Tag Archives: animals

Clichés Can’t Be Wrong: What Pet Should You Get?

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When it comes to choosing a pet, not everyone has a clear idea of which companion to choose. Indeed, there is a big difference between a cat and a dog, but there is an even bigger difference between owning a parrot or owning a pug, so the choice of your pet companion is a serious one. Choosing the wrong pet for your personality might not only result in unhappy social issues on your end, but you are also risking the happiness of an innocent animal. So, while there isn’t an exact guide on the best pet for your lifestyle, there are some common personality traits among pet owners that can help you to find out whether you are more of a fish fan or a cat lady.

You Love A Small And Lively Home – Rabbit: Around a third of all rabbit owners tend to describe themselves as creative and geek chic homeowners. But what unites all rabbit owners is the desire of a lively home at very little cost. They want to have the excitement of a pet peacefully hopping under the sofa without having to develop an authority figure to control their furry friend. The other advantage is the low investment of rabbit food as this is mostly odorless and easy to manage. So if you fancy a ball of fluff without concession or the problems of a dependent pet that relies on you for playful times, a rabbit is what you need!

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SO. CUTE.

You Fear Long-Term Commitments – Hamster: For those who want a pet but don’t want to invest too many years of their lives with an animal, you should be looking at small animals such as mice, hamsters, rats, and other rodents. Their life expectancy rarely goes beyond two years, which is very short in the realm of pets, but they have all the fun of a bigger animal. They are very intelligent, too, so be prepared for them to escape from their cages! At this subject, you should have a look at the cage reviews at Love Your Pet to find the ideal cage for your rodent. Rodents are very playful and affectionate once they get to know you: Most people even let them roam free at home!

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Wittle baby!!

You Are A Solitary Type – Cat: While cats are by definition the animals of the old single lady, in truth, they are a little more than an option against loneliness. Cats are independent animals who can develop very strong bonds with their owners. It’s not uncommon for cats to lick their owner’s hair as a way to show affection. They have some gross habits, too, as they bring back dead animals as a gift. But if you stick with cats, they are loyal, loving, and fun but they tend to dislike meeting new people. A cat is the ideal companion if you don’t like going out or if you are involved in a small social circle.

You Love Going Out And Exercising Outdoors – Dog: If you are keen to go out and make new friends, you have more of a dog personality. Most dogs love the company of people and while they are loyal and protective of their family – or of the family of their owners – they are always happy to meet new people and make new friends. Most dogs enjoy running and playing outside, so it’s best to have at least a medium sized back yard if you are planning to get a dog. You can also choose to exercise with your dog to keep both of you healthy.

Dogs will require training to be obedient and behave safely outside of the house, but this is something that you can easily achieve with the right puppy school. And, remember that a dog can be prone to making messes in the house so you will want to take a look at Golyath and ensure that you are well stocked with your sanitizing wipes and distilled water to keep your home sanitary. This is so important for animals and humans alike!

You Are A Creative Soul – Parrot: Parrots are incredibly bright and playful. It’s not uncommon for parrots to play with other animal species and many parrot owners have seen their friends throwing a ball at a dog just like a human being would do – admittedly with a little less strength than a person, it’s a bird after all. Parrots are happier in a household where they can interact with everyone and everything and where they can learn. Parrot owners tend to be on the creative side. Writers, designers, artists, and much more. It is said that parrots and their owners keep learning from each other throughout their lives.

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🙂

You Prefer Peaceful Aesthetics – Fish/Reptile: If you are not keen on the company, but you want something nice to look at, you should be looking at a fish or reptile as a pet. Aquarium pets tend to keep a peaceful atmosphere in the house, as they stay in their glassed box until you take them out. You can decorate their tanks as you wish and the water is sure to have a calming effect.

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Lol, omg!

DOGS!!

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DOGS!!

Hi everyone and happy weekend! I realize that it’s been a long time since I’ve blessed all of you with some precious pics of my pooches so I figured that now would be a great time to do so! Our darling Golden Retriever, Gem, and Terrier mix, Ollie, are doing just swell and are as cute as ever. We are all currently itching to give both of them a new little brother or sister and by we I mean everyone but my dad – but we’re working on him! But, of course, we are perfectly happy with our two pups because two is company and three is a crowd. 😉

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^^^ I LOVE THEM!!

Pic #1: Gem and I just chilling and watching My 600 Lb. Life. *insert cool emoji with sunglasses here*

Pic #2: So my mom taught Gem this trick where she’ll “clean up” her toys and put them all into one spot, which is usually her doggie bed. Of course we reward her for this sweet ass trick so now Gem will just sit there with a toy in her mouth until we give her a treat and it’s basically the most ridiculous and adorable thing ever.

Pic #3: Ollie just snuggling up to Patrick Starfish! A weird fact about my family is that we’ve legitimately had that stuffed animal for well over thirteen years and, I kid you not, it has been sitting on that freaking chair THE ENTIRE TIME. Lol, Patrick has become a signature staple of our living room, like our Christmas tree that we still have yet to take down. I like to think that it just adds to our quirky charm! 😉

You guys already know how much I love my DOGS and now I want to learn about yours. What kind of dog do you have? What is his or her name? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Getting A Puppy VS Adult Dog

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Getting A Puppy VS Adult Dog

If you are thinking seriously about expanding your family by four furry paws, then you’ll be wondering whether it’s best to go for a brand-new puppy or a rescue animal. It’s a big decision and it’s not until you really give it some thought that you’ll realize there are some rather large differences between the two. Puppies are adorable little balls of fur that bring joy with their big, heart-melting eyes. If you take on the responsibility of a new puppy, you’ll be spending a lot of time in that first year with training and behavior. You’ll have to learn about the foods they should and shouldn’t eat. You’ll have to care for them from top to bottom in terms of needs and they’ll have to learn what behavior you accept, which is difficult for new pups!

An adult dog brings just as much joy as a puppy, and comes with the gained knowledge of how to respond to commands. They also come with a little attitude in some cases, where you cannot teach an old dog new tricks. Not because they can’t learn new tricks, but because older dogs are wise and sometimes make it more of a challenge for you! You will still have the decision about which dog food manufacturer to choose because even with an adult dog, they can be fussy fur balls that know what they like! You want to give them the best so do some online research first. The positive here is that you can skip that fairly awkward and time-consuming puppy stage. Potty training has happened, teething has happened, and you can go ahead and integrate them into your home gently. So, what questions must you ask yourself?

Time: A puppy requires an awful lot more time than an adult dog. Much like bringing home a new baby, they require almost constant supervision in the first few months of their lives. Teaching them to use the correct space for toileting, obedience, and commands all take up time so make sure that you have time to give before you take a puppy on.

Lifestyle: Do you have the chance to work from home or are you out of the house all day? Sometimes lifestyle changes have to happen to fit a dog into your life and if you are spending eight to ten hours a day away from the home, it’s not fair to the dog. Or to you, really, as you will have the guilt hanging over you by being away so much. Consider an older dog instead of a puppy who can cope with longer periods without you. It’s also important to think about the climate you live in when you are considering your lifestyle. For example, french bulldogs in cold climates might require special clothing while a husky would thrive in the chilly temps. The weather can play a huge part in your dog’s health and you will want to accommodate accordingly.

Children: If you have children at home, you’ll need to wait a few years before adopting a dog or puppy. Sometimes older dogs can’t get on with children and other times children can’t get on with a new puppy. Older children can have a little responsibility with walking and feeding when they can understand not to yank its tail!

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A dog is not something you should rush buying. They’re a pet for life and require careful thought and consideration, not just for what they will need but whether the family can cope with the new addition. Make careful choices and thoroughly research every angle before you go ahead. But when you make your choice, you will be welcoming an amazing new friend and addition into your family.

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Doggy Daycare: A Day In The Life Of A Pampered Pooch

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Let’s face it, some pooches are so wonderful that they just deserve a day (and lifetime!) of pampering and luxury! Happily, there are plenty of products, places, and activities out there that can help you to make this happen. So read on for some fantastic suggestions of how to pamper your beloved pupper and make a wonderful day of it for the both of you:

Poodle Parlor: Number one on the list of things to do when you are pampering your pup is to take them to a grooming parlor. This is where they can get their coat trimmed, nails clipped, and get a nice bath, so that they are all ready to look their best on their special day.

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SO CUTE!!!

Canine Boutique: Of course, once they are all spick and span you are going to want to take them to the boutique, so that they have something nice to wear. Popular choices are a new collar or two. If your dog is particularly glamorous, they may appreciate one with rhinestones on it! Diva alert! Or perhaps it’s your dog’s birthday or gotcha day, so you’d like to buy them a whole new outfit, in which to be the bell of the ball? Hey, some people are really in to dressing their dogs!

Doggie Massage: Now, all that fun can be tiring for your pooch, so make sure that he gets a nice rest before you go on to the next part of the day. Perhaps a little nap is in order? Or if you want to go the whole hog, how about getting him a doggie massage? Just think if he enjoys a pat, he is going to adore a proper massage! You can have a go at this yourself with the help of this tutorial, or take him to a professional if your budget allows.

Treats and More Treats: No doggie pamper day is going to be complete without plenty of delicious treats for Fido. There are savory treats, sweet treats, and dog breath freshener treats available. Which are a treat for you, too! Remember, though, your pooch should not be eating human treats! Especially not chocolate as this is super dangerous for them and needs to be avoided at all costs! A trip to the vet should never be a part of a doggy pamper day.

Fun Activities: Once your puppy is refreshed and awake, then it’s time to show off their new haircut and clothes, and burn off some energy by going for a long walk. But if you think that you are limited to just walking your dog around the block where you live, then think again. There are a lot of activities that you can do to exercise your pooch. Including hiking, country walks, and even allowing them to go for a dip in the sea! Although if you choose the latter, you’ll probably want to wait to get then groomed after, not before.

Delicious Meals: Lastly, no perfect pup pampering day would be complete without a delicious meal or two for your dog. You can buy them their favorite pre-made dog food. Or you can cook them something special. You can even get chefs that specialize in dog food to whip something up if you’re feeling that way inclined and extra fancy. 😉

Dogs are the best thing that ever happened to humans, so make sure that you celebrate your pets properly every day with lots of love!

Puppy-Love: Introducing A Dog To Your Children

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Puppy-Love: Introducing A Dog To Your Children

There can be nothing cuter and more heart-melting than seeing your little one(s) playing in the house or garden with their best-friend; their dog. Very quickly, you’ll watch them become the closest of companions, look out for each other, and make a bond like no other. However, there needs to be some responsibility when introducing a puppy or a dog into your home, especially with small children running about. The dog needs to get used to the children, especially as they approach life differently to adults: they scream, shout, run, and rarely sit still. As such, you’ll also need to teach your children how to care for a dog to instill a sense of responsibility as a new caretaker to their canine companion.

A Cautionary Tail: Making sure you create the foundations for a wonderful relationship can be dependent on the age of your children as well as the age of your dog. If you’re thinking of doing something fantastic and getting a rescue dog, you might want to wait until your little one is a bit older. If you’re getting a puppy, we’d suggest that you supervise the way it interacts with your tiny human by monitoring them at all times, at least at first. Of course, we all live busy lives and total supervision can be hard. So if you can’t supervise, keep your dog in a safe and comfortable place away from you kid(s),  just in case.

Creating the Best Relationship Ever: When it comes to bonding, you’ll need to teach your kids how to be around dogs, especially yours! The first thing you should do is teach your children how to say ‘hey’ to a dog nicely, so that it doesn’t get spooked or scared. Basically, let the dog know that you are there and that you want to interact with him or her. A great way to do this is by standing side-on, getting your child to make a slightly bunched fist and invite the dog to come to you. If the dog wants to play, then great, but make sure your little ones stroke his back and don’t reach for his head straight away.

Another great tip is to teach your child that dogs need to be treated with care and that they should always be gentle with dogs. That means no hitting, no biting, no scratching, and no pulling ears or tails. As a parent, reading up is always a great thing to do, as well. Read up on the breed of dog, yes, but why not go one step further and educate yourself on dog body language. This is an excellent way to know if your doggy is getting uncomfortable and being able to intervene before anything happens. Make sure you’re always ready to intervene, like we said above; just in case.

On the dog side of things, a great thing to consider is training; professional training. It doesn’t matter if it’s a new puppy or a rescue dog, dog training services are a fantastic way of getting your dog to behave, know your commands, and learn how to act around children. We can’t stress enough how valuable this service could be, not just in terms of safety, but your stress levels too – dogs combined with kids can be quite hard work!

Featured Image By: Pexels

A New Doggy Friend: The Importance Of Training

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A New Doggy Friend: The Importance Of Training

Make no mistake, when you invite a dog into your home, you’re inviting an entirely different species. Dog behavior is different than ours, and it is necessary for us to coexist. Training is one of the most important elements when it comes to raising a pup. It will form the basis of your relationship and will ensure a caring and fun life together.

Where Do You Start? Dogs are dogs, and we should embrace their spirit and instinct. This should be rewarded with regular treats and praise. However, destructive behavior must be dealt with in a caring but firm manner. Crate training is often seen as a good place to start. Crates can be purchased from sites such as http://indestructibledogtoys.org/dog-crates/. Introducing your puppy to them at an early age will provide them with an area of their own. Add some toys and blankets to the crate so that it feels safe and inviting. This is a place that your dog can go to if there are loud bangs or fireworks outside, etc. Crates can also help when it comes to toilet training. Confining your dog to a crate will train them to hold their bladder until you take them outside or go for a walk.

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DOGGO!!

Lots Of Love: Dogs, like humans, are social animals. They need others around them. Therefore, providing your dog with lots of love and attention will help them grow into happy, healthy pets. Just as they need to learn your ways, you will also need to adapt to their likes and behaviors. Dogs are essentially pack animals and will act accordingly.

Take them for regular walks and let them play with their favorite toys. Find ways to make it as fun as possible. Sites like huffingtonpost.com have lots of suggestions. Don’t leave them alone for long periods but let them understand your absence in short bursts. At first, get them used to you leaving the room for five or ten minutes and build up from there. Once they realize that you’re going to return, this will become more acceptable and tolerable to them.

Reward your dog for good behavior and just for being them (because dogs are great!). Treat them to a new toy and provide them with some healthy, tasty doggy treats. Keep them interested and curious by alternating their walks and trying new things. If you have the opportunity, take them camping and they will love you forever.

Simple Commands: Start with simple commands such as ‘sit’, ‘come’, and ‘down’. There are simple techniques that you can use yourself, without having to go to a class. The ‘come’ command is particularly important as it will ensure that your dog returns to you when you’re outdoors. This will keep them safe in potentially harmful situations such as when you’re near traffic, etc. Teaching your dog to ‘leave it’ is also important from a safety point of view. If he or she spots something that is potentially dangerous, mastering this command may save you a trip to the vet.

Training a dog takes time and patience, but it is an essential part of their maintenance. Tackling this early on will ensure that you both live comfortably and happily together, and that your dog has a loving and safe environment. HURRAY FOR DOGGOS!!! ❤ ❤ ❤

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Give A Little Love To Man’s Best Friend

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Give A Little Love To Man’s Best Friend

Sharing your life with  a dog is probably one of the best things on earth. If you are a dog person, man’s best friend is not said lightly. Dogs really are a part of the family who reward you with love, loyalty, and companionship regardless of the type of person you are, or what kind of mood you are in. They forgive us for forgetting to feed them on time, not wanting to take them out for a walk if it’s raining, and not finding humor in getting mud tracked all over the house. Our dogs give us so much in so many subtle ways, so here is a quick look at how you can say thank you in return, the dog way:

Take Them For a Run: Depending on the type of dog you have, it is likely that running is one of the best things on earth to them. It can be hard to change the routine of a quick couple of sprints around the block but make some time to get out into a huge space where your hound can run around without fear or care of anything else.

The woods is an amazing place for most dogs. Here, they have the freedom to really stretch out their legs and their senses. Dogs adore getting their nose in among all the action. They communicate with other dogs through scent marking and smell so being out in the woods will give them hundreds of stories being told to them in midair. Whilst it’s important to keep your dog under control at all times, try not to keep calling him back to you all the time. You are part of his pack and most dogs will want to keep you on the radar. Just bare in mind that some dogs have a pretty large radar range!

After all that running, let him enjoy sleeping like a king. Dogs love a good nap so invest in something special, like one of these orthopaedic dog beds. Not only will he feel safe and content, but you’ll know that you are helping to ease any aches and pains.

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DOGS! ❤

Play All Day: Just like humans, your dog loves playing. Water is a brilliant place to play, maybe not so much for baths, but rivers, lakes, and seas offer a dog a vast new place to explore. Find a local water spot and, if you are brave enough, wear an outfit that you don’t mind getting wet with. Your friend will love nothing more than playing with you –  Splashing, jumping, and fetching balls until it’s time to dry off and go home.

Teach Them Tricks: Happy dogs are dogs who are learning, Especially puppies. They adore making you happy so performing tasks for you and receiving praise and love puts them in their happy place. Have a look at these cool tricks you can learn with your dog and set aside plenty of time with your new pupil. Make sure that you are extra patient with him just as your BFF is with you.

Treat Time: And, of course, your pup loves a good treat. Get creative with dog treats and put lots of love into them. You can even bake your own wheat free cheese biscuits then sit down together for snack time – with human snacks for you, hopefully!

Featured Image By: Jaymantri

Happy Gotcha Day, Doggies!

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Happy Gotcha Day, Doggies!

Hi everyone and happy weekend! Yesterday was a special day because it was one of my precious pooch’s fourth Gotcha Day since we welcomed her into our family. Our Golden Retriever, Gem, has been such a wonderful, beautiful addition to our home and the love that my family has for her knows no bounds. Additionally, our little Terrier mix, Ollie, will be celebrating his first Gotcha Day coming up soon on February 13th so it will be an exciting few months to be a dog in the Mushenheim household!

Both of my pups were rescued through the amazing group that my mom, sister, and I volunteer for called Canine Lifeline. Gem and Ollie were both brought to Ohio from rural shelters in Kentucky and each became members of the family at first sight. Our rescue dogs bring so much joy to our home and are each true cases of ‘Who Rescued Who?’. Happy Gotcha Day to you, Gem! And almost little Ollie!! ❤ ❤ ❤

Also – if you are in Ohio and are interested in finding a new furever friend, then I encourage you to check out the pups at Canine Lifeline, where I’m sure you’ll find your new BFF! Not in Ohio but still want to help? CLL happily accepts donations and would greatly appreciate if you would spread the word! 🙂

What kind of pets do you have at your home? What is something unique or silly about your pet’s behaviors or appearance? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Make Your House The Forever Home Of An Animal That Needs It

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Make Your House The Forever Home Of An Animal That Needs It

Rescuing a pet is the most admirable thing any pet owner can do. There are millions of adorable pets in rescue centers, all waiting to start again. If you’re interested in rescuing, congratulations! You’re about to make a huge different to an animal who needs it. It’s important to bear in mind that there’s a lot to consider when embarking on an adopted pet. The pet you choose could have experienced horrendous treatment. They could have any number of behavioral problems as a result. Don’t let that put you off. There’s so much you can do to help your pet adjust. These tips should give you some idea of how to approach the situation:

Learn Their Backstory: Before you adopt any animal, learn their backstory. This is important so you can understand the pet you choose. It may be a horrible reality to confront, but it’s important to ask about what’s happened in the past. That way, you can prepare for any behavioral peculiarities you come across. You’ll also be able to be more sympathetic to any bad behavior that your new pet expresses. If you have a family, it’s especially important to get a comprehensive history. Though we all want to give a home to the pet with the worst history, it may not be the best thing if you have children. Bear in mind that you need a dog with the best temperament possible. That said, some of the dogs with the worst histories are the kindest you’ll find. They’ve just been waiting all their life for your love!

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DOG! ❤

Start With Training Straight Away: It’s important to treat a rescue animal as though they’re starting out fresh. That’s why it’s crucial to get started on training the first chance you get. If it’s a dog you’ve chosen, training is of particular importance. Dogs are intelligent. You should be able to change their behavior with some effort. There’s nothing more satisfying than seeing a turnaround in the way they act. If you’ve never trained a dog before, get ideas about what to do on sites like the one found here. Even cats and other animals can require additional training. Observe your pet’s behavior to see what you would like to change, then research the best training techniques to fix the problem.

If you are struggling with ideas for this, then finding an expert specific to the pet you have chosen could help you get the very best advice. Whether that is a bird vet, a canine professional, or a feline expert enlist the help you need for your pet to ensure the home environment becomes the perfect safe haven for them.

Practice Patience: There’s no easy solution for helping a rescue animal. The past will have made them distrustful and scared. All you can do is show them as much love as possible. Then, you should practice patience and let them come to you. Your relationship with a rescue animal may be different to what you’re used to. Accept that, and embrace the relationship for what it is. Some rescue animals will have a complete transformation, and become the most trusting pets. Others will always have a slight fear of interaction. Either way, rest easy in the knowledge that you’ve given an unloved animal a forever home. They’re sure to love you, whether they can show it or not!

Featured Image By: Wikimedia

Two Awful Things You Don’t Want In Your Home, And What To Do About Them!

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There are always so many posts about what to do in our home, giving us advice on paint colors, decorations, and fabrics to create a wonderful living space. But sometimes this can mean that the things we don’t want in our home get overlooked when creating a perfect space. Just read the post below to find out more:

Pest Infestation: One thing that no one ever wants in their home is a pest infestation. Whether you are scared of bugs or not, having an excess of creepy crawlies wandering around in your house can be very distressing. As can having an issue with vermin like mice and rats.

Both types of infestation can cause health issues, as some bugs like wasps sting and others spread disease like flies or cockroaches. Of course, vermin are well known to get into your food stores and walk their filthy little feet all over your counters, too, so they need to be rid of as soon as possible.

So how can you deal with an unwelcome infestation? Well, there are lots of pest specific advice on the internet. For example, you can help to stop pests gaining access to your home by sealing up any cracks in walls or vents. You can also help to prevent any infestations by ensuring that you keep your kitchen and waste areas clean and store any rubbish in proper bins that are well away from living quarters. But that is not much help if you already have a problem, is it? If an infestation is happening, then you will need to call a professional exterminator. They will have the tools and skill to identify the issue and treat it specifically as well as to help prevent it from reoccurring.

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He’s so wittle!!!

Damp and Mold: Have you ever lived in a home or visited one that is suffering from a damp problem? If so, you will know just how unpleasant it can be. There is often a funny smell and the air inside never quite feels dry enough. In fact, if you have breathing difficulties like asthma it can really exacerbate them. That is why you don’t want damp or mold in your home.

Of course, damp is the perfect condition for mold to grow, as well. Mold is actually a fungus that grows on the walls of your home. Not only is it (very!) unsightly but it can pose a risk to your health, as well, and it really means that you aren’t living in the best conditions. But what can you do about problems such as mold and damp? Well, first of all, you will need to identify where the damp is coming from. If it is due to a flat roof or a crack in the walls it may be fairly easy to fix. But if it is rising damp, it is caused by the foundation of your home sucking up water from the land surrounding it. This is a lot more costly and time-consuming to deal with and needs to be addressed by a professional.