"The dog lives for the day, the hour, even the moment." - Robert Falcon Scott
Happy Wednesday! Here's the scoop:
Chilly dogs
Gingerbread (dog)houses the whole fam can enjoy
The longest living pups to add to your pack
Did you know?
Max, the world’s oldest dog, was a beagle-terrier mix who lived to the ripe old age of 29 years and 282 days old.
(scroll to the What We’re Digging section to learn more about some of the longest-living dog breeds!)
How cold is too cold?
Temps are dropping and, while some of us are thrilled to see snow hitting the ground, others are not quite ready to break out the snow gear. Much like us humans, some dogs are just not as keen on cooler temperatures. So, in order to keep your canine comfortable as we prepare for chilly winter months, here’s what you should know:
Cold weather breeds like Newfoundlands and Great Pyrenees were bred as outdoor working dogs and are better suited for colder climates. Breeds with double coats and smaller ears that are more frostbite resistant can also usually handle a chill, while short-haired dogs (think Greyhounds, Bulldogs, and Short-haired Chihuahuas) have a harder time retaining heat.
Puppies, geriatric dogs, and those with persistent health conditions also tend to have a harder time regulating their internal temps, so sweaters and coats are recommended throughout winter for these dogs.
When dogs are cold they typically shiver, hunch their backs, or lift their paws off the ground. In extreme cases, however, hypothermia is possible. Signs include lethargy, stiffness, decreased alertness, or even loss of consciousness. If you notice any of these signs in your dog, seek immediate treatment.
A general rule of thumb is if it is too cold for you, it is likely too cold for them.
Do(g)-It-Yourself
We’re all about involving our four-legged friends in any festive activities we can during the holidays. This one is especially exciting for all parties involved: DIY Gingerbread Doghouse.
Let your creative juices flow with this Fido-approved project and decorate these dog-safe, edible houses with treats, bits of bacon, or whatever your pup likes best.
Cookie ingredients:
2 cups oat flour
2 cups whole wheat flour
1 tbsp ground ginger
1 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
pinch of ground clove
pinch of allspice
pinch of mace
1/4 cup molasses
3/4 cup applesauce
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp coconut oil
Frosting ingredients:
1 block low-fat cream cheese
1 Tbsp vanilla
Cookie Baking Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Combine dry ingredients. Make a divet in the center of the dough and add the wet ingredients
Stir to combine, adding more flour as needed to achieve a good consistency for rolling
Separate half the dough to work with, covering the remaining dough so that it doesn’t dry out.
Roll dough to ¼ inch thickness on a flour covered board
Cut out house pieces - make sure to straighten on your baking sheet so they cook evenly and all edges are smoothed
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden on the bottom. Allow the cookies to cool
Frosting + Assembly Instructions:
Beat cream cheese and vanilla until fluffy
Apply a thin coat of frosting to your cooled house pieces and press together carefully. (It will take a minimum of 24 hours for a firm set)
Use any remaining frosting for adhering the decorative treats and meats!
What we're digging
It’s safe to say the only true fault of a dog is that they don’t live forever. As dog-lovers, of course we want our canine companions to be with us as long as possible. So, we turned to this list of the longest living dog breeds that make it well into their teens.
Some of these pups are well-known, while others (see: the American Hairless Terrier) are completely new to us.
Have you heard of these breeds? Do you own one? Check out the list and email us at woof@dailydigdogs.com if you have any personal stories about these adorable long-standing loves.
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