PetSugar

Meet Our New Food and Entertaining Video Channel, YumTV!

partysugar — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:43:19 -0800

I'm a huge fan of PopSugar Rush and BellaTV - that's why it brings me great honor to introduce our new food-related video channel, YumTV! We're creating an exciting lineup of original shows that will debut every week. YumTV is your ultimate guide to all things food, drink, and entertaining. We'll show you how to throw the perfect party, cook killer apps, browse the farmers markets, shake up creative cocktails, and much more!

In today's first episode, we talk about one of the most important side dishes of the Thanksgiving meal, mashed potatoes. To learn how to add a punch of color to our basic mashed potatoes recipe, watch YumTV now!

No Nature's Miracle? Try This All-Natural Method Instead

PetSugar — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 04:00:34 -0800

I can't rave enough about the wonders of Nature's Miracle when potty training or cleaning pup's playthings. However, truthfully, I haven't stocked a bottle since my pet was a wee babe since he's got the peeing thing down pat. However, many dogs (North included) can have a repeat problem with stuff coming out the other end.

Yesterday morning, my poor pooch threw up on his bed and then hid in my bedroom, looking as embarrassed as this doxie. Since I didn't want to deal with laundry right before rushing to work, but also didn't want to let the stain (and smell) set in, I went into my kitchen and grabbed two staples.

Find out what they are and what I did when you read more.

Instead of tap water, I scrubbed the area with a small amount of club soda and let it dry while taking a shower. When I got out, I sprinkled the spot with baking soda and headed to work, crating my pup. When I got home, I used my handy Dyson Animal to immediately vacuum up all the excess powder before letting North back in. Good as new and stink-free, too.

Source: Flickr User TheWellSpokenOne

Ways to Keep Halloween Fun, Not Frightful, For Furry Friends

PetSugar — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 12:30:52 -0700

The decorations are up and the candy's bought, but have your prepped your pets for this big day? Remember never force an animal into an outfit and keep him out of harm's way.

Who are you? Where am I? Costumes are scary and seeing Mom and Dad in masks or other bizarre ensembles can freak out your furry family (and kids). Similarly, all those spooky decorations, especially those that move and talk are equally frightful for observant pups.
No loose animals today. Don't leave pets in your yard on Halloween and bring indoor/outdoor cats inside. Disguises can cause people to behave differently and you don't want a pet to be teased, injured, scared (or worse!) by pranksters tonight.

Get two more tips when you read more.

Crowd control. If your pet will accompany your family trick-or-treating or to a parade, watch out for tiny pups under big feet. Make sure your dog is OK with strangers and noise before you set out and return home immediately if you see pooch is stressed. If you're throwing a pet-friendly bash, keep candy and chocolate away and follow these tips.
Minimal stress spots only. I know North freaks out at the doorbell and, if I lived in an area with trick-o-treaters, I would drop him off at a pet hotel for the night. If you think a pooch will get panicked by the constant buzzer, or frustrated that he can't go out, either sequester him in another part of the house away from candy or place a sign on the doorbell asking for knocks only, please.

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

Don't Be Surprised If a Shelter Asks For These 6 Things . . .

PetSugar — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 15:20:35 -0700

OK, you've done your homework and you're ready to check out local shelters and rescue organizations to pick up a pooch - congratulations! Before you walk in the door, be prepared for these six common requests . . . and save the look of shock for all the adorable faces you see, and not the adoption counselor!
Source: Flickr User superfem

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5 Ways to Safely Teach Tugging

PetSugar — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 13:50:01 -0700

There are two sides to every story and this story involves tug o' war. Fans praise toys for how well they hold up in the grips of tough chompers, while the antituggers say it encourages bad behavior. Whether you consider yourself friend or foe to this popular game, check out five tips to make the play safer and more fun for everyone involved.

Source: Flickr User ♥ellie♥

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6 Quick Training Tips For School-Less Doggie Lessons

PetSugar — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 08:30:49 -0700

Most kids are already back in school, so let's use this season as an excuse to brush up on our dogs' training and welcome back their best behavior, too. Check out six little changes to bring about big results!

Try Tiny Training Treats	Choose Your Words Carefully	Switch Up the Lesson Settings
Bring It in Public	Teach the Hand Touch	Just (Don't) Say No

An Earful of Air Makes the Mouth Empty

PetSugar — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 13:40:41 -0700

Remember that tip I shared for a noseful of air? Well, we've picked up another bit o' advice in those comments. TeamSugar user Yogaforlife recommended an earful next.

If your pooch struggles to learn "Drop it!" and won't let go of a toy, bone, or naughty object he's grabbed in his mouth, gently blow into his ear. For some reason, the wind not only makes the pet jerk his head away, but also makes him open his mouth to let it go, too. Neat trick.

If you have more suggestions, just pop them in the comments below.

8 Things to Consider Before Taking a Boat Trip With Dogs

PetSugar — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 14:45:58 -0700

If you're planning a wet 'n' wild trip this Summer, I've got your pups covered. Don't wait, there's ideas for before you takeoff, key things to bring, and factors to keep in mind anytime you've got a furry friend along for the ride!

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If You Get Waterlogged, Prevent Mucky, Yucky Treats With This

PetSugar — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 14:32:46 -0700

Treats: don't leave home without them. But, if your travels bring you by water, the risk of soggy yums enters the dining scene. Even though undiscerning pooches will still gobble them up, it's not as pleasant for owners to find these smushed in a pocket or sticking to a purse. I know, 'cause I've been there.

Since boats and beaches can be wet and sandy, don't add in dirt to the equation with this simple trick. Use an empty and fully dried water bottle to store some tiny training treats (like these). Easy to find and less mess, toss the container in your bag and you're ready to set sail!