Your daily dose of doggy goodness!
Every day, we celebrate our shared love of dogs and hopefully brighten your day. Enjoy!
Dog(s) of the Day:
JoJo
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Meme of the day: Sassy pups!
Costco’s Best-Kept Secrets: 10 Weird Tricks Only Superfans Know
Do you shop at Costco? Then you know the thrill of saving money. But you might be missing other smart ways to stretch your dollars. Check out our list of genius money hacks—almost as good as that $1.50 hot dog!
Chasing Frosty Tails: Keeping Your Dog Active All Winter Long
When the thermometer drops and the daylight fades, it’s tempting to curl up under a blanket with a mug of cocoa and stay there until March. Your dog might even seem to agree, especially when they see that first dusting of snow. But while the "winter blues" are real for humans, our four-legged friends still have energy to burn—and a bored dog is often a mischievous dog!
Keeping your pup active during the colder months isn’t just about physical fitness; it’s about mental enrichment and maintaining that special bond you share. Here is how you can turn the "big freeze" into a season of fun.
Embrace the Great Outdoors (Safely!)
Don't hang up the leash just because it’s chilly. Many dogs find the winter landscape exhilarating. The smells are different, the ground feels new, and there are no pesky squirrels to distract them (well, fewer of them, anyway).
Gear Up: Short-haired breeds or smaller pups might need a stylish sweater or a waterproof fleece. If your neighborhood uses salt or de-icer, consider dog booties or a protective paw balm to prevent stinging and cracking.
Time it Right: Aim for walks during the sunniest part of the day (usually midday) to soak up some Vitamin D.
The "Sniffari": Since long hikes might be too cold, let your dog lead the way on a slow "sniffing walk." Mental stimulation from processing all those winter scents can be just as tiring as a brisk run.
Master the Art of Indoor Play
When the wind chill is just too much to bear, your living room can become the ultimate playground.
Hide and Seek: This is a classic for a reason. Have your dog "stay" while you hide in another room, then call them. The excitement of the "find" is a massive reward.
The Muffin Tin Game: Place treats in the holes of a muffin tin and cover each hole with a tennis ball.1 Your dog has to use their nose and paws to figure out how to get to the prize.
Indoor Agility: Use household items to create a mini-course. A broomstick across two cushions makes a great jump, and an open cardboard box can be a tunnel.
Put Their Brain to Work
Physical exercise is great, but mental exercise is the secret weapon of winter pet parenting. Ten minutes of brain work can be as exhausting for a dog as a 30-minute walk.
Activity | Benefit | Best For... |
Puzzle Feeders | Encourages problem-solving. | High-energy eaters. |
New Trick Training | Strengthens your bond. | All ages and breeds. |
"Find It" Games | Taps into natural hunting instincts. | Scent-driven dogs (Beagles, Hounds). |
Listen to Your Dog
Every dog is an individual. An Alaskan Malamute will want to stay outside until their whiskers freeze, while a Greyhound might shiver at the mere sight of a cloud.
Watch for signs that your pup has had enough, such as lifting paws off the ground, shivering, or heading back toward the door. When you get back inside, a gentle towel-dry and a cozy spot by the heater (but not too close!) is the perfect way to end a winter adventure.
The winter months don't have to be a season of hibernation. With a little creativity and a warm coat, you and your best friend can make some of your favorite memories in the snow.
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Dog Food and Supplement Recalls
Here are the recent recalls and advisories:
Bonnihill Farms (Fromm Family Foods) - BeefiBowls Beef Recipe gently cooked frozen dog food, 16 oz. chubs for potential plastic contamination
Foodynamics - Freeze Dried Pet Treats for potential Salmonella contamination.
Nature’s Own - Pet Chews Bully Bites Treats for potential Salmonella contamination.
Family Photo of the Day:
Pintyőke!
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Meme of the day - Instagram: @blue_bonnet_heelers
