If so we have the perfect rainy day activity for you to do and we can guarantee your pup will definitely love you for it.
So go on, put your favourite music on loud, grab those measuring spoons out and let's get baking!
We were lucky enough to be given some of Scoop Dog’s amazing products to use for our doughnuts. Don’t just take our word for it, ask everyone who is anyone how good it is!
Now onto the recipe!
We made doughnuts, but this will work with any kind of cake moulds you have! So don't worry about rushing down to the store, be creative and make it any way you’d like!
What you need:
For the mixture:
1 ½ Cups of flour
½ Cup of Scoop Dog vanilla ice cream
2 Eggs
1 scoop of Scoop Dog’s Goat milk powder
½ cup water
For the icing:
1 cup Scoop dog Hot Choccy
½ cup of water
(for the icing this is loose measurements, you can change it to fit how much icing you need but you just want to make sure it turns into a paste and not too watery)
Directions:
While these are cooking away in the oven, it's time to make the icing!
(if you feel as though you need more Hot Choccy powder, more or less water, adjust measurements to what you need)
Once the doughnuts are complete, leave them to cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes, once cool grab your icing out of the fridge and away you go!
If you have a go at making these delicious doughnuts, share the finished result to your stories/posts and tag us on Instagram so we can see your creations! :)
]]>As soon as daylight saving starts you can feel that chill in the air, especially at nights when it gets darker a lot earlier and then in the mornings when it's a struggle to get out of bed to take your pups for their daily walks. Speaking from our experiences, your pups most likely are feeling this way too - and all they want to do is join you on the couch tucked up under a blanket keeping warm from the unpredictable weather outside (well unless you have a dog made for the snow… then they’ll have no problems jumping out of bed and taking you with them) So the team here at Healthy Dog and CO have put together some handy tips to make exercising your pup in winter more bearable.
Tip 1: Warm Weather Gear
For dogs with short coats, the cold and rain may not be as fun for them as dogs with double coats - so making sure they have warm weather gear to wear on their walks definitely makes it a better experience for them and now with all those great companies out there making stylish dog apparel you and your pup will be battling the rain in style!
Rain Jackets - Checkout Happy Scrappies range of rain coats on our website ! The team have gone above and beyond with making their apparel sustainable and also making sure your pups stay dry while looking great!
Coats and Sweaters - for dogs that really feel the cold, paring a rainjacket/coat with a warm sweater underneath will help with temperature regulation and also make their time outside more enjoyable - Check out Mr Soft Tops range of colourful, warm merino jumpers and warm coats to help fight the cold breeze.
Boots - now boots are more for when you’re planning long walks in the cold or for places where it's snows! These will protect your pups paws from the icy cold which can dry their paws out and make them colder faster (as a main source of heat actually comes from your dogs paws!) as well keeping them safe from anything that could be underneath the snow that you can’t easily see (boots are also handy year round if your dog injures their feet, they give that extra protection for going out and about while the paw is healing)
Tip 2: LED Lights
With it getting darker earlier and a lot of dog parents not getting home until after dark, having a way for you both to stay safe and also to be able see your dog at all times especially in high traffic and darker rural areas makes night time walks a lot easier. This is where a light reflector comes in - there are so many different types of lights you can choose for your pup from items that you could find around the house to purchasing a light up collar or LED light to attach to their collar/harness
Reflective Dog Leashes - as well as your dog staying visible in the dark, you also want to make sure their leash is lit up too - we recommend doing this if you run with your dog, use a longer leash at the park or even around busy areas!
Light up Collars - Now how cool are these?! There are so many different types to choose from and so many different colours! What also makes it easier is most of these are battery rechargeable - so they’ll be nice and lightweight and not bulky with having that added battery attached to it. (always make sure when you’re looking at collars you have the correct fit and it fits nicely on your dog and not too tight or loose)
LED lights - So many great brands are bringing out all these awesome lights that can attach to your dogs collar or harness - this is a great option for seeing what is ahead of your pup and to help with that visibility. You could also re use bike keychain lights if you have them at home!
Safety Vest - so many companies have brought out some great dog wear that can keep your dog warm and also have that reflective material to make sure theyre seen at the same time! Win Win right! (please note with this that reflective material will only shine when lit up by light)
DIY Tips and Tricks: Do you love a bit of DIY? Well you can go ahead and make your pup a reflective bandana to wear - all you need is some reflective material and away you go!
Tip 3: Paw Balm
Dogs paws are super important to them in every day life, they help protect the joints and bones in the feet and also help with grip and stability on slippery surfaces. In the winter months their feet can dry out a lot quicker with walking on cold and hard ground, so making sure you have some paw balm on hand for a little pamper session after your evening walk is the best way to keep your pups paws hydrated, protected and moisturised.
Tip 4: Keeping them dry
Making sure your pup is fully dried off after a rainy walk is super important. Leaving them wet to air dry especially in the cold could lead to hot spots, infections and even matting of the fur if they have a long or double coat. Also dont forget to make sure you double check that these areas of the dog are completely dry before letting them do anything else to help prevent skin problems - Stomach, Inner Legs/armpits, In between their paws, Tail and rear end.
I have to admit we don't really go in for the whole flowers and cards in our house but I do think its a nice time to tell the people in your lives that you love them from your mum to your partner or just to your self.
If you are thinking about getting romantic why not include your dog, we have put some pup friendly date ideas for you.
Picnics are the perfect thing for our summers valentine day think about it a nice walk and some food maybe even a spot of bubbles. A good walk will wear out your dog then they should be quite content to share your sandwich 😂.
Our favorite spot for picnics in Auckland is Cornwall park, plenty of paths to explore and large lawns to play ball on and its totally dog friendly.
Walking beside the ocean and watching the sun set has to be one of the things that we New Zealanders love the most. It can wash away all your worries and its pretty high up there on the romantic scale 😉
Dinner out with your dog may sound hard but in reality most places with outside seating are pretty chilled about you bringing your dog as long as they behave. For a list of places which are really happy to see your dog and you, head over to the new dog friendly website which lists them across the country.
The last one on our list might be harder to find and will most likely involve a hike. Visit a waterfall ! I don't know what it is but hiking up through the bush to a waterfall is always so much fun and they are worth the effort. We found this great list of must visit NZ trails for dogs which include a few waterfalls like the Kaiate falls trail in Papamoa bay of plenty, pictured above. You never know it might be just the romantic spot to pop that question if your waiting 😉
]]>First stop the esplanade, Evie loves going here because it usually means she gets an ice cream from the ice cream truck!
There are Many other reasons she loves the esplanade, going to any of the dog friendly cafes on our way! This always means pats from everyone, she also loves walking along to the second beach walking track from the esplanade one of her favourite spots to watch the birds! Its a nice place to walk morning and night!
Next stop, we're heading to Nichols falls!
This is a fairly large hike up hill but worth the walk Evie loves walking and especially loves being in the bush I think this is because she gets to try and hunt the birds!
At the end of the track you see a lovely waterfall and it is only 10 mins from the city center!
Otago university clock tower!
Evie spends a bit of time here as I study here, but what better place to go for a wee trot then at the uni!
With its beautiful buildings it really is a lovely place for a walk!
Evie loves walking along side the Leith river ensuring that she is protecting everyone from the ducks!
Otago railway station!
Another beautiful old building, Evie and I go here for a picnic dinner! It is a really nice spot to just stop and look at the beautiful garden beds they have around! perfect place to stop for a coffee.
Ross creek
Probably Evies favourite walking track!
Ross creek is 10 mins from the city and is such a beautiful walk!
You can spend hours taking the various tracks around the place!
We stick to the main track where the water reservoir it is really beautiful! And its flat so very user friendly!
I hope you have enjoyed meeting Evie and seeing around Dunedin with us 😍
Here she is taking in the views of Belmont Regional Park.
The breathtaking views and bush-clad valleys of Belmont Regional Park make it a favorite open space for picnics, walking, running, mountain biking and horse riding.
Located in the hill between Porirua and the Hutt Valley, the park features the historic Korokoro Dam, Pareaho Pa, World War II ammunition stores and the original main coach road from Wellington. Climb to the trig, enjoy sweeping views over Porirua Harbor, the Lower Hutt and the remnants of ancient boulder block fields.
Dogs are permitted on leash in the Korokoro, Stratton St and Dry Creek Valleys.
Want to snap an iconic shot with your pup, then head to the brightly painted boatsheds at the harbor and enjoy the cafes a stones throw away.
Mount Vic. Immaculate 360 views of the city and harbor make for such a beautiful end to either a nice walk or a drive.
And because we have so many of them here in NZ it would be a shame to miss out a botanical garden 😉
With so many beautiful places to explore and walk through over its 25 hectors this is one of our dog friendly favorite spots, it has coffee and even a cable car it our top place to visit with your dog.
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We have to start with the lake, it's the center point to the town and the main reason most people visit Taupo.
I love the fact that you can drive around the lake and it has different feel in different places.
Obviously the main town is townie with all the things you expect but as you drive on you find your self driving through bush, along side the lake or through parts that weirdly make me think of New Hampshire or the lake district in the UK. It really is a lake with many faces.
These shots are taken on the Great Lake Pathway, a 10km walk that begins at the boat harbor and leads out to 5 mile bay and runs right alongside the lakefront.
Along the pathways are places to stop for coffee, a swim, a bite to eat and you can even find a few natural geothermal hotspots!
Taupo city center is really dog friendly and you will see furry friends everywhere. Along the Roberts St strip there are cafes and bars that have dog friendly outdoor spaces with beautiful views of the lake. All equipped with dog bowls and shade so everyone can enjoy themselves. Check out lonestars's courtyard!
Taupo's Botanic Gardens are unusual but so much fun for your dog, trails run through native bush popping out into little clearings with what seems like random plantings . Its all rather beautiful 😍
Adventure on a 3km walk through native bush to the lakes edge and discover flat volcanic rocks that reach out over the crystal clear water - Whakamoenga Point is a beautiful place to stop and reflect on the wonders of the lake and how it was created hundreds of years ago.
So head out and adventure in Taupo there is so much to see and do .
]]>Whakarewarewa Forest (The Redwoods) - The number one spot in Rotorua and a fan favorite for both pooches and humans. It is also Rumble's happy place. We love the forest because there's always an activity for everyone - whether you're into mountain biking, hiking/tramping, or just enjoying an afternoon with your dog on a nice and relaxed walk.
Centennial Park (formerly known as the Rotorua Tree Trust) - This park is one of the most scenic parks in Rotorua. In Spring, the cherry blossoms are a real highlight. In Autumn, you will start seeing the leaves turn red/brown and it's absolutely beautiful here! Just be careful as sheep graze here, so keep your pooches on lead!
First we head to the north shore to Birkenhead and Rollo's most favorite walk through Chelsea Estate Heritage Park 🌿 With both on leash and off leash areas its the perfect dog friendly place.
After crossing over this bridge, there is a fork in the path where you get to choose between a little forest walk or a little beach area for a swim. There is also the Chelsea Sugar Cafe where you can grab coffee and a sweet treat 🍩.
Practice your nighttime photography or just enjoy the festive feel of Britomart at night lit up by fairy lights all year around. Mixing up the things you do with your dog is a great way to grow confidence, but remember to take plenty of treats for rewarding good behavior 😉.
Are you looking for a walk where sniffing is key? With all the fantastic flowers in Dove Myer Robinson park (also called Parnell rose gardens) your walk will be an experience for all. Even in the winter months this is a lovely walk where you can reach the waters edge and meander through paths for an hour or so.
All the final designs start off as a little spark, it maybe something I see on Pinterest or maybe on the tv, something little that gets me thinking.
From there I normally start with research, looking for images and colours that feel close to that little spark. This can sometimes lead me in one direction or off into multiple paths.
For example I was looking through my pins on the lead up to Christmas checking out cute ideas for the Christmas table when I saw a group of pins that I had saved of modern quilts (hand up, I am a crafter😀).
I love the clear lines and solid colour combinations of modern quilts and it got me thinking maybe we could do a geometric bandana range and quilts could be the inspiration....
From images I start doodling, this year for my birthday and Christmas gift I was lucky enough to be able to get an apple pencil and iPad so I can start doodling directly which should speed up my design process. The other bonus is I can create cool time lapse videos like the one below to share with you. This is the first design so far but I will probably do another five or so to see if the idea will make it into a final product.
This is just one ideas that have come from that little seed or an idea and I'm really enjoying playing with the shapes and colours.
Anyway I hoped you liked a little look at just one part of my design process.
]]>We have added this style to our range as it offers you more flexibility when it comes to sizing.
Like our reversible harness this one also has soft padding around the neck, but instead of being solid, we have added straps either side of the neck so you can get an individual fit. Having this extra adjustment real helps when you have a breed with different proportions, like a dachshund, whippet, frenchie etc where the neck is small but chests are deep.
We carry sizes xsmall to large which covers all small to medium breeds and lighter framed large breeds like greyhounds.
Still made with super soft neoprene fabric and with a soft breathable mesh on the inside these harnesses are light weigh and ultra comfortable to wear, perfect for fussy walkers.
I use the adjustable harness on my medium/large sized dog Sprinkles, it gives me more control on our walks and a firm fit which is great for when she dives in the bush.
The simple answer to that question is a resounding yes.
There are plenty of campgrounds that are more than happy to host you and your dog this summer, so why not give it a try.
Here are some tips to help you prepare for your first camping adventure.
Photo by Alexander Paul on Unsplash
]]>At this time of year I always go through my first aid kit, no only are the kids off, but we are getting out and about with the dogs on more adventures so its good to be prepared. The things that I pack for the dogs are not that different to a human first aid kit.🚑
Even though I have all these things, I'm happy to say I have only had to use the saline once to flush out a grass seed.
It only takes a bit of thought to pack one and then its done for the summer 🌞
]]>First up I think a lot of us feel that this year has been hard in so many ways so we are all looking for ways to make this Christmas special.
Focusing on family and memories is a way to feel more connected and there is no better way to make those special memories than with some beautiful pictures. So we want to give a shout out to the very talented Dog & Co photography, Kirsty know how to get the perfect shot of you and your dog and I know she would love to help you capture the perfect memory.
Second is Bosch and me, if you want a little sparkle to add to your dogs Christmas stocking this year then why not grab one of Holly's beautiful resin dog name tags.
With something for everyone's taste I'm sure you will find the perfect match I for one love the multi sprinkles...It must has to be the perfect match to my own Sprinkles 🤩
I couldn't not include a cute set of dog pj's - what is it with the connection between Christmas and pyjamas? But there is definitely one and with that in mind I'm introducing you to OtiBoatyA cute nz boutique with the sweetest dog pj's.
You could also consider giving a gift to another dog by supporting one of the amazing rescues around the country. Consider donating to one of your local rescue groups and it does't need to be money, it could be old towels or bedding, or food - we are on a loyalty program where our tenth bag of food is free so we donate that bag to a rescue. Depending on the rescue you could donate some of your time and help them with fundraising, every little helps.
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Dressing up your dog can be a lots of fun for you and them if they are happy to comply. Buzz loves dressing up as it means he gets lots of attention, his favorite day of the year is Halloween and you can find this little man handing out candy every year in a costume of some sort...Below is his unicorndog look 😂
Some clothing is also useful, sun shirts are becoming increasingly popular her in NZ and Australia as a way to protect your pup from the harsh summer ray, they can also double up as an extra layer to protect the tummy's of itchy dogs from summer grasses.
For the thinner breeds like whippets and grey hounds layers are essential to keep them warm throughout the colder seasons. We’re excited to say that we can now offer whippet clothing in store - grey hounds to come soon ;)
For the really cold months nz merinos by the lovely team at Mr soft top are perfect as a sleeping layer as they are breathable and can be layered under jackets for walks
Sweat shirts are cosy and perfect for winter walks and snuggling while Netflix is on! These can be made for size and we do several launches through the winter seasons.
What ever the season there is always something to choose from so your dog is the best dressed!
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What are the benefits to wearing a harness?
*Back attaching harnesses are recommended for small breeds as they are more sensitive to pressure and front attaching harnesses can cause pain for them. This is why we have back attaching harnesses at Healthy Dog and Co.
When is a collar better for my dog?
So, does your dog need a harness or a collar? The ultimate decision comes down to a careful consideration of what your particular dog needs, and your own personal preference. A perfect solution comes in the form of our full sets, where you can buy a harness, collar and leash. The collar can stay on all the time, and the harness can be used when you are out and about.
If you have any questions about our dog wear, please get in touch.
]]>It’s essential that you measure your dog to ensure the right fit when purchasing a harness. It’s a very simple process. See the video below for a demonstration. In the video you will also see how easy it is to fit the harness on your dog.
After measuring, simply check the table below to find your dog’s size. The harness is adjustable around your dog’s chest. You will see that there is some overlap in the adjustable chest sizes, choose a harness that fits, or is bigger than your dog’s neck size. If it is too small, it will be uncomfortable and unsuitable for your dog.
Size |
Measurements |
Small |
Neck 32cm Chest 39-50cm |
Medium |
Neck 36cm Chest 48-61cm |
Large |
Neck 40cm Chest 54-71cm |
Extra- large |
Neck 44cm Chest 59-84cm |
Summer feels like it has finally arrived! Whilst we are able to get out and about and enjoy the gorgeous summer sun, our pets don't always have as much fun in the heat as we do. Dogs, in particular, are not able to regulate their body temperature in the same way as humans can. As such, it's important that we look out for them over the coming months and help to keep them cool. There are tons of ways we can help our furry friends stay cool in the summer including walking with them at cooler times of the day in the morning and evening and ensuring they always have access to shade and plenty of fresh water.
Other than the basics, here are our top five ways of keeping your dogs cool in the summer
1 - Ice cubes in their water bowls/frozen treats. Scoop Ice Cream is the perfect summer treat!
2- Set up a paddling pool in the shade for some splashing/lounging fun.
3- Use cool gel pads in their beds or crates.
4- Soak a bandana or harness in cold water(our neoprene harnesses are perfect for this one )
5- For puppies, knot an old tea towel, wet it and then freeze - this makes a great teething soother.
Stay cool and healthy, and enjoy the gorgeous weather!
Keep cool in our neoprene harnesses - simply dunk it in water before the walk, pop it on as you head out of the door and it will help your dog cool while you hit the streets.
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