When dogs are afraid of storms, what can you do?

Two out of my three dogs are terrified of storms and fireworks; so much so that they pace furiously, shake uncontrollably, and search for the place they feel safest (like wedged between the couch and end-table or sitting on my head).

Instead of each passing year getting better and desensitized, their stress level had reached sad proportions. No amount of comfort or treats made them feel at ease, so I thought, "What can I do?"

Thanks to many searches on the web, Twitter, and Facebook, I finally found something that made a difference -- RESOURCES Canine Anti-Anxiety & Calming Formula tablets, which contain Melatonin, and this new piece of clothing called the Thundershirt®.

What's a Thundershirt®, you ask? According to the company's website, www.thundershirt.com, "with its patent-pending design, Thundershirt’s gentle, constant pressure has a dramatic calming effect for most dogs if they are anxious, fearful or over-excited."

At first I wasn't convinced, but after reading tons of positive reviews, and a little insight from my pal on Twitter, @fearfuldogs, I figured that I didn't have much to lose at this point.

We've had three loud storms since the shirts arrived, and I'm happy to report that both dogs seem more relaxed and are content to lay down and take a nap; it's almost as if they hadn't even noticed the thunder. 


Now, if I could just get all three of them to calm down when ANYONE comes to my house!

Trying to get Mel to sing

Trying to get Mel to sing
Originally uploaded by reneetellezphotography

Doggie Cookies

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Spray cookie sheet(s) with cooking spray.

Things you'll need:
2 (4 oz.) jars baby food (make sure they don't contain onions or raisins).
2 eggs
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 (or a tad less) cups of whole wheat flour


Step 1. Beat baby food, eggs and salt together in a large bowl.
Step 2. Stir in flour until dough comes together (I didn't use the entire three cups)


Step 3. Roll dough out onto a flat surface (your table or counter top is fine, but I used a large cutting board, to cut down on the mess).


Step 4. You can choose to roll little balls with your hands, cut out with a knife or use cute little cookie cutters. Since I don't have any bone shaped ones, I used little teddy bears.



Step 5. Place the cookies balls or cut-outs onto your sprayed cookie sheets. Depending on the thickness of your cookies, bake for 20 min. for thin and 35-40 min. for thick.


Step 6. Remove and cool thoroughly on wire racks (or paper towels, if you don't have the racks). Once cool, store in an airtight container. Keep at room temp. for those that will be used within the week, and store the rest in the freezer until ready to use. (Make sure the frozen cookies are thawed before giving them to Fido, to prevent tooth chips or breakage).




I hope your dog loves them as much as mine do! Not only will they love them, you'll know exactly what's in them.

For more recipes, visit Recipezaar.

Proper Feeding

Eating Dinner
Originally uploaded by reneetellezphotography

"Free" feeding encourages picky eating and stealing (in a multiple dog family). Leaving food out can also attract unwanted visitors, like rodents and other unwanted pests.

Dogs like routine even more than people. Feeding your dog twice a day, at a scheduled time, is important for their overall digestive and emotional health.

It is also very important to know how much your dog is eating. Overeating can be dangerous and bad for the waistline. Having a fit and trim dog helps prevent heart health issues, as well as making it easier on their joints. Don't follow the "recommended" amount listed on the bag/can of food. Every dog needs a different amount of food, depending on activity amount, temperature, size and age. Talk to your veterinarian to see what they suggest.

Dog hates brushing video

Collie brushing his teeth at the sink

Three Bichons brushing their teeth

Tooth brushing Pug in pink PJs - Cute Video

I don't know how much brushing is actually being done, but it's still cute!

How to Brush Your Dog's Teeth Video