| We are approaching the holiday season and it is | | | | treats available, and if you really want to do something |
| always a fun challenge to find the right gift for our | | | | special, you can get busy in the kitchen. There are |
| canine buddies. We also need to make these gifts | | | | many good and simple recipes available. |
| appealing for their human counterparts. Select gifts | | | | Out with the Old, In with the New |
| that are appropriate for each dog. | | | | The holiday season is an excellent time to sort through |
| Toys | | | | all your dog's old toys, discarding the ones that are |
| Consider usefulness of the toys you select. Hard | | | | falling apart and becoming unsafe. Preparing a holiday |
| rubber toys are super strong, durable and fun. They | | | | gift basket for your furry friends can be a fun project. |
| come in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors. Some | | | | Or you can purchase canvas tote bag and place the |
| toys have secret compartments for a treat to hide in, | | | | gifts inside. The human counterpart can use the bag |
| always giving your dog a mental challenge. There are | | | | over and over during the rest of the year. Add a few |
| toys designed to be interactive between you and your | | | | carefully selected toys and treats, a couple of recipes, |
| dog, such as tug toys or fetch toys like Frisbees and | | | | and a bow to create a special gift for your furry friend. |
| balls. Never give your dog an old sock or shoe as a | | | | Vegetarian Dog Treats |
| toy, unless you want him to think all socks and shoes | | | | - 3 c minced parsley -- you can use a small processor |
| are fair game. Let`s not set your dog up for failure and | | | | - 1/4 c minced carrot -- you can use a small processor |
| trouble. | | | | - 2 T parmesan cheese |
| Some toys may present hazards for some dogs. | | | | - 2 T minced garlic |
| Stuffed dog toy and tennis ball Do not choose a small | | | | - 2 T olive oil |
| ball for a large dog, this could pose a choking hazard. | | | | - 1/4 c bran, like cereal, bread crumbs, grits, whatever |
| A big aggressive chewer might shred a soft fuzzy toy | | | | - a little salt and pepper |
| in minutes, leaving you with stuffing material all over the | | | | - 3 c whole wheat flour, hold out the 1/2 cup for the |
| house. Or, the worst case scenario, the fluffy stuffing | | | | board |
| could go down the throat, causing obstructions and | | | | - 2 tsp baking powder |
| other digestive problems. Little dogs have had | | | | - 1 cup water |
| problems with some dental chew treats. The dog | | | | All measurements are approximate. |
| might bite off too much material which does not digest | | | | Measure all the ingredients in a bowl and mix |
| well, possibly lodging in the digestive tract and causing | | | | thoroughly. Continue mixing with your hands. Separate |
| severe problems. Consult your veterinarian for | | | | into two balls. Roll out to 1/4 inch thick. Use a pizza |
| suggestions for your family pet. | | | | wheel to cut into 1 inch squares. Put on an ungreased |
| Treats | | | | cookie sheet. They can touch since don't spread. Bake |
| Treats always make a good gift. Just be sure you are | | | | 20 minutes at 400 degrees. Turn off the oven and |
| not choosing treats that have a high fat content. Just | | | | leave the cookies in the oven for several hours to let |
| like us, dogs can pack on a few pounds during the | | | | them crisp. |
| holiday season. There is a wide variety of healthy | | | | |