Snow Days

Yes...that is snow stuck to my chin!

It has been so cold this winter in Buffalo, New York that we could not get out for a walk every day. Playing in the house is fun but we have more room to run outside. Trying to exercise your dog over the winter can be tough but I think we survived! Running through the house, basement and a 5 minute play session outside in the snow seemed to burn just enough energy for Murphy. He is so looking forward to Spring!! More walks and play time with his neighborhood dog friends. 

Home Made Toothpaste for Your Dog

Sunday...Funday I am sure you have heard that before. So what makes a Sunday a fun day? It can be whatever you want it to be. I decided to take my dog for a walk and when I got back I was going to experiment with homemade dog toothpaste. Fun!!


I found this recipe and altered it just a bit. Click here to view the recipe and instructions. Instead of the bouillon I used a concentrated chicken broth by Swanson.You can also add a drop of peppermint extract instead of the bouillon for a minty flavor. Here are the ingredients it calls for:


6 tablespoons baking soda   
½ teaspoon salt

1 cube of beef bouillon (or vegetable for a vegan version)
1 teaspoon dried or fresh parsley
1 teaspoon water


I mixed it up with just a drop of water at a time as it can become very watery fast. Once I had the consistency just right I called Murphy over. I let him smell the container first and he sat perfectly still as I am sure he thought this was some sort of treat. A few brushes around and we are done until tomorrow!! Happy Brushing. 

The Perfect Christmas Gift for Your Dog

Christmas is only 2 weeks away! Make your list, check it twice, buy something for your dog no matter if he
was naughty, or nice. Let your dog enjoy the holiday season just as much as you do. I bet he has his own ideas of what he would like for Christmas. Here are a few ideas to help make the holidays special for your dog too.

• Buy your dog a special ornament to hang on the tree
• Hang a stocking with your dog's name on it and stuff it with his favorite treats
• Find a new toy he will love and wrap it up
• Take him for a walk in a Winter Wonderland (around the block with do)
• Bring your fur-kid along when heading to the tree lot for the family Christmas Tree
• Find Santa that will take a picture with your dog
• Let him have a special dinner with you on Christmas Day 
• Pick out a new collar or ID Tag so your dog is the hit of the party or talk of the town on his daily walk

How to Help Your Arthritic Dog

Here are a few simple things you can do at home to help your arthritic dog:

• Invest in an orthopedic bed that your dog can easily get in and out of. This type of bed with help cushion painful joints.
• Keep your dog in shape. Added weight will only add more pressure to the joints.
• Trim your dog's nails to keep him walking comfortably.
• Give your dog a nightly massage to ease his pain and stiffness.
• If your dog has trouble going up stairs, provide a ramp for him.
• Use pet steps to help him up on furniture or in the car.
• Ask your vet for exercises you can do with your dog to build strong muscles.

A Thanksgiving Meal Fit For Your Dog

As you prepare for Thanksgiving next week, make room for one more at the table.....your dog! After all, your dog is family too.

If you decide to let your dog feast with you next Thursday, decide if you will make him a special meal of his own or share your meal with him. You want to make him something out of the ordinary just as your meal will be that day. If you choose to share your meal, turkey can be given to your dog in small quantities and make sure there are no bones. Limit your use of salt and butter when making mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes and veggies. All good for your furry friend, but again in small amounts.

After you have finished eating, take your dog for a walk. Odds are you both ate a little heavier than usual and a walk will help with digestion. It is also a good time to give your dog a break from your family members and/or small children. You may need a breather from your family and what better way to get out of the house on Thanksgiving Day?

Just remember: Stuff the Turkey....NOT THE DOG!

Here is a link of the Top 10 Thanksgiving Foods that your dog should not eat.

http://www.ilovedogs.com/2011/10/10-thanksgiving-foods-dangerous-to-your-dog/#.Uo1bosSThIE

Cool Christmas Toys for your Dog

LiveLoveAndBark.com loves the soft fleece toys that we carry. Check out our special Christmas edition. 

     


Our toys are tuff, durable, soft and easy for a dog to carry around. You will love the way this toy flies across a room or in the air when playing fetch outside. Dogs can even take this toy to the beach or in the pool because it floats. 

Why LiveLoveAndBark loves these Christmas Dog Toys:

• It's light weight, interactive and is washable.

• Great for indoor play or outdoor play.

• It's cute, soft, and it floats.

• The squeakers are encased in pouches and sewn onto the toy for safety.

Your Dog and Winter Weather

It is starting to get colder and colder and the winter weather will be here before we know it. Here are a few tips to keep your dog safe this winter.

•  Antifreeze is very dangerous to all pets. It tastes sweet to them, but is very poisonous if consumed. Store your antifreeze in a place where your pet will not get into it.

• If your dog has a water bowl outside check it regularly to make sure it is not frozen.

• When it falls below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, it's best to keep your pet indoors.

• If your dog stays inside more when it is cold outside she is getting less exercise and may need less food. 

• Check paws regularly if you do a lot of walking in the cold or snow. I like to rub my dogs paws with paw cream before each walk.

• Keep your dog well groomed as matted hair will not protect your dog in the cold. 

• If you must keep your dog outside make sure he has a dog house that is large enough for him to sit and lay in. You want this house to be raised off the ground and cover the floor with straw or blankets. I would make sure the house faces away from the wind and has a heavy plastic door to keep out the rain and snow. 

Winter is a fun time of year for your dog, but we need to make sure they are protected from the cold just like we are.