Pumpkin Season + Bonus Recipe!

Pumpkin Season + Bonus Recipe!

In 2000 my dog, Reed, needed surgery, but was a tad too plump for a successful recovery to ensue.  The surgery was scheduled in four weeks, so we needed to work fast to shed his extra pounds.  More exercise was not the answer since she had a herniated disc.  The surgeon at CSU had the answer,  pumpkin.  We reduced the amount of food Reed normally ate, and replaced that amount with canned pumpkin.  Pumpkin is low in calories and high in fiber (and other vitamins and antioxidants) so it gives your dog a sense of fullness while keeping the waistline slim and trim.

Fast forward 16 years, and we are still sharing Dr Smith’s advice to Struttin Pup customers.  As we approach pumpkin season, we wanted to share some other benefits that pumpkin can offer your dog in addition to the tried and true weight loss trick!

Pumpkin Benefits

  • Digestive Issues – Whether your dog is suffering from constipation or diarrhea, pumpkin can help!  Because of its’ high fiber content, pumpkin helps with digestive regularity.
  • Overall Health/Urinary Health – Did you know that dogs can eat raw pumpkin seeds?  While we suggest you feed them one at a time or crush them in your dog’s food, they’re worth feeding.  The oils found in pumpkin seeds and flesh are believed to help with urinary incontinence.  Plus they’re high in Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Antioxidants, Vitamin A, Beta Carotene, Potassium and Iron, which can help prevent cancer and support the immune system.
  • Moisture – Most pets (especially those on a dry kibble diet) are deficient in moisture.  Because our favorite fall fruit (yes, pumpkin is a fruit not a vegetable) is 90% water, this will help your pet’s hydration levels.
  • Worms – Yes, you read that right.  Worms.  Raw, organic pumpkin seeds contain the amino acid, cucurbitin, which rids worms from the digestive track.  For a great “how to” article, check this out: http://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/pumpkin-seeds-natural-worms-dogs/
  • Weight Management – Pumpkin is the answer to the number one most asked question, “How can I help my dog lose weight”.  It’s so easy to help your dog drop a few pounds quickly.  Simply reduce the amount of dog food your dog normally eats and replace it with canned pumpkin.  For example, say that your pup normally eats 1 cup at each meal.  We would recommend starting with 3/4 cup of food + 1/4 cup of canned pumpkin instead.  The number two most asked question, after we explain how to use pumpkin for your dogs’ weight loss, is “Will it work for me?!”   But that’s a topic for another blog!

Join us for:

This Friday, September 23rd, 4-6pm, we are celebrating the launch of Struttin Pup’s FREE online recipe book.  Stop by for a tutorial on how to stuff your dog’s toys with healthy and natural foods to give them a long lasting treat.  There will be discounts for  stuffable toys, giveaways and a free stuffings bar where you can stuff your own toy and take it home.

And in honor of pumpkin season, we’ll have the ingredients for a BONUS pumpkin recipe.

bonusrecipepumpkinblog

 

Socialize

Socialize

Here at Struttin Pup we are more than just a pet store.  We build community by providing fun and informative events. These events are a great opportunity for humans and fur babies to socialize.  Some dogs are cool as a cucumber around other dogs and people.  Other dogs are shy, fearful, aggressive or hyper when around other dogs and people.  Whether you have a social butterfly or a wallflower, we have put together some helpful tips that will help ensure that everyone has a great time, most especially your dog!

1. Always ask the owner if it is ok for you and your dog to interact with their dog before meeting.

2. Remain Calm.  Your dog can sense your anxiety through your body language.  Keep your dog’s leash loose.  Sometimes tension on the leash will communicate to your dog that you are nervous and will, in turn, make them nervous.

3. Have some high value treats (Struttin Pup will always have plenty of treats for you at our events) that can distract your dog’s attention back to YOU.  Treat your dog often for remaining calm and focused on you.

4. Pay attention to body language.  If your dog (or the dog you are meeting) stiffens their bodies, stares into the other dog’s eyes with their hair raised and teeth bared or lunges (even in excitement), put some space between them and give them time to calm and get used to each other from afar.

5.  Don’t feel guilty if your dog isn’t a social butterfly.  Your dog doesn’t need to be the life of the party, but he does need to BE social and NOT aggressive with other dogs. Keep a close eye on your dog and always keep him on leash.  If you think that he’s starting to feel overwhelmed, it’s best to be a wallflower and take a break from the action!