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It’s early July in Indiana and the sun is blaring down on you as you finish eating some of your favorite tasty watermelon and strawberry popsicles. You look over at your dog and notice they’re feeling the heat too- tongue out, flopped over in your yard, worn out from the twelve times they’ve already played in the doggie pool you set up for them. You start to wonder, “Hm, if only there were some dog-friendly alternatives to these refreshing summer treats.”

Well, you would be in luck! Chances are, if your dog has a favorite snack, there is definitely a frozen version of it. Perfect for cooling down in the summer, but nothing too hefty that it would spoil their dinner. Here are just a few homemade treats we’ve found online that your dog will love, and also give you something fun to do during these hot summer days.

1. Watermelon Pupsicles

Have watermelon and Greek yogurt in your house? That’s all you need to make this creamy, yummy, treat for your pooch! Learn how to make these watermelon pupsicles here. The website also provides a helpful link on where to buy a dog bone mold for when you make them.

2. Mint Froyo

Greek yogurt, fresh mint, and a touch of honey. Just three simple ingredients to cool your dog down AND freshen their breath. Who wouldn’t want that? Mint is known to be a powerful anti-bacterial that will aid in preventing bacteria from developing in a dog’s mouth. Get this minty-fresh recipe to satisfy your dog (and their breath) here.

3. Frozen Kong Recipes

There’s tons of unique, simple, frozen Kong recipes that will make your dog happy. They’re all healthy, dog-friendly, and super easy to make. You just mix the ingredients together, fill the Kong toy with the mixture, and freeze! Simple as that. Here is a small list of frozen Kong recipes you can make here.

4. Pumpkin Peanut Butter Ice Cream

The pumpkin and yogurt in this recipe are not only good for a dogs digestive system, but every dog loves peanut butter. Cool them down with some refreshing ice cream. The article recommends using freezer-safe cups, which you can find linked in the article. Learn how to make this homemade ice cream for your dog here.

5. Frosty Paws Popsicles

Using bananas, peanut butter, and Greek yogurt, your pup can be chowing down on these yummy popsicle-like treats! Put the ingredients in a blender or food processor, place them in molds, (using a milk-bone as the stick), and freeze them! Learn more about how to make these fun doggie popsicles here.

When our dogs feel good, we feel good. Take some time during these hot Indy summer days to experiment with some fun DIY recipes in the comfort of your own home. Although your dog might beg for more, it’s also important to remember these treats should be given in moderation! One or two tasty summer treats is the recommended amount to keep your dog feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to tackle on the rest of the day. Summer treats are for dogs too, not just humans!

 

As we approach almost the fourth month of quarantine, you may be looking at your dog and thinking, “Man, we really have got to get out of this funk.” Creating new habits and a healthy environment is essential for keeping yourself (and your pup) sane during these odd times. Many pet owners have claimed their pets are responding differently to their owners being at home all the time. Michael Waters’ article on Vox stated, “Some pets are growing clingy, others are pouncing on exercise equipment, gliding across countertops, or hiding in corners and shooting their owners concerned stares.” In order to combat these new strange behaviors, here is a list of activities (Tiki approved of course!) that you and your furry companion can do to keep each other busy.

  1. Exercise, exercise, exercise!Staying active during this time is as beneficial for you as it is for your pet! If you’re going on walks, make sure to social distance (6 ft.), but even if you prefer to stay inside, there’s still so much you can do! Stretch and do some yoga, move the furniture around and play tug-o-war, or, if you have a backyard, run around with them and play chase. A little bit of exercise everyday could help you and your pup stick to a schedule and routine.
  2. Play some mind games!Mental stimulation! We all need it, and so do our dogs. If you ever find yourself lounging on the couch- watching tv with nothing to do- look up how to teach your dog some tricks. There are so many helpful YouTube videos and articles online. It can be a great use of your time and also a fun way to impress your friends! (Take it from Tiki- he loves doing some tricks with us and showing off to other people too!)
  3. Baking dog treats!Rosanna Pansino is an expert baker on YouTube, and has a very informative video on how to make DIY Dog Treats at home. The products she uses are all organic, and she offers substitute ingredients for any allergies your dog may have. Watch her video and give it a try for yourself! Baking these treats keeps your mind busy and will make your dog incredibly happy. https://youtu.be/l3Mb9RyW3V4
  4. Get creative!Set up an agility course for your pup using everyday household objects! Examples include using boxes, laundry hampers, blankets, tunnels, and small forts for your dog to explore. Mix it up and even get your kids involved! Train them with treats and positive reinforcement. It’ll be a fun experience for everyone involved. (Safety permitted.)

Take some time out of your day to enforce some new habits into you and your dog’s lives, and everyday will start to feel a little more productive. Exercise, Watch YouTube videos for inspiration, and mix things up at home. In the end you and your dog will enjoy the new changes, and learn more about each other in the process.

Did you know that March is national pet poison prevention awareness month? Of course, most dog owners know the obvious foods dogs shouldn’t have, like chocolate for example. However, there are a lot of things that you shouldn’t give your pups that most wouldn’t think twice about. With March being the month to highlight these things, this gives veterinary professionals the opportunity to educate on what could potentially harm pets. To start, we’ll just go over some of the most common ‘human’ foods that dogs shouldn’t have. 

 

‘Human’ foods to avoid giving your dog:

 

#1. Grapes and Raisins: Although science has yet to discover what is in grapes that makes them so toxic to dogs, we know there is a substance in them that can lead to sudden kidney failure. Until more is known, it is best to avoid giving these to your dog all together. Common symptoms include lethargy, diarrhea, vomiting, weakness, and decrease in appetite. 

 

#2. Milk or Dairy products: This can really upset your dog’s stomach due to the fact that pets do not have a sufficient amount of Lactase which is needed to break down Lactose. This can lead to diarrhea, vomiting, and overall abdominal discomfort. 

 

#3. Yeast Dough: Because yeast dough rises, this can cause a gas build up in the digestive system- as it produces Ethanol and Carbon Dioxide. This becomes painful and may even cause the stomach to bloat. If this results in the stomach twisting- this can become a serious emergency. Common signs of bloat include abdominal distension, restlessness, retching, and pawing. 

 

#4. Alcohol: This is an obvious one to most, which is good because it’s among one of the worst things your pet can ingest. Ingestion of alcohol can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar, blood pressure, and body temperature. Some animals can even experience seizures or respiratory failure. Alcohol of any kind and any amount should be avoided at all costs.

 

#5. Onions and Garlic: No matter what form they come in, if ingested in a large enough quantity they can kill off your dog’s red blood cells which can result in anemia. Symptoms include but are not limited to: abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, increased heart/breathing rate, and lethargy.  

 

#6. Xylitol: This is a sugar substitute used in many ‘sugar free’ products. This is commonly used in sugar free gum/ candies, toothpaste, baked goods, and vitamins. Ingesting this can cause blood sugar to drop and can potentially cause liver failure. Symptoms start to show rather quickly after it is ingested. Signs include vomiting, weakness, and seizures. 

 

#7. Coffee, Tea, Caffeine: Sodas, energy drinks, caffeine pills, diet pills, etc. can cause a rise in blood pressure and cardiac arrhythmias- both being very dangerous for pets. Even a small amount can be very toxic. 

 

#8. Macadamia Nuts: Nuts have a high fat and oil content- Macadamia nuts contain up to 80% oil- which can increase the risk of pancreatitis due to the high amount of fat. In high quantities they can cause weakness, hypothermia, tremors, and stiffening of joints. 

 

#9. Table Salt: Ingestion of too much salt can cause sodium poisoning- meaning there is a rise in the sodium concentration in the blood. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, tremors, and seizures. 

 

#10. Fat Trimmings and Bones: Bones can cause blockages or puncture or cause damage to their insides. Fat- could cause the pancreas to become inflamed which can result in vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and abdominal pain. This also puts your pet at risk for developing pancreatitis.  

 

These are the top ten most common ‘human’ foods that are potentially harmful to your dog. Of course, we highly encourage everyone to do their own research on the matter, as there is tons of information on the internet about what dogs should and should not eat. Although there are a lot of our snacks that they shouldn’t have, there are still a lot of fun things you can get for your dog as a treat. You can always stop by a local dog bakery, they have many things your pup is bound to love. Best part is- these treats are formulated specifically for our doggie friends! 

 

…Please stay tuned for part two- as we go over some of the most dangerous household items for dogs! 

 

 

 

 

             Each year we as dog owners have to take our dogs to the vet for their annual vaccines. Because we love our furry little friends, we want them to be able to socialize with as little risk of getting sick as possible. Just like our own children, we want them to be protected against anything that can potentially be harmful to them. Sure we’ve heard of people getting vaccinated for the flu, but what about our dogs? Why not protect our pets when we have the ability to do so? Canine influenza is something a lot of people aren’t super familiar with, but it is very important for us to educate ourselves on the matter. Not only for the safety of our own dogs, but for dog safety worldwide. 

 

           What is canine influenza? According to Merck Animal Health, “it is a highly contagious respiratory disease that is caused by canine influenza virus (CIV) Type A.” Although we’re now starting to hear more about the canine flu, the first strain of it, CIV H3N8, was first reported in racing greyhounds in Florida back in 2004. It is believed that this first affected horses and made its way to dogs. This strain can also be a little harder for veterinarians to diagnose. The second strain, CIV H3N2, was more recently found here in the United states- although it was first found in South Korea in 2006. This strain of the virus is of avian origin and had spread to 30 states in the U.S. by April 2016. Every year more and more dogs are traveling from state to state with their families for vacations, road-trips, etc. Because dogs are being transported so much more than before, they are also exposed to more things that could be harmful to them. Which results in contagious illnesses, like the flu, being picked up and spread of course. The canine flu is not a seasonal virus like the human flu, which means it can be caught year-round. 

 

             How is canine influenza spread? For the most part, it is spread the same way the common cold would spread through people, and we all know how easy that is to get. Does your dog regularly attend a daycare or dog park? It is most commonly spread through dog to dog contact. This could be as simple as licking one another or even sniffing each other. Sharing water bowls and toys is of course another big way it is spread. Lastly, dogs can even get sick by merely coming into contact with us! If we unknowingly come into contact with the virus, our clothes, hands, and other surfaces can be contaminated in an instant. It’s that contagious. Any dog no matter their age, size, or breed can get the flu- it does not discriminate.   

 

         How do I know if my dog has the flu? The most common signs include, but are not limited to: coughing, retching, sneezing, nasal discharge, decreased appetite, and lethargy. Although many cases of the flu are relatively mild, there is a small percentage of dogs who are plagued with severe cases. For instance, if the dog is very young or very old their immune systems are more compromised. Therefore, they are at greater risk for receiving the more severe cases because their bodies aren’t able to fight off the virus as well. Many people have the misconception that the canine flu is the same thing as kennel cough, because without diagnosis all canine respiratory illnesses can look similar. However, the flu is a viral disease which results in it being more difficult to treat than kennel cough.

 

                With all of that being said, I think we all can agree that getting your dog the flu vaccine is the right thing to do. Let’s face it, if your dog does end up getting sick, you’ll be paying much more for vet visits than you would just getting the vaccine. Like most vaccines, this does have to be boostered two to three weeks after the initial vaccine. Once you’ve done that it will just be another annual vaccine to add to the list. Remember, the first priority of all canine facilities is dog safety. Most of these places will be requiring the flu vaccine in the near future if they aren’t already, so it wouldn’t hurt to get it sooner rather than later. Stop into your local vet’s office today to set up an appointment, that way your pup can get back to playing without a sweat! 

 

 

*** As a reminder to all current or potential clients of Good Dog Hotel and Spa, we are requiring both rounds the canine influenza vaccine by 3/1/2020. For any questions you have about this, call us at 317-255-2525! 

     The continuation of ‘Tiki’s Story’…

   

      Although Tiki had spent so much time at the vet, he was only in the beginning stages of his recovery. For another month or so, Michelle, and some of the staff at that time, would take turns caring for Tiki. He still could not walk due to his injury, so they would carry him around on a large, sturdy platform in order to get him around for the time being. They would carry him inside and outside several times a day, and he would just hang out with Michelle in her office in his spare time. After almost two months of not being able to walk, they knew it was time. It was time to begin teaching him how to walk again. They could see it in his eyes just how much he wanted to walk, and he was determined to become mobile again. They would encourage him to walk by crouching down a small distance away from him, and they would call him to them. Although he would cry out at times due to the pain at first, he eventually began to drag himself using his front legs. He did this for some time to get around, but over time he finally began to use his back legs again. Of course, it wasn’t perfect at first. He would keep his back legs together and he would practically hop around. This was still so, so far from where he started. He was making so much progress then one day, in the blink of an eye, he began walking on all fours. It really goes to show you that with a little hope, you can truly do anything. 

             

       Originally, we thought Tiki would be adopted out, but we had grown far too close to him. He was apart of our family now, and everyone had so much love for him. He was simply the one, and he’s been with us ever-since. As you can see, this was not a story that could be summoned up in just a few sentences. Did you know that in the U.S alone, approximately 1.2 million dogs are hit on the roads each year? This is a staggering, heart-breaking number. This is just another reason why Tiki’s story was so important for us to tell. It is important for us to be reminded of how much power we have to help not only people, but animals too. We love you Tiki, and we thank you for bringing so much love and laughter to our lives each and every day. You inspire us, and our lives wouldn’t be the same without you!

 

 

Not many dogs actually enjoy getting professionally groomed, but this one does. Find out why – plus read our dog preparation tips for a better grooming experience.

 

We love grooming dogs. We enjoy working with all types, sizes and personalities, and we’ve seen shy or nervous dogs learn to tolerate – and then even like – the process (see our grooming preparation tips below). But we’ve never seen any dog quite like Gracie Turner, a beautiful Goldendoodle that actually loves to get professionally groomed. Read more



Everyone knows I’m a big fan of edibles. If it smells tasty and fits in my mouth, chances are I’ll try to ingest it. But my Good Dog family always tells me I can’t just consume stuff willy-nilly … some things may give me a tummy ache, others could cause permanent damage or worse. So for this week’s blog, I’ve compiled a list of household items that are harmful to dogs. Most of you may already be familiar with parts of this list, but a few of these might surprise you, so read on!



People mouthwash. I know my breath could use freshening, but many mouthwashes contain boric acid, which is toxic to dogs.


Cocoa mulch. The cocoa gives it an appetizing scent, but dogs should not ingest it.


Any household cleaner with ammonia, bleach, chlorine, or formaldehyde. These chemicals do serious damage to doggie livers and kidneys.


Antifreeze. This is a no-brainer, but I still want to include it on my list. The sweet taste attracts animals, and it is deadly even in small quantities.


Mr. Clean Magic Eraser (or any sponge-like product). Even if it the label reads “non-toxic,” it can still expand in our tummies and cause intestinal blockage.


Laundry detergent and dryer sheets. The dryer sheets smell especially sweet to us dogs but can irritate the tongue and mouth, cause digestive issues and even death.


Pesticides, including mouse and ant killers. Even if a little bit touches our pawpads, it can cause a host of issues and you should call our vet immediately.


Fertilizers and plant foods, especially those containing deet. These products are easily accessible and fatal to dogs.


De-icing salts. The salt is a very annoying paw irritant and can also be poisonous if licked.


Mothballs, which taste yucko anyway and can cause seizures.


Yeast dough. This is another ingestable that can expand in the tummy and cause blockage.


Macadamia nuts. While tasty, these are especially dangerous with chocolate. They can cause a wide range of issues, from doggie depression to paralysis.


Xylitol. This is an artificial sweetener found in gum, candy, toothpastes and diet foods. It can spike insulin levels and cause liver failure.


String, yarn, rubber bands and dental floss. While fun to eat, they can tie up our tummies and cause serious intestinal damage or death.


Petroleum-based products, like gasoline, lubricants or solvents. Petroleum is severely toxic and causes a host of issues, so if your pup gets gum or something sticky in his hair, be sure not to use a petroleum-based product to remove it.


Azalea, English ivy, foxglove, lilies, mistletoe and philodendron plants. A few of these are common household plants, but they can make dogs very sick.


Human medications, both prescription and non-prescription. While helpful to you, human meds can cause anything from seizures to liver failure to death in dogs.


The usual suspects. Most of you may know onions, garlic, mushrooms, grapes, raisins and avocados are harmful to dogs, but a reminder never hurts.


Cans. I personally find it fun to lick people-food remnants from cans, but the sharp edges can cut tongues, and kitties can get their heads stuck inside.