It’s the official kick-off to the holiday season, first one up, Thanksgiving. Mmmm the turkey, ham, stuffing and desserts… is your mouth watering yet? While we’re over indulging on delicious foods with our extended family and friends, remember these tips so that your best friend(s) have a day to be thankful for also.
- A Tired Dog is a Happy Dog: Before the house starts filling up with friends and family, go for a walk. Get your pups ya-ya’s out now. Besides, it will help you make more room for the great food your going to over indulge in!
- Collar and Tags: As with any gathering, ensure that your pup has their bling on. Collar is on correctly and tags are up-to-date. You don’t want to spend the afternoon searching for a lost dog.
- Turkey and Trimmings: I know, we all want to share a little and every once in a while that’s OK. Ensure that the turkey is fully cooked so that there is no salmonella bacteria and please, please make sure there are no bones. Turkey bones are small and can easily choke or hurt their stomach. Try putting some in a Kong or Busy Buddy and make the moment last, you’re pup will enjoy the food and the challenge.
- Onions, Grapes, Raisins and Chocolate, Oh My!: Just because they are all ingredients that make the day and meal doesn’t mean they should be shared. All of the items listed are toxic to dogs and other pets and should not be shared.
- Keep a Lid On It: The meal smells so good while cooking, it also smells so good to your best buddy in the trash. Keep a lid on it and avoid messes and embarrassing moments.
- No Yappy Hours: While the Thanksgiving cocktails may be flowing two things you should always adhere to. 1. Don’t drink and drive and 2. Never leave your cocktails on the ground or in reach of your dogs or other pets, they are toxic.
Most of all, have fun, be thankful and enjoy time with your family and friends! Happy Thanksgiving from all of us here at DogGeek.com
November 2, 2021 | DogGeek
Thanksgiving is fun for the whole family and that includes your best friend. There are things to watch out for though to ensure your Thanksgiving is dog friendly and doesn’t result in an emergency trip to the vet. Here’s some tips below from our friends at PetCareRX.
November 1, 2021 | DogGeek
If you’re like most pet families your best friend is right there besid you while you’re cooking. Whether it’s just a Monday night frozen meal or a Thanksgiving feast Fido doesn’t care, he wants a piece of the action, or turkey. Ensure that your best friend has a great Thanksgiving and doesn’t need a trip to the emergency vet. Here are 5 foods they need to avoid.
- Turkey Bones. While everyone’s been told that dogs love to chew on bones, turkey bones are not the ones to give them. Turkey bones are small and can become lodged in your dog’s stomach or throat. They also splinter causing severe damage to the stomach.
- Fat Trimmings. Fatty foods like turkey skin and gravy are very difficult for dogs to digest. They can also cause pancreatitis which includes vomiting, depression, reluctance to move and abdominal pain as symptoms.
- Dough and Batter. The dough can rise in your dog’s stomach and lead to vomiting, bloating and severe pain. The raw eggs can also spread salmonella.
- Grapes and Raisins. Both can cause kidney failure in dogs.
- Mushrooms. They can damage kedneys, liver and the central nervous system.
Be safe and have a happy Thanksgiving!
November 1, 2021 | DogGeek
Many years before dog-shaming.com took off people have shaming their dogs in Halloween costumes. I know… I know… but your dog likes it. Let’s face it, no one wants to be forcefully dressed up in clothes they didn’t pick out. Now, we’re not judging because we’ve put the fair share of costumes our dogs and still do. We’re just calling it what it is… CUTE! All fun put aside, please remember these safety tips so your pooch ghost is safe this Halloween!
- No matter how many tricks they do, no treats from the candy bowl! Chocolate, artificail sweetners and other candies are toxic to our best friends. if you do suspect that your dog has ingested something toxic, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435.
- Pumpkins may look great on the front porch, but open flames should never be around a pet. Try using flame shaped LED lights, you can easily find them at Target or other stores.
- Back to the costumes, if you’re going to do it make sure that your dog can walk, move and most importantly breathe in their costume.
- Don’t let them greet for the treats. During the time where trick-or-treaters are coming to the door, keep your dog in another room so that they can not dart out the door if they get scared. Most lost pets are lost during the holidays because of the distractions.
- Put an ID tag on them! In case they escape you want them to be able to come home. ID’s Only about 15% of dogs lost are reunited with their families. ID and microchipping is the best way to ensure that your best friend finds their way home.
And remember, have a great time!
September 27, 2021 | DogGeek
Halloween can be a stressful time for anyone but it is especially stressful for dogs. Doorbells ringing, strange people coming in and out, candy all over the place. What’s a pup to do? Here’s some tips from the folks at TheUncommonDog.com for a safe Halloween for your dog.
September 26, 2021 | DogGeek
It’s getting cool outside. The leaves are turning and starting to fall. You know what that means… Camping and bonfires! Here’s some tips for camping with your best friend.
- Bring pleanty of dog food. People food at home is bad enough for your dog. People food while camping tends to even be worse. Remember to bring their water and food bowls so that they have something to eat out of.
- Don’t let them wander. Always keep an eye on your dog. There are poisonous plants, wildlife that can hurt your dog and more. Make sure your dog’s tags are up-to-date and readable just in case.
- Watch out for other animals. SQUIRREL! You know your dog will be curious so you need to watch out for snakes and other wildlife.
- Have fun!
September 22, 2021 | DogGeek
