Wildebeest Guides

@junipercattledog

2020 has been filled with a lot of uncertainties due to COVID-19 and harsh weather conditions and natural disasters. And having a kit of basic essentials on hand can make us pet parents feel much better prepared for any emergency situation.

You might be wondering where to start, what is and isn’t essential and how much to bring if you have multiple pets. We’ve put together a list of 15 items you should have in your pet’s emergency kit and you can customize the list based on your specific needs.

1. Action Plan

As pet parents we need to have a plan in case of any emergency. Prepare yourself and all family members in your home on where to meet, know what locations accept pets in case of home evacuations and have a print out map and list of animal emergency locations in your area. Have this information written down in your emergency kit for reference and remember to keep it up-to-date.

2. Backpack / Travel Bag

Keep everything together in a backpack or duffel. Depending on the size and needs of your pets we suggest to pack a bag for each pet or compartmentalize their supplies, and making a separate emergency pack for yourself and members of your home. Your animals should have their own backpack to ensure they are equipped with everything incase you and your animals need to separate.

3. Food & Water

Bottled water and canned / dry food to last up to 3-7 days. If you have multiple pets have enough food and water for each pet and Include tools for your food choice such as a can opener or measuring guides for food.

4. Medications

If your pet takes any medications pack a few days worth in a childproof container. Label it with name, what it is, what it’s for, dosage and strength. Also keep on hand medical records and any important information about your pets health if they have medical needs.

5. ID Tags

Keep your pet’s ID tags up-to-date with Name, phone number, address and if they require specific medications or are microchipped. Consider getting an extra ID tag for your pets harness, collar, or pack as a backup.

6. Pet First Aid Kit

Consider making your own first aid kit (specific to your animal) or get one that’s already equipped with the basics such as gauze, tweezers, an ice pack, hydrogen peroxide, and adhesive tape. Amazon or your local pet stores carry a variety of pre-assembled first aid kits. For DIY first aid kit, check out a list put together by we the Animal Health Foundation.

@prinsoliver

7. List of Emergency Contacts & Important Info

Write down your contact information and emergency contacts in case you are separated, as well as microchip numbers, veterinary information and any other medical information that is important. Keep this list along with any other medical documents you need to carry in a waterproof sleeve to keep safe and dry in your travel bag.

8. Pet Photo

Have a current printed out photo of each of your pets in your kit in case you get separated from them. Having photos on your phone is convenient but in an emergency situation where your phone dies or there is no signal you should have a physical print out to help identify them.

9. Basic Care Items

• WetWipes
• Sanitizer
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• garbage bags for clean up
• paper towels
• extra poop bag rolls

10. To-Go Bowl

We suggest having one or two bowls on hand that are collapsible and save space. Our Montara Pop-Up bowl is lightweight and compact enough to keep in your emergency kit. It can hold food or water, attaches to your leash or travel bag with velcro strap and is also easy to wipe clean or rinse out with water.

11. Treats & Treat Pouch

A bag of your pets favorite treats will help keep them calm and entertained during stressful situations. We suggest keeping a new bag of freeze dried or dry treats in your pack along with a pouch you can keep around your waist for easily accessing treats and other items like poop bags, keys, wallet, etc.

12. Extra Gear

You never know what might happen in an emergency and keeping an extra set of gear in your bag can prevent you and your pet from separating. Include a sturdy leash, collar and/or harness along with a soft muzzle in case your pets act out of anxiety or it's required by places you’d like to enter. Equip your backup gear with ID tags with your pets information.

@keepingfinn

Whether it’s a favorite toy or blanket with your scent on it, bring something along that your pet is familiar and comfortable with. Keep in mind that emergency situations can create nervousness or anxiety in your pets. Having a familiar from home can help keep them calm and comfortable.

14. Carrier

This might not be on everyone’s list but consider a durable lightweight or collapsable carrier for your smaller pets if they are easily spooked or don’t do well off leash. A carrier can help keep them calm around other people and animals and prevent runaway pets. Keep your pets name, phone number or any important numbers well marked on your crate / carrier.

15. Blankets & Seasonal Gear

Depending on where you live and what seasons you get, make sure you are prepared for any type of weather. So extra blankets or Jacket might be in your kit if you experience snow or rainy seasons.

Download a printable checklist here!

Keep in mind your emergency pet kit should acknowledge and contain everything someone should know about your pet if you weren’t there to tell them. Your kit should be kept near the door or near an emergency exit in your home that everyone in your household knows about and is easy to access. If you live alone or in an apartment / complex building consider exchanging information with your neighbors in case of an emergency that may occur when you aren’t home.

Remember to also change out expired food, water, treats, and medication every so often in your emergency kit, as well as update your pet’s medical / veterinary / ID information when it changes.

Being prepared for you and your pet is an important responsibility of a pet parent and being evacuation, blackout or environmental disaster will help keep and your pets calm and collected.

Wildebeest is committed to creating quality everyday products that keep you & your beest ready for all your adventures. Show us how you enjoy our gear — tag us on @wildebeest_co or use #mywildebeest!

1. Cleaning & Organizing

With more free time on our hands now than ever, we’re often finding ourselves feeling bored or just plain lost. Here’s a few simple cleaning routines to keep us busy and our live/work/play spaces tidy and sanitary while we practice Stay-At-Home with our beests.

• Wash out pup’s food bowls and wipe down any mess around their feeding area (daily)
  
  
• Sweep / vacuum around the kitchen floor to keep any food scraps away from pup (daily)
  
  
• Vacuum / mop the floors & rugs for fur & dust (daily or weekly)
  
  
• Tidy up pup’s lounge area, keep their nest fresh and comfy (daily or weekly)
  
  
• Organize pup’s pantry - make sure all foods & treats are sealed for freshness, labeled clearly and out of nose’s reach (weekly)
  
  
• Reorganize pup’s belongings - hang up their walking gear, tidy their bandanas and outfits(!), go through old toys and reintroduce or purge (monthly)
  
  
• Wash / wipe down / shake put pup’s gear - leash, collar, harness, treat pouch, blankets and bed / duvet, etc. (monthly or bi-monthly?)
  
  
• Provide safe & sanitary access to other spaces of your abode for beest - keep clean the porch, stoop, back yard (lucky you!), garage, car, etc. (monthly)
  

2. Beauty + Grooming

Anyone else noticing your Beests looking a little extra FLOOFY lately…. Shelter in Place has been tough especially when it comes to grooming the pups. Sharing a couple simple DO’s and DON’TS if you plan on giving Beest their at home self care day.

• Hair / fur - DO have patience and take your time. Trim with a dry and clean pup. Make sure to have proper grooming shear / clippers (No. 10 clipping blade is recommended).
  
  
• Nail - DO choose a place that is well lit to see properly. If your pup has white nails clip until you see pink (quick) if your pup has black nails, clip a little at a time until you see a solid black dot on the tip.

• Tooth brushing - DON’T use human toothpaste. Use pet-safe tooth paste and a soft bristle brush or a child’s toothbrush. Give your pup small samples of toothpaste to introduce the taste. Don’t forget to reward them with positive behavior with treats, play time, or petting.
  
  
• Paws - DO use moist wipes that are pet safe after each walk. Gently wipe in between toes and pads. If paws are too messy consider washing pups paws with a soapy washcloth and make sure to rinse thoroughly.

3. Exercising & Activity

Staying at home doesn’t necessarily mean we have to give up our activities. For us dog people, our beests are a good reason to stay active outdoors as well as indoors. Here are some easy exercise & activity ideas to keep us healthy in the body and mind.

• Walking / jogging around the neighborhood together. Go a different way to keep it fresh & stimulating. Don’t forget to bring your mask!
  
  
• Stairs - find some flights of stairs around your house, building, neighborhood and walk or jog ‘em up & down... get some cardio in (& butt lift yeah!) with pup in tow.
  
  
• Squats & Lunges - cradle that beest in your arms like a baby and go about your squat and lunge reps. 3 or 4 sets of 10? Use your discretion for larger/heavier dogs!
  
  
• Tug & Fetch (AKA good ol’ endless fun for beest!) - you all know this one and it’s still a good indoor activity for engaging and bonding with your pup.
  
  
• Nosework - hide pup’s favorite treat or toy in a box and have them “find it”. Praise them! Make it more challenging by hiding one or more treats in multiple boxes. A fun way to repurpose all those cardboard boxes or paper bags you’ve accumulated this month!
  
  
• Hide and seek - dare you to get this silly! Literally go hide when pup’s not looking and call them or give that squeaky toy a good squeeze. Give treats and praises when they find you.
  
  
• New tricks - why not use this time to teach pup that trick you always wanted to. Don't forget to bring your Alamo Treat Pouch to your training session! :)

4. Meditations

Shelter in place has got us going a little stir-crazy, so we can only imagine how your pup is doing with all this indoor time. Meditation is a great way for not only you but also for Beestie to relax and spend some quality time together. A few tips on how you can incorporate a simple 10 minute meditation to your daily routine:

• Find a cozy calming spot in the house and sit down with Beest. You can even lay out a yoga mat for you and Beest to share.
  
  
• Focus on your Breath, this is the key to meditation. Try to align your breath with your pup’s. Focusing on their inhale and exhale and do your best to sync them together.
  
  
• Put on some dog meditation music to help set the mood. Remember the most important step is making your pup feel comfortable and relaxed.
  
  
• Know that there will be times where you pup won’t want to meditate, that's okay you can do other forms of meditation together like on your morning walk
  
  
• Stay patient, this will take some time for you and pup to learn. Know your pup’s body language to know when is a good time to do a meditation moment
  
  
• Practice Practice Practice. Start with meditating for a couple minutes then slowly progress the time once your pup starts to get the hang of things.

5. Homemade Treats

We’ve been seeing a lot of home cooking and baking going on these days which we think is PAWSOME and encourage you to carry on FUREVER! When it comes to dog treats, home cooking is THE way to ensure the ingredients are healthy and catered to any dietary restrictions, and of course budget-friendly. Ok, here are some EASY delicious treat ideas to keep beest happy & healthy.

6. Homemade Toys

For those of you feeling up for some no-frills crafting, here’s a couple of homemade toy ideas to make out of scrap materials that'll keep pup entertained while social distancing! 

• Braided tug toy: cut three 3” wide by 12” long strips from an old T-shirt. Make a knot with the strips on one end, braid them and make another knot to finish. Add your own touch by using different colors or braiding techniques, letting the loose strips of fabric hang long on one side or attaching a tennis ball.
  
  
• Tennis ball treat dispenser: cut a slit in a tennis ball that will fit your pup's favorite treat. Make it challenging enough for pup to figure out how to get their favorite treats out!

• Crackly sock toy: only god knows where those socks disappear to from the laundry, but at least we can make a dog toy with what’s left. Put an extra crackly water bottle in an old sock and tie a knot at the opening. Crunchy crackly fun for hours!

7. Movies for Dog lovers

Let’s be honest here… a lot of us are spending more time on Netflix and Hulu than anything else these days (totally acceptable in times like this), so we wanted to share some all time favorite dog movies to watch for any dog lover / those who want to have a movie night with Beest.

• “Lady and The Tramp” - a Disney classic filled with romance and spaghetti.

• “Best In Show” - get ready for the obsession. This is US!

• “Hachi: A Dog’s Tale” - trust us and bring a box of tissues.
  
  
• “Marley & Me” - perfect for the whole fam, filled with lots of laughs and relatable “getting your first dog” moments.

• “101 Dalmations” - Mom & Dad to the rescue from the infamous Cruella De Vil.
  
  
• “Beethoven” - a rambunctious St. Bernard wins the heart of his new family, slobbers and all.
  
  
• “Frankenweenie” - a Tim Burton stop motion animation brings a quirky fantastical story of a boy and his dog.
  
  
• “Turner & Hooch” - young Tom Hanks & slobbery Hooch the dogue on a quest for love.
  
  
• “A Dog’s Purpose” followed with the sequel “A Dog’s Journey” - if you need a good cry, these won't let you down. :)

• “Isle of Dogs” - stop-motion animation of Japanese dogs on a trash island, with a touch of Wes Anderson quirk and humor.

Stay home and stay healthy everyone!

Wildebeest is committed to creating quality everyday products that keep you & your beest ready for all your adventures. Show us how you enjoy our gear — tag us on @wildebeest_co or use #mywildebeest!

Do you worry that your pup isn’t getting enough exercise? Because a dog’s energy threshold is determined by many things such as breed, age, and overall demeanor, it can be hard to know for sure whether or not they’re getting the physical exertion that’s optimal for their lifestyle.

While every dog is unique, there are some general guidelines for life stages to keep in mind. Small indicators such as behavioral problems or excessive destruction are a good sign that the pup might need some more activity — conversely, if they’re sleeping as much as your housecat, you’re probably doing something right!

If you’re unsure about how much energy your dog needs to burn off each day, check out these life-stage guidelines so you can ensure you’re doing enough of (and the right kind of!) exercising with your pup:

Puppies

Puppies are undoubtedly adorable, but they’re also full of playful energy they need to use up. Giving them plenty of opportunity for exercise will keep them well-behaved, help with potty training, and ensure they’re staying at an optimum weight as they grow into adulthood. A good rule of thumb is to do 5 minutes of exercise per month of age twice per day until the puppy is fully grown.

Since puppies’ joints are still developing, it’s important to choose exercises that won’t cause undue strain or set them up for future issues. In the beginning, avoid activities that involve lengthy runs, stairs, or steep inclines. Instead, use this time to teach pup to use puzzle toys, schedule puppy playdates, or begin working on fetch basics. Puppyhood is the perfect time to experiment with a lot of different activities to find out what your dog enjoys — just be sure to pick things that can be done in short bursts with lots of time to rest in between.

Young Adults

Larger than puppies with about the same threshold for activity, almost-grown dogs will certainly keep you on your toes. In the “teen years” of dog ownership, young dogs are still not fully matured but can do much more than they could as a puppy. Their joints are still at risk for straining but much less so, and they’ll be better at taking a break on their own when they get tired.

This is a great time to let them start exploring the world around them in more depth. If you’re near a safe body of water, swimming is a great, no-impact activity to try (and it will wear. them. out.)! This is also a great time to take field trips to a dog park, so you can start building socialization manners and give them time to explore off-leash in a controlled environment. Make sure to provide plenty of water and let their curiosity be your guide.

Adults

Fully grown pups will start to mellow out eventually, but they still need regular exercise to keep them happy, healthy, and out of trouble! Experts recommend a guideline of about 60 minutes per day, but that number should be customized based on any health restrictions (such as Brachycephalic breeds) and each individual pup’s needs.

To get the energy out of adult dogs, you can do whatever your pup prefers! Walks, jogs, and hikes will get their nose and legs working, and honing in on their fetch skills is a low-effort activity for you. Additionally, adulthood is the perfect time to try out an organized activity if you think your pup might be interested — dogs of all breeds can thrive in sports such as barn hunts, sporting agility, or flyball.

Senior Dogs

You can definitely teach an old dog new tricks! While senior pups shouldn’t be subjected to high-impact exercises, there are still plenty of things you can do to keep them active. Take things at their pace, but short, frequent walks and play sessions are great for maintaining their health.

Additionally, there are activities you can do with your senior dog that aren’t cardiovascularly straining at all. Teaching them new tricks, playing “find the treat”, and setting them up with puzzles or snuffle mats will keep their minds and bodies engaged for a long and happy life!

Wildebeest creates adventure-ready dog gear for the modern family. All products carry a Wild4Life guarantee, so you can exercise without worry! Show us how you get your beest’s activity in — tag us on Instagram or use #mywildebeest!

The season of summer is rife with high expectations. Between school break, big vacations, and songs and movies memorializing this time of year, the pressure to have an action-packed summer can feel intense.

Luckily, with beest by your side, it’s easy to find an activity you’ll both love! Celebrate summer with some of our favorite warm-weather activities:

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Sign Up For A Class

With the sun setting later, there’s more time to take advantage of the day! Utilize the extra daylight by signing up for a class with your pup—local shelters and training groups offer everything from basic obedience to agility. Don't forget to bring your Beestie's favorite treats and your choice of Treat Pouch to maximize your training!

Plan A Camping Trip

Taking your pup camping is a fantastic way to bond with them and appreciate the great outdoors. A site like BringFido is a great resource to discover dog-friendly sites for backpacking, car camping, and more in your area. A marshmallow roast for the humans and a squirrel-sniffing session for the pups will remind your entire group what you love about nature.

Make Homemade Treats

The best way to beat the heat is with some extra tasty frozen snacks. These homemade frozen dog treats are sure to be a pup pleaser, and they’re good for them, too! Whip ‘em up and get those tails wagging.

Take A Hike

Your dog loves daily dog walks, but mixing it up with a hiking trip will get them even more excited. Prepare your pup for hiking and use a site like AllTrails to find a dog-friendly route in your area to make some memories in the wilderness. Just be sure to keep an eye on the heat index and pack the gear to keep them hydrated on-the-go!

Hit The Water -- Bear, Lake, or Kiddie Pool

While those of us in San Francisco are lucky to have the beach in our backyard, being landlocked need not put a damper on summer fun! Pack a waterproof leash and find a lake or creek near you, or even repurpose a kiddie pool to be a pup play area when the sun is scorching.

With your pup in tow, any summer adventure can be a blast! We hope this inspires you to get out there and soak up the sun, teach ‘em a new skill, and explore while the days are longer.

 

Wildebeest creates everyday essentials that help you build that special bond, share adventures big & small and make amazing memories with your Beest. We'll be right there every step of the way, with our gear & Wild4Life Warranty in tow, supporting you & Beest all throughout the lifetime of your companionship!

Whether you’re bringing a new puppy home soon or are ready to brush up on your older dog’s skills, training can feel like a big undertaking. Implementing a training regimen is a great way to bond with your beest and promote good behaviors for the rest of their lives, but it’s hard to get going if you don’t know where to start! With a little bit of patience, some quick tips, and a lot of treats, you’ll have beest behaving in no time.

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Start With Small Steps

You can’t run before you can walk, and you definitely can’t teach roll over before you teach down! Instead of jumping into a new trick all at once, break it up into increments to guide your pup to the behavior you’re looking for. By doing this, you’re breaking complex tricks into bite-sized pieces that pup can more easily understand — and you’ll be able to hone in on the behavior you’re looking for without accidentally reinforcing something you’re not!

Work At Your Dog’s Pace

Every doggo is different — some prefer doing longer training sessions while others will work better with frequent, quick bursts. Do a few sessions of varying length and frequency to determine what works best for your unique beest, so you can get in a routine that works for you both.

Try A Variety Of Treats

While most pups are grateful for anything that they can get their noses on, treats that they consider more enticing can help motivate them in the right direction. Mixing these high-value treats up with a variety of other healthy treats from home or the pet store, along their regular kibble will keep them interested and excited for what they’ll get to snack on next.

Reward Often And Quickly

When it comes to training, positive reinforcement keeps your pup motivated and excited to learn, and it’s important to reward them for the right actions at the right times. Using a clicker or verbal reward paired with keeping treats close by will help you catch and reward those perfect moments right when they happen. And our Alamo Treat Pouch is perfect for this!

Consider A Clicker

While your pup will be over-the-moon to get a “good dog” out of you, clicker training can provide an even more targeted approach. When you first start out, your dog learns to associate the clicker with a reward — eventually making the clicker a reward on its own! This provides a sound that’s distinct to doing the right thing, allowing them to know exactly why they’re receiving reinforcement.

Use A Lure

When trying to communicate what you want from beest, intruducing with a lure is a great way to point them in the right direction — especially for tricks that require a lot of movement! This is how the pawrents behind the IG-famous @kiba.aussie taught Kiba to weave through their legs:

“First, start with a lure and use your clicker every time they do what you ask (in the case of ‘weave’, moving through the legs). Then, we move to using our fingers as the lure so Kiba will touch our hand. From there we get in position and maybe start with one finger lure so he can put it all together! Over time and with lots of practice, it will click.”

Stay Consistent

When it comes to helping your puppy learn, consistency and repetition will strengthen the behaviors you’re asking for. Whether you make it a routine to have a quick training session first thing in the morning, before meals, or both, keeping a consistent schedule will get pup in the working mindset and help reinforce their fun new tricks! 

 

Wildebeest creates everyday essentials that help you build that special bond, share adventures big & small and make amazing memories with your Beest. We'll be right there every step of the way, with our gear & Wild4Life Warranty in tow, supporting you & Beest all throughout the lifetime of your companionship!

The holidays are right around the corner! While we know you’d bring beest along for every adventure if you could, for many of us holidays involve a lot of traveling logistics that are less than dog-friendly.

Pet parents often find themselves without a “go-to” solution for when they travel, and instead have to make the decision of whether to board their pets or hire a sitter. Every pup is different, but we’ve compiled the pros and cons of each method so you can decide what’s best for you and your beest! Leaving your furry bff behind as you travel is never fun, but with a little research, you can find the right solution that will make sure you and pup are as comfortable as possible.

Pet Boarding

While boarding a pet once invoked images of cold kennels and puppy eyes asking you not to leave them, most facilities have done away with this old-school model and now offer luxuries such as aromatherapy and doggie social hours to pamper pooch. This sounds like a fun doggie vacation, but many owners prefer boarding for the safety aspect as well. Round-the-clock monitoring means an emergency would be swiftly addressed, and pets who tend to get in trouble at home when their pawrents are away can benefit from the structure and exercise a boarding facility can provide.

However, pet boarding doesn’t work for every dog. Young, high-energy dogs can thrive in an active, stimulating environment, but if your pup is more of a couch potato they may become irritated or anxious with all the rambunctious wrestling and over stimulating environment. Additionally, if your pup suffers from separation anxiety, being taken from their home and all its familiar smells might cause excess stress and worry.

Boarding can be a great solution for many pet parents—especially if your dog already goes to daycare, staying the night in a place they associate with so much fun would seem like heaven! But if it's a new environment for them, be sure to take their temperament and comfort levels into consideration before you book.

Pet Sitting

In-home pet sitting used to be available only to those with friends or family close by, but thanks to apps and dog-sitting services this practice has become far more mainstream. The main benefit to pet sitting is that it allows your dog to stay in a familiar environment with all the toys, chews and smells they’ve grown to love. While they might not get as much exercise or undivided attention as they would in a boarding facility—especially if your sitter also has a day job—you can rest easy knowing someone is there with them in the evenings and your dog is able to stay on their regular routine.

Many pets will experience symptoms of lethargy and listlessness while their owners away and pet sitting allows them to rest in their favorite spots in peace. Additionally, for people that own a cat or another pet in addition to their pup, pet sitting can make the most sense because this solution provides care for every animal. However, it might not be the ideal solution if your dog has destructive tendencies or health issues that require more hands-on care.

Setting pup up to be comfortable while you’re away can be scary, but knowing they’re in the right place will do wonders to ease your mind as you travel for the holidays. And of course, nothing is as exciting as being reunited with your beest after a long trip away!

Wildebeest creates durable, stylish dog gear. Equipping your best friend for all of your adventures while providing a Wild4Life guarantee, we’re committed to creating products the entire family will love.

The holidays are approaching fast, meaning festive dishes will be in abundance before we know it! Though you probably know the common household foods that aren’t safe for dogs, many holiday meals make use of ingredients that aren’t typically used year-round. While beest’s nose will be going crazy for all the new smells, these obscure dishes can lead to confusion on what scraps are okay to share with your furry family.

To keep beest safe this holiday season, we’ve compiled a list of foods that are and aren’t okay for beest (and instructions on how to safely make them their own dog-friendly holiday plate!). We’ve also got a handy printable that’s sized perfectly for the side of your fridge so you can have a quick reference whenever you need it. Just right click the image above to save & print!

Unsafe Holiday Foods

Alcohol & caffeine: Caffeine and alcohol both affect dogs in the same manner as they do humans, but because dogs are more sensitive to their effects ingestion can quickly turn fatal. Excessive hyperactivity from caffeine can damage the nervous system while alcohol poisoning can affect animals after even a minuscule dose.

Chocolate & nuts: Most of us know that chocolate is unhealthy for dogs, but it’s important to remember that nuts are, too! Different nuts contain various toxins that can cause symptoms from an upset stomach to neurological problems, so don’t sneak your leftover fruitcake into the dog bowl!

Cinnamon, nutmeg, & sage: The trifecta of holiday seasonings is also the trifecta of doggie danger! While both cinnamon and nutmeg aren’t fatal in small doses, cinnamon can lead to liver failure and nutmeg is known to cause hallucinations, high blood pressure, abdominal pain, and seizures. Fresh sage is often used safely as a supplement for dogs, but dishes cooked with dried sage can lead to too much being ingested.

Cooked bones: While research shows that some raw bones are okay for dogs to consume, cooked bones should never be used as a chew toy. Because bones weaken as the meat around them is roasted, they can easily splinter and cause internal injuries and blockage.

Cranberry sauce, grapes & raisins: Grapes in both fresh and dried forms contain a toxin that is highly dangerous for dogs and can lead to acute kidney failure. While fresh or dried cranberries are okay in moderation, cranberry sauce typically contains sugars and additives that aren’t healthy for pup.

Dairy: As they grow out of puppyhood, many dogs become lactose intolerant and will have a hard time digesting dairy goodies such as butter, sour cream, and milk. They may not experience discomfort from a cheese treat, but when it comes to creamy mashed potatoes or macaroni and cheese, their upset stomach may become more pronounced.

Garlic & onions: Both garlic and onions can cause anemia for dogs and can be toxic depending on their sensitivity levels. These effects can even occur following small doses, so dishes such as Thanksgiving stuffing and gravy should be avoided.

High fat, sodium-rich foods: Foods such as ham, fried turkey and green bean casserole are all laden with fat and sodium which can lead to pancreatitis and fatal bloat for animals. A good rule of thumb is to avoid giving beest anything that would lead to high cholesterol in a human.

Poinsettias: They aren’t a food, but your dog or cat might treat them as such. The white sap poinsettias produce can cause stomach upset and sometimes vomiting if ingested by dogs, cats, and even humans.

Uncooked dough: Did you know that a dog’s stomach is the perfect environment for activating yeast? As the dough rises, it releases ethanol that is quickly absorbed into their bloodstream from the stomach lining, making uncooked loaves an extremely dangerous snack.

A Dog-Friendly Holiday Plate

While the list of things beest can’t have is quite exhaustive, the list of things they can have make up a tasty, well-balanced holiday dinner they’re sure to love.

Carrots: Raw carrots are a great substitute for a chew toy to keep beest busy while you’re working in the kitchen, and cooked carrots without sugars or seasonings are a delicious way to up their vitamin intake.

Cooked Turkey (No Skin): While the skin is often laden with sodium and spices, plain turkey meat is perfectly okay for pups to have a small amount of.

Green Beans: Raw or cooked, green beans provide a delicious crunch and are a great way to get your dog more veggies.

Plain Mashed Potatoes: Make ‘em a special serving with no salt or cream!

Pumpkin: Don’t forget dessert! While they can’t join you in enjoying a heaping slice of pumpkin pie, they can lap up some unsweetened, cooked pumpkin either fresh or from the can.

Tip: Stuff unsweetened canned pumpkin in a durable rubber chew (such as a Kong) and pop it in the freezer! It will freeze up just like peanut butter and provide a festive way to keep ‘em entertained.

Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes show up in dog treats often due to all the nutrients they provide. As long as they’re served without butter or sugar, they’re perfectly okay for pup.

Wildebeest creates durable, stylish dog gear. Equipping your best friend for all of your adventures while providing a Wild4Life guarantee, we’re committed to creating products the entire family will love.

The dog days of summer are no joke. As the thermostat climbs, sometimes a cold treat is exactly what you need to cool off — and the same goes for beest, too!

In addition to taking water wherever you go, making your own frozen treats will ensure you always have something cool on hand for pup. We've selected four recipes that are delicious, dog-approved, and nutritious. Happy warm-weather adventuring!

Strawberry Smoothie Treats

This recipe is so delicious, it could be a smoothie for you or a treat for pup. Blend all of the ingredients together and pop in the freezer for a fruit-filled snack — we won't tell if you lick the bowl.

Watermelon Pup-sicles

Did you know that seedless watermelon is a safe, dog-approved snack? Treat them to a slice next time you cut one open, and if it’s a hit, these pup-sicles are the way to go. By simply mixing watermelon and greek yogurt, you get a bright pink treat perfect for post-dog park relaxing.

Frozen Coconut Blueberry Treats

Coconut oil is all over the place, mainly because it offers so many benefits for your pup. These frozen coconut blueberry dog treats keeps it in a solid state, making it easy to serve up all the benefits it offers.

Puppy Pumpkin + Goat Milk Ice Pops:

Four dog-approved ingredients + your blender = a frozen healthy treat your dog will love. These would work as regular treats, but we love the idea of using small bones as popsicle sticks for an extra touch!

Wildebeest creates durable, stylish dog gear. Equipping your best friend for all of your adventures while providing a Wild4Life guarantee, we’re committed to creating products the entire family will love.

So you’re going to be a dog parent — congratulations! The time between making the decision to get a pup and actually bringing your new beest home might feel like forever, but it will give you plenty of time to get your place prepared.

Introducing a dog of any age to a new environment can be stressful for both of you, but by planning ahead and readying the household in advance you’ll be able to relax to enjoy their company when they arrive. Here are our tips for starting off on the right paw when bringing beest home:

Research Nearby Vets

Whether you’re adopting from a shelter or picking a pup from a breeder, routine shots and checkups are a must to keep ‘em healthy. Finding the perfect vet to answer all your new pawrent questions and make your pup comfortable will make a big difference. Take the time to research out online reviews and ask other animal lovers for recommendations so you know your pup will be getting the best care possible. Once you decide on a vet, ask about their operating hours and emergency line. If they don’t provide a 24-hour service, be sure to find an after-hours pet hospital just in case!

Puppy Proof

Though you and your pup will probably be inseparable for the first few days, for dogs of any age it’s advised to do a thorough puppy proofing to keep them out of trouble! Things like cables, rugs, and curtains may not seem like appealing chew toys, but dogs in new environments tend to have a knack for breaking the rules. Remember to think from their perspective, as things can look different (and much more chewable!) from four legs. Whether your bringing home a young pup or an adult dog, establishing boundaries before introducing temptations will help you keep your beest and belongings safe.

Gather Your Supplies

Don’t bring your pup home empty handed! Get as many supplies as you can in advance to keep them entertained and safe from the moment they come home. A food bowl and a bed are essentials for the home, as well as toys and treats to keep them busy. A collar, leash, and poop bags are the very basics for keeping them secure on the go and let you start house training right away. Purchase these items separately or as part of a dog starter kit so you can be sure you have everything you need!

You may also consider getting a no-pull harness and/or a solid treat pouch to start your leash training together which is one of the best ways for you & your new pup to start building that special bond. :)

Keep in mind, Wildebeest offers a limited lifetime warranty on all products and will offer a 25% discount on replacing your gear that's outgrown, chewed or has general wear & tear.

Start With Small Spaces

Whether your pup is from the shelter or a breeder, they’ve likely never had open access to an entire house before! That’s why it’s recommended to start them off with small spaces before you let them run free. Partitioning off space with baby gates or crates will help cut down on the new space overwhelm, and help prevent accidents in your home. By starting small and gradually adding more square feet, your pup will come to recognize the entire home as their safe haven instead of an open range area to cause mischief.

Being a new pup parent can be stressful, but by preparing beforehand you’ll be able to relax in the company of your new best friend right away. Life is more colorful with your beest, and you’ll be going on all kinds of exciting adventures (hiking, exercising, travels...) in no time. Congratulations on your new pup — we know you’ll have a blast!

Wildebeest creates durable, stylish dog gear. Equipping your best friend for all of your adventures while providing a Wild4Life guarantee, we’re committed to creating products the entire family will love.