Friday, April 5, 2024

πŸ• Plant dog-safe flowers in your garden

"You think dogs will not be in heaven? I tell you, they will be there long before any of us."
- Robert Louis Stevenson

 
Happy Friday! Here's the scoop: 
  • Dogs love to stop and smell the flowers 
  • Which flowers to plant for a dog-safe garden 
  • Pet insurance: Is it worth it? + More finance tips
  • Tips for the best pet portraits this spring 
  • Creative ways to exercise your dog indoors
Did You Know...?
What are the two most popular dog names inspired by flowers?

(scroll to the bottom to find the answer!)
Can Dogs Stop to Smell the Roses?
As all the plants start blooming and springtime is upon us, it's tempting to stop and smell the flowers when you're out on your walk. But what about your canine companion? Can they enjoy this activity alongside you?

A dog's nose is always active. They can definitely smell flowers and can differentiate between different types. Not all dogs have the patience for a walk to enjoy it, and some might even mistake the flowers for a snack, so you do have to keep an eye on them. Some flowers are harmless for dogs, but others can be toxic. Watch for any strange symptoms if your dog gets into an unfamiliar garden. 

The best way to ensure you take your dog for a nice, safe spring flower walk is to research potentially toxic plants in your area. This will help you watch for anything that your dog should avoid. That way, you can all head out and enjoy the warmer weather.
Plant a Dog-Safe Flower Garden
If you want to plan out your garden to make sure your dog can smell any flowers they want, stick to this list of flowers that are safe for your pets. Add these to your garden and enjoy the colors and smells. 
  1. Roses - This crowd-pleaser is classic and safe for pups. Rosehips are actually safe for both dogs and people to eat. Just beware of the thorns. 
  2. African Violets - Get these flowers in a bunch of colors. They are easy to take care of and usually come as live plants instead of seeds, so you can just plant and enjoy.
  3. Snapdragons - This annual is great to add to your yard for color. They are non-toxic for your pet.
  4. Orchids - With so many varietals of this flower, you can get all kinds of hybrids. Bring these inside as potted plants or add them to your garden, but they are safe for pets.
  5. Garden Marigolds - These flowers add beautiful colors to your garden, and they are safe for dogs. Even a few nibbles are safe, and the petals are pretty tasty.
  6. Pansies - You can get these flowers in blue, white, yellow, red, orange, and purple. Each flower has a unique pattern and is beautiful. 
  7. Petunias - If you want something that smells amazing, add this flower to your gardens. 
  8. Sunflowers - The yellow pop of sunflowers brings a pop of color and lots of joy. These giant flowers are great to cut and bring inside as well. Plus, the blossoms bring birds to your garden.
  9. Zinnias - This easy-to-grow flower is a great way to add some extra color to your yard. They are easy to grow from seeds and are safe if your pup insists on munching on the petals.
  10. Gerbera Daisies - This is another classic flower that makes a great addition to bouquets and garden beds. The petals are safe for pups to eat as well.
While these are safe for pups to smell and enjoy, they should still avoid eating plants. Keep an eye on them while they are in your yard, or keep them out of the garden until they are trained. When in doubt, you can always check online or ask the plant store if something is toxic to animals if it's not on this list. There are plenty to add to your list without putting your pets at risk.
Pet Insurance Demystified: Is It Worth the Investment for Your Dog?
Pet insurance can often feel like an additional expense, but for many dog owners, it offers peace of mind and financial security in case of unexpected veterinary bills. Understanding whether pet insurance is worth the investment requires careful consideration of your dog's health, lifestyle, and potential risks.

Firstly, assess your dog's breed and predisposition to certain health conditions. Some breeds are more prone to hereditary issues or chronic conditions that may require costly treatments. In such cases, pet insurance can significantly alleviate financial burdens.

Additionally, consider your dog's lifestyle and potential risks. Active dogs may be more prone to accidents or injuries, while older dogs may require more frequent veterinary care for age-related issues. Pet insurance can help cover the costs of emergency treatments, surgeries, medications, and even rehabilitative therapies.

However, it's essential to research and compare different pet insurance plans to find one that suits your budget and provides adequate coverage for your dog's needs. Take note of premiums, deductibles, coverage limits, and any exclusions or restrictions.

Ultimately, pet insurance can be a valuable investment for dog owners who want to ensure their furry companions receive the best possible care without facing financial strain. By weighing the potential costs against the benefits, you can make an informed decision that prioritizes your dog's health and well-being.
Ways To Get Money Without Getting A Job
Food. Bills. Rent. Gas. They dry up every bit of your take-home pay. But, with a few smart moves, you could supplement your income — without doing much extra "work"!
Thanks to FinanceBuzz for sponsoring The Daily Dig.
Tips to Take the Best Photos of Your Dog in the Flowers
Since we've been talking about spring flowers, it seems wrong not to mention the potential beautiful backdrop for photos. If you are out and about with your dog, grab your phone and snap pictures in front of the cherry blossoms, magnolias, and bluebells. Here are five ways to capture the best pet portraits with a floral backdrop.
  • Pay attention to the light. Buds and leaves can leave some light spots on your subject, so pay attention to how the light is coming through the flowers and the time of day. Golden hour is the best, so plan for an early AM walk or sunset timeframe. 
  • Use layers. Consider the entire frame and try different angles. Use the flowers and greenery to provide some depth and dimension. Taller stems can also help frame your dog.
  • Don't let the colors take over. Many people make the mistake of oversaturating colors, but your pet should be the star of the show. Find flowers that work with your dog's coloring, like blue flowers with a golden pup.
  • Create a cohesive mood. Keep everything consistent in the photo. Choose bright flowers and make sure your pup is giving you a bright and cheerful look. 
  • Play with perspective. Try different angles when taking the photos. With flowers, you can get low to the ground or take a fun overhead picture. Play around with it and try things to see what works best.
Don't forget to share your photos with us after trying these tips.  
Creative Ways to Exercise Your Dog Indoors
When bad weather strikes, it can be challenging to keep your energetic pup active and entertained indoors. However, with a bit of creativity, you can provide your furry friend with stimulating exercise opportunities that keep both their body and mind engaged.

One way to exercise your dog indoors is through interactive toys and puzzles designed to dispense treats. These toys encourage physical activity as your dog works to retrieve the treats, promoting mental stimulation and problem-solving skills.

Another indoor exercise option is to create obstacle courses using household items like chairs, cushions, and blankets. Guide your dog through the course, incorporating commands like "sit," "stay," and "jump," to enhance obedience training while keeping them physically active.

Consider organizing indoor scavenger hunts by hiding treats or toys throughout your home and encouraging your dog to search for them. This activity taps into their natural instincts and provides mental stimulation, especially for scent-oriented breeds.

Indoor games like tug-of-war or hide-and-seek are also excellent ways to burn off energy while strengthening the bond between you and your dog. Ensure safety by using sturdy toys and setting boundaries for play.

Finally, don't underestimate the power of indoor fetch using soft toys or lightweight balls. Clear a space free from obstacles, and engage your dog in a game of fetch to provide cardiovascular exercise and mental stimulation.

By incorporating these creative indoor exercise ideas into your routine, you can ensure that your dog stays active, healthy, and happy regardless of the weather outside.
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Get results you can see and feel. Take advantage of a class for free* today.

Thanks to Orangetheory for sponsoring The Daily Dig. *Offer only available to U.S. customers. At participating studios only. Terms and conditions apply. Visit orangetheory.com/promotion-terms or see studio for details.
A Little Treat:
  • ✅ Did You Know: Daisy and Lily.
  • 🐢 DOTD: Give your pup the spotlight by submitting them for the dog of the day! This month's theme is dogs in spring. This could be anything from your pup playing in the rain or sun, to your dog modeling some spring-inspired garments. Reply to this email with the best pics of your pooch, a short description, and their name to be featured in an upcoming newsletter.
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