As the holidays draw near, we're all about making sure our furry friends feel the love and excitement of the season. In this issue, we're sharing some fun and easy ways to keep your dog engaged and entertained from the comfort of home. From DIY enrichment activities that stimulate both body and mind, to simple recipes for homemade dog treats that will have your pup wagging their tail, we've got you covered.
Plus, with travel season upon us, we've got expert tips for ensuring your dog stays safe, comfortable, and happy during holiday trips—whether you're hitting the road or catching a flight. Whether you're staying in or heading out, this issue is packed with helpful ideas to make this time of year paws-itively wonderful for you and your pup.
Grab a treat, settle in, and enjoy this month's tips for making your dog's holiday season extra special!
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Patriot’s Pet Chronicle - Volume 1, Issue 1-November 2024 - at home enrichment - DIY (pages 2-4) By Mackenzie Howell (Mackenzie Howell has worked in the pet care arena for half a decade, with a special interest in pet nutrition and enrichment. She serves PPC as business support, and when not maintaining her pet “zoo,” Ms. Howell loves spending time with her family, reading a good mystery novel, or cooking up something delicious!)
(PAGE 1) Enrichment is a crucial element of keeping your dog physically and mentally healthy. There are no shortage of options when it comes to providing enrichment for your pet, but finding new and innovative methods can sometimes be challenging. Patriot’s Pet Chronicle aims to make this job easier for you: by providing easy, fun, and effective at-home enrichment strategies for you every month!
At-Home Enrichment: The Towel-Wrap Snuffle - The holidays are full of fun activities and events for us humans, but they’re also a great opportunity to keep your dog entertained as well! One of my favorites at-home enrichment activities is also one of the most simple and inexpensive options! Not only is the Towel-Wrap Snuffle super easy to create, but it can be used for interactive feeding or treating.
To create the Towel-Wrap Snuffle:
Select a clean towel or blanket to create the wrap. This should be a solid fabric without large loops or holes that could be caught on nails and teeth.
Lay the fabric out flat and begin creating a line of food or treats toward the bottom of the blanket.
Roll the morsel-line up in the fabric from bottom to top, and repeat!
Once you’ve rolled up the entirety of your fabric, you can roll the cylinder you’ve created longways onto itself (resembling a snail shell) to finish the process.
Give your pup the Towel-Wrap Snuffle! Be sure to monitor your dog while they search through the layers to find the morsels within, to ensure they aren’t accidentally damaging or ingesting the fabric.
Why is it great?
Dogs instinctively want to work for their food (yes, I see you eyebrow-ing your possibly spoiled Shih-Tzu sitting pretty on the couch… but it’s true!), and on a psychological level, having them think and exercise in the process of accessing their meal or reward can be a great learning experience and boredom-buster. This activity is also completely customizable depending on the needs of your pup. Whether they need multiple cups of food or just a few treats, the Towel-Wrap Snuffle is a fantastic aid!
Homemade Dog Treats - It’s no secret, our dogs love treats! As we enter the peak baking season, consider crafting a delicious treat for your pup from the comfort of your own kitchen. The beauty of cooking for your pet is that measurements don’t have to be exact—it’s the perfect time to experiment and create something truly unique for your pet. Baking for your pet can also offer many potential health benefits, since homemade treats will be concocted with fewer ingredients and preservatives and can be made custom based on any allergy constraints.
To create your totally custom pet treat, first select your ingredients! This is the time to go a little crazy, just remember to double-check that you’re using pet-safe foods as you assemble your list. Some key staple ingredients are:
Dog-safe peanut butter (this means without xylitol)
Honey
Olive oil
Bone broth/stock (chicken, beef—NO ONIONS OR GARLIC)
Eggs
Oats
Flour (Endless options)
Pumpkin
Banana
Now things can get interesting! Fresh fruits and veggies can be incorporated into your batter, enhancing the nutritional value and palatability of your treats! This is also a great opportunity to add some seasonal color to your treats too, rather than using artificial dyes. Just be sure to wash all of the produce and cut it into easily chewable pieces before adding it in!
Depending on your recipe, the measurements will vary, but for the average batch, you should aim to have nearly equal parts of the wet and dry ingredient mixtures. It can be fun to play around with the variety of dog-safe (and delicious!) ingredients! Luckily, our dogs are typically very gentle food critics, and they’re nearly certain to love any treat you create for them. That being said, here’s my favorite dog-friendly oats and pumpkin cookie recipe!
Ingredients:
1 cup canned pumpkin
2 cups rolled oats
1/4 cup peanut butter (make sure it’s dog-safe)
1/2 cup beef bone broth (add more if needed)
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin, peanut butter, and water. Mix until smooth.
Add Oats: Gradually stir in the rolled oats. If you want, add the cinnamon for extra flavor.
Form Treats: Once combined, the mixture should be thick. You can either roll it out and cut it into shapes or form small balls (about 1 inch in size) with your hands.
Bake: Place the treats on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and firm.
Cool: Let the treats cool completely on a wire rack before serving them to your dog.
Your pet will love every morsel of these homemade treats! Just be sure to store them safely in an airtight container to prevent them from spoiling or going stale.
YOUR PET HERE! - Do you want your pet to be featured here? Enroll them in any program at Patriot’s Pet Care and let their personality, attitude, and, quirks shine! Starting in December, 2024, Patriot’s Pet Care pet attendants will choose a pet each month to be featured on the corresponding issue of Patriot’s Pet Chronicle! While we can’t feature every pet on the chronicle, we do feature tons of PPC pets on our website and social media!
holiday travel tips featured below -
Why Us? - The PPC Difference - Your pet is a member of your family, and your family deserves the best! There are countless elements which set Patriot’s Pet Care apart from the many other options for your pet’s care, and a new factor will be highlighted each month in Patriot’s Pet Chronicle!
At Patriot’s Pet Care, we are committed to creating an exceptional experience that goes above and beyond standard pet care. From the moment a pet enters our doors, they’re welcomed with a tailored approach that considers their unique personalities, needs, and preferences. We believe in creating a safe, nurturing environment where pets feel secure and valued. Every detail, from specialized play areas to individualized attention during rest and play times, is designed to make each visit comfortable and enjoyable for our furry family members.
Our one-on-one attention sets us apart. Each pet is treated as an individual, with personalized play schedules, socialization options, and enrichment activities to suit their temperament and energy level. For example, our doggie daycare offers small group play supervised by trained staff, allowing each dog to engage at their own pace and enjoy positive social experiences. For pets that require more individualized care, such as grooming or training, our staff members are dedicated to fostering a trusting relationship, ensuring each service is both effective and stress-free. Additionally, our highly trained team focuses on delivering extraordinary customer service to pet owners. We maintain open communication and transparency with pet parents through regular updates, personalized care reports, and one-on-one consultations to address specific needs or concerns. By blending a high level of care with a deep understanding of each pet’s unique needs, we provide a level of service that makes both pets and their owners feel like a cherished part of our family.
By Dr. Ted Hart - It was the legacy of his father John Henry Hart Jr. that inspired his son, Dr. Ted Hart to accept an opportunity to develop an operation for pet-related services within Fort Jackson military installation. As a veteran patriot, Dr. Hart drew inspiration from his service to our nation to coin his operation “Patriot’s Pet Care”. As CEO of Patriot’s Pet Care, Dr. Hart prides himself on upholding a “spirit of excellence,” and the love of pets and country.
Holiday Travel Tips -
Our beloved holiday gatherings and activities result in a ton of seasonal journeys. Traveling can be stressful enough, but factoring in your pet can add an entirely new level to your stress. Are you prepared to travel with your pet? These travel tips will help to reduce tension and enhance the fun of your holiday travel experiences.
Make Lists: It may sound old-fashioned, but a pen and paper list can make or break your holiday packing efforts. The National Library of Medicine has confirmed that writing information down results in better remembrance (Naka, Naoi, 1995), but it also gives you the chance to identify potential issues, like running out of your pet’s favorite food, before they become catastrophic.
Pack Ahead of Time: Packing for ourselves can already be a nightmare, but by taking initiative and preparing ahead of time for your pet, you’ll be a step ahead of the curve! Plus, doesn’t something always come up at the last minute? If you’re prepared, at least you know your pup will be ready to go!
Keep a First Aid Kit Accessible: You likely have a human first aid kit in your vehicle already, but do you have the supplies your pet would need during an emergency? The chaos of travel can result in a number of injuries for your dog. Be prepared by studying canine first aid procedures ahead of time, and keeping the necessary remedies easy to reach.
Interested in learning more about assembling your pet’s first aid kit and basic first aid protocol? Keep an eye out for our December 2024 issue of Patriot’s Pet Chronicle!
Desensitize: For many dogs, travel can be an unknown (and very scary) sensation. Rather than exposing them to travel for the first time during the “real deal,” try to desensitize them by taking them for short, controlled drives in the weeks leading up to your trip. Exposure is a great way to reduce travel-anxiety in pets, and it allows you to observe your pet to prepare for any behavioral issues.
Safety First: Your pet’s safety must be among your top priorities when traveling. They cannot advocate for themselves, so it’s your job to ensure their needs are met. When in a moving vehicle, your pet should always be securely harnessed, or in a stationary crate, unless there is a medical exception. Pet seat belts can be used to ensure your dog stays put, but these are best used with strong, well-fitted harnesses, which help to prevent neck tension or injury.
Consider your travel experience through your dog’s eyes. Is the air conditioning too cold, or blowing directly on your pet? Is your dog an Aerosmith fan? Maybe the tunes should be turned down. A safe and comfortable pet poses less risk to themselves and to you, resulting in far less stress.
Supplement: If all else fails, there are many over-the-counter supplements available to “take the edge off” for your pet. Keep in mind that not every supplement will be a good fit for every pet. You may need to evaluate multiple options to harness the best results, and always double-check with your pet’s veterinarian prior to utilizing supplements. No matter which supplement you choose, be sure to carefully read all instructions and follow the recommended dosage for your pet’s weight and activity level. Remember that many natural supplements can take some time to be effective. Be patient with your pet, and always observe them during the evaluation process.
One baseline option for your pet is a melatonin calming supplement. Like those used for humans, melatonin supplements for dogs are designed to promote relaxation and sleep and can help your pet to calm down during the travel experience.
Pheromone sprays and collars are another helpful tool to ease your pet’s anxiety. These products work to reassure your pet by mimicking the natural odorless pheromones of a mother dog comforting her puppies.
CBD can be another helpful tool in calming your pet. Although there are many varieties of CBD available for your dog on the market, I highly recommend investing in a full-spectrum CBD which can target your pet’s anxiety, as well as their physical symptoms. Luckily, pet CBD products do not contain THC, and you won’t have to worry about your dog chilling out a little too much! Keep an eye out in the coming months for our CBD feature to learn more about this valuable supplement.
Taking advantage of these holiday travel tips can help ease the stress on your pet and family during this chaotic season! Above all, try your best to give yourself grace and remain calm! The best pet experience always starts with the owner!
What do you want to read next? - We want to hear from you! Our goal is to make this newsletter as helpful, informative, and engaging as possible, and we know the best way to do that is by tapping into your ideas. Whether it’s pet care tips, training advice, product recommendations, or heartwarming pet stories, we’d love to know what topics interest you the most. Do you have a burning question or a topic you’ve been curious about? Or maybe a special feature you’d love to see in an upcoming issue?
Share your suggestions with us, and let’s make this newsletter a true resource for the entire community!
Contact Mackenzie Howell (Patriot's Pet Chronicle - Writer and Editor)
Phone:
Office: (803)888-7068
Primary: (302)563-3877
Email:
Mailing Address:
1325 Percival Rd.
Columbia, SC 29223
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