Category Archives: Animals and Pets

Getting a dog is one of the biggest commitments you can make. Even if you’ve been one of those people who’s desperately wanted a little canine buddy since childhood, the truth is that it will probably be a lot more work than you’re expecting, especially if you’ve never owned a pet before. Luckily there are a few things you can to do ensure that you create a wonderful home for your pup and that you build a close and loving relationship with it (hereafter referred to as ‘him’ because there’s no one in the world with a heart and soul who calls their dog ‘it’).

Make Sure You Create A Safe Environment For Him

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First of all, make sure that you’ve created a safe environment for your new pup at home. Think about it in terms of baby proofing – put away any toxic chemicals and ensure that they’re in places that he can’t reach. Research foods and substances that are toxic to dogs that you might not know about, like avocados and chocolate, and make sure that you keep them well away from your dog. Check out your back yard and make sure there’s no way that he could escape from it – your fences should be high so that he can’t jump over them, and should go deep underground so that he can’t burrow out either.

Take Him To Obedience Classes

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One of the best ways to keep your pup safe is to make sure that he’s well trained and socialized. That means that not only will he greet people politely but he’ll also behave well around other dogs. You also want to make sure that he walks well so he doesn’t go bolting off into the road. Figuring out how to train your dog can be a laborious process if you’ve never done it before but talking to the professionals about it will definitely help.

Spend Plenty Of Time With Him

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It’s important to make sure that you spend plenty of time with your dog. When you get a pet, you’re essentially making a commitment to taking good care of that pet for the duration of its life, so you need to build a good relationship with your pup. Take him out for walks and make sure that when you spend time petting or grooming him at home, you’re really present – don’t watch TV over his head or check your phone with your other hand. Your dog deserves your full attention.

Adjust Your Expectations

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Finally, remember that every dog has its own personality and if you’re just looking for a polite well behaved dog that will do everything you want it to, you may be waiting for that a long time. To dogs, we are fellow pack animals and you need to remember that you need to impress your dog and demonstrate that you are the leader of your little family pack. Make sure that your dog feels safe and protected in your presence by making sure that you don’t raise your voice in anger or lash out.

There’s no denying that dogs bring us a whole bundle of happiness in our lives! Having a pet dog also gives us a sense of responsibility, and in return, they offer us unconditional love and affection. Dogs also help us to keep in shape by taking them out for frequent walks, and it can even help us find love with other dog owners too, believe it or not!

Whether you’re new to dog ownership or not, there are some things that you should just not do! The following examples can make our dogs ill, impact the lives of other people, and even get us in trouble with the law:

1. Don’t leave your dog outside
It’s okay to let your faithful friend run around in the garden or spend a few minutes to do their business, as it were. But, one thing you should never do is leave your dog outside for extended periods of time. They will become anxious, especially if you aren’t there, and could spend the entire time barking or howling. They could also run out of water, something that’s bad on a hot summer’s day.

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2. Don’t forget to clean up after your dog in public
When your dog needs to do a “number two” in an open space, the last thing you should do is leave their poop on the ground! Instead, you should scoop it up and put it in a dog poop bag that you can dispose of in a trash can.

3. Don’t let your dog off the leash
If you have a large enclosed garden, your dog will love running around free of any tethers. However, out in public, always keep your dog on the leash. Untethered dogs can sometimes attack other animals and even humans, sometimes with catastrophic results.
You also open yourself up to getting sued if someone is injured because of your dog. I read on http://lvaccident.com that over 4.5 million people get bitten by dogs each year. And almost a million folks need hospital treatment!

4. Don’t forget to ask if you can bring your dog into someone’s home
When you go to visit someone, it’s polite to ask them BEFOREHAND if you can bring your dog in the house. For a start, you want to ensure the person you’re visiting isn’t allergic to dogs. And, second, you want to make sure your dog won’t attack the pets the other person has in their home.

5. Don’t let your dog run amok in your car
Many dog owners will take their pampered pooches out for a ride in their cars. It’s important for theirs and your safety they are kept in a secure area in your vehicle. Don’t let them sit on someone’s lap with their head out the window!

6. Don’t forget to participate in behavioral training
People like The Dog Whisperer don’t just rehabilitate animals. They concentrate on training their owners to behave like responsible pet owners. Some people don’t realize the things they do could encourage their dogs to be bad!

Everyone knows that dogs become a member of the family after spending only a few days in your home. While they’re pets to some people; they’re the same as children to lots of others. Dogs can also become emotional and upset just like humans. For that reason, owners need to work hard to ensure they are always as happy as possible. That isn’t as complicated as it might sound in most instances. You just have to consider their needs and ensure they always feel fulfilled. That is how you will make life easier for your dog and ensure he/she has the best existence possible. If you follow these tips, they will love you forever.

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Ensure your pooch always gets enough exercise
One of the leading causes of depression in canines relates to a lack of exercise. While they are domesticated animals, they still need to spend a lot of time outside. That isn’t always easy when you work long hours and have to care for the kids. However, you will notice a vast improvement in your pooch’s mood if you take them for a long run every single day. You could do that in the evening time when you arrive home from work and before you cook dinner. Find an area of land where you can let them off the lead. Take a tennis ball, and watch how much they love the experience. You won’t have to work too hard yourself because your dog will do all the running.

Buy the best and most nutritious food
There are hundreds of different dog food brands on the market today. Most of the names you recognize create high-end products that are excellent for your furry friend. However, budget products don’t always contain the nutrients your dog needs to stay happy and healthy. If you want to know what’s the best dog food, you just need to perform some online research. There is a wealth of information available that compares different items and highlights the benefits of each. So, you should have no trouble working out which tins you need to purchase the next time you head down to the pet store.

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Make sure your dog gets to see the world
Dog owners who take their pooch to the seaside or countryside will tell you how excited the animal can become. Just like human beings, dogs thrive off discovering new surroundings and getting some fresh air. So, if you’re the type of person who likes to go camping with your family; make sure you always take your pet along. Dogs don’t handle car journeys well, but there are tablets you can buy to help with that. The drugs help your furry friend to relax, and they also reduce anxiety levels.

If everyone reading this post puts this advice into action, they will notice a vast improvement in their dog’s happiness levels. As this post stated only a moment ago, you just have to consider their requirements and fulfill them as much as possible. Good luck with that! Don’t forget to check more articles on this blog before you leave us today. I cover everything you could want to know.

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If you have a dog, then you will know what an important part of the family they can be. The truth is, once you have had your dog for a while, they become just as important as anyone else in the home. It is equally important, therefore, to ensure that you look after them properly. However, it is often confusing trying to know exactly what you are meant to do in order to keep your dog in the best shape possible. In this post, we are going to attempt to answer that query by looking at some of the professional pearls of wisdom that abound on how to look after a dog properly. Let’s take a look and see what we can discover.

Regular Visits To The Vet
Most people only take their pets to the vet if there is something seriously wrong. This might be a financial concern much of the time, or it could simply be that dog owners are not aware of the many benefits of regular vet visits. The truth is, visiting the vet on a regular basis is one of the easiest ways to keep illness at bay, and if you set up a regular visit plan with your vet you might even be able to save some money in the long run too. Most importantly, of course, is that with frequent visits to the vet, your dog is much more likely to be healthier for longer – and that should be exactly what you are going for.

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Breed-Specific Care

No matter what kind of dog you have, you need to pay close attention to the breed of that dog. The breed actually plays a huge role in determining how you need to look after the dog, so no matter what breed yours is, make sure you do your research and find out what it is that they need which is different from other breeds. Once you start to look into this, you might be surprised at just how many differences there can really be. A good example is the food that you give your dog. Finding the best dog food for yorkies, for example, could make all the difference in looking after your pooch. This is all worth considering if you want your dog to be as healthy as possible.

The Right Amount Of Exercise
Something that all owners should know is that a dog needs a good amount of exercise. But if there is one thing which is just as damaging as not allowing your dog to get enough exercise, it’s exercising them too much. In many ways, this can even be worse, as too much exercise is likely to cause severe ongoing problems for their bones and muscled. Make sure that you know how much exercise your dog needs. To know that, you will need to take both its breed and its size into consideration. With this knowledge, you should be able to keep your dog much healthier for much longer.
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How To Choose A Dog Breed

It’s said that dogs are ‘man’s best friend’, and it’s not hard to see why. Having a dog as a pet helps you to get more exercise, relax and unwind more easily – and it’s even been reported that your precious pooch can prevent you from suffering from depression! Getting a dog does require careful thought and consideration, so read about what you should be thinking about before deciding to go ahead with pet ownership. Once you’ve made the choice to go for it, you need to think about what kind of breed will suit you, your home and your family best. Here’s how to pick the right breed of dog…

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Size matters when it comes to choosing the right breed of dog as your pet. Larger dogs will usually need more space, so an apartment setting is not going to be ideal. Smaller dogs often need less space, but there are exceptions to this, which is why it’s worth doing your research. Don’t forget that a bigger dog won’t necessarily be bounding about constantly, and some breeds of smaller pooches can be full of energy.
Temperament is an important factor, and it varies widely among different kinds of dogs. Some breeds are best as sole companions, and others are more suited to being in the company of children. It’s also worth checking if your chosen breed is ok with other animals if there are already pets in your home. Breeds like retrievers, setters, terriers and bulldogs have temperaments that work well with children and family environments. You can find out everything you need to know about bulldogs and other breeds that are right for families by doing your research.

Your research into the right kind of breed should include consulting with expert professionals. Contact your local animal shelter: they will be happy to give you information on the best kind of dog to get if you live in an apartment, for example – and they might even be able to help you find your new pet. Talk to the vet to ask his opinion on the best breed of dog for your lifestyle and living circumstances. You could even join an online community to get advice from a whole host of pet owners – and ask questions like ‘what’s the best breed to get if you’ve never had a dog before?’

Playing Dog Young Dog Playful Hybrid Dog

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Think about how much free time you have to exercise and play with your dog. If you are going to be out for most of the day, and you don’t have time to spend hours out walking with your new four-legged friend – choose a breed that has a little less energy. For example, basset hounds, Irish wolfhounds and bulldogs don’t require as much exercise as other kinds of dogs.

Taking your time choosing the right breed of dog is really important, so that you and he can have a long and happy life together! Once you’ve got your precious pet settled in – you’ll wonder how you ever lived without him in your life!

As your kids are growing up, they are bound to ask you at some point about pets. After all, their friends at school might have a furry friend as part of their family. And your child might want to get a beloved pooch for your family. But the responsibility and care can put a lot of dads off getting a new dog. In fact, you might want to consider getting a smaller, less needy pet instead for your children. However, there are some fantastic things you should know about dogs and your kids. Therefore, here are some reasons why dogs can make a great new addition to your family.

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They can teach your kid some responsibility
As you know, when you take on a dog as a pet, you are taking on a large responsibility. After all, the pooch will need to be fed, groomed, and walked every single day. And they will need to have affection unless you want a badly behaved pooch! But one of the best things about dogs is that they can also teach children responsibility. After all, you can ensure your kids have a role in taking care of the pet. For example, you might ask them to feed the pet in the mornings before they go to school. Or they might have to help you take them for a walk every day. Teaching them some responsibility can make them a better well-rounded person and more disciplined when it comes to school work!

They can become a friend for your child

While dogs are a man’s best friend, they can also be a mate for your child as well. After all, a dog will give unconditional love to your family members. And it can become a good friend to your kid. A quick cuddle with the pooch will lift your child’s spirits, especially after a bad day at school. And your child and the dog will be able to play together which will bring joy to your kid. Your child can play with their toys, while the pooch plays with their squeaky toy. And having a pooch as part of your family teaches your little ones the importance of friendship!

They can help your family bond closer together
If you and your family spend little time together now, you could become a lot closer if you add a dog to your family. After all, bathing the dog and taking it for walks can become a family activity. Therefore, you can spend some quality time together while you look after the beloved pooch. And it can make your bond stronger as a family when

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They can make your family a lot more active
When you have a pooch, you need to make sure you take it for walks every day. After all, it will get the exercise it needs. But getting active can also give the boost your family needs. After all, so many people don’t get the necessary exercise they need. Therefore, taking them for walks and playing with them in the garden will ensure you all stay active! So you will be a healthier family!

And having a pet can make your child more caring to animals. It can give them a new respect for animals which they will have for the rest of their life.

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Congratulations, your pup’s going to be a mom! And just like with any expectant mommy, there’s a lot to think about to ensure her pregnancy is as safe and comfortable for her as possible. There’s also the health and the future of the puppies to consider, so it’s no small task. Your dog’s gestation period should last between around 58 days and 65 days, depending on the breed, so it’s crucial that you get it right from the start.

Get her proper prenatal care

Unsurprisingly, pregnancy can be pretty tough on your pooch’s body, so it’s important that she gets all the prenatal care she will need to stay healthy. Once you discover her pregnancy, take her to visit her veterinarian who will be able to advise on the course of action. They’ll also be able to ensure she is gestating without any problems – heaven forbid – and also perform an ultrasound, so you know how many little bundles of joy to expect. Just as a side note, if you’re planning to breed your dog, it’s best to ensure she has been vaccinated ahead of time, as most vets will advise against vaccination during pregnancy – it also means both mommy and puppies will be protected.

Feed her well

Your momma dog’s sustenance throughout her pregnancy will help to ensure the good development of her pups, so it’s important to follow veterinary advice thoroughly. It is usual to keep feeding her normal, high-quality commercial dog food for the first few weeks of her pregnancy, before switching to a high-quality puppy food in the fifth or sixth week, and increasing the quantity throughout. Puppy food is much higher in nutrients than usual dog food, so it will ensure she’s getting all the goodness she needs for her pups to grow big, strong, and super cute.

Keep the exercise up

A dog will still need regular walks throughout her pregnancy, but especially in the later weeks, it’s really important that she doesn’t overexert herself. Let her rest as much as she needs, pregnancy can be really tiring, and she needs her beauty sleep. If your pooch enjoyed jogging before pregnancy, she could continue this until around the five-week mark, when it’s best for dog and pups to cease jogging and stick with walks.

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Consider the future of the puppies

Pretty soon you’re going to have a load of fluffy, troublemaking little bundles of joy running around the place, and unless you’re planning on keeping them all for yourself (as tempting as it is) you’re going to want them to go to nice homes. If you have friends or family ready for their first furry friend, give them a call. Otherwise, you’re probably going to want to sell them. Make sure you visit Puppy System to find out all about selling your dogs online to ensure they go to a family who’ll care for them.

Create her a comfortable whelping box

Birth can be a stressful and dangerous time for a mommy dog, so making her a comfortable and cozy whelping box can really take the pressure off, allowing her to birth more easily and safely. It’s always a good idea to know where your nearest emergency veterinary hospital is, just in case anything goes wrong.

This is such a wonderful time for any dog lover – who wouldn’t get excited about new puppies? Good luck!

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A pet could be the perfect thing to complete your family. There’s no better family pet than a dog. Those four legged furries have a habit of cementing their place in your home and your heart. Though dog ownership offers many rewards, it’s a big responsibility. As well as caring for your dog’s needs, you have to care for their health, too. A dog can’t tell you how they’re feeling. It’s important you spot any problems before they get serious. You’ll also need to take steps to cover the financial costs of illness! This list should give you some idea of health commitments any dog owner needs to consider.

NEUTERING
Unless you intend to breed your dog, it’s crucial you get them neutered. There are various  reasons for this. It can improve your dog’s behaviour, and make them easier to train and handle. It also ensures there won’t be any unexpected accidents! Most importantly, though, neutering can save your pooch many health problems. This is especially the case for female dogs. Without neutering, they’re exposed to health issues such as womb cancer.

VACCINATION

From the moment your dog is old enough, it’s your responsibility to ensure you get them vaccinated against disease. Your vet will tell you which vaccinations are necessary for your pooch. After the initial round, you’ll need to remember boosters as and when they’re necessary. Your vet will send you useful letters to remind you what needs booking and when. Keeping on top of this is crucial. As your dog goes out and about in the world, they’re exposed to many possible hazards. Not protecting them is careless, and can lead to significant problems down the line!

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KNOWLEDGE

The more knowledge you have of dog diseases, the better you’ll be able to spot problems in your dog. You don’t have to gain a vet qualification here; you just need to know basic warning signs. Take the time to research so that you’re prepared. Remember that your dog won’t be able to tell you when something’s wrong. Having some idea of possible diseases could save crucial time when making a diagnosis. A vet only has a short period with your dog. They’ll appreciate any suggestions you can offer about what you’ve noticed. It’s also important that you take the time to notice your dog’s behaviour. You’ll come to know how they greet you each morning or their regular eating habits. Understanding this behaviour is essential for seeing when something changes.

PROTECTION FROM PESTS

You’ll also need to protect your dog from parasites. Tics and fleas can be unpleasant for your dog and can cause serious health issues. Not to mention that a flea infestation can be extremely hard to get rid of in your home. Every three months or so, you should apply an all-in-one pest treatment to your pet. These treatments are pain-free for your dog. Just apply underneath their collar! Doing this will ensure you protect your dog from any pests they come across when outside.

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There are many benefits to getting a family pet. Pets can teach your family so much about love, care, and compassion. When the time comes, they can also teach your children about death. Those pets become so much a part of the family that their death can be hard. Not only will it be your children’s first loss, but a loss for the whole family. Just like with any death, finding closure is important. Sending your pet off in the right way will ensure you can all move on. So, how do you ensure you give the whole family a chance to say goodbye? Here are some ideas.

HAVE A FUNERAL

A funeral is the best way to ensure everyone says goodbye. If your pet passed at the vet’s, they’ll give you a choice to keep the body or have your pet cremated. Cremation is the best option if you think it would make things easier to keep your pet in the family home. If you do opt for cremation, take a look at urns like those found at Modern Memorials. Even if you opt for cremation, you can hold a funeral. All you need to do is stand around the urn instead of the grave. Make a real event of the funeral. Get dressed up and ensure the whole family attends. The more official it feels, the more like a proper send-off it will be. Think of it, too, as a test run for your kids. Holding a pet funeral will give them a better idea of how a real funeral will be.

TAKE IT IN TURNS TO SAY A FEW WORDS

Saying a few words can be an excellent way to get personal closure and tell your pet how much you love them one last time. Ensuring that everyone gets a chance to speak at the funeral is your best bet. Encourage the children to write their pet a letter, which they can put in the grave if you have a burial. Knowing that your pet has personal things with them will make the reality of the burial easier for them to bear. Encourage them to read the letter aloud, so you can gain an understanding of how they’re feeling.

TAKE TIME TO REMEMBER

After the burial, hold a wake of sorts to end on a positive note. Take some time to sit down as a family and discuss your favorite memories of your pet. Look through old photographs as you do this so that you can remember the way your pet was when they were alive. It’s important, after saying your goodbyes, to ensure you all remember your pet in the best light. Those good memories are the best thing for helping you all move on. This stage is especially important for your children. Kids are resilient, and the process is sure to bring them back out of themselves again. They may start off crying, but there’s no doubting they’ll be laughing by the end of it.