|
|
|
|
Holiday/Winter Tips
WOW the Holidays are creeping up fast! Here are some basic tips for you and your pets during the Holidays and Winter months.
1. When the weather turns cold or rainy, be sure to keep your dog's joints warm by getting them a jacket to wear on your walks (especially helpful with our aging dogs, arthritic dogs, or dogs recovering from injury)
2. Do not take your dog on a walk if the surface outside is slippery or super cold (opt for indoor exercises - cavaletti, working with FitPAWS equipment, strength exercises etc.)
3. Keep your dogs happiness in mind. If your dog is uncomfortable when company arrives, put them in another room or in their crate with their favorite treat - raw bone, Kong filled with healthy treats etc. It is not punishment but rather removing your dog from a situation that may cause anxiety.
4. Take your dogs for a walk while the turkey is in the oven. This is a perfect time to walk your dogs. It is also a perfect time for 10-15 minutes of strength training session Your dogs will be so much calmer when company arrives if they have had some exercise.
5. Enroll in an online class during the Holiday Season that will keep you connected to your dog and give you a break from the hustle and bustle.
6. If you are involved in performance or just tossing a ball, take special care to properly warm up your dogs joints before activity.
7. Turkey is VERY rich for a lot of dogs if they do not eat it regularly. Be mindful of the number of table scraps being shared with your dog and be VERY careful of the foods being shared. SEE LIST AND LINK BELOW.
8. Taking private lessons for K9 Conditioning is always a great way to keep your dog mentally and physically challenged. I offer in person and ONLINE private lessons. Contact me today to keep your dog physically fit and mentally challenged through the Winder months.
Have a fun, safe and fabulous Holiday Season. See MY dog's favorite Kong recipe below and foods your dog should avoid during the holidays and beyond.
|
|
|
|
|
If you drop these on the floor or have them around the house during the holidays, keep them out of your pets mouth.
- onions and garlic
- raisins or grapes
- macadamia nuts
- chocolate
- fat trimmings
- rhubarb
For a more complete list click HERE
Seek medical advice if your dog eats any of these foods.
|
|
|
|
|
Kong Recipe - fills 4 kongs
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup plain yogurt (yogurt keeps the peanutbutter from sticking to your dog's teeth and helps digestion)
Whip together and stuff kongs, freeze over night. Frozen kongs last longer, will satisfy your dog and if teething, soothes gums. If you have some mixture left over, cover and refrigerate.
Option: add blueberries
Even older dogs love a frozen Kong now and again.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
