(technically it is Love Your Pet Day, but how do you show your pet love....by spoiling them, of course)
Well, isn't every day spoil your dog day?
There are as many ways to spoil your dog as there are dog breeds. Like us humans, dogs like different things. Now, this is just a blog and not an encyclopedia of how to spoil your dog so I will focus on two of my favorite ways.....dog treats and massage.
The Homemade Treat
These bandana pumpkin treats are sure to get your dog drooling. And they are super easy.
Prep: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Time invested to show your dog love: 25 minutes and worth it
Yields: 100 2" treats (less if you use a larger cookie cutter)
Ingredients
4 cups of oat flour and additional flour for dusting the cutting board
1/2 cut rolled oats (not the quick cooking kind)
1 banana, mashed
1 can of pumpkin (make sure it is the 100% pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling)
2 eggs
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees
Mix together the banana, pumpkin, and eggs. Add in the flour and mix until completely incorporated.
Pop the mixture in the refrigerator for about 30 mintues.
Dust your countertop or cutting board with the extra flour and roll out the dough until it is about 1/8" thick. Cut out your cookie shapes.
Place the cookies on a baking sheet (I like to use a silicone mat on my baking sheet) and bake for 20 minutes. Cool completely no matter how much your dog begs.
Note:
Each oven is a little different so you may need to check these treats a couple of times to get to the consistency you are looking for. I needed to bake them for 25 minutes. These cookies are a little chewy so they are great for all dogs. If you want a crispier treat, try baking longer or popping them into a dehydrator.
If you want to watch me make them, check out the video below. I also share some tips.
These make great gifts to spoil your dog's furry friends too.
Leave it to the Pros
Now if you are short on time or just don't trust yourself in the kitchen you can leave it to the experts.
Try some of these treats made by the people who have perfected the art of treat making.
Lucas is obsessed with their Pumpkin Treats, but he gives all of them his seal of approval.
Lucas highly recommends the Salmon and Sweet Potato, but there is a flavor for every dog.
For those dogs that want something a little fancier and custom, check this out.
Sugah's makes custom doggie cakes and cupcakes. They did an amazing Chuck-It style ball cake for Lucas' tenth birthday.
For dogs that like a little extra pampering, you can gift them a massage for Spoil Your Dog Day.
The Home Massage
Most dogs love to get affection from their owners (not all dogs of course). Why not treat them to a little home massage. My friend, Whitney Gassaway of Revive Animal Massage shared some techniques that you can try at home with your furry best friend.
Check out Whitney's tips for an at-home massage in her YouTube video.
Leave it to the Pro
Again, if you are hesitant to give your dog a home massage or you don't have time, just hire a professional. Whitney will be happy to spoil your dog. Plus she knows all of the tricks to make any dog feel like a million bucks. And it makes the perfect treat for those senior dogs that have some achy joints.
Whether your dog needs a little spoiling or they are in need of the therapeutic benefits of massage, Whitney is the person for the job.
No matter how your dog likes to be spoiled, take a little extra time to do what they love and give them a special treat.
I would love to hear how you spoiled your dog for Spoil Your Dog day. Share in the comments or shoot me an email to tell me how you and your dog(s) celebrated.