Ultimate Guide to Baking Yummy Treats for Your Dog Sitting Customers

Dog sitting is a very rewarding job. But sometimes, your customers need a little help warming up to you. Not every dog is a social butterfly, and they may feel a little shy at first. Plus, if they don’t know you, they may feel a little stressed without their pawrents.

Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to gain your client’s love, trust, and affection. One of them is by offering yummy dog treats that you’ve baked yourself. 

If you want to get your canine clients’ tails wagging, we’ve got everything you need to know about using treats to win them over. 

Why You Should Bake Homemade Treats

Dogs, like humans, have favorite foods, preferences, allergies, and ingredients they’re sensitive to. 

By baking treats yourself, you have full control over what goes into them and can ensure that each client will be happy and safe to eat the snacks you provide. Homemade treats also allow for a personal touch and show pet parents that you truly care for their animals. 

Dog Baking Essentials

You don’t need many things to start baking your homemade dog treats.

The chances are you already have the essentials in your kitchen. Baking dog treats requires the same tools and utensils used in normal baking—metal trays and cookie cutters for biscuits, silicone molds for frozen treats, and, if you have one handy, a dehydrator for jerky. 

If you aren’t a regular baker and don’t already have these things at hand, there are dog baking kits on the market to get you started. You can invest in dog-themed cookie cutters and molds, as well as dog-themed decorations and packaging to make the treats extra special. 

Once you have baked the treats, storage is equally important. Many recipes produce large quantities of treats that can be stored for weeks to months. Invest in airtight containers that will preserve the crunchiness and taste of your treats.

Taking the Necessary Precautions

It’s important to be cautious with what and how much dogs are eating. You should consult with each dog’s owner to find out their dietary requirements and preferences and check each recipe for possible allergens. 

There are ingredients you wouldn’t normally think to reconsider, such as flour and wheat that are harmful to some dogs. You should familiarize yourself with ingredients that are known to be toxic to dogs, like chocolate, onions, and garlic. As a general rule, go for organic ingredients and avoid using artificial flavorings and sweeteners. 

You should also adjust recipes so that each dog has suitable portion sizes. While dog treats can be great for supplementing their main meals and providing extra nutritional value, it can be detrimental to feed dogs too much. Some dogs are able to consume a lot of calories, as they have high metabolisms, while others gain weight quickly. Factors to consider include their age and size. 

Make sure to supervise your dog sitting clients while they are consuming your homemade treats to see how they react. Also, watch out for potential choking hazards. If you have senior clients, consider baking them softer treats so they’re easier to chew.

Homemade Dog Treat Ideas

Now that you know how to get started and which precautions to take, you might be wondering which treats to prepare. There are many recipes available online, and the volume of options can be overwhelming. There are some creative and complex recipes out there, but baking dog treats doesn’t have to be difficult, nor do you need to run out and buy a million ingredients. 

The following list has a diverse range of healthy dog treat options accessible to beginner bakers.

Homemade Peanut Butter Dog Biscuits

Dog biscuits are a classic treat for canines. Coupled with peanut butter, a universal favorite amongst dogs, this crunchy treat will make your clients go crazy. Peanut butter is a great source of protein, vitamins, and healthy fats, so this treat provides a lot of nutritional value. 

While peanut butter is a great option, be cautious when making any peanut butter–based treats. Many sugar-free or low-sugar peanut butter brands contain an artificial sweetener called xylitol, which is extremely toxic to dogs. Watch out for this ingredient, as it can be lethal, even in small amounts. 

Meat-Based Treats

Dogs are naturally carnivorous, and meat-based treats will cater to their palettes and nutritional needs. You should opt for lean, healthy cuts of meat for these treats. Good options are chicken, beef, and fish. Processed meats should be avoided as they are unhealthy. 

For an option high in protein, vitamins, and essential nutrients, bake liver-based treats for your clients. You’ll be surprised to find that dogs go crazy for these!

Hypoallergenic Treats

If you’re hoping to make a big batch of treats you can offer to all of your dog sitting clients, you should look into baking hypoallergenic treats, which are safe for most dogs. These are also useful to look out for if you’re catering to singular dogs, or dog owners, who have any specific allergies. 

Protein allergies, which prevent dogs from eating chicken, soy, or dairy, are surprisingly common. In this case, you might want to opt for recipes that use novel proteins instead. You will also find that many recipes are peanut butter–based, which dogs and dog owners alike could be allergic to—in this case, recipes that recommend good substitutes are helpful. 

Cakes for a Special Occasion

A homemade cake can be a great gift to a dog sitting customer on a special occasion—especially for a birthday, which many pet parents love to celebrate. 

Baking a good dog cake might seem like a challenge, but there are plenty of easy recipes. You can even try out one of our three-ingredient dog cakes! These cakes can be simple, yet very delicious, and your dog customers are bound to feel spoiled on their special day. 

You can make dog cakes with ingredients you have lying around, like dog biscuits—this can form the base of a yummy kefir cake, if you’re looking to bake a uniquely delicious treat with a recipe suitable for beginners. 

Grow Your Four-Legged Fan Club

All in all, baking dog treats should be an enjoyable, stress-free activity. However, you should also know how to calculate profit margin to ensure that your dog sitting fees cover your ingredients and leave you with a little extra for your effort too. 

These yummy treats can form part of your business plan, and they’re sure to make you a favorite not just with your 4-legged customers, but with their owners too!

As our furry friends grow older, they often begin to experience a range of physical and behavioural changes that can be challenging to navigate. As pet owners, it’s important for us to understand and embrace these changes so we can help our aging canine companions live their best lives. 

From adapting to changes in energy levels and appetite to managing unexpected bursts of activity (also known as „zoomies“), adjusting to an aging dog requires patience, compassion, and dedication. In this article, we’ll explore some common challenges that arise when caring for an older dog and provide tips for successfully navigating this new phase in your pup’s life – all while maintaining a strong connection built on love and care. 

                                                                                     Photo by Reba Spike

Navigating the „Zoomies“: Understanding and Managing Sudden Bursts of Activity in Your Aging Dog 

As dogs get older, their habits change, and their activity levels will be one of the most noticeable signals of a different lifestyle. You’ll start to notice more sleeping, less games of fetch and less excitable moments. When you start to see this, taking a look at their nutrition could be key to helping them keep their energy levels up. Watching an older dog get the zoomies again always brings a smile to our faces – you can definitely help them find their puppy moments by adjusting what you feed them.

By thoughtfully adapting our care strategies to match changes in our furry friends‘ lifestyles over time, we’re building precious memories together while ensuring they receive all necessary support. 

Providing adequate nutrition balanced with physical activity is key; nutritious food options may become more important than ever before since aging dogs have different dietary requirements than younger ones. 

                                                                              Photo by Ruby Schmank

If you need more information on how to feed your aging dog, check out this article: Senior Dog Food: A Guide to the Healthiest Food for Your Senior Pup

Keeping up-to-date with regular check-ups at the veterinarian allows early detection of potential health risks like arthritis so that we can work proactively where possible rather than reactively when issues arise suddenly. 

We can’t escape aging – not as humans or dogs, but there are ways to keep up a healthy balance to provide for lots of youthful moments! Keeping our  four-legged friends happy and healthy helps them face challenges unique from their youthful days: there’s no doubt that experiencing life’s joys alongside them offers priceless rewards! 

Appetite Changes: How to Adapt Your Canine Companion’s Diet to Support Their Health and Well-being 

One of the most common challenges faced by aging dogs is changes in appetite. As our furry friends slow down with age, they naturally require fewer calories to maintain their weight. Additionally, many older dogs experience digestive issues or may no longer tolerate certain types of foods. It’s important for pet owners to pay close attention to their dog’s eating habits and make necessary adjustments to their diet accordingly. 

                                                                              Photo by Erda Estremera

To support your aging canine companion’s health and well-being, consider switching them to a high-quality senior dog food that provides balanced nutrition without overloading them with excess calories. You may also need to adjust portion sizes or offer several small meals throughout the day instead of one big meal.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to consult with your veterinarian if you’re concerned about your dog’s appetite changes. They can help identify underlying health issues that may be causing changes in dietary needs and provide guidance on appropriate feeding strategies for your specific pup. Focusing on proper nutritional support will help your senior canine companion thrive through their golden years. 

Energy Levels: Embracing Your Aging Dog’s Limitations and Finding New Ways to Keep Them Active and Engaged 

As our beloved pets age, it’s important for us to understand and respect their changing energy levels. Just like humans, dogs experience a natural decrease in energy as they grow older. This means that those long hikes and vigorous games of fetch might be too much for them now. It’s our job as responsible pet owners to find new ways to keep our aging companions active and engaged. 

                                                                              Photo by Jeremy Perkins

One way to do this is by transitioning from high-impact exercises to more low-impact activities such as gentle walks or swimming sessions. These types of exercises can provide the same amount of physical activity while being gentler on your dog’s joints, which may become weaker over time. 

As your dog gets older, it’s also crucial to pay attention to any signs of discomfort or pain during exercise and adjust accordingly. It’s also essential to remember that mental stimulation is just as crucial for an aging dog as physical activity. Puzzle toys or slow-feeding bowls can help keep your furry friend mentally engaged without requiring too much physical exertion. 

With thoughtful care and intentional adjustments, we can ensure that every stage of our companion’s lives is filled with love, adventure, and joy – even if it looks different than before!

Like most pet owners and pet carers, I worry about my dog’s health and overall health data. I want what’s best and rely on my veterinarian and access to artificial intelligence to promote my pet’s life.

New technologies are tools I rely on as a pet sitter too. It allows me to monitor a pet’s activity in those heart-stopping moments in a large off-leash park when my dog is out of sight.

Technology in veterinary medicine like arthroscopic and laparoscopic procedures, determining a chronic illness, and even simple household gadgets like automatic feeders, have helped to improve everyone’s life.

Here is a list of at-home technology.

Importance of Technology in Dog Safety

In my research, as a pet owner and pet sitter, finding solutions for keeping pets safe through mobile devices, I’ve learned many things.

More of us are becoming pet parents. That means more of us need help. Pet care, like a professional dog walker service, smart collars, a specific pet’s microchip, and human medicine advances, evolved into animal health developments that work for me too.

Safety technology is so popular it’s become a basic in general dog care, just like toys and treats.

Technology allows us to:

• Monitor our dogs when they’re out of sight or with a dog walker
• Helps veterinary medicine diagnose chronic illnesses
• Prevents our dog from running onto unsafe territory
• Tracks our pet’s movement with GPS
• Identifies lost or stolen pets
• Vital for dog training and remote feeding

New pet products, like self-cleaning litter boxes, collars, etc., have really enhanced convenience, making it easier to care for and interact with pets.

When I had to leave my first dog, Cooper, with a friend in pre-tech times, I actually called my dog on the landline to reassure him with my voice. Perhaps, I wasn’t the only person worried about my dog’s well-being. Today, I have access to much better technology.

Dog cameras

In the age of being hooked up, cameras and WiFi technology are several tools we can install to monitor our dogs when they move from lounging on the sofa to sprawling on our beds.

Decades ago, you couldn’t buy this kind of peace of mind. Watching our dogs remotely as they play, sleep, and harass the cat is, simply put: awesome. While our pooch might not understand how this technology works, we can calm them with the 2-way voice systems of modern camera devices.

Smart Collars

The first time I watched a Smart Collar in action was impressive. A neighbor used it on his young pointer, Diamond, on a small acreage without perimeter fencing. Diamond is a curious and active dog. Watching her nose to the ground and hunker when she comes close to the invisible fence proves it works.

Diamond remembered exactly where the barrier was!

Smart collars allow dogs freedom, and it keeps them safe. World Animal Foundation recommends products like Halo Collars because they work and protect our furry friends.

Smart Collars can help:

• Monitor a dog’s heart rate, blood, and pulse pressure, metabolism, and potential health issues
• Location and behavior monitoring
• Sync health stats with dietary info and exercise
• Keeps pets safer
• Invisible fences have a good track record and are an excellent tool

Microchips

Microchips are the grandfather of monitoring technology and have been in use since 1985 and are the brainchild of a veterinarian. Microchips are about the size of a grain and use RFID or radio-frequency identification. They allow us to identify a pet in time of crisis.

Microchips allow shelters and animal control officers to reunite pets with their owners quickly to save on heartbreak and unnecessary worry. Kennels, trainers, rescue groups, clinics, stables, and humane societies use microchip technology as a go-to gadget.

Smart leashes

Smart leashes are a significant upgrade from traditional and often dangerous retractable leashes. Smart leashes prevent your dog from darting into traffic or other dangerous situations.

Any dog walker or pet parent understands that constant vigilance is also key. Squirrels in your pup’s favorite dog park are just too tempting for any dog breed to ignore.

A smart leash locks automatically and works on the same safety principle as a seat belt. It unlocks when your dog releases the tension. Again, staying in tune with your dog is just as important.

Automatic Pet Feeders

Dogs and cats need food, and automatic pet feeders are revolutionary helpers that allow us to control the amount of food and timing with mobile apps. Automatic pet feeders aren’t a replacement for companionship but provide a temporary solution that works.

Many studies suggest our pets like to have us around, and they’re happier and calmer. Automatic pet feeders are a good solution if you need to be away longer than normal during extenuating circumstances; they’re not a substitute for you. Automatic feeders tend to work better for cats and other animals than dogs.

Automatic litter box

Automatic cat litters are an ingenious invention, and cat owners gladly forgo the chore of poop-scooping and allow new technology to deal with the nasty job.

Automatic litter boxes are awesome for cats since these units mimic a comfortable environment for cats to do their business. There are many litter boxes, and though it might take coaxing with senior cats, kitties tend to take to them naturally.

How Technology Has Helped Dog Parents

Being a pet parent isn’t cheap. The best way to prevent extra costs like expensive vet fees is to detect potential problems from the onset. You can do that through health monitoring diagnostic products.

Although cattle and dogs share few common health concerns, the technology, and its evolution have many benefits that translate into the betterment of all animals and their future.

Health monitoring

Digital technology is constantly learning. It can be useful on a broad spectrum and also for individual attention. This advanced technology allows pet and farm animal owners to monitor the exact moment a change in health occurs. It allows pet parents and their veterinarians to establish healthcare plans for a pet’s health.

These devices monitor and trigger reports tracking info like activity level, body temperature levels, productive cycles, and other warning symptoms. While the human touch is irreplaceable, these health monitoring tools save lives.

Aided in communication

Technology isn’t just about talking goo-goo gaga to our dogs. This tech feature tracks our pooch and sends info to a pet healthcare provider. Collected data make accurate assessments of a pet’s behavior and health.

Pet care technology works on many levels beyond my understanding. I know that the info is taken from factory farms and the tech-solution market. Every day, machine learning affects new advances that improve an animal’s health while you and I sleep, and Rover snores contently by our side.

Ultimately, the intricacies of this modern marvel collect data to improve itself and promote the health of the adorable creatures we share our homes with.

Helped in training and understanding behavior

Tools like smart collars, GPS, microchips, security cameras, smart leashes, and other sophisticated devices have a common goal: to improve lives.

Tech tools are indispensable and can help us train our dogs and learn about their behavior remotely and use this insight to help modify training.

These invaluable tools help pet parents with training, separation anxiety, and quality play. A tech collar or invisible fencing teaches dogs boundaries to instill basic commands that will ultimately keep them safe.

Conclusion

Technology is part of every facet of our lives. It’s become an essential tool in helping dog owners prolong the life and health of their pets. It also helps reunite us with lost or stolen pets and contributes to making pet care a seamless chore.

As a pet carer, I highly recommend you explore some of these gadgets and incorporate them into your routine. Cameras and two-way communication devices can bring so much peace of mind. Besides, who can stand not seeing their pooches‘ adorable faces for any length of time?

Going to the vet is expensive, and while we want the best for our pets, we can’t always take them for a checkup. This may lead you to wonder if human medicines or supplements are safe for pets to ingest. The answer to that question is complicated, so read on to learn more. 

Always Contact Your Vet Before Administering Medication

Before you read this article, it’s important to note that you should never give your dog human or dog-friendly medication without receiving direction from a veterinarian first. It’s also wrong to assume that any medication is safe for dogs, even if it contains dog-safe ingredients.

For example, Honest Paws dog-friendly CBD oil is completely safe for dogs to ingest, but your dog may need a different amount depending on their size. It’s also ideal to start slow for any medication, as your dog may be allergic to the supplements and could have a bad reaction.

What Over-the-Counter Human Medication is Safe for Dogs? 

Image Source: Unsplash

While the following advice can help you stay away from dangerous medication, it shouldn’t be used as canine health advice. Speak to your local vet before giving your pup meds or vitamins. 

Can You Give Over-the-Counter Pain Medication to Dogs? 

Out of all the over-the-counter human medications given to dogs, pain meds are among the most common and the most dangerous. For this reason, you should never give your pet:

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol): Causes liver damage and damages blood circulation.
• NSAIDS (Advil): Causes stomach ulcers, kidney failure, and seizures.

It’s best to avoid this category if your pup is in pain. Instead, go to the vet and get a dog and FDA-approved NSAIDS, like carprofen, deracoxib, and meloxicam. You can also pick up dog-friendly gabapentin, CBD oil, and opioids from your vet to help with chronic pain.

Can You Give Over-the-Counter Allergy Medication to Dogs? 

Benadryl (as long as it doesn’t contain Tylenol), cetirizine (Zyrtec), and loratadine (Claritin) is generally well tolerated in dogs if they don’t have kidney or liver issues or are pregnant. However, they can cause hypersalivation, vomiting, and sedation in dogs if they take too much.

There is no safe human medicine that prevents vomiting or nausea, so if your dog’s allergy symptoms are causing these symptoms, contact your vet immediately.

Can You Give Over-the-Counter Topical Medication to Dogs? 

Neosporin is safe to use on dogs, but you have to make sure they don’t lick it off. This could delay healing and increase the risk of infection. An antiseptic spray, like Vetricyn, can also work. However, if your dog is showing signs of infection, take them to the vet for an antibiotic. 

Can You Give Over-the-Counter Cough Medication to Dogs? 

Since many over-the-counter cough medications contain xylitol and acetaminophen, substances toxic to dogs, you should never give them human cough syrup or tablets. If your dog is coughing, that could mean they have an underlying issue that needs to be addressed ASAP. 

Cough is a common symptom of:

• Kennel cough
• Heartworm disease
• Tracheal collapse
• Congestive heart failure
• Chronic bronchitis

A cough could also be a symptom of multiple cancers and various heart diseases.

Can You Give Over-the-Counter Antacids Medication to Dogs? 

Only use antacids like omeprazole (Prilosec) and famotidine (Pepcid) under the direction of your veterinarian. If your dog is also constipated, you can also give them unflavored MiraLAX. With that said, proper dosage is important, or you could end up making the problem worse.

Can You Give Over-the-Counter Supplements to Dogs? 

Never give your dog human vitamins or even over-the-counter dog supplements before speaking to your vet. It’s very possible that these pills contain doses that are toxic to dogs. If you’re concerned about your dog’s nutrition, speak to a vet or purchase high-quality dog food.

Related Posts

• Can CBD Safely Be Given to Dogs?
• Supplements You Should Be Giving Your Pets
• Never Give Your Dog These 13 Spices & Seasonings– They’re Toxic!

If you’re a dog owner, you may have caught your furry friend munching on grass in the backyard or during your daily walks. While it may seem like a puzzling behaviour, dogs eating grass is actually quite common. But have you ever wondered why dogs eat grass? Is it just a random habit or is there a deeper reason behind it? 

In this blog, we will explore the possible reasons why dogs eat grass, with a special focus on the nutritional aspects of this behaviour, and how a gently cooked, complete and balanced diet could help.

                                                                      Photo by Mateusz Grabowski

Reason 1: Seeking Nutrients

One of the main reasons why dogs eat grass is to obtain nutrients that could be missing from their regular diet. Grass is a good source of fibre, which can aid in digestion and promote bowel movements. Because dogs are omnivores, they rely on plant-based sources of fibre and essential nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin K, and calcium, which could be lacking in a dog’s diet. By consuming grass, dogs may be trying to supplement their nutrient intake.

Reason 2: Inducing Vomiting

Another possible reason why dogs eat grass is to induce vomiting. When a dog has an upset stomach, they may eat grass to trigger vomiting as a way to expel whatever is causing discomfort in their digestive system. Some dogs instinctively know that consuming grass can help them vomit and relieve their discomfort. However, it’s important to note that not all dogs will vomit after eating grass, and inducing vomiting should not be encouraged without consulting a veterinarian.

Reason 3: Behavioural or Environmental Factors

Sometimes a dog eating grass could just be a sign of boredom. This can be eliminated by incorporating more interactive play, such as chews and food toys. The same works for dogs who may be eating grass out of anxiety since eating grass can help alleviate their stress and occupy their thoughts. 

Additionally, if a dog is kept in an environment where grass is readily available, such as a backyard, they may be more likely to eat it out of habit or curiosity.

                                                                     Photo by Vincent van Zalinge

How a Cooked, Complete and Balanced Diet Can Help

Providing your dog with a fresh cooked, complete and balanced diet could help address the nutritional aspects of why dogs eat grass. A high-quality, gently cooked dog food that is complete and balanced can provide all the essential nutrients your dog needs for optimal health, including fibre, vitamins, and minerals. This can help ensure that your dog’s diet is nutritionally balanced and meets their specific dietary requirements, reducing the likelihood of them seeking out grass as a source of missing nutrients.

You can even use our meals to alleviate boredom and anxiety or stress! Adding our meals to a fillable chew, such as the infamous Kong toys, or by spreading our meals over a lick mat, you can easily provide additional interactions and games to keep their minds’ busy! See how you can feed our recipes for dogs as a topper here. 

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In conclusion, dogs may eat grass for various reasons, including seeking nutrients, inducing vomiting, or due to behavioural or environmental factors. Providing your dog with a gently cooked, complete and balanced diet can help address the nutritional aspects of why dogs eat grass, ensuring that their diet is nutritionally balanced and meets their specific dietary requirements. Remember to always consult with your veterinarian for any concerns or questions about your dog’s nutrition and overall health, including their grass-eating behaviour.

Written by: Hannah Godfrey
Animal Nutritionist
BSc.H. | MSc. Animal Nutrition
www.tomandsawyer.com