Talkin' Tails Blog

Planning a summer getaway? Whether you're heading to the beach, the mountains, or visiting family, a little preparation can help ensure a safe and stress-free trip for both you and your pet. 🚗 Pet Road...

Warmer weather means more time outdoors—but it also means fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes are back in full force. These pests are more than just annoying; they can carry diseases and cause serious discomfort for your...

If you’ve ever wanted to treat your dog to something extra special, a barkuterie board is the perfect way to do it. Inspired by traditional charcuterie boards, a barkuterie board is a fun and customizable...

May is a welcome shift. The days are longer, the sunshine feels good, and many of us are spending more time outside with our pets. But warmer weather also means it is time to be...

As the seasons shift, your dog’s grooming needs do a little shape-shifting of their own. Spring is all about resetting—shedding the old, protecting against what’s coming, and keeping your pup comfortable through it all. 🧥...

🥚 Easter Egg Hunt (Dog Edition!) Hide treats around the yard Use plastic eggs with small dog treats inside Let your pup sniff them out for a fun game of Hide and Smell!  Pro tip:...

Let’s be honest… Easter baskets aren’t exactly designed with dogs in mind. Chocolate? Off limits. Marshmallows? Hard pass. But those puppy eyes watching the festivities? Impossible to ignore. So this year, we’re flipping the script....

Valentine’s Day isn’t just about roses and chocolate—it’s about love that shows up, stays present, and asks for nothing in return. And if you’re a pet parent, you already know: our pets are experts at...

Who says celebrations are just for humans? 🐾 Whether you’re hosting a brunch, celebrating a birthday, or just want to spoil your best furry friend, doggie mimosas (aka “barkmosas” or “mutt-mosas”) are a fun, non-alcoholic...

The holidays bring extra love, extra family time… and let’s be honest, often a few extra calories for our dogs, too! Between table scraps, festive treats, and a little less routine, many pups come into...

Check out this yummy DIY toy from our friends at PrettyFluffy.com! The holidays are a time for cozy socks, cheerful decorations — and why not some homemade toys for your furry friend too? The “Holiday...

Check out this paw-some recipe from our friends at HolokaHome.com! The holiday season isn’t just for humans — it’s the perfect time to treat your pups too! While you’re pulling out tins of cookies for...

Dental care is one of those things I’m always trying to stay on top of for my dogs, but brushing every day doesn’t always happen. So, I’m always on the lookout for chews that actually...

Thanksgiving is all about family, gratitude, and of course—delicious food! While it’s tempting to share some of that festive feast with your furry friend, not everything on the table is safe for dogs. Before slipping...

There’s nothing quite like a crisp fall hike with your four-legged companion. As the air cools and the leaves turn, November offers some of the most scenic (and peaceful) trail experiences of the year. Before...

Thanksgiving is all about showing gratitude, and what better way to celebrate than with a keepsake featuring your furry friend? This paw print turkey craft is simple, adorable, and makes the perfect decoration or gift...

To create a DIY dog Halloween bandana, measure your dog's neck, then either cut and tie a simple triangle or sew a collar-slip-through style using a square of fabric. For a no-sew option, a fabric...

Halloween is a fun and festive time for the whole family—but it can be a little too spooky for our pets. With flashing lights, strange costumes, and a steady stream of doorbell rings, it’s easy...

There’s something magical about fall—the crisp air, the golden leaves, the cozy weekends spent outdoors. And the best part? Your pup can enjoy it all right alongside you! From farmers markets to pumpkin patches and...

Looking for a fun and wholesome way to spoil your pup? These homemade dog-friendly s’mores are the perfect treat! Made with simple ingredients like chickpea flour, peanut butter (no xylitol!), and a creamy carob and...

As backpacks are packed and routines shift, many of our furry family members are left wondering where everyone went! The back-to-school season often means more quiet time at home for pets, and that sudden change...

Looking to pamper your pup this Fourth of July? Here’s a festive and fun blog-worthy recipe for Fruity Frozen Yogurt Fourth-of-July Dog Treats—healthy, easy, and utterly adorable! 🐾 Why Your Dog Will Love Them Wholesome...

Fireworks aren't the only risk to pets during Independence Day celebrations—backyard BBQs can pose some sneaky dangers, too. While grilled goodies might smell irresistible to your furry friend, many of our favorite cookout foods are...

While the 4th of July is a time for fireworks and celebration, it's also one of the most stressful days of the year for pets. Loud noises, flashing lights, and open doors can cause pets...

Looking for a refreshing and delicious treat to keep you pup cool and comfortable this summer? Check out this recipe from our friends at For the Love of Cooking!  Full article can be found here!...

There’s nothing better than a beach day with your four-legged friend—sun, sand, and surf make for the perfect summer outing. But just like people, dogs need a little extra care and attention when it comes...

When the temperatures climb, your pet’s coat can make a big difference in how they handle the heat. While their fur offers protection, it also needs proper maintenance—especially during the warmer months. Here are some...

Summer is here, and while the warm weather is perfect for outdoor fun, it can also pose serious risks to our furry friends. Pets are much more sensitive to heat than we are, so as...

Traveling with your pet is no longer a hassle—it’s a lifestyle. More cities are going out of their way to welcome four-legged travelers with open paws, offering pet-friendly accommodations, restaurants, and even attractions that make...

Easter is a time for celebration, and giving pets like chicks, ducks, and bunnies has become a beloved tradition for many families. While these animals are undeniably cute and can be a fun way to...

When you're considering getting a pet, small animals like guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, and mice often come to mind. They are often seen as low-maintenance pets that are perfect for first-time pet owners or families...

Bringing a new cat into your home is an exciting and rewarding experience! Whether you're adopting a kitten or giving a rescue cat a second chance, being well-prepared will help make the transition smooth and...

Did you know that February is Pet Dental Health Month? It’s the perfect time to shine a light on the importance of oral hygiene for your furry friends. Just like humans, pets can face serious...

When you first bring a bird into your home, it's important to ensure you have the basic necessities ready. These essentials include a cage, food bowls, bird food, perches, and cage covers, among others. Setting...

Bringing a new pet home during the holidays can be an exciting and heartwarming experience for the whole family. Amidst the festive cheer and busy schedules, it’s important to remember that this transition can be...

Check out this yummy and super easy recipe from My Brown Newfies - you can view the full article here on their site! INGREDIENTS (1) 6oz can of skinless and boneless salmon in water (not...

My animals are my world (don’t tell my husband!), so their health and well-being are always my top priority. Proper nutrition is the foundation of good care, helping to prevent illness and keep pets at...

Ingredients: Ground oats – I ground up old-fashioned oats in the food processor for this recipe. If you have a powerful blender, you can also use that to grind oats. Almond flour – This adds protein and...

These treats are the perfect way to carry your pup from Howl-o-Ween right into Thanksgiving! Made with just three simple ingredients—bananas, yogurt, and pumpkin—these tasty bites offer a nutritious and festive way to pamper your...

Since bringing my birds home, I’ve been dedicated to providing them with the best nutrition possible, and Zupreem FruitBlend bird food has been the perfect partner in that journey. My love for Zupreem goes beyond...

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and feasting—and our pets are often right by our side, eager to join in. I’ll never forget the year my dog, Koal, sat patiently through dinner only to...

On October 14th, I had the pleasure of attending the JRTCA National Trials at the Washington County Agricultural Center, an event that stands as a proud tradition for Jack Russell Terrier enthusiasts. Hosted between the...

Pupkin Spiced Lattes Tis the season for pumpkin spice everything! Here’s a dog-safe way to make this autumnal favorite for your furry BFF. Ingredients ½ cup 100% pure pumpkin purée ¼ cup Bountiful Bone Broth ¼...

Shop Ready Go as a product alternative to road salt! The New York Times is calling for a new solution to reduce the use of salt to preserve the use of roadways during the winter months,...

When push comes to shove, mental stimulation is what keeps us sane. That is also true for animals of all sizes. Mental stimulation comes from different sources whether that is through nutrition, physical activity, or...

When it comes to small animals, their nutrition is the key to a happy pet. While hay is a big player in the diet of a small critter, the food they are eating is an...

Small animals have a unique diet requirement that can often be missed. That requirement is hay. Hay is the cornerstone of a small animal diet that needs to be available at all times. Hay plays...

There are many different reasons that your furry friend may be itching, licking their paws, pacing, panting, and whining. One of the reasons they may be doing one or all of these actions is they...

October 14th may officially be National Pet Obesity Awareness Day, but our pet's nutrition is important every day of the year. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 59.5% of cats and 55.8% of...

Just like me, I’m sure everyone is tired of hearing about COVID 19 and just wants it to go away.  Unfortunately, it’s here and now many states and/or businesses have mask policies in effect.  Whatever...

We all know our furry friends are always itching for attention, but exactly what kind of attention are they seeking? Have you noticed them biting the base of their tail or licking at their paws?...

Hack!  Spit!  Heave!  Hairballs!  Yuck!  As a cat owner that sound is forever engraved into my memory, along with the unfortunate feeling of stepping into a hairball that was left on the carpet just for...

I just lost the first dog I’ve ever had, Roxie.  Even though she was my first dog, she, unfortunately, was not the first dog I’ve lost.  I’ve had my share of losses over the past...

Welcome to Part 2 of our series, Eat This, Not That: Dog Edition! If you haven’t had the pleasure of reading Part 1, you can <CHECK IT OUT HERE>. If you’re ready for part two, buckle...

Important!  Please read!  Many dogs suffer from separation anxiety.  If your dog happens to be one of them, I’m sure you know how frustrating it can be for them and you.  During this time, if...

If you’re reading this, you probably own a dog or you’re thinking about getting one. If you have a dog at home, have you taken the time to train him/her? What do you think of...

We’ve all been there at least once - a health food kick.  We can make better food choices for ourselves, but our dogs cannot.  It is up to us as doggy parents to decide what...

Rotation Feeding. This is a newer philosophy in the ever-growing world of pet food. A rotational diet is basically about providing your pet with variety to both give them a bit of spice in their...

Moose, my 3 ½ year old Hound/Labrador mix has severe allergies to quite a few common ingredients, so I am always having trouble finding ways to spice up his diet. He normally eats Zignature Kangaroo...

I have certain criteria to purchase one of my pups and will not sway from it. The buyer answered all my questions (I take notes) and came here to meet me and gave me a...

Many dogs have RD and in most breeds an ophthalmologist will say it is acceptable to breed the dog.  However, in the Labrador Retreiver and Samoyed it is not advised to breed.  These breeds will...

In all my years of breeding I have never experienced this until now. I talked with a number of breeders that said it usually starts day 21 of gestation and lasts a few days.  Also...

If you do x-rays at day 58-60 of gestation to get a puppy count you can determine if the pups are very large and may be difficult to whelp naturally.  Or if there is a...

I wrote a blog 6 years ago on over vaccinating:  http://www.heartypet.com/blog/?p=409 This is a follow up to that blog. I placed a pup in a wonderful home in Florida.  When she was 4 years old...

This is a form of cancer that is said to spread quickly and can affect any organ, body cavity and bone.  It is not curable but treatment can keep it in check and give one...

There is a lot of talk and controversy over this vaccine as there have been quite a number of cases of bad reactions and even death from the vaccine. Some small breeds are more prone...