DIY Archives

Watch Out For These Winter Toxins!

As the temperature continues to drop, we begin to take precautions to prepare. Throw on more layers, turn up the thermostat, salt the driveway and add antifreeze to your car’s radiator. Although these all may seem like smart safety precautions, some of our winter preparedness items can be harmful for our dogs. Dr. Denise Petryk, on-staff veterinarian at Trupanion pet medical insurance, gave us the following toxins commonly used in winter that all pet parents should watch out for. #1 – Antifreeze Antifreeze … Read more

8 Ways To Prevent Dog Theft

There is nothing scarier than the realization that someone has stolen your dog. The first thought that crosses is your mind is “Why? What are they doing to him?” Rarely do you assume that you dog is being well-loved by the thieves, and you would be right. Dogs are stolen for ransoms, resale, medical research, breeding, fighting, torture, and for use as bait dogs to name a few horrifying facts. Here are a few ways you can help prevent your dog … Read more

Essential Travel Gear Checklist For Your Dog

iHeartDogs is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Traveling with your dog can be a wonderful experience, full of shared adventures and memories. However, it also comes with a unique set of challenges and responsibilities. To ensure that your journey is as smooth and stress-free as possible, it’s crucial to pack the right travel essentials for your canine companion. From practical items to comfort-focused accessories, … Read more

7 Tips To Help Your Senior Dog Through The Winter

As your dog gets older, winter months get harder for them to handle. Cold, wet weather can make every day a little more painful for your senior dog, and can even be hazardous to his health. The following tips can help you make sure your senior dog stays comfortable all winter long. #1 – Add glucosamine and chondroitin to their diet Talk to your vet about adding these to your senior dog’s diet. They help lubricate their joints, which get … Read more

DIY Peanut Butter Biscuits

TO NOTE: Always, check with your vet first if you think your dog might have allergies to the ingredients in this recipe or if you think there is anything that could cause an issue. They are your best source for information. This is intended as a treat for your pet, not a replacement for a balanced diet. This is a fun treat your dog will enjoy – no matter how young or old! Whether it be a special occasion or just … Read more

Simple DIY Fleece Dog Stocking

The best thing about this stocking is how EASY it is! In no time you will have a great dog stocking for your own pup or a friend’s. They are great way to give a dog-themed hostess gift – skip the basket that nobody wants and tuck their prezzies in this cute dog stocking instead. Materials Roughly 8.5×14 fleece in whatever color you wish Scrap piece of fleece in coordinating color Stocking Pattern – print on 8.5 x 14 paper … Read more

Top 10 Tips for Home Cooking Dog Diets

If you have thought about cooking for your dog, now’s the time! November 1 is National Cook For Your Pets Day and what could be better than a starting a home cooked diet? Dr. Oscar E Chavez BVetMed MRCVS MBA is a licensed veterinarian and Chief Medical Officer for JustFoodForDogs, a company that makes cooking for your dog easy with premade meals and kits that are veterinarian approved. Below are his top 10 tips to cooking for your dog. #1 … Read more

This Brilliant Halloween Idea Will Have All The Dogs Lined Up Ready To Do Tricks

It’s that time of year again. We enjoy pumpkin spice lattes, the weather gets colder, and children everywhere start walking around with pounds of candy in pillow cases. I’m talking about Halloween. The popularity of Halloween now goes beyond children. Adults spend more and more money on costumes and parties for themselves each year. But aren’t we missing someone? What about our pets? We buy them costumes and even take them trick-or-treating. But while the kids get candy and the adults … Read more

How To Make A Natural Flea And Tick Repellent

With so many harsh chemical products on the market, a lot of dog owners are concerned with the unnatural poisons they’re advised to either put on their dog’s skin or feed to them. So for those looking to go a more natural route, you’ll be happy to find that we’ve found a very easy, very safe, natural flea and tick repellent that can be made cheaply from your home. Summer brings many wonderful things; warm weather, summer showers, beautiful flowers, … Read more

DIY: Your Dog Will Go Nuts For These Homemade Peanut Butter Oat Dog Treats!

If you haven’t made treats for your dog because you are intimidated by the whole process (like knowing what ingredients are safe or not safe to feed your dog), or you don’t fancy yourself much of a baker, this simple recipe is perfect for your first attempt. If you are an “old pro” at baking dog treats, or just baking in general, this recipe gives you lots of room to add and substitute ingredients to make fancy treats your dog will beg for! … Read more

12 Unique DIY Dog Beds For Any Decor

Does your dog need a new bed but you are tired of the same old doughnut- or rectangular-shaped dog beds in the same boring colors? Then it’s time to try your hand at making a dog bed yourself! Get started by looking at some of these amazing DIY dog bed designs. Most even have instructions! #1 – End Table Dog Bed This amazing creation is from the DIY Network and they give you the complete instructions. It’s easier than you think and … Read more

10 Refreshing Frozen Treat Recipes For Your Dog

It. Is. HOT outside! But it’s also the season for ice cream, cold drinks, and popsicles! Don’t forget to include your dog on the chilly-treat fun when you’re snacking. Your dog can enjoy a lot of the treats you do – in dog-safe form, of course. The homemade treats here are super tasty, extra-simple, and don’t need you to turn on your oven. They’re all chilled or frozen! Note: All recipes are senior dog-safe, but be sure to check the … Read more

8 DIY Pallet Beds For Dogs

Dog beds can get pretty expensive and more and more owners are coming up with creative ways to make their own. While there are plenty of good ideas, one of the most common DIY dog beds is made from pallets! It makes total sense, because you make the bed look however you want and it will be sturdy, comfortable and long-lasting. Check out these awesome, homemade dog beds we found around the internet that you can make yourself! Remember to … Read more

25 FREE Dog Clothing Ideas & Patterns

You might be surprised how easy it is to make your own doggy clothes and the great part is, you can recycle your own clothes, make matching outfits or ensure a good fit if you have one of those “unusually shaped dogs.” These free patterns are perfect to get you started. #1 –Upcycled Leg Warmers Take some scissors to a pair of old socks and you’ve got yourself some doggie leg warmers! This cute idea comes from Sew Doggy Style. … Read more

Make Your Own Safer Dog Treats With A Dehydrator

I have never used a dehydrator for anything, but with all the scares and recalls on dog treats, I started to wonder if dehydrated dog treats were the way to go. But I had a couple of questions: how easy is it to use? Will it really save me money? When I got the Excalibur 5-tray Dehydrator, I was nervous. It looked big and complicated and I wondered if I could burn my house down with it. But as it … Read more

5 Fun DIY Dog Halloween Costumes

Halloween… a time for tricks, treats and expressions of individuality. Some dogs don’t mind getting dressed up in elaborate costumes and paraded out and about, lapping up the adoration. There are some incredibly complex canine costumes such as the American bobsled team, Liberace, and a peacock fairy. The following suggestions are more for the creative owner who prefers gluing to sewing and dogs who aren’t as thrilled with dressing up. These costumes are easily constructed and may be tailor made … Read more

10 Ways to Pamper Your Dog on a Budget

Ever wondered how to give your pups the best pampering, but can’t afford a full spa day or a fancy foam dog bed? Luckily, what our dogs value most is something money can’t buy – love and attention from you! Here are some great ideas for the dog lover on a budget who is looking to splurge on their pooch! #1 – Homemade Meal Instead of his normal commercial dog food, fix the dog a homemade meal. Not only will … Read more

5 Tips For Taking Spectacular Photos Of Your Dog

Are you looking to get great shots of your dog? Photographing dogs can be a little tricky at first, but with these five tips you’ll soon be on your way to photographing like a pro. 1. Get Down on His Level That’s right – getting yourself down on your dog’s level will change the camera angle and bring out more realistic, detailed shots. Depending on the size of your dog, this may be easier said than done. If you have … Read more

Pooch-mmm-oothie? Have You Heard Of This For Your Pooch?

Show of hands: how many enjoy a great smoothie? Have you ever thought that your dog may enjoy a smoothie too? It is true, yes, your dog may have a challenge drinking a smoothie through a straw, however, your dog certainly will enjoy this delicious treat in a bowl. While you are making some for your dog, be sure that you save some for you too. Yes, this smoothie is great and healthy for you both! This recipe is loaded with … Read more

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