Dog Toys and Treats Reviews And Ratings

Keeping Your Hot Dogs Cool In The Summer Heat

2011-06-15T21:14:00.000-07:00

It’s not yet officially summer time but in Texas and other parts of the country the heat is already on high!

Can you imagine wearing a fur coat in 90 plus degree and the only place you sweat from is your feet? And the only way you can cool down is by panting? Have you ever stepped out on the sidewalk or back patio and it’s so hot on the bottom of your feet that you involuntarily do the jumping bean dance? Well, think about these scenarios and then realize that it is pretty close to how dogs feel when they are in blazing hot weather.

Below is a list of some ways to keep your dogs cool and have fun this summer.

1.) One of the best and easiest ways to keep dogs cool and healthy in the summer heat is to keep them indoor with air conditioning.

2.) Yard dogs: If your dog(s) stays out in the back yard be sure there is plenty of shade. One tree in a yard is not enough shade. A covered patio, there house should be in the shade and well ventilated.

3.) Plenty of WATER! For outdoor dogs use two large heavy bowls in two different parts of the yard in case one gets knocked over. Freshen it daily. Add ice cubes and be sure the water bowls are in the shade, water heats up in the sun so hot water is useless!

4.) Misters and kiddy wading pools keep in the shade. 110 degree bath water won’t help keep your dog cool. Sprinklers are fun too and my dog who doesn’t like to swim but loves to play in the sprinklers! Great fun!

5.) A doggy sand box with the sand watered down is a good way for dogs to stay cool. They like to dig in it and roll in the damp sand to keep cool.

6.) Swimming Pools. Many dogs LOVE to swim. Be sure your dog knows where the steps are to get out of the pool. Many dogs die each year from drowning in swimming pools because they don’t know where to get out.

7.) Walk your dog VERY early in the morning before the day heats up or late in the evening when things of cooled down. Bring water with you and remember sidewalks heat up and if it is too hot for you to go barefoot it is too hot for your dogs paws.

8.) Heat Exaustion: It can happen to your dog in your backyard or on a walk. Signs of heat exhaustion include rapid breathing, heavy panting, and salvation, fatigue, muscle tremors, and staggering. If your dog exhibits any of these signs take the dog to a cool shaded area or indoors and apply cool wet towels to his/her body. Try to give a small amount of water drink and CALL YOUR VET IMMEDIATELY

9.) Sunburns: Yes, dogs to get them. Especially dogs with light or white fur or with little or no hair.

10. Dogs that don’t do well in the heat: Overweight dogs, elderly dogs and snubbed nose dogs like boxers, bulldogs, pugs, bull terriers, lasa apsos etc. All these dogs have poor panting abilities and should be kept indoors in the a/c for comfort. Heavy thick fur can be trimmed for summer but not too short because we they won’t be able to keep insulated and they can get sunburned and skin irritations.
11. Exercise: Let’s just keep it cool and take it easy. Ease up on the jogging and just go for a shorter walk with your dog.

12. Pup in your ride: Avoid traveling with your dog in the back of a pick up truck! For starters why don’t you let your truck sit in the sun for 30 minutes then go and sit your bare butt or bare feet on the hot metal bed. How does it feel? Too hot right? That is how it feels on your dogs paws. In addition, dogs riding in the back of truck beds loose where the dog can jump out, road debris fly up and hit it and blind it or harm it. Also remember to buckle up your pup with a dog safety belt. For its safety and your own. Dog seat belts are available at all pet stores!

13. Cars, I don’t know a dog that doesn’t like to go for a ride. But if it is too hot just leave him at home! If you must take the dog with you and it is hot leave the car running and a/c while you quickly do what you must do in the store, office etc. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER leave your dog in a car when it is hot even with the windows cracked. A car in the heat can get hot enough in 3 minutes to cause brain damage and or death to your dog.

Wishing you a happy, cool and safe summer with your fur buddies.

Iams Dog Food It's What's For Dinner For Pierre!

2010-06-10T23:03:00.000-07:00

I would like to recogonize Iams pet food customer service and give them a four paws up rating from Pierre and myself.

Pierre eats Iams Senior Dog kibble mixed with Iams canned chicken and rice dinner. Yesterday morning, I opened a can of chicken and rice dinner to make his breakfast and it was the consistency of soup and it was gray in color. Gross. I showed him the can and told him no, no, you are not getting this served to you! Of course that was the last can I had in the cupboard and hadn't planned on going shopping until today but, Pierre cannot deal with having dry food only. Not like he is picky just spoiled! So off I went to the store.

But the reason(s) for my post is two fold A.) To alert you, if any of you feed your dogs the canned food check it out at the store first by shaking it..normally it does not move but if it sounds like soup then it is a bad can of food. I actually shook about 10 cans and about half or 5 of them sounded soupy. I alerted the store too. B.) I want to give a shout out to Iams and their amazing customer service. I called them using their toll free number on the can and the person on the other end was very helpful and took the serial number/batch number etc. and said that they haven't had any recall but that they have been having a quite a few calls with the same issue. That they are looking into it. She took my information blah, blah. Then she asked me how many cans I had bought and I told her 5 and she asked if my dog eats any other Iams food and I told her the kibble. She then said that 5 brand new replacement cans are being shipped to me along with coupons for the kibble Iams.

I really appreciate a company that gives stellar customer service. I of course still had to go to the store right then to get Pierre his wet canned food to mix with the kibble for breakfast but all is good now! Thanks Iams and I hope you get the soupy food deal corrected soon.

Paws Up for Military Dogs!

2010-05-28T11:45:00.000-07:00

Ahh, finally the unofficial beginning of summer time... Memorial Day weekend! This weekend while we are celebrating honoring our most amazing veterans and military men and women let us remember the great canines who serve and have served with them. Click here for the K-9 wall of honor at US War Dogs http://www.uswardogs.org/id67.html

While we are having our barbecue's, backyard fun and picnics keep in mind that our dogs enjoy it too but sometimes not as much as we think. Even if your pooch is Mr. or Ms. Social and can paw-ty like a pro. Backyard parties with toxic food, hot grills, rowdy guests, loud noises and too much heat could lead to not a very festive time for him/her. The ASPCA recommends keeping your guy/girl indoors as much as possible during the party.

Here is a list of some toxic foods and potentially dangerous situations to avoid:

1.) Never give a dog alcohol: beer, wine and spirits need to be far from paw and nose reach.

2.) People food is great for people, keep your pet on his diet.

Onions, avocado, chocolate, grapes, raisins and macadamia nuts can all be fatal to our pets.

Raw or undercooked meat and eggs can contain harmful bacteria. Sugarless candies and cookies with Xylitol sweetener in them can cause liver damage.

3.) Give a dog a bone... a rawhide bone. Keep all left over bones away from your pooch. Left over chicken, pork and even beef bones can splinter and puncture a hole in your dogs tummy or intestines.

4.) Sunscreen and or bug repellent for people is not meant for your dogs. NO sunscreen or bug repellent on your dog that is meant for humans. They will lick it off and that can cause poisoning - vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst and lethargy.

5.) Keep matches, lighter fluid, and citronella candles away from your dog/pet. If ingested it can cause central nervous system damage, liver damage, lung damage and irritate the tummy.

6.) Swimming Pools and lakes and rivers: Keep a close watch on your dog. Not all dogs are good swimmers. Life jackets/vests for dogs are available at most pet stores and sporting good stores.

In addition, the swimming pool is not an oversized drinking bowl...too many chemicals in the pool don't let your dog drink the pool water!

7.) Safety belt when riding in a car or truck NO RIDING in the back of truck!!! without being safely restrained. See article on safety belts http://dogtoysandtreats.blogspot.com/2010/03/dog-safety-belt-travel-responsibly-with.html

8.) DO NOT keep your pet in a car for any amount of time in the heat. It is sooo hot inside a car and a car/truck inside without a/c on can heat up to over 100 degrees in a matter of minutes. Dogs covered in fur and only sweat (let off heat) through their pads/paws and by panting. (If you cannot fathom what an unbearable way to die this is then go sit inside a hot car with a blanket on over your entire body for a few minutes to get an idea)

PLEASE KEEP YOUR PET AT HOME IF YOU HAVE TO GO TO THE STORE ON A HOT DAY.

9.) Fireworks and loud noises (gun shots) can scare a dog to jump a 6ft fence and run. When its time to have fun with fireworks be sure to put your dog in the house where he will be lessed stressed and safe.

10.) ASPCA poison hotline 1.888.426.4435 if you suspect your pet is poisoned. Also keep your veterinarian number and your local pet emergency center at hand for quick response that can save your pets life.

Paw-ty safe and have fur-bulous Memorial Weekend! And a big thank you to American Military Dogs, Men and Women who are keeping us safe and who have kept us safe. God Bless You.

Pierre, Daisy, Angel and Mr. Houla

Proud American Dogs

Pierre's Pup-sicles Frozen Dog Treats Recipe

2010-05-25T12:51:00.000-07:00

Here comes summer! And the heat is already on for some of us. This coming weekend is the official beginning of summer with Memorial Day weekend and many of us will be celebrating in a variety of ways. Pierre's Pup-sicle treat is easy to prepare and fun to share with your dog all summer long!

Pierre's Pup-sicles Frozen Dog Treats Recipe:

Ingredients You will Need:

1 32 oz of Vanilla Yogurt (low fat)
2 Tblspn of Peanut Butter (smooth)
2 Tblspn of Honey
1 Ripe banana (large) or two small

Utensils You will Need:

Electric Mixer
Spoon
Fork
Measuring spoons
Mixing Bowl large or medium
disposable cups (like you use in the bathroom)
cookie tray or baking sheet

Steps:

1.) Peel and slice the banana and place it in your bowl and mash it up with a fork

2.) Add the peanut butter and the honey to the bowl with the banana mix together. Use the fork first then use the mixer.

3.) Add yogurt to the mixture. Now mix with the mixer until smooth, no lumps left!

4.) Take your little cups and line them up on a cookie sheet or tray. Now fill each cup with your mixture.

5.) Take tray with filled cups and place in the freezer. Keep in freezer for several hours until frozen.

6.) Take one out and share with your beloved pup.

7.) For the remainder in the freezer cover with foil or plastic wrap.

Have Pup-tastic Time!

Rating:

Four Paws by Pierre

and all dogs who have eaten them!

Dog Safety Belt Travel Responsibly with Your Dog

2010-03-29T15:37:00.000-07:00

Many dogs love to ride in the car and many of us love to take our dogs with us too. Traveling in the car with our pets no matter how small or big can be very dangerous to us and them if they are not restrained. Having a seat belt or crate in the car for your dog is most important even when traveling a short distance.

Not too long ago I was speaking to a police officer friend of mine who related a story about an accident that had recently happened that he responded too. The woman had her little dog riding in her lap when it jumped down and got in between her feet. The woman became distracted and ran a red light hit another car. The impact of the accident threw the little dog from the car into the highway which another car in order to not run over the dog swerved into on coming traffic and into a ditch. The little dog died and several people hurt and taken to the hospital. It could have been worse.

Nothing makes me more mad regarding dogs than when I am driving along and 1.) seeing a dog in the back of a pick up truck untethered. I scream usually to myself at the driver "What are you thinking you incredibly dumb person and irresponsible moron!" I always pray for the dog or dogs and hope for their safety. If your dog is going to ride in the bed of your pick up truck put it safely in a crate that is secured to the bed of the truck. 2) People who leave their animals in the car while they are in the store or bank or whatever. Especially on a hot day. The dog can suffocate in a matter of minutes.

Our four legged family members deserve to be restrained for several reasons:

a. safety for you
b. safety for the dog
c. safety for others on the road
d. we wear seat belts, kids wear seat belts and your dog should too all for safety.

A doggie seat belt or harness is to keep them in the seat and safe from quick unexpected stops which could throw the animal and cause it to break something or die. Not to mention, hurt you in the process.

Pierre has worn a seat belt harness from the moment he started riding in the car. They are available at all pet stores and most general merchandise stores. However, we really like the harness available at Jakes Dog House. save 15% on any order at JakesDogHouse.com. Enter code FIRST15 at checkout.
The picture above is the harness from Jakes. You must look under lifestyle and then travel for dogs and you will find it there.

Here are few travel safety tips to keep in mind:

1. Have your pet ride in the backseat not the front

2. Keep your pet safe and secure with a pet seat belt harness or well ventilated crate

3. If you use a crate and your pet is not used to being in one make sure to familiarize your pet in the house first with the crate. Use praise not force to get him/her to feel comfortable in the crate

4. Keep your pets leash with you and attach the leash to the dog and make sure they are secure in your control before letting him out of the safety harness and car

5. No food at least 6 hours before traveling

6. May want to give your dog and anti anxiety or anti nauseous pill before traveling to help make the trip more pleasant for them. Contact your vet for recommendations

7. Make sure the harness fits correctly and comfortably on your dog. Two fingers should slide easily through on each strap and also check often to be sure the harness is not rubbing the fur or skin and causing sores on your dog.

8. If your pet has not traveled by car for long distance and you are planning a road trip with them try shorter trips extending time on each drive in order to get him/her used to the long ride.
9. Be sure the dog's crate is suitable size. The dog should be able to easily lie down, stand, sit and turn around in a proper sized crate.

10. Always bring your dogs medical records in case of an emergency away from home and make sure the dog is current on its shots etc.

One last thing, Pierre and I recommend http://www.pawstoclick.com a site that that supports dogs travel safety, join the cause and spread the word on safety for all pets.

No Skunks Allowed - Home Remedy Dog Deskunk Recipe

2010-03-22T15:22:00.000-07:00

Beautiful Spring has arrived and how are dogs love to play outdoors in the fresh air and on the getting-to-be green grass. In all that playing around it is quite possible that your dog will run into a few little creatures enjoying the weather too. Such as rabbits, raccoons, squirrels, opossums and skunks. Even if you live in a more urban area these guys are all possible visitors.

Pierre and Mr. Houla happen to live in suburban neighborhoods, bordering farm land and open fields. We see these creatures out and about quite often. However, Daisy and Angel live in a more urban neighborhood and they have on more than one account dealt with opossums in their backyard.

Skunks mate during the early spring (March) and have their babies in May and June. So they are on the prowl now, a lot. And a Skunk is the only one who can make your dog smell worse than an open dump on a 100 degree humid day. Recently, I came across a recipe made from ingredients found at home and thought I would post it. In case of a stinky meet and greet between Mr. or Mrs. Skunk and your beloved dog.

Destink/Deskunk Your Dog Recipe

Mix together:

1 quart of hydrogen peroxide

1/4 cup baking soda

1 teaspoon of liquid dish soap

Wipe down your dogs fur with this mixture, rinse and shampoo with your regular dog shampoo.

Might have to repeat one time depending on the stink level!

Virbac Dental Chews for Dogs

2010-03-12T13:59:00.000-08:00

Dirty dog mouth? Then give Virback Dental Chews for Dogs a try! Pierre went for his annual check up last month and was given an excellent bill of health. (save for losing a few pounds). However, his doctor always comments on how clean his teeth are and also his fresh breath. No doggie breath for Pierre - thank goodness. He is seven years old and has such white clean teeth that she asks if I brush his teeth? The answer is nope. I love my dog and he is spoiled but no teeth brushing. Instead, he gets rawhide bones and Virback Dental Chews for dogs. Excellent she says for keeping his teeth healthy. And good for me I don't get the lecture on having to get his teeth brushed and cleaned for $200. or more!

They are available at 1800PetMeds there is a link to your right for

1-800PetMeds We do get a commission for selling things there! Or you can ask your local veterinarian - Pierre's vet carries all sizes for small to large dogs.

Here is the skinny on the chews:

Virbac Dental Chews for dogs

Fights plaque and tartar build up

Freshens Breath

Fights harmful bacteria

Natural Antiseptic

Comes in three sizes and there are no negative side effects

Pierre loves these and they are strip size so you can give your dog one daily to keep his or her teeth and breath healthy and clean.

Virbac Dental Chews for dogs

Rating: 4 paws and very good breath!

Cost: varies at veterinarian offices but approx. $ 7.99 per bag at 1-800PetMeds (link to the right)

Pet Peek Dog Window to the world beyond the fence

2010-03-12T13:29:00.000-08:00

Pet Peek window is a fabulous round window that fits into your fence that lets your dog see to the outside world. Can you imagine being only 3 ft tall and not able to see beyond your wooden fenced yard to other dogs or people on the other side? How frustrating can that be? Pierre loves to see what is happening on the other side of his fence when he is in his backyard. On the back of my property our fence backs up to a huge field with a garden and chickens etc. When the owner of that property comes out to play with his dog or tends the garden and chickens Pierre just goes crazy with frustration trying to look through the fence or under it to talk to the man or his dog.

I was really wishing there was some way I could make an opening for him to see out of. Yes, I could have just cut a square hole into the fence but I really don't like how that looks. I set out to find some thing. Imagine my delight when I found online this little window called the Pet Peek pet window. I ordered two. This is a 9.5'' round dome window that comes with a black trim ring and all the nuts and bolts that you need to DIY. It helps if you have a jigsaw fence cutter to cut a round hole, I do not - but I do have a fabulous yard guy who did.

The price for one window is around $25.00 and worth every cent.

Although this is technically not a toy your dog will play with it is something that certainly enhances his enjoyment of the backyard. It also curbs barking at what they can't see when they are frustrated. Now Pierre has see's his furry friend on the other side when he is out playing.

Pet Peek Pet Window

Rating: 4 paws

Cost: $25.00 per window

www.petpeek.info

Dog toy review Mr. Valentine Fuzzy (with a squeaker inside)

2010-02-22T16:42:00.000-08:00

For Valentine's Day I gave Pierre, the love of my life, a stuffed long red weenie dog toy with a heart attached to it that says "I Wuff You" and includes a squeaker inside. So cute. I new though, that this token of love would last about an hour at the most before he tore it in half, de-gutted the stuffing and removed the squeaker. I was wrong. It lasted 25 minutes.

Once I gave it to him, he pranced around the house with it, proudly showing it off to my grandmother and the cat (who could not care less) and me. Then laying down next to me he proceeded to do what I exactly expected him to do but told him not to do - tear it apart. He proudly displayed said toy with stuffing hanging out and squeaker on the floor as if he just hunted and caught his dinner in the field.

If you are wondering why I would buy him this toy when I knew what would happen to it I will tell you it is because I know he gets a lot of joy from tearing apart these toys. It's in nature. He loves them more when he can shake violently the toy sans stuffing and prance around with it. Pierre has several toys in his backyard that were once stuffed cute little guys but now are just as I call them skins or skinnies - toys without stuffing.

The cost for these toys are usually no more than $5.00 and really its worth seeing him love them the way he does. I think I picked this guy up at Albertson's. Really, any pet store and grocery store has them in the dog toy aisle. As for durability, well, if you have an aggressive chewer like Pierre than I don't recommend these stuffed toys. Unless, like me, you just want your dog to have fun and you don't mind picking up the stuffing and squeaker that has been strung about the house and or yard. However, if you have a dog that cares for their stuffed toy as if it was part of their pack then it really is worth buying.

Rating for stuffed dog with squeaker: 4 paws from Pierre and 2 paws from me for having to pick up the remains! Below is an "after" photo of Pierre and his well loved weenie dog Valentine!

Milkbone Dog Treats and Training Mr. Houla

2010-02-05T16:09:00.000-08:00

The past few days I have had the pleasure of staying with Mr. Houla at his home with his family. Together we worked on walking on a leash with his harness, staying put when the front door opens (he is a dasher) and laying down on command. He already has the sit down command good. In training your dog, it is good to have treats that are bite size because you will be using them as rewards. Having large treats will be too much for them to eat during a training session.

Mr. Houla's dad bought him a box of Milkbone's which Mr. Houla really loves. However, Milkbone's are pretty large so I took about 10 bones from the box and broke each bone into 3 pieces and put them in a plastic sandwich bag to carry with me for our training sessions.

I am not a trained dog trainer; more like part armchair trainer and part self taught from my own experiences with Pierre and Daisy (who turned out really well trained if I say so myself!) I have also read tons of books from Caesar Milan the dog whisperer to Animal Planet, It's Me or The Dog with Victoria Stillwell. And various dog training sites and how to's. Anyway, Mr. Houla is a very intelligent dog but he is super hyper and super stubborn. But, he is a quick learner and with more time and dedication to these things he could learn. In the end, I did tell his mom that Mr. Houla and the family would greatly benefit from him going to a trainer or having the trainer come to their house for some sessions. Remembering to be consistent in the command words and everyone in the house on the same page so the dog learns and doesn't get confused. Also, in my opinion Mr. Houla needs to be taught how to handle seeing another dog without freaking out and going crazy. This is really where a professional trainer would help.

I wanted to make a mention here of how it is much easier to control and train your dog utilizing a leash and harness instead of just the dogs collar. Also, it will keep the dog from choking on its collar and also from escaping it's collar should a situation arise while walking where your dog would try to escape your grasp. I personally have used a harness on Pierre since he was a puppy and it helps me really hold on to him and have control especially when I have to and a big plus is that I can attach the seat belt to it when he rides in the car with me.

Anyway, all and all it was good but Mr. Houla really needs more time to learn and I wish I had more time and lived closer so I could regularly work with him. He is a great dog and I can tell he likes to learn and is curious and as with all dogs really wants to please his family.

Rating and Review for MilkBone Dog Biscuits:

4 Paws

Mr. Houla loves the crunchy type snacks preferably over soft snacks

Plus, his teeth get cleaned too!

Note: Milkbone's have been around since 1908 and were first baked in a bakery that was located on the lower Eastside of New York City. Check out their website for more fun facts and ingredient information. http://www.milkbone.com/ And with each purchase of Milkbone treats they give a portion of the proceeds to Canine Assistants Organization. Love that too!

BONUS FUN: Get your dog's picture on his own Milkbone box of treats for $23.99 go to their site to get the information under give gear. Too cute! I think I know of a gift for Mr. Houla in the future!

Dog Dinner Review Three Dog Bakery Chicken Entree

2010-01-29T16:30:00.001-08:00

For Pierre's birthday dinner on Wednesday he was served Three Dog Bakery All Natural Chicken Dinner Entree. And he gobbled it up pretty fast! So needless to say he loves it and gives it positive ratings and review (see below).

This dinner is as it says on the package, all natural and is chicken meat, carrots, green beans and rice. It says human quality but I sure would have to be starving to eat it myself...especially since I am a vegetarian but Pierre loved it. I purchased his Three Dog Bakery dinner at the new Kroger grocery store near my home. And I have purchased it at Albertson's grocery stores and Walmart too. You may also go to www.Threedog.com to purchase directly from them or find stores including franchises of Three Dog Bakery to purchase goods.

Three Dog Bakery Chicken Dinner Entree

Rating and Review: 4 paws a waggin' tail and one clean dish!

Birthday Dog Today Daisy

2010-01-27T16:10:00.000-08:00

I wanted to add a photo of Daisy for today, January 27 since it is her birthday too as mentioned in my previous post.

Happy Birthday Daisy doodle.

Here is her little song I made up for her when she was a puppy.

I am just crazy about a doggie named Daisy

She's so sweet, sweeter than apple strudel

And wiggly like a wet noodle

So glad you're not a poodle!

I love you oodles and oodles

my doggie Daisy doodles.

Dog Birthday Dinner and Rawhide Dog Bone

2010-01-27T15:34:00.000-08:00

Two Dog Birthday's today! For blog reviewers Pierre and Daisy. They are litter mates and Pierre lives with me and Daisy lives with my mom. Pierre and Daisy's mom, Dixie (R.I.P) belonged to my sister. We keep it all in the family!

For Pierre's Dog Birthday Dinner he will be having Three Dog Bakery Chicken and Vegetable meal which we will review tomorrow. He also received a large rawhide bone for his dog birthday gift.

A quick review and rating of the rawhide bone. It does not matter what brand it is to Pierre he loves them all the same. He is a stealth chewer and can have one chewed in a day. His favorite thing to do with them is to get one chewed in half. Then he brings it to me and drops it in front of our cats bowl. This means he wants some wet cat food spooned into the inside of the knot at the end of the bone. Yes, cat food. My dog loves wet cat food and Daisy too, both definitely love it. I don't think Daisy gets it at all since her family cat eats only dry food. When Daisy has come to visit Pierre she does get to have some cat food. I think my cat, Chloe, figures what is for her is for him and what is for him is for her, as I have seen her go over to his big bowl of kibble and start munching down! Anyway, back to the rawhide bone. It is a good idea too to smear some peanut butter on the bone if cat food is not in your house!

I have also learned that when Pierre has really got the bone soggy from chewing on it I can unroll it a bit and put peanut butter or cat food in between and roll it back together. Oh and we have a nickname for our cat which is Smoochie, so her food is called Smoochie food and so the bone with smoochie food is called a Smoochie taco. I know, I am weird! But that is how it goes in Pierre's house that my cat Chloe and I share with him. It's Pierre's world and we are just livin' it. We will review the birthday dinner tomorrow.

Rawhide Bone Any Brand Review and Rating:

4 paws and tail wagging with peanut butter or wet cat food as a topping

4 paws and lots of fun just as it is - bone.

By the way, from my experience, chewing on rawhide bones has kept Pierre's teeth and gums very clean. Pierre's vet. Dr. Sue always comments on how wonderfully healthy his teeth and gums, especially for his age. She encourages me to keep giving him rawhides.

Word of Caution: Always supervise and or be around when your dog is chewing on a bone because they could possibly chew a piece too big and try to swallow it and choke.

Happy Birthday Pierre and Daisy I hope you are with us another 7 years and another 7 years. Love you both fur-ever!

Dog Treat Review Bitty Bites From Three Dog Bakery

2010-01-26T10:06:00.000-08:00

All Natural Bitty Bites Dog Treats from Three Dog Bakery are the newest treat test by Pierre.

These treats are oven baked and the box contains 3 flavors - Vanilla "Woof"ers, Ulti "Mutt" Spots (look like chocolate chip cookies) and Peanut flavored "Woof"ers. They are round and about the size of a quarter coin and about a 1/4 inch in thickness. Great for small dogs. But as you can see from Pierre's picture small can only describe.....Well, not much on him is small at all! But he loves these little snacks anyway.

I purchased the little .5 oz snack box size but they also come in a bigger box with more treats in them. Three Dog bakery uses all natural human ingredients and no added refined sugar, salt or artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. Please check the bottom of the box for the expiration date, which is usually within 2 month of purchase for shelf life of fresh baked dog treats.

A few of Three Dog Bakery items can be found at some Walmart stores and they also have franchised bakeries throughout the U.S. you can find all that stuff out plus see all their treats available at their website, www.threedog.com

All Natural Bitty Bites From Three Dog Bakery

Rating And Review: 4 Paws up - Pawsitively good!

Canine Carry-Outs Dog Treat Review: By Mr. Houla

2010-01-23T10:19:00.000-08:00

Mr. Houla received a bag of Canine Carry-Outs this past weekend and his final review of the treat is 2 out of 4 paws and a wagging tail. Which translates to so-so, and definitely perfers the homemade all natural treats. Here is what went down with Mr. Houla and his reactions.

When I was visiting Mr. Houla and his family I purchased these treats for him on whim at Walmart. Because he had eaten all his homemade snacks (recipes listed below) and I really did not have the time to whip up a batch of treats for him. He patiently sat there waiting as I opened the bag to give him one. Instead of grabbing it and eating it immediately he first looked at it, sniffed it in my hand and then paw*sed (paused) before gingerly taking it. He then carried it over across the floor and dropped it and sniffed it more. Then he started to eat it and he spit it out. He looked at me with a look of "what in world is this?" I went over and crumbled it up thinking maybe the slick texture of the raw steak like piece was unappealing. By crumbling it up he then ate it. Five minutes later, up it came, thankfully on the kitchen tile and not the carpet. Otherwise, I world have been in BIG trouble for giving him such a nasty treat! And of course I would be cleaning the carpet.

A few days later, I phoned Mr. Houla's human mom, and asked if she would test the treat again before I added his final review. Again, he was not too thrilled with the treat. But, finally did eat it and without further vomiting. Thank God! He is a dog though and they mostly will eat anything ... most of the time. After this final try of the Canine Carry Outs his final review is: So-So. In his own words, that I have received from him through psychic communication! "Maybe, if it is the last available treat and I have not eaten in a day or so...but really, next time, don't bother carrying home any Canine Carry Out Treats for me." Speak to my tail-end 'cause I am walking away now!

By the way, after some research on Canine Carry Outs, I saw many reviews that many dogs, especially, bigger dogs love this treat. However, it is not the best healthy treat and would be likened to us humans eating chips or french fries! Be wise if your dog does love this treat and give it sparingly. Just as we don't eat junk food everyday neither should our pets.

Any treat or dog food you decide to give your dog should NOT include these top 3 HORRIBLE ingredients: Corn, Wheat or Soy. Actually, these ingredients are bad for cats too and should not be fed to either of you fur babies. These ingredients can cause a multitude of bad conditions in pets such as: bad breath, blindness, cancer, cushing disease, dental disease, early pet death, hot spots on skin, seizures, weight gain... to name a few. Please research your cat and dog food and snacks always to make sure you are feeding them healthy things. Also, stay away from foods that say they have meat-by-products in the ingredient's..eeww yuck! Just look it up and see for yourself.

Canine Carry Outs
Final Review and Rating: 2 Paws

out of a possible best of 4 paws (and a wagging tail)

Canine Carry Outs come in a variety of flavors and are found at your local pet stores and in pet food/treat aisle of grocery stores. And although they are not a favorite for Mr. Houla, many, many other dogs love them and eat them often.

Review Dog Toy - Kong Dog Toys

2010-01-20T16:21:00.000-08:00

A Review and Rating of Kong Toys for dogs:

I am Pierre, the head dog of this blog and I personally want to tell you straight away that my mom has given me 4 Kongs and 2 Air Kongs during my life of 7 years so far. And I will get more! I love them so much I wanted to write about them to give you the readers the first dog point of view.

More importantly for you humans is that you will love how us dogs who love to chew on all your stuff..this Kong just makes us only love to chew the KONG! I highly recommend it for any and all dogs especially chewers. I thought I could destroy ANYTHING and I mean anything. For example, when I was a puppy, with my sister Daisy we both chewed all of the patio furniture off the patio, moved onto the stack of firewood on the side of the house and dragged off and chewed piece by piece the entire stack of wood! Then we moved onto the siding on the house... boy we REALLY got yelled at for that! Mine and Daisy's response was "Whatever mom talk to the paw!" A dog has got to chew what a dog has got to chew! Daisy and I being working dogs needed something to do!

Next, mom and I moved from where Daisy lives (with my grandma) to our home and I chewed up my moms Louis Vuitton wallet and Chanel sunglasses along with the matching case. Ahhh! Yes, that was one luxury meal! My mom was not too happy, in fact, furious comes to mind but eventually she discovered the Kong ball and I have not chewed anything other than my own toys from then on. And out of all my toys my Kong and rawhide bones are my favorites.

Kong toys are almost NOT destructible and I have tried! As previously related above I am a great chewer of all things big and small! In fact, I read on the Kong site that they were invented by a human who has dog who loved to chew rocks! Oh so not good for our teeth. I recommend that you humans get your canine companion(s) a Kong for your pleasure (not having your stuff chewed up) and theirs. They are available in all sizes and shapes. They also have Air Kong that is my very favorite for chasing and squeaking.. Love the football shaped one. I have destroyed one of the Air Kongs and took the squeaker out but it took me awhile. And I did chew off the felt but it was well loved. They are recommended by dog trainers and veterinarians and dogs. They are a little pricey but definitely worth it compared to spending $5.00 or more for a toy that is destroyed in 5 minutes. Give me any plush toy with a squeaker and in 5 minutes I will have the stuffing all over the house and yard and the squeaker out too!

I just got a new red Kong Classic from Santa Paws for Christmas. I LOVE it when mom puts peanut butter inside it or cheese or even wet cat food yum, yum, yummmy. Plus, it keeps me busy too and not bored which is when I can get into trouble...boredom not good.

Check them out. They are available at most pet stores or in the pet toy aisles at grocery stores. We would love for you to buy them from Jake's dog house, the little blue link on your right or click here: http://www.jakesdoghouse.com/Dog-Toys/Virtually-Indestructible/Air-Kong-Squeaker-Football-p6405148.html

We do get a commission if we sell cool stuff from Jake's dog house which is a very cool site with amazing dog toys, gifts and supplies for dog people too!

Or their web site http://www.kongcompany.com/ has all the information you need about all Kong products

Wet Nose Regards,
Pierre

P.S. That is a photo of me with my Air Kong Football at the top of the article. Am I not pawsitively handsome?!

Ratings for Kong: 4 Paws Up in the air and a tail waggin too!

All Natural Dog Treats - Review Millies Doggie Dreams

2010-01-20T15:36:00.000-08:00

Millie's All Natural Doggie Dreams Apple-Oatmeal Droolies are today's dog snack review by Pierre, Daisy and Angel.

These snacks smell so good to me that it inspires me to make my own oatmeal cookies and makes me almost want to eat them instead of giving them to Pierre! But I did restrain myself!

Cut into little heart and bone shapes they are the size of a teaspoon (bite size) so they are a good size for all dogs small, medium and large. The snack is crunchy but soft enough that they are easy to eat for dogs that may have tender/older teeth. They come packaged in an unusual hexagon shaped container - that I continue to reuse for other doggie snacks after the originals are gone.

The ingredients listed on the container are: wheat-flour, canola oil, applesauce, rolled oats, molasses, vanilla, baking soda, baking powder and rosemary extract.

They are distributed by Three Dog Bakery and I actually found them at Wal-Mart. They also have a website www.MilliesBakeryforDogs.com Made in the USA

Pierre, Daisy and Angel Love them! And I love that they are healthy too.

Millies Doggie Dreams Apple-Oatmeal Droolies

Rating for this review: 4 paws up by Pierre, Daisy and Angel.

Dog Treat Recipe Chicken Stix

2010-01-08T15:08:00.000-08:00

2 1/2 cups white flour
3/4 cups yellow cornmeal
1/4 chopped chicken*
1 cup chicken broth
4 Tblsp soft margarine
1 egg
2 Tblspn milk

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Combine flour, cornmeal, chicken, broth and margarine. Make a ball of soft dough and knead. Roll the dough out onto a floured surface and cut into 4 inch strips or stick shape. Beat egg and milk together and brush on top of the sticks/strips. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 325 degrees for 35 minutes. Makes about 25 strips.

*I used 1 can of organic chicken (usually found in the aisle near the canned tuna)

Peanut Butter Dog Treat Recipe

2010-01-06T09:57:00.000-08:00

These treats are pretty easy to make and dogs love them! The most time consuming thing is rolling the dough out and cutting the cookies...but the dogs support you in taking the time making them so feel the love and make the treats!

Peanut Butter Dog Treat Recipe

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

1/2 cup peanut butter
2 Tblspn of cooking oil
1 cup of water
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1 1/2 cups white flour

First combine the oil, peanut butter and water. Add flour 1 cup at a time.
Form dough.
Knead dough into the form of a ball
Roll dough out on floured surface to 1/2 inch thickness
Cut into shapes or pieces approx. 3-4 inches in size
(I used bone shaped cookie cutter but any shape will do mailman, cats, ball (round). The dogs really don't care what shape they are, really.)
Place on lightly greased cookie sheet (I use Pam cooking oil spray very lightly)
Bake for 20 minutes
Take out of oven and allow to cool first before handling and placing in a bag or container for keeping fresh.

After cooled pass them on to your doggy. One at a time! Try spreading a thin layer of peanut butter on top for an extra flavor.

**Note: you may have to add a little extra water if dough is too dry and not sticking together

Not sure what the calorie content is to these treats but I give 3 per day (at most) to Pierre who is 60lbs.

This recipe rates overall 4 paws per our taste testers.

Chicken Dog Treat Recipe coming next!

All Natural Homemade Dog Treats

2010-01-04T17:37:00.000-08:00

Our first review of treats will be of recently received all natural dog treats. Two different types of dog treats were handmade and given to each dog from "Santa Paws". I used two different recipes to make approximately 75 bone shaped cookies (dog treats). It was a long day but 6 dogs so appreciated and loved them I am happy to say. However, the reaction to what treat was best varied from dog to dog. See ratings below.

Peanut Butter Dog Treats rating:

Pierre: 3 paws and 4 paws after I slathered peanut butter on top of the treat!

Daisy: 4 paws for the peanut butter treats

Mr. Houla: 4 paws, so as he sees the bag of treats come out he comes in and sits down for one.

Angel: 2 paws only due to the size and they were hard for her to eat. If broken up or made smaller she could have really chowed down on them!

Angel happened to like the chicken treats as they were easier for her to chew as a senior small dog.

Two other dog treat recepients, Daphne and Precious give them 4 paws.

Homemade Chicken dog treats ratings:

Pierre: 3 paws and 4 paws if they had extra chicken with them!

Daisy: 4 paws but mostly gave the chicken to Angel

Mr. Houla: 4 paws!

Angel: 4 paws easy to chew for the senior dog!

Recipes to follow check back soon!

Welcome to Dog Toys and Treats Review

2010-01-04T16:35:00.000-08:00

This is Pierre. 60lbs of pure love! He is part Australian Red Heeler mixed with English Springer Spaniel. He is the host and star of the blog.

This is Daisy. She is Pierre's litter mate so see above for age and breed! She will be joining Pierre and others periodically for dog toy and treat reviews.

Mr. Houla. A Catahoula Hound dog who is about 1 year old. He too will be a guest reviewer.

This is Angel. She is a Pomeranian who is about 10 years old. She will be giving the senior dog point of view on the blog.

Welcome to our doggy toy and treat review site. I decided upon having this blog when I noticed for the millionth time (exaggeration of course but often) I was in a pet store advising doggy mom's and dad's on toys and treats for their furry friends based on Pierre's reaction.

Pierre is my dog, a mixed breed of AKC registered Australian Red Heeler (his mom) and English Springer Spaniel (his dad) who of course ran off after he got what he wanted on his first date. A family member of mine owned his mother and a total of 9 puppies were in the litter! We kept 3 puppies in the family and adopted out the remainder to loving homes. Pierre is about to turn 7 years old and he has tried almost every toy and lots of treats, all natural, sort of natural and not so natural! Homemade treats too. He has destroyed in minutes toys that claim that they are indestructible and he has turned his nose up at various treats, dog food and toys, while really liking others.

So hopefully to be of some help to other dog owners in choosing toys and treats for their dogs based on my experience this blog is born. Pierre also has some friends and family members that will join us for testing of products.

We will rate the products by showing 1-4 paws up with 1 paw being bad to 4 paws being the best. Pierre always rolls over on his back with all four paws in the air while holding/chewing his latest ball, bone or toy which indicates he LOVES it!
Warm Regards,

Cheri