Tag Archives: dogs

May12

4 Best Dog Breeds For Families With Kids

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4 Best Dog Breeds For Families With Kids

While one breed of dog can never be considered the ‘best’ breed around, some are more suited to different situations than others. For example, if you wanted a security dog, you’d likely opt for an Alsatian over a Chihuahua! The same sort of logic applies to families that are looking for a pet dog. If you have children, you need dogs that respond well to these small humans. So, here are some of the top dog breeds for families with kids:

Labrador Retriever:

You can’t go wrong with a Labrador, and it is arguably the most popular family dog of all time. They’re playful, loving, and extremely loyal. Plus, they train really well and are extremely intelligent. The only thing to be wary of is that Labradors require a lot of exercise. So, keep that in mind if you’re welcoming one into your home. They grow to be large dogs, but not overly large to intimidate your kids. Honestly, they’re pretty much the perfect family dog.

Beagle:

Beagles have been in families for generations, and for a few good reasons. First, they’re a relatively small dog, so any intimidation is taken out of the equation right away. They’re also always up for some fun and love the outdoors, making them perfect for kids who like to go out and play all day long. Beagles are also one of the happiest and friendliest dogs around, getting along well with other breeds. Not only that, but they also get along with other pets, so they could be a great option if you have a cat in the home as well.

Too cute!

French Bulldog:

The French Bulldog is another small dog that’s suited to families with children. They’re one of the best around for families that live in the city and don’t have much backyard space. Frenchies are so easy to maintain and don’t require lots of daily walks at all. Plus, they’re one of the most accessorized dogs out there! You can find loads of Frenchie apparel online, letting you kit out your pup in many different safe items of clothing. Frenchies are also very playful and friendly, so they suit kids to a tee.

Pexels Image

Rough Collie:

A breed that was made famous by the movie Lassie, the Rough Collie is an excellent family dog. They are loyal to a fault and get on so well with kids. Honestly, in terms of dog-child relationships, the Rough Collie is probably the most kid-friendly dog out there. Again, they’re not too hard to handle, and their intelligence means they are one of the easiest dogs to train. A Rough Collie is typically seen as a medium-sized dog, so they won’t grow to be too hard to handle!

Smile!

Don’t worry if your favorite dog breed hasn’t made this list! There are loads of other breeds that can be suitable for families with children, these are just the top four to consider. If you don’t mind what type of dog you get, perhaps opting for one of these will make your life easier.

Featured Image By: Pexels

Apr28

15 Cool Apps For Pet Owners

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15 Cool Apps For Pet Owners

Whether you’ve got dogs, cats, or reptiles, being a pet parent is a lot of fun. Of course, there’s plenty that you need to organize to keep your pet healthy and happy. Whether it’s games, health support, or training, these apps have got lots of handy features:

Apps for cat owners:

Cat Clicker Training:

Cat Clicker Training is a simple app that you can use to train your kitty. All you have to do is touch the paw on the screen, and you’ll hear your iPhone make the clicker noise. You can change the paw to different colors and adjust the background to white or black. Alternatively, you can prompt your cat to touch the screen of the iPad or iPhone using its own paw. The app provides instructions about training your cat, including photos to guide you.

Relax My Cat:

Relax My Cat is an app that offers relaxing music for cats! All of the music is composed using sound techniques that are calming for felines. Some cats have problems with sleeping or anxiety. If your cat experiences this, then Relax My Cat is the perfect app for you. Perhaps your cat gets scared by fireworks or construction work? If so, you can use this music to calm it down. The music can be used to comfort your cat when it’s unwell or to ease hyperactivity.

Fish For Cats:

Fish For Cats is a fun-filled game for your cat to play! It’s simple, all you have to do is choose a level and then you can watch your kitty start to chase the fishes. All you need is an iPad and a flat surface to place it on. There are four levels to explore and plenty of sound effects to keep your cat engaged! Every time your cat catches a fish on the screen, the score goes up. To ensure that your cat has a super fun playtime, try the Fish For Cats app.

11 Pets (Pet Care):

The 11 Pets Pet Care app is an excellent resource for families with pets. The app offers features to support you with all your pet care needs. A few of the best features include:

  • Reminders for deworming and vaccination
  • Access and store medical history for your pet
  • Share data with your pet sitter or your veterinarian
  • Set reminders for food and medications

Taking care of your pet isn’t just about vet trips, it’s about providing your pet with everything it needs. For more info about the best pet accessories check out at home for your pet.

Chewy:

Chewy is an app to make pet food shopping easier. Using this application, you can browse through thousands of pet supplies and food brands. The app helps you to research pet foods, find your favorites, and track orders. There are plenty of benefits to using the Chewy app, including.

  • Get free shipping when you spend over $49
  • 24/7 support from the customer service team
  • Choose from a huge variety of brands
  • Set up auto purchases so you don’t run out

Whatever kind of pet you own, Chewy can help you to find the perfect pet food. It’s important to provide your pet with a healthy and nutritious diet.

Apps for dog owners:

Doglog:

Doglog is a great application to monitor your dog’s health. Using the app you can track weight, temperature, and eating habits. You can also log exercise activities, medicine, and vet appointments. The app provides plenty of handy features including analytics, photos, and reminders. You can create a health schedule, plus access various other benefits including:

  • Get reminders about your training appointments or vet trips
  • Share info with your dog sitter and vet
  • Record activities linked to the health of your dog

With so many neat features to take advantage of it’s easy to keep your dog healthy and happy.

Bring Fido:

Bring Fido is an app that helps you to search for places that are dog friendly – it could be beaches, hotels, restaurants, or other attractions. You can book these places using the app. The search function allows you to specify distance, price, or rating. Using Bring Fido, you can plan the perfect day with your dog. If you have any questions, there’s a handy chat option where you can access expert advice.

Pet First Aid App:

The Pet First Aid application was made by the Red Cross Foundation. The app provides plenty of expert advice to support the health of your dog. You can access lots of content including videos, guides, and quizzes. There’s advice about emergencies, administering medication, and more. You can also get behavioral advice to help you with your dog training. Need to find a local vet or a pet-friendly hotel? The Pet First Aid app can help you with all this too.

GoodPup:

GoodPup is a dog training application where you can get training sessions via video call. There are a variety of dog training courses to choose from to suit your dog’s needs. It’s easy to set goals, track progress, and keep in touch with your trainer. When you train your dog at home, this can help them to feel at ease and relaxed. Positive reinforcement training can help your puppy to get into good habits and keep making progress. Choose from options such as basic commands, potty training, socialization, crate training, and behavioral training. It’s best to train your dog as early as possible to help them get into good habits.

Rover:

Rover is an app for dog walking and dog sitting. The app allows you to search for expert dog carers in your area, whether you need overnight care or an afternoon walk. The app allows you to track your dog’s walk, receive photo updates, and make secure bookings. All sitters on the Rover app are reviewed and pre-approved by the team. According to Rover, 95% of reviewed Rover bookings receive a perfect 5-star rating. It’s easy to message your dog sitters using the app, whether you’re at home or on the go.

General apps for pet owners:

Petcube

Petcube is a ‘pet home camera’ that includes a microphone, video, and laser point toy. All of these features allow you to watch your pet when you’re away from home. You can use the camera to play with your pet when you’re away or take fun photos. Petcube also allows you to interact with animals in pet shelters using your smartphone. It’s an interactive community where you make friends with fellow animal lovers and follow their social updates.

My Pet Reminders:

My Pet Reminders is an app to help you track your pet’s medication and vet appointments. First, you create a profile for your pet. The next step is to input your medical info, vet trips, and training appointments. It’s important to stay on top of your pet’s health schedule. No matter which animals you have, the My Pet Reminders app makes it easy to do so.

Kriddr Pet Parent:

The Kriddr Pet Parent app works by connecting pet owners with shelters and service providers. There’s also a fun feature called ‘bark recognition software’. The app records your dog barking and then suggests what your dog needs. The bark recognition feature is based on millions of dog barking samples. All the samples have been analyzed to look for patterns. You’ll have plenty of fun testing out the bark feature with your dog!

We Rescue App:

The We Rescue App can help you to find animals to adopt, whether you’re looking for cats, dogs, scaly animals, or unusual pets. There are 70+ search filters to choose from and it’s easy to search by breed. The app provides detailed information on every animal so it’s easier to make your choice. You can search using categories such as size, age, gender, breed, location, and more.

Lost Pet:

The Lost Pet app works as an announcement feed about pets that have gone missing. The app was designed to collect useful data to help owners find their pets. Lost Pet analyzes several different social networks and creates one feed for lost animals. Simply add a lost pet announcement and the app will post it to various social media groups. There are several helpful features that you can use including:

  • Read all the nearby lost pet announcements
  • Report a lost pet.
  • Read informative articles for support.
  • Create a lost pet leaflet to print.

All of the above apps can help you to keep your pets both happy and healthy. With the help of these tools, you’ll create the perfect lifestyle for your beloved pets.

Featured Image By: Pexels

Apr6

Do Right By Your Dog This Summer

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Do Right By Your Dog This Summer

The summer is approaching and it’s time for you and your dog to head out and find some new horizons to explore. It’s important, however, to look after your dog while you do this and don’t waste the chance to teach them new things. Below is some advice on how to do right by your dog this summer:

Keep your dog cool:

In some places the summer can get very warm. It can even cause tarmac to melt so imagine how it must feel on your dog’s paws! Add to this the warm furry coat your dog has and there is a recipe for an uncomfortable and potentially hazardous time. You need to look after your dog in the summer so they don’t overheat. Time their walks so they aren’t in the heat of the day and provide them with plenty of water and shade through the afternoon.

Look after their health:

During the hot weather your dog’s eyes might dry out and become irritated. This can happen when they lay in the sun for long periods, perhaps in the backyard or the park. Eye irritation will cause your dog some discomfort and they might whine. To remedy this, try some eye drops for dogs or cats, these are made with distilled water and colloidal silver to flush out your dog’s eyes and give them a clearness and ease that was missing before. Using these eye drops through the summer will keep their eyes moist and them comfortable.

Make your garden dog friendly:

During the summer, your dog will enjoy going to new places for walks. They will love running around at the beach and exploring the forest. Equally, they will want to explore your back garden and make it their home territory over the summer months. Make sure it’s dog friendly. The first thing to do is to check that all of your fences are secure. Also inspect your dog for fleas and mites regularly. Check your plants, as well, to make sure none of them are poisonous to dogs.

Teach them new things:

The summer is an ideal opportunity to teach your dog some new tricks or some new manners. You will be going to new and exciting places for your dog and they will want to explore, but you need to make sure they don’t interrupt other people and are friendly to other dogs. Teach your dog new things such as recall, walking nicely on the lead, and how to meet other dogs. If your dog is in a playful mood why not teach them a new trick or two?

Enrich their life:

Some dogs are smarter than others but all of them have some level of intelligence and a need for mental stimulation as well as physical. The summer is an excellent time to stimulate your dog’s mind with new activities and new training. Try to vary the walks you take your dogs on, otherwise they will start to get bored. Your dog needs new smells and stimulation to keep them active and happy.

Make the dog days of summer the best ever for you and your pup with the tips above!

Featured Image By: Freepik

Mar25

4 Things Your Dog Needs Beyond Food And Water

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4 Things Your Dog Needs Beyond Food And Water

If you are a proud dog parent, you know how special these furry creatures are. Dogs are integral parts of their families. They bring so much joy, comfort, and companionship. With that in mind, you want to give them the best care possible to make them as happy as they make you – each and every day.

Safe Space:

When your dog spends time outside, it is vital to their well-being to have a safe place for them to sleep. Colorbond Dog Kennels are a quality and effective solution for your dog’s housing needs. These kennels are designed for longevity. The durable construction is raised off the ground to protect pets from fleas, parasites, snakes, roaming wildlife, and other unsecured dogs. Your dog needs to have a safe place to relax too! The kennel will also be their go-to location during the day if they feel tired or are looking for a quiet respite from the activity around your home. It is a place just for them.

Toys:

Yes, your dog really does need toys. However, they do not need to be fancy to be fun and effective. Dog toys do more than clutter up your floor. They keep your dog busy and entertained. Dog toys prevent your furry companion from finding your favorite shoes or even the baseboards and using them to scratch the chewing itch. Dogs are comforted and calmed by the act of chewing on things, and they keep them happy. You can find dog toys at many stores or try your hand at making them yourself for a DIY project.

Here is a fun tutorial on how to make upcycled dog toys from old t-shirts:

Exercise:

Just like people, some dog breeds require more exercise than others. And, just like people, exercise allows dogs to relieve stress through physical activity. When your dog is worn out physically, they are less likely to become destructive and chew or dig due to boredom or pent-up energy that is waiting to be released. As an added benefit, exercise is a chance to bond with your dog and take some time out of your everyday responsibilities for yourself, as well.

Love:

At the end of every day, if you look back at what your canine family member has wanted from you, it is basic needs and, overwhelmingly, it is love. Your dog wants to be with you. They long for a belly rub or scratch behind the ears with a “good boy/girl” thrown in for good measure. They deserve all of the love and in ample amounts!

four1

So sweet!

Your best friend deserves the best. Beyond caring for their basic needs, give them a safe space with shelter to retreat to and relax. Dogs do not need much; their basic needs are easy to meet. They just want some love, care, and of course – you!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Feb16

Daily Dose Of Cuteness

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Daily Dose Of Cuteness

Hello!! I don’t know about you guys, but there is never a time for me when I don’t want to see pictures of someone’s pets. Dogs, cats, rabbits, lizards, fish – I don’t care what it is, I want the 411. Their names, funny stories, which rescue organization they came from, the list goes on! My life would not be the same without my family’s sweet rescue dogs, a tiny Terrier mix named Ollie and a Golden Retriever named Archie. They are both very good boys… Actually, they’re the best and here they are:

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My family will always be eternally grateful to the rescue organizations, Canine Lifeline and One Of A Kind Pets, for giving us the opportunity to care for both of our boys. Ollie is our more mellow of the two, who loves napping, playing with squeaker toys, and stepping out in his finest bandanas! On the other hand, we have Archie, our rambunctious puppy who is a HUGE lover of playing, kisses, and chewing all of the things! Both of our pups have such unique personalities that are so different from each other, but they get along just fine. 🙂

In my household, we are passionate about animal rescue and are so thankful to all of the amazing organizations for their hard work that saves countless lives. Nothing makes me happier than playing tug of war with Archie or snuggling up with little Ollie while he snoozes. The connection between a pet and its owner is so therapeutic as it is such a pure form of love and I am so over the moon about both of our angels.

Ollie and Archie send a virtual tail wag your way with the hopes that their precious pics puts a smile on your face today! ❤

What kind of pets do you have? What is your favorite animal? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec16

Doing Right By Your Dog This Winter

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Doing Right By Your Dog This Winter

As dog parents, we always want to do the best for our furry friends. The colder months are always a little more challenging than summer. But whether you’ve recently added a puppy to the family household or have been with your pooch for years, this winter could be tougher than most.

The impacts of COVID-19 will limit the possibilities in many aspects of dog care. However, you cannot afford to let it prevent your pup from receiving the love and care they deserve. Here are some tips to keep you on top of the situation throughout the early parts of 2021:

Protection from the cold:

The first job facing all dog owners is to keep them protected from the cold weather in winter. A continued commitment to fighting off frostbite and other dangers with dog shoes and coats can make a big impact. You should also use flea sprays and other protective items.

Prevention is the best form of protection at all times. While veterinary services are still open in most places, appointments may be harder to get. So, if you can avoid them altogether through improved winter care, you must grab that opportunity right away.

Pay extra care to nutrition:

A healthy dog is a happy dog, and nutrition remains the central feature. A balanced diet supported by the best dog treats will ensure that your pooch gets the right nutrients all winter. When combined with any necessary supplements, your dog’s health will soar.

It’s very easy to forget about hydration in the winter, but your dog cannot be left to go thirsty, either. Be sure to check out how much liquid a dog of your breed and size should take on each day. On a side note, brain games for dog treats are great to promote mental stimulation.

Stay active:

It’s inevitable that outdoor activities will suffer a reduction in the winter months. While this is true every year, the fact that some attractions are off-limits due to the pandemic does make it harder. Nonetheless, getting your dog out for regular exercise is as essential as ever.

Walking a combination of their favorite routes and new spots is vital for mental stimulation. Moreover, the activity promotes healthy bones, muscles, and joints. The benefits won’t always be seen right away, but you’ll notice them in the future. It’s good for weight management too.

winterrr1

Cutie!!!

Create a comfy home environment:

Getting outside on a frequent basis is pivotal for your dog’s health. Nonetheless, they will be spending more time at home. So, you owe it to your pooch to ensure that it is a comfortable environment. A great pet bed and plenty of toys should be at the top of the agenda.

If the dog is a new addition to the family, you’ll also need to think about introducing them to other pets. Even the notoriously challenging dog-cat relationship can be a lot simpler to manage than you might first think. The impact it will have in winter and beyond is huge.

Spend time near other dogs:

First and foremost, you must respect the current social distancing restrictions in your local area. However, if you are able to meet a friend for outside walks, this is a great way for dogs to stay socially active. This is crucial for their mental health and emotional stimulation.

While it’s something that dogs need every year, its benefits will be greater than ever over the coming weeks. It might not be possible to do this every day, but you should aim to do it several times each week. Of course, this will be easier if you have multiple dogs.

winterrr2

Besties!

Invest in good home grooming:

Some dog grooming companies will continue to offer a COVID-safe service. However, the chances of getting the same level of care that you’d usually receive are quite slim. Therefore, you must try to compensate for this by giving your pup the right home treatments.

Finding the best dog brush, nail clippers, and toothbrushes will serve you well. For the true dog parlor vibe, luxury shampoos and conditioners can be used too. Once you embrace the habit, you may find that your reliance on professionals is reduced after the pandemic too.

Think about the heat:

When at home in the cold weather, we all gravitate towards heat sources. However, this can be a danger for dogs if they get too close to heaters and run the risk of dehydration and skin burns. Therefore, radiator covers and fire guards are vital additions. Do it ASAP.

Good air circulation will certainly help the situation while also reducing the threat of bacteria growth. The potential issues with the heat also provides a reason to ensure that water is readily available for your dog throughout the day.

winterrr3

Snug as a bug.

Manage the backyard:

The backyard is a spot where your dog will gain regular exercise and stimulation. Sadly, if you do not take winter precautions, there’s a risk that they will escape. For example, snow can quickly build up against fences to create potential escape routes.

Likewise, adverse weather could damage panels to create further escape routes for your pup. So, if you wish to avoid this problem, it’s important to inspect the yard each morning before letting the pup out to play. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Show love:

Perhaps most importantly, your dog needs love and attention at this time. And frankly, given your lack of human interaction, it’s vital for you too. Playing games with your pet will deliver mutual mental health rewards. When your dog is happier, it will show in their behavior.

The key is to avoid long-term spells without seeing the pup. For many people, that will be easier than ever due to working from home. If you are still at the office, though, you must find alternative solutions. A dog sitter may not be possible at this time, though, so it’s important to be as present as you can.

Do right by your pups this winter with the tips above. Stay safe!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Dec15

Pet Care: Dos And Don’ts

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Pet Care: Dos And Don’ts

We love pets! Therefore, we always want to give them the healthiest, fullest lives while they’re with us. Unfortunately, in trying to give your pet the best, you may inadvertently harm them in the process. A National Pet Owners survey revealed that 85 million families in the US own pets and the majority of owners are concerned about their pet’s wellbeing. It’s essential to know the right way to care for your lovable animals. Here are three do’s and don’ts when taking care of pets:

Know what to feed them:

How often do you take time to read your pet’s dietary plan as well as what its food contains? These are the first steps in showing responsibility towards your pet. Many pet foods claim to be healthy but are not. In 2019, a lawsuit was filed against Kansas-based Hill’s Pet Nutrition over allegations of unhealthy foods that resulted in many dogs’ deaths. Did you know goldfish cannot take in food containing yeast as this is hazardous to their health? Click here to find out on what to feed your goldfish to be on the safe side. Additionally, always consult your veterinarian on ingredients you are unsure of. More so, avoid overfeeding your pets as this may cause them to exceed their daily calorie limits.

Regular visits to the vet:

It is critical to start your visits to the vet quite early with your pups and kittens. Your dogs and cats must be licensed and vaccinated against rabies when they are fourteen weeks old. At precisely one-year-old, they should also get a booster shot, depending on your state. For example, whereas California law strictly requires a dog to receive boosters annually, New York State law demands repeat shots every one to four years. However, some pet owners ignore booster shots for their pets and that puts families, strangers, and other animals in the home at risk. In extreme cases, others are not vaccinating their pets at all – known as anti-vax animal owners.

Your regular appointments with your vet are so important for your pets to have a long and happy life. Vets can help detect problems before they become significant and will be able to recommend the best course of treatment. This could include prescribing dog arthritis treatment, advising for physical therapy, or simply encouraging a change in diet. You are responsible for all aspects of care for your pet and an appointment with your vet is the best place to start.

Rub them the right way:

After a long and stressful day, you look forward to getting home to show some affection to your furry buddy. You finally get to rub your pet but immediately get nicked or scratched. Do you know what you did wrong? You rubbed them wrongly! Experienced pet owners recommend rubbing your furry friends in the direction of fur growth and not against it. When this is not done, your pet may interpret this as an attack. You should avoid going directly to the top of their head as you show affection. Instead, approach from the side of the pet’s head while maintaining gentle strokes until you reach the upper part. While dogs love to be stroked in the neck and shoulder areas, cats prefer soft scratching under the chin. You should also look out for signs of a wagging tail and purrs. These indicate that you’re doing it right.

pup1

Pixabay Image

Be sure to explore more tips on pet care. It requires a considerable amount of time, effort, and of course, money to care for your pets. It is all worth it, though, when you know your furry friend is healthy, happy, and safe.

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Dec11

The Importance Of Learning About Your Pets

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The Importance Of Learning About Your Pets

The pets you have at home are truly a gift. They make you happy, provide entertainment, and are always up for a good cuddle when you need it most. Of course, love isn’t all you need to be able to provide for your pet. Along with this, you also need to do some learning. Every animal is different, with dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, and a range of other pet options available, and this means that you need to know your stuff before you take them home. This post will be exploring some of the key areas that you will need to brush up on:

Nutrition & Basic Health:

Nutrition is crucial when you are looking after an animal. They won’t be able to eat the same foods as you do, and you may have to be quite strict to avoid weight gain or other health problems. Alongside their nutrition, it also makes sense to learn about their basic health needs. Your vet should be able to help with both of these areas, but it can also serve to take some time to do your own research around the web. Everyone has a different idea of how to handle this part of a pet’s life, and you can apply what you learn to your own pet accordingly.

Behavior:

It can be hard to pinpoint what is wrong with a pet when they are acting in a way that you’re not used to. For example, bearded dragons can seem like they have few emotions on the surface, but signs like their beard turning black can be an indicator that they are scared of something. Sites like Homepethelp go into incredible detail to describe issues like this, giving you the chance to figure out exactly what is causing your pet to act strangely. Once you have the cause of something like this, it will be much easier to keep your pet happy.

Exercise & Play:

Some pets don’t need much attention, but others will need you to spend hours each day with them. It is very important to make sure that you know what your pet needs, with animals like cats and dogs often getting depressed when they don’t get enough quality time with their owners. Other animals can be used to make this easier, with loads of groups on sites like Facebook being dedicated to helping pet owners to find play dates. Along with this, you could also think about getting some automated toys for when you simply don’t have time to play.

With all of this in mind, you should be feeling ready to take on the challenge of learning about your pets. This can be a great way to make their lives better, while also giving them the support they need to develop properly.

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Dec9

Tips For Taking The Best Care Of Your Dog

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Tips For Taking The Best Care Of Your Dog

Welcoming an extra furry member to your family can be such a rewarding experience, as a dog can provide you with comfort and entertainment to no end. Learning how to provide the best care for your pup should always be a priority whenever you invest in a new pet, as the responsibility is on you to look after them to the best of your ability. Luckily it needn’t be difficult to ensure they can lead a happy, healthy life, as there are a few key areas in which you can focus your efforts to make them feel comfortable and content for as long as possible. Like the following:

Eating Well:

One of the most important parts of your dog’s day is dinner time, and it’s vital that you make an effort to keep them on a healthy, balanced diet. Unfortunately, it’s so easy to just grab the cheapest canned food option from the supermarket shelf, but it’s more than likely that this choice will be made up of the lowest quality ingredients that provide little benefit whatsoever. Taking your dog’s diet seriously will mean that they have a much better chance of leading a long and comfortable life, as avoiding artificial foods can reduce the risk of illnesses like cancer occurring. There are so many fresh pet food options on the market today, even those which are kept inside the fridge, so take some time to research each choice and make an informed decision on which one is most suited to your pup.

If you want to take it one step further, you may wish to consider making your own dog food from scratch at home. There are hundreds of recipes online that you can utilize, most of which are based around grains, meat, fruit, and vegetables. Making your own dog food at home will be really beneficial for your pup if they have any allergies or sensitivities, as you can track the ingredients to make sure every dish is gentle on their tummy. Providing your dog with a healthy dinner each and every day will give them the energy they need to thrive, as well as all of the vitamins and minerals that their mind and body needs to function at optimum levels.

Regular Exercise & Play:

Making sure that your pup gets regular exercise is key to maintaining proper health, as they need a chance to stretch their legs, move their muscles, and work their heart harder. Aim to take them on a walk at least once a day, more if you can, as this will provide them with the exercise they need to stay fit. Taking them on a walk will also give them the opportunity to meet with other dogs, allowing them to stay social and improve their interaction skills at the same time. Regular play is a key feature of a calm and happy temperament, as a dog that’s bored is often much more unruly.

The duration of your pups daily exercise session should depend on their breed and age, as smaller or older dogs will want to walk far less than larger or younger dogs. Make your walks interesting by taking them on a route that includes a little nature such as a field or a forest, as they will get the chance to be a real animal and use their senses as they were destined to in the ‘wild’. You may also wish to take a few play items with you on your walk, such as a tennis ball or rope so you can play games like fetch to get them moving.

Keep Them Clean:

It’s absolutely essential that you keep your dog as clean as possible, otherwise they will experience discomfort, distress, and potentially even disease. Depending on the breed of your dog, you should aim to wash them at least once a month, possibly more, to keep them clean and fresh. If you aren’t able to wash your dog yourself, don’t simply skip over your responsibilities – take them to a groomer! If you do wish to clean your dog by yourself, then start off by finding a quality shampoo that suits their fur type. You can find shed control blends, sensitive products for dry skin, and so much more. It’s a good idea to read up on reviews left by previous customers to get a better view of the quality of the product you wish to buy before you invest, as there’s nothing worse than finding yourself in the bathroom with your dog covered in water and a shampoo that simply won’t lather.

Always remember to rinse their fur well and follow up with a conditioner for a touch of luxury. Make sure they are as dry as possible once you’ve finished bathing them, as wet dogs often smell quite foul. In addition to bathing, you should also perform other hygiene related tasks such as clipping their nails and you can even find dog teeth cleaning centers which can help to maintain their pearly whites. Making sure that your pup is clean will aid them in feeling comfortable and calm, and they’ll surely repay you with endless affection for the effort that you put in. Keeping your dog clean will also help you to keep your house clean, so it’s a win win situation!

Learning how to take great care of your dog has never been so simple with the tips above! Start off by sourcing the best quality food for your pup to devour and make sure you allow them to take part in regular exercise and play to stay physically and socially active. And also, please pet them for me! 🙂

Featured Image By: Pexels

Dec2

Protecting Your Dogs In Winter Weather

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Protecting Your Dogs In Winter Weather

When winter comes around, every good pet owner will want to make sure their pooch is happy and safe. We can put on layers, while they cannot. We can avoid puddles and slippery ice on the sidewalk, just by knowing what would entail if we stood in them. Dogs don’t seem to realize their paws will get stuck to the ice and this can be incredibly dangerous and painful. Not to mention, they tend to bring in half the snowfall, as they come inside our homes from walks. We can help our dogs remain safe, not lose our minds with all of the cleanup duties, and enjoy winter together as good pet owners:

Frostbite danger:

Many people will still try to take their restless dog outside in the cold for his morning and evening walks. However, no matter what kind of dog you have, always make him or her wear some shoes. In the wild, dogs are not just roaming around in the cold. They avoid harsh conditions but we have domesticated dogs that want to stick to a routine and need to be outside at a particular time of day. That’s fine, but dogs will start to shiver and their paws become numb if they have prolonged contact with the frozen pavement. So make sure that they are wearing winter shoes or they might suffer from frostbite which is extremely painful.

 

He wants to snuggle:

If your pup isn’t allowed on the furniture, give him an elevated bed so it’s not touching the cold floor. If your dog’s bed is on tiles or hardwood floors, then it will lose warmth. But if you keep it off the ground this won’t be an issue. Nevertheless, give your dog an extra blanket or a thicker blanket for the winter. It is equally as important to move the dog’s bed away from draft-prone areas such as close to windows and doors.

Messy paw prints:

When your dog has been outside in the garden to do his business, he will have muddy paws. You can bet that during winter, in the rain and melting ice, the garden will become a muddy mess and that mess will be brought inside. Your furry friend doesn’t know any better, but thanks to a good reliable carpet cleaning service you won’t need to stay upset for too long. The paw prints won’t be permanent and your nice area rug won’t be scarred for life. They use a special patented Hot Carbonating Extraction service which does a very hot deep cleansing clean of any carpet. The carbonation doesn’t harm the carpet fibers and they don’t need to use any undue pressure to get the mud and muck out.

A need for more:

Just like you, during the winter your dog is going to want more food. It’s natural, as we need more energy to shiver, keep warm, and regulate our metabolism during winter. However, do not use this as your only method of helping your dog get through winter. Although he might beg for more food, you should be wary of feeding him too much. Instead, you should only add an extra 10-15% calories more than he would normally have. Give him a jumper or inside top to wear and this way he will not need to burn as many calories to stay warm.

Brush his paws:

If you go for walks on the pavement instead of on the grass in the park, then beware of grit salt getting stuck in between his paws. This can lead to the skin splitting and becoming raw if left alone. Just use a simple toothbrush to wipe your dog’s paws clean as he gets inside. It will make sure little pieces of grit do not remain lodged in your dog’s paws. Again, as we have recommended earlier, just buy him some winter shoes and all of this will be avoided.

Your dog is counting on you to stick to his routine so he doesn’t feel anxious and become restless. But he also needs protection from the icy gritty pavement. These are just some of the things you can do to keep your pet safer this winter.

Featured Image By: Pixabay