Saturday, May 29, 2010

Try Tuna Dog Treats!

How to Make Tuna Dog Treats
by Karen Friesecke

It's fun to make treats for your dog since you get to have fun in the kitchen AND you know exactly what the ingredients are!! Tuna treats are easy to make, use only three ingredients AND baking time is a mere six minutes in the microwave!! Also, you can substitute the tuna for any fish that you want.

Ingredients

You will need;

One egg, a can of tuna in oil and 3/4 of a cup of flour (any kind).

STEP 1 - Preparing The Tuna

Tuna right out of the can will be in pretty big chunks and they need to be minced into smaller pieces with a knife.

STEP 2 - Adding The Egg

In a separate bowl, beat the egg, add it to the tuna and mix well.

STEP 3 - Adding The Flour

Add the flour a little bit at a time. Depending on how oily the tuna is, you might not have to use the entire 3/4 of a cup of flour. What you want is for the batter to have the consistency of mashed potatoes.

STEP 4 - Baking The Treats

Spread the batter evenly into a microwave safe dish. There is no need to oil the dish since the batter already contains oil from the fish.

Total cooking time is 6 minutes. If you want chewier treats, cook the treats for 4 minutes. Microwave on HIGH in 2 minute increments to check on the cooking process, since fires in the microwave aren't fun. When you have gotten the treats cooked the way you want them to be, remove the entire cake with a spatula and transfer to a plate to cool.

STEP 5 - Cutting Up The Treats

Cut the treats into strips and then into cubes. The beauty of baking these treats is that you can make them as big or as small as you want them. If you cut the the treats into small enough pieces, cats can enjoy them, too! Since these treats do have oil in them, it's best to store them in the fridge to prolong shelf life.

Karen Friesecke is the author of Bloggie Stylish a new blog dedicated to recipes and free projects for dogs. Please visit Tuna Dog Treats to see this tutorial, complete with pictures.

Friday, May 21, 2010

How to Choose a Dog Bed

What Are Dog Beds?
By Collin Walker

Picking a good dog bed for your pet is as important for a dog as choosing your own bed is to you, in fact in ways it is even more so. Dogs spend a lot more time sleeping or just lying down than people do, so given that your dog will spend a great deal of time on the bed you pick, it is quite important that you pick a good one. When choosing your dog's bed, you need to consider these questions:

 1. What position does your dog usually prefer, and where in the house does he or she like to sleep?
 2. Does your dog have particular sensitivity to high or low temperatures?
 3. How old is your dog? Does he or she have special needs?
 4. Is your dog shaggy, and does he or she shed a lot as a result?
 5. Do you think your dog will want to chew on the bed?
 6. Is your dog a puppy? Or fully grown?

How you answer these questions should determine your key criteria for picking the perfect bed for your beloved pet.

Unique requirements and lifestyle

There are beds that have more padding, these are ideal for larger breeds, arthritic dogs and dogs that get a lot of exercise. If you live in a place that tends to be cold in the winter, and you own a short haired dog, you might consider a heated bed. On the other hand if you live in a warmer state and you own a Malamute or a Siberian Husky, a cooling bed might be great for the summer months. For shaggy dogs that tend to shed a lot you want the cushion of your bed to be upholstered with a smooth fabric, so that hair can be easily cleaned off.

Maintenance

Your pet will definitely prefer a comfortable bet, but you will probably be more worried about ease of maintenance. Make sure the cover of the bed is easy to clean, preferably something machine washable. If you have a dog that still likes to chew on things, you shouldn't get a very expensive bed just yet, as your dog may just wind up ruining it. Some dogs never quite outgrow chewing on stuff, should that be the case with your dog, get a chew resistant bed.

Shape

Different dogs have different sleeping preferences; you should take these into consideration when picking beds. Some dogs like to curl up, for such dogs, round beds, donut beds or even nesting beds may be best. If your dog likes to lay out, a rectangular bed, a bumper bed, a couch bed or even a cushioned mat might be ideal. Some dogs like to sleep with a pillow or a stuffed toy, for such dogs, you can add a pillow or a lounger couch with has a raised provision for the dog's head. There are also beds with raised sides or beds specially designed to fit into corners for dogs that prefer sleeping tucked into a corner.

Size

You don't want a bed that is too big for your dog, as it will take up more space than it needs to, worse still would be getting a bed that is too small. As your dog will be uncomfortable and may choose not to use it at all. Measure your dog while he or she is asleep, this should be your guide. Manufacturers give you both an inside measure of the bed and an outside measure, the inside measure is what needs to be big enough for you dog.

For puppies, you definitely want to allow for growth, so buy a bed is a size or two bigger depending on how old your puppy is. Don't invest in an expensive bed for a puppy, as they may outgrow them, and they will also likely chew on the bed. Make sure you pick out a spot for the bed in your home before you actually start shopping around. If you've the budget, and you see that your dog likes sleeping in many different places in your house, you may even want to get many beds.

This article was provided by Collin Walker of Pet-Super-Store.com, where you can find the best selection of Dog Beds and [Tri-Tronics Products.

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Keep dogs healthy and happy this summer

Keep dogs healthy and happy this summer


(ARA) - When the warm summer months roll around, our dogs are just as eager as we are to get outside and enjoy the season.  Whether he tells you by nudging his leash or staring at the door knob, one way or another, your pup knows it's time for some fun in the sun.



Before you head out, keep in mind that warm weather and sunny days are fun, but they can also mean you might need to take some extra precautions with your pet. The whole family can rest assured knowing their four-legged best friend is healthy, hydrated and happy by keeping the following tips in mind:



1. Schedule a checkup. Before you go anywhere that requires your dog to interact with other dogs, be sure to schedule a visit with your veterinarian. Get updates on shots for dangerous communicable diseases like bordetella.



While you're there, ask your veterinarian to evaluate your pet's overall health. Your veterinarian's office is also a great place to pick up two essential medications for the season - heartworm preventers and flea and tick control.



2. Run free. It's easy for humans and canines alike to slide out of shape during the winter months, and now is the perfect time to work off what you've packed on. Taking your dog on regular walks will help, but even more fun for him is a trip to the dog park. Off-leash areas are a treasure for pets and their owners because dogs can run free and play to their heart's content.  They also get natural lessons in socialization. In fact, 44 percent of dog owners who take their dog to the dog park say their dog is more social with other people and dogs. Plus, it's fun for you, too!



Because pet owners value off-leash areas so much, dog parks across the country are expanding and improving now more than ever. To help support dog parks in local communities, The Nutro Company, a leading manufacturer of natural pet food products, is leading a movement called Room to Run this summer to enhance local dog parks in 30 communities around the country. Pet enthusiasts are invited to join the effort and lend a hand. Whether there's a Room to Run event in your area or not, you can make a difference by going to your local dog park and making small changes to make it more enjoyable for everyone. To find out more about the initiative, go to www.thenutrocompany.com.



3. Be prepared. Dogs aren't much for strolling around the mall. They love to be out running around and often don't want to stop no matter how warm it is or tired they feel. Brush up on the signs and symptoms of health problems like dehydration and heat stroke, as well as basic first aid techniques.



Keep a canine first aid kit in your car. At a minimum, it should include antiseptic spray, water-based antibiotic ointment, bandaging (including sterile gauze and a binder like Vetrap or other elastic bandages), a thermometer, tweezers and single-use cold packs. You should also keep the number and address to your veterinarian and an emergency vet stored in your phone or on a slip of paper in your wallet.



4. Good on the inside. To keep your pet's energy and health at optimal levels for increased summer activity, be sure you feed a high-quality dog food. It's easier than ever to make sure your dog is getting complete, healthy nutrition without fillers. High quality foods can be found at your pet store and come in a variety of options that cater to your pet's size or life stage.



Whether you're going on a weekend camping trip with your four-legged friend or just heading out for a romp at the dog park, a safe summer is the happiest kind of summer there is.



Courtesy of ARAcontent

Saturday, May 01, 2010

Dogs and Car Windows

Did you ever notice when you blow in a dog's face he gets mad at you?  But when you take him in a car he sticks his head out the window.   - Steve Bluestone