This dog paw print painting is the perfect piece of art in any dog lover’s home.
It’s a keepsake you’ll cherish for a lifetime and one of the most sentimental décor pieces you’ll have!
You’ll only need a canvas, paint and a paintbrush. Oh, and a dog paw, of course.
Read on to learn how to make your own DIY paw print painting.
Paw Print Painting Tips
VIDEO
These tips will help you create the best paw print painting a pup could make!
Canvas
Most dollar stores carry canvases for cheap. Choose whatever size you plan on displaying. If you have a small dog, you could even choose a mini canvas for just a few prints.
Type of Paint
Choose a water-based paint that is non-toxic. Non-toxic acrylic craft paints, tempera or washable paints for children will probably work best.
Paint Color
I recommend choosing contrasting colors for the background paint and paw print paint. For my canvas, I painted the background dark blue and the paw prints gold. I love the metallic sparkle silver and gold give to the painting.
Dog Paw Prints
There’s two ways you can make the paw prints. The first option is to dip your dog’s paws into the paint and guide them to press it onto the canvas. This is easiest but sometimes it can make the paw toes “blend” together if it gets too painty. So, the other option is to take a glob of paint on a paintbrush and paint it onto your dog’s paw before pressing it. Try both ways to see which works best for you!
In any case, dog paws won’t look perfect. Although you can guide your dog’s paw, some might resemble more of an accident than a paw. That’s okay! It’s your dog’s artistry! You can also go back in later with a paintbrush to help define the paw print.
Where to Display Your Paw Print Art
Display your canvas wherever you choose: on a wall, in a shelf, or in your dog’s corner. I found a special place for mine in my dog’s water/food bowl shelf. I tucked it in behind and I think it looks so cute there 🙂
How to Make Dog Paw Print Painting
Follow the directions below.
DIY Paw Print Painting
A sentimental décor piece and keepsake to cherish for a lifetime.
Canvas ((size of your choice))
Paint for background color
Paint for paw prints ((tips in article for paint suggestions))
Large paint brush
Thin paint brush
Plate or dish for paint
Paper towel or cloth
Newspaper or sheet ((to avoid painty paws tracking everywhere))
Paint the canvas your chosen background color and let dry.
Pour the paw print paint into a dish.
Cover the area with newspaper or an old sheet (extremely important when your dog has paint paws!)
Place your dog’s paw into the dish and move it onto the canvas. Guide their paw to help press it down. It’s okay if it glides… that’s what makes it a dog painting. Try to go with the flow.
Alternative: Using a paintbrush with a generous amount of paint, paint their paw pad and guide it onto the canvas, pressing it down.
Repeat until you’ve painted all the paw prints you want.
Have a damp paper towel or a cloth nearby to wipe your dog’s paw so they don’t track it everywhere.
If paw prints are dull, go over the paw prints with a thin paintbrush. Accentuate the outline or fill it in.
Paint a border around your canvas. To keep it simple, I chose small dots.
Have your dog sign their name (or, you know, do it for them).
diy dog activities, diy dog painting, dog activity ideas, paw print painting, ways to bond with your dog
Hey! Did you make this? Show your dog’s creation! Tag us on Insta @YoCanineCom
Once upon a time, the idea of bringing your dog to work would have been out of the question – it’s probably not even something that would have been thought of or come up in conversation. However, things have changed, and a lot of people work from home now, so they can have a dog with them all the time if they want to.
Of course, some people don’t want to or can’t work from home, but that doesn’t mean they have to leave their canine companions home alone. Some workplaces are realizing just how great a dog in the office can be, and they’re allowing people to bring their pets to work. Read on to find out what the benefits of doing this are so that if you have the chance to bring your dog to work, you can take it.
Stress Reduction And Better Mental Health
It doesn’t matter what kind of work you do or what level you might be working at, sometimes it can be very stressful, and if you want to keep your health in good shape, reducing your stress levels is important. One way to do that might be to have a dog – or a number of dogs – in the workplace. Dogs are well known for being excellent at giving emotional support (even if they don’t realize what they’re doing), and when employees are feeling anxious or overwhelmed, having a dog nearby can provide them with the emotional support they need to feel better.
The studies carried out to determine what it is about dogs that make people feel calmer have found that interacting with dogs can lower cortisol levels, and this is important to know. Cortisol is a hormone associated with stress, and too much cortisol can lead to various health issues, like high blood pressure, stroke, and heart disease. A study published in the International Journal of Workplace Health Management found that employees who had regular contact with dogs at work had much less cortisol in their bodies than those who didn’t. If nothing else, this is a definite positive reason to allow dogs at work.
Another way that dogs can help reduce stress in the workplace is that they’ll encourage their owners (or anyone who happens to be taking care of them, depending on the setup and what it allows) to take regular breaks, which they might not do otherwise. A dog needs to play and be exercised regularly, and they’ll want attention from time to time. They’ll also need to be fed, and their water has to be changed. All of this means that anyone dealing with a dog in the office has to stop what they’re doing and help the animal. Since taking breaks is crucial for good mental health and less stress (not to mention better productivity), this is a great reason to have a dog around you in the office.
Increased Employee Morale And Happiness
Employee morale and happiness is something to take very seriously; if someone isn’t happy in their work and doesn’t enjoy what they’re doing, they won’t put in as much effort as they would if they felt great and comfortable in the office. Employee morale has a direct impact on productivity and the overall performance of the business, so it’s important to do what you can to improve employee morale, whether you’re the boss or one of the workers. As you might expect, allowing dogs in the workplace can have a hugely positive impact on morale.
One way it can help is to make people feel more at home. After all, having a pet is something many of them will be accustomed to, and they’ll be more at ease and more comfortable in the office if there’s a pet around them, just like at home (even more so if it’s their specific pet, of course, but any dog works well). Plus, as we said earlier, dogs reduce stress, and a less stressed worker is sure to be a happier one, and they’ll also be more focused and better able to tackle challenges with a positive mindset.
Something else that a dog can bring to the table is a sense of community and great team spirit. The shared responsibility of caring for a dog at work means that people who might not otherwise have connected will definitely have something in common. Taking breaks to play with the dog or walk them and so on could mean interacting with people you wouldn’t have seen otherwise, and with everyone being happy around the dog, it means friendships are easily made and can grow from there. When employees feel as though they have a place in the company, they’ll work harder and have higher morale levels, and this is precisely what these connections will give people.
If you want your team to be more motivated, what better way to do it than to have a dog in the workplace? People are going to be much happier to come to work when they can see the office dog (or bring their own dog – whatever works best).
Finally, you’re sure to have reduced employee turnover when there’s a dog in the office, or a dog-friendly policy in place. This can be costly and cause a lot of disruption, so if having dogs at work is something that helps prevent that from happening, it’s a great idea.
Better Work-Life Balance
Achieving a healthy work-life balance is a constant challenge for everyone, even when we know it’s absolutely crucial for health and happiness. The problem is that we often have long working hours, and we’re always connected, so it’s hard to really get away from that mindset – literally and figuratively. This is actually why a lot of people get dogs in the first place, as it helps them have a better work-life balance – they’ll have someone to be responsible for, and they’ll have to take time away from work to do so. But apart from the benefit of ensuring you take breaks that we mentioned above, there are other ways dogs in the office can help with the work-life balance.
To begin with, many dog owners feel horribly guilty when they have to leave their dogs at home all day without them – they’ll be worried all day, and that could mean they’re less productive and focused at work. It makes sense in that case that if the dog isn’t at home at all but is in the office instead, that guilt and concern will disappear, and you or your employee will be able to concentrate on the work that has to be done with fewer distractions (although plenty of all-important breaks).
You’ll also often find that many workplaces that allow dogs adopt a more flexible schedule at work so that everyone’s needs can be accommodated (including the dogs). Whether you need to take your dog to puppy training classes (which can be very important if you want them to behave well in the office, and you can find out more about training your dog when you visit this web page), a vet appointment or you have to go for a walk, you’ll be able to do so. And of course, flexible working is the ideal work-life balance system.
Employees who are better at time management are always going to be able to work out a good work-life balance, no matter how busy they are, and bringing a dog to work is a fun way to improve your own time management. When you know your dog has to be fed at a certain time or walked at a certain time, you’ll be able to prioritize your day to make sure these things happen, and along the way, your time management – and work-life balance – will get better.
Getting a dog for the first time is an exciting experience. You could’ve been dreaming about it for years, and can’t wait to bring your furry family member home. It’s easy to see why. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t come with a lot of responsibilities, though. First-time dog parents have a lot to learn, after all.
It’s not complicated or overwhelming to do this, but it’s something you’ll have to put time and effort into. You’ll be taking care of a living being, and you’ll need to keep them healthy and active while looking after their needs.
A bit of knowledge and a lot of patience is needed for this, and it’s worth using a few tips for first-time dog owners.
First-Time Dog Parents: 10 Top Tips
1. Have Patience With Them
Patience was already mentioned, but the value of this can’t be understated. From the adoption process to training them, you’ll need more patience than you could’ve thought. It’s possible your dog mightn’t pick up on certain things too quickly.
If you get frustrated with them because of it, it won’t help them learn it any faster. It could even be detrimental to their training. The more patient you are, the better they’ll end up learning anything.
Should it be too frustrating, consider asking a professional trainer or vet for some assistance, and you shouldn’t have a problem.
2. Give Them The Right Diet
Speaking of talking to a vet, it’s also worth asking them about your dog’s diet. You can’t just give them a bit of meat or the first doggie food you came across. Find out what your dog can and can’t eat. Consider asking your vet a few questions. Can dogs eat sorghum is a great example of this.
Once you know exactly what kind of diet your dog should have, you’ll have no problem keeping them healthy. You could even prevent different diseases with this, so you’ve no reason not to put the effort into it.
3. Encourage Them To Go Potty Outside
When you’re training your dog, you’ll focus on multiple areas. One of the more notable is house training them so they don’t go potty everywhere. It’s much better they do this outdoors, as it’ll be much healthier for you, your family, and your dog. While you’ll still need to clean up after them, it’s still worth training them to do this.
One key area to focus on with this is celebrating them when they do it. It works as positive reinforcement, and they’ll seek this out quite a bit. They’ll learn to go potty outside to get this reinforcement, helping with their potty training.
4. Make A First Aid Kit
Your dog could have countless accidents when they’re with you. Thankfully, most of these will be harmless, but that doesn’t mean all of them will be. They could hurt themselves in various ways. While a vet’s needed for anything major, you mightn’t have to take them there for any small cuts or scratches.
That doesn’t mean just letting them be, though. You’ll need a pet first aid kit to help look after them. You might already have one of these for your family, but you’ll need a dog-specific one to look after your furry family member. Even a DIY option can be great.
5. Be Consistent With Training
Training was mentioned above, and it can be one of the more complicated areas for first-time dog owners. One of the key factors in whether you’re successful with their training is whether you’re consistent with it or not. If you’re not, you might teach your dog there aren’t any repercussions for their behavior.
At the same time, they might believe they won’t be rewarded for positive behavior. The more consistent you are with their training, the more consistently you’ll see the results. Know the house rules and how you want them to behave when starting, and actually stick to them.
6. Give Them A Safe Space
Everyone deserves to have a safe space. You’ll already have yours, and you’ve no reason not to give your dog one. You wouldn’t even need to put much effort into putting this together for them. All you’d really need are a doggie bed, blanket, and bowl for them. Add in a few toys, and they’ll be quite happy.
Don’t overlook the temperature when you’re putting this together. The more comfortable everything is, the safer they’ll feel when they’re there. It can even serve as their sleeping area, where they can fall asleep quickly and easily.
7. Mentally Challenge Them
Everyone needs some mental stimulation every once in a while, and that’s just as true for your dog. Without it, they could get bored quickly and easily. With a few mental challenges, though, you can avoid that quickly and easily. You don’t have to put much time and work into achieving this.
Puzzle toys are one of the easiest ways of doing this, but you can also try playing new games with them. With a little effort, you’ll both be mentally challenged and having fun before you know it.
8. Wash Their Things
Your dog will have a few belongings. A bed, toys, and bowl are the most obvious of these, and you’ll pick them up before even getting your dog. As important as these are to your dog’s safe space, you shouldn’t just put the belongings there and let them be. You’ll need to give them a wash every once in a while.
If you don’t, dirt and bacteria can build up and eventually make your dog or your family sick. It’ll only take a few minutes to do and doesn’t need much effort. You can even put their cushion and bed in the washing machine to make it easier.
9. Give Playtime A Purpose
You’ll play with your dog quite a bit, which is always a good thing. Don’t do it without having a purpose, though. With a purpose, you can use playtime to help train them and get them used to different things, especially with puppies. By touching their feet and toys, for example, you get them used to these being touched.
That’ll make cutting their nails much easier whenever you need to do it. By thinking of a purpose with all your playtime activities, you and your pet will have fun while still helping to train them. It’s a win/win.
10. Add Variety To Exercise
You’ll naturally have a routine with your dog, especially when it comes to exercise. Walking them at the same time every day is recommended, but that doesn’t mean they can’t get bored if it’s the same thing all the time. Adding some variety to what you do with them is recommended.
It keeps them more interested and mentally engaged in what they’re doing. It’ll also make them happier in the long-term while fighting boredom. Mentally challenging them is great for this, but it’s always worth adding different exercises and walking routes to their walks. Variety is the spice of life, after all, so make sure to have some.
First-Time Dog Parents: Wrapping Up
First-time dog parents have a lot to worry about. They’ll have to get their home ready for their furry family member while knowing how to look after them. Don’t be overwhelmed or stressed by it, though. With the right tips for first-time dog owners, it’ll be easier than you’d think.
Add in some patience, and you wouldn’t have a problem taking proper care of your furry family member.
We’ll never know, but we can get closer by practicing the tips we’ll share in this post.
Communicating with a dog is a skill we need to learn and build with our canine companions.
Although it’s not easy as simply talking, we can grow toward understanding each other and reading our pup’s signs.
In this article, we’ll share how to communicate with your dog using 12 tips.
How to Communicate with Your Dog: 12 Tips
Learning how to communicate with your dog is important because you want to understand each other. Although a large part of talking to your canine involves training, much of it involves training yourself too. Read on to learn how.
#1 Use Hand Actions
When you want to communicate with your dog to do something, the best way is to teach her the behavior and attach it to a hand gesture. For example, an open hand up could mean sit.
Of course, your dog won’t automatically know what an open hand means. So if you do it, she won’t respond to it at all. First, get her to do the behavior first. To do this, you can search the trick or action on YouTube. Then when your dog is doing the behavior, add in the hand gesture. Repeat it several times during the first session and keep reinforcing the trick in future sessions.
Once she learns the trick, you will be able to communicate with her which actions and behaviors you want her to do in that moment.
#2 Congratulate Your Dog on a Good Trick
When you’re teaching your dog to do a trick, you need to let her know when she’s done the right thing. Giving her a treat as a reward is a great idea, but it should also be accompanied by one word you can use to say “that’s correct.”
You can use the word “yes” or “good boy!” or “so smart!” It matters less what word you use and matters more that you use it consistently.
When your dog learns that your selected word means “correct,” you can easily communicate with her when she’s doing the right thing. And in reverse, she’ll also know when she’s not doing the right trick or action.
#3 Add Words to Your Dog’s Actions
Once your dog has learned a tick, you can introduce her to the word for it. For example, once your dog learns to sit, you can say “sit” and begin to train her about what it means.
Some people try to introduce their dog to words at the beginning of their trick. This can be a mistake because your dog doesn’t even know the action yet. It’s better to get her to learn the action first, and then learn the word for it. This makes it easy to give her commands and communicate with her, even if she’s in the other room and can’t see hand signals.
#4 Reconsider Using “Stop”
Many dog owners, including myself, automatically use the word “stop” when their dog is doing something bad. But to be honest, it’s not the best way we could deal with the situation. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. The important thing to realize is that “stop” isn’t a standard trick that you teach your dog. “Stop” can mean something different each time, so that can be hard to train.
Instead, show your dog what to do instead when she’s doing a bad behavior. In other words, replace the bad behavior with a good one.
For example, every time your dog jumps up on a guest, ask her to sit and stay instead. The first several times, you will need to command and teach her so that she understands what you’re trying to communicate. But in time, it will likely become a habit and she should stop jumping up, or at the very least, sit after the first jump.
Another common example is if your puppy is teething and keeps biting you. Instead of expecting them to understand what “stop means,” give them a toy and encourage them to play with it.
Saying “stop” can be vague for a dog. When we teach them to do another action instead, we can get them to cease the behavior long-term.
#5 Prioritize Non-Verbal Communication
You can talk your dog’s ear off all she wants and she might pretend she’s listening, but that’s not really a way she communicates. Dogs mainly communicate non-verbally, which means by body language.
So, when you want to send your dog a message, get her to do something, get her to stop doing something, or even just to give her praise and love—non-verbal is always the best way.
That doesn’t mean your dog can’t understand words. Of course, she can respond to words you train her and maybe even some words you don’t. Words are important too. But the most effective means of understanding and talking to your dog will always be through body language.
#6 Look at Body Language in Context
There’s tons of charts that show you what your dog’s body language is supposed to mean. For example, most people agree that a wagging tail is a happy dog. However, any body language should be looked at in context. For example, if your dog is wagging her tail but her ears are pinned back and she’s frozen, those signals are saying the opposite.
To understand your dog and communicate with her better, take her situation and all body language into account.
#7 Learn Dog Body Language
Once we consider the factors in reading our dog’s body language, we can begin to learn the signs. You probably already know many because it comes intuitively to you. Over time, if you watch your dog, you’ll begin to learn what different signals learns because you’ll notice a pattern.
For example, when my dog needs to go outside to the bathroom, he paces back and forth in the living room. It’s his way of communication to me that he needs to go. Other dogs might stand at the door, stare at you or bark. If you pay attention, you can usually notice patterns that link some behaviors/needs to an action.
Anxious- Panting, pacing, ears pinned back, repeat yawning and licking their lips excessively.
Aggressive– Showing teeth, stiff body, intent gaze/stare, tail standing up and growling.
Relaxed- Head and ears in neutral position, tail wagging, exposing belly, relaxed body and mouth.
Keep in mind that your dog can have the same body language signal for 2 different emotions.
#8 Look Into Your Dog’s Eyes
How often have you heard the phrase, “look me in the eyes when I’m talking to you?”
The same is true for dogs. We might become too comfortable with ordering commands from afar or using a leash, but really, we need to look our dogs in the eyes too. As explained in the video below, humans communicate a lot through their eyes, so we bred dogs that were good at communicating through their eyes too.
Next time you’re talking to your dog or asking her to act in a certain way, try looking into her eyes.
#9 More Petting
Most dogs LOVE being pet and getting belly rubs. What can communicate love to an animal more than making them feel good?
Get to know the places your dog absolutely loves being pet or massaged. The action helps them feel safe and connected to you.
#10 Licking is Love
Sure, dog slobber can be annoying. But if a dog licks you, it probably means they love you. Although not all dogs do this, many pups are known to be constant lickers if they like you.
If you go to pet your dog and they snap back with a lick, it means they’re saying “I like you too.”
#11 Pay Attention to Tone
When you’re talking to your dog, make sure to pay attention to your tone and adjust it according to the situation. This will help your dog process what you’re saying and which type of mood he should project.
For example, when you’re asking your dog to do something instead of a bad behavior, it can be best to use a firm, assertive voice. That can help communicate with your dog that you’re serious and not joking around anymore. But if you’re having a playful session, you can transition to a normal or playful voice.
There’s exceptions though. For example, if you want your dog to pay attention when she’s interested in something else, using a high pitch sound can keep their focus. Studies show that, similar to babies, using a high pitch voice with puppies can promote learning and engagement.
#12 Don’t Fake Your Energy
It might sound a little ethereal, but dogs can read your energy even if you don’t think they can. That means that when you’re trying to fake an emotion, they can feel it and will respond accordingly.
For example, let’s say you’re trying to train your dog how to do a trick. It’s taking a long time and she’s not getting it no matter what you do, so naturally, you become frustrated. Even though you’re upset and becoming impatient, she can feel it and her energy begins to become a little more erratic too.
Now, compare this situation to what would happen if you became impatient, took a break and then came back with sincerity. Your dog can read this and have a calmer energy too.
Summary on How to Communicate with Your Dog
Since dogs are different animals, how we communicate with them should be different. Also, they can’t talk, so there’s that too. But by reading body language, teaching them words, and keeping out energy in check, we can learn how to communicate with your dog. The tips in this post can be practiced over time to build a good relationship with your canine pal.
Unless your fur baby has an allergy, a peculiar sense of taste, or is vegan, chicken is one of their favorite meals. It’s highly nutritious and perfect for puppies with tummy issues.
Like many pet owners, commercial pet food makes life easier. But there are days (especially holidays) when you may want to give your dog a special treat, like preparing a chicken meal. If you are stuck on what to do next, there is no need to panic. Keep reading and learn how to cook paw-licking chicken for your dog.
Sourcing the Chicken
To cook chicken for your dog, you must have the most crucial ingredient – chicken. But which parts are best for your furry buddy? Is it okay to get the chicken from your local butcher or store?
Beginning with the second question, yes, you can buy from any trusted seller. You can also check out companies that produce human-grade dog food. Only get what would be good enough for you. On the question of which parts are best, your furry buddy would best enjoy boneless chicken. Even if you have a large breed with powerful jaws, avoid bones because they could gobble up small bones and choke. If you purchased frozen chicken, ensure you completely thaw it before you start cooking.
There are three methods to cook chicken for your dog: boiling, baking, or grilling. Here’s how to do the first two.
Boiling Chicken for Your Dog
Have everything you need in one place: A few pieces of boneless chicken, a pot, and enough water to cover the chicken.
Place the chicken on the pot, and take care not to layer them.
Pour enough water to submerge all the chicken pieces. Watch out not to fill the pot to the brim. Allow about 1-2 inches so that it doesn’t boil over.
Cover the pot, and bring the water to boil over high heat.
Let the chicken pieces cook for approximately 12 minutes.
After 12 minutes of cooking, remove one piece and check if it is ready. If not, put it back and allow all the chicken to cook for another 1-2 minutes.
When ready, remove the chicken pieces, place them on a plate, and use two forks to shred them while still hot. Be careful not to scald yourself.
Let the chicken cool, and it will be ready for serving.
Benefits of Boiling Chicken
Dogs love the taste of boiled chicken, and the health benefits are really amazing. For instance, plain boiled chicken (without the skin or high-calorie additives)is a super-lean, protein-packed meal. It’s an excellent way to control calorie intake and is beneficial for colon health. There is more; chicken collagen extracts (a top component of boiled chicken) promote joint and bone health in dogs. It is excellent for older dogs with arthritis and other bone and joint issues. Boiled chicken also helps to control blood pressure, promotes digestion, and can encourage appetite.
However, boiling chicken also has a downside. A lot of the nutrients in the meal are soluble in water, and you risk losing them during cooking. You might want to consider an alternative method of cooking the chicken.
Baking Chicken for Your Dog
Have everything you need in one place: A few pieces of boneless chicken, an oven, and oven-safe containers.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (205oC)
Prepare your oven container. Place a silicone cooking mat or foil, or pour oil on it, so the chicken doesn’t stick.
Place the chicken pieces in the oven container and place them in the oven.
Let the chicken cook for about 20 minutes. However, time may vary depending on the size of the chicken and how your oven functions.
After 20 minutes, remove the chicken and check if it is well cooked.
Using two forks, shred the chicken into small pieces and let it cool.
Benefits of Baking Chicken for Your Dog
Baking chicken has immense health benefits. Since there is no leaching, the meal is nutrient-packed. For instance, a 4-ounce serving of baked chicken contains 35 grams of protein, and the same quantity of boiled chicken contains 27 grams. Baking chicken also boosts the absorption of iron and vitamin B 12. Both are crucial in the circulation and respiration process. Vitamin B12 also contributes to the regeneration of cells and tissues and promotes energy absorption. Your furry buddy is likely to become more playful and energetic.
What if Your Puppy has a Sensitive Tummy?
Chicken is excellent for dogs with sensitive tummies. However, since it is homemade, you should be extra cautious and precise in preparation. After all, the last thing you want for Fido is a stomach upset.
Start by either boiling the chicken or baking it using the steps above. Remember not to season the food; dogs love the natural taste. If the food contains spices or seasoning, your dog may not like it and turn away. Worse still, if they eat it (perhaps because they are famished), chances are, the seasoning would aggravate the conditions of their tummies.
Most puppies with tummy issues often have a history of infections or allergies. If your puppy is allergic, consult a vet, they will help you be sure it is chicken sensitivity. On the other hand, if the tummy issue was due to an infection, ensure the chicken is well-cooked. Then serve it with plain boiled white rice. Use white rice and not brown because dogs find it easier to digest. You can also include plain yogurt, but only if a vet approves. Observe your dog for some time, while on this diet, and if the condition does not improve, take him to the vet. If Fido gets better, keep at it until he is fully recovered. Then diversify the diet.
Serving
Serve the chicken plain boiled. Alternatively, you can make it more enticing by mixing it with other foods your dog loves. This way, your dog will be fuller and you can add more nutrients to the meal. For example, you can mix it with plain boiled rice if your dog has had tummy upsets in the recent past. You can also add dry or wet pet feeds according to the nutrients you want to boost. For example, canned pumpkin is perfect for fiber, and plain yogurt is excellent for growing pups.
A few reminders when preparing chicken for your dog
Check with the vet before preparing homemade chicken meals for your dog, especially if your dog has a food allergy.
Be creative; don’t just serve chicken every day. Check out other recipes for your dog. Fido will love the different tastes. Plus, it is a great way to provide wholesome nutrition.
If your dog was unwell (had a tummy issue), serve small quantities to avoid wastage.
You can cook any part, not just the breasts and thighs. Just remember to keep it boneless.
If you have some leftover chicken, keep it in an airtight bag and store it in the freezer. Since it does not have any preservatives, do not keep the food in the freezer for more than 3-4 days.
Do not season or add flavor to the chicken.
A Final Word
Chicken is a perfect treat for your dog. It tastes great, is gentle on the stomach, and is nutrient-packed. As long as you provide lean chicken meat, and prepare it at home, you can feed it to Fido daily, and they will not complain. On the other hand, if you rely on commercial pet food, buy only high-quality, human-grade brands. Low-quality brands are often full of fillers which could be unhealthy for your dog. Use the recipes and tips above to keep Fido excited about their feeding bowl.
Whether you’re on a business trip or a vacation, your dog’s company will serve as a stress reliever. If you’ve kept your pup for years, its company might as well be necessary to have a good experience.
In this post, we’ve shared dog travel checklists for quick trips around the city, road trips, and air travel. Browse through and learn what you must pack to make your traveling experience with your dog super convenient and enjoyable. Let’s get started!
Basics to Pack
Each type of travel has its own respective needs. You won’t need to carry a first-aid kit for quick trips around the city, but you’ll very much need it when heading out for long road trips or camping.
However, in any case, there are a few essentials that every dog needs at all times. These are:
Water
Food or treats
Harness or seat belt
Poop bag
A plastic hand-held shovel
This guide by BuzzFeed goes as far as highlighting 21 things you might want to carry when walking your dog. Now, that’s a lot! You’ll probably mess things up carrying so much baggage each time you head out of the door that much stuff.
For that very reason, we recommend keeping your essentials list as short as possible. The five things mentioned above are a must-carry. But you can add more if you feel the need.
How to pack these things?
When you become a dog parent, you have a huge responsibility on your shoulders.. In light of this, we recommend buying a dog backpack as soon as you adopt a dog.
These bags are available in all sizes (i.e., small, medium, or large). You can browse a wide variety of dog backpacks online. Choose one depending on your dog’s breed.
Keep this bag ready with all the essentials mentioned above at all times. You might need a bigger bag for longer trips when heading on a vacation. We’ll discuss how to tackle that in a bit.
For Quick Trips
Dogs travel checklists for quick trips are more or less the same as keeping the essentials only. That’s because when we say quick trips, we’re talking about trips around the city. These could be:
Outdoor walks (to the park or anywhere else)
Visit the vet
Visit the shopping center
Apart from the basics mentioned above, you can keep medical records of your dog when visiting the vet. When going to the shopping center, park, or any other public place, you might want to carry your dog’s favorite toy to keep it busy.
If you’re taking your pet along with your kids or if there’s anyone else in the vehicle, you must get a dog car seat and seat belt.
For Road Trip
An average road trip lasts one week to ten days. But even if you’re taking a 4-5 hours long trip to the highway, it counts as a road trip with your dog.
For such trips, we recommend keeping the following:
Water
Food or treats
Harness or seat belt
Poop bags
Hand-held shovel
1-2 toys (one of these should be either a ball or a stuff toy)
Kennel
Blanket or towel
A card or paper comprising information about your dog (including name, breed, age, medical conditions, and phone number)
Sunscreen
It’s best to attach the card or paper containing the information to your dog’s collar.
In case you’re heading out on a camping trip, you’ll need to carry additional items. Make sure you book a pet-friendly ground to camp. Also, carry these essentials along with those mentioned above:
Evidence of current vaccinations
Evidence of medical condition (if any)
Comb
Soap and disinfectants
Spare towel
Dog bed
Tweezers
Life jacket (if any water-related activity is involved)
Also, keep a good supply of food. If you’re camping for three days, keep an ample supply of food, water, and treats. You might want to carry more treats than you usually allow your dog. That’s because she’ll be dealing with additional stress, and you’ll need more of its favorite foods to relieve the stress.
For Air Travel
When it comes to air travel, the items on your checklist should be divided into three sections:
Pre-trip
During trip
Post-trip
That’s because there’s a lot of preparation you’ll need to do. First, begin preparing your dog mentally, physically, and emotionally a few weeks ahead of time. You can prepare your dog by allowing your dog to familiarize yourself with their crate or pet carrier.
Place the carrier in their living space and have your dog spend time in the carrier for at least 1-2 hours every day until the flight. Ensure they get comfortable with the carrier.
Slowly increase the time your dog spends in the crate or carrier so that they remain peaceful throughout the trip. Moreover, it’s a good idea to play airport sounds when placing them in the carrier. It makes the dog accustomed to it.
With that said, you’ll need a bigger dog bag for air travel. There’s a lot more that you need to carry.
Pack the essentials listed above along with the following items:
Your dog’s favorite toys
Passport
Pet Carrier
Pet License
ID tags
Medical documents like vaccination
Ownership documents (if applicable)
Keep water and documents separate. Perhaps, in separate pockets or sections of the dog bag.
Needless to say, it’s essential to check whether the airline is pet-friendly or not. Will they facilitate your journey with your pet, or will you have an at-your-own-risk situation?
Make sure you know the details thoroughly before you book your ticket.
FAQs
What does a dog-friendly hotel mean?
A dog-friendly hotel is a hotel wherein dogs are welcome. The hotel management may or may not charge some extra fees for taking care of your dog. They may assist you with your dog’s cleaning, food, and activities. Dog friendly hotels may also have a dedicated area for dogs.
How do you calm an anxious dog in a hotel?
Dogs get panicky if they have to stay somewhere other than home. You can calm your pup by bringing along something that reminds the dog of home. It could be a toy, a picture, or a general home-related thing.
Experts also recommend exercise to calm an anxious dog and maintain a routine. Give the food and treats to your dog timely. Take him out or play if you can.
What should I put in my dog’s travel bag?
You should keep everything mentioned above as per the trip’s requirements. Browse the guide above and find out all that you need to carry.
Note that it’s never a good idea to carry everything along. Always carry limited and required stuff only.
Do dogs know when you are packing for a trip?
It depends on how you’re packing stuff. If you’re packing stuff in a bag that you’re dog associates with going out, it’ll know you are packing for a trip. But if you’ve never taken your dog on a trip, it might not be able to know what you’re packing for.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have your complete dog travel checklists for all types of trips, we hope packing and preparing are easier for you. Make sure you keep your dog’s medical conditions and general preferences in mind when preparing the bag!
There’s many ways to connect with your dog. But here’s one you probably haven’t thought of: Chakra healing.
IMPORTANT: If your dog has a health issue, you should go to the vet first. The tips provided here are NOT a replacement. Vets provide science-backed advice based on data and research. Chakra healing can be thought of as a spiritual supplement alongside your dog’s health routine.
If dog chakra healing isn’t a proven tactic, why bother?
Well, if you’re a spiritual person like me, it’s interesting to learn about different ideas and even test them out yourself (after all, if you’re already taking proper care of your dog, there’s no harm).
Also, as pup parents, we’re always looking for ways to help and better connect with them. If chakra work heals your dog, awesome! But even if not, at least you’ll likely feel better connected to your dog–and really, he probably loves the extra attention.
What’s a Dog Chakra?
The idea of chakras are more of a new age spirituality/holistic concept; however, it originated in India somewhere between 1500 and 500 BC. Chakras are circular “energetic centers” in the body. Each of the seven chakras are connected to nerve centers and represents a different set of traits. The health of your chakras will dictate your physical, emotional and spiritual health. It is believed that humans and animals alike have chakras.
How do Chakras Become “Unhealthy” or “Unbalanced”?
When people refer to unbalanced chakras, they are basically saying one or more of their chakras are not as healthy as they should be. Dogs can get unbalanced chakras by having stress, having anxiety or going through change. It may not seem like dogs can have stress, but just like us, dogs can have general small stresses. Stresses could be from dog training, other animals, visitors, food issues, lack of play, separation anxiety, etc.
Let’s take a look at the 7 chakras and what they mean.
Balanced Effects: Happy, connected to animals and humans
Unbalanced Effects: Worrying, depression, has anxiety issues, hard to meet ‘dog friends’
How to Balance Your Dog’s Chakras
If you want to get your dog’s chakras balanced by a professional, you can make an appointment with an animal Reiki, acupressure, reflexology, or Quantum-Touch practitioner. However, you can also balance your dog’s chakras yourself at home.
With a healing intention in mind, you can do the following things to balance your dog’s chakras:
Give them a paw massage in the appropriate places to activate a certain chakra. Incorporate the crystal into body massage, if desired.
You can buy crystals individually or get a chakra stone pack. Attach the corresponding crystal to her collar.
Make a DIY spiritual cleansing spray to help ward off negative energies that can poke holes in the aura and wear at chakras.
Try a few dog acupressure points on your dog
Use sound healing (shown in the video in the next section)
Learn Quantum-Touch techniques to sense and heal dog chakras
Use color therapy. Incorporate color into your dog’s accessories that correspond with the chakra you want to heal.
Here are a few crystals for dog chakras. Remember that crystals can be a choking hazard for dogs, so be careful and don’t use with dogs who are teething and may eat stones.
Dog Acupressure for Dog Chakras
Although you’re not a professional, you can try acupressure on your dog to help balance their chakras. Here are just a few common points. You can hold each for about 30 seconds. Stop if your dog becomes uncomfortable
Sensing Chakras Dog Energy Healing
Glide your hands over their body as shown in the video below starting at 11:45
Use Dog Chakra Meditation
Use this guided chakra meditation to envision your dog’s chakra opening and balanced.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbhXUqNgGkw
How to Charge Dog Chakras Using Sound Healing
Dog Sound healing can be used to charge and balance your dog’s chakras and energy field. For sound healing, you can use chants, music for dogs, sound bath, singing bowls, healing vibrations and more.
But here, you don’t need anything but your voice. This is called vocal toning for dogs.
Playing with your Giant Fluffy Dogs can be cute and entertaining. However, looking after them is tiring and time-consuming. What’s more, is that you need to do it daily!
That fluff will become fluffier and dirty if you do not groom, brush, and bathe your dog regularly!
It may seem daunting initially, but once you know how to do it step-by-step, you will begin to enjoy the process. When you own an adult dog, there’s no getting away from the responsibility of caring for them appropriately.
Having a fluffy dog isn’t as straightforward as owning another breed. Your dog requires additional care owing to its dense coat and long fur, which requires regular upkeep to stay clean, healthy, and comfortable.
How to Groom and Care for Fluffy Dogs?
Fluffy, soft, and so cute—that’s the first impression of most dogs with long fur. But keeping that coat clean and fluffy is a challenge. There are many shaggy dog breeds, but grooming them regularly is a must to keep them healthy and happy.
How often you groom your dog depends on his breed and coat type; some dogs require daily brushing to control shedding (and prevent hairballs), while others may only need a quick bath every few weeks.
Follow the following ways to groom and care for your fluffy dog.
1. Get the tools
You’ll need to find the appropriate maintenance tools to keep your dog’s coat lustrous and healthy. Invest in wide tooth combs, rake brushes, and slicker brushes to retain your dog’s lustrous, fluffy coat.
Get hold of the grooming equipment like brushes, clippers, scissors, etc., and ensure that your dog is comfortable wherever you plan to make them sit through the process.
2. Remove Mat
In case your dog has developed mats, which is quite a possibility if they have a double coat, then it is time to get rid of them. Mats form mainly under the forearms, behind the ears, and in the body area where the arm and body rub together.
There are many strategies to painlessly remove the mats while maintaining a healthy coat, depending on the sort of mats you are dealing with. All you need to do is trust the process and take the plunge.
3. Bathe and Brush
Bath your dog regularly. Fluffy dogs may require daily or biweekly brushing to maintain a lovely, healthy coat free of tangles. Before gently brushing your dog’s coat, it could be useful to spray it with water.
Find a shampoo and conditioner appropriate for your dog. Many shampoos are available in the market to suit your dog’s specific needs and also vary on the type of fur.
If your dog is huge and fluffy, bathing them in an open area would be both fun and easier. If you have a backyard or an open space where you spend time with your dog, you could consider bathing them there.
Or else, you could invest in a kiddie pool that will allow you to give them a different and unique experience within a closed space.
4. Remove Tangles
As you brush through your fluffy dog’s coat, use a detangling spray to remove any minor tangles. Use brushes and combs to remove any minor tangles. It could be necessary to use scissors to cut out large knots.
5. Blowout
Ensure your dog’s undercoat can be reached by the bristles of your brush. A dog with two coats is a suitable candidate for a rake. Giving your dog a blowout now will enable you to remove all of the undercoats in one quick yet messy blowout session.
Everything else is fine, just do not forget to enjoy the process and ensure that you make it memorable even for your pet. If they like, they will surely look forward to getting the next one soon without creating any additional trouble for you.
Summary
If you’re unsure how to groom your dog according to its breed, it is best to research common ways before starting. It may appear daunting, but when you get into giving these grooming sessions, you will better bond with them.
Due to their multiple coats, fluffy breeds typically require much more care and grooming. This can entail giving your dog a daily brushing.
Dogs who live year-round in warmer climates may shed their coat more frequently. You might want to think about blowing away their undercoat or giving them a deep brushing with a rake too.
