A Fun Dog Mom Weekend: Homemade Dog Treats, Bath Time & Rescue Life in Kansas City

Being a dog mom isn't just about cuddles and playtime—it’s a lifestyle that’s full of love, care, and lots of responsibility. This past weekend, I had the chance to experience all the ups and downs of a dog mom's life, and I thought I’d share some of the highlights with you. From volunteering at a local rescue to making homemade dog treats and giving my pups a much-needed bath, it was a weekend filled with fur, fun, and some deep bonding moments. Read on to hear more, or if video is more your thing: check out the video below.

A Weekend Full of Dog Mom Moments

Living in Kansas City, Missouri, I’m lucky to experience all four seasons, and fall in the Midwest is absolutely gorgeous. But this fall weekend wasn’t just about enjoying the cooler weather—it was packed with dog mom activities that I love and care about deeply.

Spending Time at Missouri Pit Rescue

As a volunteer at the Missouri Pit Rescue, I’ve had the privilege of working with so many amazing dogs, and this weekend was no different. We had a bittersweet moment as one of our long-time residents, Footie, was adopted. Footie was adopted by someone who used to volunteer with us, which made his send-off even more special. It’s these moments that make volunteering in rescue so rewarding. It’s also a reminder of why I work so hard to destigmatize rescue dogs and share their stories.

I also had the chance to meet some adorable new faces—like Smokey Joe and Pumpkin Spice Latte (how cute are their names?!). Seeing these dogs get the care they need and watching them grow and change over time is truly heartwarming.

Homemade Dog Treats: A Fun and Healthy Recipe

One of my favorite activities this weekend was making homemade dog treats. I’ve been meaning to try this for a while, and I finally took the plunge. I wanted something simple, healthy, and something that my pups, Doogie and Lyla, would love. I found a recipe that required only three ingredients—Greek yogurt, pumpkin puree, and peanut butter. A simple recipe, but a very healthy one!

When making homemade treats, always be sure to choose peanut butter without xylitol (a sugar substitute that is toxic to dogs). Trust me, you don’t want to risk that! The yogurt is great for digestion, the pumpkin helps with gut health, and the peanut butter is just plain tasty for dogs.

I used a silicone mold to make the treats and popped them in the freezer for a few hours. When they were ready, both Doogie and Lyla couldn't get enough of them! Homemade treats are a great way to know exactly what your dogs are eating and ensure they’re getting only the best. It’s also a fun way to bond with them while treating them to something extra special.

Bath Time for the Pups

After all the fun of making treats and volunteering, it was time for bath time. Both Doogie and Lyla were in desperate need of a good scrub. Bathing the dogs is always a little chaotic—especially when you have a dog like Lyla, who’s not a fan of water. But they both looked and smelled so much better afterward! If you’ve never given your dogs a bath at home, it can be a little messy, but it’s worth it for their comfort (and to get rid of all that doggy smell!).

For bath time, I make sure to use a dog-friendly shampoo and always rinse thoroughly. I also make it a priority to clean their beds afterward, as I like my pups to sleep in clean spaces. It’s just one of those little things that makes me feel like I’m really taking care of them the best way I can.

A Morning Walk and Fresh Air

We also made sure to get some fresh air in the morning with a nice walk. Doogie and I headed out for a W-A-L-K (yes, that’s my code for “walk,” as he gets so excited whenever I say it). It’s a simple thing, but getting outside and moving always feels so good, both for me and the dogs. Plus, walks are a great way to keep my dogs healthy and active.

Probiotics for Gut Health: Helping My Dogs Feel Their Best

Speaking of health, I’ve been thinking a lot lately about gut health for my dogs. I’ve noticed some issues with Doogie’s digestion, and after some research, I’ve decided to try adding probiotics to his routine. Probiotics help with digestion, immune function, and overall wellness. I’ve been using Pet Lab Co.’s Probiotic Chews, and so far, I’ve noticed an improvement in his stool consistency, which is a huge win!

Gut health is something we often overlook in our pets, but it has a significant impact on everything from their skin to their energy levels. It’s important to be proactive about their diet and well-being, and supplements like probiotics can be a simple way to make a big difference.

A Clean Litter Box for My Cat Mom Duties

As a cat mom, too, I’ve also been making sure to keep my cat’s litter box clean and fresh. I deep clean it every couple of weeks, as even the most frequent scooping won’t eliminate all the odors and germs. I use Dawn dish soap to scrub the box down, and it works like a charm. If you’re noticing persistent smells despite regular cleaning, a deep clean like this can make a world of difference.

A Weekend Well Spent: Dogs, Treats, Baths & Love

At the end of a busy weekend, I was able to relax and enjoy some time with my pups while watching the Chiefs game (I’m a big fan of Sunday football!). My dogs had their new treats, clean coats, and fresh beds to rest in—ready for another busy week ahead. Whether I’m volunteering at the shelter, making homemade treats, or just cuddling with my pups, every moment spent with them is precious.

As a dog mom, I truly believe that every little thing you do for your pets—from the food you give them to the love and care you show them—adds up to a long, happy life. I hope this weekend's activities gave you some inspiration for how you can show your furry friends how much you love them.

If you’re a dog or cat mom too, I’d love to hear your tips and tricks for keeping your pets healthy and happy! Let’s share our experiences in the comments below. 😊