Tips to keep pet hair under control

May 11, 2018 by Leave a Comment

 

It is wonderful to have a pet in the home but pets require a lot of care and attention. When you bring home a pet, you need to commit yourself to their wellbeing. It also means dealing with fur and hair they leave around the house. It is a never-ending battle to keep the fur off the furniture, clothing, and floor. If you are looking for tips to keep the pet hair under control, you have come to the right place.

Tips to keep pet hair under control

 

  • Brush: You need to embrace your grooming responsibilities. Give your pet a quick brushing outdoors every day and save the time spent on vacuuming every week. With regular brushing, you will notice a reduction in the amount of fur inside your house.
  • Use washable slipcovers: You or any of your guests would not like to sit on a sofa covered with pet hair. Invest in furniture covers which are made for this purpose. Choose washable slipcovers which can be easily maintained. You can remove them when your guests visit and simply toss them in the laundry.
  • Use throw rugs: If you manage to place rugs strategically inside your home, you will be able to find a solution to this problem. The rugs will help prevent the fur from spreading it into the house. You can place the rug at the entrance of your house. Choose rugs that are easy to wash and maintain.
  • Keep them clean: Make it a point to wipe the feet of your pet after they have stepped outdoors. This ensures that the entire house remains clean.
  • Cover up the pet: This is something not many would like to do but covering your pet helps keep the house clean. You can dress up the pet in a cute t-shirt and keep the fur off.

 

 

You can never completely get rid of the pet fur inside your home. Take small steps every day and ensure that the pet is brushed outdoors and there is minimal fur in the home. You need to vacuum the space regularly with a quality vacuum cleaner in order to achieve higher results. Choose a pet hair vacuum that fits your needs and maintain a routine of cleaning the furniture, carpet, and floor. There are a number of options available in the market. The vacuum is easy to use and it carries multiple features. Compare the top vacuums available for you and make the right choice. You can also compare the prices of the products easily and ensure that you are investing in a vacuum that is sufficient for your needs. The quality vacuum will keep your floor and carpet pet hair free and reduce your stress. The vacuum only takes a few minutes to clean up the entire space. It is not necessary for you to use the vacuum every single day, you can set up a routine and vacuum the floor once every three days or a week.

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3 Ways to Keep Your Dog Safe Outdoors

March 29, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Dog’s are truly man’s best friend and if you have kids then he becomes their best friend as well. We do everything we can to keep our dogs healthy, happy, and safe, just as we do our children. However, pets, of course, aren’t always inside of your home. You have to let them out, take them for walks, and let them get the exercise they need. Unfortunately, there are many hidden dangers lurking out there to harm your pooch. With that in mind, read on below for a few of the top ways you can keep your dog safe when he’s outside, whether he’s with you or just running around the fenced in the backyard alone.

Safe From Getting Stolen 

No dog is safe from being stolen. Whether you have a hunting dog, a Pit Bull, or a mixed breed, there is no guarantee that someone isn’t going to see your pet at the dog park or in the backyard and decide they would like to have that pet for their very own. This is where a dog GPS comes in handy for dog owners. GPS dog tracking collars can help you track down your lost pet, whether you are hunting for cougars in the mountains or simply letting him loose in the backyard. Such a device would also serve to help track down dogs who have managed to escape the backyard, which might end up being a more likely scenario than Fido being dognapped.

Safe When Walking 

Let’s face it, no matter how much your dog loves you, if they see a squirrel in the trees at the dog park or a cat across the street at home, they are apt to run off and not come back no matter how much you call them. Having your dog on a dog leash when you’re outside is the best way to ensure they don’t get away from you and become lost. There are many different kinds of dog leashes and harnesses out there to choose from, so you should be able to find one that meets your needs for the size of your pet.

Safe Around the Campfire

Dogs are forever children and if they are curious about something, then they are going to sniff around it to find out how it ticks. This can lead to a heap of trouble when it comes to being around a campfire. Not only can it lead to your pet being hurt, it can also lead to your house or campsite burning down as well. The best way to protect your pet from a campfire is by always extinguishing open flames, making sure that young puppies and kittens are kept away from the campfire at all times, and pet proof the area you’re in for fire hazards.

These are just a couple of the ways that you can keep your dog safe when they are outside. Whether it’s a GPS to keep them from being stolen or a well-rounded plan to keep your pet away from your open campfire, we all love our pets and we all do everything we can to protect them from harm.

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Flying With Your Dog In-Cabin: What You Need to Know

March 14, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Have you ever thought about how to fly in-cabin hassle-free with your dog? Truth be told, “hassle-free” might just be too much to ask if you’re flying with your pet. No matter how much you prepare, there might be some sort of snafu just waiting to happen while you’re in an airplane thousands of miles up in the air! It can be a barking spell, a poop emergency, or a dog-hating individual who just has to complain about something even though your dog is not bothering anyone.

While the possibility of hassles is always there, there are actually many things that you can do to make the flight as comfortable as possible for your pet. In this article, we’ll provide you with a few tips on who to fly in-cabin with your dog.

A Note on Plane Travel with Pet Dogs

Before deciding to bring your dog along for air travel, make sure to ask yourself first whether it’s worth the trouble, or more importantly, the risk. Take note that while some airline companies are more than happy to welcome small dogs in the cabin as long as they are inside a carrier, many others require all pets to be transported as cargo.

Extreme heat and cold are the most significant risks to dogs when they are placed in a plane’s cargo area, although underlying medical conditions can also considerably increase the risk for many other dogs. Snub-nosed or brachycephalic dogs such as pugs, bulldogs, boxers, and chow chows are also at an increased risk for respiratory stress because their physiology impairs their capacity to breath, especially under extreme temperatures or when they are stressed out.

In the 1990s, some 5000 animals were lost, injured, or killed on commercial flights annually according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, which is why they advocated the passage of the Safe Air Transport for Animals Act. Given the possibilities, if traveling with your pet is not of absolute necessity, you’d be well advised to leave them at home in the care of your friends or family. Otherwise, make sure to talk to your veterinarian in advance so you can discuss the best way to transport your dog.

Traveling with Your Dog In-Cabin

Thankfully, there are airliners that allow smaller dogs to be carried in the cabin, where they can be more comfortable and near their owners. However, certain rules are typically specified by individual airline companies. You will want to make sure that you have an appropriate carrier for your dog. For example, American Airlines requires the dog and the carrier to weigh just 20 pounds (9 Kg) combined, and the carrier itself must fit underneath the seat in front of the passenger. Other airline companies will have their own rules, so make sure to check in advance what these rules are. For example, many airliners will not allow very young puppies or snub-nosed dogs to fly. The fees also vary from airline to airline.

Make sure to make arrangements with the airline company months in advance because they typically only allow a limited number of dogs onboard. This also allows them to make preparations in the event that another passenger informs them that they have pet allergies.

See to It That Your Dog Has the Right Attitude for Flying

Some dogs are naturally quiet and chill, while others are temperamental and easily stressed, especially when kept in cramped or uncomfortable situations. If your dog is the latter, do yourself and your pet a favor, and don’t force them to fly! Check your dog in a pet hotel, or better yet, have a friend take care of them instead. If you would really love to go on a vacation with your dog, consider going on a road trip instead.

Make Sure That Your Dog Has the Necessary Documents to Fly

Again, consult your veterinarian and the airline company in advance so you’ll be able to get your dog’s papers in order before the flight. One requirement that may be asked of you is updated vaccination for your pet with accompanying documents to prove it.

Choose a Comfortable Carrier for Your Pet

The carrier will be your dog’s personal “seat” in the aircraft, and given the size requirements, it might not exactly be the most comfortable place for your pet to be stowed in for many hours. Nevertheless, you can make the journey cozier for your dog by choosing a high-quality carrier that is just the right size for your pet but will still fit underneath the seat in front of you. One thing to remember, though, is that the carrier will become your carry-on baggage, so all other bags aside from your small personal item will have to be checked in.

 

Make sure to introduce your pet to their carrier weeks or maybe even months before the flight. Make the lodging experience as positive as possible by placing treats and some of their toys inside. You can also practice going on trips by placing your dog in the carrier and taking them out for a ride in your car.

 

Pack Right for the Flight

 

Once you have acquired your dog’s papers and have chosen an appropriate carrier for your dog, it’s time to start getting packed! First up, make sure to line your dog’s carrier with an absorbent lining pad, so just in case your pet needs to urinate, they won’t get wet. An absorbent lining pad typically has adhesive strips that keeps it in place and prevents it from bunching up. It also contains absorbent polymers deep inside, allowing any liquid to become absorbed and trapped within seconds.

 

Aside from an absorbent lining pad, other important things to bring along are wet wipes, poop bags, a dog collar and a leash, a small food and water bowl, treats, dog food (for emergency flight disruptions), a water bottle that you can fill up at the boarding gate, and something familiar from home, like your dog’s favorite toy.

 

Flying with your dog in-cabin can be a lot more comfortable for you and your pet if you prepare well for your flight. It is important to consult your veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical condition that could make flying unsafe for your pet. Likewise, you should also communicate with your chosen airline company in advance to make sure everything is in order and arrangements are made to accommodate you and your pet according to your expectations.

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Make Sure Your Home Is Healthy for Your Dog

February 20, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Having a dog at home is an incredible way to ensure companionship and make great memories. However, it can also be challenging. After all, your furry friend will probably be curious and adventurous, and you want to ensure that your dog is not in any danger when he is simply roaming or exploring around.

If you have a pet dog, check out the following tips for ensuring that your house is safe. By taking some steps to make sure your home is good for your dog, you can create a space where you, your family and your dog can have great experiences for years to come.

Make Sure Cabinets Are Latched or Locked

When you have a dog at home, it’s important to make sure reachable cabinets latch or lock. That way, a dog cannot get into the cabinet and eat or tear up whatever is in it. (This includes food, medicine, chemicals and more.) By keeping your dog out of the cabinets, you can ensure that he doesn’t ingest something that will hurt or kill him.

Only Have Non-Toxic Plants

Do you have house plants around your home? If so, make sure they are non-toxic. That way, if your dog takes a bite, he won’t be poisoned. If you’re not sure if your plant is poisonous and you think that your pup may have eaten some of it, call your vet. You may have to bring your dog and the plant into the vet but he or she will be able to tell you if your dog is safe, and if not, treat him for any potential health effects.

Give Your Dog a Comfortable Space

Your dog should have a comfortable space to retreat to especially if he gets stressed or anxious. This means that your dog may want a crate of his own, or he may want a bed in a spot where he can hide away if something scary happens. If your dog’s special place is upstairs and he has aches and pains, a medication like Carprofen may help for inflammation in dogs. It takes away pain from arthritis and hip dysplasia (as well as other joint diseases) and can help make it easier for an older dog to do things like climb stairs or ease into small nooks and crannies.

Keep the Toilet Lid Closed

Your dog may love to drink from the toilet. In reality, though, that’s a bad idea. If you use cleaning products in the toilet, your dog can be poisoned. Or, if your dog is small enough, it’s possible he can crawl into the toilet and drown. Make sure that your toilet lid is closed, and that way you can use the bathroom when you need to and ensure that your dog doesn’t encounter anything hazardous there.

Be Careful With Wires

So many things in your house have wires: your television, your computer and your alarm clocks (etc., etc.). Make sure that you tie up loose or dangling wires and keep them out of the way of the dog. That way, your dog won’t be tempted to chew on them (which can cause shock and damage your electronics) or he won’t trip on them when he is running around.

Having a furry friend at home is a great way to warm up a space and make it feel loving. However, you can’t just bring a dog into your space without first ensuring that you’ve done the proper prep work. If you do the work to make sure that your space is safe and healthy for your dog, your family and your pets can enjoy a fun, stress-free life together.

 

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5 Easy Steps to Potty Training Your Puppy

February 20, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Are you one of the many people who perceive puppy potty training difficult—or even impossible? It’s actually easier than you think.

Today we’re going to give you advice straight from a professional puppy trainer on how to potty train a puppy from as young as 6 weeks old. So whether you’re a breeder who wants to sell ready-trained puppies, or a new dog owner; these tips will help you and your puppy succeed.

Develop a Routine

Routine is by far the most important factor in getting your puppy trained fast. There are three routine steps to take into consideration:

  • A feeding routine
  • A potty routine
  • A sleeping routine

Let’s look at each one more closely.

A Feeding Routine

Ensure that you feed your puppy at the same time every day. Your puppy will start expecting to be fed at that time each day, which will automatically prompt a potty routine.

Avoid leaving food out for your puppy for it to eat whenever it feels like it. If it isn’t hungry, take the food up and feed it again at the next interval. A great way to create a feeding routine is to feed your puppy once in the morning and once in the afternoon.

Take your puppy outside about 15 – 20 minutes after its meals to do its business outside. With repetition your puppy will be potty trained within a matter of days.

A Potty Routine

Apart from its normal feeding & sleeping routine, take your puppy outside at the same time each day. You’ll soon start learning how often your puppy needs to go outside to potty, so set designated times for it to do so. three or four times in the middle of each day should be sufficient—depending on how much it eats and drinks.

A Sleeping Routine

Your puppy’s sleep routine ties into its potty routine too. It’s important to let your puppy go outside just before it’s being put to sleep. Your puppy will quickly learn that potty before bedtime is the norm, and this will reinforce the habit of doing its business outside.

Read the Signals

There will be times outside of feeding and bedtime when your puppy will need to potty. It will give you signals that it is about to go by one or more of the following:

  • Circling around
  • Sniffing the ground
  • Folding its body

Dedicate yourself to watching your puppy. If it shows these signs or any other characteristic sighs of wanting to potty, pick it up and take it outside quickly. It will quickly learn that doing its business inside is unacceptable.

Establish a Designated Potty Area

Throughout your puppy potty training, always direct your puppy to generally the same outside area every time. The smells of previous potty sessions will trigger its memory, and with repetition it will learn where it needs to go for a comfortable wee or pool.

Deal with Accidents Effectively

When accidents happen, see this as a training opportunity rather than a failure. Punishing your puppy won’t do much good in the long run. A stern “No!” is all your puppy needs to know that what it has done is not acceptable.

If it’s a poo take it outside to its designated area and show your puppy that next time this is where you want it to do its business. If it’s a wee, pick your puppy up and put it outside for a few minutes.

Also be sure to clean up the mess with something that takes away the smell completely.

Use Positive Reinforcement

Be patient and calm while training your puppy and you’ll be amazed at how quickly it responds to your training efforts. Before you know it your puppy will be potty trained and automatically go outside when it needs to.

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Sick Pup? Here Are 4 Common Canine Health Conditions

December 8, 2017 by Leave a Comment

As a dog owner, there’s nothing more concerning than a sickly pup. Typical symptoms are made even scarier because your pet can’t tell you what’s wrong or how they’re feeling. If you’re wondering whether all is well for man’s best friend, here are some common canine health conditions and ways to spot them.

1. Ear Infection

An ear infection is one of the most common health problems for dogs, and it can easily be caused by several different factors. Ear mites, allergies, viral infections, bacterial infections, ingrown hairs and yeast can all cause an ear infection to pop up unexpectedly.

The symptoms of an ear infection may be subtle or severe. Here’s what to look for:

  • Redness or odor coming from the ear canal 
  • Head shaking or tilting to one side 
  • Excessive scratching 
  • Balance or coordination problems 
  • Ear swelling 
  • Ear discharge 

If you notice any of these symptoms, please see a veterinarian immediately. Ear infections are usually relatively easy to treat, but you’ll need a vet’s diagnosis and a prescription medication.

2. Worms

Puppies are especially susceptible to worms, but dogs can have worms at any age. Common worms include tapeworms, roundworms, hookworms and whipworms. While most worms are simply uncomfortable, some can actually be fatal, so it’s important that you treat these parasites quickly. Signs include:

  • Actually seeing worms (usually in feces) 
  • Diarrhea (especially bloody diarrhea) 
  • Weight loss 
  • Lack of appetite or excessive appetite 
  • Vomiting 
  • Lethargy 
  • A lackluster coat of fur 
  • A dog who scoots across the floor on his bottom 

You should also see your vet for this condition because it’s difficult to tell which worms your dog has. Each worm requires a different type of treatment, so your vet will need to make the call and issue the appropriate medication.

3. Vomiting

Vomiting may be more of a symptom than an actual health condition, but it’s worth noting here because dogs tend to vomit more than other animals. A dog may vomit for any number of reasons, including:

  • Parasites (like worms) 
  • Heatstroke 
  • Food poisoning 
  • Dehydration 
  • Kidney failure 
  • Pancreatitis 
  • Bacterial or viral infection (stomach “bug”) 

In most cases, one vomiting incidence likely isn’t anything serious, but you should always have your pet checked by a veterinarian, just in case. If your dog is dehydrated they can give fluids and let you know if something more severe is going on.

4. Fleas

Every responsible pet owner knows that flea prevention is extremely important for dogs and cats. (If you haven’t found a good treatment yet, Bravecto offers a chewable tablet that’s super convenient and easy.) Still, dogs sometimes catch fleas anyway. While pet owners are often first alerted when they actually see fleas in the home, sometimes the signs are more subtle. Dogs may:

  • Scratch, lick, or bite themselves excessively 
  • Cause hair loss by excessively scratching flea-infested areas 
  • Develop allergic dermatitis, a skin condition caused by a flea allergy 
  • Catch tapeworms, which are transported by fleas 
  • Have tiny black dots on the skin (that look similar to pepper), also known as flea dirt 

Once your vet diagnoses your pup with fleas, you’ll need to do all you can to remove and prevent the infestation. This may include home treatments, topical treatments, pills or any other flea medication your veterinarian recommends.

For most pet owners, sickness will be temporary and short-lived. If you stay on top of your dog’s medications and vaccines, seek proper medical treatment when necessary and maintain a healthy diet, your pup will likely lead a long, healthy life.

 

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Canine ideas: discovering the great outdoors with your dog

February 28, 2017 by Leave a Comment

travel with your dog

There’s a reason why the dog is called man’s best friend; that’s because they’ll want to go with you everywhere, given half a chance. And that includes on adventures out into the great outdoors. In fact, a canine can be the perfect companion for discovering, exploring and trekking the countryside – within reason. In order to do it properly and safely, though, there are a number of things you ought to think about first…

Let off the leash?

Ideally, of course, with all that open country yawning ahead of you, any dog owner would love to let their pal run free, but it’s not always feasible – and not always legal to do so. In which case, you’re going to need a decent, durable leash, one that preferably gives 4-6 feet of slack. You might even go the whole hog and get one that’s manufactured from climbing rope. Alternatively, you could just make your own from climbing rope – the advantage being it’ll absorb a lot of tugs and pulls, ensuring it’s both easier for the dog and your otherwise aching shoulder.

Food and hydration

Water. It’s all-important for humans when they’re on the move (it’s estimated we need as much as between nine and 13 cups of fluids a day!), so remember to bring your own bottled water, but it’s just as important for the canine species. What you’ll need then is a portable bowl that’ll pack easily into a rucksack. And, if you’re unlikely to pass water fountains or natural water (streams, rivers or ponds), then bear in mind you’ll need to share your water with your pooch. Sustenance is important too – so be on the look-out for specially-made energy treats for dogs to ensure they don’t tire when you’re out together.

First aid kit – dog and human

No dog lover relishes considering this, but when you’re out with your pooch pal there’s sadly always the (very slight) possibility something will go wrong and you’ll run into an emergency. If the poor mutt’s health – or even life – is suddenly in danger then, you’ll have needed to prepare for all eventualities. That means packing a doggy first aid kit. What to include? Well, some items will crossover with what you’ll need for human-focused first aid, such as antiseptic wipes, tweezers (for removing dirt and small stones from wounds), bandages and gauzes and tape to secure these in place. However, it’s also advisable to pack a big plastic syringe and a dose of hydrogen peroxide, which should aid in inducing vomiting should the dog have ingested poison of any kind.

And this is a good juncture to point out that while you’re out with your pal, you should look after yourself too. Making sure the first aid kit has enough to help you out of a sticky situation’s a must, as well as having food for yourself (maybe granola bars for energy) or perhaps you fancy giving supplements a go to keep up your vitamin and nutrition levels? Both Biocare probiotics (to maintain gut bacteria balance and healthy bowel function) and Megahydrate (for full-body hydration thanks to its silica hydride ingredient) are good examples.

Pick up the poop!

This should be a no-brainer; hopefully it is. If you’re putting so much effort into ensuring you enjoy the great outdoors with your pooch you should also take the time to be a good dog owner by cleaning up after your canine chum. To that end, bring with you a roll of bags or recycle a plastic shopping bag – it’s good for the environment; in a way!

And finally…

If you love the idea of roaming the countryside with your dog enough, you might be prepared to fork out for a doggy life jacket. For the pooch that has everything then? Well, yes; but this bit of kit will enable them to paddle away to their heart’s content and ensure you have total peace of mind as they do so. Be sure to opt for a version that sports a handle on the back, though, so you can pull them up and out of the water when it’s time to be getting on – or even time to be going home!

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Join the Movement and #ShopWithYourHeart With the ASPCA

July 29, 2016 by Leave a Comment

The ASPCA has launched an exciting new initiative to improve the lives of farm animals called Shop With Your Heart.

aspca

As you may already know, most of the nearly 9 billion animals raised for meat, milk and eggs in the US are suffering in inhumane factory farms. And animals are not the only affected, as factory farms impact human health—they can be breeding grounds for dangerous pathogens and the antibiotics used to prevent disease create the potential for dangerous, drug-resistant bacteria to develop. To fully harness the power of our collective purchases and demand better lives for farm animals, the Shop With Your Heart initiative gives consumers the resources to recognize, locate and demand meaningfully welfare-certified meat, eggs and dairy products as well as plant-based alternatives.

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Here are a few ways you can get involved:

  •  Use the Shop With Your Heart Grocery List, including welfare-certified and widely available plant-based brands.
  • Post a photo of yourself on your social media channels making the “heart hands” to show solidarity with the movement with sample language like:  “Join the movement with me and pledge to #ShopWithYourHeart! aspca.org/ShopWithYourHeart @ASPCA.”

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