You may want to put a paw print on your calendar to mark February 23rd: it’s National Dog Biscuit Day! While many of our canine patients think every day is dog biscuit day, officially, this pet-friendly holiday is just around the corner. Read on as a local Aurora, CO vet offers tips on offering Fido his snacks.
Begging
We really can’t discuss doggy treats without mentioning Fido’s begging theatrics. Many of our four-legged patients have their owners completely wrapped around their paws! Your pup may have that soulful stare and plaintive whine down pat, but don’t let your furry little actor sway you. Begging is one of the main reasons so many of our canine friends are obese. It’s also bad doggy manners! Get specific nutritional recommendations from your vet, and stick to them.
Choosing Treats
Store aisles are filled with dozens—if not hundreds—of different doggy treats. Given the chance, your furry buddy would happily taste test them all. That probably wouldn’t go over well at your local grocery, so it’s up to you to choose. We recommend picking healthy snacks. Sleek marketing tactics can make this a bit tricky, so you may need to read the labels. Pick products with ingredients you can both identify and pronounce. Meat should be the main ingredient. Ask your vet for more information.
Recalls
While the vast majority of pet products are safe, occasionally bad products do make it to market. It’s never a bad idea to monitor recall alerts. You can check them at the FDA site here or the AMVA site here, or sign up for email alerts.
Homemade Goodies
If you like cooking, there’s no reason you can’t make some of your canine companion’s treats. Just be sure to use healthy, dog-safe ingredients. Cooked, plain meat, chicken, or fish; peanut butter; plain yogurt; bananas; pureed pumpkin or squash; sodium-free broth; bacon bits; eggs; olive oil; and cheese are all good options. Ask your vet for specific advice on safe and unsafe foods.
Tricks
Why not make your four-legged buddy work for his snacks? Simple tricks like ‘Gimme Paw’ or ‘Roll Over’ will never stop being cute! Just make sure Fido knows basic doggy obedience commands before you teach him fun tricks.
Do you have questions about your dog’s diet, health, or care? Contact us, your Aurora, CO animal hospital, anytime. We are here to help!
