DIY Archives

Introducing Your Dog To Guests: How To Keep Everyone Calm And Comfortable

Depending on your dog’s personality, the arrival of house guests could mean a few different things. First, for the nervous dog, strangers in the house could send your pup straight to his favorite hiding spot under the bed. For protective pups, there’s the risk of confusing friend for foe. And finally, our easily excitable tail-waggers can’t help but cause chaos during already hectic visits. Regardless of the category, your four-legged family member falls into, introducing your dog to guests doesn’t … Read more

10 Things To Think About Before Bringing Home A Big Dog

Bringing home a dog—regardless of size—will always take planning and forethought. There are toys to buy, a house to dog-proof, and sorting through potential vets can be a job within itself. Your new family member will always require special attention and care, but there’s no denying the fact a 120-pound Newfoundland is not the same as a 12-pound Chihuahua. The more dog you have, the more there is to think about. Great Danes, Mastiffs, German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers—if you can’t … Read more

Ready To Introduce A Dog To Baby? These 8 Tips Will Help

Your fur baby is used to being the center of attention, but that’s all going to change once he meets the family’s newest bundle of joy. His unique personality will play a big role in how he reacts to having a human sibling, and now’s the time to start thinking about their introduction. Some dogs are nervous and afraid of tiny humans, and others are overly excited about meeting a new friend. Either way, how you introduce a dog to … Read more

9 Best Homemade Dog Treats For Spoiling Your Pup

Nothing beats homemade treats, whether you’re talking about human treats or dog treats. You know exactly what ingredients are being used, you can customize recipes, and you add the one ingredient you won’t find baked into a store bought treat – love. We’ve scoured the internet and found the best homemade dog treat recipes you can use to spoil your pup. #1 – Glazed Pumpkin and Peanut Butter Biscuits Your pup will drool over these glazed biscuits and you’ll be … Read more

How To Introduce A Dog To A Cat

There are people proud to call themselves Team Dog and others firmly on the feline side of things, but the world doesn’t have to be split into dog people and cat people. In fact, if you’re an animal lover, you probably appreciate the jolly innocence of dogs just as much as a cat’s independent charm. You love them both, and you want both your dog and your cat to live peacefully by your side. But before you all live happily … Read more

9 Expert Tips To Make Nail Trims Easier On Your Dog

During my career as a veterinary technician, clients often asked me for advice on performing successful nail trims at home. The process of trimming dog nails is actually quite simple. Most people just need help getting their pups to cooperate! Luckily, even dogs that despise the clippers can become acclimated to the process, or at least learn to tolerate it. Below are 9 tricks for making nail trims go smoothly – even on dogs with black nails or furry paws. If … Read more

11 Tips To Help You Find Your Lost Dog Faster

The first 24 hours after a dog goes missing are crucial, but luckily the odds are in your favor. A survey conducted by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals found that 93% of lost dogs return home safely! In addition to creating fliers and scouring the neighborhood, these 11 tips will help bring your missing pooch home faster. 1. Bring along a taste of home. Most lost pups are found within 20 minutes during a regular neighborhood search. As soon as … Read more

Does Your Dog Eat Too Fast? Here Are 7 Ways To Slow Them Down

If your dog can finish an entire meal in less time than it takes you to say, “Bailey, slow down!” you have a chow hound on your hands. These are the dogs that inhale their food without bothering to chew or even check what they’re eating. Labs are notorious chow hounds, but they come in all sizes, breeds, and personalities. Gulping food in record time is an impressive skill in some circles, but eating too fast is a serious problem … Read more

Ttouch Method: Strengthen Your Bond With Your Dog Through Massage

Tellington Touch, or “Ttouch” was developed by animal expert Linda Tellington Jones, who received an honorary doctorate for her work with animals. It was originally a method of training meant for horses but was adapted in the 1980’s for other animals – including our dogs. It’s now used in over 23 countries in homes, training facilities, zoos and wildlife rehabilitation centers, and gets incredible results for those who know how to use it! The Tellington Touch method is meant to … Read more

7 Things In Your Backyard That Could Be Deadly For Dogs

Your backyard is where your dog is free to run around and soak up the sun, but it’s your job to make sure that happy place doesn’t end up being a dangerous place. You’ll need to look at your yard with a critical eye to spot the things that might get a curious sniffer or mischievous mind into trouble. Most of the things on this list are everyday items you probably have in your yard right now. They’re safe when … Read more

Red Roof Inn: Where Your Dog Stays–For Free!

*Sponsored Content* With summer fast approaching, many of us our itching to hit the road. And if you’re a doting dog parent you’re planning on bringing Fido along for the ride, right? But where to stay?…Well, Red Roof Inn has a pawesome deal for you — and just in time for upcoming getaway. Not all hotels are pet-friendly, and many claim to be… but their policies aren’t always crystal clear and disguised with hidden fees. Bottomline: you may not always … Read more

The Thoughtful, Personal Quick Gift Any Dog-Person Will Love!

There’s an unspoken adult rule about giving handmade gifts. After a certain age they just don’t wow like they once did. Unless you’re a professional artist, it’s best to leave the glittery macaroni necklaces, and glue-soaked popsicle stick frames to the kids and out of your office’s secret Santa exchange. Unless you really like hearing an underwhelmed “Oh… thanks.” Forget the rules, because there are occasions when a well-thought-out, handmade card can still really tug on the heartstrings. The crafty … Read more

8 Ways To Make Your Rescue Dog As Comfortable As Ever

The word “comfort” conjures images of a big, cozy bed on a late Sunday morning. Feeling relaxed in your environment, however, is about more than fluffy pillows and a fleece blanket. It’s the feeling of both safety and confidence. It’s knowing that wherever you are and whomever you’re with, you’re secure, satisfied, and feeling happily at home. Rescue dogs—regardless of their background—deserve homes where their comfort is a priority. After life in a shelter and overcoming whatever past experience earned … Read more

3 Strategies For Safely Catching A Loose Dog

Whether it’s your dog that slipped their leash or a stray running through traffic, catching a loose dog is never as easy as it sounds. Your first instinct is to give chase, but that rush of energy is rarely the right move. Dogs that are afraid, skittish, or simply overly excited will do everything they can to elude your grasp—even when that means putting themselves in danger. If you want to bring your flighty pup back home safely, you’ll have … Read more

15 Money-Saving Tips For Dog Owners

According to CNBC, American dog owners spend upwards of $2,000 per year on routine care and maintenance for each of their pups. If there is a medical emergency, that figure can easily sore above $10,000. With these tips, you can give your furry family members the best of the best and save money in the process! 1. Make Your Own Products: DIY Dog Beds There was a time when pallets were tossed out like useless garbage. Now, there are countless … Read more

21 Pallet Dog Bed Ideas

It’s easy to see why pet parents love pallet beds: they’re a fun DIY project, they’re cheap to make, and they look chic with any decor! Plus, they’re totally customizable to fit the unique personality of your beloved canine. If you know where to look, you can get pallets for free. They’re often used to load up products for shipment to stores, so if you can get in touch with a local small business (perhaps there’s a pet shop you … Read more

A Guide To Creating The Ultimate Bucket List For Your Aging Senior Dog

Facing the mortality of our senior dogs is a heartbreaking reality that inspires many loving paw-rents to create bucket lists on their behalf. While embarking on a final journey with your gray-muzzled best friend is a beautiful sentiment, be careful not to confuse the experiences you want to give your dog with the experiences your dog wants to have with you. When planning the perfect doggy bucket list, it’s normal to imagine grand adventures and wish for limitless possibilities, but … Read more

5 DIY Homemade Dog Treats Your Dog Will Go Crazy For

There are so many different dog treats available on the market, how can we be sure we’re choosing the right ones? While there are plenty of great choices, more and more companies are having their ingredients questioned. One way to be absolutely sure we’re feeding our dogs healthy, natural ingredients is to make our own treats! We’re often looking for some healthy and delicious homemade dog treats to make ourselves and today we were lucky enough to stumble across 5 … Read more

10 Clever Canine Enrichment Ideas You Can Easily Do At Home

Mental stimulation is essential whether your dog is a high-energy puppy or laid-back older dog. It doesn’t matter if they pick up on training quickly or need a little extra practice to learn new skills. New experiences and learning opportunities will always benefit their well-being. The best part is, canine enrichment doesn’t need to be expensive or hard to organize. Dog owners have put their minds together to come up with clever ways to keep their pups happy, healthy, and … Read more

The Dog Treat Cookbook That’s Dishing Up Healthy Snacks For Your Pooch

Are you tired of seeing dog food and treat companies make the news for yet another recall? One week it’s salmonella contamination, the next week it’s listeria. And you’re left asking the question: “Are my dog’s treats safe?” Trust me, I know the feeling. Over the past few decades, I’ve watched a couple of my close family members’ dogs suffer from health issues as a direct result of commercial snacks. One time it was an intestinal blockage, another instance resulted … Read more

10 Tips All First-Time Dog Owners Need To Read

You’ve searched the shelters, done your homework, and now it’s finally time to bring your newest family member home for the first time. The car ride is full of excitement, and you’ll spend the first few hours playing with your new dog, but it’s time to ask yourself the important question of, “What’s next?” Being a good pet parent isn’t all belly rubs and tasty treats. It’s your responsibility to ensure your new dog is healthy, happy, and well taken … Read more

6 Must-Have Items To Put In Your Dog’s Easter Basket

One of the best parts of celebrating Easter with our furry family is putting together the basket! We love giving our pets gifts, and Easter is just one more excuse to spoil our dogs. Even if they can’t eat candy, we can still share the fun of a great Easter basket with our pets! It’s important to remember not to include chocolate or other snacks high in sugar and fat in your dog’s basket – but there are “cheats” and … Read more

Dog Showers: The Latest Home Trend Every Pup Parent Needs

We’ve all been there. You get caught in the rain while walking your pup or take a particularly messy romp on the beach. It’s all fun and games until it comes time to bring your muddy, stinky pooch back into the house. Luckily there is a stylish solution to this very problem. According to a recent New York Times report, dog showers are the latest home decor trend among pet parents. Ken Malian, co-owner of GreenRose Fine Homes & Design in … Read more

Is Your Dog An Escape Artist? Try These Tips To Keep Them Home Safe

Between all the digging, jumping, climbing, and lock picking, your clever pup makes even Houdini look like an amateur escape artist. While some dogs are content to stay in one place, there are others that are determined to find new and mysterious ways to break the confines of their territory. A part of you can’t help but be impressed with your dogs ingenuity at getting free, but frequently escaping the safe borders of the yard puts them in serious danger. … Read more

The 9 Best Ways To Spoil Your Dog When You’re On A Budget

You want to spoil your furry friend as much as possible, but sometimes money is tight and you can’t just pull out all the stops to make your dog feel special. Luckily, there are lots of ways you can spoil your dog that are relatively cheap – or even free! All it takes is a little bit of your time and maybe some creativity to make your pup feel like he’s the king of the world. Here are the 9 best … Read more

Grieving Dog Mom Warns Others Of Household Suffocation Risk

Doting dog mom Christina Young found out the hard way that an everyday kitchen item can become deadly in the paws of a curious pooch. Her beloved pup, Petey suffocated last week when his head became stuck in a potato chip bag. Young hopes to raise awareness to this hazard and protect other dog lovers from experiencing the same horror and heartbreak. She took to Instagram and Facebook to share her story, writing: “One week ago I kissed my baby … Read more

How To Ensure Your Pets Are Cared For Should You Pass Away

No matter your age and health status, it is important to think about what will become of your family – including the furry members – should you become incapacitated or pass away. Shelters take in far too many orphaned dogs and cats because prior arrangements were not made on their behalf. As heartbreaking as it is to consider, taking the time to plan for the worst may be the kindest choice you ever make for your pets. Prepare for an Emergency … Read more

How To Make Peace In “Blended Families” Where Dogs Don’t Get Along

When you adopt a new dog into your family, you always have the ability to have your current pooch meet the potential newcomer to make sure they can be compatible co-canines. But what happens when two people move in together — whether as roommates or a couple — and their pups simply don’t get along? It can be a heartbreaking situation: both parties (understandably) unwilling to surrender their furry friends, or worse, one caving and giving their innocent dog up. … Read more

The Dos And Don’ts Of Making Delicious, Dog-Safe Cakes

It’s not a party without cake, and cakes for dogs can be tricky. Regular cakes are loaded with ingredients that can make a dog feel less like celebrating and more like a trip to the vet. More and more people are celebrating their dog’s birthdays or “gotcha” adoption days, and without a cake that your dog can enjoy, the day might feel like it’s missing something. The humans at PersonalCreations.com are sharing their cool, informative infographic that makes the … Read more

8 Essential Products To Include In Your Doggy Disaster Preparedness Kit

It seems like every other news story involves some kind of disaster. From wildfires to hurricanes and “bomb cyclones”, no place is safe from the power of nature. Your family may be primed to face any scenario with a detailed preparedness plan and emergency evac-kit, but don’t forget your dog needs evacuation supplies, too! Creating a doggy disaster preparedness kit helps ensure that your pooch remains safely by your side throughout any emergency. The following 8 essential products will prepare … Read more

Scientifically Proven Ways To Show Your Dogs How Much You Love Them

Scientific research has helped us understand the complex thoughts and emotions our beloved dogs are capable of. They may feel, interpret and express love differently than humans, but they definitely understand the sentiment. Dr. Brian Hare is an associate professor of evolutionary anthropology at Duke University and founder of the Duke Canine Cognition Center. When asked by People Pets whether dogs realize how much we love them, he answered: “Yes, your dog knows how much you love him! Dogs and … Read more