Doggie Blog

18 Perfect Presents for Dogs & Dog Lovers 0

The holidays are here! It’s time to give thanks, and show your love and gratitude for your friends and family. Based on our calculations, your dog ranks pretty high on the list of those you love. 

As they say, it’s better to give than to receive. Show your pup some love with a few special presents. From high-tech toys to functional treats, our good dog gift guide has your doggie covered. Here are 18 thoughtful presents for your canine companion this holiday: 

1. Snuggle Puppy by SmartPetLove

Whether crate training, a new transition or perhaps a thunderstorm, the Snuggle Puppy is here to help. This soft pup is designed to comfort and help relieve anxiety in your dog. It recreates the intimacy and physical warmth of cuddling. It even has a “real-feel” heartbeat!

2. Treat Dispensing Dog Toys by Wainbowa

This pack of four treat dispensing balls will keep your pup physically and mentally stimulated, as they work to get all the treats out of the balls!  Perfect for when your pup wants attention but you have a zoom meeting. Load the balls with treats or kibble and let your dog go to work.

3. Doggie Dailies Functional Soft Chews

From gut health to joint health and everything in between, Doggie Dailies Functional Soft Chews help support your dog’s health and wellness with tasty and effective treats. Our soft chews make it easy to provide your dog with vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to keep their tails wagging. Made in the USA with premium ingredients. Formulated by scientists for effectiveness and taste. Devoured by Dogs!

4. Smart Bone by Wickedbone

This high tech dog bone will solve your pup’s boredom and become their favorite play pal. The Smart Bone is programmed to attract your dog’s attention and keep playtime going by reacting to your dog. You can either set it to automatic or remotely control the bone from your phone. 

5. Suction Cup Dog Toy for Aggressive Chewers

Do you have a super chewer? This suction cup rope ball toy will give them the ultimate tug of war test. Secure it to any smooth surface, add a few treats to the ball, and let your dog enjoy. 

6. Doggie Dailies Bone Broth Boost

Made with real chicken bone broth, our three new functional bone broths are an easy and delicious way to add a boost of flavor and nutritional support to your dog's daily mealtime. The three savory broths include Hip & Joint Support loaded with essential joint nutrition, Immune Support packed with vitamins & antioxidants, and Digestive Support with the power of tribiotics.

7. Aquapaw Pet Bathing Tool

Splish Splash, your doggie is taking a bath! This 2-in-1 sprayer and scrubber will make bath time a breeze! You can even adjust the water flow. Just attach the aquapaw to a standard shower head pipe or to a garden hose for quick, easy bath.

8. Memory Foam Dog Bed by Besure

This orthopedic memory foam dog bed will give your pup a soft, cozy place to rest and relax. The memory foam technology provides the perfect amount of softness and support, and helps to soothe aching joints.

9. Petcube Camera System

Ever miss your dog while at work? Of course you do! The Petcube makes it easy for you to check on your dog and give them a few treats while you’re away. Choosing from one of their many models to meet your needs. Your pup will certainly enjoy the surprise midday snack!

10. Holiday Hide & Seek Squeaky Toys by  ZippyPaws

Test your dog’s intelligence and combat boredom with ZippyPaws Holiday Hide & Seek Squeaky Toys. Your dog will love to bury their nose in the toy and dig out the critters. They’ll be begging you to hide them again, and maybe hide a treat or two alongside the critters! 

11. Holiday Dog Collar with Bow Tie

It’s hard to imagine your pup could get any cuter. These fancy holiday themed collars with bow ties might just up the cuteness factor. You can add or remove the bow tie depending on how formal the occasion is. One thing is for sure, your pup will be turning heads in these collars.

12. iFetch interactive Ball Launcher

Does your doggie have endless energy? The iFetch ball launcher will provide endless entertainment for your pup. Once the ball is placed in the dispenser, it will throw the ball a predetermined distance. Your pup can play fetch forever… or at least until the batteries run out.

13. Soggy Doggy Super Shammy

Put an end to wet dog smell once and for all! This super absorbent, microfiber chenille dog towel will get your dog dry in a snap. 5 times more absorbent than other towels, the super shammy soaks up water like a sponge and wicks away excess moisture.

14. MudBuster Portable Paw Washer by Dexas 

Paw prints are adorable, except when it’s dirt all over your house.The MudBuster will put an end to dreaded dirty paw prints. Just add some water and dip a dirty paw into the compact container. The silicone bristles will loosen dirt and keep the mess in the container. Voila, clean paws!  

15. Doggie Dailies Spa Bundle

Pamper your pup with Doggie Dailies Spa Bundle! Our 2-in-1 Shampoo + Conditioner and Ear Wash with Tea Tree Oil make this powerful cleaning duo a no brainer. They will help wash away dirt and grime, leaving your dog smelling and feeling clean and fresh!

16. Dog Paw Wax by Musher’s Secret 

Protect your pup’s paws with Musher’s Secret Dog Paw Wax. This all season paw protection creates a breathable, dense barrier to protect your dog’s paw from the elements in even the most extreme weather conditions. 

17. Dog Holiday Sweater by PUPTECK

 Baby, it’s cold outside? This doggie sweater will keep your pup toasty during the cooler months, and keep them in the holiday spirit. Don’t worry, they offer sweaters for dogs of all sizes. The handy leash hole allows your pup to keep their sweater on for walks!

18. GPS Tracking Collar Attachment by Tractive

6 Easy D.I.Y. Dog Treats For Fall 0

Cooler temperatures and changing leaves are welcome signs of the new season and that it is socially acceptable to enjoy pumpkin spice everything! Tasty fall treats aren’t just for humans though. Many fall food staples are actually healthy and nutritious additions to your dog’s diet. From pumpkins to apples, these ubiquitous fall ingredients are great sources of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. 

As you are gobbling up fall favorites, consider making your pup a couple flavorful fall treats of their own. We’ve gathered a few foolproof recipes that your dog is sure to love. You can easily make multiple recipes from just a few ingredients that are safe for your pup. Check out the recipes below.

Peanut Butter Biscuits

These peanut butter biscuits pack a flavor punch with just a few ingredients. Your dog will love these crunchy treats! Gather it and the following ingredients to get started.

• 1 cup peanut butter, crunchy
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 cup oats, old-fashioned
• 2 cups flour, whole wheat
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1/3 cup water

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line your cookie sheets with parchment paper before mixing together the egg, flour, honey, oats, oil, peanut butter, and water to form your dough. Roll or pat until it's one-inch thick. Cut out bones with a cookie cutter before placing them on the sheet. Bake for 30 minutes before transferring to a rack. 

For more details on this recipe, click here. 

Frozen Yogurt Pup-kins

Minimal effort required. This recipe needs just three ingredients!

• 1 cup nonfat plain frozen yogurt
• 1/2 cup canned pure pumpkin
• 1/4 cup water

Mix everything together to form a thin mixture. Pour it into a freezable silicone mold or ice cube tray and place in the freezer until frozen. The pumpkin tints the treats orange, so it's perfect to create pumpkins!

For more details on this recipe, click here. 

Apple Cheddar Biscuits 

Apples are a classic fall favorite for everyone, including dogs. Make sure your pup gets their apple-a-day with these incredible dog treats that combine the sweet taste of apples with savory cheddar cheese. They are easy to make too - just combine all the ingredients, bake and give to your pup once they have cooled.

• 2 cups barley flour
• 1/2 cup old-fashioned oatmeal
• 1/3 cup shredded cheddar
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons water

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Mix together all ingredients to form a dough. Roll out mixture to 1/4-inch thick. Cut out biscuits with a cookie cutter. Place biscuits on a parchment paper lined baking sheet about 1 inch apart. Bake for 30 minutes or until nicely browned and firm.

For more details on this recipe, click here.

Frozen Yogurt Pupsicles

Pupsicles in cold weather? Heck yes! This frozen treat makes for the perfect dessert or after play snack.

• 16 ounces plain nonfat yogurt
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1 jar banana baby food, or 1 ripe banana, mashed
• 1 tablespoon honey

Mix the yogurt and peanut butter until blended. Add the baby food to thin the mixture—blend honey for a bit of sweetness. Fill your molds to the top before placing them in the freezer. If using plastic cups, put a dog biscuit into the treat to act as a handle. Warm a knife with hot water and run it around the cups' edge to remove the pupsicle. The entire thing is edible!

For more details on this recipe, click here. 

Strawberry Shortcake Dog Biscuits

For a break from peanut butter and pumpkin, try these goodies!

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, diced
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 cups flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut small
• 2/3 cup heavy cream

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Mix the strawberries, lemon juice, and two tablespoons of sugar for later. Combine the rest of the dry ingredients with a whisk, then add the butter with a pastry cutter to create a crumbly mixture. Add the heavy cream to bring the dough together. Mix in the strawberry and lemon juice. Drop by the tablespoon onto a lined cookie sheet and bake until golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes.

For more details on this recipe, click here. 

Peanut Butter Sandwiches

This recipe is the stuff doggie dreams are made of. With all the peanut butter goodness, they are literally lip smacking good!

• 1 1/4 cup flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1/2 cup milk

You'll want extra flour for rolling out and peanut butter to spread in the middle.

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Line your baking sheets with paper. Beat all ingredients until a soft dough forms. Dust the surface with flour, and pat dough until one inch thick. Cut 1 1/2-inch round cookies. Place them on the sheets and bake for 10 minute until the cookies lighten in color uniformly. After cooling completely, create a cookie sandwich with a peanut butter smear on the inside.

For more details on this recipe, click here. 

Homemade dog treats are a great way to include your dog in the fall festivities! You'll have a blast making these treats, knowing they're safe to chow down on. If your dog doesn't beg for them right away, store the baked goodies for later and keep the popsicles in the freezer to prevent melting.

17 Howlarious Halloween Costumes for Dogs 0

Halloween is almost here! Don’t worry there is still plenty of time to throw together an amazing costume, and you can even include your dog.  When it comes to canines, the possibilities are almost endless. Always remember, it’s important that your pooch feels safe and happy participating in the fun. 

Whether it's a simple addition to a collar or an elaborate costume, these pet parents knocked the costumes out of the park! For some costume inspiration, check out these howlarious halloween costumes for dogs.

1. A simple addition to his collar turned this pup into a beanie baby.

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2. A little bit of faux fur turns this golden retriever into a king of the jungle. 

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3. Any Harry Potter fans in the house? Wand and hat included, talent at wizardry is optional.

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4. When you have to wear the cone of shame, you might as well make the best of it and mix a cocktail. Will that be two tennis ball olives or three?

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5. Tailor made for the Star Wars fans and their faux-Ewok helpers.

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6. Perfect for those dancing dogs who dream of living in Hawaii! 

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7. This puppy is ready to climb the corporate ladder.

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8. For only the saints of the dog park! This doggy priest is ready to give you his blessings.

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9. Who doesn't love sushi with a side of cuteness? Wasabi and soy sauce on the side.

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10. This pooch is just as soft and snuggly as your childhood teddy bear. This one comes with a wagging tail and puppy kisses!

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11. Is it a pig or a pug? Or a puggly pig?

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12. A whole different spin on the tale of Red Riding Hood! Is your husky really a wolf in disguise? 

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13. This tiny chihuahua is as daring as a bat. In a moment, he may fly across the room with those giant wings!

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14. This is for the Wizard of Oz fans! No doubt this "Tin Man" pooch already has a big heart. 

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15. This dog shows off his love of nature! A canine assistant to tend to your garden, perhaps?

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16. Showing off his love of a coffee and donut chain, this pup is as sweet as can be.

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17. This princess is showing off her crown and is ready to have her moment.

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Beagles: All You Need to Know About This Howling Hound Dog 0

Described as “a nose with four legs”, beagles are as happy hunting hare as they are hunting snacks in the pantry. This happy-go-lucky, loving breed makes the perfect addition to an active family. It’s no surprise that they have remained as one of the most popular breeds for decades. With their big voice and skilled nose, life is far from dull with a Beagle! Read on to discover what beagles are all about!

An Overview of the Breed

The Beagle belongs to the hound group, and is known for its incredible nose and booming voice. Originally bred to hunt hare and other small game, the breed has an acute sense of smell, which has been used well beyond the field. Beagles are employed as detection dogs by the USDA to sniff out prohibited agricultural products, leading to the seizure of around 75,000 prohibited items a year. 

With soft, floppy ears and big, pleading eyes, it’s no surprise that Beagles have been the most consistently popular breed in the US. Since 1935, the breed has never dropped below ninth place! The loving and loyal nature makes them fantastic family dogs and companions. 

Unfortunately, due to their size and passive nature, Beagles are the dog breed most often used in animal testing. This horrible practice results in dogs being bred explicitly for testing and live their whole lives in cages suffering in experiments for medical, cosmetic, beautf, and other chemical tests. Luckily, advocacy and rescue groups, like the Beagle Freedom Project, are working hard to put an end to this practice and have freed thousands of animals.

History and Background

The early development and origin of the Beagle is somewhat obscure due to lack of documentation. However, dating back to 400 BC in ancient Greece and to 200 AD in ancient Britain, there are references to small Beagle life dogs, which hunted small game and were followed on foot by hunters. By the 15th Century, the Beagle was well established in France, Greece, Italy, and England. 

By the middle of the 18th Century, these small scenting hounds gained considerable popularity among farmers and small landholders who hunted for small game. In fact, all small hounds were referred to as beagles. It wasn’t until later that the breed standard began to be developed. 

In the 1830s, Reverend Phillip Honeywood began breeding beagles in Essex for hunting. Over the next few decades, the breed standard began to develop, but there was still large variation in the size and character.

The breed made its way across the Atlantic and instantly became popular for their hunting skills. General Richard Rowett from Illinois began importing hounds to help perfect the breed standard and the demand for his beagles exploded. This led to the first American standard for the Beagle and it was accepted by the American Kennel Club in 1885. Few changes had been made to the breed standard over the years.

Physical Characteristics

There are two AKC recognized variations of the Beagle, which are distinguished by the height at the shoulders: the first under 13 inches and the second between 13 and 15 inches. Both varieties have a study build, weighing between 18-35 pounds. They sport a short, clean coat in a color combination of black, white, and tan, resembling a miniature Foxhound.

The face of a Beagle is hard to deny. Their big brown or hazel eyes seem to constantly be pleading for more food or attention, which may only be out done by their long, floppy ears. These long, floppy ears serve a more important purpose than just being adorable. They help to waft scents towards their nose as they walk. 

Personality

Beagles are notoriously friendly, loving, and curious. They maintain an even temper and gentle disposition, making them the perfect family dog and kid friendly. Beagles were bred to be pack animals, and can become very attached to their human “pack”. 

Let’s talk about that howl. Beagles definitely speak their mind. In fact, they have three distinct sounds: a standard bark, a yodel-like sound called a bay, and a howl. Whether it’s something they want, a strange smell, a stranger approaching, beagles will let you know. They can make fantastic alert dogs, but maybe not the best guard dog. While they are known for barking, their generally amiable nature and strong desire for food means they can easily be won over with a treat or back scratch. 

Like most hounds, Beagles are also known for having a strong scent drive. They were bred for the long chase, which can make them single minded when they pick up a scent. Whether focusing on hunting small game or the last bites of your meals, beagles can remain fixated for extended periods of time on their prize. This can result in stubbornness during training, but is quickly remediate with positive reinforcements and treats.

Caring for the Breed

Compared to many other breeds grooming requirements, Beagles are a relatively low-maintenance breed. While they do shed year-round, simply brushing them with a hound mitt once a week will help remove dead hair. They should be bathed about once a quarter, or when they’ve rolled in something smelly. 

Their adorable floppy ears do require a little extra care. It’s important to keep their ears dry and free of dirt and debris. Regular cleanings with a gentle dog ear wash will help keep their ears itch free and avoid more serious ear infections. 

This can’t be emphasized enough, Beagles will try to eat ANYTHING! When their nose turns on, it seems like the rest of their brain turns off. From dog food in the pantry to human food in the trash, if a beagle decides they want it, it will focus endlessly on getting it. Needless to say, this is not the type of dog that can be left unattended with access to any food, whether it’s hidden or visible. Their desire to sniff out goodies can become heightened if they are bored and/or have pent up energy. 

To keep their mischievous side at bay, Beagles need a sufficient amount of mental and physical exercise on a daily basis. Regular walks and scent work are key for keeping beagles stimulated and out of the figurative dog house. Their daily exercise routine should include a minimum of two 30 minute walks, during which they need opportunities to sniff and explore.

Because they are so food driven, it is easy to keep their attention during training. Beagles are problem solvers and will do pretty much anything to get food. While they might not respond instantly to command, they will quickly figure out that they must obey the commands to get the treats!

Potential Health Issues

When compared to many other breeds, beagles are relatively easy to care for and have few health problems. But like any breed, there are always a few key things to look out for.

The thing that makes them so adorable can also be a potential concern - their EARS! Just like other dogs with floppy ears, it’s critical to keep a close eye on their ear health. Without regular attention, beagles can develop chronic ear infections that can cause permanent damage to the ear canal if left untreated. Rinsing out their ears with an ear cleanser for dogs and drying them thoroughly is a good way to prevent more serious issues.

With such a strong food drive, it is no surprise that Beagles are known for having weight issues. They truly have a voracious and undiscerning appetite. This is not a breed that can be left to graze responsibly on a bowl full of food every day. It is important to manage their meals and factor in treats when calculating their daily calories to avoid them becoming overweight. 

The Beagle is a classic pack dog, who was bred to hunt in packs and truly enjoys the company of both humans and dogs. This natural pack instinct can result in separation anxiety, which can lead to incessant howling and destructive behaviors. Exercise and a consistent schedule can help reduce anxiety, as well as calming treats for dogs. 

Fun Facts

Beagles were popular pets of the British Royal Family. These royal beagles were bred for amusement and for their melodious voices, and were much smaller than today’s breed standard. Both Edward II and Henry VII had “glove” beagles, known as such because they early fit on a glove. Queen Elizabeth I owned an entire pack of tiny nine inch tall hounds, known as Pocket Beagles. She lovingly referred to them as her singing beagles. 

William Shakespeare refers to beagles in his play Twelfth Night, which is believed to have been written around 1601 - 1602. In reference to Maria, Sir Toby Belch says “She’s a beagle, true-bred, and one that adores me.”

Many Beagles have white tipped tails, a feature deliberately bred into the hound, to help hunters keep track of their dogs when hunting in long grass.

The breed has a powerful nose with about 200 million scent receptors. They can actually be trained to recognize as many as 50 different smells.

Famous Beagles

Snoopy, from the comic strip Peanuts, was a Beagle! On October 4th, 1950, Charles M. Schulz introduced America to Snoopy and his friends, Charlie Brown, Lucy, and many more. He quickly became a household favorite and has since become one of the most recognizable and iconic comic strip characters. 

Uno, a 15 inch Beagle, stole America’s heart when he won Best in Show at the 2008 Westminster Dog Show. In classic Beagle fashion, Uno let out several howls in response to the crowd’s cheers and standing ovation. He was the first Beagle to win the grand prize. Click the play on the picture above to watch Uno’s big win.  

Former United States President Lyndon B. Johnson had several beagles, but the two best known were Him and Her, who were born in June 1963. The pair lived at the White House and were always a hit amongst visitors. Some of LBJ's other beagles were named Freckles, Kim, Edgar, Little Chap and Dumpling.  

Shiloh was made famous in the self titled children’s book and movie, Shiloh, by Phyllis Reynold Naylor.  The story centers around Shiloh’s rescue from his abusive owner, Judd Travers, by an 11-year old boy, Marty Preston. The story is regularly taught in elementary schools across the world and has been translated into 10 different languages.   

Beagles to Follow on Instagram

Splash and Cricket, also known as @LittleHoundDog, are two adorable beagles from Indiana, who love adventuring with their mom, Jessica.

Millie is an avid leaf chaser and twig collector from Delaware. Check out Millie’s life as she adjusts to life with her new baby sister. 

Ludo is always serving up classic Beagle looks as he travels around his native Norway with his pawrents. 

Marvel ze Super Beagle shows off with incredible outdoor adventures in Bordeaux, France.

What to Expect From Beagle Ownership

If you decide to add a Beagle to your pack, you can expect many happy years with a loving and curious companion. Just do everything you can to keep up with this curious pup! Give it lots of personal attention, exercise, and the right portions of nutrients, and you can't go wrong with this howling hound!