Frozen Kong Ideas

A Kong has limitless options on what you can stuff into it. As long is it isn't something potentially poisonous to dogs like onions and chocolate. The easiest way to fill a Kong is to turn it upside down (biggest opening facing upward) inside a coffee cup. The coffee cup holds it in place while you spoon in the filling. Filling options can be as simple as a favorite canned dog food or can be a mixture of household ingredients that you have on hand, such as:

Roasted Sweet Potato and Peanut Butter:

1/2 roasted sweet potato with out the skin
3/4 c. of peanut butter
1/4 c. of flax seeds
1/2 cut oats
~ Mix all the ingredients together and spoon into an ice cube tray. Place in freezer. When frozen, you can take an individual cube out and place in the Kong.

Coconut Banana

1 cup of plain yogurt
1 tsp. of coconut oil
1 sliced banana
 ~ Mix all ingredients together and stuff into your Kong. Place Kong into freezer until frozen.

 Chicken and Pumpkin

1 jar of chicken baby food (You could also substitute any other meat baby food)
1 cup of plain yogurt
2 Tbs. canned pumpkin (remember to make sure your canned pumpkin is not pumpkin pie filling!)
~ Mix all ingredients together and stuff into your Kong. Place Kong into the freezer until frozen.

All of these recipes are just examples of what can be mixed together and have been portioned out for a regular sized Kong. There are Kongs available for small breed dogs. These recipes would probably fill multiple small breed kongs.

There are lots of recipes out there and I will start pinning some of them under our "Dog Treats" board on Pinterest! Pupsicle recipes can always be used inside of a Kong and vice versa. These recipes will keep you dog cool and busy on hot days!

Common Canine Poisons (and what to do)

We all try our very best to keep our dog happy, healthy and safe. But, did you know that there are more than 100,000 cases of pet poisoning in the US each year? Many of these poisonings happen with everyday items that we humans use and don't really think about in regards to pet safety. Here is a list of the most common household items that cause canine poisoning:

• Common Human Foods: Foods like chocolate, xylitol, grapes, etc... can be toxic to you dog. Before you feed your dog any human food, please do your research on what is and isn't toxic for your pet. Just because humans can eat it, does not mean a dog can safely ingest.
• Insecticides: This could be a mosquito spray, bait stations or even flea/ tick treatments. Please be aware of what is within your dog's reach or what you spray onto their fur. Licking off these insecticides could can be toxic.
• Mouse and Rat Poison: Aside from just eating the poison, ingesting a rodent that has been poisoned can also be toxic to your pet.
• Common Human Medication: Tylenol, Advil, Antidepressants, etc... all of those things that we use for our aches, bumps, fevers or prescriptions. 
• Household Cleaners: Just because your cleaner is "natural" does not mean it is safe and nontoxic to your pet. Do your research and keep all cleaners safely put away where your pet can't reach. 
• Fertilizers: including bone meal, blood meal and iron-based products can be toxic to your pet.
• Vitamin D:  Yes, this vitamin is needed in your dog's diet. But, too much vitamin D can be toxic. Please do not supplement your dog without veterinarian approval.
  
• Household Plants: Some plants are safe for your pet. Other plants-- lilies, azaleas and oleander (plus more) are not safe. When gardening or bringing home a new plant, please check to make sure it is safe for your pet. 
• Chemical Hazards like antifreeze and paint thinner are common poison. Always have these items out of reach and make sure there is no leaking upon the floor or a surface your dog can lick. 
• Heavy Metals: Lead can be found in some paint, linoleum and batteries. Zinc poisoning can happen from dogs ingesting pennies. 

• Pet Medications: Sometimes a pet can  accidentally take too much medicine. Or, it may be a medicine for the pet sibling. In any case, always make sure pet medication is properly put away and you are paying close attention to who is getting what and how much is being administered. 

 So what do you do if you think your pet has been poisoned? First and foremost, before any poisoning happens, you should have your emergency veterinarians phone number in an easily accessible place. You don't want to be fumbling around on your phone searching for a number during an emergency.

1.  Call your veterinarian or emergency vet. If you are really unsure whether or not any poisoning has happened, you may call ASPCA Animal Poison Control (APCC). The phone number is: (888) 426- 4435. They do charge $60 for a consultation. 
2. Gather any remains of what your canine has ingested and place into a ziplock bag to take to the vet's.
3. If your dog has vomited, you will need to gather the vomit in a ziplock bag to take to the vet's. 

Safety Tips to Prevent Poisoning

• Always keep all medications and household cleaners out of reach and inaccessible to your pet. This may mean placing baby proof locks on your cabinets. Even child proof bottles are not safe for your dog. 
• Always follow guidelines on flea and tick products.
• Research your people foods to know what is and isn't ok to feed your dog. Keep all human food out of reach of your dog. 
• Rodent killer should be locked away in metal cabinets. Remember to let all neighbors know if you are using a rodent poison, so they can keep their furry family members safe as well. 
• Buy pet friendly plants for your home. ASPCA has a list of plants available on their website.