According to APPA (American Pet Products Association), approximately 37-47% of all households in the U.S. have pet dogs. We all have different ways of raising our pets just as we do raising our children. However, it’s a common mistake for dog owners to do all the research only when certain problems arise.
Even if you’ve done the research before, it isn’t a bad idea to refresh your memory to ensure your dog’s health and safety. It is equally important to treat your dog when they exhibit good behavior. While there are many resources out there, it’s important to know which ones are just trendy and which ones will actually keep your dog happy and healthy. **Below, you’ll find 20 fun, safe, and useful ideas – from infographics to DIY treats – on how to stay educated and get creative as a dog parent. Remember to apply any DIY recipes in accordance with your dog’s dietary restrictions.**.
-An elevated bowl for dogs with arthritis problems -Rugs on hardwood to prevent slipping -A comfortable dog bed -Use gates to eliminate danger -Provide a ramp so your dog can get to the couch or bed
What you’ll need: -Polar fleece fabric -Thread -Hair rubber band -Dog collar -Scissors -Sewing needle Instructions: 1. Cut 3 pieces of fleece for the appropriate sized bow. Small bow: -3.5″ x 8″ -1″ x 3″ piece -1″ x 1″ piece Medium bow: -4.5″ x 11″ -1.5″ x 3″ piece -1″ x 1″ piece Large bow: -5.5″ x 14″ piece -2″ x 4″ piece -1″ x 1″ piece 2. Fold the largest piece in half then sew the ends together. 3. Invert the fabric so the stitching is on the inside. Then, form a bow by pinching the center.
Sew the bow together by running a thread vertically through the center multiple times. 4. Wrap the medium piece of fleece around the bow’s center and sew together in the back. Trim extra fabric. 5. Fold the hair elastic in half, sew together, and then to the center of the 1 inch fleece. 6. Fold and secure the square at the back of the bow. 7. Add the bow to the dog collar, wrapping to tighten it, and there you have it.
What you’ll need: -Sculpey clay -Drinking glass -Kabob stick or similar tool for writing on clay -Butter knife -Ribbon Instructions: 1. Create a mini-sheet with your sculpey clay by flattening it to an even and appropriate thickness. 2. Cut out a circle by placing an upside down drinking glass onto the clay. 3. If the clay is too hard, warm it up in the microwave for about 20 seconds. 4. Press your dog’s paw onto the circle.
Then, write their name and date with the kabob stick. Use a butter knife to create a slot at the top for your ribbon later. 5. Bake at 275 degrees for 15 minutes per 1/4 inch thickness (or according to your sculpey clay instructions). 6. Cool completely before adding ribbon.
What you’ll need: -Banana -Handful of blueberries -Natural yogurt Instructions: 1. Mash or blend all ingredients together in a bowl. 2.
Place Kong into a mug (small end down) and add the mix with a spoon. 3. Place in freezer. 4. When frozen, serve to your pup. Food Fact: Blueberries can help to support cardiovascular and urinary tract heathy because they are high in antioxidants and vitamin C.
What you’ll need: -16 oz frozen cut green beans (5 cups) drained without salt -1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil Instructions: 1. Preheat oven to 170 degrees 2. Toss green beans and oil in a mixing bowl 3.
Spread the green beans onto a large non-stick baking sheet (if you don’t have one, a parchment lined sheet will work well) 4. Allow beans to dry in the oven for 8 hours or until crisp. 5. Take out beans. Completely cool before storing in an airtight container.
What you’ll need: -1 1/2 cups brown rice -1 tablespoon olive oil -3 pounds ground turkey (swap out protein according to your dog’s diet) -3 cups baby spinach, chopped -2 carrots, shredded -1 zucchini, shredded -1/2 cup peas, canned or frozen Instructions: 1. Prepare rice (directions will depend on package instructions) and set aside. 2. Add alive soil to a large stockpot over medium heat. Add protein and cook for 3-5 minutes or until browned. Make sure to crumble to turkey while cooking. 3.
Add spinach, carrots, zucchini, peas, and rice. Stir and cook for 3-5 minutes or until spinach wilts and the mixture is thoroughly heated. 4. Cool completely before separating into containers. Yields 8 cups.
What you’ll need: -1/2 cup vegetable oil -1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature) -1 cup honey -2 large eggs -3-3/4 cup all-purpose flour -2 teaspoons cream of tartar -1 teaspoon baking soda -1/2 cup cornmeal -2 teaspoons ground cinnamon Instructions: 1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. 2. Cream vegetable oil, butter, and honey until smooth. 3. Beat eggs in a separate bowl. 4. Add eggs to mix and knead dough. 5. Shape dough into balls with a rounded tablespoon. 6.
Whisk cornmeal and cinnamon in a small bowl. Then roll bowls into the mixture. 7. Place balls 2 inches apart on a baking sheet (non-stick or with parchment paper). 8. Use a fork to crisscross the top of each ball. 9. Bake for approximately 8 minutes. Then, cool on rack. Yields about 30 cookies.
What you’ll need: -Dog bone cookie cutters -Whole wheat flour -Organic peanut butter -Baking powder -Skim milk -Parchment paper -Electric mixer Instructions: 1. Add 1 cup of peanut butter and 1 cup of milk to a mixing bowl. 2. In a separate bowl, add 1 tablespoon of baking powder and 2 cups of wheat flour. 3.
Slowly add the ingredients from Bowl 2 to Bowl 1. Mix thoroughly. 4. Spread a think layer of wheat flour onto a sheet of parchment.paper and roll out the dough to an appropriate thickness. 5. Cut out the treats using the cookie cutters and place them onto a greased cookie sheet. 6. Bake at 375 degrees for 15-20 minutes.