Valentine's Day and Your Pet: Why You May Have a Date After All

You know the deal with Valentine’s Day: either you have plans, or you don’t. However, many animal lovers have found a way to celebrate with not another human, but with their pets. What makes people think that their dog or cat is a better date than a partner or significant other?

Pets vs People

One in five Americans would prefer to spend Valentines’s Day with their pet. That’s 20% of the population. Here are four reasons to have a four-legged valentine.

1. Pets do not judge. They don’t care how messy the house is, what kind of food you serve yourself for dinner, whether you wear a ballgown or a sweatsuit. 

2. Snuggle time! Pets have been shown to help with stress, and petting them has a calming effect. You don’t have to work up the courage to put your arm around your date or give them a kiss. With your cat curled up next to you, or your dog lying on his back so you can rub his stomach, your canine or feline can be the perfect cuddle buddy.

3. You never have to share your Valentine's Day feast, especially any chocolate, with your pet. And besides, chances are that what you are eating could be bad for them. That does mean, however, that dessert will be all for you.

4. Most importantly: Pets love you more than anyone in the universe. They don’t speak. They don’t complain when you spill your problems to them. They don’t mention the couple of pounds you gained when you ate all of your Valentine's Day candy. All they want is your love. After all, that’s the point of Valentine’s Day: love.

Gifts for Fido

It is commonplace to buy chocolate and floral arrangements for your significant other, but a large amount of people buy things for their pets. A few examples are special treats, toys, and pet costumes. Some people even buy new collars and tags.

Chocolate and Your Pet

Of all the things about spending your Valentine’s Day with your dog or cat, the most important thing to remember is that both dogs and cats should not eat chocolate of any kind. It is toxic to them. Chocolate contains a substance known as theobromine, which is similar to caffeine. Theobromine can be lethal to dogs and cats, or at the very least make them violently ill. 

Dog Treats

In lieu of chocolate, why not indulge your pet with special treats? Shania Bakes has a special Valentine sampler, for both dogs and cats: 36 heart-shaped treats in the three flavors of your choice. All of our treats were made in our kitchen and are chock full of delicious, organic goodness. What better way is there for you to thank your furry friends for all of their love?

https://www.petfinder.com/dogs/living-with-your-dog/dog-valentines-day-date/

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/13/pet-valentine_n_4763066.html

http://www.dogtopics.com/165/7-questions-about-dogs-and-chocolate/

Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa: Holiday Eats For Dogs

This is the time of year where everyone has something to celebrate. Whether you are young or old, Christian or Jewish, African American or Caucasian, traditions are a big part of December. And a big part of traditions is food. There are several iconic dishes that belong to each holiday. Even in all the kerfuffle of holiday dinner, there is still a spot for pets in the celebratory meal. However, there are traditional foods that you should avoid giving your dog. Here are some guidelines as to what you could and shouldn’t let your dog eat. Listed are dishes from each holiday.

KWANZAA:

Peanut Soup:

• Onions: You know that chocolate could be toxic to your dog, but did you know that onions can be just as deadly? Onions can wreak havoc on your dog’s red blood cells. After ingesting onions, those cells begin to clump and can’t carry oxygen. While this reaction does not happen exceedingly well, it is a good idea to avoid onions.
• Peanuts: Peanut butter, when salt and sugar free, are fine in small doses. However, actual peanuts, even when raw, can be toxic, like other nuts such as walnuts and macadamia nuts.

Fried Okra

• Okra: While it is not recommended to feed your dog okra, it is safe for him to eat. Some dog owners say that okra can help with digestive issues, but again, it should not be an every-day treat.
• Jalapeño Peppers: Jalapeños, along with some other peppers, disrupt a dog’s digestive system. Bell peppers are usually fine, but hotter peppers, like jalapeños, could be dangerous.

CHRISTMAS:

Meat:

• Turkey: For the most part, turkey is fine. Just make sure not to feed your dog any turkey skin or fat. Also, ensure that the meat hasn’t come into contact with onions or garlic, as both can cause deadly problems.
• Ham: Unlike turkey, ham is loaded with fat and has a high sodium level. Too much fat can be deadly for dogs; their digestive system is very different from humans. A small amount should be fine for most dogs, but in excess, it is too much for dogs’ bodies to handle.

Ginger: 

• Gingerbread: It’s mainly a people food, but a small nibble of a cookie won’t do your dog any harm. Just be sure to check for nutmeg in the ingredients, which can be harmful. 
• Ginger by itself: It’s actually beneficial in small quantities: it helps your dog’s immune system, helps with digestion, and can lower dogs’ cholesterol levels. Just remember to consult with your dog’s veterinarian before medicating your dog with ginger. 

HANUKKAH:

Potato Pancakes

• Latkes: This traditional dish features fried potatoes, which are fine in small amounts as with most other “people food”. However, certain recipes call for chopped onions or shallots, both of which are dangerous for dogs to eat. Make sure not to give your dog any onions. 
• Applesauce: When served in small portions, mainly because the amount of natural sugar is high, applesauce makes a great treat. Also, applesauce is rich in vitamin A. However, sometimes dogs experience diarrhea or vomiting after ingesting it.

Desserts:

• Kugel: On principle, dogs shouldn’t eat much cheese. Milk and cheese are tough on dog’s digestive system. Even with that aside, the ingredients of this dish such as sugar, sour cream, sour cream, and butter, make this dish unhealthy for dogs.
• Gelt: Chocolate? Big problem. Feeding any chocolate to your dog is dangerous. Chocolate is made from cocoa, which contains caffeine and another chemical called theobromine, which is the actual danger. Theobromine is also toxic to cats, but since they are such picky eaters cats rarely eat chocolate.

Remember: Even if your dog eats it, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s good for him.  

Anytime you're feeding table scraps to your dog, make sure it is in conjunction with his regular diet and make sure it isn't in excess. Dogs can suffer from a condition called pancreatitis when given too much fatty food. Pancreatitis is serious and is often fatal if not diagnosed quickly, and there are often very subtle signs, so it is important to avoid too much fat in the diet.

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