How to Make Christmas Dog Treats

Your dog is your best friend, so why not give him some special treats for Christmas? Homemade dog treats for your canine companion are fun to make, and allow you to give your dog a treat that is tailor made to his particular tastes. Read on to learn how to make Christmas dog treats.

You'll Need:
3 cups vanilla white chips
1 tsp. vegetable powder for coloring
1 tsp. vegetable oil
Make the Cookies
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Lightly grease a cookie sheet or line it with parchment paper and set it aside.
Step 2: Mix together the flour, brewer's yeast, wheat germ and salt in a medium sized bowl.
Step 3: Combine the oil and garlic in another mixing bowl. Alternating, add 1 cup of the chicken stock and then 1 cup of the flour mixture. Mix well.
Step 4: Place the finished mixture on a floured surface and knead by hand for two minutes. The dough should be sticky.
Step 5: Roll the dough out until it is about 1/2 inch thick. Cut out festive Christmas shapes with your Christmas cookie cutters and place on the prepared cookie sheets.

Make the Icing
Step 1: Melt the vanilla white chips and allow to cool slightly.
Step 2: Add the vegetable oil and coloring to the melted chocolate. Remember to use festive Christmas colors.
Step 3: Decorate your dog treats in a festive Christmas fashion and place them on waxed paper to dry.

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer

How to Make a Christmas Basket for Dog Lovers

At Christmas many people spend quality time with their pets. That special time around the holidays is when dog lovers often spend more indoor and leisure time with their dog. A Christmas basket for a dog lover provides the tools and toys for quality pet time.

Things You'll Need:
Basket or bowl
Holiday theme towel or blanket
Favorite toy
People cookies
Dog treats
Jingle bell toys
Jingle collars
Music CDs

Step 1: Choose a wicker basket, small pet bed or plastic tub big enough to hold the holiday gifts. Line the basket. Use a fluffy holiday towel or fleece blanket big enough for a person to snuggle in or to keep a dog warm. The basket is reusable for dog toys, beds for small dogs or dog supplies after the holidays.

Step 2: Tuck in small boxes or bags of snacks. Put snacks for the person and the dog in separate cellophane bags or stockings. Specialty stores carry jerky, trail mix and biscuits suitable for people and their pets. Check hiking stores or online pet shops for shared snacks if the dog lover and dog go hiking together.

Step 3: Buy a duplicate of the dog's favorite ball or pull toy. Getting the right toy is easy. Just tell the dog lover that you want to get a toy for Fido and ask which toy is getting worn or frayed. A similar toy guarantees a spare if the favorite is lost.

Step 4: Think Christmas. Look for jingle bell doggie anklets or holiday stretchy collars. Pet stores and novelty shops carry lightweight inexpensive pet collars with snowmen, snowflakes and other small designs with a jingle bell at the buckle. These collars are primarily for holiday use but are sturdy enough for year-round wear.

Step 5: Give the gift of music. A relaxing nature sounds CD is often enjoyed by dog lovers and their pets. Special collections of music written just for dogs are available.

Step 6: Add useful gifts like pine-scented poop bags. For dog walkers, include battery-operated lighted snowmen for people and dog safety at night. These lights clip in people jackets and on dog collars. Turn them on for visibility during walks and off at home. Toss in inexpensive holiday washcloths for cleaning muddy paws. Think of gifts you would want for your own dog.

Tips & Warnings

Holiday towels and washcloths are handy all year for dog baths and clean-ups.Do not give snacks or treats if the dog lover or dog has allergies. Do not give small squeaker toys or rawhide chews without the dog lover's knowledge.

Contributor
By Phyllis Benson
eHow Contributing Writer

How to Reduce Holiday Stress in a Dog

Routine is an important component of a healthy, happy dog’s life. Any change in this routine can cause your dog anxiety, particularly at the holidays when you may be experiencing your own stress. Limiting the amount of change your dog is exposed and preparing them for holiday activities can greatly reduce your dog’s anxiety during busy times. This preparation and a little extra care can make a difference in your entire household’s stress level the holiday season.

Things you'll need:
Calming treats
Designated resting spot

Step 1: Begin working on your dog’s greeting manners now if you plan to have guests. Have a friend help by knocking on the door while you practice sit and stay with your dog. Teaching your dog what to do when guests arrive will save you and your dog stress from constant correction.

Step 2: Keep feeding and exercise routine the same before and during the holidays. Changes to this routine will generate anxiety in your dog and could bring out behavior issues. If you cannot be available to care for the dog at times, designate a friend or family member to provide meals and walks.

Step 3: Place your pet in a quiet room during times when you know your household will be busy. Provide plenty of water, bedding and a busy treat such as a chewing bone to ease anxiety.

Step 4: Prepare for guests arrival by arranging extra activity for your pet prior to your visitors arrival. After the activity, rest the dog in a quiet, familiar spot with a nice treat. Your pet will feel more secure and you will reduce any risk of escape as guests come and go.

Step 5: Remind guests of the rules for your dog, particularly in regards to treats and feeding. Tell guests not to give your pet any food that is not approved by you to reduce begging and avoid an upset tummy.

Step 6: If your dog will be boarding, familiarize it with the facility several times prior to the stay. If possible, take your dog in for a day of playtime or a trial overnight stay. This is vital to reduce your dog's stress during any boarding stay.

Tips & Warnings

Consider using calming treats, such as Beefeater's Calming Sticks and Ultra Calm Treats. Test the treats out before the holiday to assure there aren’t any allergies to the treats. Always keep a collar with current tags on your dog. Confine the dog if the door will be open frequently to prevent escape. Never give a dog chocolate, as it may cause severe illness.

Contributor
By Jessica Pestka
eHow Contributing Writer

Pet and Make Over of the Week

OLIVER MARTZ

HI! My name is Oliver. I'm a young Toy Poodle. I come in to see my Best Friend's groomer, Claire. My hair tends to grow pretty fast and get sort of the scruffy side but when Claire is done with me I transform into a

handsome little boy again!

I don't mind coming in to Best Friends even though it means a wet bath, because I always feel so

good when I am done. And it makes my mommy so happy to have me all groomed up nice. I like making mommy happy again!

RUDY HELLER

HEY! My name is Rudy and I am a red Standard Poodle. I'm also a whole lot of fun! I've only been coming to stay at Best Friends for a few months but I have to say WOOHOO! I LOVE it here!

I LOVE it here! I especially love my playtimes when I get to go out with one of my human friends

and romp around the yard. I like that when I am in my suite I can visit with the poochies next to me too. I LOVE to talk to everyone and tell them about my life! If I can't stay at home with my family then staying here is the next Best Thing.

Meet The Staff

CSR

SARA EGGERS

Sara started her career with Best Friends just in time for Thanksgiving weekend. What an introduction to life here at Best Friends! Before she joined our team of wonderful workers, Sara enjoyed her life at home with her husband Eddie, her two daughters Gena and Sabrina and her pets. She has 2 Akitas sharing her home who only think they rule the roost. In reality the roosters are her three cats,  (shh don't tell Okki Doke and Nikki!) Patches, Spooky and Big Tom.

When she's not working or spending time at home enjoying books from her favorite authors, Dean Koontz and Danielle Steele, or watching a fav movie. She prefers comedies and romance movies but her all time favorite is Surf's Up with the danicing penguins. (here's a secret...shh...don't tell her I'm passing this one but she loves the sound track to Surf's Up so much she listens to it in her car!) Sara also loves to do crossword and jigsaw puzzles to keep her mind youthful and busy.

When the weather is right in Florida, Sara likes to Scuba Dive, snorkle, fish and go boating. And when shes not in the mood to cook for her family she insists they take her out to the Outback...her favorite place to nosh!

Sara brings her past experience in working with animals, including time as a Theraputic Horse Riding Assistant with the physically challenged,  2 years working with Exotic Animals and many years of customer service experience to work with her here. She says the big thing about working here is that she gets lots of unconditional love from the furry clients we care for.  When she does finally grow up (she too carries that Peter Pan DNA cell....she never wants to grow up!) she wants to be a Florida Retiree, with her own pet menagerie for the injured or abandoned animals.

Next time in to Best Friends give a big HELLO to our newest co worker! We're all happy to have her here.

Angel Tree Donations

Lugnut picking out his Best Friend to make a donation to.

The holidays are upon us and Best Friends still has their Angel Tree in the lobby. Time is running short to Christmas and our Donations are still low. If you have a little extra you can donate to our Angel tree, the shelters of our choice will be grateful for the love you share this season. You can come in to the store with a donation of food, toys, leashes, collars, treats or cash. Or you can pick something out for purchase from the retail in our lobby.  Times have been hard, as we all know and many pets have had to be given up as their owners can no longer afford to care for them. As the times are hard on us, it is so for our local shelters too. Many of which are struggling to care for the influx of pets they have received in the past year. You can donate as much or as little as you can afford. Five dollars or a can of food can go a long way toward making a lonely pet feel more comfortable over the Holidays.

How to Make Christmas Ornaments From Pet Toys

Christmas is celebrated all over the world, and not just by humans. Here is a very simple project you can do to let your pets know that they are part of the family, too. Ornaments made from pet toys can be hung from the tree to let your animal friends know you care.
Difficulty: EasyInstructionsThings You'll Need:
Raffia
Ribbons
Pet Toys
Scissors

Step 1: Purchase small pet toys that you think would appeal to your particular pet. For example, choose catnip mice for cats, millet sprays for birds, or squeaky balls for dogs.

Step 2: Check the toys carefully to make sure they are safe - there should be no wires or strings that the animal could choke on.

Step 3: Tie a strand of raffia tightly around the toy.

Step 4: Thread ribbon through the raffia. The ribbon will be used to hang the ornament on the tree. Make a loop and tie a bow at the top. If the toy is plush, you can sew a ribbon directly onto the toy with a few stitches.

Step 5: Hang the ornament from the tree.

Tips & Warnings

These ornaments make great gifts for the pet lover on your Christmas list.Decorate your entire Christmas tree with a pet theme.Use unwired ribbon, just in case the worst happens and your pet eats the ornament. Hang the ornaments high in the tree to keep them out of harm's reach.

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer

How to Keep a Cat Safe During the Winter Holidays

Cats like presents, too. Christmas, Hanukkah, Solstice, New Year's Eve and other winter holidays are a joyous, exciting time for humans, but they can be scary or dangerous for our pet cats. Gift ribbon, poinsettias, candles and tinsel are just a few holiday traditions that can harm, or even kill, a cat. With a little planning and forethought, you can have a holiday that is happy for both you and your cat.

Step 1: Wrap your gifts with thick ribbon, sturdily applied, and decorate your tree with garland instead of tinsel. Many cats love to eat things that they shouldn't. Tinsel or thin ribbon poses a choking hazard or can become wrapped around a cat's intestines, eventually killing the cat.

Step 2: Store chocolate and other candies safely away from cats, and do not leave open alcoholic beverages unattended. Chocolate and alcohol are toxic to cats. If you are entertaining, remind your guests to keep an eye on their drinks.

Step 3: Be careful with meat "treats." It's tempting to give your cats a little treat and offer them a bite of turkey, goose or ham. However, ham is very fatty and even very small amounts can cause digestive upset in cats. Poultry may be given in moderation, but do not let your cats chew on the bones, since cooked bones are very brittle and can splinter easily, damaging your cat's mouth or digestive tract.

Step 4: Keep lit candles well out of reach of your cats, and do not allow candles to burn unattended or for extended periods of time. Cats don't understand fire like we do, and may become curious about lit candles.

Step 5: Avoid bringing poinsettias, ivy and mistletoe into your home. Cats love to chew on plants, but many common holiday plants are toxic to cats. Even if you think you have a safe spot to put them in, many cats find the lure of green things irresistible and go to great lengths to try to eat it.

Step 6: Be aware that your cat is probably going to climb a Christmas tree. Ensure your tree stand is sturdy, and choose a tree with softer needles. Avoid hanging fragile ornaments on the tree, in case your cat tips it over; at the very least, place breakable ornaments near the top of the tree, so that your cat cannot as easily bat them off. Avoid hanging ornaments with metal hooks, since they can be a danger to your cat if swallowed. Another alternative is to forgo the indoor Christmas tree altogether, and instead string lights around some outside trees and hang ornaments in windows and doorways.
Step 7: Keep your cat shut away in a private room if you are having a party. Having lots of unfamiliar people in its house can be stressful to a cat, and with people coming and going there is the danger of it slipping out the door and getting outside. Choose a room in a quieter part of the house and set up the cat's bed, litter box, toys and food and water bowls so that your cat has a sanctuary during the chaos of a party. Put a sign on the outside of the room reminding guests to keep the door shut.

Step 8: Set aside time every day to give your cat some special attention. When you're busy shopping, decorating, entertaining and cooking, it can be easy to overlook your cat's needs.

Contributor
By Sonya Welter
eHow Contributing Writer

Dog Scout Christmas Party

Saturday was our scout troops Christmas party at Best Friends Pet Care in Indianapolis. We had guest speakers come in from Animalia. We had food, drinks, a gift exchange and craft time.

Animalia is a non profit organization dedicated to the care of exotic and wild life animals. Joel Anderbush is the Executive Director of Animal Husbandry and Education. He has been a Zoologist since 1995 and holds a Masters degree in Education and a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology with a concentration in Animal Behavior. Ailigh Vanderbush accompanied him. She is a certified Animal Behaviorist at Animalia.

They brought with them their white Umbrella Cockatoo. This animated bird will also do a characteristic head bob when excited. While a "chatty" bird, it is not necessarily the best "talker" among parrots although it does mimic basic human speech and sounds. And talk he did during Joel's presentation, though no one could understand what he said. (sounded like a Master of the secret language Babalonia to me!)

Also along for the ride was their Ball Python. This thick bodied snake gets its name from its tendency to coil up into a ball when being defensive. The ball python has a sixth sense in the form of heat-sensing pits along the side of its face between the eye and nose. Those interested were allowed to come up for a pet, using two fingers and starting well away from the head. Melissa *braved* the snake for a pet.

After their wonderful presentation our troop presented them with the gifts we brought in for their *wish list*. There were gently *used* towels, paper towels and other items that we donated to them.

For the party, we had lots of goodies to snack on and drink through out the party time. Those who brought along gifts for each other passed those out. Gayle and Charlie handed out cards with large PawPrint tags from the Dog Scouts. Amanda handed out wonderful Christmas cards with a picture of Saige and Bailey. Jeff and Kristi, along with Lugnut, handed out stockings filled with goodies for each of the dogs. We also sat down with the dogs and did our pet gift exchange. All the dogs loved their gifts and had a great time.

Several of our dogs also had their pictures taken with a Dog Scout bandana to be submitted along with their Dog Scout test so they can become certified Dog Scout members.

Before the meeting concluded Kristi explained to everyone how to go about making a our own Christmas ornaments using CD's, lace dollies, felt and a picture of our pets. They turned out beautifully (Anita got very creative with hers!) and all had a great time constructing their own. Everyone had a great time at the Party snd I'd like to thank Joel and Ailigh both for coming and joining us on Saturday! You did a fabulous job in your presentation. I know everyone enjoyed it.

 

 

Merry Christmas to all!

The Best Gift You Can Give — Waiting To Adopt Until After The Holidays

This season, many shoppers will buy a dog or cat to give to a friend or loved one. Their motivations can be as varied as snowflakes. Some will purchase an animal on impulse, some because they are caught up in the spirit of the season, and some just because the pet looks so cute and/or lonely in the pet store or the cage at an animal shelter. None of them is the right reason to add a new pet to the family.
Adding a pet to the family is a serious, long-term commitment. This decision requires input from everyone who would be involved in caring for the animal.
Some things to consider: What type of pet would be most compatible with the family?Who would be the primary caregiver? How much will it cost to feed and provide veterinary care? Could someone in the family have allergies to pets?

Instead of buying a cat or dog as a gift, consider waiting to adopt a pet until after the holidays. You could create some excitement. Give a loved one a "gift certificate" from a local animal shelter. Put this in a box along with a picture of the pet or a stuffed animal representing the pet. You could also add to the box some pet supplies; such as bowls, a scratching post, a pet sweater, books on pet care, a pet collar, or an exercise wheel for a hamster.
Sometimes it is hard to introduce a new pet to the home during the holidays. It takes time for the new pet to feel comfortable in its new surroundings, especially if the pet has been living in a cage for some time. During the holidays there is much excitement in the home with all the activities that go with the holiday, and sometimes the pet may not receive the attention that they need. Many veterinarians report that they see several emergencies during the holidays; such as, pets ingesting tinsel, ribbons, turkey bones, chocolate, etc.

Waiting until after the holidays are over promotes a responsible adoption and then if your loved one decides they are indeed willing and able to adopt a pet, bring them to your local animal shelter where they can adopt a new friend.

http://www.washingtonpashelter.org/Holidays.htm

PET OF THE WEEK

SPICE STEIN

HI! My name is Spice. I am a Pomeranian. I'm a tiny little girl in size, but mommy says I have a GREAT big heart. Everyone here at Best Friend's say I do too! I love it when I stay here because everyone babies me SO much. I'm a happy girl when I get to go outside for my playtimes.

My fur keeps me nice and toasty even if it is a little chilly out so NO WORRIES! My playtime friends go outside with me, I like the company when I go out. Makes me feel much braver! GGGRRRruff!

MAKE OVER OF THE WEEK

RUSTY SHERMAN

Hi! My name is Rusty. I am a Havanese. Sometimes our fur can get long and messy, just by our breed, but that's Okay because I really like it when mommy brings me in to see my favorite groomers, Claire and Carolyn.

 

I always feel and look SO much better after I come and see them. They do a fabulous job on me. Here...see

for yourself....don't I look gorgeous now? They really love me too and say I'm just a big lover. I DO like to give kisses!

How to Buy Lead Free Pet Toys

There are guidelines for the amount of lead considered to be safe in children’s toys, but unfortunately, there are currently no regulations for pet toys. And considering how pets lick, chew and swallow their toys, there is good reason to be concerned about lead content. The following are precautions to take when choosing pet toys.

Step 1: Avoid painted toys, which contain the highest levels of lead, and toys made from vinyl and soft plastics. Also avoid toys with rhinestones and trinkets; these are more likely to contain lead or other harmful chemicals.

Step 2: Look for a brand name on the package and don’t purchase any products without a brand name. Stores such as Wal-Mart and dollar stores often carry pet toys in clear plastic packages without brand names.

Step 3: Purchase only toys that are made in the United States by a company with a reputation you feel you can trust. Kong, for instance, is a popular and reputable maker of dog toys. They have stated that all of their products are made in the U.S. with the exception of a few that are made in China. They claim, however, that all of their imported products are tested by independent laboratories, first in China and again in the U.S. to prove they are safe and non-toxic.

Step 4: Look for proof of safety testing on the package. If it’s not included, research or check with the manufacturer.

Step 5: Buy toys at stores that sell pet supplies exclusively, rather than at variety or grocery stores.

Tips & Warnings

To be safe, throw out any toys that were made in another country (especially China, although American products may contain lead as well) and any toys you are uncertain about, and never take chances when purchasing new toys.

Making your own pet toys is another safe alternative. Tennis balls made for humans do not contain lead, whereas roughly half of tennis balls made for pets show detectable levels of lead. Avoid food bowls and collars with a painted design. Ignore claims that DIY lead testing kits are an effective way to test pet toys for lead content. Most lead test kits are developed to detect lead levels in household paint, which has a much higher acceptable level than what is allowed for in products. These kits, therefore, aren't sensitive enough to detect lower lead levels.

Common signs of lead poisoning in a pet may include vomiting, diarrhea and anemia, which can cause lethargy and weakness. Untreated lead poisoning can also progress to seizures and other abnormal behavior .

Contributor
By Melissa Maroff
eHow Contributing Writer

How to Have a Safe Holiday Season With Your Dog

We all want to share a safe and happy holiday season with our pets. There are a few steps that you want to follow to make sure that you and your pet have a safe, happy and healthy holiday season.
In this article I am going to discuss which plants, foods, and decorations to be careful around with your pet.
Step 1: Food related items. Your dog could get into some serious trouble with many of the holiday foods around at this time of year. Be aware of these food items and be sure to keep them well out of reach:

Coffee, tea and chocolate - Chocolate, coffee, and tea all contain a harmful substance called xanthine, which causes nervous system and/or urinary system damage and heart muscle stimulation.

Chocolate, especially unsweetened baking chocolate and dark chocolate, contains a substance called theobromine that is dangerous for your dog.

Bones from cooked fish, meat, or poultry can be dangerous if swallowed. Even small cooked bones can splinter causing tearing in your dog’s intestinal tract. Be sure to keep cooked bones away from your dog.

Uncooked bread dough can expand in your dog’s stomach producing gas in her digestive system, causing pain and possible rupture of her stomach or intestines.

Meat juices on plastic or aluminum foil left out can be very tempting to your dog. If he eats the plastic or foil wrap, it can cause choking or an obstruction in his intestines. If ingested, meat-soaked strings from roasts can cause a surgical emergency called a “linear string foreign body” in the intestines.

Step 2: Poisonous Plants - Plants can make your home more festive for the holidays with their green leaves and bright red flowers. It’s important though to be aware that many of the plants in your home during the holidays can be poisonous to your dog.
If ingested, holly (leaves and berries) causes stomach upset and can be potentially fatal to both dogs and cats.
Hibiscus may cause diarrhea.
Poinsettias have an irritating sap that can cause blistering in the mouth and stomach upset.

Step 3: Decorations and Wrappings - Be very careful with candles.
Candles on end tables are well within reach of your dog’s tail and can get knocked over in all the excitement and burn your dog or start a fire. Never leave lit candles unattended or within reach of your pet.
Potpourri contains oils that can be toxic to your dog if eaten.
Snow globes often contain antifreeze, which is poisonous to dogs.
Ribbons, yarn, and string can cause an intestinal obstruction in your dog and bunching of the intestine along the length of the string. These conditions require surgery and can be fatal.
Adhesives and glues can be toxic and are often attractive to dogs.

Step 4: Gifts Under The Tree - Batteries for toys or other gifts can be toxic and cause intestinal obstruction. Be sure to keep them in a safe place until you are ready to use them.

Rawhide Chews or other edible items wrapped as presents and left under the tree can be very tempting to your dog. Many companies often wrap rawhide chews and other pet gifts in ribbon. Make sure to remove ribbons or ties before you give these gifts to your dog.

Perfumes and after-shaves contain ethanol (alcohol) and perfumes also contain essential oils which can be very toxic to dogs if swallowed.

Step 5: Christmas Trees - Be sure to place your Christmas tree in a sturdy stand, and if you have a very active dog that might knock it over, a good idea is to attach the tree securely to a window or wall with something like fish line.
Tinsel can cause blockages in your dog’s stomach and intestine, which often require surgery to remove. If you have a young dog that likes to get into things, it may be best to leave it off the tree altogether.
Angel hair, flocking, and artificial snow are mildly toxic to your dog and if eaten in larger amounts can also cause a blockage in the intestine.
Chewing on electrical cords, including cords of Christmas tree lights can cause problems for your dog ranging from burned mouths, to electrical shock, to death by electrocution.

Step 6: Tips To Reduce Stress For Your Pet During The Holidays - Reduce stress by keeping your dog’s feeding and exercise routine on a consistent schedule.
Extra holiday activity and travel may be stressful to your dog, making him extra thirsty. Dogs typically pant more when they feel stressed. Keep fresh water available for him to drink.

Holiday guests and other activity can be very stressful and even frightening to many dogs. They can also trigger illness and intestinal upset.

Make sure your dog has a safe place to retreat in your house like his crate.

Also make sure your dog has on his I.D. tags in case he darts out the door when guests come and go.

Tips & Warnings

If you suspect that your dog has eaten something toxic, call yourveterinarian and/or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center's 24-houremergency hotline at 1-888-4-ANI-HELP.When you decorate your home for the holidays, place these plants wellout of your dog's reach, or use imitation plants.Feed your dog before a party so she will he will not be as likely to beg or steal food.
By Eric Letendre
eHow Contributing Writer

Puppies as Presents?

With the Christmas Holidays hot on our *tails* Best Friends will be sharing a series of helpful articles on our pets and the holidays and how to survive them safely. Come back each week for the newest addition. We will run new articles through January 1, 2010.