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#TreatthePups to Keep Dogs Calm During Holiday Fun

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Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Lunchbox but all opinions are my own.

The holidays are fast approaching. That means food, family, and fun–and Fidos that sometimes find themselves getting a little too excited.

And, let’s face it: there’s a lot to be excited about on Thanksgiving! A day spent cooking, surrounded by family and friends, spells a lot of fun for our dogs. However, it’s important to keep dogs out from under foot during that food preparation time, for the safety of our dogs and ourselves!

A great way to keep your dog busy as you cook–and to say thanks for all your dog does–is to prepare a stuffed chew toy for your dog. Hard rubber toys, specially made to hold food and treats, can be packed with treats to prolong the fun of the treats (and to buy you some extra quiet time!)

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We’ve used three USA-made treats from Big Heart Pet Brands®: Milo’s Kitchen® Chicken Grillers, Pup-Peroni, and Milk Bone®, all available at budget-friendly prices at Walmart.

Here’s how to make your dog a stuffable interactive toy for a real Thanksgiving treat:

  • Step One: Wash the hard rubber toy, removing any traces of previous treats.
  • Step Two: Cut a Pup-Peroni treat in thirds. Use one third to plug the smallest opening in the rubber chew toy. Force it into the smallest opening so it really plugs up the toy, pressing it with your fingers to make it more difficult for your dog to remove.
  • Step Three: Add a couple of Milo’s Kitchen Chicken Griller treats to the toy.
  • Step Four: If you have some of your dog’s favorite chopped vegetables such as celery or carrots on hand, add those to the toy as well.
  • Step Five: Use a couple of Milk Bone treats to seal the large opening of your toy, stuffing the opening as tightly as possible.
  • Step Six: Give the toy to your dog at a time when you need him to be busy, whether that’s during the preparation of the Thanksgiving meal or during the meal itself.

You can also make this treat even longer-lasting by pouring low-sodium chicken broth into the toy before closing with the Milk Bone. Put the toy inside a coffee cup and place it into your freezer overnight. Give the frozen toy to your dog to nearly double the chewing time!

Paris Permenter
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This post originally appeared on DogTipper.com and is the sole property of DogTipper.com.