Tag: Dog Health

Dog Nail Care: How to Properly Cut Your Dog’s Nails + My Favorite Nail Care Products

When it comes to canine care, most dog owners understand the importance of…

  • Feeding their pup a quality dog food for optimal health.
  • Choosing safe toys to provide their dog with stimulation and fun.
  • Providing their canine companion with daily exercise.
  • Taking their dog for routine wellness visits to the vet.
  • Creating a safe environment at home for their dog to enjoy.

However, there’s one aspect of canine care that often gets overlooked…nail care!

There are so many reasons dog’s nails don’t get properly taken care of. For example, some people simply don’t think about their dog needing a puppy pedicure every few months. Or perhaps the idea of cutting your dog’s nails is worrisome and you fear you might accidentally hurt your dog.

Fortunately, taking care of your dogs nails doesn’t have to be complicated or scary. Keep reading to discover my advice on how to properly care for and cut your dog’s nails, plus some suggestions on my favorite nail cutting tools and products!

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Why Your Dog’s Nails Need to be Maintained

Just like human nails, dog nails are constantly growing.

You might be thinking… “Then why do wild dogs not have problems with overgrown nails?”

The reality is that wild dogs are constantly roaming and walking across surfaces like hard ground and rock that naturally file their nails as they move around. On the other hand, domesticated dogs often spend a lot of their time napping on the couch.

Knowing this, it makes sense that dog owners will have to spend a little more time managing their pup’s constantly growing nails.

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How to Safely Trim Your Dog’s Nails

Now that you know it’s 100% necessary to trim your dog’s nail, the million dollar question is, how do you do it?

Here’s a quick step-by-step guide…

Step 1: Pick up a paw and hold it firmly. Gently press down on the paw paw to extend the nails and get a good look at how long your pup’s nails are.

Step 2: Analyze the length of the nail. You need to be careful of how much you plan to clip as dogs have a pocket of blood vessels (called “the quick”) right behind the curve of their nail. If your dog had white nails, you can easily see where the nail starts to turn pink. Do NOT cut past the curve. If your dog has black nails, it’s impossible to tell where the quick is, so it’s even more important to make sure you don’t cut too far down your pup’s nail. Nail grinders are often a good solution if you’re worried about cutting. We’ll talk more about my favorite products down below, so keep reading!

Step 3: Continue trimming the rest of your dog’s nails (including dew claws if your dog has them) until all the nails have been taken care of. It might seem scary the first time or two,but with a little practice you’ll get the hang of it quickly!

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Training Tips for Easily Nail Cutting

Now you know how to cut nails…but what if your dog isn’t a willing participant?

The following training tips might help…

For starters it’s important to desensitize your dog to having his/her paws touched. You can easily work on this when your dog is calm and relaxed.

For example, if your dog is lounging on the couch with you, gently pick up a paw and touch his/her paw pads. Reward your pup with a pat or a small treat when they let you handle their paw without any fuss. Also, having someone to help you is a bonus.

If you have a puppy, this is the optimal time to work on checking your pups ears, teeth, and paws. The more you handle them at an early age, the less invasive it will feel when your dog gets older.

Second, having a solid training foundation in place for your dog is imperative. It’s important because if your dog trusts you and listens to you, they will be willing to let you handle them (cut nails, look at teeth, etc.) when it’s necessary.

If you don’t have a training program in place, I recommend you check out my program, The Dog Calming Code.

Finally, food motivation can be very powerful. If your dog is really struggling with getting his/her nails clipped, put them in the bathtub and smear some peanut butter on the bathtub wall.

Chances are your dog will be so distracted with enjoying the peanut butter that he/she will sit quietly and not even notice that you’re cutting their nails.

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My Favorite Nail Care Products for Dogs

Finally, before we wrap up, I wanted to share a few dog nail care products that I find to be kind, gentle, and effective. Here are two types of nail clippers I highly recommend…

Safari Professional Nail Trimmer

If you’re looking for a classic, handheld nail trimmer I recommend the Safari Professional Nail Trimmer.

These trimmers are made with sharp, durable stainless steel blades that cut through nails quickly so you can get the job done fast! The best part is that these clippers are equipped with a quick stop, which helps prevent causing painful damage to the quick if you’re new to nail trimming.

You can find this affordable product on Amazon:

Shop here!

Dremel Cordless Nail Grinding Tool

As I mentioned earlier, a nail grinder might be a more preferred option to classic nail trimmers…especially for those who don’t have experience clipping nails.

The Dremel Nail Grinder works like a nail file or a sander and gently grinds away the tips of your pup’s nails. Your dog will hardly notice it!

I particularly like this model of nail grinder because it has a quiet motor, is cordless, and comes with replacement grinder heads, and is also a very affordable nail care option for your dog.

Shop here!

Please note, if you purchase through the links above, I may make a small commission, but it won’t cost you any more. If you do buy, thanks so much – it all helps to keep our free content coming your way 🙂

Cheers,

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Doggy Dan Signature
~Doggy Dan 🙂

Dog Health: What You Need to Know About Heartworm Prevention

If you own a dog, it’s likely that you know a thing or two about heartworms.

In fact, every time you take your dog into the vet for a yearly check up, you probably see posters plastered all over the office about heartworm medications and prevention.

Why is this such a big deal? Easy…

Over 250,000 dogs get diagnosed with heartworms every year. And when left untreated, these parasites cause pup’s to suffer from a long, agonizing death.

I don’t mean to sound so grim. But, I also believe the health and wellbeing of your dog is so important, that I wouldn’t be doing this post justice if we didn’t dive into the devastating reality of what happens when people neglect to properly medicate their dog’s against an issue that is 100% preventable.

What are heartworms, how do you prevent them, and what’s the outlook look like for a dog who is diagnosed with heartworms? Keep reading to find out everything you need to know…

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What Are Heartworms?

Just like the name suggests, heartworms are a type of parasitic roundworm.

Dog’s are natural hosts to these worms, which live in the heart and lungs of canines. These worms can grow up to a footlong.

Overtime, heartworms reproduce causing blockages in your dog’s heart valves using your pup’s body as a home to feed, breed, thrive.

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How Do Dogs Get Heartworms?

Heartworms are spread through mosquito bites, making it impossible to keep your dog 100% safe from contracting them…even if your dog spends most of his/her time inside.

All it takes is one bite from a mosquito that is a host to heartworm larvae for your dog to become infected.

Dog’s who live near bodies of water are more prone to contracting heartworm disease. However, there’s really nowhere in the world that is immune to mosquitos, making getting bitten a risk for all dog’s around the world.

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Regions of the World Where Heartworms are Most Commonly Found

Heartworms are a living organism. Therefore there are parts of the world where they tend to thrive, and other parts of the world where they are not as big of a problem.

For the most part, heartworm disease is most prevalent in tropical and temperate regions of the world. Its highest known prevalence is in the USA, South America, Japan, Australia and Italy.

If you are living in the USA, heartworm disease is most common along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts from the Gulf of Mexico to New Jersey and along the Mississippi River and its major tributaries.

This being said, heartworms can be found all over the world which means–unless you live somewhere like Antarctica–your dog is at risk and it’s probably a good idea to take preventative measures to ensure your dog doesn’t get infected!

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The Best Method for Heartworm Prevention

Heartworm disease is a painful, devastating, and sometimes fatal diagnosis for dogs. But here’s the good news…

Heartworms are 100% preventable.

The even better news…

It is both easy AND inexpensive to ensure your dog gets the treatment they need to stay healthy.

The best way to ensure your dog never ends up with heartworms is to give him/her a heartworm prevention pill every month (some brands offer pills that last 3 months at a time!).

Your vet can prescribe your pup a pill, or you can find heartworm prevention medication at your local pet store.

It typically doesn’t cost more than $30-$80 US dollars every few months (depending on the size of your dog) to keep your pup protected, so it’s very affordable.

If you’re struggling financially, please let your vet know. It’s possible that you might qualify for payment plans or product discounts as many vets would prefer to see dog’s protected instead of coming into the office with heartworm disease.

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Heartwork Diagnoses Outlook: Is There Hope for Your Dog?

What happens if you…

  • Weren’t aware of heartworm disease/never medicated your dog?
  • Rescue a dog with heartworm?
  • Find out our pup has heartworm, regardless of using medication (HIGHLY unlikely!)?

We’ve mentioned a few times that heartworm disease is a devastating sometimes fatal diagnosis. While this is true, we don’t want you to lose hope.

When heartworm is caught in the early stages, it’s very possible for your pup to make a full recovery. In fact, people who work in shelter’s often bring in dog’s who test positive for heartworm, and many end up going on to live happy, healthy lives once treated.

Your vet can work with you to put together a treatment plan for your dog. However, please understand that treating heartworm is a very long, and costly process.

General treatment is often around $1,000 US dollars. And that doesn’t account for overnight vet care or anything else your dog might need depending on the stage of heartworm disease he/she is facing.

If the heartworm disease has progressed too far and your dog is suffering, your vet might discuss end of life care and putting your dog to rest. While this isn’t an easy decision, it’s your job as a responsible dog owner to make the best decision on behalf of your dog who is suffering.

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Investing In Your Dog’s Health

A small investment in your dog’s health today can save you from a lot of expenses and having to make difficult decisions in the future.

Above all, your dog deserves a healthy, happy life. I promise, making the decision to purchase heartworm medication over special toys and treats is the best gift you can give your dog!

And don’t forget…

The same philosophy applies to dog training! Making an investment in your dog’s training now will help ensure that your dog lives a safe, happy, and stress-free life.

If you’re struggling with dog training or simply haven’t found a program that works for you, I invite you to check out my program, The Dog Calming Code.

Learn more about The Dog Calming Code here!

Cheers,

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Doggy Dan Signature
~Doggy Dan 🙂

Why Does My Pup Do This: The Science Behind Why Dogs Eat Grass

If you’re out on a walk with your dog or sitting out in the back yard with your pup, you may notice him occasionally taking a nibble of the grass.

This action often leads us dog parents to question, “why does my dog do that?”

Is my dog sick?
Is he hungry?
Is my dog not getting enough nutrients?

There are a handful of scientific reasons why your dog might be making himself a little salad when you’re out and about.

Why does your dog eat grass? Here are a few possible reasons…

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Reason #1 – You Dog Has an Upset Stomach

Ingesting a lot of grass will eventually lead your dog to vomit.

This behavior has been studied by various veterinarians and is believed to be a natural behavior that dogs use to self medicate when they aren’t feeling well.

Here’s the catch though…

For grass to actually induce your pup to vomit, he sometimes has to eat quite a lot of it. It can take anything up to half a stomach full of grass to make your dog throw up. So, unless your dog is really chowing down on the grass, it’s unlikely he is eating it because he feels sick.

In fact, according to the VCA pet hospitals…

“Only 10% of dogs show signs of illness prior to eating grass. The bottom line is that the majority of grass-eating dogs aren’t sick beforehand and don’t vomit afterward.”

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Reason #2 – Eating Grass Fulfills a Digestive Need

A long time ago before dogs were domesticated, dogs had to hunt for their food.

Upon killing their prey, dogs would eat just about every part of the animal. This included the stomach, which was often filled with grass and other plants that herbivores eat.

The stomach was an important part of the animal to eat as the roughage provided a good source of fiber. Consuming fiber is what helps keep a dog’s digestive tract healthy.

If your dog is eating grass, he may be just instinctively doing so to help keep his digestive system healthy. As long as your dog isn’t eating grass to the point of making himself sick, a little extra roughage is a good addition to any dog’s diet.

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Reason #3 – Grass Provides Your Pup with Vitamins

Not all dog foods are created equally. And, for that reason, not all dog foods have the nutrients your dog needs to thrive.

If your dog is nibbling grass, it’s possible he’s just trying to get a few extra nutrients in his diet.

If your dog’s grass-eating habit seems out of control, talk to your vet the next time you go for a visit. Ask your vet about your dog’s food to ensure he’s getting all the nutrients he needs.

It’s possible that your vet could also recommend a vitamin supplement to ensure your dog is getting the nutrition he needs!

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Reason #4 – Grass is Tasty to Your Dog

Some dogs eat grass simply because they are bored, enjoy the flavor, or have developed the behavior as a nervous habit.

If your dog is calm and happy while outdoors, the reason he eats grass is likely that he’s just bored or enjoys the flavor of grass. After all, dogs explore the world in four major ways: sight, sound, smell, and taste.

If your pup just nibbles a bit of grass here and there, I wouldn’t worry too much about it.

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Reason #5 – Eating Grass Has Become a Nervous Habit for Your Dog

Dogs who get nervous or anxious while outside can develop some goofy habits—such as rapidly eating grass.

We’re not sure why some dogs do this, but it may be a soothing behavior for dogs, much like sucking on a pacifier is for a baby.

If your dog is nervously/anxiously channeling his nervousness through eating grass, this is a problem!

The only solution is to get your pup to calm down and relax while outside. If you’re struggling to get your pup to relax, I encourage you to check out how I’ve helped over 37,000 dogs calm down and listen when it really matters.

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Should You Let Your Dog Eat Grass?

Now for the age-old question…

Should you let your dog eat grass?

Overall, I would say yes—along as eating grass isn’t an obsessive habit for your pup. A little extra roughage won’t hurt!

(If grass eating is becoming an obsessive habit, however, I would recommend using my Puppy Training program to put an end to the habit as soon as possible.)

It is also important to be aware of where your dog is eating grass. If people spray their lawns with weed killers or you live near a farm where pesticides are used, eating grass can become very dangerous for your pup!

Of course, it’s always best to talk to your vet about your pup’s grass-eating habits. He/she might better understand why your dog is eating grass and can give you helpful information that will ensure your dog remains happy and healthy!

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Cheers,

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Doggy Dan Signature
~Doggy Dan 🙂

Dog Dental Hygiene: How to Keep Your Pup’s Teeth Clean

Many people go years and years without paying any attention to their dog’s teeth. Then, suddenly, a dog stops eating or gets sick and it turns out the dog has a rotten tooth or tooth infection.

If this has happened to your dog, you’re not alone. In fact, most people have no idea that their pup’s teeth have to be cleaned just like human teeth do!

The bad news…improper dog dental hygiene care can lead to illness, loss of teeth, and infection in dogs.

The good news…There are many simple things you can do at home to keep your dogs mouth healthy and prevent the things I just listed above from happening.

Here’s what I recommend…

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#1 – Brush Your Dog’s Teeth

Yes, you heard me right…

Brush your dog’s teeth!

There are many dog toothbrushes and kinds of toothpaste on the market. And, while most dogs don’t necessarily enjoy having their teeth brushed, sometimes all it takes is a little chicken or beef flavored toothpaste to convince your pup to sit still for a few minutes to get his/her teeth scrubbed.

You can use any toothbrush that you may find at your local grocery store.

As for the toothpaste, here’s what we recommend…

Sentry Petrodex Poultry Flavored Toothpaste

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#2 – Use a Tarter Reduction Water Additive

It’s unlikely that you’re going to be able to brush your dog’s teeth every day. So, if your dog is really struggling with tartar build-up, then in between brushing, you may want to consider using a tartar reducing water additive in your pup’s water.

The odorless, tasteless, and colorless liquid contains Biotrate– a property that breaks down biofilm in the mouth and reduces the bacteria responsible for plaque and tartar,

All you have to do is add the recommended dosage into your dog’s water bowl and as your dog drinks, he/she will reap the benefits of the solution!

Of course, before you add any additives to your pets food/water ALWAYS check with your vet first!

Here’s the solution we recommend…

Vetradent Water Additive for Dogs

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#3 – Give Your Dog DentaStix

DentaStix are essentially dog treats that are designed to help remove plaque and tartar off your dog’s teeth.

The first reason they help is due to their shape. They are crafted so that when your dog chews on them it rubs the surface area of your pup’s teeth removing plaque build-up.

They also contain ingredients that help freshen your dog’s breath which is a great added benefit for those with dogs who like to find stinky things to eat/chew on.

DentaStix come in a variety of flavors and sizes so you can easily find what‘s most appropriate for your dog.

If you are not sure which product to try, check out DentaStix here.

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#4 – Use Dental Chew Toys

There are so many dental chew toys on the market that are specifically designed to help clean your dog’s teeth while he/she plays.

What makes a chew toy a dental chew toy?

Primarily dental chew toys are designed with little bumps, ribs, and bristles, that rub against your pup’s teeth and gums to help remove tartar build-up.

Here are a few of the most popular dental toys…

Of course, with every product, you need to be aware that if pieces break off they can be potentially life-threatening to your dog.

Take special care when you give your dog anything new for the first time, keep an eye on them. And if it looks like they are breaking off any sharp pieces swap it out for something else!

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#5 – Get Your Dog’s Teeth Professionally Cleaned

Most veterinary offices offer teeth cleaning services for dogs.

Of course, it’s not recommended that you get your dog’s teeth cleaned professionally very often as most dogs are put under for their teeth to be properly cleaned.

However, you should be taking your dog to the vet at least once a year for a routine checkup. While you’re at the vet, have him/her look at your dog’s teeth to determine if it’s time to have them cleaned or not.

This is by far the best way to help prevent disease, infection, or tooth loss from occurring in your dog’s mouth.

STRUGGLING TO GET NEAR YOUR DOG’S MOUTH?

If you are battling to get your dog to let you go inside their mouth then the Dog Calming Code can help with that.

It develops calmness, tolerance and a healthy relationship where your dog trusts your decisions…

To understand more about how the Dog Calming Code will assist you with being able to handle your dog check out this blog post HERE.

Or, if you have a puppy my Puppy Coach training program might be a better starting place for you!

Here’s to many years with your happy, healthy pup!

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Best of luck!,

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Doggy Dan Signature
~Doggy Dan 🙂

Winter Skin and Paw Care: How to Keep Your Dog Healthy in Cold Weather

It’s a scorcher here in New Zealand! But a lot of folks in the Northern Hemisphere are having other problems…

During the winter months, it’s common for humans to suffer from dry skin or chapped lips.

The reason: cold weather literally sucks the moisture out of us.

What you might not know is that dogs can suffer from many of the same winter ailments that humans do due to a lack of moisture in the air.

Why don’t we notice these types of issues?

Well…for the most part, the symptoms can be mild—yet still irritating to your dog.

Furthermore, dogs can’t talk. So, it’s unlikely that your pup is going to start up a conversation about his chapped paws.

As pet owners, it’s our job to look out for our dogs to ensure they don’t experience dry, itchy skin, cracked paws, and other cold-weather-related skin issues.

Keep reading to discover my natural solutions for helping to keep your dog hydrated and healthy this winter.

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Increase your dog’s water intake by offering him chicken-or beef-based broths and, if your dog eats dry food, try soaking it overnight.

When your dog is dehydrated, his skin becomes one of the first organs to stop receiving water. Then, when the skin’s collagen is adequately hydrated, its starts to dry out, chap, and crack.

Why is this important?

Dogs naturally drink less water in the wintertime. After all, with cooler temperatures, your pup won’t feel the need to constantly lap up water to keep himself cool.

Of course, dehydration is an extreme reason for your dog to suffer with skin issues.

But, even a simple decrease in water intake can wreak havoc on your dog’s skin.

The solution: encourage your dog to drink more water by offering him chicken-or beef-flavored broths.

Broth can be created in several ways.

If you have beef bones or a chicken carcass on hand, simply boil them in a pot of water. Then, strain the broth to ensure you’ve gotten rid of dangerous objects like bones or cartilage in the broth before serving it to your pup.

A second option would be to use chicken-or beef-flavored bouillon cubes. You can find these at the grocery store and, they are very inexpensive.

All you do is drop the flavor cube into a pot of water and boil it until the cube is dissolved.

If you use this method, be sure to pick up sodium-free bouillon cubes as added salt can actually cause your dog to dehydrate even further.

With a little extra flavor, your dog will be much more willing to drink during the day.

Also, if your dog won’t drink the broth on his own, you can pour it over his food for a special treat.

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Rub your dog’s paws with organic coconut oil.

Everyone’s skin—including your dog’s skin—produces natural oils called sebum.

It’s this oil that prevents the skin from drying and cracking.

In the winter months, it’s common for a dog’s paws to split and crack because the paws are exposed to dry, cold air or irritants like salted roads.

The solution: rehydrate your pup’s paws with coconut oil.

Coconut oil is full of natural vitamins that hydrate and soothe the skin. In fact, it’s so good at hydrating skin that many human lip balms and moisturizers are coconut-oil-based.

Aside from hydration, coconut oil is packed with powerful antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal agents.

So, if your pup does have a few sores from dry, irritated skin, a daily application of coconut oil can help soothe his wounds and heal them.

There are two methods you can use to administer coconut oil to your dog.

First, it’s totally safe to apply coconut oil to your dog’s skin topically.

The only warning I have regarding this method is that your dog might lick at the coconut oil.

While coconut oil is completely safe for your dog to ingest, licking might further irritate the area on your dog’s skin that you are trying to soothe.

If your dog is a licker, you might want to try my second method—giving your dog coconut oil orally.

When your dog consumes coconut oil, it acts as a superfood and not only helps keep your pup’s skin hydrated, but can also…

  • Balance insulin levels.
  • Promote normal thyroid function.
  • Prevent or control diabetes.
  • Aid arthritis and ligament problems.
  • Help prevent infection and disease.
  • Naturally increase your dog’s energy.

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Give your dog an oatmeal bath.

If your dog has dry, flaky skin, an easy and inexpensive remedy is to give him an oatmeal bath.

Believe it or not, there’s actually some science behind why oatmeal relieves itch.

Oatmeal contains naturally occurring chemicals called avenanthramides and phenols. These natural chemicals have anti-inflammatory properties which reduce swelling and itch.

There are two ways you can create an oatmeal bath for your pup.

The first method is to purchase unflavored rolled oats from your grocery store.

This is a very cheap way to buy the supplies to make several oatmeal baths. You can usually purchase a large can of oatmeal for just a few dollars.

Once you have the oats, place a cup or so in a warm bath, mix the water up, and then bathe your pup.

If you don’t want to deal with the mess of cleaning up after an oatmeal bath, the second method is to purchase oatmeal-based dog shampoo.

This type of shampoo is often more expensive, but delivers the same benefits with a lot less cleanup.

Interested in learning how to make your own oatmeal shampoo for your dog?

[thrive_2step id=’11720′]Download my FREE recipe here!

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Disclaimer: Ensuring Your Dog’s Safety This Winter Season

Before I wrap things up, I think it’s important to mention that winter-related skin issues can become serious health problems.

If your dog has hot spots, cracking skin, or other cold-weather-related health issues, it’s important that you take him to see the vet.

Your dog’s vet will be able to prescribe the right course of treatment to ensure your pup’s skin issues don’t get infected or cause worse health problems.

I hope you and your pup have a safe and wonderful winter season.

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Cheers,

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Doggy Dan Signature
~Doggy Dan 🙂

The TOP 3 Dog Popsicle Recipes of ALL TIME! (That Your Pup Can Indulge in This Summer)

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Everyone loves indulging in a cold treat on a hot day—even your dog!

That being said, a lot of human treats, like…

  • Dairy-based ice cream
  • Sugar-laden popsicles
  • Artificially flavored slushies

…aren’t a healthy or safe option for your pup.

Not to mention, if your dog is obese, those fat and sugar-filled treats could contribute to major health issues for your pup.

So what kind of cool treat can you spoil your dog with this summer?

I personally recommend homemade dog popsicles.

Not only are they easy to make and cheap, but they are also safe and packed with nutritious ingredients that are actually good for your dog—in moderation of course!

(There is nothing like knowing EXACTLY what your dog is eating!)

Here are the top 3 dog popsicle recipes that I recommend…

Coming in at #3…

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#3 – Pumpkin Dog Popsicles

Pumpkin is a food that is really healthy for dogs to consume.

The reason—it’s packed with…

  • Soluble fiber.
  • Vitamin A.
  • Vitamin C.
  • Zinc.
  • Natural oils that improve urinary health.

This summer, skip the processed dog ice cream you can find in the grocery store and whip your pup up this healthy treat instead.

Check out how it’s made…it’s so simple!!!

Ingredients:

  • 1 can pumpkin puree (This is different from pumpkin pie filling. Do NOT purchase that.)
  • Plain yogurt

Directions:

  1. Mix equal parts pumpkin puree with plain yogurt in a bowl.
  2. Place mixture in an ice cube tray or popsicle mold.
  3. Freeze until solid.

My #2 favorite is…

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#2 – Blueberry Dog Popsicle

(Partly because I actually enjoy these ones, too!)

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Blueberries are…

  • Low in calories.
  • High in vitamin C.
  • High in fiber.
  • Packed with antioxidants.

The best part…they are completely safe for dogs to eat.

That’s why I recommend this blueberry dog popsicle.

Made with plain yogurt (which is also good for your dog’s digestive system) and fresh blueberries, this is a refreshing treat you can feed your dog without any guilt!

Here is how they are made…

Ingredients:

  • 1 package of fresh blueberries
  • Plain yogurt

Directions:

  1. Place ½ cup blueberries in a bowl and gently crush them.
  2. Add ½ cup plain yogurt into the bowl with the crushed blueberries.
  3. Fold the ingredients together.
  4. Scoop the mixture into an ice cube tray or popsicle mold.
  5. Freeze until solid.

And my ultimate, #1 favorite dog popsicle is….

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#1 – Chicken Dog Popsicles

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That’s right…chicken flavored popsicles!

Okay now, I know it may not be your idea of the dream dessert, but for your dog it’s the best!

Here’s how to make it…

Ingredients:

  • Chicken scraps
  • Sodium-free chicken broth

Directions:

  1. Peel all the meaty scraps off a leftover chicken. If you don’t have a leftover chicken carcass to pick from, that’s ok. Cook up a chicken breast to use!
  2. Fill ice cube tray or popsicle mold with chicken broth.
  3. Throw some chicken meat into each mold. Be sure there are NO bones in the scraps you are using.
  4. Freeze and then serve to your pup!

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All of these recipes are safe, natural frozen treat options that I highly recommend trying out this summer.

That being said, all dogs have different dietary needs. Here are a few things to consider before feeding your dog anything new…

  1. Check to make sure your dog doesn’t have a dairy allergy. While yogurt is safe for most dogs, it’s possible your pup could have a sensitivity to it. Test it out by giving your pup a spoonful of it to see how he reacts.
  2. The same rule goes for the blueberries and pumpkin puree. These two foods are normally 100% safe for animal consumption. However, if you’ve never fed your dog these food items before, introduce them in a small quantity just to be safe.
  3. It never hurts to ask your vet before giving your dogs a new food. If you have any worries, ring up your vet’s office. The vet or vet techs should be able to say “yes” or “no” to these recipes depending on your dog’s unique needs.
  4. We already mentioned it, but for safety, we’ll remind you once more.
    1. Never include chicken bones in the chicken pops.
    2. Only use PLAIN yogurt.
    3. Purchase plain pumpkin puree, NOT pumpkin pie filling.
  5. Moderation is key. All of these recipes are safe and natural; however, they all do contain calories. It’s not a good idea to overfeed your pet anything. One pop a week or for special occasions should be more than enough. If your dog is overweight, consult your vet before feeding him these treats.

Between swimming, trips to the beach, and long walks with your dog, the summer months are a lot of fun!

However, summertime can also be dangerous for animals—especially regarding the heat.

For your pet’s safety, I’ve put together a complimentary list of things you can do to keep your dog safe, happy, and cool this summer.

[thrive_2step id=’10368′]↓ DOWNLOAD your FREE copy here! ↓ [blank_space height=’1em’]

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Print it out, tack it to your bulletin board, and use it to ensure your dog stays safe this summer.

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Cheers,
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Doggy Dan Signature
~Doggy Dan

Dog Obesity: Is My Dog’s Weight Damaging His Health?

As dog lovers, we want to do everything possible to provide our pups with the best life ever. And sometimes, that means spoiling our dogs with all sorts of treats, chews, and table scraps.

I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that. However, I do believe that moderation is key.

I’ve gone to far too many consults where I’ve noticed a dog I’m working with is carrying way more weight than he should be.

While some people think it’s cute to have a pudgy pup, excess fat can have detrimental effects on a dog’s health and well-being.

So, how dangerous is it?

Keep reading to find out more about YOUR dog’s weight and health…

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Canine Obesity: Is My Dog’s Weight Damaging His Health?

Our dogs may look adorable when they’re on the heavy side. But, dogs who are obese are far more likely to develop serious health problems than those who are lean.

According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, the number of overweight dogs is increasing at an alarming rate each year.

In fact, in 2017, 56% of dogs were classified as obese!

That’s essentially one in every two dogs.

What’s worse is most dog lovers don’t realize how the excess weight is affecting their furry best friend so they don’t try to help their dog lose weight.

Often dog owners also don’t realize that their dog has gained the weight—especially when the weight gain is very gradual.

This is why it’s so important to keep a close eye on your dog. Catching a dog’s weight gain early will significantly help you get it back under control in order to prevent dangerous diseases and other health issues.

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How to Tell If Your Dog Is Overweight

Chances are, if you’re reading this right now, you are worried about your dog’s weight.

The good news is that you’re in the right place! And, I’m going to share some steps you can take to determine if your dog is dangerously obese or not.

If you’re not sure if your dog is overweight, the first step is to bring your dog to the veterinarian to step on the doggy scale.

Your vet will review her charts and check to see if the weight gain is alarmingly higher than your dog’s last visit.

Your veterinarian can also let you know if your dog is overweight based on the “body condition scale”.

The body condition scale is a hands-on technique that helps measure the health of your dog.

If you can’t take a trip to the vet, you can try the “rib check” at home.

Click here to get step-by-step instructions on how to do the rib check!

On a healthy dog, you’re able to feel the ribs under a thin layer of skin. If you need to push into your dog to feel her ribs, there’s a good chance she’s overweight.

After you have felt for your dog’s ribs, it’s important to get a side view.

Is your dog’s belly sagging toward the floor? If so, this is another sign your dog may be overweight. Dogs with a healthy weight generally have a taper to their stomach.

The last way you can check is by standing over your dog. Your dog should have a silhouette like an hourglass. If your dog appears to be rounded from the overhead view, he may be overweight.

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Should an Overweight Dog Be Put on a Diet?

If or when you do notice your dog is overweight, you should not immediately place your dog on a diet.

The reason: Weight gain often indicates that your dog may have an underlying medical condition.

If you notice your dog is gaining weight, it’s best to take him to a veterinarian who can run blood tests to check for abnormalities.

Conditions like hypothyroidism and Cushing’s disease could be the reason your dog is obese, and a diet alone won’t fix the weight gain.

If your dog does check out normal at the vet, then it’s a good time to put your dog on a diet.

Be sure to ask your vet how much your dog should be eating and what types of food he should be given to lose the excess pounds.

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Dog Diets: How Much Should My Dog Eat?

If you have the medical clearance from your veterinarian, you may want to immediately place your dog on a diet.

That being said, a dog’s diet isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” solution.

Every dog is different and requires a different amount of food.

One of the most common reasons dogs become overweight is that they have been fed based on what the label on the dog food says. It’s important to understand, the label is a general guideline—it’s not correct for every dog.

To determine exactly what portion of food your dog should eat, a number of factors need to be considered including your dog’s…

  • Weight.
  • Activity level.
  • Breed.
  • Gender.
  • And more!

As I said earlier, your veterinarian or canine nutritionist can assist you in putting together a meal plan that will work for your dog.

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What Will Happen If I Don’t Help My Dog Lose Weight?

Dogs who are obese are at greater risk for developing:

For these reasons, dog obesity is a serious problem and not to be taken lightly.

If your dog is overweight, now is the time to start putting measures in place to help him lose a few pounds to avoid these horrible health issues.

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The Bottom Line on Dog Obesity

Obesity kills dogs every day and is a matter that should not be taken lightly.

If your dog is obese, it’s important to place him on a strategic diet and exercise routine. For more information check out this article.

Most important, it’s vital that you follow through with the weight loss routine in order to prevent your dog from becoming obese again.

Follow your veterinarian’s instructions, and it won’t take long for your dog to get back to living a happy, comfortable, and healthy life.

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[blank_space height=’1em’]While we’re on the topic of food, I wanted to quickly mention treat training.

Food can be an incredible motivator, but it can also negatively impact your dog’s health and ability to listen to you when it matters most.

For that reason, I’ve decided to put together a FREE guide for you on the [thrive_2step id=’9789′]➜ Dos and Don’ts of Dog Treat Training[/thrive_2step] (including 5 of the more popular treats your dog will love!)

[thrive_2step id=’9789′][/thrive_2step]

[thrive_2step id=’9789′]↓ DOWNLOAD your FREE copy here! ↓[/thrive_2step]

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Cheers,
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Doggy Dan Signature
~Doggy Dan