Pharrell’s ‘Happy’ Goes to the Dogs!

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happy_dog_puppy_lifetimewithdogsWARNING: May cause happiness!

People all over the world love Pharrell Williams’ Grammy Award winning hit, “Happy!”. It’s a song that definitely makes us wiggle in our seats and smile. Now there is a dog version for all dog lovers out there. We all know dogs are some of the happiest creatures on the planet and they definitely make our lives happier.

The Pet Colliective makes some wonderful videos for animal lovers and they definitely did it again with this one. Watch the video and you may surprisingly turn happy!

Protect your dog’s paws from road salt

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protect_dog_paws_from_road_salt_lifetimewithdogsOne of the biggest risks to healthy paw pads is the salt (deicer) used to melt ice on streets, sidewalks and driveways. Salt can cause your dog to get chemical burns on their paw pads which can result in a lot of irritation.

The signs of a dog having salt irritation on the paw pads are stopping in their tracks on a walk, starting to limp or chewing at their paws. It can be dangerous for your dog to chew at his paws because many deicers are toxic to dogs and can make them ill.

To help your dogs avoid getting chemical burns or becoming sick from ingesting salt, it is important to stay off of heavily salted sidewalks and roads. If you want to use salt on your driveway or sidewalk, there are dog-safe deicers that will not harm your dog. One way to keep your dog’s paw pads healthy is to have them wear dog boots. Many dogs take time to get used to wearing boots but once they do it can be a paw saver. Also, if you come back from a walk on a salted sidewalk it is a good idea to wipe down your dog’s paws with warm water.

Salt can be a danger to your dog, but if you take the right steps to keep your dog’s paws healthy they can still enjoy exercise during the winter.

A blind dog gets his own guide dog

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lucky_scruffy_border_terriers_lifetime_with_dogsLucky, a two year old border terrier was born without retinas. But Scruffy, his three year old  father is always right there in case his blind son needs some comforting. If Lucky knocks into something his father is right there to help him out of any sticky situation he may be in.

Jim Leonard, the grandfather of Chelsea who owns Lucky often looks after him. When he does, he wears bells on his pants so Lucky can always find him. Also, to keep lucky out of dangerous areas of the home he puts strong smells like lemon juice.

He said: ‘He lives life to the full. He has a great sense of smell, he can smell things from so far away, he must be compensating for having no eyes. He loves getting petted and made attention of.”

(via Daily Mail)

 

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Dog Treats

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peanutbutteroatmealdogtreats_lifetimewithdogs

I have always wanted to make home made dog treats for my dogs. Since I had to get up early to see Duke the pug (life of a pet sitter) and it is Puppy Bowl Sunday, I decided to make home made dog treats. As a “newbie” of dog treat baking, I went with a simple recipe. So simple that if my dog’s had thumbs they could of made them.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups of flour (you can use whole wheat flour or a different type)
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/3 cup peanut butter, chunky or smooth (I used smooth)
– 1 1/4 cups hot water

Directions:

1. Preheat over to 350°F
2. Mix the dry ingredients together
3. Mix in the peanut butter and the hot water. If the dough is too sticky you can add more flour.
4. Knead the dough

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5. Roll out the dough into 1/4″ thickness (mine weren’t exact).
6. Cut into shapes with dog cookie cutters or any shape you like.

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7. Bake for 40-50 minutes on a lightly greased baking sheet/cookie sheet.

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8. Let them cool off over night or if you cant wait like me let them cool off on a wire rack.

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9. Give your dogs a treat!

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I enjoyed making these dog treats and my dog’s enjoyed eating them. Can’t beat snacking on some home made treats while watching the Puppy Bowl on Animal Planet.

Budweiser’s ‘Puppy Love’ Superbowl commercial will tug at your heart

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puppylovebudweisersuperbowlcommercial

Budweiser always presents the best commercials during the Super Bowl. With those majestic Clydesdale horses grabbing everyone’s hearts and attention. But, this year they will be adding an adorable puppy who becomes best friends with one of the horses. Lets see the other commercials this Sunday compete with this one!

Will you be watching the Super Bowl or the Puppy Bowl this Sunday?

 

Paws up for Puppy Bowl 2014

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There will be a lot of tackling, ball stealing and cuteness this year at the Puppy Bowl. So, make sure you and your dogs have the best seats in the house to watch the puppy action! I hear this year will be better than any other year so make sure you bring popcorn!

Animal Planet announced the lineup of puppies that will be featured on the Puppy Bowl this year. Let me tell you, they are cuties! Don’t forget if you are looking to adopt a puppy these puppies are all looking for their forever homes.. Now lets get to the puppies!

I have my favorites that I will be rooting for this Puppy Bowl. Do you?

Puppy Bowl X will start February 2nd at 3pm. But don’t worry if you have Super Bowl plans they will be re-running the puppy bowl all evening long.

Merry Christmas

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christmas_2014_family_portrait_lifetimewithdogsChristmas has come and gone so fast but it was a nice one. Lots of laughs, smiles and doggie kisses. It was bitter sweet because Lady was not here to celebrate it with us but I know she was here spiritually. Princess and Oliver remind me daily to keep smiling and enjoy life.

I love my dogs so much and because I spoil them just a little bit, I did get them gifts this Christmas. They received nice winter jackets about a week before Christmas. I decided to give them their jackets early because it was really cold here. Let me tell you, they look so fashionable! Today they got a Bobo dog toy, a squeaky bone and dog treats. They seem very pleased with their gifts. Especially the treats!

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Well, I hope everyone enjoyed their Christmas. Hope you feel stuffed with food and celebrated the birth of Jesus. Don’t forget to hug and kiss the ones you love because cherishing every moment is what counts.

What did you get your dogs this Christmas?

In memory of Lady

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riplady_lifetimewithdogs

I am still in shock that Lady has passed away last night. The day before she was her happy, playful self and than yesterday she went down hill. In the morning Lady was vomiting and had bloody diarrhea so we decided the best thing to do was to take her to the vet. The vet said he will run some tests and let us know what is going on. He called back in the afternoon and said she had pancreatits and inflamed liver which meant she would have to stay at the vet until Sunday. Which I knew it had to do with her pancreas, but I never thought it would be what would take her from this earth. But it was. That night the vet called and said her heart stopped. They said they got it to start again but to come right over. When we got there and I saw her laying on the table I knew it was not good. Her eyes were all glazed over and she was not there. Only reason she was breathing was because of the breathing machine she was on. So, my mom and I decided to let her go. My heart is crushed right now but I know she is in a better place. I just can’t believe she is gone so suddenly from my life. I decided to write a letter to Lady, because she meant the world to me….

 

Dear Lady,

Do they have a buffet at the Rainbow Bridge for you? They must, because it is Heaven. I bet you are eating lots of steak and milkbones right now. It is funny, just the other day I was reminded of the time when we took you and Princess to the Pup-tober fest in Sussex County and how you stole my hotdog. That is my favorite memory of you.

I will never forget the day we brought you home. The shelter called you a BITER. I don’t blame you because I would have bitten those men too, who handled dogs so roughly at the shelter. We knew there was more to you besides those teeth. I am glad Mom fought to bring you home with us because you transformed into a beautiful dog. I remember how you were so scared with your tail between your legs but once you got in our car you totally changed. That was the first time I saw your smile. I don’t know how your previous owners could leave you in such a dark and cold place but I am happy they did. Because you became ours and we did everything to give you the best life you could have.

You turned out to be a great dog. I worked a lot with you. The first day you were at our house I taught you what a belly rub was. You sure loved those! You hated having your ears cleaned and I taught you I could do it gently. You also used to hate being groomed and you turned out to be the easiest to shave and clip. That’s right girlfriend, even easier than the Princess!

Why did you have to leave so suddenly? I know it was quick and you didn’t suffer but it was so unexpected. I had it in my head that you would be home in a few days. But God took you the first night you were at the vet’s. When the vet called and told Mom your heart stopped and they brought you back, I knew it wasn’t good. I really tried to stay strong but when I saw you on that table I knew it was time to let you go. Can you thank Grandpa for me? I know he made sure I was around to say goodbye to you.

Christmas is not going to be as merry with you gone. I am going to try to cook some good food this Christmas and I wish you could be here to share it with us. I know you would have loved it. I know your spirit will be with us but I am going to miss your presence. The pack is not the same without you here. Neither is the house. Every time I walk into the kitchen I expect you to be there. I love you beautiful girl.

Love,

Your Family 

 

Here is a memorial video for Lady. She will always be remembered and never forgotten from our hearts and minds. We will see her again at the Rainbow Bridge.

 

 

 

Should I feed my dog wet or dry food?

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This is a big controversy between dog owners, and it really comes down to your dog’s health and needs. Some dog parents claim dry food is better for dogs, while others strongly disagree with that. I recommend asking a vet and looking at your own dog’s needs before deciding on what to choose.

(via debsrun)

(via debsrun)

 

Dry Food Advantages:

Dry dog food can help clean dog’s teeth. Especially dogs that are prone to dental problems like gum disease. Also, it helps reduce tartar buildup. But dogs that have advanced tooth problems, may find it painful to chew dry food. If your dog is on a diet, dry food can be easily measured for the right proportion. Dry food is also less expensive than wet food and is better on long trips.

Dry Food Disadvantages:

Most dry foods have a reduced fat content and a high carbohydrates content. This means if your dog is very active your dog may require a food with a higher amount of fat in it. Some breeds may have difficulty chewing dry food because of their jaw structure. Also, when there is more fat and protein in a dry food, the price gets higher.

 

Wet Food Advantages:

Dogs are more willing to eat wet food because it has more flavor and resembles meat. Wet food has more moisture too, which is good for dogs that don’t drink much water or throw up water because they drink too fast. Another positive aspect of wet food is it contains more protein which is good for energy and muscle growth in young dogs.

Wet Food Disadvantages:

The main disadvantage of wet food is it has to be refrigerated and is only good for a few days after being opened. Another downer is wet food doesn’t help keep your dog’s teeth healthy, which may lead to extra teeth issues. Lastly, wet dog food can cause upset stomach.

 

A Mixed Combination

Many dog owners mix wet and dry food together to create an equal balance of nutrition, protein and fat. Before you do this make sure to check with your vet to decide if this is the best diet choice for your dog. Every dog is different and figuring out what is best for your dog will help you in the long run.

 

If your dog eats wet or dry food, comment below and tell us why.