Holiday Leftovers for your Pets?

Ugh...the Thanksgiving holiday is over and I'm recovering... Your parents might have tons of leftover food around the house. Well here's a post from PetMD.com called Holiday Leftovers for your Pets? that may be helpful.

It's that time of the year again. Holiday feasts are around the corner, and that means plenty of food and eating.

Once you've had your fill of turkey, the honey-glazed ham that just teases you with its glistening exterior, and all your extended family has returned home, what are you to do with all the leftovers?

It may be tempting to just make a plate for your dog or cat and let them eat and eat to their heart's content. You may even think you are giving them the treat of a lifetime. But there are many "human food" items that are unhealthy, and even dangerous for your pet.

Here are some essential diet no-nos for the holiday season:
1. Avoid items that you know will upset your pet's stomach. Not every pet's gastrointestinal system is capable of taking on all foods and digesting or absorbing them properly. If you know your pet has had digestive sensitivities in the past, you should avoid new foods, especially in large portions, or combined with other new foods. Your holiday can be easily ruined by a carpet full of the resulting "reaction."

Homemade Dog Treats for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving KONG for Your Dog

Thanksgiving Veggie Smuggle Dog Dinner

Pumpkin Pie Recipe for Dogs!

Cooking For Your Dog: Turkey and Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Get ready for a daily video of yummy Thanksgiving recipes that we pets can eat!  It all starts with this delicious recipe for turkey and sweet potatoes.  YUM!

4 Easy Tips for a Painless Dinner

Before you take a bite of any yummy holiday food, here's 4 quick tips to share with your guardian for a safe Thanksgiving dinner, thanks to Petful.com!

1. Suddenly switching from dry kibble to a dish full of human food can cause havoc on your pet’s digestive system. If your dog or cat isn’t used to this type of food, take it easy, and just lay down a slice of turkey and some veggies.
2. Go plain-jane. Dogs and cats can’t handle butter and cream and other seasonings like salt and pepper. So set aside some plain mashed potatoes, carrots and other vegetables for the pets to eat. Save the stuffing for yourself; it’s mostly bread, salt and fat — nothing good there for your pets. Green bean casserole? Not good for pets. Onions can be toxic, and dairy can be a cause of diarrhea. Sweet potato casserole? Nope. Getting the picture? The message is clear: Go plain, and break it down to its basic parts, meaning plain green beans instead of a souped-up green bean casserole.
3. Turkey is actually really good for your dog or cat! So feel free to share a piece of lean turkey. But two things, and they’re important: (1) Peel the skin off the turkey and toss it in the trash. It’s difficult for dogs and cats to digest, plus it’s loaded with fat. (2) No bones for your pets!
4. Begging is a behavioral no-no. C’mon, no one likes to eat dinner with a dog staring up, drips of saliva rolling from his lips, as a muffled whining ensues. Yes, you can say “no” to that sad furry face. Better yet, feed your dog, then crate him while you enjoy dinner with your guests. Keep in mind that a big holiday dinner, and the buzz of activity that accompanies it, is not a normal routine for your pet. Your dog can come out again after dinner’s over. At the very least, instruct your guests that they are not to feed your pet scraps from the table. That goes for cats too.

Thanksgiving Pet Safety

Here's more info that I found about Thanksgiving food and our safety!

Stay tuned for more Thanksgiving food safety tips next week!

Creating a Safe Thanksgiving Dinner for Your Pets

Thanksgiving is coming!  The food always smells so good, that I just love to sit and watch Mama until MAYBE she throws a scrap my way. But some of the food isn't good for us.  So I found this blog post from Petful.com that has more information.

It's not surprising that pet owners want to include their pets in the festivities. Learn how to prepare a Thanksgiving dinner for dogs and cats. Thanksgiving is a fine time to reflect on those things that enrich our lives. For me, at least, pets are always near the top of my thank-you list. Pets give us so much and ask for so little in return!

And so it’s not surprising that pet owners feel inclined to include their pets in the holiday festivities. Preparing a Thanksgiving dinner for dogs and cats, it turns out, isn’t an outrageous idea.

Thanksgiving Outfit Ideas & How to make Pumpkin Pie Dog Treat

Turkey Delight Recipe (Homemade Dog Food)

Halloween Dog Treat: Peanut Butter Apples

These look so yummy and are perfect for Halloween treat time!

Halloween Costume Safety Tips for Dogs

Don't know what to be for Halloween?  Banfield Pet Hospital provides some costume safety tips you should keep in mind when picking your outfit this year!

We’re approaching that time of year when our little ghosts and goblins will be out parading in the night. If you decide to take your dog with you while “trick or treating” with the kids this year, there are some basic safety issues to consider.

If you want to dress your dog up, keep it simple. Your dog doesn’t necessarily have to be put in a full costume. Think about a bandanna or decorative collar. These may be just the right touch. If your dog can tolerate wearing a full costume and actually likes it, pick one that fits comfortably. If it is too tight, it could cut off circulation, restrict movement, obstruct breathing or cause sore spots. If the costume is too loose, your dog can trip or become tangled. Accessories such as strings, capes, belts, etc., can get caught on objects in your house. Your dog could also ingest parts of the costume, i.e. loose fabric or buttons, and choke. If your dog swallows the part, this could cause a blockage or irritation in the gastrointestinal tract.

When you’re outside going door to door- and it will most likely be dark - make sure the costume is reflective so that your dog can be easily seen by drivers. Reflective tape can be bought at the store, cut into strips and then applied to the costume.

If the costume is too heavy, your dog could overheat and/or become exhausted. If your dog is excessively panting or lagging behind, this should be a clue for you to remove the costume.

10 Halloween Safety Tips for Pets

Halloween is coming, and I'm so excited to spend it with my friends, like I did the other day with friends Rocky and Cash!  Here are some safety tips provided by PetMd.com that should be helpful to keep us safe!

Halloween can be a festive and fun time for children and families. But for pets? Let's face it, it can be a downright nightmare. Forgo the stress and dangers this year by following these 10 easy tips.

1. Trick-or-treat candies are not for pets.
All forms of chocolate -- especially baking or dark chocolate -- can be dangerous, even lethal, for dogs and cats. Symptoms of chocolate poisoning may include vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, and seizures. Halloween candies containing the artificial sweetener xylitol can also be poisonous to dogs. Even small amounts of xylitol can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar and subsequent loss of coordination and seizures. And while xylitol toxicity in cats has yet to be established, it's better to be safe than sorry.

2. Don't leave pets out in the yard on Halloween.
Surprisingly, vicious pranksters have been known to tease, injure, steal, and even kill pets on Halloween night. Inexcusable? Yes! But preventable nonetheless.

Trick or Treating Dogs!

Do you dress up for Halloween?  Do you go Trick or Treating?  These dogs do!

Happy Memorial Day!

On Memorial Day, many people remember the men and women that served our country, but many forget the dogs that helped the humans in war.  Pedigree has posted an article that tributes these heroes.

On Memorial Day, Americans will visit war memorials in cities and towns across the country. This annual ritual helps us connect to the brave members of the military who defended our freedom in past conflicts. There is one memorial, however, that is quite unique, because the fallen veterans it honors had four legs. This is the U.S. War Dog Memorial in Holmdel, New Jersey.

When you learn about the countless acts of selfless courage and total loyalty that "dogs of war" have displayed in battles around the world, it seems very fitting that there is at least one official memorial.

A very brief history of war dogs
We may never know when the first dog accompanied a human soldier into battle, but historical records indicate that the Romans used armored dogs. Fighting canines were also put to use against the Romans: Mastiffs were called into service by the British to fight Caesar's invading forces circa 55 BC Going further back, there is evidence that the ancient armies of Persia and Babylon "enlisted" dogs into service in their empire-building military campaigns.

Pet of the Week: Happy National Puppy Day!

In celebration of National Puppy Day, Petco is giving a great offer!  Take advantage of it now by clicking on the link and getting $10 off online orders TODAY.

And this is also a great way to introduce you to my new puppy friend Holden, owned by Marisa Ryan of M. Ryan Media Design.  Marisa named him after William Holden, the "Golden Boy" of Hollywood who starred in movies like "Sunset Blvd." and "Sabrina."  She got him the day before Valentine's Day from Puppy Pound Rescue when he was only 10 months old.  He is a lab mix -- the foster mom she got him from says he's part labrador, weimaraner and shar pei.  Since he was born at the rescue, he has been through many homes, and is now a happy boy learning and training extensively with a very patient owner.  He loves playing tug and chewing on tennis balls, as well as tummy rubs.  Congratulations, Marisa!

Valentine's Day Ideas for Your Dog

This is a great article from Dogtime.com that maybe Mama will see! HINT HINT! 

Nothing says “I Love You” like a new leopard-print raincoat or a homemade, beef-and-peanut butter biscuit on your pillow. Including our pets in holiday celebrations shows we value them as part of our family. So read on for some fun and thoughtful ways to celebrate your love for your canine companion this Valentine’s Day.

1. What dog doesn’t love a treat? Fabulous treats are available to order online, from cakes and cookies to “doggie wine” (broth in a bottle). Or find some recipes and bake treats right in your kitchen (your dog will most likely be right there with you, waiting). Make sure these items are made in the U.S.A.

2. Surprise him with an extra walk, or a trip to his favorite dog park or trail — especially if you haven’t been there for a while.

3. Read any good dog books lately? Curl up together on the couch with a book or a great dog movie. Together time is precious, and often hard to find with our busy schedules. He’ll love the attention.

Pet Holiday Safety Tips

Humans love to spruce up your home and wrap up stuff this time of year. But they need to make sure they do in a way that is safe for us this holiday season. PetMD.com has some great safety tips you should pass on to your human!

Keeping your furry family members safe during the holidays can be a difficult task. There are the ornaments, plants, presents, lights -- oh, and who could forget the Christmas tree (if do you decide to put one up this year)? Let's take a look at some simple steps that will allow your pets to join in the holiday fun this year, while avoiding any trips to the animal emergency room.

Christmas Tree Tips:
1. Place your Christmas tree in a corner, blocked off from your pet's wanting eyes. If this doesn't keep your dog or cat from attempting to jump onto the tree, you can place aluminum foil, a plastic drink bottle filled with knick knacks, or anything else that creates noise on the tree's bottom limbs to warn you of an impending tree disaster.

Ho Ho -- Hum...

Okay, Mama, you took the picture...can you take it off me now?