DIY Archives - Canine Journal

Dog showing it's belly and genitals (Caption: How To Express Dog's Anal Glands)

How To Express Your Dog’s Anal Glands (Plus Causes & Prevention)

It’s not the most pleasant subject to discuss. But hey, you’ve surely dealt with your dog’s puke and potty accidents before, right? And this is for your beloved pup’s comfort after all — and ultimately his health. If your dog suffers from occasional anal gland issues, we’re here to help. Learn how to spot the signs of impacted anal glands, how to express your dog’s anal glands, and what you can do to help prevent frequent blockages. If not taken care of immediately, blocked anal sacs can lead to a severe infection.

chihuahua dog wearing an apron sitting on kitchen counter with pot of food and veggies

Best Homemade Dog Food Recipes: 7 Vet-Approved & Nutritionally Complete

Imagine if you had to eat the same food every meal, every day of your life. Beyond being painfully dull, wouldn’t you question whether you’re getting a nutritionally complete and balanced diet? Welcome to a dog’s life. Long ago before commercially produced dog food, dogs ate a lot of the same foods as humans. There’s a reason our dogs beg for our food — they’re meant to eat a variety. We’ve cooked up some tips on how to make dog food, nutrition guidelines, and our favorite homemade dog food recipes.

Pink dog paw silicone treat mold with frozen treats with blueberries (Caption: Frozen Dog Treats)

Best Frozen Dog Treats: How To Make Them, Recipes & More

Are ice cubes your dog’s best friend? It’s fun to watch your pup go to town with a dropped cube on the floor, but veterinarians warn that chomping on ice cubes can cause our dogs tooth damage. We’ve got much better alternatives to help your pup cool down and stay hydrated on hot summer days. These homemade frozen dog treats are incredibly easy to make and contain nutrient-packed dog-safe human foods.

Making homemade healthy carrot dog treats. Dough with cookie cutters.

Organic Dog Treats: Recipes And Buying Guide

Organic dog treats have higher nutritional value than most mass-produced, store-bought treats. In addition to being made from natural ingredients, using organic means there are no pesticides or fertilizers used to grow the produce, which makes the treats even safer and more nutritious for your pup. Organic can mean a higher expense, but you could whip up a batch of your own organic dog treats from your kitchen and save some money in the long run for the overall health and well-being of your pet.

small black dog sniffs at grass with dandelions

Best Pet-Safe Weed Killer: Dog-Friendly, Homemade & Natural Options

Weeds are quite possibly the most annoying thing in your yard, especially in the warmer months. They make their way through cracks in the driveway, find their way into flower beds, grow proudly in the garden, and sprout just about everywhere imaginable. But if you’re like us and have kids or pets around, you probably don’t want to spray your yard with harmful chemicals like the ingredients in Roundup. For those hard-to-reach spots or persistent weeds, we bring you the best natural weed killers, including pre-made products and organic weed control recipes.

Izzee and dog mom in water (Caption: Homemade Flea & Tick Prevention)

Homemade Flea And Tick Prevention For Dogs

Izzee, my loyal and trusted sidekick and licensed therapy dog, and I go everywhere together. Her unconditional love is astounding. In return, I want to give her the best life possible including top-notch food and chemical-free products. There are so many ill-fated side effects from the chemical-based flea and tick prevention medicines. So, I don’t want to take that risk with Izzee. This led me to research and create a homemade flea spray and homemade tick repellent for dogs that anyone can make at home.

Dog paws next to food dish (Caption: Run Out Of Dog Food?)

I Ran Out Of Dog Food: What Can I Feed My Dog?

One night I was home alone with two very hungry 70 pound boxers. I hurried to the pantry to find we were completely out of dry dog food and canned food. This got me thinking about the right kinds of foods to feed pups in a pinch – let’s say you’re out of food and unable to get to the store, out of money, out of town, traveling, camping, or worse, displaced by a disaster of some kind. Dogs still have to eat, right? So what do you do when there’s no dog food to be found…