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12 Homemade Dog Treats with Peanut Butter: So So Easy!

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homemade dog treats with peanut butter 1

Peanut butter is a creamy, delicious snack for dogs and humans alike.

It’s also the perfect ingredient to make dog treats with. Almost anything with containing peanut butter will make a dog go crazy.

When it comes to making homemade dog treats with peanut butter, there’s so many recipes to choose from that it can be difficult to pick.

We’ve rounded up the top DIY peanut butter treats included baked, non-baked and frozen options.

 

Benefits Homemade Dog Treats with Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is a common ingredient in many dog recipes for a few reasons. Firstly, it’s a great, dog-safe ingredient to help bind things together. Secondly, it’s healthy for dogs. Thirdly, they find it absolutely delicious.

The key is to look for natural brands that don’t include added sugar.

CAUTION: Beware of peanut butter brands containing xylitol. This is toxic to dogs can kill them. It’s often found in sugar-free brands as a sweetener.

Peanut Butter Health Benefits for Dogs include:

Protein

Like humans, dogs need protein to help them feel full longer. Having dog treats peanut butter flavor can mean your dog is getting an added boost to fuel her through the day.

 

Healthy Fats

Not all fats are created equal. While many store-bought varieties are laden with doggy junk food, natural peanut butter contains healthy fats needed in your dog’s diet.

 

Vitamin B

Dogs need B vitamins to control their energy, carbohydrate metabolism, enzyme function and more.

 

Vitamin E

Vitamin E for dogs can help protect against oxidative stress. As the American Kennel Club says, it also is essential for cell function and fat metabolism. A dog who is deficient may have muscle degeneration problems.

Like all foods, peanut butter should only be given to dogs in moderation. One thing to watch out for is the fat content. Even though it’s a healthy fat, too much can still add up.

 

Substitutes for Peanut Butter in Dog Treats

If you’re like me and you’re deathly allergic to peanut butter, searching for dog recipes can be a challenge. Since peanut butter is a common ingredient, most recipes you find will use some form of it to bind the ingredients together.

I’ve tried searching for homemade peanut-free dog treats, but the results are fairly limited. If you can’t touch peanut butter, pick your favorite recipe and use an alternative instead. Although the recipe may not turn out exactly the same, it should come fairly close.

Alternatives to peanut butter in homemade dog treats with peanut butter:

  • Almond butter
  • Cashew butter
  • Hazelnut butter
  • Soy butter
  • Sunflower butter

Remember that your dog’s taste buds are probably a lot less picky. The only real issue with substituting butters is if it throws off the consistency of the dough. For example, if you’ve chosen a really runny butter or brand, it may be too thin to properly bake the dog treat. Some butters may also have different textures on the shelf vs in the fridge compared to peanut blends. For this reason, stick to alternatives with a consistency similar to peanut butter.

 

Tips for Homemade Dog Treats with Peanut Butter

Before diving into the recipes, there’s a few things to consider:

  • Use Cookie Cutters. If you want your DIY dog treats to be as cute as possible, plan ahead and get dog-themed cookie cutters. If not, use small circles that are an appropriate size for your dog.
  • Use a Knife. If you don’t have a cookie cutter that’s a good size for dog treats, roll the dough out and cut it with a knife instead.
  • Use Silicone Molds. On this list, there’s some frozen and baked options for homemade dog treats with peanut butter. These use silicone molds to freeze the treats. If you’re in a pinch and don’t have one, you can try pouring and freezing the mixture in cupcake liners (but you might want the mixture thicker for this).
  • Consider Your Dog’s Diet. As with any recipe you’re making for your dog, you should factor it into his daily diet. Does she need to avoid any foods or have any allergies?
  • Consider Dog Size. A big dog is going to have a larger treat than a small dog. Keep this in mind when picking cookie cutters or sizing your treats. If your cookie cutter is too large, you can also break treats in half.

 

12 Recipes: Homemade Dog Treats with Peanut Butter

Here are the best recipes for dog treats made with peanut butter. Feel free to try out these versions with peanut butter alternatives, if needed.

 

#1 3-Ingredient homemade dog treats with peanut butter

homemade dog treats with peanut butter 1

Flora and Vino

 

Let’s start off this recipe list with a simple DIY peanut butter dog treat recipe that’s hard to mess up. Containing only a few ingredients, they’re quick to prepare and healthy

This recipe uses:

  • Old fashioned rolled oats
  • Natural peanut butter
  • Ripe banana

After blending the rolled oats into a flour. Mix the other ingredients and combine as directed. Roll out and cut into shapes or make into flattened balls. Bake.

Get the full recipe on Flora and Vino

 

#2 homemade dog treats with peanut butter and Bacon

homemade dog treats with peanut butter 1

Sally’s Baking Addiction

 

Your dog will forever thank you for this recipe. Sally’s Baking Addiction always has the most extravagant desserts with step-by-step instructions, making an amateur into a pro. As you can imagine, the bacon flavor drives dogs absolutely nuts.

This recipe uses:

  • Peanut butter
  • Milk
  • Unsweetened apple sauce
  • Baking powder
  • Oats
  • Bacon

Combine the ingredients following each step. Roll the dough out and use cookie cutters or a knife to design your treats. Bake and allow your dog to enjoy.

Get the full recipe on Sally’s Baking Addiction

 

#3 Peanut Butter Dog Treats with Peanut Butter Drizzle

homemade dog treats with peanut butter 1

Cookie Dough and Oven Mitt

 

If you want to add some frosting to your dog’s cookies, this is the recipe for you. It only requires a few ingredients and will have your pup salivating as is bakes.

This recipe uses:

  • Creamy peanut butter
  • Eggs
  • Whole wheat flour
  • Water
  • Coconut oil

Mix the ingredients for the dough per directions. Roll out the dough and use a cookie cutter to make shapes. Bake the cookies and after they’ve cooled, make the drizzle by combining the peanut butter and coconut oil.

Get the full recipe on Cookie Dough and Oven Mitt.

 

#4 DIY Peanut Butter Dog Treats with Bacon Grease Drizzle

homemade dog treats with peanut butter 1

Pinch of Yum

 

Another recipe for the dog who loves bacon, which is every dog. And you know what canines love more than bacon? Bacon grease. It’s used as a delectable topping in this dog treat.

This recipe uses:

  • Pumpkin
  • Peanut butter
  • Eggs
  • Oil
  • Whole wheat flour
  • Baking soda
  • Bacon grease

Combine ingredients into a dough and roll out. Use cookie cutter to make them into shapes. To make the drizzle, whisky peanut butter and bacon grease.

Get the full recipe on Pinch of Yum.

 

#5 Homemade Carrot Cake Dog Treats

homemade dog treats with peanut butter 1

BellyFull

These homemade dog treats with peanut butter resemble a carrot cake, a perfect dessert after any doggy meal.

This recipe uses:

  • Applesauce
  • Peanut butter
  • Eggs
  • Oat flour
  • Grated carrots
  • Coconut flakes

Combine ingredients as directed and roll out dough. Use cookie cutters and bake.

Get the full recipe on Belly Full

 

#6 4-Ingredient DIY dog treats peanut butter

homemade dog treats with peanut butter 1

Smart School House

This recipe is so easy to throw together and only requires 4 ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your cupboard.

This recipe uses:

  • Peanut butter
  • Skim milk
  • Baking powder
  • Whole wheat flour

Mix the ingredients together as directed, roll out and use cookie cutters. Bake.

Get the full recipe on Smart School House.

 

#7 DIY Peanut Butter Carrot Dog Treats

homemade dog treats with peanut butter 1

Sally’s Baking Addiction

This is another fabulous recipe from Sally. Instead of using bacon like above, make it a touch healthier using carrots. Your dog will still thank you.

This recipe uses:

  • Peanut butter
  • Skim milk
  • Egg
  • Carrot
  • Whole wheat flour
  • Baking powder
  • Oats

Combine the ingredients following the directions and then roll out the dough. Use cutters to cut into shapes and bake.

Get the full recipe on Sally’s Baking Addiction

 

#8 Yogurt Peanut Butter Banana Frozen Dog Treats

homemade dog treats with peanut butter 1

Cooking With Janica

For a summer-y twist on homemade dog treats with peanut butter recipe, try this. It’s quick to whip up, takes a few hours to freeze and your dog will enjoy the refreshing snack.

This recipe uses:

  • Plain yogurt
  • Peanut butter
  • Banana
  • Honey

Combine all ingredients in a blender and pour into an ice cube tray. When frozen, pop out of the molds for a cold treat.

Get the full recipe on Cooking With Janica

 

#9 DIY Peanut Butter Dog Treat Balls with Bacon

homemade dog treats with peanut butter 1

Show Me The Yummy

When you don’t want to cook but have some extra bacon laying around, make this recipe your go-to. Dogs also a big fan of pumpkin, another healthy addition to this snack.

This recipe uses:

  • Pumpkin puree
  • Applesauce
  • Peanut butter
  • Plain yogurt
  • Bacon
  • Old fashioned oats

Stir together ingredients as directed. Use a cookie scoop to form them into small balls. Store them in the fridge or freezer.

Get the full recipe on Show Me The Yummy

 

#10 homemade dog treats with peanut butter and Berries

homemade dog treats with peanut butter 1

A Cultivated Nest

Here’s another variation of a frozen peanut butter doggy treat. This one is sweet, sure to shock your dog’s tastebuds as she cools off.

This recipe uses:

  • Yogurt
  • Banana
  • Peanut butter
  • Berries
  • Milk
  • Honey

Blend ingredients and pour into a silicone mold. Freeze and serve when frozen.

Get the full recipe on A Cultivated Nest

 

#11 DIY Peanut Butter Poppers

homemade dog treats with peanut butter 1

Pawish Magazine

 

In case you were wondering, unsalted, plain popcorn is safe in moderation for dogs. And so is peanut butter. So why not combine the two for a special, savory snack your pup will love? What a genius recipe!

This recipe uses:

  • Peanut butter
  • Popcorn
  • Olive oil
  • Honey

Make popcorn. Make into clusters using peanut butter and sticky honey to hold them together. Allow to set.

Get the full recipe on Pawish Magazine

 

#12 Binky’s Bacon Bakes

homemade dog treats recipes

YoCanine

This recipe includes bacon and cheese and seriously, your dog will love you for making them.

This recipe uses:

  • Egg
  • Peanut butter
  • Banana
  • Flour
  • Water
  • Bacon
  • Cheese

Combine ingredients and pour into molds. Bake and pop out.

Get the full recipe on YoCanine

 

 

homemade dog treats with peanut butter

homemade dog treats with peanut butter

 

8 Useful Hand Signals for Dogs to Learn ASAP

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dog hand signals

Using hand signals can make training your dog a lot easier.

Many times, teach our dog a command and get frustrated when they don’t learn quickly enough.

But by using a few hand gestures, we can help them understand the trick easier.

Even research agrees that dogs perform better when they need to use visual-only versus audio-only cues.

To learn how to pair hand signals to tricks, read on.

Why Use Hand Signals for Dogs?

When you’re training your dog to do something, it’s best to pair the action with a hand gesture. That way, you can perform the hand gesture and your dog will know what you what her to do. Although many people use words at first, it’s usually better to add them in later.

Dogs typically respond best to physical signals. Since body language is the main way you communicate and understand your pup, it makes sense that she’d respond better to hang signals when learning something new.

For example, if you’re teaching your dog to lie down, you can make a hand signal—such as pointing down—when she does the action. Keep doing this multiple times during the session to reinforce what the hand signal means. Then use the hand signal with the trick again in future sessions to keep reinforcing it. After she learns this, you can start using the word “lay down.”

Many experts and dog trainers will say that gestures are more important than words. But data backs it up too. One study tested 11 dogs and compared 3 senses: sight, sound and smell. Of course, the dogs who could use all 3 performed the best. But when singled out, sight was 3 times more effective than just sound. So when we take that logic into dog training and communication, our dogs are more likely to respond to hand signals or some sort of visual cue rather than an audio command, like a word.

That’s not to say words don’t matter—they definitely do. Our dog can learn many words. But that teaching is typically sped up by using a hand gesture in replacement of a word at first.

8 Hand Signals for Dogs

dog hand signals

If you’re training your dog, it’s a good idea to pair their action with a visual cue before a word. Dogs typically learn fastest this way. Here’s some common hand signals for dogs.

#1 Open Hand Up for “Sit”

Probably the most basic trick you’ll teach your dog is “sit.” It’s useful whether you want your dog to listen, stay in place or stop doing something.

To do this, you can stand with your hand up and your palm open, as if you have something in your hands. When you first start training her, remember to have her do the action so she understands what she’s pairing the hand signal to.

#2 Point Down for “Lie Down”

“Lie down” is another basic hand gesture that should be among the first you teach your dog. That’s because, like “sit down,” it helps divert your dog’s attention when they’re doing a bad behavior.

For example, if your dog is jumping up, saying “no” might not work but saying “lay down” is a command that will stop her behavior.

Once your dog is laying down and does the trick, pair it with a simple hand gesture of pointing downwards.

#3 Point to Eyes for “Look here”

This is a helpful hand signal for dogs because it allows you to capture their attention without any voice or noise. With a simple hand gesture, you can get her to pay attention to the next thing you have to say or any additional commands. You can teach your dog this by giving her a treat when she looks at you and pairing it with the gesture

#4 Stop Hand for “Stay”

A useful hand signal for dogs is “stay.” You can use the command to help her grow her patience when she’s waiting for treats. But mostly, the hand signal is useful for when your dog is behaving badly and you want her to freeze and stop doing the action.

For example, if your dog won’t stop harassing a family member, you can ask her to sit down and stay until she’s calmer.

To do this hand gesture, simply put your open palm forward, as if you’re making a stop signal with your hand.

#5 Hand Sweep Across Chest for “Come”

“Come” is another basic command to teach your dog, although it can be a harder one to teach if your pup gets distracted easily. The effort is worth it though. You can use this command to call your dog back when they’re getting into something, wandering off too far or when you’re ready to go home from the dog park.

To do this gesture, sweep your open hand across your chest to the opposite shoulder. Some people also use the common “come” motion by swaying their palm toward themselves. Whichever you choose, the most important thing is that you’re consistent and that you use different gestures for each command.

#6 Hand Sweep in Air for “Ok”

I use this hand gesture when I’m telling my dog it’s okay to do something and he has my permission. For example, if I’ve commanded him to sit and stay, I will this hand sign paired with “ok” to let him know he can get up and eat the treat.

“Okay” can also be used if your dog isn’t sure about something. For me, my dog is sometimes afraid when his toy lands near a box. For some reason, he thinks the box is going to eat him alive and refuses to get the toy. But when I use the “ok” hand signal, he trusts the situation more and moves forward.

#7 Open Palm for “Drop it”

When your dog has something that you want, this is a useful trick for her to know. It can be used whether you’re playing a game of fetch or if your dog has gotten ahold of something she shouldn’t have.

To do the “drop it” hand signal, place a fist in front of where the item is, such as in front of your dog’s face. Then, open your fist into a palm for your dog to place the item.

#8 Don’t Forget the Treats

When you’re teaching your dog a new command, be sure to have some treats ready. When she performs the trick, give her a treat. This will let her know that she did the right thing. It will help her connect the gesture to the action.

We recommend using small training treats that are appropriate for your dog’s size. When they’re small, you can give her many during each session since it’s a good idea to solidify the connection with repetition.

Another thing to keep in mind is that dogs are motivated more when the reward is greater. If you use your dog’s favorite brand of treats versus one that she just finds “alright,” she’ll probably put her energy into it before getting bored.

Summary on Hand Signals for Dogs

Using hand signals for dogs when training is necessary. As we outlined above, research shows that dogs perform best when they use all their senses. However, sight seems to help them more than sound. Knowing this, we can translate it into the way we train our dogs. Instead of just using an oral command, we should pair it with a visual cue. Hand signals are easy to use and customize.

In this article, we’ve suggested common hand signals for dogs, however, you can choose signals that work for you. Just remember to use signals that are different from each other so your dog doesn’t get confused between commands. And keep in mind, consistency is the most important factor.

dog hand signals

7 Easy Ways To Show Your Dog Affection Daily

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dog affection

Some people find raising a dog extremely difficult.

This is because they do not understand the psychology of dogs. Dogs are loving, fiercely loyal, and territorial. Above all, they are animals that crave attention and love.

Affection is a necessary component of your dog’s well-being and development. They like socializing and crave companionship. This is why overt displays of affection are so important.

Showing affection helps you gain trust and respect in your dog’s eyes. You can only assert your dominance but also your love for your dog.

Why Is It Important To Show Your Dog Affection?

Before we examine all the different ways in which you can show affection, it important to address why it must be done. Dogs like affection. It is as simple as that. It is in their nature. They are innately playful and loving. They are social creatures. While cats may at times need alone time, dogs are more likely to seek out companionship and attention.

Not getting enough affection can be harmful. Some dogs develop serious separation anxiety conditions if they do not get enough love. Needless to say, dogs do not thrive under conditions where they are neglected.

Getting attention and affection are necessary components of your dog’s development. Receiving appropriate encourage enables dogs to become trained and well behaved. Even a small act of affection, a simple pat on the head, gives your dog the affirmation they need. It motivates them to try harder and be better.

Providing your dog with affection earns you their trust, respect and, ultimately, unconditional love. Knowing that you love them lets them know they can depend upon you for everything.

Ways To Show Your Dog Affection

You can show your affection in several different ways. Displaying affection helps you bond with your dog and creates trust. Here are seven easy ways you can show affection to your dog:

1.  Look Into Their Eyes When Communicating

It is common to communicate with your dog. You will find yourself talking to them and making them understand what you want them to do. Language may not always get the point across. This is because dogs sense the tone and pitch rather than understand the words.

Making eye contact during communication is necessary. Aside from the characteristics of your vocals, dogs try to read expressions. The eyes are the most expressive part of our face. They are a window into our emotions.

Always look at your dog when you address them. Even if you are telling your dog off for misbehavior, maintaining eye contact is important. It shows you are attentive and not treating them like an object. Be careful not to stare at them because it is counterproductive.

2. Use A Gentle Tone Of Voice

Dogs are very smart animals. They may not understand the meaning of individual words, however, they can pick up on the meaning of what you say. They do this by examining your expressions and the tone of your voice.

This is why you should always use a gentle tone of voice when addressing your dog. It lets them know that you care about them. Remember, dogs have feelings and require the same dignity as humans. Treat them like kids. Being harsh and dismissive will only hinder their ability to learn as it will make them stressed.

3. Give Them Massages

Dogs love physical contact and respond to it with equal, if not greater, affection. An occasional pat on the head or back is always good. Especially when your dog behaves well or listens to your command.

Giving your dog a massage is going the extra mile. A massage helps to relieve your dog’s stress by making its muscles relaxed. They feel good physically.

Additionally, massaging your dog makes the bond of friendship stronger between the two of you. It is a show of affection since it displays your care for them. Gently massage them for a few minutes. This will relax their body and improve blood circulation.

Massaging is good for your dog’s fur as well, especially if you use a brush to massage them. Even better, make it an entire grooming session. Use a detangle spray along with a brush to pamper your dog. Here are the best dog detangler sprays you can get on the market.

4. Schedule Playtime With Them

Fix playtime with your dog. Make it a daily routine to play with your dog at a set time. This way your dog will know that you make time for them every day. There may be exceptions when you are too busy or tired. However, setting up a schedule is necessary. Your dog will look forward to playtime with you.

Playing with your dog is a necessary part of raising a dog. Research shows that play and exercise are integral to healthy development in dogs. It nurtures them physically and mentally.

5. Cuddle Often

Cuddle with your dog. Dogs crave physical touch. The best thing is that they reciprocate love and affection instantly. Not only is cuddling a way of showing affection, but it also enables your dog to destress.

There is evidence to suggest that attachment avoidance by owners can result in separation anxiety in dogs. Cuddling is soothing and it affirms your love for your dog.

It may be difficult for you to let your dog know that you are always there for them. Physical gestures like hugging and cuddling are good assurances instead.

6. Be Gentle

Training and raising a dog may be frustrating at times. It is important to remain calm and collected. Yelling at your dog will not achieve anything. It will only stress out your dog and make learning even more difficult.

Be gentle in your behavior. This includes, as mentioned above, your tone of voice and your expressions. Dogs are very intuitive. Do not show your frustration.

It is easy to be harsh and yell at your dog or punish them when they do not behave. But doing so can be counterproductive. Dogs respond well to gentleness. Instead of yelling at them for misbehavior, try to show your disappointment and sadness. Your dog will notice those feelings and change their ways.

7. Prioritize Your Dog’s Needs And Wants

Let your dog know through your actions that you value them. After a certain amount of time, you will become aware of their personality. You will get to know your dog’s likes and dislikes.

Prioritize their wants. Give them food, treats, and toys they like. Play the games your dog likes. If your dog likes to dance, put on some music and dance with them. Your dog will know that not only are you aware of what they like, but also willing to provide them with everything they like.

Building A Relationship

Affection is just a single aspect of your relationship with your dog. An important aspect, nonetheless. Raising a dog is not easy. It is like raising a child. All the love, effort, and affection you put in s an investment.

It is important to remain patient and remain calm. It may be challenging initially when you first begin training your dog. However, successful training is only possible if you can create a bond of trust and affection with your dog.

Dogs are instinctively loyal to those that show them love and affection. They reciprocate the care you give them by respecting and loving you. It is a worthwhile transaction. All you need to do is show your unconditional love.

Vegetable Oil for Dogs: Good, Bad, or Dangerous Hazard?

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Vegetable oil is something most of us have in our homes. But is vegetable oil bad for dogs?

We all probably know it’s not the healthiest oil, but it seems to be okay for us in moderation.

Is the same true for our dogs? Can dogs eat vegetable oil?

You may be wondering if you can slip some inside her kibble to make her coat shinier. Or if you can rub some on her skin to help moisturize.

In this guide, we’re talking about vegetable oil for dogs and what you need to know before using it.

(Of course, as any site would advise you, you should talk to your vet before introducing anything new into your dog’s diet. These are general recommendations)

Can Dogs Eat Vegetable Oil?

Vegetable Oil for Dogs

When you’re asking if vegetable oil is bad for dogs, what are you really asking? Are you wondering whether it’s the healthiest choice or are you questioning whether it could kill your dog?

Vegetable oil isn’t the healthiest choice for anyone; dogs and humans alike. With that being said, if your dog eats a small amount of vegetable oil or a product containing it, she’s unlikely to get sick. That doesn’t mean you should feed your dog vegetable oil, but that it doesn’t act as a toxin in moderation for most canines.

Out of all the cooking oil choices, vegetable oil hovers at the bottom of the list because it contains lower-quality fats, contributing less to your dog’s diet and possibly speeding up weight gain.

Another thing to consider is whether your dog has any allergies. Vegetable oils may contain corn or soybean products, which can trigger allergies for some dogs.

If you decide to go with vegetable oil and she’s never had it before, the safest idea is to give her a small amount first to test it out and ensure she doesn’t have any negative reactions like allergies.

Also, the rule of moderation applies to any oil, even the “healthy” ones.

Some dog parents also mix some vegetable oil into their dog’s food to:

  • Smooth coat
  • Soften skin
  • Help itching
  • Soften stools
  • Help pass a blockage

Is Vegetable Oil Bad for Dogs?

Although most dogs can eat a small amount of vegetable oil and be ok, larger amounts can lead to problems. Feeding your dog too much of any oil can loosen their stools too much, leading to diarrhea. This is likely the case if your canine gets ahold of bottle and drinks all she can. It may also lead to vomiting and stinky farts.

If your dog accidentally drinks more than a little vegetable oil, contact your vet for next steps. In general, you can expect a mess. On one Reddit thread, a poster commented about what happened after their canine got into vegetable oil: “He shit on the ceiling. I’m not joking, I’m not exaggerating. Shit on the ceiling. So… yeah. Get ready for that.”

So, it goes without saying… be very careful how much you give your dog because vegetable oil can be bad for dogs.

Another thing to watch out for is oils that have been overheated, such as in a deep fryer. Eating heated fats and oils can expose your canine to acrolein, a toxic liquid created when heating oils at high temperatures. In a sad 1992 study, researchers studied the effects of orally administered acrolein on beagles. One dog died, many frequently vomited and calcium and total protein levels were depressed. While some dog parents may mix oil into kibble, you should not do so with oils you’ve already heated or used.

You should also be particularly careful when using vegetable oil for dogs if she’s obese or has a history of pancreatitis, since it could cause it to reoccur. Even if your dog doesn’t have pancreatitis, feeding too much vegetable oil could cause it.

When considering if vegetable oil is bad for dogs, consider your exact situation. While a little is usually okay, if your dog has downed a bottle, you should probably contact your vet.

Is Vegetable Oil Good for Dog Constipation?

Is vegetable oil bad for dogs’ constipation? If you’re considering giving your dog vegetable oil to help them poop and pass a blockage, you should contact your vet first to see if it’s the best course of action.

Although giving your dog vegetable oil to help ease constipation can help, be careful with this remedy. It’s a short-term solution. If she has a long-term constipation problem, you need to look for long-term solutions, such as the reason why she’s becoming constipated. This could be as simple as a dog food change, or it may require the help of your vet. In any case, unless your vet recommends it, you shouldn’t use vegetable oil as a constant laxative medication.

If vegetable oil works to ease your dog’s constipation, you should still see your vet about long-term solutions. Using any ingredient as a laxative could prevent your dog’s bowels from operating normally. Constant use of vegetable oil could encourage your dog’s bowels to rely on it, making it even harder for them to go naturally in the long run.

Is Vegetable Oil Good for Dogs’ Skin?

Another way you can use vegetable oil with your dog is by rubbing it into her skin. Although there’s health benefits to eating healthier oils, vegetable oil will moisturize similarly compared to more expensive options.

Vegetable oil is good for dog’s skin to:

  • Reduce itching
  • Make coat softer
  • Make coat shinier

As with any oil, be careful not to over apply it. Too much can mean a greasy mess that’s hard to wash out. Try to apply just enough for it to sink into the skin and moisturize the coat.

Is vegetable oil good for all dog skin? No. Some pets are sensitive to products. To be sure, test a small amount of oil on your dog first. Wait and observe for any reactions. If you notice any adverse reactions, discontinue use.

Alternatives for Vegetable Oil for Dogs

If you’re considering making a dog treat recipe with vegetable oil, you can make it healthier by substituting it with a healthier oil. Depending on the recipe and any dog sensitivities and allergies, you can consider replacing vegetable oil for dogs with:

  • Olive oil
  • Coconut oil
  • Flaxseed oil
  • Sunflower oil

Remember that every oil is fat. Fat isn’t necessarily bad–but it should be eaten in moderation. So, even if you use a healthy oil, like vegetable oil, you don’t want to give your dog too much.

How to Give Your Dog Vegetable Oil

If you want to try mixing oil into your dog’s food, 1 teaspoon may be a good idea for small breeds and about 1 tablespoon for larger ones. If your dog hasn’t had vegetable oil though, we recommend starting with an even smaller amount to test it out.

If you’re worried about whether vegetable oil is bad for dogs, use small amounts to test how your dog reacts. Remember that dogs’ palates are more sensitive, so a little goes a long way.

You can also use vegetable oil in dog recipes. Just remember to serve your dog appropriate portions of whatever good you’re baking. For ideas, read:

Vegetable oil should only be given occasionally. You should not feed your dog oil on a daily basis or on routine unless recommended or okayed by your vet.

Summary of Vegetable Oil for Dogs

So, is vegetable oil bad for dogs? If you’re considering vegetable oil for dogs, you should know that you should only feed your dog a small amount in his dog food. The benefits are that it can help reduce itching by moisturizing skin. It can also help make for a shiny coat and loosen stools for constipated canines.

There’s some things you need to be careful about though because vegetable oil can be bad for dogs. Too much can lead to a poopy, vomiting mess. You should also never feed your dog fat or oil that’s already been heated. That’s because overheated oil contains a liquid that can be toxic, especially for small pups.

In summary, vegetable oil for dogs in moderation is unlikely to harm them. Adding a bit to your dog’s diet or making a treat recipe that calls for vegetable oil is usually okay.

If you see a recipe that calls for a lot of vegetable oil, you may question whether it’s okay for your dog. However, consider that you’re usually not giving your dog the entire baked good in one setting. For example, if a dog cake recipe needs 1/4 vegetable oil, it’s a lot of oil, but you won’t feed your dog even a quarter of that in one setting. With that being said, there are healthier options if you want to make a substitution. Vegetable oil for dogs can be replaced with healthier alternatives, like coconut oil,

Vegetable Oil for DogsVegetable Oil for DogsVegetable Oil for Dogs

How Hard Is It To Open Your Own Veterinary Clinic?

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vet clinic

Setting up your own veterinary practice is a big deal.

Bringing new pet services to your local area, and ensuring the dogs, cats, and little critters live healthy and long lives is a great way to give back to the community. But how hard is it to set up a clinic like this? You’re forming a business here, just like any other, but the medical element makes it a little more complicated to get up and running. 

But it’s a worthy pursuit, especially if you’re newly qualified and know there are a lot of pets who need help out there. And that’s why we’ve compiled the tips below; starting your own vet clinic takes a lot of time and effort, but knowing what you’re up against early on will dramatically shorten the process. Here are the main points you need to keep in mind about the formation. 

 

Pad Out Your Qualifications First

Becoming a fully qualified vet takes around 5 years, and once you’re out of vet school, it’s only natural to want to jump straight in with your clinic dreams! And most vet degree programs also require you to get some hands-on experience working in veterinary environments, to ensure you’re up to the task. All in all, you’re usually well qualified as soon as you graduate from your course. 

However, if you want to run an entire practice off of your own back, it’s best to find work in another practice first of all. Get some long-term experience about the day-to-day running before you jump in head first. Find out what it takes to provide medical care to a number of animals all at once, what kind of medicine stock room you need to keep, how many staff members are required, and how to schedule appointments in a productive way. 

 

Take Your Time Finding the Perfect Premises

Your vet clinic needs to have plenty of room. You need a reception and a waiting area, a separate area to deal with larger animals, and a place to showcase the items you sell without getting in the way. Similarly, the average amount of consultation rooms is about 3 for a small practice, so this is the least you should aim for. All in all, you need a good sized practice that can cope with around 4 or 5 pet owners coming in at once. 

And these specifications can be hard to find! As such, you need to take your time and scout out as many locations as possible. Once you’ve found a good building, you’ll then need to register it as a veterinary practice, to ensure the right licenses can be awarded and any inspections can be carried out. This takes time and a bit of your budget will be swallowed up following your foreclosure, but it’s a necessary step to get out of the way. 

 

Build Your Team

Then it’s time to start thinking about the team you want to work with. You’ve probably already got a few ideas in mind – friends from vet school, etc. – but you should also think about the business side of things as well. You’ll need all kinds of outside help, just like any other small business would, and that means bringing people like accountants and data entry professionals on board. 

You can outsource as much as you want here; you’re a vet practice, so you don’t necessarily need traditional admin team members to be full time. However, do your research for filling these positions early. Find the people you want to work with, scout out some services with good reputations, and even network closely to form connections that will be beneficial in the long run. 

 

Do Plenty of Funding Research

You’re unlikely to be able to open up your vet clinic entirely off of your own back. You’re going to need funding options here, and that takes a lot of legwork. You may be tracking down potential investors and applying for loans for months before you get anywhere. Don’t let this discourage you; it’s better to have a few offers at your disposal and for them to take a long time than for nothing to happen at all. 

Thankfully veterinary medicine is a very profitable area, even more so than traditional medical practices. You can draw in quite a few interested parties if you’ve got a clear business plan to go through, a captive market to sell to, and clear interest from the community you’re trying to set up in. If you can also provide names and numbers for the other veterinary staff you’re planning to draft in, you’ll come across as an already functioning unit that deserves a good bit of capital behind it. 

 

Check for Assistance Programs in Your Area

Following on from the above point, you can also look into assistance programs that may be offered by your local government. Depending on where you are in the world, you can have access to a variety of non-profits who are keen to help out with your mission to heal pets in your area. For example, you can apply for a spay neuter assistance program to make sure pet owners can make responsible decisions regarding their dogs and cats for little to no cost. 

Aside from this, you could also get financial help for small services, such as claw clippings and pest control. These are the very basic levels of pet care in the modern era, and offering these out for next to nothing can attract a lot of custom your way. Indeed, many vet clinics offer monthly subscriptions to customers to cover the costs of various non-invasive procedures. You could do the same if you were backed by a funding group! 

 

Set Up an Effective Marketing Campaign

Veterinary marketing is a little different to traditional marketing, in that there’s a lot more tried and tested creativity you can employ. For example, people love animals and always look up when they see a cute dog or cat on a billboard or website banner! Use this to full effect when you’re trying to drum up some attention. 

Similarly, it’s best to target local marketing most of all, as your customers will be mostly people from the surrounding area. So get your name out there! Sponsor animal focused events, partner with local shelters, and design your SEO around veterinary needs in your town or city. Plus you can offer a number of discounts on your services for new customers, which is a great way to entice someone in and show them what you can do. 

 

Remember, You’re Running a Business

This is really the long and short of it. When you’re running a veterinary clinic, you’re also running a business. You’ve got to set up in the same manner, generate funding, invest in equipment, and market your services to bring pet owners to your door. 

So when you’re trying to think of your practice’s USP, apply the same techniques any other business would use! Take your time getting the right paperwork in, cast your hiring net wide, and make sure you’re ready to face the working world.

Opening your own veterinary clinic is a very involved process, but it should be! You’re offering out medical services to beloved pets, and that takes a lot of trust. So take your time with forming your new business; put your team together early, look into multiple funding initiatives, and make sure you’re ready to head up a practice of your own. 

Recipe: Cheesy Dog Birthday Cake with Potato Fondant

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Dog Birthday Cake Recipe, How To Make a Dog Cake

This dog birthday cake is both luxuriously tasty and healthy in moderation.

With a banana bread base, it packs flavor by adding two more of your dog’s favorite ingredients: peanut butter and cheese.

We can’t skimp out on the icing either. Go full out with a potato-yogurt fondant mixture that you can press and pipe onto the cake.

In this article, learn how to make a dog cake that’s cheesy, bacon-y, peanut buttery and full of everything delicious. Finish it off with a potato fondant that can be pressed and piped on.

How To Make a Dog Cake: Step-By-Step

Dog Birthday Cake Recipe, How To Make a Dog Cake

How to make a dog cake is pretty simple, but your dog deserves something extra special.

When it came to making my dog’s birthday cake this year, I wanted to try something a little fancier than usual. But there’s only a few options for dog-safe icing. Even fewer options that are thick enough to pipe through an icing bag.

But then I remembered a story my mom told me. When she worked in the film, they’d use mashed potatoes for scenes involving ice cream because it didn’t melt and could be easily molded into cones. Perfectly pliable for doggy fondant, I thought.

This dog birthday cake is pretty luxurious. But when you break down the steps, almost anyone can make it (and even if you can’t, dogs are pretty forgiving 🙂

  • Step One: Combine the dog cake ingredients and spread into two 6 to 8 inch pans.
  • Step Two: Bake in oven for about 45 minutes.
  • Step Three: Make potato fondant my combing ingredients until smooth.
  • Step Four: Stack cakes using fondant in the middle.
  • Step Five: Press fondant onto edges of the cake using your hands or a spatula. Then top the cake with the mixture.
  • Step Six (optional): Add remaining fondant to piping bag with decorative tip. Pipe dots onto outer edges of cake (or make a design of your choice).

How To Make a Dog Cake: Cheese Dog Birthday Cake Recipe

Dog Birthday Cake Recipe, How To Make a Dog Cake

Here’s how to make your very own cheesy dog birthday cake for your pup’s special day! Start by making the cake. While it’s baking, move onto the potato dog icing fondant. When the cake has completely dried, attach the layers with fondant icing. As you next step in how to make a dog cake, ice the cake using fondant, pressing it on.

As usual, pay attention to portion size. This is a huge cake for a small dog, so share with pup pals! Store any remaining cake in the fridge after serving.

Cheesy Banana Dog Birthday Cake

A combination of ingredients designed to for moderately healthy yet indulgent treat on your dog’s special day.

  • 2 cups Flour
  • 1 tsp. Baking soda
  • 2 eggs
  • 3 Bananas, mashed
  • 1/2 c. Peanut butter
  • 1/2 c. Grated cheese
  • 1/4 c. Oil
  • 3/4 c. Water
  1. Preheat oven to 350F

  2. Grease two 6 or 8-inch round pans.

  3. Mix flour and baking soda in a bowl.

  4. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, water, mashed banana, peanut butter, cheese and oil.

  5. Slowly mix the flour mixture into the banana mixture until fully incorporated.

  6. Bake for 45 minutes or until baked through. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

  7. If cakes don’t lay flat, use a bread knife to cut off some of the top. This allows cake layers to stack uniformly.

  8. Use dog potato fondant recipe as icing

Cheese dog cake, Diy dog cake, Dog cake recipe, dog recipes cake, How To Make a Dog Cake

Potato Fondant Dog Icing

If cakes don’t lay flat, use a bread knife tA perfectly moldable fondant that you can press onto doggy birthday cakes or pipe through an icing bag. cut off some of the top. This allows cake layers to stack uniformly.

  • 4 Potatoes
  • 1/4-1/2 c. Yogurt (plain, no sugar added)
  • 1 tsp. Butter (optional treat)
  1. Boil potatoes

  2. Mash potaotes with yogurt and butter. Make sure mixture isn’t clumpy.

  3. Spread fondant over the first layer of cake and top with second layer.

  4. Cover the top and sides with fondant. Press the potato mixture onto the sides using your hands or a spatula.

  5. Place remaining mixture into icing bags with a decorative tip. Pipe dots along the edge of the cake.

  6. I also used a few tiny sprinkles to give it some color. If you choose to use human sprinkles, make sure they aren’t chocolate covered!

Note: Butter is optional but it adds some flavor for an extra birthday treat (my dog’s favorite food ever is butter).

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Summary: How to Make a Dog Cake

If it’s your dog’s birthday and you’re wondering how to make a dog cake, choose something extra special. The dog cake recipe in this post feature’s most pup’s favorite things: cheese, peanut butter and bacon. To give the cake a fancy feel, press and pipe on fondant.

Dog Birthday Cake Recipe, How To Make a Dog Cake Dog Birthday Cake Recipe, How To Make a Dog Cake

What Does Your Dog Need From You As Their Owner?

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raise new puppy

Have you recently gotten a new dog?

If so and it’s your first dog, you might not necessarily know what to expect, or know what they expect from you. Dogs are man’s best friend, and there is a reason for this. They are unfailingly loyal, they will go to the ends of the earth for their humans, and you need to be willing to do the same. In this article, we’re going to be looking at some of the things that your dog needs from you as their owner, so keep reading down below if you would like to find out more.

Affection

The first thing that they are going to need is affection. Your dog will love affection, getting stroked, belly rubs and cuddles will all be top of their favorite list. Affection is one of those things that we all want at times, and your dog is absolutely no different. In fact, this is going to be especially true if you have been gone all day, or even what felt like all day to your dog. Give them lots of attention when you come home, make sure that they know how much they are loved and that you don’t forget about them while you are gone.

Dogs are very intuitive animals, so they will know when you are feeling certain things. They will come to you and show you affection when they sense that you are sad, and if that isn’t enough to make you do the same, we don’t know what will be.

Exercise

Another thing that your dog wants from you is the chance to exercise. Walks are essential when you own a dog because they need to be able to walk and run outside. If you have a big garden and not mountains of time, then you can always let them outside to let off some steam. If this is the case and they are happy to run around outside, then you don’t need to walk them every single day. But, you do need to make sure that they are getting the right amount of exercise so that they don’t get poorly.

Try to remember that for your dog, the world starts and ends with you, which is why you need to be there as much as you can and let them out as much as you can. They need to be free to run and explore, keeping healthy and enjoying themselves at the same time.

Dedication

Your dog is also going to need dedication from you. They need to know that you are going to be there day in, day out to take care of them, and in return they will try to take care of you too. This means that you need to avoid going out for days at a time as eventually your dog will panic that you are not coming back. Also, make sure that you have someone to look after the dog if you are going to be going away for a few days at a time at some point. 

You don’t want to leave your dog alone, so if nobody in the family can look after them, ask one of your friends. If there isn’t someone available, then you need to look into putting them into kennels for the duration.

Support

raise new puppy

The final thing that your dog needs is your support. You might not think so, but dogs feel emotions as well. They have tantrums like children, they disobey and push boundaries the same way humans do and so much more. It’s important that you are willing to offer your support in the times where they are struggling or trying to get to grips with new rules for example. In the same way that you would offer a child support, offer your fur baby the same thing. They are different species, but there are some things that can be overlapping when it comes to raising the two. If you do find yourself struggling to train your dogs though, consider dog training from a professional.

We hope that you have found this article helpful, and now see some of the things that your dog needs from you as their owner. There are a lot of different things that your dog needs, as it has complex needs in the same way that a human does. You need to understand that if you are bringing a dog into the home, they are now a member of the family and deserve to be treated as nothing less. We wish you the very best of luck, and hope that you enjoy having your new friend!

Crystals for Dogs With Behavioral Problems and Past Traumas

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crystals for dogs

Our furry family members are sources of unconditional love and joy, but they also absorb energies from their environment. Dog and cat owners know that their pets can absorb their negative energies; therefore, they might need help to release those energies.

Pets’ abnormal or excessive behavior can be a sign that something is wrong. When your dog is acting strangely, the first step is to try figuring out what might be the root cause, making sure first that it’s not an underlying health condition. You should always seek evidence-based advice first. Consult your vet and other professionals, like behavioral experts and trainers, who can also help your pet deal with past traumas.

Once you’ve sought the advice of professionals, you can use spiritual tools to try to help your pet. Harnessing crystals’ positive energies are just one tool. As I mentioned before, dogs can absorb energy from the environment, including the energies emanated by crystals.

People have been using crystals since ancient times due to their benefits. Whether your dog’s behavioral issues derive from physical, mental, or emotional causes, I believe crystals can help.

Your furry friend will probably become less hyperactive, destructive, or vocal if he has a good emotional balance, and one of the ways to achieve that is to surround him with crystals.

Besides their calming, peaceful energy, crystals can also have uplifting, energizing properties, helping fearful, shy or lethargic dogs to socialize more and be less scared of humans or other pets.

crystals for dogs dog healing

Crystals for Dogs with Aggressive Behavior

Dogs’ aggression is a serious problem that usually results from stress, frustration, fear, or other emotional issues. While trying to eliminate the causes or seeking professional help to rule out the possibility of underlying physical conditions, crystals with a calming vibe can also help aggressive dogs.

Placing crystals with a soft, peaceful vibe in dogs’ environment can make them feel calmer, more balanced emotionally, and less prone to destructive behavior.

Dogs can feel frustrated when they feel neglected, so make sure you are playing with your furry friend, and get him to exercise to use up his physical and mental energy.

Recommended crystals for aggressive dogs:

  • Amethyst is known as the crystal world’s natural stress-reliever and it’s an excellent calming crystal for nervous, aggressive, or hyperactive dogs.
  • Sodalite is another crystal with a calming vibe, suitable for anxious and aggressive pets. I also recommend it for abandoned puppies to help them develop harmoniously and build up courage and confidence.
  • Rhodonite is another excellent stone for emotional balance. This beautiful pink stone radiates peaceful energy that helps in calming nervous, irascible, or stressed dogs.

Crystals for Dogs with Excessive Vocalizing

Pets vocalize because of various reasons. Excessive barking, whining, groaning, or howling for no apparent reason are considered behavioral problems. Besides being disturbing for you and your neighbors, excessive vocalization can signal that something is wrong with your dog.

A vet or an experienced trainer can help you find the underlying causes: illness, pain, cognitive dysfunction syndrome, or a decline in hearing in your senior dog. Other causes of excessive vocalization are stress, anxiety, and frustration.

The following crystals can be helpful:

  • Smoky Quartz, known as one of the best crystals for grounding, emanates protective energy and can bring stability and a sense of security.
  • Blue Tourmaline is another grounding stone that helps to reduce aggression and nervousness, bringing calm and a sense of serenity.
  • Rose Quartz, the stone of love, kindness, and compassion, emanates soothing energies that can ease nervous tension and frustration.

Crystals for Dogs Struggling with Separation Anxiety

Pets, just like us, humans suffer from separation anxiety and become nervous when their owners are away. You can help your dog deal with the issue in many ways, and using calming crystals is one of them.

Recommended crystals for dogs struggling with separation anxiety:

  • Blue Lace Agate has a peaceful vibe; it’s one of the best crystals to alleviate separation anxiety.
  • Moonstone carries cooling energies that can reduce fiery emotions such as anger and frustration and calm nervous tension. It is also an ideal stone for dogs that react impulsively.

Crystals for Shy or Fearful Dogs

Under-socialized dogs may fear people, other animals, or anything else in their immediate environment; their fear might turn to aggression when they feel threatened. While you try to find out and eliminate the cause of the fear and seek professional help, crystals with an uplifting vibe can also be beneficial.

People have used gemstones and crystals to enhance their courage and confidence since ancient times. So, why not use them to boost the morale of your dog?

The following crystals bring that well-needed energy boost for shy, weak, or elderly dogs:

  • Tiger’s Eye enhances confidence, endurance, and stamina.
  • Carnelian boosts vitality and confidence, helping dogs to adapt to new situations, like a new environment or new pets.
  • Citrine has a joyful vibe and is an ideal crystal for lethargic or abused pets.

Crystals for Rescue Pets with Behavioral Problems

Unfortunately, not all pets have luck when it comes to their owners and homes. Some of them end up being mistreated and abused until they are rescued. Rescue dog owners know that the animals must go through a long process of healing, releasing accumulated fear and stress, and regaining confidence in themselves and others.

When you adopt a dog from a shelter or a rescue organization, you need to learn how to manage his special needs. You will need to help him ease his insecurities, build his confidence, and strengthen the bond between you.

Your dog will eventually leave the past behind and open up to new experiences. Create a safe space where you can build up your furry family member’s trust and create that loving bond you both need.

Recommended crystals for rescue dogs:

  • Rose Quartz, Moonstone, and Angelite have gentle, soothing energies that can help ease your pet’s traumas from past mistreatment and abuse.
  • Prehnite is another excellent crystal when you want to support your pet’s physical and emotional wellbeing. It can alleviate deep fears and provide energetic support during your pet’s healing process.
  • Clear Quartz crystal is another go-to stone when you want to support your pet’s physical and emotional recovery.
  • Citrine is another great choice for sad or lethargic dogs, as brings a sense of overall well-being and a sense of joy.

How to Use Crystals to Help Dogs with Behavioral Problems

crystals for dogs

Below are a few ideas on how you can use crystals to help your dog.

  • Display crystal geodes or clusters in your dog’s living area or place them near your pet’s bedding (be careful your pet doesn’t break off crystals. To avoid choking hazards, place crystals on a shelf near your pet’s bed that’s out of reach)
  • The most fashionable and practical use for your pet to absorb the energy of crystals throughout the day is to wear crystal charms attached to their leash or collar. A colorful crystal charm will make your dog look even more adorable. You can also sync your accessories with your pet charms by wearing these versatile crystal charms attached to your handbag, backpack, or keychain. Ensure crystals are securely attached so they don’t break off and pose choking hazards.
  • Another fashionable way to sync with your dog’s crystal charm is to wear a matching gemstone bracelet; this way, you’ll also benefit from the stone’s energy.

When we want to help our beloved pets, we put our faith in modern medicine and science to help them recover faster, but I think, trying some alternative methods can also be beneficial.

Crystals may not be the first solution that comes to your mind when you seek solutions to help your dog. Still, I recommend you to try them out. It will amaze you how efficient these shiny stones can be, regardless of what might cause your dog’s problems.

 

About the Author

Xenia Mateiu is the owner of The Village Rock Shop, a local gift shop in Carlsbad, California, selling crystals, gemstones, unique handmade jewelry, and other locally sourced natural products. She is the proud owner of Hero, a beautiful Maltese dog.

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