Apple Cinnamon Dog Treats

These treats are not only going to make your pup smile, but they will quickly be your favorite go-to. This recipe only calls for 3 simple ingredients and the instructions are really easy to follow.

Apple Cinnamon Dog Treats

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Dry Quick Cook Oatmeal
• ½ cup Cinnamon Applesauce
• 1 large Egg

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. In large mixing bowl pour the cup of oatmeal. Add the applesauce and mix well. Once everything is mixed together add the egg and mix again.
3. Grease a cookie sheet with oil - as long as your pet doesn't have any allergies the only oil you should stay away from is grapeseed oil.
4. Scoop the mix into big drop cookies using a tablespoon.
5. Bake in the oven for 22 minutes.
6. The cookies should just slide off of the tray immediately so you can allow to cool. Serve to your pup once the cookies are cooled to body temperature.

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Why adopt a senior pet?

Should I adopt a senior pet?

November is "adopt a senior pet month". If you are considering an animal adoption, please consider adopting a senior pet. When families visit shelters, they are often looking for young pets and unfortunately, senior pets are among the first to be euthanized if they aren’t adopted in a timely manner. By adopting a senior pet, you are not only providing it with a better life but are quite possibly saving it's life.

Adopting a pet in need is a win-win situation and getting to know the local adoptees can be lots of fun. When visiting your local shelter, please don't overlook the senior pets because they have so much to offer and the love they give you will be so rewarding.

While no one can deny that puppies and kittens are super cute and playful, many potential pet owners are not really ready to have their lives totally turned upside down as they wait for their fur babies to learn the rules and mature.

If you are considering adoption, a senior pet might be just right for you.

4 Great Reasons to Adopt a Senior Pet

1. Training - Many adult pets have spent years living with a family and being socialized to life with humans. They are likely to understand basic commands and adjust easily to the house rules.

2. Low energy - Older pets are relaxing to hang out with. Most older pets are well past the search-and-destroy phase. Senior pets tend to have a comforting, calm presence, they are not full of wild energy to burn and they are not terribly bored when at home alone.

3. Health History - A senior pet holds no surprises as to how big he might get, what color his adult coat will be, or whether his hips will be healthy. A senior pet comes to you with a much more predictable future than that of an 8-week old puppy or kitten.

4. Companionship - Many new owners form a close bond very quickly with their senior dog or cat, because the pet shows them a level of attention and devotion that is unique to older adopted animals. Due to their older age an slower pace, senior pets are often excellent companions for senior humans.

For more tips on pet adoption and pet care, visit us at www.facebook.com/ahbsitters

Cat treat recipe

Yummy, Chewy Cat Treats

If you are looking for an easy way to show your feline friend some love, these treats are a great idea. The instructions are easy to follow and the end result will make you cat's best friend.

Ingredients:

• 1 large egg
• 1 can of wet cat food
• 1/4 cup parsley, coarsely chopped

• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 cup brown rice flour
• 1/2 cup cooked rice

Instructions:

1. Place a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat oven to 325 degrees F.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together egg, wet cat food, parsley, olive oil,  and water.  Add brown rice flour and cooked rice.  Stir to incorporate.  The mixture will be thick but spreadable.
3. Spread mixture onto prepared baking sheet creating a rectangle that is about 1/3 of an inch thick.  Bake for 12 to 15 minutes.     
4. Remove from the oven.  Let rest until cool enough to handle, then slice soft dough into bite-sized pieces.
5. Return pieces to the oven to bake for another 8 minutes.  Remove from the oven.  
6. Allow to cool completely before serving to kitty. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.

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Food aggression in dogs

Helping your dog overcome food aggression

Like humans, dogs differ in  what they consider valuable. Some dogs only guard chew bones or toys, others guard stolen items and many dogs guard food. Likewise, some dogs only guard their treasures from certain people while other dogs don't want anyone near their valuables. The simple process below is designed to help relieve the anxiety that is often the cause of food guarding.

For your safety:
> Do NOT attempt the suggestion below with children.
> Do NOT punish or intimidate your dog when food guarding.
> Do NOT try to pet food aggressive dog while eating.

To relieve your dog's anxiety, try this:

1. While your dog is eating, walk up to the bowl and throw in small pieces of bacon or another treat. Keep doing this at meal times so that the dog will start to get excited when you come to the bowl. Depending on your dog's level of anxiety, this may take some time.
2. When your dog is comfortable having you at the bowl, take the bowl away and show him that you are adding treats to the bowl. This system can help dogs to realize that when you take the bowl away it comes back even better.

The simple process above may not be appropriate in all cases. Many food aggressive dogs are motivated by fear and anxiety. Therefore, helping your dog may require the assistance of a behaviorist or qualified trainer. Examples of cases that should seek assistance are:

• Families with very aggressive resource guarders and children in the home
• Pet owners who feel that their dog may bite them during the training process
• If the training stresses the dog to stop eating, but he still guards his bowl

For additional training tips, visit us at: www.facebook.com/ahbsitters

Playing indoor with dogs

Indoor games for dogs

Dogs need exercise, regardless of the weather. Even in the extreme temperature months, it is still important that they get both mental and physical stimulation. These simple, fun ideas will entertain your dog when you’re stuck inside.

• The Three Cup Game - You place a treat under one of 3 cups and have your dog choose the correct one. Once they get the hang of it you can start mixing up the cups so they’re not just relying on visuals.
• Stair Workout - If you have stairs in your home utilize them. Have your dog follow along as you get in some exercise going up and down the stairs.
• Blow Bubbles – Some dogs are fascinated by catching bubbles. There’s even a wide selection of pet bubble making toys on the market. You don’t have to go out and buy special bubbles either – the bubbles that are available for children are nontoxic.
• Kibble Hunt - Instead of serving the food in a bowl, crate your pup while you hide small piles of food in the house then release him to “kibble hunt.” Initially, make the piles very easy to find. As your dog gets better at this game, practice hiding the food in more difficult spots.

• Fetch - Teaching your dog to fetch can lead to lots of fun for both of you. A hallway is usually enough space to play. This is a great way to burn off energy and bond with your pet. The training tools you will need are tasty treats and a toy that your dog is willing to put in his/her mouth; some dogs prefer plush toys and others like balls. If your dog isn’t clumsy you can also try playing fetch on the stairs.

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Summer safety tips for pets

Summer Safety Tips

In the hot weather, limit the amount of time your cat or dog is in the sun during peak hours

Here are more safety tips for cats and dogs:

1. Riding together. If you are driving around with your dog or cat in the car, bring cold water and a water dish. Also, it’s not a good idea to drive around with your dog in the bed of a truck because the hot metal can burn paws quickly and they can easily be injured in an accident.  
2. Parked vehicles. Never leave your pet alone in a parked car. It only takes MINUTES for a pet to develop heat stroke and suffocate in a car. On a 75 degree day, the temperature inside a car can reach 90 degrees in the shade and 160 degrees if parked directly in the sun.
3. Walking outside. When the sun is cooking, surfaces like asphalt or metal can get really hot. Try to keep your pet off of hot asphalt; not only can it burn paws, but it can also increase body temperature and lead to overheating.
4. Water and shade. Do your best to keep your furry friend cool and comfortable when you’re out and about. If you and your pet are out in the sun for an extended period of time, make sure there’s plenty of water available to avoid dehydration. Also, get your pet into the shade as much as possible.
5. Sunscreen. Never use sunscreens that contain zinc oxide on your dog. If ingested, it can damage your dog’s red blood cells, causing them to explode. The resulting anemia can be severe. 

If you would like to learn more about keeping your pets safe throughout the year, Follow us on Facebook

Easy dog food recipe

For a variety of reasons, many people have turned to preparing their own dog food at home. One advantage to cooking for your dog is that you know exactly what he is eating.

This recipe is a healthy choice that can be added to kibble or served alone. We suggest freezing the leftovers in individual serving sizes for easy thaw and serve meals.

Because this is a very basic recipe, there is a lot of room for adjusting to your dog's preferences or health needs. For example, beef or turkey can be substituted for the chicken and the brown rice can be changed to quinoa or buckwheat if your dog requires a grain-free diet. 

Barking Good Chicken Dinner

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 2 cups brown rice
  

  
• 2 cups beef broth
• 3 cups water
• 2 cups mashed carrots

DIRECTIONS:

1. Brown the meat, then add the carrots to the pot
2. Add the rice and liquid. Bring to boil and let simmer 20-30 minutes
3. Cool to room temperature and serve

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