Dogs are called ‘Man’s Best Friend’ for a variety of reasons – and a mutually beneficial relationship is one of them. And for thousands of years, we, hoomans, have been breeding dogs to perform specific tasks and distinct traits.
Dog-Friendly Restaurants: What Are Penny’s Favorites?
The post Dog-Friendly Restaurants: What Are Penny’s Favorites? by Savanna Stanfield appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.
Hi, I’m Savanna! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my spunky Chihuahua mix, Penny.
You should know by now that we love to travel with Penny. So when we do, we are always looking for places we can take her, including dog-friendly restaurants. Not only are the number of restaurants that allow dogs increasing, but some of the restaurants even have menus just for dogs.
It’s always awesome to stumble across restaurants with secret dog menus, because Penny gets a yummy treat too instead of having to beg for our food. I’m going to talk about one of our favorite dog-friendly restaurants to eat at when we go on vacation, as well as some other restaurants where you can get special items just for your dog.
Keep in mind that unless a restaurant has a patio or outdoor dining space, they likely don’t allow dogs for health and safety reasons. Even if a restaurant has an outdoor dining space, you should always call ahead to make sure they allow dogs!
Shaggy’s Pensacola Beach – Our Favorite Dog-Friendly Restaurant
I mentioned in an earlier post that one of our top places to vacation is Pensacola Beach, Florida. Not only do they have two dog-friendly beaches, but several of the restaurants are dog-friendly as well.
Our favorite is Shaggy’s, because not only are they super dog-friendly, but they also have a menu just for dogs! You can choose from a beef hot dog, burger patty, or grilled chicken and steamed rice, and they also have dog-friendly ice cream! They also bring a water bowl for your dog to drink out of. The best part is that all the meals are served inside a Shaggy’s frisbee “plate”.
We order grilled chicken and steamed rice for Penny, and we get a lot of food for such a small dog! She doesn’t eat it all (but a big dog might), but needless to say she doesn’t bother us for our food one time. The frisbee is also much too big for her to play with, and she doesn’t play with frisbees anyway, but it’s still a cute touch. And we can play with it even if Penny can’t.
If you ever find yourself in Pensacola Beach with your dog, I highly recommend Shaggy’s. You can order the Beach Balls for yourself, which are fried balls of mashed potatoes stuffed with cheese and bacon with ranch and queso to dip them in. They’re easily one of the most delicious things I’ve ever eaten.
Shaggy’s also has locations in Biloxi, Gulfport, Pass Christian (Pass Harbor), and The Rez, all in Mississippi.
Dunkin’ Donuts Pup Cup
Of course all dog owners are familiar with the pup cup, which is another one of Penny’s favorite treats. But in case you don’t know, a pup cup is a small cup filled with just whipped cream (or in some cases, vanilla ice cream instead), and they’re usually free!
Our favorite place to get Penny a pup cup is Dunkin’ Donuts (whipped cream), but there are several other places you can get one for your dog, including:
- Chick-Fil-A – vanilla ice cream and a dog treat
- Culver’s – vanilla frozen custard, usually with a Milk Bone
- Dairy Queen – vanilla ice cream
- McDonald’s – whipped cream
- Shake Shack – vanilla custard, peanut butter, and a dog biscuit
- Sonic – whipped cream
- Starbucks Puppuccino – whipped cream
If you have a Pelican’s SnoBalls in your area, they also have a snow cone for dogs. It’s usually vanilla or peanut butter flavored with a dog treat on top. It’s not free, but it’s still really affordable, and sometimes we have to spend a little extra on our pups!
Other Restaurants with Menu Items for Dogs
If you’re looking for something with a little more sustenance than what a pup cup offers for your dog, there are plenty of other restaurants and eateries where you can get your dog a treat.
Penny hasn’t tried any of these personally, but we’re sure your dog will love them nonetheless! Just make sure you consult your vet first if your dog has any dietary restrictions.
- In-N-Out Pup Patty – unseasoned burger patty with no salt
- Johnny Rockets Dog Burger – a cut up burger patty
- Lazy Dog Rice Plate – cut up beef and rice
- Sprinkles Doggie Cupcake – a dog-safe cupcake with yogurt frosting
- Tim Hortons Timbits – sugar-free, dog-friendly donut holes
What’s Your Pup’s Favorite Treat?
Although Penny loves Shaggy’s, you may have your own dog-friendly restaurant your dog loves to eat at in your area. There are certainly plenty more places with secret dog menus that aren’t as well known. But if nothing else, you can at least spoil your dog with a free pup cup!
The post Dog-Friendly Restaurants: What Are Penny’s Favorites? by Savanna Stanfield appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.
How to Get Rid of Dog Pimples: 10 Vet-Approved Dog Acne Treatments
The post How to Get Rid of Dog Pimples: 10 Vet-Approved Dog Acne Treatments by Chris Dinesen Rogers appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.
People usually associate pimples with those difficult teenage years when hormones are out of whack as sexual maturity approaches. Dogs can also get acne too, most commonly affecting their chin and muzzle. The pimples in canine acne are caused by folliculitis, which is inflammation of the hair follicles. As it progresses the hair follicles can rupture and cause a deeper infection called furunculosis.
For some young dogs acne will spontaneously resolve when they reach adulthood, while for others it is associated with underlying conditions like allergies, demodex mites, hypothyroidism or ringworm.
Your vet may diagnose the condition based on how your dog presents and their medical history. They may also opt for other diagnostics, such as skin scrapings, bacterial cultures, or biopsies, to check for potential causes. Treatment options will vary depending on any underlying causes and triggers that have been identified.
The 10 Potential Ways to Treat Dog Acne
1. Swapping Plastic for Ceramic or Stainless Steel Bowls
A solution to your dog’s acne may be as simple as swapping their plastic food bowls for ceramic or stainless steel ones. Some pets are sensitive to the materials used to produce these items. The other concern is the bacteria plastic may harbor. It can develop scratches from repeated cleaning that can provide places for pathogens to grow. Unfortunately, plastic is virtually impossible to clean thoroughly.
2. Washing Your Dog’s Face After Meals
Acne is an inflammatory response. Washing your pup’s face after eating can limit the bacteria that can trigger acne. You should use warm water and a soft cloth to gently clean their face and muzzle. Make sure to dry them after washing.
3. Medicated Wipes
You can take mere washing to the next level with medicated or cleansing wipes. They can do a better job of getting your dog clean after eating or playing outside. Medicated wipes contain antiseptic ingredients such as chlorhexidine and can also help treat or prevent bacterial and fungal skin infections. Make sure to get a product that is safe to use on your dog’s face to prevent aggravating a pre-existing condition. You can’t beat the convenience and safety of using a disposable wipe.
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4. Topical Benzoyl Peroxide Cream
Vets often prescribe topical benzoyl peroxide to treat dog pimples. It helps unblock hair follicles that can cause canine acne. This treatment works best in mild cases when combined with improved hygiene. Make sure to use products formulated for dogs. Human topical treatments may be too harsh for your pooch.
5. Medicated Shampoo
Your vet may also recommend an anti-bacterial and anti-fungal shampoo. It may be more convenient if other parts of your dog are affected. One bath can cover all the bases. Be sure to read the instructions on the bottle and avoid getting the product in your dog’s eyes or ears.
6. Oral or Topical Steroids
Your vet may prescribe oral or topical steroids such as prednisolone for chronic or more difficult-to-treat cases. These medications go to the source of the inflammation to control the problem. However, steroids bring other issues to the table regarding the dosage, side effects, and discontinuation of the drugs. Follow your vet’s instructions carefully when using these meds.
7. Oral or Topical Antifungals
Ringworm is another possible cause of acne-like bumps on the skin, requiring treatment with oral or topical antifungals. It’s worth noting that ringworm is zoonotic and transmissible to people. Your vet will advise you about the necessary precautions if it’s at the root of the problem.
8. Topical or Oral Antibiotics
Secondary bacterial infections may accompany canine acne, especially if your dog paws at their snout and face. That can necessitate topical or oral antibiotics to treat these conditions.
9. Elimination Diet
Food allergies can cause skin conditions like dog pimples. If your vet has ruled out other triggers, they may suggest an elimination diet to determine if your pet is allergic to something they’re eating. A gold standard test doesn’t exist, making this approach the best way to manage allergies. Interestingly, canines are more likely to have issues with animal proteins such as chicken or beef than grains.
10. Prevention of Facial Trauma
Some pets bring on dog pimples with trauma to their snout. Diggers are vulnerable when they root around in the grass and soil. Unfortunately, that’s also where bacteria and fungi exist, setting the animals up for trouble. For dogs with environmental or food allergies, the itchiness can cause them to rub and scratch their face, breaking the short hairs and pushing them into the follicles.
If you notice a pattern in your pet’s condition, try to find a way to break the cycle to prevent recurrences. If your vet diagnoses your dog with an underlying allergy they may need anti-itch allergy medications to reduce the self trauma.
Other Factors
Other factors may affect your dog’s susceptibility to canine acne. For example, hairless dogs have a greater propensity for developing this condition. Short-haired breeds, such as Great Danes, Boxers, and Bulldogs, are also more likely to suffer from acne and there may be a genetic element.
Conclusion
Dog pimples can have varied causes. Mild cases in young dogs are often self-limiting. Others require veterinary intervention to treat and prevent it. We recommend discussing the issue with your vet if you notice anything unusual about your pet’s appearance. Treating these problems promptly is always best to avoid complications that can prolong treatment and your pet’s discomfort.
Featured Image Credit: Yekatseryna Netuk, Shutterstock
The post How to Get Rid of Dog Pimples: 10 Vet-Approved Dog Acne Treatments by Chris Dinesen Rogers appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.