OUTDOOR PATIO/SMALL BACKYARD IDEAS FOR PETS- Perfect Dog Patios and Catios!

 

When we lived in NC we had a big fenced in backyard, plenty of grass and room to run, lots of trees, a bog woodpile and a garden. Our dog was king of the backyard, and the cats had lots of things to climb, scratch nails on, chase animals and herbs to get high (Catnip). 

When we moved to Boise, we moved into a house with no yard. We have a fenced patio with some gravel and a slab and all green areas are taken care of by maintenance.  Its fine for the dog to go out, do his business and lay on the patio slab in the sun, but the cats are confused.  Things could definitely be better for our fur babies,  So I started thinking what could I do for my animals to create a pet friendly patio in limited space.

So I have gathered together some of the best ideas to make your small space, patio or backyard a pet friendly oasis. 

Looks like I have some weekend warrior projects to get working on!!

RAISED GARDEN BEDS AND BOXES:  I especially like those corner ones!  Here are some great ideas to add plants and herbs to a small space. Your pets will thank you! 

SHADE OPTIONS

Pets need a little shade, especially if you live in a hot climate.  Back in NC we had a ton of trees and bushes , and a roof over the patio slab.. Here we dont have much. We do have a small wooden pergola type awning over the patio, so I am thinking a nice fabric cloth top draped through the wood slats.  Here are a few other ideas to add shade to a back patio!

THINGS TO CLIMB/SLEEP IN/LAY ON

Cats love things to climb.  Back in NC we had trees and wood piles, a huge wooden playset, A trampoline(they LOVED to lay on it), they were constantly go go go, and many aerial advantages. Here, not so much.  But I am thinking of adding something they can have to give them that feeling of height and domination, and a comfy, cozy sleeping area! Some fun ideas for those looking to swankify their catio.

DOG DOODY AREA

So here in our new place there is not a nice grassy area to let Rico out to potty.  It is a nice sized enclosed area with rocks and a patio slab.  So he WILL go potty on the rocks, but looks at me like "This is not civilized".  So we have thought about ways to make the rocky area in one of the corners more poop friendly when it is time to do his business. 

DRINKING STATION

You should always have water available for cats and dogs year round. Indoor and outdoor. We live in the high desert, so it is dry dry dry and our babies get PARCHED.  But if you are putting all the work into beautifying your dog areas and catios, you need a watering station to go with it!!

here are some cute and easy ideas I found online.

It's not impossible to have a pet friendly patio or fenced in porch!  Just a few good ideas and implementations,  and you can make your furry babies just as happy as can be!

HOW TO MAKE HEALTHY DOG TREATS IN THE DEHYDRATOR

 

You want the best for your furry best friend, and like your own children you dont want to pump them full of junk and fillers and nitrates and preservatives. Storebought dog treats are ok, but they are made to last and to be cheap, which is why many of them are filled with things we cant pronounce and who knows what else.

If you have a dehydrator you can make your own dog treats that your pooch will go nuts for. (dont have a dehydrator? Set oven to 200 (thats as low as most ovens will go- if yours can go to 180 set it there.

Best part??  NATURAL treats that you know every ingredient!  These treats can be kept in an air tight tupperware for about a week, so only make a small amount at a time, unless you are planning on freezing them .

LETS START WITH FRUITS:

APPLES: Apples are plentiful right now, so they make the perfect first choice for a dehydrator snack!   Wash and core the apples, making sure all seeds are removed.. Slice into thin slices, about 1/8" thick. Arrange on dehydrator shelves with enough room for air to circulate around each piece.  At this point you may lightly sprinkle with cinnamon.  DEHYDRATOR: 145 degrees for 6 to 8 hours.  OVEN: 200 degrees for 1 hour, flip and bake another hour.

BANANAS: If your pup is anything like Rico, then bananas are a real treat!  Bananas can be a little tricky to dry out, but once you get the hang of it, they will be furever grateful! Slice the bananas between 1/8 and 1/4 inch slices. arrance on dehydrator plates so they are not touching. DEHYDRATOR: 135 degrees for 8 hours (they will be slightly chewy) to 10 hours (a little crisper). Let cool ad store up to 2 weeks in airtight container. OVEN: 180-200 degrees for 3 hours on a waxed cookie sheet. Peel off and let cool. Store in airtight container up to 2 weeks.

MANGO: This is one of Rico's favorite dry treats. Peel the mango and cut into thin slices, about 1/4". Arrange on dehydrator so they are not touching. DEHYDRATOR:  125  for 14 hours.  OVEN: set oven  to 180 to 200. Arrange on greased cookie sheets, prop oven door open.  6 hours, then flip .and another 2- 4 hours. store in airtight container.

STRAWBERRIES: Dehydrated strawberries are so sweet. you may sneak them for your own snacktime!  Wash and stem the strawberries. dry strawberries.  Slice into thin slices and arrange on trays so they are not touching.  DEHYDRATOR: 135 degrees for 8-10 hours, longer if you want them crispier. OVEN. Arrange on greased cookie sheets and bake at 180-200 for 2 hours, turn and bake another hour. Longer if you want crispier.  Keep in airtight container.

VEGETABLES

GREEN BEANS-  Wash beans in cold water and snap ends off . At this point you can cut beans into halves or thirds for bite sized treats, or leave them long.  Dry beans and arrange on trays so air can circulate. 135 for 4 hours or longer until nice and crispy. Airtight container.

KALE- Kale chips arent just for humans, our furry friends like them too. Wash and dry kale, you can cut into smaller pieces. Cover trays.  125 degrees for 4 to 6 hours, or until crunchy.  Airtight container up to 2 weeks.

PUMPKIN- Rico is gaga for pumpkin. Pumpkin is pretty easy to make in the dehydrator.   You do have to peel the outer hard rind off the pumpkin first. Slice pumpkin flesh into thin slices (1/8 to 1/4"). Arrange on trays so they are not touching to allow for proper circulation. 155 degrees for 10 hours. Test crunchiness, add another 2 hours if you want a crisper pumpkin chip.

SWEET POTATO-  Scrub and slice your sweet potatoes.  A Mandolin slicer is really helpful. The thinner the slice, the less time it takes to dry.  Arrange on trays and set dehydrator to 125 and start at 10 hours.  For a crispier treat, y9ou can go up to 12 hours.  The thicker the slice, a longer drying time.  If you want a chewier more flexible treat you can start ay 6 hours and go from there.

Did you know you can also make healthy meat treats for your dog in the dehydrator!!

CHICKEN AND BEEF:  Remove any fat and trim up . slice boneless skinless chicken breasts into 1/8 to 1/4" slices arrange slices on trays.  Slice beef into 1/4" to 3/8" slices.   dehydrate for minimum 6 hours, or until dry on the outside and only slightly moist on inside. Color should be uniform throughout.

LIVER-  You can choose any kind of liver and slice into thin slices . Arrange on trays and dehydrate about 4 hours. The thicker the slice, the longer the time needed. 

ICE CREAM CONE DOG TREATS

 

September 22 is National Ice Cream cone Day.  Now over at Rags To Rico, we like Ice Cream as much as humans.  So we have rounded up a bunch of Ice Cream Cone flavored treats and toys!!

So here are some of our Amazon suggestions, AND a few baked goodies that looked almost good enough for the humans to eat!!

SET OF 5 ICE CREAM CONE COOKIES-  from woofablesbakery.com

"We scream, you scream, but our dogs bark for Ice Cream.  These delectable yogurt-coated treats are a summer favorite biscuit for our four-legged friends.  And because we have so much trouble making up our minds, we've put these dog treats into a variety pack." 

I RUV ICE CREAM CONES- FROM tailsinthecity.com

"These delicious doggie ice cream cone treats are the perfect gift for the pampered pooch in your life. These yummy peanut butter dog biscuits are an excellent Holiday gift for any size dog big or small. Feed as a treat or reward! Our fresh baked gourmet dog treats look so good you will be tempted to try one yourself!"

SOFTSERVE CONE TREATS- From paws2purrfection.com

"Our all-natural, organic Soft Serve Ice Cream shaped dog treats make a great gift for summertime fun in the sun!  Our best selling treats are now available in the shape of a delicious soft serve ice cream cone! Made from the highest quality organic ingredients! Flavored with all-natural peanut butter & cinnamon, dogs will LOVE these delicious goodies. Custom made to order and hand decorated to give your pup that extra special treat!"

OUT OF THE BOX CONE TREATS- by outoftheboxpet.com

"Cone shaped vanilla yogurt Grain Free Dog Treats. Made with real yogurt in  fun ice cream cone shaped treats. Treats have over 18 months shelf life and come in 3 4.5oz bags (13.5oz total treats) with locking seal for freshness. Treats contain no by-products, no artificial flavors or colors. Made in the USA. Perfect for all size dogs as a reward or for pleasure. Your dog will love them!"

ICE CREAM CONE PLUSH TOY- Foryourpawsonly.com

"NomNomz™ are your favorite foods, now in plush form for your pups! Feed your dog's inner foodie with these "delicious" yummy treats, one bite and they'll be in doggie heaven.

• Squeaker: 2 round squeakers
• Toy size: 9 x 4 x 3 in"

Dog quote of the day

 

Happy Thursday!  May your tails always wag.

Today is National Hug Your Hound Day!

SEPTEMBER 14 IS HUG YOUR HOUND DAY!!

Wait, what? Is this for real?  We actually need a holiday to tell people to hug their dog?? Is this for real?

I mean who doesnt love to hug and kiss on their fur babies??

WHAT IS HUG YOUR HOUND DAY?

 " Created by canine behaviorist Ami Moore, the holiday encourages dog parents and owners to focus on their dogs' health, safety and happiness. The unofficial holiday celebrates the special bond between dogs and their owners.The day also aims at creating more a more dog friendly environment in urban areas."  (from timeanddate.com)

So how can you get involved in Hug Your Hound Day??

--Take your hound for a good walk or to the dog park!

--Treat them with a new toy!

--Give them one of their favorite treats!

--make sure they are up to date on vet work and vaccinations

--volunteer at a local shelter

--let them know they are a good doggo!!

--spruce them up at the groomer..complete ensemble with a bow or bandana!

Show your favorite hound a little love today!!

Ewok Dog

 My human has decided I will be an Ewok for Halloween this year.

We moved to a whole new state in a totally different part of the county.  Our old neighborhood in NC was older, quiet, no sidewalks, not a lot of kids, so Halloween wasnt a big deal. We never had trick or treaters, so I didnt have the opportunity to dress up!  

Well our NEW house is FULL of kids and sidewalks and streetlamps. It is going to be a GREAT trick or treat neighborhood and I cant wait for everyone to look at me and tell me how cute I am.

Im back baby!

We've been very busy and just havent had the opportunity to update this page in a long time.

BUT SERIOUSLY, LOOK HOW CUTE I AM!!

Freshly groomed, and looking all sorts of pathetic(probably had something to do with cheese or some other kind of snack not being shared).

Best eyelashes in the game, yo.