dog.  The omega-3 fatty acids in the fish can reduce inflammation and naturally fluff-up his furry coat. Speaking of good fats, cheese in very small amounts can be given as a rare treat. Chicken, turkey and beef are also good proteins for the canine buddy.  Chicken however, has been know to cause allergies in some pets, so speak with your veterinarian or canine nutritionist as other novel proteins such as lamb, rabbit, venison or ostrich might be encouraged and become a welcomed part of your dog’s diet.  

NEVER offer chocolate to your dog as it contains theobromine, both a cardiac stimulant and dieuretic which can prove fatal since it reacts differently with your dog’s metabolism than with a human’s.  Also, avoid sharing caffeinated beverages such as tea or coffee.  Instead, cuddle up for movie dates on the couch and share a few kernels of unsalted, butter-free popcorn!

Milk should be given in limited quantities to most dogs as they become lactose intolerant and may suffer diarrhea.  A few bites of bread is okay, but just really doesn’t add anything to their nutrition however, never let them get into unbaked breads!  As the yeast continues to rise, it can form a blockage in their tummies and also cause alcohol poisoning! 

The bottom line is that your dog can live a healthier life if you feed him right.  Get professional advice, observe how your pet responds to various foods and monitor his diet to see what suits him and what he is allergic to. It is always  best to consult your Vet if you are unsure or if your pet has consumed something he should not.  It could be a matter of life or death!  

The post Foods that Dogs Can Eat  appeared first on Pet Safety Crusader.

Dogs don’t deal with the heat the same way we humans do. For example, did you know that dogs don’t sweat as much? They only produce sweat in areas not covered by fur, like their paws and their bellies. Still, they can do well in the heat. The way they do it is by panting. That’s why you see them usually panting a lot when they are tired, or the weather is too hot. 

There are indeed a lot of methods to do help your dog with the head, though. For example, there are jackets that you can use along with icepacks to keep them cooled down. That is a really good option if you go out with your dog for a walk, or your dog is constantly outside your house. Outdoors can get hot sometimes, and having a cooling jacket is great if you can’t pay attention to your dog because of shores or work.

Pools are also a great alternative. It’s a great way to let them play and get cooled down during a hot day. They are small and pretty safe, too, so you won’t have to worry about their safety. You can click here for a list of dog pools if you are interested! 

Another thing to consider when going for a walk on a hot day is not to walk in the pavement. It gets really hot if the sun is too strong, and it can hurt your dog’s paws if you are not careful. It’s also really uncomfortable. Imagine walking on the street on a sunny day without any shoes. That’d be awful!

Still, some breeds deal with the heat better than others. If you think your dog may be suffering from overheating, you should consider these options. 

Most dogs can tolerate summer, however. Even more, if they are properly hydrated and you let them inside your house. You should be especially careful with dogs with a snub-nose, like pugs, bulldogs, and Boston terriers. 

Signs Your Dog is Overheating

You should check your dog’s temperature if you find these signs:

• Panting and rapid breathing
• Too much thick saliva
• Fatigue, tiredness or depression
• Staggering
• Weakness

If the temperature of your dog is over 101.5°, now you know your dog is overheating. The best thing to do in this case is to let them inside your house and cover them with a slightly cold wet towel. You don’t want to use water that is too cold because you can harm them if you change their body temperature too fast. Try to get them to drink some water, if possible, but don’t make them drink if you don’t see them drinking any. 

If the symptoms pass, you shouldn’t worry about calling the vet, but if they persist, get the help of a professional.

Some other symptoms you might encounter include:

• Lethargy
• Dry mouth
• Sunken eyes

There’s a good way to know if your dog is dehydrated. It works for humans, too. Try pinching the back of your dog’s neck. If it’s slow to snap back to its place, that’s a sign of dehydration. In the case of humans, you do it differently. If you pinch the back of your hand, and it takes time to snap back, you know what it means. There’s more information about it over here: http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/dog-health/dog-checkups-preventive-care/8-tips-cool-your-dog-a-hot-summer-day 

Don’t Shave Your Dog!

Panting is about 80% of a dog’s cooling power. Most of the time, this enough for them to deal with the heat, but in case it is not, you should try the alternatives we already provided. Shaving your dog’s fur is not a wise thing to do. Since they don’t have the same amount of sweat glands as we do, this will not be as effective as you might think.

Also, shaving your dog’s fur may cause some nasty side effects. For example, fur protects your dog from sunburns. Believe it or not, it results in a greater risk of a heat stroke. It also increases the chances of your dog suffering from skin cancer. 

In most cases, a fur coat takes a lot of time to recover, and this will leave your dog more sensible for a long time.

Canned Food Instead of Standard Dry Dog Food

Overall, canned food is better than dry food because it contains more proteins, fats, and carbs. But that’s not all. Dry dog food is also known for making your dog’s stomach hotter, thus making it harder for him to deal with a hot day.

There are other things to consider when it comes to dry dog food, but the most important one is that it can get damaged easily in comparison to canned food. And this can bring a lot of health problems for your dog.

Canned food, on the other hand, is extremely nutritive for them and doesn’t cause this problem at all. You should consider mixing some canned food in your dog’s diet if you want to help them deal with a hot day.

The post How to Help Dogs with the Heat, Dog Swimming Pools, and Alternatives appeared first on Pet Safety Crusader.

Is your pet dog not feeling well? Or is your cat showing signs of irritability or nausea? If you are worried, and this is the first time that your lovable cat or dog has shown these kinds of behaviors, it might be the best time to visit a veterinary clinic in Abbotsford, British Columbia, if that is your neck of the woods!  Read more information about veterinary medicine at this website.

If you visit your veterinarian regularly for routine care, then you are doing what every pet parent should.  Additionally, you are likely making sure that your pets are getting their vitamins, their weight is normal, and that they are regularly screened for any illnesses in your area.  It’s always better to be proactive than to anxiously wait in the lobby of a veterinary clinic hoping for a cure for allergies, an infection or whatever ails your pet.  In spite of the best care however, sometimes emergencies happen!

Most Common Emergencies that Require Veterinary Care

1. Vomiting 

Most canines vomit and experience diarrhea at some point in their lives.  A lot of things can cause these medical symptoms of an underlying problem.  If you notice that your dog has vomited once or twice, but you don’t notice anything else unusual, observe him for 24-hours without panicking as it is likely he will return to normal if you rest his tummy from all food, provide plenty of water and ask your vet about an over-the-counter antacid.  

If the vomiting however, happens more than once or twice in 24-hours and/or if your dog seems weak or displays other symptoms, get to your vet promptly!  An abundance of drool and excessive swallowing of saliva could mean your dog is about to vomit.  Upset tummies can be caused by motion sickness, spoiled food, infections, or even chronic diseases. It is best to consult the nearest Abbotsford veterinary if your dog continues to vomit for an extended period or anytime you see blood or mucus in the vomit, do not delay!

2. Limping

If you notice your cat is having difficulty walking, it could be a sign that she has strained, torn or fractured a joint, bone or muscle!  You should notice a change in her normal gait that demonstrates she is feeling pain when walking. Testing and treatments, including x-rays, are available to determine how severe the damage is and what the best course of action would be to help your ailing kitty, no matter her age.   

Limping can be the result of arthritis, ligament ruptures, growth abnormalities, bone tumors, spinal problems, and muscle soreness. Medical advancements provide non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medications that can relieve pain for your cat. These NSAIDs are used commonly for cats that experience chronic arthritis. Some drugs, as well as supplements, can be administered to improve the health of the joints. Treatments vary, so it’s best to visit the clinic as soon as you notice your cat is uncomfortable.

3. Coughing

When your pet is coughing, it can be distressing to you and stressful on his or her system.  Coughing can be a non-specific symptom that can stop in a matter of days, a minor irritation however, some coughs require further assessments, tests, and urgent treatments as they can lead to something worse. If the cough doesn’t resolve quickly, you should seek competent medical care.  There can be an underlying condition that requires expedient treatment such as heart disease, asthma, lung disease, blockage in the trachea, or upper respiratory tract infection. Read more here: https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/302460-overview.

If your pet has already been diagnosed with congestive heart failure, he or she may be required to take furosemide by your veterinarian. You MUST pay attention to the duration and time of day when coughing is at its worst.  This information might be helpful to your veterinarian.  Tests such as heartworm antigen testing, complete blood counts, and cervicothoracic radiographs may determine the cause. There is also airway nebulization that can clear away mucus if the cough is respiratory in origin.  Confide in your pet’s medical expert as to the best treatment.  

4. Changes or Loss of Appetite 

The amount of food and water that your pet consumes can be an indicator of their current health. There are a variety of reasons why your pet dog or cat won’t eat. These can include illnesses such as liver problems, cancer, and other system infections. Another factor that can contribute to the loss or change of appetite is dental disease. Lots of canines can have difficulty in chewing because of severe gingivitis or gum problems. 

What you can do will depend on the cause determined by your veterinarian. Supplements or a change in diet might help your pet meet his nutritional requirements.  Discuss options with your vet to make sure your pet is getting the nutrition he needs to be his best.  Sometimes just warming the food a little or adding smelling fish oils (Omega 3s) might stimulate your dog’s nose and make him want to eat! 

A Final Word

Any change in your pet’s behavior warrants a call to the vet.  Symptoms are a sign of something not quite right, but it is your dog or cat’s medical professional who can determine what that is and the best course of action to alleviate the symptoms and help your pet thrive.  Make it a priority to find a vet you trust to become your dog or cat’s second best friend (after all, you are his first best friend), and never miss an annual exam as finding a problem early can be a life-saver!

The post Abbotsford Vet, Trusting Your Local Veterinarian At Your Vet Clinic appeared first on Pet Safety Crusader.

1. The volume of the machine
If you want a machine with an efficient stain removal ability, you should buy a vacuum with a powerful motor.  Devices with light engines are suitable for ordinary dirt, such as coffee spills or dust.  For powerful smells and urine stains pets may leave behind, you need a powerful motor to achieve the best results, especially in thick carpets.  Also, make sure that the power of the vacuum isn’t too strong for your carpet, so that it won’t damage the rug.

2. Stain insulator
This insulator isolates urine and other wastes away from the tank of water. If you continuously use the machine, you can permeate your carpet with the strong scent of ammonia if you don’t chose the correct model.

3. The capacity of the tank to hold water
It is an advantage to purchase a tool that has a large water tank. It will work more efficiently by reducing the need to constantly refill the tank.  Although heavier, it will be a more substantial tool for your needs.

4. The cleaning feature
When selecting the best rug cleaner, you should consider all the necessary features you desire, with reliability and convenience topping the list. You should also choose a model that has appropriate filtration, brush attachments for varying heights of carpet as well as furnishings.  Together these make the perfect cleaning.

5. The warranty on the machine
Take care, when operating your Roomba, that you do not breach the terms and conditions on the warranty.  Some machines have specifications, determined by their manufacturers, regarding the brands of  carpet formula or shampoo that must be used for optimum performance. If you operate the machine with products other than ones designated by the manufacturer and the machine breaks down, the warranty will not cover damages.

6. A cleaner that’s made for pet fur

Choosing the right robotic vacuum for the job is a must.  Select a carpet cleaner that is designed to collect loose fur and pet hair without jamming or missing debris.  Your rug will stay cleaner, and you will be happier for it.

7. The  battery
It is advisable to keep in mind the lifespan of the battery – How long will the machine perform before you need to recharge?  Seventy-five minutes is a good ballpark, and a machine with a self-charging feature is a plus!

8. Automated shutoff
As a pet owner, you should purchase a rug cleaner that can automatically shut off.  Machines with this feature will shut off should the tank fill with dirty water or become empty, preventing damage to your carpeting.

9. The cost of the device
Do not forego quality when purchasing the a machine to keep your home free of pet debris.  Vacuum cleaners are not inexpensive, however do your research and weigh the cost over time against it’s ability to keep your carpet looking like new.

10. The weight and the size of the machine
Most homeowners prefer a light-weight, compact Roomba which is easier to operate and more convenient to store.   Nevertheless, if you opt to select a heavy-duty cleaner, keep in mind that the robot vacuum cleaner will be more substantial and capable of getting the job done!

Click here to find out how these products work.

Conclusion
In our homes, pets are held so close to our hearts. They truly are part of the family, however…accidents can happen, even when your pets know their manners. It can be upsetting, but don’t blame the pet, make sure you have the tool to fix the problem!  Purchase a rug detergent that will clean the stains and odor, and a machine that will meet your needs at picking up pet hair.

Vacuums and cleaners are essential in keeping ours homes clean and odor-free, and if you choose wisely, they can save you anxiety and unnecessary effort.  Therefore, please consider the factors mentioned above which should help you choose the best device to ease your workload, keep your house clean, and make life more comfortable with your furry family.

The post Tips For Choosing The Best Roomba Robot Vacuums For Pet Hair appeared first on Pet Safety Crusader.

An article published in Scientific American Magazine back in 2009, notes that although we traditionally accept that felis catis became domesticated about 3,600 years ago in Egypt, recent research places the domestication of felines in the Middle East, as early as 10,000 years ago.  At this time, people started growing crops, and scientists believe cats moved into close proximity to hunt mice that were drawn to our grain stores.  Elizabeth J. Colleran, DVM/MS and Feline Diplomate in Chico, California explains, “Cats obtained a large percentage of the moisture they needed from mice who [also] are 70-80% water.  As a result, they don’t have as much of a ‘thirst’ center in their brain,” since their ancestors pretty much consumed all the water required from their diet.  “Along came humans,” who probably didn’t care for their furry family members dining on rodents, and “who decide convenience is important so create [dry] cat food containing only 8-10% moisture,” laments Colleran.  Unless the cat in your care drinks from her water bowl, you can see there is a deficiency you need to make up for.

On the other claw, canned diets typically are ¾ water, so cats consistently ingesting this type of nutrition could meet most of their water requirements through food alone.  Soft canned diets alone, with nothing to clean the teeth and gums can contribute to poor oral health, so diligently provide kitty with regular dental care.

Canine familiaris however, domesticated 10,000 or more years ago, drinks voraciously by most accounts.  It’s important however, to be sure dogs don’t “tank up” when over-heated as they will most likely regurgitate and can aspirate into their lungs.  Keep them well-hydrated at all times, giving small amounts of water on hikes as you go.

 You Can Lead a Cat to Water, but…

Many of our feline friends are fascinated by water – dripping from a faucet, swirling down the toilet or basin, skimming over rocks in a fountain or stream, but making her drink may be another thing altogether.

The weaning process for kittens isn’t just about learning to eat nutritious wet and dry food. It is also about the introduction of drinking H2O.  Once kits are no longer consuming mom’s milk (4-6 weeks of age), it is vital that fresh clean water is plentiful for lapping, preferably from a shallow bowl.  Some kittens have been known to splash about during their initial attempts, and a few even have sneezing fits, so help yourself stay neat and clean by placing a mat or paper towels under the bowl, but just keep it filled.

If your adult cat isn’t drinking, you might have to outsmart her.  Liz Bales, VMD, Red Lion Veterinary Hospital in New Castle Delaware explains, “Cats are likely to drink more water if it is placed in a separate location from their food.  I have recommended this to many clients who have reported noting a significant increase in water intake when they move their cat’s bowl.”

Dr. Colleran adds, “Bowls should be wide enough for cats to drink without their whiskers touching the edges.  Pay attention to the shape cats will drink out of willingly and replicate that elsewhere.” Some may like your china tea cup or coffee mug while others will prefer a taller high-ball glass! “Don’t ever force cats to share water resources,” cautions Colleran.  If you have a clowder, there should be plenty of water-filled reservoirs to go around.

If your four-clawed pal is still finicky, try bottled or filtered water.  Tap water often has too high a concentration of minerals, including chlorine and she may not like the taste.  Who could blame her?

Water fountains can be found in pet stores and online and have coerced many a feline to partake.  Just clean them regularly, even all the small parts, to keep your cat’s water source bacteria-free!

Another trick?  Try tuna water (what you pour from the can), low-sodium chicken broth or even clam juice.  Feed it to your cat straight up or freeze it into ice cubes for a refreshing treat during the cooler parts of the year.

How much water is enough?            

Consistent output (of urine that is) is a good indicator of normal water consumption.  Judging just how much water your cat or dog drinks is a more difficult feat than determining the amount of food consumed as water spills, evaporates and some of your feline’s daily quota may be gotten from a bathroom faucet or fountain.  Multiple-pet households makes calculations even more difficult.

Small dogs require 2 quarts a day while a large dog may drink a gallon or more.  On average, cats eating a primarily dry kibble-type diet should drink noticeably more water than cats eating a wet food – makes sense. “Hydration needs depend on an individual cat’s metabolism, daily activity, ambient temperature and humidity.  In general, the numbers commonly cited range from 45-60ml/kg/day, so a good rule of thumb,” Bales suggests, “is a cup to a cup and half per day per cat.”  Having developed the NoBowl Feeding System for cats, veterinarian Bales states, “Stress from indoor lifestyles is showing to be more concerning than food type. Current research suggests that how you feed your cat is just as important as what you feed your cat.”  That is why she has created a way to feed that gives cats back the opportunity to hunt (on our terms, since we fill her device with food of our choice), exercise, maintain a healthy weight and enrich their indoor environment.

Dehydration clues in the Litter Box & Backyard

Observing pets for changes in their drinking behavior is a PURRfect start.  It is in fact First-Aid 101 as knowing what is normal more quickly helps you determine when something is not! Knowing how often and how much urine a cat produces daily can clue you in to potential problems. Clumping litter makes it easy to know the number and size of urinations while other types of litter will require you to count the number and size of wet spots before you scoop or stir. On average, cats produce 2-3 handful-size urine balls daily.  Cats are creatures of habit, so even in a multi-feline household, with a little observation on your part, you can likely determine which cat pees in which area of which box.  The take away here is to scoop at least once daily and be observant to all and any changes.  With your dog, that means paying attention and not being on your cell phone so that you can watch for squats or leg raises and take note of the color.

“Cats are very opaque about illness,” says Colleran.  “They don’t demonstrate obvious symptoms so we need to look for what is different about this cat at this time. If the cat is producing smaller “balls” of clumped urine in the litter box or much larger ones than is normal for her, there may be a significant health problem.”

It’s also important to pay attention to the poop.  Notice color, consistency and shape.  Most adult cats defecate once every 24-36 hours while dogs about twice a day.  Spying feces resembling a Tootsie Roll candy (Did I just ruin that childhood pleasure for you?) is a good thing!  Dark brown in color, well-formed and moist enough that litter or dirt will stick to it.  Odor?  Well, eh yes, but it shouldn’t be so bad that you run away screaming.

First-Aid

Additional signs that your pet may not be consuming enough water and warrant a veterinary visit include:

• Lack of elasticity in the skin (remains tented when gently pinched at nape of the neck)
• Dry flaky skin
• Increased thirst and/or urination
• Decreased urination
• Urination in inappropriate places (may not be able to reach the litter box or outdoors if need is urgent)
• Bad breath
• Sunken eyes
• Lack of appetite
• Increased heart rate
• Depression or lethargy

All of the above signs could mean something is ‘not-quite-right’ but can point to a number of causes.  Only your veterinary professional knows for sure, but taking a Pet First-Aid Class could help you spot trouble!

How much water is too much?

WATER TOXICITY (Hyponetremia) occurs when dogs that repeatedly dive into water with their mouths open trying to catch a ball can and ingest larger quantities of water than you might suspect. Drinking too much causes electrolyte levels to drop, thins blood plasma and leads to swelling of the brain and other organs. Running/hiking dogs may tank up on too much fluids as well. This electrolyte imbalance can be fatal, so as mentioned above, give small rest breaks allowing pet’s respiration to achieve normalcy in a shady environment before consuming fluids. Also give pets a time-out from the water frequently.

Should you notice and of the following, administer electrolytes and get to your veterinarian at once:
• Lack of coordination

• Nausea/vomiting

• Lethargy

• Bloating

• Dilated pupils, glazed eyes

• Pale gums

• Excessive salivation

• Difficulty breathing

• Collapse

• Loss of consciousness

• Seizures

To learn Cat-specific First-Aid, sign up here:

https://www.petsafetycrusader.com/shop/classes/cat-first-aid-cpcr-webinar/

To learn for dogs, cats, rabbits, pocket pets or birds, there’s a class for you here:

https://www.petsafetycrusader.com/products/classes/

Drinking too much or too little could indicate urinary tract issues, tape worms, diabetes mellitus or hyperthyroidism.  Many elderly pets develop a condition which causes their kidneys to function less efficiently.  By making sure young animals don’t stress their kidneys by drinking too little water you just might help preserve their kidneys for a longer lifetime.

Please also view my VLOG on this topic:  https://youtu.be/F5Gq54nrqBk

__________________________________________________________

For 20 years Denise Fleck’s Sunny-dog Ink motto has been “Helping people to help their pets,” and she has…teaching more than 15,000 pet lovers animal life-saving skills and millions more on “The Doctors,” CNN, “Kirstie Alley’s Big Life,” Animal Planet and other TV shows.  Denise is a frequent conference speaker, developed a line of pet first aid kits and now offers classes online.  

Note:  The articles on this page are copyrighted.  Please do not reprint or use portions for any purpose without written permission from the author.  Request permission for usage by sending an email explaining how you’d like to use the materials and what parts specifically.  Thank you in advance!

The post WATER: Too Much or Not Enough?! appeared first on Pet Safety Crusader.

You can cook with coconut oil, condition your hair and whiten your teeth, but it’s awesome for moisturizing your dog’s paws and a bunch of other things too:

Digestion

So as mentioned above, coconut oil is highly digestible and it also has powerful anti-inflammatory benefits. If your dog suffers from any type of bowel issue, chances are his intestines are inflamed, so a little coconut oil can soothe his intestines.

Nutrient Absorption

When your pooch suffers from poor digestion, he can’t absorb all of the important nutrients in his food, but by improving your dog’s digestion and gut bacteria through the use of coconut oil, he can more readily absorb the nutrients into his bloodstream.

Keeps Bad Bacteria at Bay

Inside the digestive tract live bacteria – most good, some not so much.  In order for your pet’s body to function properly, researchers say their gut bacteria needs to stay in and 80/20 balance. Poor diet, antibiotics, deworming and lifestyle can kill your best pal’s good gut bacteria. Coconut oil has anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties, so if bad bacteria begins to spread through the intestines, coconut oil might kill off the bad guys and feed the good ones.

Symptoms of an unbalanced gut can include:

• Digestive issues
• Skin problems; inflammation
• Weakened immune system
• Illness or general malaise

Over-Weight

Coconut oil has been found to effectively boost metabolism, blast fat, burn calories and satiate appetite.  Since 2/3 of our dogs and cats are classified as overweight or obese, coconut oil could be a life saver, and you know The Pet Safety Crusader likes the sound of that!

Oral Health

Since coconut oil has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral properties, it kills any harmful substances in the mouth. By doing so, it can:

• Improve bad breath
• Prevent plaque
• Heal gum sores
• Whiten teeth

How Much & What Kind?

A ½ teaspoon for every 10 lbs. of body weight is a good measure but you can start with a little less until they adjust.  Even good things sometimes require getting acclimated to.   You can add it to food or let your pup lap it up.  Organic extra-virgin, unrefined and cold pressed are best.

More uses…

Skin & Coat

In addition to making coconut oil a part of your pet’s diet, it can also be applied topically. Dry skin, bites & stings, burns and allergic reactions often are soothed by an application of coconut oil directly on the skin, even on superficial wounds!  Rubbing a little coconut oil into your pet’s coat 20 minutes before bath time, can keep fur silky and shiny! The benefits seem unending.

Nose & Paws

Dryness caused by lack of humidity or too much sun and create tiny cracks in your canine’s sniffer.  Gently rubbing a little coconut oil could prevent them from occurring but can also heal once they have formed.  As for the paws…they are not tough as nails and can crack, blister, cut and bleed!  A little coconut oil paw massage at night can keep four-paws soft and help your pooch drift off to sleep.

See the treats and learn more on my VLOG:  https://youtu.be/DraIA9b1yjQ

Dog Treats!

Peanut Butter/Coconut Oil No Bake Dog Treats

Ingredients:

1/3 cup Coconut Oil

3 T Peanut Butter (xylitol & “sugar alcohols”free)

2 ½ cups Rolled Oats

½ cup Unsweetened Shredded Coconut

1. Add Coconut Oil, Peanut Butter and Rolled Oats to food processor and mix until well combined.
2. Scoop out bite sized pieces with a spoon and roll into little balls.
3. Gently roll each ball in the shredded coconut.
4. Place on a flat tray lined with baking paper and refrigerate for 30 minutes till firm. Store in refrigerator.

Sweet Potato/Coconut Oil Baked Cookies

Ingredients:

2 Medium-size Sweet Potatoes, cooked & cooled

½ cup Coconut Flour

½ cup Coconut Oil

1 Egg

1-2 tablespoons of water as needed for texture

1. Preheat the oven to 350° F
2. Combine all ingredients and mix well, adding a little extra coconut flour to get a dough slightly thinner than Play Dough.

1. Form into 1-inch balls and flatten with hand then flatten with damp fork (like for human peanut butter cookies).
2. Bake for 20 minutes until slightly browned on the edges and cool.
3. Store in an air-tight container in the fridge for several weeks or freeze for several months.

Frozen Blueberry-Banana/Coconut Treats

Ingredients

Small silicone heart, paw or bone mold

https://www.amazon.com/Charmed-Bone-print-baking-molds/dp/B07444ZH4T/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1531689136&sr=8-9&keywords=charmed+silicone

1/2 cup Coconut Oil in solid form

Fresh or frozen blueberries

Banana (cut into slices or pureed)

1. Place a blueberry into each heart in the silicone mold. If larger enough, also add banana, if not…a few drops of banana puree.
2. In a small saucepan, warm coconut oil until liquefied.
3. Let oil cool for just a few minutes, then carefully pour oil into heart molds.
4. Place in freezer until solid, then pop out of mold.
5. Store treats in a zip lock baggie or container in the freezer.

The post The Wonders of Coconut Oil appeared first on Pet Safety Crusader.