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How old is your dog?

Pre-Puppy
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Pre-Puppy

What’s better than puppies? That’s right: your own puppy. So, what do you need to know before you take the plunge into pet parenthood?

0-2 months
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0-2 months

Welcome to the world little one. It’s all grow-grow-grow for your puppy right now, so there’s many things to prepare.

2-3 months
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2-3 months

Your puppy is ready to come home and turn your world upside down. It’s time to put your preparation into practice – and remember to take it all in!

3-6 months
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3-6 months

You’re entering a period of immense growth, lots of learning and new adventures. Bring on the play date with the big wide world!

6-12 months
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6-12 months

Your fur-baby is nearing adulthood. Can you see their grown self coming through? Sigh…they grow up so fast, don’t they?

12-18 months
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12-18 months

Your puppy has turned one and they might not be so little anymore. Make sure to book their first annual check-up.

18 months - 3 years
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18 months - 3 years

Your dog is one an established family member now. Enjoy who they have become and the bond you now share at this special stage.

3 - 8 years
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3 - 8 years

Your dog is a full-grown adult now. They understand where their place is in your home and the wider world.

8+ years
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8+ years

Just like many senior citizens, senior dogs have some extra needs. Learn to look after your best friend and support their health as they grow older.

Dog Friendly Cupcake Recipe - Halloween Puppy Fun

Jodie Humphries - Dog Lover profile picture

Jodie Humphries - Dog Lover

Dog Lover

Jodie is an obsessed dog mum who loves to learn how to best care for her pup Wally and she loves to share the things she learns with others. She's always been a pet owner but loves dogs the most and loves being surrounded by like-minded dog lovers.

Dog Friendly Cupcake Recipe - Halloween Puppy Fun

Halloween is coming, so have a spooky time and include your pup with our dog-friendly recipe for Spooky Dog Pupcakes.

Not only do we hope your pup loves these delicious cupcakes, but it will mean they get to join the family's Halloween festivities.

Making sure your pup is included in your family's Halloween is really easy. Whether you want to go all out and put them in a costume, encourage them to pose for photos, or just give them special Halloween treats, there are many ways to safely include them.

Some fun options include:

  • Let them dress the part - Whether it's a bandana or a full costume, you can always add some Halloween flair to your pups look.
  • Do their own trick or treat - If your pup learns a new trick, it gets a treat.
  • Take them trick or treating - When you take your kids around the neighbourhood trick or treating, why not let the pup tag along (always on a lead, of course!).
  • Watch a scary movie - Now, this is definitely something for your whole family. Your pup can snuggle up close when you're all watching a scary movie.
  • Do a photoshoot - If they enjoy it, dress your pup up, decorate your home and take some fun, spooky photos.
  • Make Halloween themed treats - We've included a delicious Halloween Spooky Dog Pupcake recipe here. There are a lot of other Halloween themed treats you can make.

The most crucial part is for the whole family to enjoy the spooky season together, but you also want to make sure that it's safe for everyone.

If you have an anxious dog that you don't think will like the dress ups or the trick or treating, perhaps focus on the fun that can be had at home.

Watching a scary movie or learning some new tricks would be fun ways to celebrate the spooky season.

Whatever way you choose to include your pup in your Halloween celebrations, it's all about fun with the family. And making them their own dog-friendly recipes will definitely help them enjoy themselves.

Spooky Dog Pupcakes Recipe

This dog-friendly recipe will have your pup howling with excitement!

 

Ingredients

For the Dog Pupcakes
  • 2 ripe bananas (2/3 cup mashed)
  • 1/2 cup of xylitol-free peanut butter, smooth or creamy (*see notes below)
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 2 clean, fresh eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups self-raising flour
  • 2 1/2 tsp sugar (optional)
  • 1/4 cup olive oil,
  • 3/4 cup water

 

Pupcake Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fans). Line regular or mini cupcake tin.
  2. Place bananas in a bowl and mash (the smoother, the better).
  3. Add peanut butter, honey and eggs. Beat until smooth.
  4. Add flour, sugar, oil and water. Beat until smooth.
  5. Divide batter into cupcake tins.
  6. Bake 20-25 minutes until the top is golden or a skewer comes out clean.
  7. Allow the dog pupcakes to cool before icing them with our dog-friendly recipe for icing.

Icing Instructions

  1. Place diced pumpkin in a large pot of water. Bring to boil, then cook pumpkin until soft and easy to mash.
  2. Drain, then return to an empty pot. Add yogurt. Mix with an electric beater for 1 minute, gradually increasing to top speed, for 1 more minute or until smooth and creamy. Add water if needed to achieve icing consistency.
  3. Decorate each dog pupcake with icing and a VitaPet Pocket Reward Bone.

VitaPet Pocket Rewards are available at Coles.

*Dog Pupcake Recipe Note

Make sure the peanut butter doesn't contain Xylitol, an artificial sweetener, that is toxic for dogs. Natural/organic peanut butter should be used.

This recipe was formulated with human-grade, dog-friendly ingredients fit for dog consumption. If your dog has any food allergies or food sensitivities, please consult with your veterinarian for advice before feeding your dog. Only fresh ingredients should be used when recreating this recipe. The creation and feeding of these treats remains the responsibility of the pet owner. Please be sure to cater to your individual dog’s needs.

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