Free Printable Thanksgiving Game Night Games
Thanksgiving is one of those holidays that truly shines when we bring a mix of family, food, and fun into the gathering. That’s exactly where this Thanksgiving Game Night Games printable comes …
Keep up with posts from Brooklyn Active Mama by subscribing through Bloglovin’!
For more exclusive content not found on the blog like healthy snacks, workout plans and motivation subscribe to Nellie’s Healthy Living Newsletter!
Southern Sweet Potato Casserole With Crunchy Pecan Topping
If you are looking for an awesome sweet potato casserole for the holidays look no further! This side dish will be the star of the show! Thanksgiving is such a …
Keep up with posts from Brooklyn Active Mama by subscribing through Bloglovin’!
For more exclusive content not found on the blog like healthy snacks, workout plans and motivation subscribe to Nellie’s Healthy Living Newsletter!
Butternut Squash Orzo
I love a good creamy pasta, and this creamy butternut squash orzo checks all the boxes! This dish kind of reminds me of a butternut squash risotto, except of course we’re using pasta instead of rice. Finished with brown butter that gets an extra fall flavor boost from fresh sage, this orzo with butternut squash and kale is full of savory flavors perfect for cozy autumn nights.
Butternut squash and pasta are a match made in heaven, and I’ve got the recipes to prove it! After you make the butternut squash orzo, you should try Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce, Butternut Squash Sausage Pasta, and Butternut Squash Ravioli.
Why This Recipe Works
- Delicious leftovers. This dish makes a lot, so it can serve a family for dinner with plenty left over for lunch the next day, or it works great as meal prep for the week. As with many pasta dishes, it only gets more delicious with time!
- Healthy comfort food. Loaded with nutrients from both butternut squash and kale, this butternut squash and orzo pasta is a veggie-loaded dinner that contains very little dairy and mostly gets its creaminess from vegetable broth. A little bit of parmesan helps, too, but it doesn’t need a lot.
- Ultimate fall dinner. The combination of sweet butternut squash, creamy orzo pasta, and kale, sage, and brown butter gives this easy recipe all of the fall flavors you love in one bowl. It’s a perfect cold weather meal!
The post Butternut Squash Orzo appeared first on Salt & Baker.
Turtle Pie
If you love caramel pecan turtles, you’re going to LOVE this turtle pie! A toasty graham cracker and pecan crust is filled with a creamy caramel cream cheese mixture and topped with more gooey caramel, crunchy pecans, and silky chocolate. It’s classic flavors you love in a new delicious form.
For more caramel goodness, you should definitely try my Caramelitas or copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies. If the pecans are your favorite part of this recipe, Arkansas Possum Pie also has a pecan crust. You’ll also love my Candied Pecans and Pecan Sticky Buns.
Why This Recipe Works
- Easy turtle pie recipe. This recipe for turtle pie comes together in a snap. Once you’ve mixed and baked your pecan-graham cracker crust (alternatively, make this a no bake turtle pie recipe and just stick the crust in the fridge), mix the filling and pour it in. Drizzle some melted chocolate on top, add some toasted pecans, and chill. Easy!
- Perfect make-ahead dessert. This turtle cream pie needs to be chilled for several hours. You can even chill it overnight, ideal for prepping in advance.
- A delicious holiday treat. Pecan turtles are one of those candies that seem to get really popular around the winter holidays. This pecan turtle pie mimics the beloved candy in a form that is super shareable and loved by everyone who tries it!
The post Turtle Pie appeared first on Salt & Baker.
Mashed Potatoes with Sour Cream
Creamy mashed potatoes are one of the best foods around. Conversely, dry mashed potatoes are one of the WORST foods. This easy recipe for mashed potatoes with sour cream is the farthest thing from dry, with additional butter and milk to keep it moist. It’s a top-tier mashed potato recipe that is straightforward, but super tasty.
Sour cream mashed potatoes are the perfect side for so many foods! I particularly love to have mashed potatoes with Mississippi Pot Roast. Recipes like Dijon Chicken, Swedish Meatballs, and Hawaiian Haystacks that come with their own gravy are also delicious pairings.
Why This Recipe Works
- Best mashed potatoes with sour cream. This recipe is specifically for sour cream lovers, because if you’re going to have sour cream mashed potatoes, you better be able to taste the sour cream, am I right? Sour cream and its slight tang is the star flavor here, while butter and milk add richness and moisture and ensure a luxurious texture.
- Easy side dish. While making mashed potatoes does require a little elbow grease—dicing the potatoes, then mashing them with all the ingredients—it’s a straightforward process featuring simple ingredients. Plus, while the potatoes cook on the stove, you have plenty of time to work on the other aspects of your meal. Win-win!
- Perfect for any occasion. This sour cream mashed potatoes recipe is easy enough to make on a weeknight and delicious enough to make for a holiday meal like Thanksgiving dinner.
The post Mashed Potatoes with Sour Cream appeared first on Salt & Baker.
Best Thanksgiving Pies
Thanksgiving recipes include some of the best food we eat the entire year, including all the delicious Thanksgiving pies for dessert! I’ve gathered our best traditional pie recipes, a few delicious pies with a new twist, plus fool-proof pie crust recipes, to give you all your pie needs in one place.
You can also find some tips and tricks for making pies ahead of time, freezing pies, and storing pies at the bottom of this post! Those tips will be helpful to reduce stress in the kitchen this holiday season.
Plus, make a no-fuss Thanksgiving menu by following my Best Thanksgiving Recipes post for all your Thanksgiving favorites!
The post Best Thanksgiving Pies appeared first on Salt & Baker.
Lemon Sour Cream Pie
If you love lemon desserts, you’re going to love this pie! This recipe for sour cream lemon pie comes from my mother-in-law, who makes it almost every year for Thanksgiving. It’s that good! I’ve put my own twist on my mother-in-law’s lemon sour cream pie by serving it in a Shortbread Pie Crust, but it would also be delicious in a traditional pie crust like my Food Processor Pie Crust or Graham Cracker Crust.
One of the things I love about this sour cream lemon pie is that the filling doesn’t need to be baked! While the shortbread crust does require turning on your oven, it’s super simple to pull together. For more no-bake pie recipes, check out my Cookies and Cream Pie, S’mores Pie, Peach Cream Pie, Arkansas Possum Pie, and Banana Cream Pudding Pie.
Why This Recipe Works
- Easy lemon sour cream pie. From start to finish, this pie could not be simpler, especially if you use my press-in shortbread pie crust. The lemon custard is cooked in just a few minutes on the stovetop, then mixed with sour cream and poured into the prepared pie crust. Then you can stick it in the fridge and forget about it until it’s time to serve. Easy!
- Perfect flavor balance. In this lemon pie with sour cream, neither the lemon nor the sour cream is super overpowering. The homemade lemon filling mixed with sour cream provides just the right amount of tart lemon flavor in this creamy lemon pie.
- Great for gatherings. As I mentioned, this pie often makes an appearance at my in-laws’ Thanksgiving table. But this pie is also perfect for other holiday celebrations, as well as parties like baby showers or bridal showers. Whatever the occasion, it’s sure to be a hit!
The post Lemon Sour Cream Pie appeared first on Salt & Baker.
Is Pet Tech the New Vet? 81% of Pet Parents Think It Could Be!
The post Is Pet Tech the New Vet? 81% of Pet Parents Think It Could Be! by Dogster Team 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.
Click to Skip Ahead
If you’re reading this, you’re probably like me: a pet parent, auntie, uncle, or sibling, or you’re aspiring to be one of those at the very least. Pets are becoming more a part of the family each year, with a report of 4.8 million cats and dogs adopted in 2023 in the USA alone.1
And as pets evolve our families, so too does the way we care for them.
A recent survey conducted by HostingAdvice.com highlights the growing integration of cutting-edge technology into pet care routines. Pet parents are increasingly using smart devices to track everything from daily activity to vital signs.
Key Findings From the Survey
- 81% of owners now turn to tech for regular health checks and activity tracking instead of relying solely on routine vet visits
- 96% of pet owners now consider technology an essential part of their pet care practices
- 87% of pet owners believe that technology enhances their ability to care for their pets
- 80% of pet lovers say they’d spend $100 or more on pet tech
- 88% would use a pet tracking device to monitor their pet’s location and keep up to date on their adventures
- 89% of owners would love to use a pet camera to check on their fur babies when they’re away from home
- 79% of pet parents would rely on technology to track their pet’s health and activities
Methodology
In November 2024, HostingAdvice.com surveyed 500 individuals about their knowledge and use of pet technology. Respondents ranged from 18 to 65+ years old, with an average age of 26-45. Among the respondents, 55% were female and 44% were male, all based in the United States.
You can read the full survey results here.
Why Is Pet Tech Taking Over?
The surge in pet ownership following the COVID-19 pandemic, combined with millennials and Gen Z’s strong engagement with pet health and wellness, has created a need for emerging technologies. With a growing gap in available veterinary care, pet owners are finding innovative ways to meet their pets’ needs.
Due to a shortage of veterinarians, the return to in-office work, and the disposable income of pet parents, pet technology tools are becoming an invaluable addition to pet parents’ care routines. However, it is important to note that tech gadgets do not replace the position of a veterinary professional.
“Pet parents demand the same digital convenience in animal care that they expect in human healthcare,” said Joe Warnimont, HostingAdvice security and technical expert. “Smart devices deliver real-time health insights at a fraction of traditional care costs, putting vital data directly in pet parents’ hands.”
Millennials and Gen Zers often choose to welcome pets into their homes before having children, and many live as double-income-no-kids (DINKs), so they have more disposable income to spend on their fur babies, who have become integral parts of their families. And due to these generations managing their health and wellness through technologies like apps and wearables, it’s no surprise that traditional pet care is becoming more outdated, like traditional human healthcare.
“Modern pet parents view their animals as family members and expect family-quality care,” Warnimont added. “They demand instant access and are ready to invest in technology that treats pet health with the same urgency as human health.”
Veterinary Telehealth Technologies
From the pet tech evolution comes Vet TeleHealth. The survey didn’t touch on this, but one could infer that because so many pet parents are looking to replace in-person vet visits with pet technology, the veterinary telehealth industry is just getting started.
There are new companies like PangoVet, that provide you with the ability to speak to a real qualified veterinarian via video call from the comfort of your home. They also do not replace the need for physical clinics, rather, complement them by providing veterinary advice, triage support, personalized wellness plans, and preventative care.
To talk to a vet online now, click on the image or button below:
Balancing Pet Tech With Traditional Care
Regardless of survey results or whether you implement technology in the care routine of your pet, we recommend that you adhere to scheduled checkups by licensed veterinarians who will be able to diagnose and treat your pet(s).
When it comes to a pet’s safety and well-being, technology can’t replace the position of a trained professional.
The post Is Pet Tech the New Vet? 81% of Pet Parents Think It Could Be! by Dogster Team 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.
My Dog Is Bleeding After Birth: Vet-Explained Risks, Signs & Next Steps
The post My Dog Is Bleeding After Birth: Vet-Explained Risks, Signs & Next Steps by Dr. Karyn Kanowski, BVSc MRCVS (Vet) 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.
Click to Skip Ahead
When a dog gives birth, their human carer usually puts a lot of thought into getting ready for the delivery and where the puppies are going to be put when they arrive, but quite often we don’t think about what could go wrong during or after delivery. Becoming familiar with the normal, and not so normal, will not only prepare you for if things go wrong but will also allow you to recognize when things are proceeding normally.
You probably already know that some bleeding after birth is quite normal, but how much is too much? Post-partum bleeding can last for up to 7 days. The amount of blood should gradually decrease and will appear darker and more clotted over that time.
Let’s take a closer look at what sort of post-whelping bleeding is normal, and when you should call your vet.
Some Bleeding Is Normal After Giving Birth
The process of giving birth is a beautiful thing…it can get pretty messy! Leading up to, during, and after whelping, you may notice discharge from your dog’s vulva, in a range of colors and consistencies; some are normal, some are worrying. Blood, mucus, and green discharge are to be expected, while foul-smelling, black or brown discharge or pus are signs that there is something wrong.
It’s perfectly normal for your dog to have some bleeding after they have given birth, particularly if they have delivered a lot of pups or very large pups. Dogs that have had a cesarean will also likely have some bleeding, even if they were spayed at the same time.
In the first few days, you may see fresh-looking blood mixed with some clear or greenish fluid. The amount will depend on the size of your dog, but a couple of teaspoons worth in a small dog would be considered normal, or 1–2 tablespoons from a larger breed.
The blood should become darker over the next few days; it might contain clots but should be decreasing in the overall amount. After 7 days, you should not be seeing much, if any, discharge at all. If you are still seeing discharge, you should call your vet.
Why Do Dogs Bleed After Giving Birth?
When humans give birth, the placenta is usually delivered after the baby has arrived. Puppies are normally born still inside the placental sac, which the mother usually removes by chewing and licking. Each sac was attached to the wall of the uterus, and when it is time to be born, the attachments break down, freeing the pups to be pushed toward the vaginal canal.
The placental attachment is almost entirely made up of blood vessels, so some bleeding is expected after even an uneventful birth. For each pup born, there is a separate implantation site in the uterus, so when there are lots of puppies, there are more sources of bleeding, which will be expelled over several days. If your dog has had a particularly difficult delivery (AKA dystocia), there may be additional bleeding from trauma to the cervix, vagina, or vulva.
Dogs that have gone into premature labor or had a cesarean before the placentas detached naturally are likely to have more bleeding because the attachment hasn’t broken down gradually, so there is more trauma as the pups break away from the wall of the uterus.
If your dog was spayed at the same time as the cesarean, it is not unusual to still have some bleeding, even though the uterus has been removed. This should be resolved within 2–3 days.
When Should I Take My Dog to the Vet?
If you are at all concerned about your dog or her pups, you should speak to a vet. Even if it turns out that there’s nothing to be worried about, it is far better to make an unnecessary phone call than risk the lives of your pet and her pups.
It’s always a good idea for a new mother and her pups to have a health check with the vet about a week after birth to make sure that everyone is healthy, but the following situations warrant immediate attention:
1. Your Dog Is Losing a Lot of Blood
Although bleeding after birth is normal, the blood should not be steadily flowing or pooling. If this is the case, you need to get to the vet urgently.
2. Your Dog Is Lethargic
It is not unusual for your dog to be a bit tired after giving birth, particularly if it has been a long or difficult delivery or if surgery was involved. However, if she continues to be quite lethargic 24 hours after the delivery, you should contact your vet for advice.
3. Your Dog Is Pale:
Keep an eye on your dog’s mucous membranes (gums being the easiest to check). They should feel moist to touch, and look nice and pink – not dark, and not pale. You can also check her capillary refill time (CRT) by pushing on the gum and seeing how long it takes for the color to come back. A CRT of more than 2 seconds can indicate low blood pressure or hemorrhage.
4. Your Dog Starts Producing Smelly, Black, or Brown Discharge
This could be a sign of infection or retained placenta.
Final Thoughts
Some bleeding after giving birth is completely normal for your dog, but it should only be a fairly small amount, and it should gradually decrease over the next few days to a week. If your dog is losing a lot of blood, has a worrying discharge, or seems at all unwell, do not hesitate to get her to the vet. It is always better to be too cautious than too late.
See Also:
- How to Keep Mother Dogs Healthy After Birth: Vet-Approved Postpartum Care Guide
- Whelping Box for Dogs: What It Is & What Should Be in It (Vet-Approved)
Featured Image Credit: foto ARts, Shutterstock
The post My Dog Is Bleeding After Birth: Vet-Explained Risks, Signs & Next Steps by Dr. Karyn Kanowski, BVSc MRCVS (Vet) 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.
Ask Dr. Paola: Monday November 25, 2024
The post Ask Dr. Paola: Monday November 25, 2024 by Dr. Paola Cuevas MVZ (Vet) 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.
Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” series, where every Monday we bring expert advice straight from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ) to help our readers better understand their dog’s health and well-being.
Whether you’re a new pet parent or a seasoned dog lover, Dr. Paola is here to provide answers to your most pressing questions. From nutrition tips and preventive care to troubleshooting common behavioral issues, Dr. Paola is ready to offer insights that will keep your furry friend happy and healthy. Stay tuned for expert guidance on a range of topics that matter most to you and your dog, so you can make informed decisions and provide the best possible care for your canine companion. Have a question? Send it in here! 
Help! My Dog is a Drama King!
“Every time I leave the house, my dog Frankie gives me the most dramatic ‘I’m going to die without you’ look. How can I help him be less of a drama king when I leave?” – Sam from Wisconsin
Hi Sam! First, know that you are not alone. This is a widespread problem with dogs and pet owners and it is usually an indication of your dog suffering separation anxiety. Addressing the issue is very important otherwise you may soon start seeing some of your property lost due to Frankie’s distress. You might also hear some complaints from your neighbors due to the noise.
It is very important to start working on changing the scenario to effectively change Frankie’s mindset. Start with yourself—learn to be relaxed and not to make a big fuss about leaving or returning home. You must analyze your behavior to find what body language and cues trigger Frankie’s responses. For some people is when they grab the keys from the keyholder or when they put on their coats, etc. Identify that moment because that is what you have to start working with. A simple solution is to find something that grabs Frankie’s attention and is incompatible with making a drama. Puzzle feeders work great, but do not fall into the mistake of using the same approach every single time you leave as Frankie will soon lose interest, so I recommend that you find at least three different items to use on rotation. I love treat dispensing cameras, as they allow a distance interaction with your pup. Just be very mindful to ensure Frankie only gets a treat when he is calm. The general idea is to offer Frankie something else to focus on while you calmly and quietly leave. Avoid big dramatic goodbyes, work on short returns, and avoid long-lasting leaving routines.
You can learn more about separation anxiety by reading these posts:
Separation Anxiety in Dogs: Vet-Approved Guide
How to Help a Dog With Separation Anxiety: Vet-Reviewed Tips & Tricks
Best wishes!
Dr. Paola
Help! My Dog Won’t Stop Sleeping Under the Covers!
“My dog insists on sleeping under the covers like a human. Is this a weird quirk, or does he think he’s part of the family now?” – Geoff from California, parent of Snickers
Hi Geoff! Dogs also like comfort and coziness, and if you live in a colder area, Snickers is just enhancing his slumber. Remember that their ancestors rested in dark and protected dens so it’s only natural. Once dogs learn that something is possible and allowed, especially if it brings them extra comfort or some sort of gratification, it is perfectly natural for them to repeat. But just for you to know, it happens even in experts’ homes: check out our very own Dr. Karyn’s struggles with Poppy!
You might also find the following tips on How to Get Your Dog to Use Their New Dog Bed helpful and might even want to consider getting Snickers a heated bed if you think he is after the warmer temperature or getting him his own blankets, too. One more tip, you might have to make it physically impossible for Snickers to get to your bed while he warms up to the idea of having his own.
Kind regards,
Dr. Paola
Help! My Dog Won’t Let Me Eat in Peace!
“So, I’ve noticed that every time I try to eat anything, my dog is right there beside me, staring at me with those big puppy eyes as if she hasn’t eaten in days. I try to ignore it, but then she starts pawing at my leg, and before I know it, I’ve dropped half my lunch. I know it’s not good to give her people food, but how do I stop her from acting like I’m withholding her life’s greatest pleasure (and me from feeling like it, too) when I’m just trying to have a peaceful meal?” – Laura from Ontario, Canada, parent of Ella
Yes, they always try to find the way. In your case, Laura it is very important that at this point, you remember that you have the right to eat your meal in peace. You are the one who made the hypothetic hunt, so in theory, you eat first and then share with Ella.
A dog will keep trying and trying—it seems like begging for food is a never-ending game, especially if you already dropped some food and Ella got rewarded for doing it then she will keep trying the same formula. Ignore the puppy eyes, and do not allow her to paw you, the moment she does that she needs to get out of the kitchen. Otherwise, the pawing will soon turn into jumping to your hands for lunch, and depending on her size, this can even be dangerous. For the sake of both your health and your relationship, you need to stop it.
Something that works great is establishing a “station” in the kitchen. Mark this area by placing a floormat at a distance and feeding her only when she has physical contact with it. You will need to start with small meals but the general idea is you eat your lunch, Ella must remain either lying or sitting in the designated area. Once you finish your lunch, you feed Ella her food, a treat, and some cuddles, but only after you finish your plate.
Prepare yourself: it won’t be easy. But, Ella needs to learn the rules of the game. Don’t let her get you and also make a conscious effort to not confuse her. You need to be consistent every time otherwise Ella will not understand what she is allowed to do or not.
Best of luck and be confident, you got this!
Dr. Paola
The post Ask Dr. Paola: Monday November 25, 2024 by Dr. Paola Cuevas MVZ (Vet) 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.