Kong Recipes For Your Dog !

BY:  Laurie Brzostowski, President, Snaggle Foot Dog Walks and Pet Care-Round Lake, IL

My beloved Lab Sebastian passed away in April so in May I rescued and adopted a puppy named Bandit.  Now that we are back into the crate training aspect I decided to start using kongs in the crate to help keep him occupied.

Because he is such a small doggie I bought 5 puppy kongs and I stuff them and put them in the freezer so I can put one in his crate when I have to leave him alone.

That got me thinking about what kinds of things can I stuff into these little kongs.  So far, I have stuffed non fat plain yogurt, fresh fruit, organic no salt peanut butter, organic sweet potato and organic pumpkin.

But, here on this post I decided to add some recipes so everyone who does use the Kongs for their dogs can get some ideas on what to stuff the kongs with.  It is kind of fun to try each of these different recipes and it gives the doggies something different from time to time.

Below are some recipes I have found that we all can use.  I have also put a link here if you would like more recipes.  http://www.kongcompany.com/recipes/

Just make sure all the foods you purchase are non fat, no sugar, no sugar substitutes, organic and good for your pets.


Fido’s Fruit Salad
You’ll need:

• Cottage cheese or yogurt (only use plain or naturally sweetened yogurt—not yogurt with artificial sweeteners, which can be toxic to dogs)
• Apples, banana and melon (any kind)
• One small marshmallow

Cut the fruit into chunks and put them into a KONG until the toy is about two-thirds of the way full. Holding the KONG upside down, spoon cottage cheese or yogurt into the remaining space. Finally, finish by putting a small marshmallow into the KONG. Serve at room temperature or frozen.

“Pupkin” Pie
You’ll need:

• Canned or freshly cooked pureed pumpkin
• Yogurt or cottage cheese (only use plain or naturally sweetened yogurt—not yogurt with artificial sweeteners, which can be toxic to dogs)
• Cooked oatmeal
• Low-fat graham cracker

Put a spoonful of cooked oatmeal at the bottom of the KONG to seal the small hole. Then put two spoonfuls of pumpkin into the KONG. Follow with a spoonful of yogurt or cottage cheese. Repeat, layering the pumpkin and yogurt or cottage cheese until the KONG is almost full. Then cram a few pieces of graham cracker into the end of the KONG. Serve warm or frozen.

The Nutty Monkey
You’ll need:

• Half a banana, cut into slices
• Peanut butter
• Roasted peanuts
• Plain, vanilla or strawberry yogurt (only use plain or naturally sweetened yogurt—not yogurt with artificial sweeteners, which can be toxic to dogs)
• A spoonful of wheat germ

Put a blob of peanut butter into an empty KONG to seal the small hole at the bottom. Add a few roasted peanuts. Mix the banana slices with a few spoonfuls of yogurt and the wheat germ. Then spoon the mixture into the KONG. Seal the KONG at the top with another blob of peanut butter. Serve at room temperature or frozen.

Late-for-Work KONGs (As Easy As It Gets)
Running late? If you’re busy and don’t have time to create culinary works of art, you can simply take a few seconds to try the following ideas. This is KONG stuffing at its fastest!

• Keep a stash of halved bananas in your freezer. When you’re on the run, just grab a banana half and slide it into a KONG. Or slice an apple into wedges and insert one or two of those into a KONG.
• Cram a large dog biscuit or two into a KONG. If necessary, squeeze the KONG when inserting the biscuits to change the shape of the hole and fit them in.
• If you feed your dog raw food, try purchasing frozen raw medallions, which easily pop into a KONG. Just turn the KONG upside down on a counter, large hole facing up, and push the medallion into the KONG using the heel of your palm.
• Use a squirt of Cheez Whiz®. Just insert the nozzle into the small end of the KONG and squeeze in some cheese. You can also use a similar product made by the KONG Company, called KONG Stuff’N™ Paste, which comes in liver and peanut butter flavors.
• Smear a spoonful of peanut butter or cream cheese (preferably low-fat) on the inside walls of a KONG. If you think that your dog might finish licking out the KONG too quickly, consider preparing a few peanut butter or cream cheese KONGs in advance and leaving them in your freezer for quick use when you’re in a hurry.

Have fun everyone !

Keep Your Pets Food And Water Bowls Clean. Here's Why !

BY:  Laurie Brzostowski, President, Snaggle Foot Dog Walks and Pet Care-Round Lake, IL

As a pet care business owner, every time we provide vacation visits for our clients, we always clean and refresh water and food bowls.

A lot of pet owners only refill the water and food bowls but rarely clean them out.

Here is some information on why it is important to clean them out and not just fill them up.

Most of us are guilty of “topping” off the water bowl when it gets close to empty but it’s important to wash the bowl and fill it with new water. Water that sits around will form a slimy residue along the inside of the bowl. Bacteria and fungus will begin to grow. Pets will also eat their food and then go to their water bowl, depositing food in the bowl while they drink.

Cleaning water and food bowls every day is the best.  If you’re feeding them wet food, clean the bowls every day. If you are giving your pets dry food, at least a warm water rinse every day and clean the bowls with soap and water at least every few days.

There are several ways you can keep up with the cleaning. Most people will find using the dishwasher the easiest way to clean the bowls, but remember if the bowls are plastic to put them on the top part of the dishwasher to prevent melting. If you’re washing them by hand, use a mild detergent and warm/hot water. Rinse the bores thoroughly to make sure there is no soap residue left behind when you fill the bowls with water again because that could upset your pet’s stomach. Another option is to use disposable plastic inserts for your pets bowl which can be found at most pet food stores.

The best bowls to buy are stainless or porcelain bowls. Ceramic and plastic should be avoided as the nature of these materials provide a breeding ground for bacteria and other germs. Plastic bowls should also be avoided because dogs have a tendency to chew on them.

Another option to give your pet water is the electric or battery operated water fountain. These fountains have water circulating through a pump so the water is always moving. It encourages pets to drink more often and the circulating water will keep it much fresher. However, they will still be needed to be cleaned about twice a week as pet hair, dust and lint will collect in the system.

Cleaning your pets food and water bowls keep your pets happy and healthy !

Why Do My Dogs Paws Smell Like Corn Chips?

BY:  Laurie Brzostowski, President, Snaggle Foot Dog Walks and Pet Care-Round Lake, IL

I have been hearing about this for quite some time now.  I have a puppy and his paws don't smell like anything yet but it is funny how I keep hearing about this.

I thought it was interesting so I thought I would do research on this and share that with all of you.

Natural Bacteria Causes “Frito Feet”
The corn chip smell is actually caused by bacteria on your dogs feet. It’s natural and normal; most people say it reminds them of the smell of popcorn or corn chips. It’s commonly referred to as “Frito Feet.”

Dog feet are a thriving host for bacteria. Both of these common bacteria give of a yeasty type smell. Most people say the aroma reminds them of popcorn or corn chips. Dogs sweat through their foot pads; there is a lot of moisture and not much air circulation making its way between the toes and pockets of skin. Bacteria flock to and thrive on dog paws.

Actually, this is completely natural. The same microorganisms that give your dogs feet that corn chip smell are the same ones that cause body odor in us.

What If You Don’t Like The Smell?
Dogs sweat through their foot pads so the sweat gets trapped between their toes creating a build up of odor coming from their feet. If you’d like to prevent the build up of sweat you can trim your dogs fur around their toes.

The “frito feet” smell is a part of a dogs natural scent – if you’re a dog owner who doesn’t find it quite so "cure" just remember to keep their feet well groomed and clean.

Frito Feet Is Normal
If your dog is itching his feet a lot it might be a sign of an infection or allergy. For the most part that corn chip smell on your dogs feet is completely normal. It’s a result of natural bacteria collecting between their toes and producing that Frito feet smell.

So, don't worry if your precious pups feet smell like corn chips, it is completely natural.  Its funny.. but natural. 

Does My Dog Have Aspergillosis?

BY:  Laurie Brzostowski, President, Snaggle Foot Dog Walks and Pet Care-Round Lake, IL

I have been reading a lot of articles about aspergillosis in dogs lately so I thought I would do some research on it and share the information.

This disease has two types and can cause extreme pain and discomfort to your dogs.  Getting them to a vet as soon as symptoms arise is very important.

What is Aspergillosis?
Aspergillosis is a fungal infection caused by the Aspergillus, a species of common mold found throughout the environment, including dust, straw, grass clippings, and hay. An "opportunistic infection" occurs when an organism, which does not generally cause disease infects a dog. However, in the case of aspergillosis, it does because the pet's immune system and/or body is weakened from some other disease.

There are two types of Aspergillus infection, nasal and disseminated. Both types can occur in cats and dogs, but they occur more frequently in dogs. Young adult dogs with a long head and nose and dogs with a medium length head and nose are also more susceptible to the nasal form of aspergillosis. The disseminated version of the disease seems to be more common in German Shepherads.

What are the Symptoms?
There are two types of infection. The first is the nasal form, where the infection is localized in the nose, nasal passages, and front sinuses. It is believed that this develops from direct contact with the fungus through the nose and sinuses. The second type is disseminated, meaning it is more widespread, and is not only located in the nasal area. It’s not certain how this form enters the body.

Symptoms of nasal aspergillosis include sneezing, nasal pain, bleeding from the nose, reduced appetite, visibly swollen nose, and long-term nasal discharge from the nostril(s), which may contain mucus, pus and/or blood. In some cases, loss of pigment or tissue on the surface of the skin may also occur.

Symptoms of disseminated aspergillosis in dogs may develop suddenly or slowly over a period of several months, and include spinal pain or lameness due to infection, and cause inflammation of the animal’s bone marrow and bones. Other signs which aren’t specific to the disease include fever, weight loss, vomiting and anorexia.

What Causes It?
Aspergillosis is an infection caused by fungus, which is commonly found in the environment in substances such as dust, hay, and grass. The nasal form of the disease is usually seen in outdoor and farm dogs because there more frequently exposed to the substances in which the fungus is found.

As an opportunistic infection, an animal is only likely to contract Aspergillosis if the immune system is already in a weakened state. Dogs exhibiting immunodeficiency -- an inability to produce a normal immune response -- are at higher risk.

How Does My Vet Diagnose This?
Diagnostic procedures vary depending on whether the case is nasal or disseminated. For suspected nasal aspergillosis, analysis of nasal swabs, fungal cultures of nasal discharge, and a rhinoscopy -- inserting a small fiber-optic scope into the nose in order to examine the inside of the nose and its mucus linings -- can be expected. The symptoms for disseminated aspergillosis are mostly nonspecific and therefore more difficult to diagnose. Tests may include a urine analysis and X-rays to examine the spine.

How Do I Treat It?
Treatment varies depending on whether the disease is nasal or disseminated. The primary choice of treatment for dogs with nasal aspergillosis is the administration of an antifungal drug directly into the patient’s nose and nasal passages, while the patient is under anesthesia. Disseminated cases in dogs are difficult to treat and rarely cured. Antifungal drugs are generally given to treat symptoms, and may cure the condition.

During the summer months when dogs are outside more often, this can become a common occurrence.  To prevent Aspergillosis, remove grass clippings so they don't sit around for too long and don't allow dogs to romp around in hay or straw.

Summer is fun for everyone but let's keep "everyone" safe !

Why Do Cats Rub Their Faces Against Everything !

BY:  Laurie Brzostowski, President, Snaggle Foot Dog Walks and Pet Care-Round Lake, IL

Personally, I do not own any cats in my household but as the owner of a Pet Care business we take care of a lot of cats.  Of course, one of the things you notice with cats is when they come up and start rubbing their face against you or an object in the house like walls, couches, etc.

I have always wondered why they do that.  Well, now I know why and I am sharing this information just in case you too have wondered !

Leaving Scent Marks Everywhere !
Cats have multiple scent glands on their heads. They have glands located around their mouths, chins, sides of the face, neck and ears. When a cat rubs his face on an item, he leaves his scent behind. The act of a cat rubbing his/her head on objects is called “bunting.” The height of the object determines which part of his head a cat will use to leave a scent mark on an item. Cats also tend to choose objects, such as walls, the edge of a coffee table or sofa, or even the corner of a book or box. Male cats tend to bunt on more items than female cats. Cats also tend to bunt over the scent marks left by other cats.

Cats Are Clocks !
Cats sometimes bunt to inform other cats of their presence in the vicinity. Bunting may also be a form of “time stamping,” meaning that other cats may be able to determine by the age of the marking how recently another cat was there. If the mark is somewhat fresh, they may want to leave the area soon to avoid conflict. Some cats bunt when they are anxious. Spreading their scent around may be a way of coping or making themselves feel more comfortable in an unfamiliar environment.

Cats Like The Way You Smell !
Rubbing on objects may also be a way to pick up scent. When cats bunt on their owners, they not only deposit their scents but also pick up scents from the owner. This can also be a sign of affection or greeting behavior. Cats who live in social groups often rub on each other in greeting. And rubbing on objects is one way sexually intact cats provide visual cues to other cats during mating season. Males are more interested in female bunt marks during the mating season, which indicates the female’s scent changes to entice male interest.

I now know why they do it but personally I just love it when a cat rubs his head against my hand or my face !  It's good to know they love it when we come to take care of them.

Is It Important To Train My Puppy? Yes It Is !

BY:  Laurie Brzostowski, President, Snaggle Foot Dog Walks and Pet Care-Round Lake, IL

This post is very personal to me.  I recently adopted a 12 week old puppy whom I named Bandit.

Having a puppy is a lot of fun however it is also really important that you start getting the basics down to how you want your puppy to behave now and when he/she grows up.

Getting started with puppy socialization classes is a great beginning.  Also, getting him socialized with friends, family, neighbors, kids, etc., is also really important.  Behaving around people, kids and other dogs helps your puppy by understanding what is and what is not acceptable behavior.

I am currently in a puppy socialization class with Bandit.  We had our 2nd class last week and each week we work on simple things like sit, down, recall (aka come when called).  These are just some basics to help your puppy understand and focus on what you want him/her to do.

Puppies don't know how to behave so it is important that we teach them.

Here are some of the things you can expect at a puppy socialization class:

• Sit
• Down
• Recall (come when called)
• Playtime with other puppies (socialization)
• Target training

You can continue with his training after puppy class is over.  Most training facilities offer basic obedience and leash training.

Giving your new puppy the foundation to begin his life as a well behaved and confident adult doggie is worth all the time you are taking for him/her.  In return, your puppy will give you years and years of unconditional love and happiness !!!

I Got A New Puppy.. Now What?

By:  Laurie Brzostowski, President, Snaggle Foot Dog Walks and Pet Care, Round Lake, IL

We, at Snaggle Foot Dog Walks and Pet Care - Round Lake, IL, LOVE puppies.  We always get calls from new clients who now have a puppy and not sure what happens next.

This post is also very special to me as my beloved Sebastian passed away in April of this year.  He was a yellow lab and almost 15 years old.  On May 30th I adopted a puppy and he has now been with me for a little over 3 weeks.  His name is Bandit. 

Since it has been awhile since I have had a puppy in my home, I thought this blog post would help anyone who now has a new brand new little furbaby !

1. Create a Place:  Before your puppy comes home, make sure you have an area picked out where he/she will "live".  Common choices include the kitchen, laundry room, or den. This allows your puppy to have a limited area to explore, and a place to feel safe and at home and it provides you with a limited area to clean up after your puppy.  Also make sure the area is safe.  No wires or anything else he/she can chew or eat on that could hurt him.
2. Crates: Crate training is a powerful method of working with a puppy, but it is not required. If you have to leave the puppy during the day this is the best bet to keep your puppy safe.  Just like you would NEVER leave a 2 year old home alone and running around, it is the same with a puppy. Wire crates are often used because the dog can easily see everything around them so they don't get the feeling of punishment and reinforcing the feeling of security and are easy to keep clean. Puppies are used to being confined and look at their crate as their home (den). This is their own space and should not be 'invaded' when they want to be alone.  Crates SHOULD NEVER be used as punishment. This is their little home where they should feel safe and should never be treated as a punishment.
3. Bedding:  Purchase bedding and any other supplies to let your dog sleep comfortably. Dogs, and especially puppies, suffer stress just like humans. Coming home to a new place is liable to make your puppy tired, and you'll be glad of how much he may sleep.
4. Potty breaks during the day.  If you work a fulltime job, it is really important that you find someone to let your new puppy out mid-day.  Puppies can only hold their bladders for a certain amount of time.  Usually for 1 month of age = 1 hour they can hold their bladder.  If you cannot find a friend or family member to help out during the day, hiring a dog walker is a wonderful option. Make sure a leash is used each time so the puppy gets used to being on a leash.
5. Potty training: Potty training your puppy is very important.  Making sure you take them out to the same place each time while they are learning.  If you have a family or friend or dog walker during the day, make sure you show them where that "special" place is that the new puppy goes.  Again, make sure a leash is used each time so the puppy gets used to using a leash.  Even if you have a fenced in backyard, using a leash early will allow the puppy to become used to it.
6. Chewing and Toys:  Getting the right types of toys for puppies is very important.  Puppies have new teeth and they like to chew.  Some excellent choices are ropes, kongs, "teething" rings.  DO NOT give your puppy rawhides.  Rawhides can damage intestines and cause severe damage.  Even as an older dog, they should never have rawhides.  Other bones like natural antlers are a much better choice.
7. Collars and Leashes:  Make sure you buy collars and leashes that fit your new puppy.  As they grow, you will need to "update".  Leashes should not be "long" leashes.  You want to make sure your puppy is close to you when you start walking him or her.  Regular leashes give you control over your environment when walking.  DO NOT EVER buy retractable leashes.  They are dangerous as they can cause injuries and loss of control if anything should happen to your puppy during your walk.
8. Food and Treats: Make sure you purchase a good QUALITY puppy food. Do not be fooled by a dog food's brand, reputation or claims on the packet. Many, many commercial dog foods are made from questionable ingredients. It may say chicken, but, do you really know what parts of the chicken are in it? Talk to your vet or pet food supplier, or do your own research on the Internet. 
9. Training:  Getting a puppy into a puppy class is a great idea.  Your puppy will learn basic obedience and commands.  It is not a bad idea to continue that training once they "graduate" from puppy class.  It is your responsibility as a pet parent to raise your puppy to become a great dog.

Getting a puppy is exciting and fun.  Your new puppy will give you years and years of happiness and contentment and they will love you unconditionally for the rest of their lives.  Make sure you do the same for them. 

Bandit and I are getting along splendidly and I love him with all my heart and soul.