Halloween Safety

I just realized that my last post was in 2014. That is just not acceptable and I promise to do better! Here at The Freckled Paw we are finishing up our busy summer competition season and getting ready for the holidays and the cooler weather.

Pixie is going to be a punk rock dog for Halloween, even though she does not do any trick or treating. The strangely dressed people coming to the door and yelling, is too much for her to handle. We will be hanging out inside the house with a stuffed Kong or a bully stick to pass the time, and that is okay with both of us!

As Halloween comes closer, keep in mind what your dog can and can not handle. If people in hats or sunglasses are too scary for your pup then keep them confined to an interior room, away from the door, while the kids are showing off their scary attire. If your pup is overwhelmed by the activity, then you can also make halloween a great training opportunity. Praise your pup for going to a designated place when the doorbell rings, and reward for staying while someone else passes out candy. You can also play some crate games or bring out a puzzle toy to keep your pup concentrating on something else.
I don't recommend leaving your pet unattended outside, because pranksters are also out on Halloween. Pets have known to be teased, let loose, or stolen from yards. Don't let your pet be one of them!
A few of my clients sit outside to pass out candy, which I think is a fantastic idea!  If the doorbell sends your pup singing a song of her people, or if you are worried about her bolting out the door, this is a great alternative. Again, a stuffed Kong or a puzzle toy is a great way to occupy their time while you are enjoying the holiday.
If you are among the lucky few who have a dog that enjoys being out and about for Halloween, then remember that while the 2 legged kids enjoy a halloween goodie while walking around, its not a good thing to give your 4 legged kid. Chocolate in any amount can be toxic to pups, and many candies also contain Xylitol, a sugar substitute, which can cause your pup liver damage, and can lead to death if not treated quickly. Watch the ground and yards for dropped candy that your pup may snag while walking.
Just as a precaution, make sure your pup has accurate information on their tags, and they are visible on a collar. In case the worst happens, your pup is at a much higher likely hood of being returned with tags on.
I hope everyone has a safe and exciting Halloween weekend. Post pictures if your pup was dressed up this year! They may end up on my facebook page or website!

The Science of the KONG

I have to say the greatest invention in keeping dogs (or cats) occupied has been the KONG. If you don’t know what a KONG is, head to your local pet supply store and get one! It will change your life!

There are 4 KONGS in my house. Pixie gets one when she goes back in her crate after lunch each day. (except the day she goes to daycare, which is why I only need 4) Since she gets them everyday, I like to change the stuff that is inside the KONG to keep her intrigued and occupied with the toy. Got to keep that crate a fun place to be!

If this is your first try at a KONG with your dog, make sure to make it easy for your furry friend. Fill with a few more “dessert” items or make sure the “stuff” comes out easily once your pup finishes the “cap.”

Here is my basic KONG logic when I am stuffing:

Dessert: the really smelly yummy piece goes on the top so pup has to work through the rest of the KONG to get it.

Stuff: This is usually a mixture of “cement” (see below} and Kibble

Cap: something that keeps the “Stuff” inside the KONG while it rolls around my freezer

Bonus: Usually something that sticks out of the KONG as an easy              reward

What my friends and I put in our KONGS:

Dessert:

Lunch meat

Super smelly jerky treats or training treats

Leftovers, meat and veggies are all okay

Cheese cubes

Cement:

Yogurt

Canned pumpkin or sweet potato (not pie filling!)

Banana

Leftover Mac and cheese (mix with some water to go easy on the cheese)

Mashed potatoes

Chicken or Beef broth (dilute to go easy on the salt) freeze for better results

Cap:

Mushy canned food (gravy based doesn’t hold as well)

Refried beans

Cream Cheese

Peanut Butter (everyones favorite)

Bonus:

Milkbone (or something similar)

Rawhide stick (only if your dog is not a hoover with the rawhides! Don’t want pup to choke while you are gone!)

Pizza crust

Apple slice

Pupperoni (or something similarly shaped)

Uh oh I need a KONG and forgot to make them: Peanut Butter around holes on top and bottom, put a smelly treat on the bottom, and fill with kibble. Cap with Peanut Butter

Use this as a guide and use your imagination to keep your pup occupied while you are gone. If you have any other suggestions or ideas to add to the list let me know! 

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New Years Resolutions from your Dog!

Everyone hears the same resolutions in January. Eat better, go to the gym, lose weight, read more, you have heard them all, or read about them on Facebook. Have you ever thought about what your pet’s resolutions would be? I’ve read quite a few articles this New Year about resolutions for your pets, and here were my top 4:

1.       Loose the excess weight. Pet obesity is the number one health problem in the United States and I am sorry for being blunt, but it is our fault. Your dog does not go to the cabinet to get into the cookie jar, and they don’t understand the calories involved in eating the last bite of your sandwich. Make a pledge this year to knock those few extra pounds off your pal. Talk to your Veterinarian for ways to help your buddy shed those pounds.

2.       Don’t judge a dog by its looks. Just like you don’t judge a book by its cover, every dog is an individual first. I have met very dog friendly pit bulls and very aggressive golden retrievers. Just because a dog has a certain look really tells you nothing about the dogs personality. Take a minuet to ask about the dog or if you are planning to add a furry companion to your family this year, make sure to visit your local shelter and talk with the staff and volunteers there to help make the perfect match for you, regardless of what they look like.

3.       Fix that annoying behavior problem. Does your dog jump on people when they come in the house or pull you down the street on walks? Commit to your dog in 2014, and work to correct that one thing that irritates you. It will make your time spent with your dog more enjoyable and your friends and family will appreciate it too!

4.       Volunteer. Okay this one has nothing to do with your pets but it will definitely help a pet. Our local shelters are full of great companions that are just waiting for their perfect family to come along and take them home. In the meantime its volunteers that make sure they get a scratch behind the ear or a new toy to keep them occupied. Take just a few hours this year and donate some of your time to helping these pets on their journey. If going into the shelter is too much for you, contact a local rescue group and see how you can help. Next year you can tell people you spent 2014 saving lives!

Whatever your resolution for yourself or your pets, The Freckled Paw wishes you a joyful and prosperous 2014!