How to Keep Your Dog Healthy With Good Diet to Avoid Pet Accidents on the Rug


Pets





Original quotes by Dexter throughout this post

As everyone who has ever owned and loved a dog knows, having a four-legged member of the family can be loads of fun and enhances living especially on the darkest of days. What's not to love about a pup that's always there, that keeps you warm in bed, that doesn't talk back like the kids do, and that loves you unconditionally even on your super bad hair days? Yeah, I'm talking about your pet and mine. I know for sure that our sweet devil of a Miniature Pinscher dog Dexter is all that and much more.

"I look so innocent and sweet," MommyBlogExpert.com
With such an adorable little fellow, who loves to eat just about any kind of fresh and healthy fruit or vegetable, you may think his nickname, Mr. Baklava - Pumpkin Pie is an oxymoron and is all about his cuteness. Trust me, you and I are both being just a tiny bit delusional if we believe that. 


"That Baklava made my tummy hurt," MommyBlogExpert.com
The truth is it's more about this small 12 pound dog's notoriety, because he has the super power to climb buildings in a single bound (ahem, I mean counters and tables) and eat more than a very hungry grown man. Yes, this innocent looking puppy can hop 6 feet vertically and can literally gobble down in record time just about anything in sight -- whether it is 1000 calories worth of the freshly baked baklava I left on the kitchen counter or two-thirds of a delicious pumpkin cream pie that quickly levitated without the help of any hands from the breakfast table to the floor recently while I was blogging and my kids were doing their homework at their desks.


"Not feeling so well after my latest little snack," MommyBlogExpert.com
I thought we were done with this pigging out phase because each time I caught the Big D in the act and reprimanded him on the spot. No such luck. Just a few days ago I was settling in at my computer to work on this post. All of a sudden I heard some very suspicious rustling in the kitchen which quickly snapped me out of writer's block mode. So I ran to see what was going on and to my disbelief (actually I wasn't that surprised) I saw that canine was at it again! This time he'd jumped up onto the kitchen counter and was coming in the homestretch of finishing off a smorgasbord of fixings for a Mexican tostada dinner that my 17 year-old chef of a daughter had prepared for the five of us as a school cooking assignment. 


"It's always dinnertime somewhere," MommyBlogExpert
Ole! That rat of a dog sure can scarf it down: shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, grated cheddar cheese, homemade refried beans, veggie faux beef crumble, guacamole, and a tortilla or two for good measure. You guessed it, when an animal has an unhealthful diet like that instead of eating good food like Royal Canin -- which is specially formulated for dogs -- it can make them sick resulting in consequences for your pet and you. Payback that goes beyond the illness itself... like the kind of unspeakable mess we found on the floors and rug after each of darling Dexter's eating sprees, AKA the Big Three: poo, pee and barf.


"My friend having a morning after moment," MommyBlogExpert.com
In the case of our devious one, we knew exactly what had caused all the bodily chaos and we did not need to take him to the doggie doctor to be treated. However when your dog has an upset stomach with serious symptoms like excessive diarrhea and ultra smelly flatulence and you're not sure why, it's important to take him/her to the veterinarian pronto to find out what's going on with their gastro intestinal tract. Then follow the doctor's orders to take the proper steps to prevent more home accidents. In fact, regular vet visits to keep your beloved pet healthy are key even if they don't show any signs of sickness.


"Make sure to eat your veggies," MommyBlogExpert.com
My family needs to simply retrain our delinquent dog to deal with his eating behavior issues. But when your dog or mine is just plain old sick, science is usually the best way to investigate any issue your dog may have. You'll find that just seeking out some good pet health nutrition information can be very empowering.

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

FTC Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Royal Canin. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.

Disney Infinity, Frozen, Star Wars Inspired Products Popular With Fans This Holiday


Toys



MommyBlogExpert.com
How exciting it was to attend the #DisneyUnwrapped media event to preview the Disney Dozen -- the top 12 Holiday 2014 toys now selling in brick-and-mortar and online stores. Don't miss MBE's review of the first six cool new Disney Dozen holiday toys I checked out at the preview in late summer. Then, read on below to learn about the other six new Disney Consumer Products holiday season offerings below.


Frozen Animator's Collection Doll Gift Set, Image by Disney
Frozen Animators' Collection Doll Gift Set, $99.95 
This is what I'd classify as the luxury class toy for little girls this holiday season. Young ladies will fall in love with this ready-to-give set inspired by the movie Frozen. The collection celebrates classic animation with young renditions of beloved Disney characters imagined by and crated under the guidance of the Walk Disney Animation Studio's talented animators. The set includes toddler Anna and Elsa dolls as well as four pretty dresses, assorted accessories, two dress forms and a tiny toy Olaf snowman. Available at the Disney Store and DisneyStore.com.


LEGO Star Wars Rebels The Ghost, MommyBlogExpert.com
LEGO Star Wars Rebels The Ghost, $79.99
LEGO aficionados who are also Star Wars fans will be stoked about this new set.  Though it says on the box that it's suited for ages 9-14, I think older LEGO lovers will also have a great time with this. This is the same starship The Ghost from the new Star War Rebels animated TV series. The 929 piece set includes everything you need to build The Ghost. When assembled the ship is battle for space battle with plenty of weaponry on board, including two spring-loaded shooters, storage for a spare missile and a lightsaber. Also in the box are five never-before-seen minifigures with mini weapons. Available at mass retailers.


Disney Tsum Tsum Plush, Image by Disney
Disney Tsum Tsum Plush Collection & App, $4.95-$24.95
Tsum Tsum translated from Japanese means 'Stack Stack.' Already a hit in Japan, Disney's cute, cuddlely stackable plush collection is now available in the U.S. There are a variety of soft and sweet little characters to choose from in mini ($4.95), middle ($12.95) and large ($24.95) sizes.

Disney Tsum Tsum App, Image by Disney

Free with purchase comes the Disney Tsum Tsum App which is available for Android devices on Google Play and at the App Store for iOS users. The game involves connecting and popping as many of the Disney Tsum characters as possible in one minute. As the game progresses players will collect Disney and Disney Pixar Tsums such as Mickey, Minnie, Stitch and Buzz Lightyear. "Tsum Tsum" plush toys are available at DisneyStore.com and select Disney Store locations.


Disney Infinity Marvel Super Heroes, MommyBlogExpert.com
Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes, $74.99
This is the latest version of the Disney Infinity interactive gaming program introduced several summers ago. The new set builds on the success of the original launch with Disney Infinity's next chapter, Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Wii U, PC and iOS. In this all-new game players use real-world interactive figures to activate original storylines using Play Sets. Included in the box is 1 Disney Infinity 2.0 video game, 1 base, 3 Marvel Super Heroes (Iron Man, Thor and Black Widow), 2 Toy Box game discs, 1 Marvel's The Avengers Play Set piece, 1 web code card and poster. Additional items you can buy to enhance play include Play Sets ($34.99), Figures ($13.99) and Power Discs $4.99. Available at mass retailers.


Star Wars Scene Maker App, Image by Disney
Star Wars Scene Maker App, Free with IAP
This is a new line of creativity apps for kids and Star Fans of all ages providing the tolls to create, control, customize, capture and share original 3D animated Star Wars scenes. The easy-to-use app gives fans a really fun and cool user-generated storytelling experience, allowing them to re-interpret the iconic scenes from the Star Wars Saga. Available in the App Store.


Hide-and-Hug Olaf Family Experience, Image by Disney

Frozen: Hide-and-Hug Family Experience, $26.99
Inside the box, inspired by the movie Frozen, parents and kids will discover a brand-new story about Olaf the snowman. Along with the book, there's also a huggable Olaf plush toy. Following the hide-and-seek theme of the story, parents can hide the plush for the children to find and hug, or vice versa the kids can hide Olaf and send Mom and Dad on a scavenger hunt. Without a doubt this book set, will not only be fun to enjoy with your child, it will also bond you together as a family. Available in-store and online wherever books are sold.


Don't miss 

the other 6 Disney featured new toys 
for Holiday 2014 HERE


FTC Disclosure: MommyBlogExpert was invited to Disney headquarters in Glendale, California to cover the Disney Unwrapped Holiday Media Preview and received a gift bag from the brand for attending. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.

12 Top Disney Holiday Toys - Which Are on Your Kid's List This Year? #DisneyUnwrapped


Toys



For multiple generations, Disney licensed merchandise based upon the brand's iconic characters and popular movies have been among the most sought after gifts for children each holiday season.

#DisneyUnwrapped Media Showcase, MommyBlogExpert.com
Just a few months ago at the #DisneyUnwrapped media event, I got a sneak peek at Disney Consumer Products holiday toy, costume, wearable and accessory must-haves for 2014. Among those represented were Marvel's newest Guardians of the Galaxy franchise, this fall's new Star Wars Rebels animated series, the expanded Disney's Frozen product line, Disney Princess Palace Pets, Big Hero 6 and many others.

Take a look for yourself at the 2014 Disney Dozen -- the top toys this holiday shopping season in stores now -- to answer the question once again why the brand continues to endure.


Frozen snow Glow Elsa, MommyBlogExpert.com
Frozen Snow Glow Elsa, $34.99
Inspired by the blockbuster animated Disney Frozen movie, there's a good chance this fun interactive doll is on your little girl's list this year. Elsa, which comes with her snowman friend Olaf, is simply magical. Press her sparkling snowflake to see a magical light show on her dress, then raise her arms to hear her sing the hit song "Let It Go" from this film. But that's not all, Elsa can say 15 sounds and phrases from fave movie moments. The doll can sing in 25 languages, too, with inhabitants each country where this toy is already selling being able to access two languages. Here in the U.S. bilingual Elsa speaks English and Spanish. From licensee JAKKS Pacific, the toy is available from mass retailers.


Day at Disney Playset, MommyBlogExpert.com
Fisher-Price Day at Disney Playset, $49.99 - A Walmart Exclusive
Toddlers and preschoolers ages 1-1/2 to 5 will quietly play for hours with this durable and colorful toy that's a mashup of the real experience of visiting Disneyland and Little People, another classic brand. Kids will love giving the figures a spin on the Tea Cups ride, the Small World boat or Casey the Train. And what would a pretend visit to Disneyland be without fireworks? This toy has that covered too: kids can hear and watch simulated fireworks and music. Best of all, this toy helps develop motor skills.  Brought to you by Fisher-Price Little People Magic of Disney, this toy includes the playset, Mickey Mouse and Eddie Little People figures and Casey the Train vehicle. Scene Starters sold separately are also available, ranging from $9.99-$19.99 each. This toy is available exclusively at Walmart.


Planes: Fire & Rescue Fire Blastin' Dusty, Image by Disney
Planes: Fire & Rescue Fire Blastin' Dusty, $49.99
This engaging toy will be welcomed by kids who are fans of the Planes: Fire & Rescue movies. Includes an interactive Dusty Crophopper plane that comes with all kinds of bells and whistles to put imaginary fires out. Kids help Dusty put out blazes by scooping up pretend water balls and racing to the rescue. Take aim, pull the lever and shoot the "water" balls at the "fire" targets to knock them down. Includes multiple fire targets and water balls that store in the plane's pontoons. Enhancing play are realistic sounds and phrases triggered by Smart Sound technology. From licensee Mattel, this toy is available at mass retailers.


Doc McStuffins Get Better Talking Mobile, MommyBlogExpert.com
Doc McStuffins Get Better Talking Mobile, $39.99
What an adorable concept this is: Doc McStuffins takes care of all the neighborhood toys with her on-the-go mobile clinic. When there's a toy in need, little doctors-in-training let everyone know they're on their way with a motion-activated siren that lights up and plays the "Doc Mobile" song. Equipped with kid-friendly faux medical instruments and equipment like a light and sound heart monitor, otoscope, thermometer. rolling gurney, patient seat and bandage sticker dispenser, children will be ready to provide on-site check-ups and treatment. There's even a hand-held radio that little ones can use to call in their diagnosis. From Just Play, available at mass retailers.


Disney Princess Palace Pets Magic Dance Pumkin, Image by Disney
Disney Princess Palace Pets Magic Dance Pumpkin, $49.99
Meet Pumpkin, Cinderella's interactive pet puppy who become life-like via remote control. Not only does Pumpkin follow movement commands from the light-up magic wand controller and dance, Magic Dance Pumpkin can speak a dozen phrases and sounds. Designed for your child to love, this ultra royal toy has soft fabric ears, removable fur cuffs, a fancy satin tutu and elegant. From Blip Toys, available at mass retailers.


Giant Web Slinging Spider-Man, MommyBlogExpert.com
The Giant Web Slinging Spider-Man Figure, $29.99
Kids will literally have a blast with this 14" tall web slinging version of their favorite masked Marvel Super hero Spider-Man. By pushing a button on the character's back the scale figure blasts either Spidey Shot Web Fluid, a silly string-like material, or water. The figure comes with one 3.8-ounce can of Spidey Shot Web Fluid. Brought to you by Hasbro, available at mass retailers.

Don't miss 

the other 6 Disney featured new toys 
for Holiday 2014 HERE

FTC Disclosure: MommyBlogExpert was invited to Disney headquarters in Glendale, California to cover the Disney Unwrapped Holiday Media Preview and received a gift bag from the brand for attending. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.

Shelter Pet #HaloFeedItForward Campaign - Post Pet Photo & Halo Donates Animal Shelter Meal


Pets



Editors Note: Please share this post with your human friends, too, because Halo will be donating up to 1.5 million meals for shelter pets in need!


Image provided by Halo
Fellow dog and cat lovers: Here's a great opportunity to do something kind for shelter animals this holiday season. Share a photo of your own pet using the hashtag #HaloFeedItForward and Halo Purely for Pets will donate a meal on your and your four-legged best friend's behalf. 


I've already shared a photo on Twitter of my family's beloved Dexter, the miniature pinscher who makes frequent appearances on MBE... I hope you'll Tweet your own pet's photo to help all the animals in shelters that need a little extra TLC.

This precious YouTube moved me to tears and action - Watch this short video of dogs with loving families and homes sharing their food with those unfortunately on lock down in animal shelters.



FTC Disclosure: This post is inspired by the generous campaign Halo, Purely for Pets is hosting and my love for animals and opinions are my own. I did not receive any payment or other compensation in connection with this post. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.

Giveaway Disney on Ice Family Tickets to #LA #OC #IE or #LongBeach Shows


Giveaway



This is a sponsored post

All images in this post provided by Disney on Ice

The brand new Disney on Ice Let's Celebrate family live entertainment show produced by Feld Entertainment skates into Southern California on December 10. Starting in Los Angeles, the tour then winds its way through Anaheim, the Inland Empire (Ontario) and Long Beach. Tickets are on sale now for all shows.

Southern California Show Dates
  • December 10-14, 2014  Staples Center, Los Angeles
  • December 16-21, 2014  Honda Center, Anaheim
  • December 25-28, 2014  Citizens Business Bank Arena, Ontario
  • Decenber 31, 2014 - January 4, 2015  Long Beach Arena, Long Beach
Full schedule of So Calif dates and showtimes
Just in time for the holidays, I'm excited to announce Disney on Ice is providing a pair of tickets to give away to one lucky MommyBlogExpert reader. The winner will get to attend a performance of Disney of Ice Let's Celebrate in Southern California at their choice of venue. Read on, a few clicks below and you're entered to win this great prize - increase your chances of winning entering daily.


Disney On Ice 

GIVEAWAY
Ends 12/4/14

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This Disney on Ice - MommyBlogExpert (MBE) family show giveaway ends December 4, 2014 at 12 am PT. Contest is open to legal residents of the U.S. only. Winner of this MBE giveaway will be selected at random from all qualified entries received and will be notified via email and must respond within 24 hours to claim their prize.

One winner will receive two vouchers by mail that are good to exchange for two reserved seat tickets to any Southern California Disney on Ice weekday performance. Subject to ticket availability; not good on holidays. Valid at the box office at the winner's choice of venue: Staples Center, Honda Center, Citizens Business Bank Arena or Long Beach Arena.

GOOD LUCK!

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Thanks to Online-Sweepstakes.com for including this contest in their directory of current giveaways.

About Disney on Ice
For a complete list of show dates nationwide and to learn more about this popular ice skating tour visit DisneyonIce.com.  Plus get a family four-pack of tickets for just $80 with this discount code. You can also stay up to date on all the latest news by following the show on FacebookTwitter and YouTube.

FTC Disclosure: This is a compensated post and MommyBlogExpert will receive tickets to Disney on Ice in exchange for my time. In addition, Disney on Ice is providing the prizes for this ticket giveaway that MBE is hosting. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.