HEALTH + HAPPINESS
APRIL 2015
DIY:
PEANUT BUTTER DOG BISCUITS
FIVE
HEALTHY SPICES
+
NEW STUDY how dogs think
MEET THE
POMERANIAN small, energetic + fiesty
FEATURED THIS MONTH:
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6
TERRIFIC TOPPERS Help spice up your dog's food by mixing in these special herbs. Enjoy these simple and healthy options.
IN EVERY ISSUE OF DOG LIFE:
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@ DOG
LIFE
Conversations and events for canine readers.
BREED OF THE MONTH Meet the Pomeranian; these small dogs carry a very big personality despite their size.
4 TREAT TIME
10 CHECK IT OUT
These peanut butter biscuits will be an instant favorite.
This recent research shows the dog's thinking process.
DOG LIFE STAFF: EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Boom Pitbull
COPY EDITOR: Dan Dachshund
FOR SUBSCRIPTIONS:
ON THE COVER:
ART DIRECTOR: Peachy Poodle
PROOFREADER: Benny Boxer
Sub @DogLifeMagazine.com
April's featured cover dog is Penelope
DESIGNER: Chali Chihuahua
PRODUCTION DIRECTOR: Bee Beagle
ALL OTHER INQUIRIES:
the Pomeranian. Learn more about her
DIGITAL DESIGNER: Bernie Basset
STAFF WRITER: Margie Mastiff
Hello @DogLifeMagazine.com
and other Pomeranians in the Breed of
PHOTOGRAPHER: George Great Dane
READER SERVICES: Diane Dalmation
PROUDLY PUBLISHED IN:
PICTURE EDITOR: Frannie Frenchie
INTERN: Ryan Retriever
Portland, OR
visit doglifemagazine.com/archive.
the Month. To view out past cover dogs,
DOGLIFEMAGAZINE.COM HEALTH + HAPPINESS
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@ DOG
LIFE: CHAT + CONNECT
@ D LMagazine
@ D LMagazine
/ doglifemagazine
/ doglifemagazine
From The Editor
EASTER + DOG SAFETY: Hello, Boom here! Color is finally appearing after a long winter, meaning that spring is just around the corner. Easter and spring time decorations and treats can help liven up the scenery, but they also pose as potential hazards to pets. Who knew that plastic Easter grass can be super deadly to dogs? Lilies are a common finding this time of year, along with chocolates. As dogs, we have a sweet tooth and a curious stomach. Depending on the amount eaten, it can cause renal failure, tremors and induce vomiting. If you suspect that your dog or any other pets have gotten into something, take them to the vet! Take into account that this could be a great opportunity to do some spring cleaning and make a first-aid kit. Best wishes and a safe holiday!
MONTHLY MAIL:
My owner's little ones look forward each month to getting your magazine on their iPad. It's really easy for their little hands and my paws to navigate through.
Not gonna lie, but I was extremely upset with last month's issue and the lack of communal events your magazine failed to mention. The Bark for Life event went on in various locations around the US and there was no mentioning of this at all. This is an important event that brings together people, dogs and a closer step to fighting cancer. I have lost many loved ones, both human and dogs to cancer. I hope that maybe in future issues, that you will touch base on these kind of things more.
LUCELLE LAB Tacoma, WA
SOPHIE SPANIEL New York City, NY
I was looking to your St. Paddy's Day guide but sadly I can't have artisanal crafted beers, delicious car t foods, and things vaguely related to Portland. We're hope next year there can be more options for folks over east, or options for those who don't like the rain!
When are we going to start getting Cat Life Magazine? My human's cats are so jealous that there isn't anything exciting to read out there. Well, they can't read but I am sure that's the reason they're always mad. Anyways, gonna end with dogs rule and cats drool!
TEDDY TERRIER Scarsdale, NY
DEFINITELY NOT A CAT Boise, ID
THINGS TO BARK ABOUT Thanks for the recommendations for St. Patrick's Day. My human and his friends had a wonderful time celebrating. DAVID DOBERMAN San Francisco, CA
It's true...I absolutely am in love with Dog Life and I want to proclaim my love for your magazine. All the tasty treats, the life advice and things to do make me as happy as a long belly rub. I really wish that the content never has to end. Waiting months between issues is just way too long for me to handle!
OMG! BOL! Did you see what she was wearing? # BarkOutLoud @Pretty _Puff_Society Penny Poodle
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DOG LIFE APRIL 2015
@ShaggySpaz Samuel Shepard
KONG WOBBLER
PETER PITBULL Portland, OR
SEND YOUR LETTERS TO: DOG LIFE MAIL 100 Bark Street Suite 402 Portland OR, 97007
The new Wobbler is a KONG shaped toy and feeder that sits up until your dog pushes it down with their paws or noses. The best part—it dispenses treats as it wobbles, spins, and rolls. Its unpredictable movement keeps the toy challenging even for the most seasoned pooch. Try using the Wobbler as an alternative to a dog bowl!
CANINE CONVERSATIONS: TRENDING TWEETS FROM TOP DOGS
Shaggy now following... THAT SCHOOL BUS! # Kids
A CHANCE TO WIN:
FINALLY I'm under the table! Two years of waiting well worth it! # Meatball @AlwaysLurkingAround Louie Lab
OMG HEY! HEY! HEY! I need to go outside! # IndoorAccident @Awkward_Friend Alan Afghan
Dog Life is offering the chance to win your very own Wobbler, plus two boxes of dog treats worth $22. To enter: download our iPad app and follow the instructions. Terms and conditions may apply. For more information, visit the manufacturer’s site, kongcompany.com Good luck!
TO ENTER: Download the latest issue of DOG LIFE from iTunes or off of Amazon. Follow instructions on the competition page. No purchase is necessary!
TERRIFIC TOPPERS
Spice up your dog's food and health by mixing in these herbs.
BASIL
CINNAMON
FENNEL SEEDS
GINGER
PARSLEY
This fragrant herb is packed with a variety of vitamins, minerals, electrolytes and oils that are essential for good health. It has also been shown that daily amounts of basil helps with preventing disease, mood boasting and helping relieve arthritis in older dogs. If the benefits weren't enough, it is also an anti-oxidant as well.
Who doesn't love the taste of cinnamon? Pungent and slightly sweet, this spice is known as one of the highest sources of anti-oxidants of found in food. Not only does it cure alfatoxins found in food, but it can fix bad breath and diabetes. If you have a senior dog, cinnamon helps with the pain of arthritis, lowering blood pressure and LDL cholesterol.
With a scent like licorice and a crunchy texture, fennel seed provides your dog with protein, vitamins, calcium, iron and more. These seeds are rich in dietary fiber, keeps fleas away and are good for the urinary tract. Aside from physical benefits, these seed can help dogs with anxiety and depressive episodes.
A mild tasting root that is high in both vitamins and minerals. Ginger root is also known for being beneficial as an antioxidant, antiviral and antifungal. Ginger can be used to treat a multitude of ailments such as indigestion, nausea, gas, heart issues, and high blood sugar.
This popular herb is often found garnishing rice, meat, fish and pasta dishes. Fresh parsley is rich in vitamin A, folic acids and antioxidants. Parsley can be used to treat bruises, hypertension, acute arthritis and bad breath. The benefits are wonderful for dogs of all ages, and can help clear toxins if incorporated regularly into food.
If your dog is feeling moody or stressed, try garnishing a small amount of fresh or dry basil on top of its dinner for a positive calming effect.
Give your dog a very small amount of cinnamon. Tr y sprinkling it on top of their meal for a little sweetness.
Overall, fennel seed is great for the absorption of food. It makes it easier to keep your dog's teeth and digestive system cleaner. If your dog is suffering from gas, mix a bit into their dinner.
However, too much ginger can cause nausea and affects how well blood clots. Be sure to let your dog have only a small amount of ginger. Avoid giving ginger to dogs that are pregnant or have ulcers.
Try adding a small amount of parsley into your dog's meal for its cleanliness. Add ½ of a teaspoon of dried parsley tea or freshly chopped once or twice a week.
TERRIBLE TOPPERS: AVOID THESE SPICES ! While there are beneficial spices for your dog, there are also some that can be harmful. Seek immediate help if your dog has ingested the following: COCOA, NUTMEG, MACE : Of all of the spices to avoid, these are the most dangerous. If cocoa is consumed in large doses, it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, panting, tremors and seizures. Both nutmeg and mace can cause abdominal pain, vomiting and death.
ONION, GARLIC, CHIVES : These spices have sulfoxides and disulfides, which are sulfurs that can damage red blood cells. Red blood cells are important as they carry oxygen to animal tissue. SALT : Excessive thirst and urination can occur from too much table salt. It's also known as sodium ion poisoning. Signs of a possible salt overdose are vomiting, diarrhea, depression, fever, and seizures.
DOGLIFEMAGAZINE.COM HEALTH + HAPPINESS
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DOG LIFE APRIL 2015
PEANUT BUTTER DELIGHTS For peanut butter fans, these dog treats are a double dose of nutty goodness from the batter and the creamy frosting.
DIFFICULTY: EASY
INGREDIENTS
PEANUT BUTTER ICING
SERVES: 20 BISCUITS
* 2 cups of flour
PREP TIME: 10 MINS
* 1 cup of peanut butter
1. Mix together ½ cup of peanut butter with ¼ cup of soy milk.
BAKE TIME: 15 MINS
* ¾ cup of oatmeal
2. Stir vigorously until combined.
* ½ cup of water
3. Chill icing between 15 to 20 minutes.
* ¼ cup of wheat germ
4. Spread onto the dog biscuit.
* ¼ cup of soy milk
5. Share leftover frosting with friends and family.
* ¼ cup of vegetable oil * ¼ cup of honey * 1 tsp. of baking powder
DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 325°F. 2. Combine all the ingredients and mix on low until well blended and soft. 3. Form mix into tablespoon-sized balls of dough. Then place the balls onto an ungreased wax sheet.
TIPS + TRICKS * When finished baking, place biscuits onto cooling racks and let cool thoroughly. The ideal cooling time is about 2 hours for the best consistency. * The frosting is optional, but it is recommended for the full flavor of peanut butter! * If you want to make a particular shape, try using cookie cutters to personalize the biscuits.
4. Flatten the balls to ¼ " using the tines of a fork. For an alternative method, you can flatten the dough on a floured surface and cut out with a cookie cutter. 5. Bake between 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown. 6. Let biscuits cool completely before serving.
BENEFITS OF PEANUT BUTTER: NUTTY + HEALTHY Some dog foods may not have all the nutrients needed by the body to keep them healthy. Peanut butter can supply most or all of those missing components that dogs need to keep them at their best. USE IT AS A SUPPLEMENT: Peanut butter can be added to your dog's regular food as a supplement because it contains vitamin E and vitamin H. Vitamin H helps your dog’s coat, skin, and nails stay shiny and healthy. Vitamin E helps strengthen the immune system.
EASE ANXIETY: It can help ease separation anxiety in dogs by keeping them occupied. You can stuff a spoonful of peanut butter and dry dog food into a Kong toy. It will keep your dog preoccupied for a few hours, which will help ease their anxiety. Talk to your vet to find out the appropriate amount to use. MAKE TAKING PILLS EASIER: When you have to give your dog a pill, make the process easier by completely burying the pill in peanut butter. You will have no trouble getting the dog to take any medication at that point!
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ORIGINATES FROM: Germany.
HEIGHT: 7" to 11" at shoulder.
SIZE: Toy dog breed.
EASE OF TRAINING: Not difficult if sessions are short and brief.
RECOMMENDED DIET: Feed a small amount of dry food twice daily.
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DOG LIFE APRIL 2015
PERSONALITY: Extroverted, smart, and very vivacious.
ENERGY LEVEL: Medium.
HEALTH ISSUES: A relatively healthy breed, but can have joint issues.
COAT: A double-coated breed with 18 color variations.
WEIGHT: 3 to 7 pounds.
BREED OF THE MONTH:
THE POMERANIAN Cocky, commanding, and animated, these pint-size dogs are always an entertaining companion.
a little dog with a big dog personality;
With proper care and exercise, Pomeranians can
When it comes to training, Pomeranians can be
the Pomeranian was originally bred as a large sled
live as long as 16 years. Although common health
stubborn and obstance. They can easily dominate
dog in the 16th century. They were reduced in size
issues include eye problems, dislocated kneecaps,
a weak-willed owner. A firm but friendly hand is
through breeding sometime in the 19th century.
tooth loss and molting.
needed, especially when it comes to their barking.
Perhaps this is why they often has a personality
These dogs can live happily in homes of all sizes.
They love to bark and sometimes for arbitrary
that resembles one of a large dog.
They are small enough to live in apartments, but
reasons. If taught at an early age to limit the noise,
While lively, friendly and fun, Pomeranians can be
active enough to flourish in a large home. They
they will.
slightly territorial. They grow very attached to
should be walked daily to burn off energy and
Dogs always will provide a sense of comfort and
their owners and can develop a protectiveness
maintain temperament. They enjoy running, so
security. They encourage social interactions and
that makes them a loyal companion. It makes them
some yard time every week is recommended.
activities. Pomeranians even make wonderful pets for senior citizens, as they have enough
superb watchdogs as they can really deliver on the barks when a stranger approaches the house. In spite of this protectiveness, Pomeranians are not too clingy or codependent. They’ll get along with every member of the family, including other pets when introduced properly. Appearance-wise, the Pomeranian has a poised and proud carriage. Compact, sturdy and fluffy with slightly rounded, wedge-shaped heads, straight muzzles and pointy ears, some have a fox-like appearance. They have dark, deeply set eyes and an overall alert and lively expression. Their undercoats are dense and soft, and their outer coats are rough, profuse and puffy. Their feathered tails curls over their backs. Coats can be nearly any color, but the most common are red, orange, white, brown or black. Pomeranians also shed frequently and need daily brushing to prevent tangling. Make sure to check their ears regularly and get scheduled visits to the dentist. Their teeth tend to gather tartar easily.
“THEY GROW VERY ATTACHED TO THEIR OWNERS AND CAN DEVELOP A PROTECTIVENESS THAT MAKES THEM A LOYAL COMPANION”
spunk to always keep things interesting. They grow very attached to their owners and can develop a protectiveness that makes them a loyal companion. With the right amount of cuddling, exercise, and affection; Pomeranians are one of the best companions anyone could ask for.
Pomeranians need to keep their minds active. They are smart dogs and can get into mischief! Many owners enroll their Pomeranians in agility training to keep both the mind and body in top shape and to keep their dog happy. Find breeders
If you are considering adding a Pomeranian to your family, try looking at adoption agencies or local breeders to ensure that you find the perfect fit for your life!
and dog courses to help train your dog. Always keep your Pomeranian on a leash. Small breeds tend to be blissfully unaware of their size. They also have the tendency to take on larger dogs, so always keep them close and protect them from conflict. Pomeranians need to supervised around young children to ensure they do not get hurt. Small dogs are incredibly fragile and can get injured easily. Kids can sometimes unwittingly trample them.
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HOW TO THINK LIKE A DOG A Flowchart of the Dog's Thought Process *
* Research based on multiple canine candidates, including: a Pomeranian, a Husky, a Retriever, and a Beagle puppy. Results found may be inconclusive.
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DOG LIFE APRIL 2015
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