PetSugar

A Piece O'Pumpkin Advice For Jack-O'-Lantern Snacks

PetSugar — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 04:00:51 -0700

Since pumpkin is high on my list of healthy foods for a chubby or rumbly puppy tummy no matter the season, I feel the need to address those carved creations, if that's your kind of thing.

Not only can an open flame pose a danger, the unlit pumpkin is not pet-safe! While the fresh stuff is fine for furry friends, don't leave the jack-o'-lantern within paws' reach - after being carved and exposed to air, the vegetable grows bacteria and mold, which is very dangerous to doggies. Save the gourds for the garbage come Nov. 1 and pick up some canned pumpkin instead!

Source: Flickr User thegordons

Treat Chubby Tummies With This (Instead of Kibble)

PetSugar — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 00:30:49 -0700

Some pups – mine included – can eat (and eat and eat) without ever seeming to get a full belly. And, as you can see, North's already a big fan of pumpkin. Adding one to the other, and I wanted to share yet another use for this can o' goodness – weight loss. If your pup's a touch overweight (maybe it's those puppy-dog eyes pleading for another peanut butter yum), consider adding some pumpkin to his normal meal plan. Substitute pure, canned pumpkin (not pie filling) for one-third of your pet's diet. This roughage has a similar texture to canned dog food and happens to be vitamin-filled and super filling, too.

Flameless Lights Keep Pets Safe Around Pumpkins

PetSugar — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 15:45:57 -0700

Curious noses and swishy tails can spell disaster if your home includes lit pumpkins! If you want to carve a creation, please put it high out of playful pets reach, and choose a nonflame alternative to let the face go on glowing. I've picked a couple options – hey, batteries last longer than most candles burn anyway . . . and you can reuse these year after year.

Flickers ($8)

Rainbow Colored Pumpkin Light ($6)

Pumpkin Strobe Light ($6)

On the Ball: Freeze Pumpkin For Poo Probs

PetSugar — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 12:00:37 -0700

Why the sad face, North? You're all out of pumpkin I see. Even though my pooch didn't get to sample the organic canned pumpkin that time around, I've got a special Summer treat that I'm gonna whip up this weekend.Frozen pumpkin cubes! Many pets are crazy about ice or frozen PB and banana shapes, and pumpkin cubes are no different.

To make, simply fill trays with a mixture of canned pumpkin (the pure stuff, not pie filling) and water, using just enough liquid to get a smooth consistency. Freeze it, then offer to a lucky pup as a special treat. In addition to working miracles on kitty's hairballs, yummy pumpkin can also help with your pets' constipation or diarrhea issues. Seriously. But even if your doggie's doo is fine, I bet he'd appreciate this special snack during the Dog Days of Summer.

Crafty Community Member Turns Her Dogs Into Pumpkins!

PetSugar — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 04:00:00 -0700

I wasn't the only one awed by those dog breed pumpkin patterns - Community Member Yogaforlife made two for herself! Checking out the magazine's choices for inspiration, she created stencils for her Australian Cattle Dog/Smooth Collie mixes, Maia (on the left) and Benny (on the right). Certainly gives me hope that I can carve out some time to create a North-inspired gourd myself!

See something cool around town? Send it to our Spotted! group. Plan on dressing up a pet (or done so in the past)? Add it to the Dress Up Extravaganza. Simply have cute animals? There's always Pet of the Day for that ~~problem~~ blessing, too!

Howl With Laughter at Three Pup vs. Pumpkin Battles!

PetSugar — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 04:00:00 -0700

Yes, I know we simply see pumpkins as inanimate objects but I think pooches see something else entirely – an invader to their home! Seems that pumpkins are the prey and pups are the predators this time of year. Check out Phoebe, Onyx, and Talullah's dog versus pumpkin videos to see who comes out on top!

View Slideshow ›

Get Crafty: Downloadable Dog Breed Pumpkin Stencils!

PetSugar — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 08:00:07 -0700

Do you think Jack O'Lanterns go together with Halloween like dogs and costumes? Well, for those crafty carvers that want to carry their canine love to the gourds, consider putting a pup's face up front.

Better Homes and Gardens offers downloadable dog breed stencils like this precious pug, pumpkins not included. Just print and enlarge before grabbing tools and tape and starting the scrape - they've got many breeds to pick but perhaps you can combine some stencils or use furry features as an inspiration point to create your own orange doggie faces!

Dog Versus Pumpkin Video: Phoebe's Sneak Attack Tactic

PetSugar — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 03:00:52 -0700

It's Phoebe's turn! While ~~the cat's away~~ mom's in the shower, the ~~mouse will play~~ dog will carve a pumpkin. Well, sort of.

When I said it was good to give your pups small amounts of pumpkin, this was definitely not what I had in mind. Once again, keep those pumpkins far, far away and don't try this at home!

Dog Versus Pumpkin Video: Talullah's Intimidation Tactic

PetSugar — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 07:00:43 -0700

Definitely. Not. Pleased. Guess someone should have brought Talullah along to the pumpkin patch because she's ready to take on (and out) this new addition to her home. Watch this adoro video as another reminder for why all pumpkins should be kept out of pets' paws.

Awww, the puggle's pretty cute . . . but what did this pumpkin ever do to her?!

Dog Versus Pumpkin Video: Onyx's Keep-Away Tactic

PetSugar — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 03:00:53 -0700

Well, I guess a pumpkin's fairly round, so I can see how Onyx seems to love his new ball. He snatches the pumpkin off the porch and totes it all over the entire yard like the prized possession that it clearly is . . . without any destruction. Reminds me of the games of keep-away that my pup plays – check it out below.