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4 Possible Reasons Your Dog Is Low On Energy

July 3, 2021 Leave a Comment

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If you have a dog, you might have noticed that from time to time they can suddenly appear to be quite low on energy. When this happens, it can be a shock, and you might even be surprised about how depressed or upset your pooch can be at these moments. However, there is usually a fairly simple reason behind it, and it’s something that you should be able to fix. First of all, you will need to work out the reason however. Here are four of the possible reasons that your dog might be low on energy at the moment.

 

Bloated

 

Sometimes the reason your dog is quiet and lacking in energy is simply because they are bloated. This can happen to any of us (just think about how you often feel at the end of Christmas day!) and your dog is no different in that regard. It may be that they are overeating, or it could be that they are not eating the right kind of food. If you have fed them some rich meat, for instance, this might cause this kind of reaction in dogs. So make sure that you are only doing that sparingly.

 

Lacking In Vitamins

 

It can also be related to what vitamins your dog is or is not getting. If they are apparently lethargic most of the time and it doesn’t seem to be changing or improving at all, then you might want to take a look at their food and see whether it needs changing for something better. If you take a look at dogfoodcare.com you will see plenty of advice on choosing the right food to feed to your dog. That should help to ensure that they are getting the right vitamins wherever possible.

 

Pain

 

You might assume that a dog would always yell out loudly if they were in a lot of pain, but in fact this is not necessarily the case. Just as often, a dog will respond to pain by becoming very quiet and subdued, and they might want to only rest in their bed until they feel better. So if your dog is suddenly very quiet in this manner, you might want to check if they have any pain, which you can normally do by gently encouraging them to move a little. If you are worried, take them to the vet to find out if there is anything seriously wrong.

 

Obesity

Sometimes, a dog is not able to move around much because they are obese. It is part of your duty as a dog owner to make sure you know what counts as obese for your dog, taking into consideration their normal weight, breed and so on. If it turns out that they are obese, then you should try to feed them less, change out their food for a better one, and encourage them to exercise more. Perhaps you could take them out for walks more often, or play with them in the garden more. All of that should help.

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Six Reasons to Get The Kids A Pet

December 22, 2020 Leave a Comment

Have your kids been begging you for a puppy? Most parents hear it at some point or another: they want a pet, another one to play with, and they want it as soon as they can get it! Whether you bring a dog or a cat into the family, you should consider the pros and cons of a pet for your home. Some people choose to go for a bird or a fish over a furry friend, and this is mostly because those furry friends shed hair, eat a lot and need a lot more attention.

 

Cats are an independent pet like fish, but cats still need to be outside sometimes, and you still have to clean up after they poop. If you’re buying for younger children, a fish could be a good pet to start out with given that it’s a nice way to build up their responsibility. If you’re considering buying a pet this year, let’s check out 6 reasons you should go for it.

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  1. Happy Children. Ah, the first and best reason of all to buy your children a pet: they’ll be so full of joy! Sharing space with an animal for which they are responsible can make a huge difference to the way they are raised. They learn to respect animals and they learn to nurture the animal and their nature. Playing with a pet makes them happy, which makes it an excellent reason to start off with!
  2. New Responsibilities. We’ve talked about responsibility, but your children will learn to care for and feed their new pet. If you get a fish, then HelpUsFish may be the best place to learn what your new fish can eat. You can then teach your children how to clean out their cages, pick up after them and take care of them. They will learn care and empathy this way!
  3. Companionship. Children form bonds with pets in the same way that they do their family and friends. Animals are a huge source of love and comfort to children, and while they spend time trying to navigate their way through this thing called life, their pet can be a favored friend.
  4. Love – No Matter What. A boost to self-esteem is often the best thing that you can give to your child – and a pet can do that. Animals are loving and attentive, and animals like dogs and cats offer their love no matter what. That source of love is a comfort and it’s something they can trust.
  5. Better Health. Depending on the pet that you buy, a more active lifestyle with more movement could be the result of your purchase. Dogs, for example, need to be walked more than once a day and that can be a part of your children being outdoors more. Even cats like to be outside, and they love to play, which pulls your children away from screens!
  6. Social Benefits. Children will have a topic to discuss when making friends, and it makes a big difference to their future and the people with whom they share that future.
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How To Be A Competent Owner Of An Unusual Pet

November 13, 2020 Leave a Comment

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Being a competent owner of an unusual pet is much better than being the unusual owner of a competent pet, although both can apply in this circumstance. When many of us seek to bring a pet into our homes, we think along default terms. A dog is perhaps considered one of the most obvious choices, but little pets, such as rabbits, hamsters, gerbils and even kittens can be a good ‘starter pet’ for a young child, as they are either simpler to take care of or have their own independence and needn’t be trained.

 

That being said, these are hardly the only pet categories you have to choose from. It could be that now you have your own place and own independence, you feel it necessary to collection a pet or two of quite unique, unusual origin. While you shouldn’t bring a Serval into your home anytime soon, it might be that a snake, a bearded dragon, or even a particular type of fish (and its associated environment) is something you hope to bring into your home and nurture.

 

So, how can you be a competent owner of an unusual pet? Let’s consider:

 

Get Ready To Invest

 

Remember the old ad campaign that suggested a dog was for life, not just for Christmas? It gave people pause to think about how puppies were not just something you purchased as a nice token of appreciation, but they were a living being that required a dignified standard of care. While it could be harder to relate on a personal level to a reptile, the same principle applies. In some cases, it may be essential for you to spend a good amount setting up your environment before you even deign to purchase your pet. 

 

This might involve purchasing a large tank with decorative elements. It might mean purchasing heat lamps to keep cold-blooded creatures warm. It could mean investing in high-quality protein sources. It also means understanding the time investment, such as cleaning their environment for them two hours each and every week. You must understand and itemize these requirements as they are most crucial to you providing a standard of care necessary to keep your pet not only alive, but in a thriving atmosphere. Remember – you can have fun with this! Bringing Koi into your back garden, for instance, can be aided by a fantastic garden feature design you spend the winter preparing for and the summer implementing. If you’re investing in an unusual pet, be sure to invest in its environment and upkeep.

 

Species Specifics

 

Never assume you know everything about a certain species simply because you’ve a friend who has taken care of them, or because you read one article, or because it seems simple. A good pet owner observes their pet and tries to pick up on what expressions and behaviors are worth paying attention to. Sometimes, this can be quite obvious. If your dog is limping, for example, that’s quite a clear sign that something is wrong. But how can you ‘read’ a bearded dragon? It may seem utterly alien to you.


Well, luckily, that’s not the case. You can see in this bearden dragon behavior guide: https://beardeddragonguidance.com/bearded-dragon-behavior/ – that there are many telltale signs that help you understand what to do in certain situations. At the very least, studying in this manner will help you stay as informed as possible – which is your first essential step to consider before bringing any pet into your home.

 

Careful Attention & Suitability

 

It’s very important to take the time to make carefully assess your own home environment and if you are suited to this task. For instance, many people will find that bringing a puppy home is cruel if they’re simply going to be working, away from their apartment, for sixty hours a week. While no reptile will require the love and attention that a little fuzzball will, it’s also important to ask yourself if your home is suitable for this kind of pet.

 

Do you have children, or other pets? How might they learn from you keeping this exotic pet? Do you have to register your pet, and what additional inspections might need to take place to ensure you’re giving it a good home? If you already have a unique pet, can you place a new one in the same tank, or might that prove dangerous? What medications might they need during their growth? These questions are worth asking. Even stupid questions are worthwhile. They help you understand if this is a worthwhile cause, from start to finish.

 

With this advice, we hope you can provide careful attention and suitability to bringing your pet home for good.

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Signs That Your Dog May Be Getting Too Much Exercise

October 5, 2020 Leave a Comment

Exercise can provide your dog with a huge number of physical and mental benefits, but there can be a point where they’re getting a little too much exercise for their own good. Not all dogs are equal, hence why it’s important to try and understand that different dogs need different amounts of exercise. The breed, size, and lifestyle of the dog can have a huge impact on how much exercise your dog should be getting.

 

Ideally, you’ll want to learn more about the breed of your dog through experience and also your veterinarian. This will help you work out how much exercise your dog needs to stay fit and healthy, but also ensure that they’re not overworking themselves. However, there are also signs that they’re working a bit too hard. In this post, we’ll be describing those signs to help ensure that you’re not putting your dog at risk.

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Your dog shows signs of muscle stiffness

 

Stiffness in dogs is usually identified by their behavior. They’ll often be reluctant to run, jump or climb stairs. They might also keep holding their legs up, or they’ll have visibility swollen legs or joints. In some cases, they might constantly lick a part of their body more than usual. This may indicate that the dog is feeling pain in that area which could be caused by stiffness.

 

If you notice this happens shortly after exercising or even without exercise at all, then you may be able to soothe their muscles with products such as Royal Balm. Pet balms are designed to relieve troubled skin areas and give relief to sore muscles. They are typically used on paws to protect them from hazards and soothe affected areas. Heat therapy may also help with stiff joints and muscles. For this, apply a hot towel to the affected area (make sure it’s not uncomfortably hot) and leave for around 10 to 15 minutes before reapplying. We don’t recommend using electrically-heated pads, but microwavable pet heating pads can be a good alternative.

 

Your dog shows signs of a joint injury

 

Dogs carry over half of their weight on their front limbs. This puts considerably more stress on these joints which can cause joint injuries if they exercise too much. In fact, excessive exercise can cause sprains, meniscus tears, and other joint-related issues. This is further exacerbated in dogs that are lower to the ground because they have joints with an unusual shape. Younger puppies are more susceptible to this because they are still developing. If they have too much exercise, then it could develop problems later in life due to overusing their joints.

 

Dogs that have sustained a joint injury will usually have an imbalanced gait. They may use one leg more than the other or they may raise their head slightly more when walking on a bad leg. They may also lick the leg if they feel there is pain. They may also show reluctance to jump or go up and down stairs.

So whether you’ve recently adopted a new dog or have been a long-time dog owner, it’s important to remember that too much exercise for your dog can be a bad thing. It’s important to look out for these signs so you get a better understanding of their condition and how you can safeguard their wellbeing.

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Tips To Help Make Your Dog More Obedient

May 18, 2020 Leave a Comment

Having an obedient dog is very important because your dog is a member of the family and therefore needs to behave in a manner that isn’t going to make you look bad. If your dog is barking every time you have guests or has bad habits around the home, it’s definitely time to make a change. Here are some tips to help make your dog more obedient.

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Establish House Rules

Firstly, you want to establish some house rules when it comes to keeping a dog. You might have had your dog for a while, so this might make things more difficult, but there’s also time to teach your dog how to behave when in the home. If you’re only just getting a dog for the first time, then you can easily implement the house rules so that they know from the beginning whose boss. You can start by making sure the dog stays in their bed, rather than to be coming into your room and wanting to come on your bed. If you’re allowing the dog to jump over sofas or having their food before you, it can make the dog feel as though they are superior to you and therefore higher up in the chain of command.

 

Give Them Dog Training

Dog training is something that is worth doing when they’re young because like children, they are more impressionable at that stage, and they’re also still learning. If you’re looking at dog training, make sure it’s somewhere nearby so that you can get to it very easily, and ideally, you don’t want a class that’s too overcrowded. This could limit the amount of attention you get when trying to teach your dog. At the same time, you want to try and limit the amount of dog training so that it’s not too stressful for the dog and they get used to following up the training at home.

 

Teach Your Dog Basic Commands & Tricks

Another thing work doing when your dog is young is to teach your dog basic commands and tricks. The reason why this is important is that it will help them learn better as they get older. That means that as they do grow up, you might want to teach them more tricks and they’ll likely find it easier to do than having had no lessons in commands or tricks at all. Commands are good to have in order to teach your dog certain things you’ll want them to do, such as getting into their bed or going out into the back yard to do their business!

 

Don’t Ignore Bad Behavior

Bad behavior shouldn’t be ignored. Not that it should be punished in any harmful way, but you should make it known through your tone of voice used, that they’re in trouble. It’s important that they understand who the boss is and that certain behavior isn’t acceptable. As a result, they will learn from their mistakes.

 

Making your dog more obedient is important, so use these tips to help make them more so.

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Recently Adopted a Dog? Here Are Some Beginner-Friendly Tips to Keep in Mind

May 15, 2020 Leave a Comment

Adopting a dog is one of the most wonderful things that a family can do. They come with many unique and interesting benefits, such as having a warm and loving canine companion around the house. Some studies have even shown that having a pet around the house can help with your child’s development. With so many benefits to having a dog around, it’s easy to see why so many families are adopting dogs to include in their families.

 

However, looking after a dog is no small task. Ideally, every member of the family should look after your new dog so that your dog feels comfortable around everyone. In addition to that, there are plenty of little things that you can do to make both your life and your dog’s life much more enjoyable.

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Understand the conditions that your breed can be affected by

 

There are certain breeds of dog that are more prone to certain types of medical conditions. For instance, Bulldogs tend to have narrow nasal passages and Dalmatians commonly experience bladder stones. Make sure you understand your dog’s conditions, be they pre-existing or highly likely in the future so that you can deal with them as quickly as possible.

 

There are also general conditions that dogs face which you should understand. For instance, parasites and fleas are common issues that might affect your dog. Thankfully, products such as Nexgard Spectra can easily help your dog recover, but you need to put some research into it so that you know which product to buy, how to use it and when to use it. Once you learn more about the problems your dog could experience and their solutions, it’ll give you a lot more peace of mind.

 

Before you invite a dog into your family, make sure your home is dog-friendly

 

It sounds obvious to say this, but our homes are designed for humans–not dogs. It’s important to make small changes to your home so that your dog feels safer and more comfortable in your home, such as buying them a comfortable bed that they can claim as their private little space.

 

Luckily, there are a plethora of ways to make your home more dog-friendly. For instance, you should try and keep any fragile or important items away from your dog’s reach. This means placing rare or sentimental items behind cases or back in your storage drawers to prevent them from being damaged. You’ll also want to invest in a vacuum cleaner that can pick up pet hairs, especially if your breed is known to shed a lot of hair. Hiding or minimizing the appearance of electrical cables can also ensure that your dog doesn’t chew through electrical cables.

 

Having a dog is a long-term investment that you can’t neglect. We hope that these beginner-friendly tips have given you a better idea of how you can show compassion and love to your canine friend, or maybe it’s helped encourage you to consider adopting a dog in the future.

 

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Where Should You Go for Advice About Your Pet’s Health?

March 17, 2020 Leave a Comment

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Having a pet in the family is a joy, but it’s also a responsibility. You need to take care of your pet and provide them with the best care possible if you want to keep them happy and healthy. Whether you have a cat, dog, bird, rabbit or perhaps something more exotic, it’s important to know how to care for your pet day-to-day, as well as what to do when you think that they might be ill. Knowing where to get advice to help you care for your pet and treat any illnesses or injuries will help you to look after them in the best way possible.

 

Talk to Your Vet

 

When you need advice about caring for your pet, your first port of call might be your own vet. The vet you use is hopefully someone who you can trust to give you advice when you need it. You don’t need to wait for your pet to be ill to ask for advice. You can also ask them for any tips they may have during routine checkups, or some veterinary surgeries might allow you to phone them and ask questions if necessary. Many vets also have useful resources on their website or in the form of brochures and other materials.

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Get Advice from Other Vets

 

When your vet isn’t available, or you don’t want to bother them, there are plenty of other places to get advice. Other vets are available, of course, and plenty of them provide advice online and in other ways. Vets like Jennifer Perusek have blogs offering useful articles on a range of animal care issues. Just be sure to check the vet’s credentials so that you know they’re qualified to offer advice. You can even find some online “ask a vet” services that will allow you to ask any questions that you might have.

 

Use Animal Charities and Nonprofits

 

Another useful resource can be charities and nonprofits that help animals. These organizations usually have vets and other animal experts on their teams. They can provide advice in person, online or over the phone when you need help. For example, some animal shelters might offer information about caring for your pets. One example is The Humane Society, which has a website with plenty of resources. You can also find organizations for specific species or even different breeds of animals to help you discover the right advice.

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Consider Behavioral and Other Experts

 

Your vet might know how to care for your dog’s coat or what vaccinations your cat needs, but what do they know about animal behavior? While they likely have some fundamental knowledge, they’re probably not an expert in the behavior of all types of animals. When you need help with training or other behavioral issues, you may find that it’s helpful to seek out a behavioral expert or animal trainer who can offer you the right advice. They can often work with you and your pet.

 

When you need advice about your pet’s health, seek out experts who know what they’re doing. Make sure you don’t take advice from just anyone.

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How to Find the Right Diet for Your Dog

February 7, 2020 Leave a Comment

Your dog should have a healthy diet, just like you do. The food that they eat should give them energy, make their skin healthy and coat glossy, and help them to maintain the right weight. Finding the right diet for your dog isn’t always easy. All dogs are different and have different needs, and there are lots of pet food products out there. Here are some key things to think about.

 

Know Your Dog

 

Firstly, understanding your dog will help you to find the right diet. Your dog’s age, breed, sex, and activity levels can all influence the diet that they need. If they have any medical conditions, this can also affect the food that they should be eating. When you know your dog, you’re in a better position to choose their diet.

 

Speak to Your Vet

 

Your vet can always help you when you have questions about how to care for your dog. They can discuss what dietary options are available and help you to explore which one might be the best option for your four-legged friend. If you’re thinking about a radical change to your dog’s diet, speak to your vet about it first.

 

Get to Know Different Ingredients

 

There are all sorts of ingredients that can go into dog food from different food groups and of different qualities too. It’s a good idea to get to know the ingredients you might find in dog food, from meat and other proteins to vegetables, grains, and more. It’s also a good idea to know what your dog shouldn’t have.


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Essential Tips To Keep Your Puppy Healthy

September 12, 2019 Leave a Comment

Taking care of a puppy is a joyous, enlightening, and truly rewarding experience. Within just a short time together, your new pet will become your strongest defender, favorite cuddly toy, and best companion. Just like people, animals must adopt healthy habits to live long and happy lives. Since your pet can’t do this for themselves, it’s up to you to take care of them. Dogs benefit our lives in many ways, so it’s only fair we repay the favor by ensuring theirs are the best they can be. With that in mind, here are thirteen essential tips you must know to keep your puppy healthy. 

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  1. Feed A Balanced Diet

Feeding your furry friend the right type and amount of food will help them to maintain a healthy weight. This is one of the very best ways to prevent obesity and therefore extend their lifespan. Good nutrition will also aid in digestion, increase immunity, and promote heart health. If you’re unsure which food to give your puppy, then speak to your vet. Whatever type you pick, make sure you feed the right amount for their weight. You must also wash out their bowl each day. 

 

  1. Walk Together Every Day

While different breeds require different levels of activity, all puppies need exercise. This is especially important during growth and when your furry friend is going through adolescence. For this reason, you must make sure that you take your pet for daily walks. If harsh weather stops you from going out, then find activities to do inside instead. Gage what types of activities your puppy enjoys by trying out a few different ones and seeing how they react. 

 

  1. Leave Out Fresh Water

Regardless of the situation, your dog must always have access to fresh water. When at home, you should leave out a bowl for them, but you must take drinks out and about with you too. While some pet parents carry a bottle of water and a collapsible bowl for ease, there are other options you could try. Dogs will try to drink any water they have access to, even when it isn’t clean. Therefore, if you’re visiting a pond or lake, for example, you must try to deter them from doing so. 

 

  1. Teach Them New Tricks

All dogs need training, and it’s best to start this in their youngest years. This provides mental stimulation, which is crucial in keeping your dog happy, but it will also enhance the relationship you share. Having a dog that listens to your commands could save their life one day too. Continued teaching is the key to long term success, so don’t quit your training sessions when your puppy reaches a certain age. Instead, teach them new tricks, while you go over old lessons.

 

  1. Attend Regular Vet Checks

Every pet parent knows they should take their dog to the vet when they’re sick. However, it’s vital that you do so even when yours isn’t. Attending a pet clinic will provide your furry friend with all of the vaccinations they need to fight off common health problems. You must also schedule regular check-ups, which allow your vet to monitor your dog’s health. Without these checks, a health issue could develop and get worse for some time before it is noticed and can be treated. 

 

  1. Invest In Pet Insurance

Although you will surely do your best to keep your puppy healthy, there is still a chance they could become sick or injured. If this were to happen, the treatments required to help your dog could be costly. Because of this, you must invest in pet insurance. Failing to do this means that you may not be able to cover treatment expenses, which would leave your furry friend suffering. This is a relatively small cost in comparison to the benefit it provides and the stress it can save you from. 

 

  1. Pet-Proof The House

Most houses aren’t safe for a puppy before they arrive. Exposed wires could cause shocks, loose carpeting could cause falls, and open chemicals could cause poisoning. Rather than expect your furry friend to navigate these risks, you must pet-proof your home. Make sure that all toxic substances are locked away and that flooring, wires, furniture, and all else is secure. It can take some time to make your home safe for an animal, but the effort is more than worth it. 

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  1. Switch Up The Toys

As you work to make your home safer, you will likely add dog-friendly extras, like beds, bowls, and toys. Rather than give your pet all of their toys at once, you should lay out a small selection. This allows you to switch up their options now and then. Animals get bored just like we do, but if you keep changing which toys your pet has available to them, they will continue to find them exciting. This will also provide mental stimulation, which is essential in keeping them happy. 

 

  1. Find Them New Friends

Dogs are pack animals by nature. They need to socialize, or they won’t ever be truly happy. Although your pet surely loves spending time with you, they need to have fun with their own kind too. For this reason, you should visit a local park to see if there are any other dogs looking for a playmate. You may also want to take your furry friend to puppy parties or doggy daycare. This gives them the opportunity to meet and interact with lots of other dogs at the same time. 

 

  1. Get Your Pet Fixed

Unless you plan to breed your pet, it makes sense to get them fixed as soon as possible. There are many benefits to having this procedure done, including preventing certain diseases and cancers. Neutering will also reduce aggressive behavior in males, which is crucial if you have other pets or young children in the house. For females, spaying prevents them from going into heat, which will reduce the behaviors associated with doing so, like spraying and yowling. 

 

  1. Look After Their Teeth

Stinky dog breath isn’t pleasant, especially when your pet loves to give you puppy kisses. The good news is, you don’t have to put up with it. Brushing your dog’s teeth regularly will help to prevent the nasty smell, as well as many oral diseases and other dental problems. However, you must make sure that you use the right toothpaste. Human toothpaste is toxic to dogs, but there are products for canines. Giving your pet chew toys and chewy treats will also protect their teeth.

 

  1. Keep Their Coat Clean

Grooming is much more important than just mere appearance. By regularly trimming, brushing, and washing your pet, you can keep an eye on changes to their skin and fur. For this reason, it’s vital for every breed of dog and type of coat. This is also an ideal time to check for any lumps and bumps. Many people hire groomers to clean their pets, but you don’t always have to. As long as you have the correct tools, there’s no reason why you can’t groom the dog yourself at home. 

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  1. Spend Quality Time Together

Keeping your puppy healthy requires more than exercise and nutritious food. Your furry friend must also know that you love it, which you can only show if you spend quality time together. This means taking daily walks, playing in the yard, and cuddling in front of the television. Pets are a part of the family, so make sure you treat yours as one. Even if you can’t spend all of your time together, you must make sure that the time you do have is special for both of you. 

 

With the advice above, you can ensure that your puppy stays happy and healthy. 

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Easy Tips For Training Your Puppy

September 10, 2019 Leave a Comment

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Getting a dog is one of the most amazing parts of adult life and they will instantly become a huge part of the family in every way. A dog can be the ideal companion whether you are alone or have a packed household and they will make your life more exciting and fun right away. 

 

Today we want to talk about one aspect of getting a dog which can be a bit of a challenge for some: training. Whether you opt to tackle the job yourself or take your pooch to a dog training program, it can be a challenge and it can take some real time and dedication to get right. Today we are going to take a look at some simple dog training tips you should know. 

 

Choose a good name 

 

The first thing which you need to consider when you get a dog is the name you give them. You may not think it is too important to choose a good name but this will act as a command of sorts when training your dog so needs to be recognized by your pet. Names which end in ‘ie’ or ‘y’ work best because they are a high pitched sound and this is easily heard by your furry friend. This is why dogs are often called things like Archie, Millie or Harry. 

 

Decide on house rules

 

House rules are incredibly important when you get a dog and you need to make sure that you are clear from the start where your dog is allowed to be in the home. Remember that to your dog, your house is it’s whole world. It is important that you don’t make their world even smaller by cutting off large sections of a house. Make sure you are clear on where your dog can sit and sleep and get protective covers and throws for your furniture to make their life better. Make sure that everyone in the house knows the rules for your dog and teaches them accordingly. 

 

Set up a private space 

 

Like all animals, your dog needs a private and safe place where they can sit and sleep or hide when they feel overwhelmed. Many dogs actually use a pen or a crate when they are in need of a safe space but even a small corner nook in your living room can be the ideal place to set up a bed. As long as they have the option of somewhere to go this will make them better behaved. 

 

Help him relax when he comes home

 

The best way to train a happy dog is to ensure that they feel safe. When your dog comes home for the first time they should immediately see your home as a safe place. Set up a private area and leave him to explore the house in his own time. This is a good way to help your dog get used to the space and they are less likely to do their business in the home. 

 

Reward his good behavior 

 

Always reward good behavior with a stroke, a treat, or a toy. Positive reinforcement works wonders for dogs and this is the best way to ensure that they carry on working well.

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3 Tips for Keeping Your Pets Healthy

May 14, 2019 Leave a Comment

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As every pet owner knows very well, the animals we share our lives with become members of the family, and not just creatures that occupy the same space as us.

 

Our pets offer emotional support, companionship, and fun, and the better we get to know them, the more we realize that they have distinct personalities and quirks, too.

 

For all those reasons, it’s heartbreaking when a pet gets ill, and we would all like to do our best to prevent such a situation from arising.

 

Here are a few straightforward tips that you can follow for keeping your pets healthy.

 

 

  • Check them regularly for parasites, and treat them as soon as you find any

 

 

Parasitic creatures, such as ticks and fleas, can cause our pets to experience significant levels of agitation and discomfort, and they can also pass on diseases which can be potentially fatal if left un-medicated.

 

The thing is, unless you’re paying pretty close attention, you might not necessarily notice that your pet has picked up some parasites, until the problem has exacerbated, and they’ve been scratching themselves raw, losing fur, or displaying other symptoms.

 

Get into the habit of checking your pets for parasites on a regular basis, and treat them as soon as you find any such parasites.

 

Medication such as Frontline Plus for cats can often kill off any parasites that may be affecting your pet, within just a few days, and keep them at bay for a good length of time afterwards. The sooner you catch them, the better.

 

 

  • Feed your pets food that is as close as possible to their natural diet

 

 

Every animal has such a thing as a “natural diet template” that they are meant to follow. Cats, for example, are obligate carnivores, and must eat meat. Even dogs, who we have selectively bred to the point where they are quite distant from their Wolf cousins, need to eat certain foods, and avoid others.

 

As a general rule, feeding your pets food that is as close as possible to their natural diet helps to keep them in peak health, and stave off many serious and chronic diseases and conditions.

 

These days, it’s often quite easy to find “high-quality” pet food – but it’s more expensive than generic pet food.

 

Even if you’re not able to afford top of the range nutrition for your pet, certainly avoid feeding them human treats like chocolate and table scraps. These aren’t likely to be good for them, no matter how much they beg.

 

 

  • Ensure that your pets have plenty of opportunity for regular exercise, and social interaction with other animals of their species

 

 

All animals need regular physical movement in order to be healthy, and high-energy pets such as cats and dogs need a lot of it.

 

Generally speaking, your pets will do what they can to exercise themselves – but you should still take your dog for a walk, and should provide plenty of opportunity for your animals to roam around, play, and exhaust themselves.

Additionally, social interaction with other animals of their own species is very important for the well-being of certain pets – particularly dogs, who are naturally social. A visit to a dog park on a regular basis can be great for your dog’s health, for this reason.

Filed Under: Pet

Taking Care Of Your Dog When You Go On Holiday

April 14, 2019 Leave a Comment

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It’s a great thing to have a dog. Not only are they incredible company and very loving, but they are also just a great being to have around you all the time. Of course, just because it is lovely to have a dog doesn’t mean that it is easy all the time, and there are some respects in which it can cause you a little trouble in your daily life. One example of where this can be the case is when you go on holiday, and have to leave your little friend behind. Having a dog means, for most people, not going on as many trips as before. But if you still want to make sure that you are going to be able to have a holiday, then you will need to find something to do with your dog to make sure they are being looked after, as their wellbeing is paramount. Let’s take a look at some of the best options you have here.

 

Leave Them With A Friend

 

If you have a particularly good friend who you know would be happy to look after them, then that is generally the best option and the one you should probably go for. But make sure that you are genuinely not putting anyone out – the last thing you want is for your friend to really not be happy about having to do it, so make sure that they are okay with it. It helps if they happen to be a true dog lover, of course, and that should help to inform your decision about which friends to ask in the first place. Leaving them with a friend means that you can relax and enjoy your holiday, knowing full well that they are being looked after perfectly well.

 

Go To The Professionals

 

Of course, you might instead decide that you want to go to a professional to look after your dog while you are away. This certainly has its distinct benefits. For one, you can make sure that you are actually going to get updated, as many professional dog walkers and sitters keep you regularly updated as a matter of course, which a friend might not do so readily. You can also expect that they will be fed and walked the proper amount, as a professional is going to know exactly how much they need both. Clearly, this is a good way to go which results in you knowing that your dog is looked after, and which is certainly worth the money.

 

Ask A Neighbour

 

Finally, if you happen to have a particularly trustworthy neighbor, then that could be a possible way to have your dog looked after. You might even ask them to simply house sit for you, which can be nice for the pooch as it means they don’t have to go and get used to another home. But do make sure that you choose a neighbor that you definitely feel you can trust, otherwise you might end up regretting it!

Filed Under: Pet

Messy Mutt: Keeping Life Clean When You Adopt A Dog

April 3, 2019 Leave a Comment

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There are many dog lovers in the world who are stuck with a conundrum. When you don’t have an animal like this and have worked extremely hard to build your home into something which reflects your personality, the idea of inviting their chaos can seem like a crazy one. Before you even start to think about the waste they leave behind, creatures like this aren’t exactly careful. Of course, though, this doesn’t have to stop you from having a pet like this; it just means you need to make some changes to your lifestyle to suit one. To help you out with this, this post will be exploring some of the best methods to live with a dog without letting your home fall into ruin.

 

Clear Pathways

 

Unlike humans, dogs don’t understand the value or fragility of certain items around the home. Plates, vases, and other brittle objects are found everywhere in your home, and they are very easy to knock from their resting places when a large animal is barreling through the place. This won’t be such a problem if you’re going to have a small dog, as they won’t have the same damage potential as something larger, but it will always be worth considering.

 

Solving this is a simple matter of clearing the way. Low furniture like coffee tables, sideboards, and drawers should have their surfaces kept free from items which could be broken by your dog. Of course, your dog shouldn’t be running around indoors. If they seem to be very restless when they are indoors, it could be worth giving them a little more exercise, a few things are more destructive than a puppy with too much juice. As they get older, it should get easier to avoid having things break around your dog.

 

Tidying Up

 

Going back to their inability to understand the importance of some objects, most dogs will also struggle to know what does and doesn’t belong to them. This means that items which are left around your home could be easy pickings for your pet, and some have the potential to cause a real mess. For example, if your dog gets its teeth around a loo roll, you could come home to a place which is covered in tiny fragments of paper. This will take a long time to clean but is also completely avoidable if you keep your dog under control.

 

Along with tidying your home, it will also be important to think about tidying your dog. When they’ve had the chance to spend an afternoon outdoors, they will probably come home with a good deal of dirt in their fur. In some cases, if they have access to water, they could even be muddy, and this is very hard to clean from the inside of your home. A hose, towel, and bottle of dog shampoo can be enough to solve this issue, giving you the ability to clean your dog on the doorstep, rather than having to take them inside.

 

Training Them

 

Unlike a cat, your dog will be a natural team player. With their early ancestors being pack animals, modern dogs still hold a lot of their social skills, and this is part of what makes them such great companions for humans. Along with this, though, it also provides you with the opportunity to give them some training. For the best results with something like this, it’s always worth starting as early as possible, as time will be a valuable resource when it comes to getting things right. Below, you can find some examples of the areas your dog will need to be trained in.

 

Toilet Manners: One of the biggest fears which new dog owners have is that their furry friend will leave waste around their home. While this is a risk with any animal, dogs are one of the easiest species to train out of this sort of behaviour. As a puppy, they may need female or male dog wraps to ensure that they don’t make any accidental messes. If they do leave something behind which they shouldn’t have, punishing them is a bad idea, with a stern word or two often being enough to let them know that they can do better.

 

A lot of people will use their garden for this process, simply moving their furry friend outside when it looks like they need to go to the toilet. You can help this process along by placing some of their waste outside, while also keeping it clean to ensure that they always have somewhere to go. As time goes on, accidents will become rarer and rarer, until it is only you who can cause something like this to happen.

 

Obedience: There are few things harder to manage than a disobedient dog. Trying to keep them safe, out of fights, and in the good books of those around you will be hard when they are very young, as most puppies will simply act how they please. With stern words and rewards for good behaviour, though, you can often take control of this area. Fear and pain should never be tools in this sort of effort, with most dogs growing to hate their owners when they are subjected to physical punishments for minor transgressions. Remember; they won’t understand why something isn’t allowed.

 

Emotions: Much like the people who own them, dogs are always very emotional animals. Wagging tails, forward facing ears, and growling are all signs of strong emotions, but some puppies will struggle to control the way they feel. Thankfully, soothing an animal like this is much the same as making a baby feel better, with remaining calm and supportive being the best approach to take. Getting angry with an excited dog isn’t fair, as they will usually only be trying to communicate with you.

 

Training your pet isn’t always the easiest job, with most people never having gone through this process before. Of course, while it might be hard, it is well worth it to ensure that your home doesn’t get impacted by the animal you’ve decided to look after. If you need extra help with this, there are loads of companies out there which offer specialist dog training. It might cost a little bit of money, but going through a process like this will always result in a more obedient dog, and this can be well worth the money.

 

Cleaning Things Up

 

Unfortunately, no matter how hard you try, there will always be a certain amount of mess which comes with your puppy. Like any animal, these creatures aren’t able to control a lot of the things they leave behind, and this means that you have to be active in your approach to cleaning them up. Below, you can find some examples of the common areas in the home which will need the most attention, giving you the chance to start thinking about it before you take the plunge with your puppy.

 

Furry Furniture: Most dogs will have a summer and a winter coat. When the warmer months roll around, they won’t need their thicker fur anymore and will shed it all off over the course of a few weeks. This often results in furniture being covered with the stuff. To overcome this sort of mess, you will need to do two different jobs; brushing the dog, and rolling the furniture. Both brushes and lint rollers can be found all over the web, and won’t cost much to get your hands on.

 

Dirty Floors: Whether it’s footprints or food, your dog will leave a lot of waste behind when they move around your home. Vacuuming the areas which they spend the most time in each day can be a great way to keep this under control, though some people prefer to take a more modern approach. Devices like the Roomba are able to clean the floor space on a whole level of a building without the help of a human. They might scare the dog at first, but will be worth it to keep the mess under control.

 

The Garden: In most cases, dogs will spend most of their toilet time in the garden. This saves you from having to collect waste while out and about, while also making it easier for them to avoid having accidents. Of course, though, you can’t have poo piling up in your garden for months on end and need to work on this part of your home very regularly to keep it clean. There are few things worse than treading something like this into a carpet, making it worth keeping the garden clear.

 

With all of this in mind, you should be ready to start living a clean life with your puppy. A lot of homeowners fear the idea of an animal like this, worrying that their hard work will be destroyed when they welcome their furry friend. In reality, though, as long as you’re willing to work at it, it’s far from impossible to have a nice place and a puppy at the same time.

Filed Under: Pet Tagged With: , ,

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