Life-Threatening Bugs to Be Aware of (A Guest Post)

It's been quite a while since we've had someone do a guest post for us. And we're truly sorry for not visiting you guys. Don't worry! Them goggies are in SUPER condition. 

We've had a few bumps in the road-- Chooey's eye surgery, Baby Girl's spaying and surgery, Asti's corneal ulcer due to old age... and Cheetos (don't get me starting with Cheetos). I got battle scars: attempted bites, scratch marks, and nail punctures.

Thousands of dangerous insects and bugs present today could harm you, your family, and even your pets. They could be living in your home right now. To prevent any life-threatening events, you need to be aware of some of the common dangerous bugs. Once you know more about them, you can avoid interacting with them and do whatever it takes to exterminate them.

Black Widow

A black widow is highly poisonous and has a venom that is 14 times even more potent than that of a rattlesnake. Though the death rate when bitten by this spider is 5%, they do cause several symptoms that may kill you if not addressed quickly. Here are some effects of getting bitten by a black widow:

• muscle aches
• nausea
• difficulty in breathing

The good news is, they will not try to bite you unless they feel threatened. Also, you will not feel any pain. However, you might not notice it because of the same reason. Children who weigh under 15 kilograms and the elderly need to avoid interacting with a black widow at all costs since they are most vulnerable. People with heart conditions are also at higher risk of suffering from severe symptoms.

Fire Ants

As the name suggests, these ants are red and attack people with both a sting and bite. You will need to avoid fire ant mounds as these mounds will contain more than 100,000 of these bugs. Once they've latched on people, they will continuously inject histamine, which is their venom, into the body. They will only stop once you brush them off or kill them. Its sting may not be life-threatening, but the infections that may occur because of it may be unsafe. If you get bitten, you may experience one or a couple of these:

• pain, swelling, itching, and redness of the puncture site
• excessive sweating
• slurred speech
• chest pain
• shortness of breath

Kissing Bug

You can find this bug mostly in the southern part of the United States. The kissing bug carries with it Chaga's diseases. You may suffer from this condition when the insect delivers its feces into your bloodstream. Chaga's disease will cause severe symptoms, like:

• body aches
• swelling and redness at the bite site
• fever
• fatigue
• nausea and vomiting
• liver enlargement
• edema around the eye
• heart failure and other conditions

Ticks

Ticks bring with them various kinds of infections. The most common ones that people know of are Lyme disease, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. However, they could also infect you with other viruses and bacteria like Heartland virus, Possawan virus, anaplasmosis, and babesiosis. All of these infections can be life-threatening not only to you, humans but also to your pet companions.

Asian Giant Hornets

This strain of hornet is the biggest and deadliest one in the world yet. You can find these scary bugs, mostly in Southeast and East Asia. However, you may also encounter them in Virginia and Illinois. The Asian Giant Hornet has such a potent venom that can damage your blood cells, which could lead to kidney failure. If you do not get it treated swiftly and correctly, you may die. These giant hornets are attracted to your sweat and the taste and smell of alcohol and sweets.

Arizona Bark Scorpions

Not all scorpions have potent venom, but those that do can kill a person. The Arizona Bark Scorpions are one of the most dangerous scorpions that you can find in the United States. You can search for them in the Sonoran Desert, which is in Arizona and California. These scorpions don't have the best vision, and they rely mostly on their sense of smell and the vibrations they feel. If you get stung by this scorpion, you may experience:

• painful swelling at the sting site
• difficulty in breathing
• muscle spasms

Puss Caterpillar
If you see something that looks cute in the wild, try to restrain yourself from touching it. It could be a puss caterpillar, which has strands of hair coming out from all sides. These hairs are toxic that will stick on your body and can cause a very painful reaction. It is known to be the most dangerous caterpillar in the U.S. Once you get stung, you will feel immediate pain not only on the infection site but even in your bones. Also, the sensation will rapidly worsen. Looks really can be deceiving!

Africanized Honey Bees

The other name for these species is a killer bee. This strain was the result of the accidental cross-breeding of African honey bees and European honey bees many years ago. You can now encounter these deadly bees in southern Texas and San Francisco. The problem with this hybrid is that they react much faster when disturbed. They could attack any living creature that creates colony disturbance at a much more aggressive way compared to other species. Once you remove the bee's stinger and venom from its body, it will immediately die.

Brown Recluse Spider

For those of you living in the Southeastern and Midwestern states, be cautious of these spiders. They look different from other species as they don't have eight eyes, and has a violin pattern on their backs. Good news for you is, they will not attack you if you do not aggravate them in any way. They hide in warm and dark environments, so there is a possibility that they could be living in your closets.

Precautionary Measures

To avoid any life-threatening events, you will need to be more careful and be more aware of your environment. Your home could be harboring some insects, arachnids, bugs, etc. that may be harmful to your health. Try to have an exterminator come and check out all parts of your house regularly.

Also, you need to know more about what kinds of insects are in your state. You need to be aware of these pieces of information to discover what you need to do to avoid them and when you get bitten by them.

For your pets, take a step further by buying them the best flea and tick shampoo. If they use this shampoo, both you and your animal companion will benefit from it.

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Helping an Adult Dog Adapt After Moving (A Guest Post)

Recently, we've been busy with offline life. One of my friends asked if I could help him find a dog for his kids. To my luck and surprise, I was able to find a juvenile dog from a good breeder. Unlike puppies, they're a little more challenging to transport from one place to another. We've had obstacles like ship travel cancellations, pet embargo issues with plane (Shih Tzus are no longer allowed to ride the plane, by the way), and other hiccups like the pup's absence of anti-rabies vaccination. Since Benjie, the Shih Tzu, was registered here in our city, anti-rabies shots are free. However, the sticker for the Rabisin vaccine was not given to us by the City Veterinary Officer. We had to go back and ask for it, so Benjie (along with his quarantine papers) is given a shipping permit and can travel along with other doggies.

Just relaxing with his new owner on the bunk bed...

Moving house is never easy, not for humans and not for dogs either. If you've got a pet pooch and are planning to take him – and everything else – to some place new, then we’ve got the low down on how to help him adjust to his new environment in the most painless way possible. Read on to find out more.

Plan Ahead

To ensure your dog adapts to moving house, there are a number of things you should do before the big move. Plan ahead, and you will avoid unwelcome surprises later on down the line. Check the local laws in your new area: if there are any breed bans, different leash laws, what licenses you need to own and so on. Also make sure your landlord or neighborhood associations will accept your breed of dog. Make sure your dog has I.D and is microchipped, in case he runs away from (his new) home. Organize a new vet, and do your research into whether your dog will need any new vaccinations or preventative medication.

Shih Tzu Travelling by Ship in the Philippines

Prepare your beloved canine for the big move by crate training him in advance! You can easily do that by first utilizing a puppy playpen to get your dog used to crating and then moving on to using an actual crate. Because your pup won't be too keen if he's forced to go in a crate for the very first time on moving day. Also start packing and putting boxes out ahead of time, so that by the time the big day arrives he is used to it. Again, you don't want to put your dog in a tizz by packing up the whole house right before you go. If you are down-sizing to a smaller home or apartment (or doing the opposite), your dog will probably have to play by a different set of rules once you move. For example, you might be living closer to neighbors now, in which case your dog won't be allowed to make as much noise. So you should start training him for that well in advance.

Also check with your vet to see if he can give your dog any anti-anxiety medications during the big move: you will probably want to trial one or several of these beforehand.

On moving day

Once moving day itself comes round, it may be a good idea to have your pet absent from proceedings. Boarding your dog with a good pet sitter is a good way of shielding him from the chaos of the move. He will have to be packed eventually though, and when doing that, try to make the experience as painless and as comfortable as possible for him. Pack plenty of towels, treats, bedding and his favorite toys. A good idea is to bring the smell of the old, familiar house with him using these items. Make sure your dog's cage or container is properly ventilated and secure, in order to prevent the possibility of any escapes. Try to feed your dog lightly on the big day so that he doesn't get sick during the journey.

Adjusting to the new home

Phew! Moving to a new home made some doggy so tired.

Immediately after arriving at your new home - this is the time that a dog is most likely to escape. So make sure escape is impossible, first by locking all the gates and ensuring the fences surrounding your home are secure, and by keeping your dog on a leash when exploring his new territory. Re-create as much as you can the set-up at your old house, so that the new living space is still somewhat familiar to your pet. Retain the old walking and feeding schedules. When getting to know the new neighborhood, broaden your dog's horizons very gradually, so that he is not overwhelmed. And make your dog's new life fun! Be sure to reward him with plenty of treats, snacks and games: before long he will not miss his old life at all, because the new one is so enjoyable.

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Benefits of Grooming your Dog

Many dog owners work hard to make sure that their pets enjoy a treat at a professional groomers’ salon.

Some even prefer to do this at home by investing heavily in the best shears for dog grooming as well as other tools that help to do the job in the proper manner.

For many people, grooming is just a process that makes their canine glow. What you may not know is that there are numerous other perks that come with the process as outlined below.

Health Check

Your furry friend gets a good health check when it goes through the grooming process. As you are brushing its coat, you can notice any suspicious lumps or bumps that may be hidden by the fur. This will also help you to identify any mats that may be making the mutt feel pain or great discomfort.

The crucial process can prevent the infestations of ticks and flees. As soon as you spot them remove them safely from the pet as you take further action to make sure they do not become a nuisance anymore.

As you brush the dogs’ teeth regularly, it becomes easier to note if there are any bleeding or sore gums as well as bad breathe that may be as a result of health issues. Trimming nails can assist the groomer to know if there is anything that is caught in between the paw pads or whether there are any sensitive spots.

From today, you can think of grooming as a regular health check as well. Discovering health issues sooner can save your furry friend from a lot of agony as the vet will be able to quickly take care of it.

Socialization

Grooming your canine can help the pup or the adult dog to get used to being touched. You and your four-legged buddy will get more acquitted as you lavish it with lots of love and attention going through the grooming process.

Photo by Александр Гросс on Unsplash 

This works whether you opt for DIY or taking it to the expert groomer. At the groomers, you can also help to keep your companion calm as the professional does the magic. This is something that is bound to strengthen the bond between you and your pet to enjoy a more fulfilling relationship.

Keep Your House and Surroundings Clean

When your pet is well-groomed, it will also contribute to the general cleanliness of your abode. Your pet will not have a chance to spread dirt and debris all over the house because it will always be clean.

Grooming well helps to control shedding, so that you do not have to keep dealing with annoying hairs all the time.

Prevents Costly Procedures

Everyone is looking to save a coin in different aspects of their lives. Should you embark on the journey of making sure that you groom your dog often, you can end up saving loads of cash.

When you notice that there is something wrong with your pet, alerting the vet as soon as possible. This can help to solve the issue fast as you do not have to spend a lot of money on the problem. For instance, if you neglect the anal glands of your pet, they may fill up and end up bursting. This causes unnecessary pain and demands costly surgery procedures to treat.

Allows the Pet to Cool Off Well

Dogs typically cool off by panting as well as air circulation through and around their pads. Extra-long hairs can impair this ability. When you trim the hairs every now and then it can also prevent the pet from slipping on wood or tile floors injuring themselves.

Relaxation

The same way you crave and enjoy spa days is the same way your pet will enjoy a relaxing grooming experience. The pets get to kick back and bask in the pampering they deserve.

You cannot fault your pet for loving you a little bit more should you decide to allow them to experience this often. You can even find that they will try and remind you it is grooming time.

Dog treats, endless cuddles, bones, and runs across the parks are just some of the ways you can keep your canine pal happy and healthy. Throw in frequent grooming sessions and you will easily earn the award of best mum/dad or friend.

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How to go camping with your dog (a guest post)

Photo by Heather Mount on Unsplash

Dogs are friendly, energetic animals that love nothing more than the call of the wilderness. Much like us humans, they enjoy being around nature (some dogs more than others, such as the Blue Nose Pitbull), jumping and running around, enjoying the freedom a forest or a waterfall gives you. This is why going outside the city for a while is great, not only for your furry best friend, but for yourself as well. It helps you connect with nature, bond with your dog, and get rid of daily life’s stress.

But, before picking up your camping gear and your dog and going on a great adventure, there are some things that you need to know first. They mostly have to do with your dog’s safety and well-being, so keep on reading to know more!

Photo by Savs on Unsplash

1.    Assess your dog’s personality

In the end, some dogs are just not made for camping. They’re either not great in the outdoors or are too aggressive to be around other pets and children. So, before going on a camping vacation with your best friend, make a honest assessment of his personality, and decide for yourself if camping suits him!

2.    Look for dog-friendly campsites

Not all campsites welcome dogs (even though they should, honestly), so make sure to do your research first before choosing a place. There is nothing worse than arriving to the site you’ve chosen and spotting a giant “No dogs allowed” sign at the entrance. So, do your homework, and look around camping forums to know where to go. 

Photo by Patrick Hendry on Unsplash

BringFido is a website where you can research dog-friendly campsites all around the world. Knowledge is only one click away, so make sure to use it!

3.    Make sure your dog is trained correctly

You might think your dog is well-trained, but is he “camp-trained”? This might come as a surprise, but just because your pooch is behaving at home, it does not mean he will do the same as soon as you arrive to the wilderness. Dogs are curious creatures, and yours will want to go around and discover his surroundings. They will go out of their way to satisfy their curiosity, which is why your dog should know campsite etiquette.

Your dog should be able to come as soon as you call him, either using his name or a dog whistle, and that, even if there are distractions around. The best place to train him to do that is at the dog park. In the end, when it comes to training your dog on campsite etiquette, the best thing is positive reinforcement. If you make your dog actually want to listen to you, then you’ve made it all!

4.    Take him to the vet before your trip

Taking a short trip to the vet never hurts, especially before a camping trip. Your best friend’s doctor will let you know if there are any special precautions you would have to take and will make sure that all your dog’s vaccines are up to date. The veterinarian can also help you make a list of what to take in your pet’s first aid kit instead of emergencies, which takes us to the next point.

5.    Always be ready for emergencies

You can do that by making a card that has important information on it, such as your address, your dog’s health history etc… You will also need to make sure that your dog’s tags are up to date, as well as his microchip. And finally, don’t forget to purchase a pet’s first aid kit, or make your own.

6.    Choose the right water and food bowls

Collapsible bowls are all the rage right now, and it’s understandable why. They’re practical, light, and easy to use. So, make sure to bring a couple for your dog’s food and water. Carrying them won’t be a problem, as they tend not to be heavy at all. Have some water on you at all time as well, since dogs need to be hydrated frequently, especially if you’re camping on hot summer days.

7.    Finally, don’t forget to have fun

Photo by Wyatt Ryan on Unsplash

Whether you’re the proud parent of a Great Dane or of a Husky Lab mix, camping with your dog will not always be an easy task, but it will be an enjoyable one. So, make sure to have a blast during your camping trip, and always take care of your dog!

Writer’s photo

Writer’s bio:

Hi, I'm Houda, a fulltime writer, traveler, and self-proclaimed dog person. I also make lame jokes, write poetry, and love eating weird food in faraway countries. Did I mention that I was a dog person? Yeah, give me all the puppies please.

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7 Top Tips to Improve Your Dog’s Diet

Your dog’s diet isn’t something that should be taken lightly. Just in a similar way that you wouldn’t feed yourself, below-par, substandard food, you should ensure that your dog also consumes only the best.

The biggest contributing factors to a dog’s health and welling are exercise, mental health and you guessed it, diet.

Your dog’s eating habits can have a very real impact on not only their present health, but also the longevity of their life.

Below are my top tips to follow to make sure your canine companion gets all the nutrients they need to live a long and happy life:

Quality over Brand

Each and every time you turn on the television or open a magazine there’s a good chance that you’ll see an advert for [insert generic dog food brand here]. These companies that mass produce dog food, package them in shiny, colourful foil and relentlessly shove them under your nose spend millions on branding and advertising each year. However, it may be worth them spending some more time on creating a product that’s better for your dog.

Many well know dog food brands include a large amount of grain within their product. This grain is not good for your dog as their digestive system can often struggle to break it down.

By switching to a quality grain free dog food that contains a higher meat content your pup will be avoid many digestive issues.

Fresh Foods

Introducing fresh foods such as fruit and vegetables to your dog’s diet will provide your dog with lots of live enzymes that will contribute to better overall health.

 

Fresh fruit and vegetables are also rich in fibre will help to conquer any of your dog’s digestive issues.

Avoid Cooked Meats

We’ve all been known to pop a little bit of our leftovers/extra dinner into the dog’s bowl; and whilst this won’t do much real harm, these foods would be far more beneficial to them if they weren’t cooked.

Organic is Best

This seems obvious, but organic fruit and veg is no doubt more beneficial for you dog than food that is pumped full of preservatives. Even though many non-organic foods are labelled fit for consumption, studies do indicate that they aren’t particularly safe.

Gluten is a no no

A lot of generic dried pet food contain gluten. This gluten is included in the food to stop lower class fats from going off and becoming rancid.

Gluten can be very harmful to your dog’s liver and kidneys as it forces waste products to be retained rather than excreted. On top of this, gluten is one of the main reasons that your dogs ‘passing of wind’ can often kick up such a stench – which is no good for anybody.

No Over Feeding

We’re guilty of over feeding our pups every now and again, but we really shouldn’t. Over feeding your dog will of course bring on weight gain, and as they grow older (and less active) this weight gain will accelerate leading to muscle and joint problems.

If you dog is overweight then feed him/her earlier in the day. This will give them more time to burn it off walking etc. Similarly, if your dog is in a position where they need to gain a little weight, then increase the amount of feeds per day, and feed them before bed time – this means they won’t have the chance to burn off the food.

Is your tap water good enough?

One thing that is rarely considered when it comes to dog’s diets is the quality of water that they take on. In my experience, the vast majority just fill their dog’s water bowl up with tap water; and there’s nothing wrong with that.

However, tap water contains a number of chemicals that aren’t great for dogs. So, it’s a good idea to either filter your dog’s water before filling up their bowl, or even buy in some quality bottled water for your dog. Trust me, they’ll thank you for it.

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3 Tips for Dog Owners Looking to Groom Their Pet at Home (Guest Post)

Visiting professional groomers is a luxury. Although we love spoiling our canine friends and they do deserve certain indulgences, regular visits to professional grooming studios can be quite expensive. By grooming your dog at home you can increase the period between two professional grooming treatments. Or you can even skip going to salons and do everything yourself.

Oreo doesn't look happy at all...

Remember that dogs of all breeds need regular grooming. The only difference between different breeds is the time that needs to spent on doing so – from once every few weeks to a few hours a week.

To make things easier, we have compiled a list of 3 simple tips for DIY dog grooming. If you follow these simple steps, grooming your dog at home can be quite an easy process but it will still take a little bit of practice and patience.

1. Educate yourself and your dog

It is advisable to research your dog’s breed and its coat type in order to learn what to expect of the grooming session and which tools you will need.

Different coat types require different tools. If you feel confused, it might be a good idea to schedule an appointment at a professional groomer for a one-time consultation. During the consultation, the professional groomer can teach you how to keep the grooming sessions short and pleasant.

You can read every blog and article available online and even purchase the best grooming equipment available on the market, but if your dog does not want to be handled, the grooming session is doomed.

To avoid such situations, train your dog to enjoy grooming during its puppyhood. Use positive reinforcement techniques, like treats and praises, to associate the grooming session with positive experience.

2. Brushing and bathing

It is not advised to bath your dog without brushing it first. Brushing or combing, helps mechanically remove the dirt from your dog’s coat and it also unclogs tangled hairs. If you find a mat that cannot be untangled do not hesitate to cut it out.

When brushing your dog at home, make sure to brush your entire dog. It is true that certain areas like faces, tails and legs can be trickier, but they need to be groomed too.

Even in short haired breeds it is important to brush all areas, because brushing increases the blood circulation in the skin, thus promoting healthy skin, for growth and proper skin oil production.

Once properly brushed, you can proceed to bathing your dog. Start by wetting the coat thoroughly all the way to the skin with lukewarm water.

When the dog is wet enough, apply the shampoo and let it stay for a while. Then rinse your dog thoroughly and remove the excess water with towel. You can either leave your dog to dry naturally or you can use hair dryer. When bathing your dog, never forget to clean its eyes, ears and teeth and clip its nails.

Since frequent bathing disrupts the natural balance of the microorganisms on your dog’s skin and leads to skin and coat issues, try to minimize the number of baths and bath your dog only when it is too dirty and before trimming its coat.

3. Always use appropriate tools

The first rule to DIY dog grooming is to never use human clippers. Human clippers have only one length of blade and since that length is often too short for dogs, it can cause skin burns.

Human clippers also produce much more heat and are less powerful when compared to dog clippers. If you plan on grooming your dog at home on a regular basis, it is of paramount importance to obtain a good dog clipper. High quality dog clippers cost around $100 and above, but at the end you get what you pay for. Dog clippers are an investment that pays off.

It is important to remember that certain areas of your dog’s body are thinner and those areas should be clipped with extra care and caution.

These areas include the face, eyes, ear flaps and edges, armpits, belly, underside of the neck, sanitary areas, toes and tendons on legs. Improper handling of these areas causes the skin to pull up quickly and catches into the grooming tools, thus causing bruising and cutting.

The second most important tool is the scissors. There are many types of scissors and they all serve different purpose. For example thinning scissors are used for extremely thick coats that need to be thinned out; curved scissors are used to trim and shape the fur around the contour of the dog’s body; rounded tipped safety scissors are used for cutting the hairs in delicate areas. The straight scissors are the most universal tool and can be used on most coat types.

Last but not least, think about getting a dog grooming table. Placing your dog on a table makes it easier to restrain it and it is also easier on your back.

Chooey's Note: The pack would like to thank a Miss Jenny for this guest post contribution because Haopee is currently "preoccupied" and too busy to tend for the blog.

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Dogs and Holiday Traditions, What Say You?

Speaking of Holidays... I know I'm supposed to talk about the Christmas Season, but I'm sure it'll be perfectly fine to just dabble a bit on the past.

The Lenten Season begins on the first Wednesday of March and ends on Easter Sunday. In reality, bunnies don't poop jellybeans, nor do they leave chicken eggs behind. If they did, they'd probably have battle scars from battling for that egg. And I think with the current taxes and remittances to our social security system, it'll be hard for the rabbits to buy paint brushes because they have to take care of baby bunnies and pay for food.

No Easter Bunnies here, just one St. Patrick's pug!

Kidding aside, for devout catholics, the Lenten season means no pork, beef, or meat. Within this period, our diet is limited to all kinds of fish dishes and vegetables. Fortunately, these traditions do not affect Chooey and the pack.  So it's no surprise that after eating, they end up plopping on the floor and sleeping like there's no tomorrow. You'd think they were doormat for dogs.

Just out of curiosity, do you guys have a tradition like Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, and St. Patrick's Day? If so, which of these do your dogs celebrate with you?

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Easy Crockpot Chicken Homemade Dog Food Recipe

When we talk about dog food, we usually think about canned food or food that comes in a bag.

But, did you know that homemade dog food is much more nutritious and good for your doggy friend? 

It’s true!

And making food for your dog is really easy. It’s also a healthier and a cheaper alternative to the store bought dog foods. The recipe that I’ll teach you today is freezer-friendly, so let’s start cooking! I’ll share my dog’s favorite crockpot chicken recipe with you today!

Let’s get started!

Chicken Noodle Soup Crockpot by Lesley Show, CC-BY 2.0

Ingredients: Crockpot Chicken Homemade Dog Food

The things that I really like about homemade dog food is that all the ingredients that you use come from a trusted source. 

And a lot of trusted dog food brands have been recalled over the years for bad ingredients and what not. 

So, making your own dog food at home does have a lot of advantages. And dogs love it! And this recipe is a known high protein dog food for pitbulls! For this recipe, you’ll need:

• 1 1/2 cups of brown rice
• 2 1/2 pounds of ground chicken
• 1 can of drained and rinsed kidney beans
• 1/2 cup of peas, frozen or canned
• 1 1/2 cups of chopped carrots
• 1 1/2 cups of finely chopped butternut squash

Make sure that all the ingredients are fresh and are fit for human consumption. 

There’s one more thing! If you’ve been feeding your dog strictly store-bought dog food, chances are that your doggy friend might not like the homemade dog food or may not even eat it at all! 

So, like every other new dog food brand, slowly introduce your puppy to the homemade dog food and I promise he’ll grow to love it!

Directions: Crockpot Chicken Homemade Dog Food 

Orange Garlic Chicken by Joel Kramer, CC BY 2.0

I really love how crockpot recipes are simple! For dogs and humans alike. 

Aren’t they just perfect for lazy people (like myself!)? All you have to go is gather all the ingredients and the slow cooker does all the work for you! Let me know your thoughts in the comments section…

Let’s look at the directions:

1. Stir the ground chicken, carrots, kidney beans, brown rice, butternut squash, peas and also add 4 cups water to a 6 qt crockpot.
2. Cover with the lid and cook the ingredients on low heat for about 5-6 hours. You can cook it on high heat for 2-3 hours depending upon the time you have. Stir the pot as much as needed.
3. Let the dog food cool completely.

Macros and Calorie Count for this Crockpot Chicken Homemade Dog Food Recipe

As you may already know, you need to keep your dog’s calories and macros in check. And, for that, you need to make sure you feed them just the right amount of food which depends on the dog’s age, breed, and lifestyle. So, following are the nutritional facts for this recipe:

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 
Servings Per Container: 1 cup

Amount Per Serving
Calories: 417.9
Calories from Fat: 217.8

% Daily Value*
Total Fat: 24.2g (37%)
Saturated Fat: 9.8g (49%)
Trans Fat: 0.6g
Cholesterol: 62.5mg (21%)
Sodium: 171.0mg (7%)
Total Carbohydrate: 28.9g (10%)
Dietary Fiber: 3.4g (14%)
Sugars: 1.8g
Protein: 20.5g (41%)

*The Percent Daily Values (PDV) are based on an average 2,000 calorie diet. Your dog’s PDV or daily values may be lower or higher depending on your dog’s calorie needs.

This recipe is higher in fat so keep in mind that this isn’t really the healthiest recipe for inactive/lazy dogs, or for older dogs. 

Make it a point to consult your vet before you make any big changes to your doggy friend’s diet!

Final Words!

I really hope that your doggy enjoys this easy crockpot chicken homemade dog food recipe! Mine just love it! 

But, there are a few thing you should keep in mind.

Let’s go over them, shall we?

1. This recipe is not ideal for old, inactive, and lazy dogs as it’s high in fat and relatively lower in protein.
2. Make sure that you slowly introduce your doggy friend to homemade food. Don’t make an abrupt change!
3. Always consult your vet before making any major changes in your dog’s diet!

Let me know how you doggy liked the recipe in the comments section below! 

Author's Bio:

Hello, everyone, my name is Paula Hughes, Foundation of blog https://lovepetjournal.com. I know a lot about dogs from experience so I provide my readers with first-hand, helpful information on how they can take care of their pets. I have prepared a lot of free information just for you.

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Tips for Keeping Your Dog’s Teeth Clean (Guest Post)

Are you taking care of your dog’s oral hygiene? Are your pet’s teeth clean? We often ignore the importance of oral hygiene of our dog. The first sign of the dental disease is bad breath. Periodontal disease can lead to serious health issues in our pet. Therefore, it is very important to take care of your pet teeth. 

If proper care is not taken, it can lead to painful abscesses, tooth loss, and infection in the dog’s body. It can also lead to increased risk for heart disease and permanent jaw damage. Look at his teeth and gums on a regular basis. I do the regular check-up of my dog’s teeth.

Dog’s teeth must be clean and white. Gums must be pink in color. Consult your vet if his teeth are brown and gums white or red. If the teeth are not cleaned properly, the situation can worsen.

So, it is very important to keep our dog’s teeth clean. Here are few tips to keep our dog’s teeth clean

1. Brush your Dog’s Teeth

• Brushing his teeth is quite important to prevent from the building of plaque.
• Brush his teeth often. Although your dog will not like to brush, you have to train him.
• Use toothpaste that is made for the dog. The chemicals present in the normal toothpaste can be toxic to the dog.
• Dog toothpaste comes in their favorite flavors of peanut butter or chicken.
• It helps to break down plaque and fight against bacteria.
• You can pick canine toothbrush.
• You can analyze that which your dog likes toothbrush.
• Start cleaning the teeth of your dog since his childhood.

2. Use Tooth Wipes for your Canine

If your dog dislikes brushing his teeth, then tooth wipes are the best solution.

• These tooth wipes are rubbed on the teeth to remove plaque.
• It will also remove bacteria and food from his teeth.
• They are not able to reach tiny nooks and corners else they work similar to brush.
• Easier to manage as compared to toothbrush and toothpaste.

3. Offer him Dental Treats

• Dental treats remove plaque. It contains ingredients that clean your dog’s mouth and keeps his breath fresh.
• They do the efficient cleaning of your dog’s mouth.
• Treats are available in different shapes, sizes, and flavors.
• My dog loves to clean his mouth with a dental treat.

4. Give him Dog Chews

There are many chews that have teeth cleaning properties and taking care of overall oral health.

• Chews are made from meat containing enzymes.
• Chews also help in removing plaques.
• There are many chews like cow ears, dry tendon, chicken strips and bully sticks.
• Your dog will enjoy chewing them.
• Zero calorie chews in rubber or nylon are also the best option to promote dental health as they help in cleaning his teeth by scraping the plaque.

P.S. Observe your dog when he chews to avoid choking.

5. Offer your Dog Fresh Food

Promote your dog to eat fresh vegetables, fruits, and meat as they form less tartar on teeth.

• It is an effective tool to improve their eating habits.
• It will keep their teeth healthy.
• Encourage him to eat homemade dog food.
• Whole foods will make his teeth stronger.
• In breakfast, you can give your dog slices of carrot, pumpkin or squash.
• Chewing these foods will scrape the food from his teeth.
• Avoid giving him the food made from By-products, cereal grains, and meals.

I avoid giving food rich in sugar and fats to my dog as they can stick to his teeth.

6. Give me Bones to Eat

Allowing your dog to chew the bone for 10-20 minutes after the meal is really necessary as it will help to reduce building plaque in upper and lower molar. This method need to be repeated for several times in a week.

After your dog has chewed the bone, wash it carefully, place it in the fridge and boil it before giving him next time; boiling the bone will make it softer to chew.

You also have to avoid the bones that are made from starch like corn, rice flour, and potato. But remember that starch-based bone can stick in teeth.

P.S.: My dog follows this practice every alternate day as it likes to chew the bone after the meal. Your dog will also like to chew the bone.

7. Use Teeth and Gum Cleaning Solution

You may use this method by mixing teeth and gum cleaning solution and applying to the teeth and gums. This mixture softens the plaque and helps to fight against bacteria as well as prevents the risk of gum disease.

In the case of bad breath, you can add baking soda or liquid chlorophyll in the solution then Apply it to upper molars. With the help of gauze sponge rub the solution on stained teeth.

This process need to be followed for 2-3 weeks. After that, you can scrape the plaque from the teeth by using a soft towel, Q-tip, and fingernails. For small dogs, you need to use a q tip to apply the solution on gums and teeth.

8. Offer him Professional Cleaning Sometimes

You can also go for a professional cleaning. It maintains your dog’s dental hygiene. Professional teeth cleaning become essential:

• If your dog is suffering from oral disorders such as excessive drooling, swollen red, painful gums, and growth in the mouth
• If there is a broken, crooked, or discolored tooth

This treatment is expensive, yet helpful if any of tooth problem goes unnoticed from your eyes.
Can cats eat dog food? The cat foods is different from the dog food. For proper nutrition, feed your cats on the food that are meant for them. Cats have different nutritional requirements when compared with dogs. Feeding your cat on dog’s food can result in malnourishment and illness in the cat.

For this method, you must:

• Make a habit to clean your dog’s teeth on a regular basis,
• Try to incorporate any of the cleaning mentioned above habits in your pet.
• Train your dog.
• Clean his teeth with the technique he is comfortable with.

With all your care, still, the dental problem can occur. The first symptom is the bad breath. It can result in other serious dental problems like drooling, lack of appetite and difficulty in eating. If your pet encounters any of the following symptoms, take him to vet for medical help.

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6 Tips to Help You Gain Better Control Over Your Dog

You love your dog and want to do whatever it takes to make him/her happy. It’s easy to get used to behaviours that would make you cringe if anybody else were around to see it. But, it’s important to show your dog that you’re the one who’s in charge.

Whether your dog barks excessively, growls, doesn’t listen to commands or jumps all over the place, there are things you can do.

Here are some things to try.

Tip 1: Exercise a Dog that is Bouncing off the Walls

Depending on your dog’s age, more or less exercise will be required. A 9-month-old lab needs at least 60 minutes of off leash frolicking every day. It is best to do this in the morning, so that the dog will be tired and relaxed most of the day. Older dogs and more sedate breeds will be happy with a leash walk. Know your dog and take visual and behavioural cues that she is bored and about to look for mischief.

Ready your tissues for this one... It's worth watching. 

Tip 2: Does Your Dog Use You as a Chew Toy?

If your dog uses you or your family as chew toys, the next thing to do is get those razor-sharp canines busy by making them work for their dinner. Buy food-dispensing toys, such as the Molecuball. Fill a hollow toy with mixed wet and dry food and freeze it overnight. Breakfast goes from a 30-second hoovering to a fun 40-minute adventure that will likely put them out for a nap.

Tip 3: Reward Only Good Behaviour

Negative reinforcement in the form of reprimands or shouting simply does not work. Dogs crave attention, any attention, and your shouts may be misconstrued as a sign that it's play time. You have to train yourself to notice the polite behaviour and show attention in those moments, maybe they get a long scratch or an occasional biscuit. Even better, take them for a walk or to play outside. Once they figure out that attention comes to quiet, patient dogs, she will start to repeat the behaviour to get the reward.

Tip 4: Give Time-Outs

Some behaviours, such as jumping and mouthing are unpleasant and even painful. To avoid injuring someone, your dog needs to be introduced to consequences. If they jump up on someone or try to use them as a chew toy, give them a 30-second time-out.

Chew toys...

Whenever they jump up, use a catch phrase, such as "Uh oh!" Then, follow up by putting him in an area set aside for just that purpose. During the time-out, the dog should be ignored. Keep a short leash at home to make it easier to control them if they resists arrest.

Tip 5: Work on Impulse Control

Whenever possible, look for teachable moments to reward your dog when they’re calm and controlled. This is part of their impulse control training. For example, ask them to come sit by you and wait quietly before eating. Here are some other conditioning exercises that will help your pup become the dog you know they can be.

• Waiting for your cue before jumping in or out of a car
• Waiting quietly for a cue before leaving the crate
• Teaching then to "settle" on voice command

Tip 6: Call in the Big Dogs, Dog Trainers

If you want a well-trained dog and are willing to reinforce good behaviour, then consider taking them to a dog trainer to control their behaviour. Your dog can be trained alone or in a group. There are a number of options available, and you should talk to the dog trainer to see what might work best for you and your pet.

Having a dog should be a joyous experience and you should be able to form a companionship with them. This won’t be possible if you don’t take the necessary steps to control them.

I'd like thank Katie Johnson for this informative post.

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Which High-calorie Dog Foods Should You Feed Your Dog (Guest Post)

Okay... beginning to get a little active these past few weeks. I do miss blogging, but my schedule hasn't permitted me to do so. Hopefully I'm adjusting well and will begin visiting more blogs often.

We miss you, guys! Seriously! We need to implement "Huggies and Cheese" more often. Our guest post for today was brought to us by Carolyn of Petful101.

Humans and Dogs may be physically different, but they have plenty of similarities when it comes to how they get their energy. Dogs need plenty of calories to stay within a healthy weight range. However, regular dog foods may not be enough, especially for dog breeds that are more active than others.

The Importance of High Calorie Dog Food

Low-calorie dog food may keep your dog full for some time, but it doesn’t provide them enough calories that give them energy. This means your dog burns calories more than they can consume and force its body to burn calories stored in the dog’s fat reserves. While keeping your dog from getting too fat is good, losing too much of it could be dangerous.

1953 Ad, Rival Dog Food by Classic Film, CC BY-NC 2.0

If you want to keep your dog at a healthy weight level, you need to know the right high-calorie dog food to give them. To know which brands will work best, you should start by going to the vet and asking the ideal amount of high-calorie food your dog should eat – the bigger and more active your dog, the more they should eat.

Looking for good high-calorie dog food suggestions? Here’s a quick list of the best options. Not only are they rich in calories, but also loaded with other nutrients to keep your pet dog well-nourished.

1. High-Calorie Canned Food – Canned dog food is great every now and then, but your dog has to be fed more frequently if it needs to catch up in terms of weight. This is especially true if your dog mostly eats kibble, since the kibble it’s always eating may lack some key nutrients. Good high-calorie canned dog foods include those that feature meat as a primary ingredient (like chicken or bison).

Haopee: Let's face it. I'm still a big fan of Go! Dog Food mixed with cooked white rice. Buchi (bless my little pup's soul) used to love eating this mixed.

2. Raw Egg – Egg is very rich in protein and calories, but more importantly, they are affordable and the dogs love them! Add one raw egg every meal to help your dog gain weight. If your dog prefers something drier, make scrambled egg and chop it to fine bits before adding it to the dog bowl.

3. Full-fat Cottage Cheese – Dairy-based products are well-known for being rich in calories and nutrients. Full-fat cottage cheese offers not just calories and nutrients, but also probiotics that boost your dog’s immune system and calcium that makes their bones stronger. You don’t need to put a lot of cottage cheese to your dog’s food since one or two tablespoons per meal should be enough.

4. Switch Your Kibble Brand – Many people tend to stick to only one brand of kibble for their dogs. However, a dog’s calorie requirements change as it grows older. If your dog is no longer getting enough calories from what it usually eats, take a look at the nutritional content of your current kibble and look for a better alternative. Just remember that switching dog food brands may have to be done gradually or it could throw your dog’s metabolism off.

Proper nutrition is just as important to dogs as it is to humans. Making sure your dog gets enough calories to stay energetic every day is a big part of keeping it healthy and happy throughout its life.

Author's Bio

I am Carolyn, 26 years old and living in California. I graduated from San Diego State University, my major is Business Administration. I am managing the blog www.petful101.com  because I love animals very much, especially dogs. I have 7 dogs, 2 cats and 5 fishes. I walk with my dogs every weekend and I also join the dog club in my area. We often take care of the dogs which are left and have no home. I adopted 4 dogs within my 7 dogs. I hope that you will love my blog as much as you love animals.

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When is the Right Time for a New Dog?

Losing a faithful dog is every bit as painful as long any other member of the family, so when is the time right to move on?

Run Free, Angel Rin. No more arthritis over the Rainbow Bridge.

Dogs are the finest life companion that anyone can hope for – they are always overjoyed to see you and shower you with unconditional love. When all else fails you always have a friend for life, except that life is considerably shorter for one party, leaving the other to pick up the pieces when the unthinkable does happen.

Mourning

When your best friend is in the twilight of his or her life and their legs aren’t quite what they used to be, you know deep down that sooner or later your dog’s health will decrease past the point where a vet can help. Unlike with humans, we have the power to decide when to take mercy and end a dog’s suffering and, as anyone who has ever had to go through the process, there is nothing that can prepare you.

While we keep hold of keepsakes such as dog tags, collars and leashes to remember them by, it is the memories that we hold that will last forever.

For many children, losing a family pet is the first experience of death and how to deal with the loss of a loved one. Unfortunately, it still doesn’t get any easier as an adult, but there is a time when you must move on and just be grateful for the time you had together instead of being sad it’s gone.

Time to Love Again

Different people take differing amounts of time before they feel that they can welcome another dog into their life. Some bring a new dog home within a few days, as this can help focus their mind, while others can take months or years before opening their heart once more.

A lot does depend on whether there are other dogs present in the household and how they would take to another dog entering their territory. If they have been used to being around other dogs for the majority of their life then there shouldn’t be any issues in introducing another pet.

Consult all members of the family that live in your home about their feelings towards a new pet. Others will feel ready sooner than others, so carefully consider whether your home is ready to welcome in a new dog to join the family. If the general consensus is yes, you can get the wheels in motion.

Stick With the Same Breed or Not?

Original Shih Tzu One a.k.a Buchi

Many dog lovers will already know the breeds of dogs that they prefer, and commonly will have more than one of the same breed. If, for example, you are a keen lover of Cocker Spaniels, and are perfectly equipped to meet the dog’s requirements, there is no reason to defer from your preference.

Look it's Shih Tzu 2 a.k.a MyDogsLove.Me CEO a.k.a Chooey

Some dog lovers will feel that electing for the same breed of dog just wouldn’t feel right and prefer a change, and that’s fine too. Different breeds require differing amounts of exercise and have their own unique traits – Labradors are famous for their love of water, while Bulldogs and Pugs are prone to overheating due to their small noses which make panting difficult.

A New Best Friend

Once you know what you are looking for from a new dog, do your research into different breeds’ behaviour and adaptability (do they need a lot of room? And are they generally child-friendly?).

Add this research to your personal preference and you will be sure to find the perfect new best friend for you and your family. All that is left is to put the time in to train them and enjoy years of love and affection!

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