Categories
Pets

How to Keep Your Family Dog Healthy and Happy

A dog is a family member, and just as your kids will need to get out, stay active, eat well, and be social, so too will your dog. Dogs require a lot of care and attention, and if they don’t get it, they can grow bored and antsy, and that often comes across as misbehaviour or aggression. If it seems that your dog is misbehaving, look first to their health. A dog that seems to eat up your home and destroy things is one that is not getting the exercise nor the mental stimulation that they need to be healthy. Take care of their physical needs first, and you’d be amazed at how well-behaved and calm a dog can be at home.


If you need some tips to help improve your own dog’s health or want to start off on the right foot before you bring a new furry friend home, these tips will do the trick:

1.    Be Careful What You Feed Your Dog

This applies both to the human food that you may want to give them as a treat and to the food in the treats and dog food you buy for them. Many cheap dog food brands put a lot of filler that does not give dogs what they need to be healthy or active. Always check the ingredients to make sure that there are not too many fillers or other questionable ingredients, and if you can, try to stick with natural dog treats. They are healthier, delicious, and your dog will love them.

As for human food, it’s a good idea to print out a list of foods that we eat that dogs should never touch. Having it up on your fridge for a while can make it easy to refresh your memory and make it simple for everyone in your household to avoid feeding your dog those items. If there’s something else you think of once you’ve got your list sorted, like “can dogs eat pretzels?”, you can always check it out on the internet yourself and add it on to the list, if needs be.

2.    Build a Routine


Dogs love routine. When you are consistent, you can leave your dog home alone without them kicking up a fuss. You can keep them healthy, happy, and content. This routine will include when you feed them and when you go on a walk (or walks). Not only that, but by making it a routine, you can make it a simple matter to stick with it. Your health will improve, and so too will your dog’s. You don’t need to keep everything strict, however, go to different locations and routes on your walk to keep things fresh and exciting, but try to keep the general timings of when you do things with your pet consistent.

3.    Get them Used to Being Alone

Many dogs can develop separation anxiety, which is why it is important to train them out of it early on. Crate training is a good way to do this and can also speed up potty training and several other learning curves.

Another thing that you need to get your pets used to is the kennel. Find a great kennel and drop your dog off for one night before picking them back up before you go off on a big trip. This way, they know that you come back, and they are familiar with the people who work there and the environment. This can really help with their anxiety and make their stay with their dogsitter that much more enjoyable.

Categories
Pets

5 Top Tips for Caring for Your New Puppy

A new puppy is an incredibly exciting addition for any household. They bring a breath of fresh air and a new lease of life to your home with their bounds of energy and funny antics. Puppies aren’t just a form of entertainment, though; they require care and training to ensure that they grow into well-behaved dogs. Most people have met a dog owner who has not attended something like these Puppy Classes in Newcastle to start training their dog from a puppy, and it is not difficult to see what a challenge that dog has become to handle.

To give your new puppy the best start in life and train it to be well-behaved, take a look at these top tips.

1. Give It Plenty of Water

In all their excitement and youth, it’s easy for puppies to forget about their own basic needs, which is where you need to step in. After walks and particularly active playtimes, make sure your puppy drinks lots of water to avoid dehydration. Always keep a bowl of fresh water available for it to drink, especially if you go out of the house and leave them alone.

2. Train as Much as You Play

Training is an essential part of any puppyhood! Your puppy has to learn where it can and can’t go to the bathroom, when playtime’s over and, perhaps most importantly, to listen to its own name. For excellent training tips and advice, visit bestbehaviourdogtraining.co.uk; they can help you help your puppy.

3. Talk to Your Kids

Puppies and kids play off each other very well, but one thing they both have in common is that, often, neither of them knows when to stop. Educate your children about how to properly play with a puppy, as well as other animals. For instance, they shouldn’t pull its tail or ears. You can also encourage them to use dog toys when playing with the puppy. Even if the puppy is small, it still has sharp teeth to use when it’s annoyed.

4. Let It Explore

Everything is exciting and new when you are only a few weeks old. Let your puppy explore your house to its heart’s content, within reason. A puppy’s extremely strong sense of smell will take it on a whole tour of your house and allow it to get used to its new home.

5. Decide If It Can Go on the Furniture

Dog owners are divided on whether dogs should be allowed on the furniture. Is it worth the dog hair and scratches? Do you want to give up some special cuddles? Before you get your puppy, you should firmly decide whether you will let yours onto the sofas or not. If you let your puppy on them within the first few weeks or months but then change your mind, it will be very difficult to get the puppy to change its mind, and it will only confuse them. Make a decision either way and stick to it.

Preparing the House for Puppies

Preparing your house for a new puppy is an essential aspect of showing care and ensuring their safety, comfort, and well-being. It involves a comprehensive approach that encompasses various steps to create a safe and welcoming environment for your furry friend. Firstly, removing sharp objects from their sight is crucial to prevent potential injuries as your puppy explores their surroundings. This includes removing items such as small toys, household tools, and sharp objects like knives or scissors that could pose a risk. Additionally, keeping the house clean is essential to maintain a hygienic environment for your puppy. Regular cleaning routines, including vacuuming, mopping, and disinfecting surfaces, help to remove dirt, bacteria, and potential allergens, promoting a healthy living space for both you and your pet. Checking for blocked drains is another important aspect of preparing your home for a puppy. Blocked drains can lead to water damage and hygiene issues, creating an unsuitable environment for your pet. By ensuring that drains are clear and functioning properly with the help of a plumber (search for plumber near me on the Web to find one), you can prevent potential water leaks, mold growth, and unpleasant odors in your home. Removing clutter is also crucial to creating a safe and spacious environment for your puppy to roam. Cluttered spaces can pose tripping hazards and make it difficult for your pet to navigate their surroundings comfortably. Clearing out unnecessary items and organizing your living space helps to create a clutter-free environment that is conducive to your puppy’s well-being. Addressing pest issues is another important step in preparing your home for a puppy. Pests such as rodents, insects, and parasites can pose health risks to your pet and compromise the cleanliness of your home. Implementing pest control measures, such as sealing entry points, using traps or baits, and maintaining a clean environment, helps to prevent infestations and protect your puppy from potential harm. Keeping electrical wires away from your puppy’s reach is essential to prevent accidents and injuries. Exposed wires can pose electrocution hazards and tempt your pet to chew on them, leading to potential shocks or burns. Securing wires with cable covers or hiding them behind furniture helps to minimize the risk of electrical accidents and ensure your puppy’s safety. In conclusion, preparing your house for a puppy involves a combination of measures to create a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for your new pet. From removing hazards and clutter to addressing plumbing issues and pest infestations, taking proactive steps to prepare your home demonstrates care and consideration for your puppy’s well-being.
Categories
Pets

How to Introduce Your Dog to Your Bundle of Joy

Even if your dog has always been the most loveable furry friend, and you’ve never had a single problem with their behaviour, it can still be an area of concern when you’re faced with the prospect of a newborn baby in your home. Especially if your dog has never been around children or babies before, you may not know in advance how your dog is going to react. 

As long as the proper steps are taken and you supervise your dog and baby at all times, there is no reason the two can’t become fast friends – and the chances are your dog will take it upon itself to protect your baby any way it can. 

Here are some ways you can prepare for the important introduction. 

It’s a Good Idea to Take Your Dog to Training Classes

Training classes are invaluable for your dog anyway, at any age, but they are particularly important when it comes to being around a newborn. Your dog needs to know how to act appropriately and safely around a new person, and you need to ensure that it obeys your commands. 

If your dog is a little bit rebellious and cheeky, then you need to hone this with the help of private dog training classes in order to ensure a good relationship between your dog and your baby. You could start training classes when you decide to have children, or you could start taking your dog when you find out you’re pregnant – the sooner the better!

Consider getting your pup signed up to premier dog training and getting help with your needs.

Greet Your Dog Separately When You Bring Your Baby Home

All dogs love to jump on their owners when they see them walk through the door, but this display of affection could pose a risk to the baby if you’re carrying it in your arms when your dog decides to jump up at you. It’s a good idea to walk through the door without the baby in the first instance to greet your pup, and then bring the baby in once your dog has recovered from its initial excitement. 

Allow Your Dog to Get Used to Baby Smells in Advance 

Chances are that you’ve already filled your home with baby essentials in preparation for your child’s arrival, but you should let your dog sniff and explore these items in advance so that it can get used to the new smells and the items which will be commonplace when the baby arrives. 

You could also let your dog sniff the baby’s blanket and use any means necessary to let your dog know that the new smell is okay. 

Distance Yourself from Your Dog a Few Weeks Before the Baby Comes Home This may sound a little mean, but it’s not. Your baby is going to be taking up the majority of your attention when it arrives, meaning your dog is going to begin wondering why it’s not being played with as much, and may become jealous. By toning down the attention you give your dog in preparation for the baby’s arrival, it will be less of a shock to your dog’s system when the baby eventually arrives.

Categories
Home Sweet Home Pets

How to Get Rid of Fleas in Your Home

Have you noticed strange circular bites on your wrists or ankles? Is your pet scratching and moaning uncontrollably and is your skin becoming increasingly irritable by the day? Chances are, a colony of fleas has decided to make your home (and your beloved pooch) its permanent place of residence.

Naturally, you cannot allow this persist, as fleas can cause many problems to the overall health of your pet, and your family as well. And besides, they are an extreme nuisance you don’t need in your life. Here is everything you need to know about fleas and how to get rid of them for good.

Categories
Gardening Home Sweet Home Pets

How Is Your Garden Affecting Your Pet’s Health?

Your garden can have a significant impact on your pet’s health and overall well-being. Despite its beauty and benefits, can pose risks to your pet’s health and well-being. Here are several ways in which your garden can influence your furry friend’s health:

Toxic Plants: Some plants commonly found in gardens can be toxic to pets if ingested. Examples include lilies, azaleas, daffodils, and certain types of ferns. It is crucial to research and identify plants that are safe for pets and ensure that toxic plants are kept out of your pet’s reach or removed from the garden altogether.

Outdoor Hazards: Your garden may contain various hazards that can harm your pet. For instance, thorny plants or sharp objects can cause injuries to their paws or skin. Likewise, dead branches can pose a safety hazard. As they become brittle over time, the risk of these branches falling and causing injuries increases. Therefore, removing them with the assistance of a Tree Surgeon Bournemouth or a professional of comparable caliber elsewhere could be a good idea. Additionally, stagnant water sources like ponds or bird baths can harbor bacteria or parasites, potentially causing illness if consumed by your pet. Regularly inspect your garden for potential hazards and make necessary adjustments such as pruning, Tree Trimming, and pest control to keep your pet safe.

Plants and Allergies: Just like humans, pets can have allergies. Pollen from certain plants can trigger allergies in dogs and cats, leading to itching, sneezing, or respiratory issues. Be aware of your pet’s sensitivities and consider planting low-allergen flowers and shrubs. Regular grooming and keeping the garden free of excessive pollen can also help reduce allergy symptoms.

Outdoor Escape Prevention: To safeguard your pets from venturing outside and entering potentially hazardous areas, it is advisable to protect your garden by installing a suitable fence with the assistance of a fence installer in Georgia (or a professional located nearby). Additionally, make it a habit to regularly examine the boundaries of your garden to ensure there are no openings, loose boards, or other means of escape. This precautionary measure will likely ensure the safety of your pets while still allowing them to relish the outdoor space.

Pesticides and Fertilizers: The use of pesticides, herbicides, and chemical fertilizers in your garden can pose risks to your pet’s health. These substances, if ingested or absorbed through the skin, can lead to poisoning or allergic reactions. When choosing garden products, opt for pet-friendly alternatives or natural methods to maintain a healthy garden without endangering your pet. Instead of synthetic chemicals, you can use neem oil or create homemade sprays with ingredients like garlic, onion, or hot pepper mixed with water. These natural solutions can effectively deter pests without posing harm to pets when used responsibly. Alternatively, you can also introduce some beneficial insects like ladybirds and Garden Chafer From Green Gardener (or from a different brand) into your garden. These approaches can not only control pests but can also contribute positively to the garden ecosystem without exposing your pets to unnecessary health risks.

Garden Tools and Equipment: Sharp tools, such as gardening shears or pruning scissors, should be safely stored to prevent accidental injuries to your pet. Additionally, certain equipment like lawnmowers, trimmers, or electric cords can be hazardous if not properly secured or supervised. Ensure your garden tools and equipment are stored in a secure area and out of your pet’s reach.

To further teach you about keeping your pet safe in the garden, Compost and garden bark provider, Compost Direct, has produced a graphic piece covering a range of findings plus, a guide to help you create a more pet-friendly garden. Did you know, that 8% of dogs and cats have eaten poisonous plants or flowers, with 43% needing urgent medical attention and 15% losing their lives?

Take a look the graphic below to learn more.

Categories
Pets

No kidding . . . goats can be friendlier pets than cats

They are maligned for their washing line-masticating proclivities and mythologised for their troll head-butting talents but rarely have they been thought of as charming companions. Until now.

Categories
Pets

Chygurno, a fine example of what you can achieve in a Cornish garden  

Pet cats can be vilified for fouling neighbours’ gardens, killing birds and getting lost — but now an electronic cage that can prevent them from straying beyond their owners’ gardens has won the approval of scientists.