Category: Animals

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Animals

5 Reasons Your Cat Litter could Be Harmful

Cat

Litter is a requirement for any indoor cat. However, certain types of litter come with hidden dangers. This article will address those dangers so you can keep your Modkat litter box a fresh and healthy place for your furry friend to do their business.

Clay Litter: Dust

While clay litter offers many advantages, such as a low price point and terrific odor control, it is also the dustiest litter on the market. When inhaled, your cat can end up with lung issues like chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, or asthma, any of which, if not treated, can lead to death.

Clay Litter: Intestinal Blockages and Environmental Havoc

According to The Kitten Lady, clay litter should not be given to kittens until they are two to three months of age. This is because, like human babies, kittens like to put things in their mouths and will attempt to eat the litter. Older cats also ingest clay litter when they wash their paws after using the litter box. Clay litter with clumping properties can swell up to 15 times its original size, according to Scientific American. Ingestion of clay litter can lead to an intestinal blockage which, if not treated, can lead to the untimely death of a cat or kitten.

Besides the dangers of inhaling and ingesting clay litter, it is also incredibly hard on the environment. According to Tofu Kitty Club, mining clay from the environment wrecks an ecosystem entirely. The mining process ruins animal habitats. It sends silt into the rivers and, eventually, the ocean, where aquatic life ingests it and is choked. The final product, once used, ends up in landfills, where it does not biodegrade.

Crystal Litter: Silicosis

When trying to put together the best cat litter box, using crystal litter is not advised. Aside from being painful on a cat’s paws, one of the dangers of crystal litter is the inhalation of silica dust. This causes silicosis. Silicosis is the scarring of the lungs after the inhalation of silica dust. It is formally diagnosed by a chest x-ray, but Lung.org outlines the symptoms of silicosis as follows:

  • shortness of breath
  • cough
  • sputum

Silicosis has no cure. It is managed with a combination of bronchodilators to decrease any inflammation that may occur in the pulmonary system. Occasionally, supplemental oxygen may be needed.

Crystal Litter: Dye

The majority of crystal litter on the market is dyed blue. The chemical used to produce the color is cobalt chloride, and it is present to help detect moisture in the litter; when wet, it turns a pink or red color. Club Pets points out that cobalt chloride had carcinogenic properties, meaning it is a known compound that causes cancer. It is not just bad for cats; it is bad for you.

Paper Litter: Sodium Bentonite

Like clay litter, paper litter contains sodium bentonite, a compound that acts as a clumping agent. This is the same compound as clay litter. Cats who ingest paper litter have the same chance of developing an intestinal blockage as cats who ingest clay litter. These cats present to a veterinarian with diarrhea but, upon x-ray or abdominal ultrasound, a blockage is present. The cat then has to undergo major abdominal surgery, often losing portions of their intestine that have been blocked from blood flow because of the massive litter blockage.

Healthy Alternatives

So what are healthy alternatives to the dangers that lurk in commercial cat litters? Healthy alternatives contain sustainable ingredients that do not impact the environment or the health of your cat. Mudbay suggests trying litters made from pine and other sources of wood. They also suggest trying wheat, corn, walnut, paper (without a clumping agent), and grass litters. It may take time to find a litter that both you and your cat can agree upon, but in the end, ensuring the health of your feline friend is worth it.

Knowing the dangers of different types of litter is the best way to be prepared when constructing a litter box for your cat or kitten. This way, you can pick the most healthy and eco-friendly option on the market for your furry friend to use and enjoy.

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Animals

5 Necessities You should Have Before You Buy a Pet

5 Necessities You Should Have Before You Buy a Pet

Before you buy a pet, you have to consider the time, energy, costs, and responsibilities that come with owning a pet. You should take your time and do your research before making the big decision of pet ownership. After all, you will be caring for this pet for its entire life. Keep reading to learn about the necessities you should have before owning a pet.

Do Your Research

The first thing you have to know is what type of pet you want and what your budget is. There are a lot of factors that will determine what type of pet will be best for your family. Do you have young children? How often is everyone home? How big is your backyard? It would be a good idea to do extensive online research to determine the qualities that you are looking for in a pet. This will help you decide what type of pet will best match your family situation.

Pet Supplies

When it comes to shopping for pet supplies, there are so many different options available. You could go and visit your local pet supply store, pet stores in the mall or online. There are also some sites that specialize in just one type of product, such as a pet food or pet bedding and grooming site. This depends on your pets needs along with your budget. Your pet will probably need a food bowl, water bowl, collar, leash, bed, crate, and some toys. These are basic pet supplies that every pet should have. Be ready to schedule pet grooming appointments as well if your pet has hair instead of fur. These are essential in keeping your pet comfortable.

Time & Space

It is crucial that your family home has enough space to house your pet. If you are interested in a larger dog, it is imperative that you have a big backyard for them to run and play in. If you are interested in a smaller inside pet, then make sure you have a room designated to them that they will feel comfortable and safe at. Your pet’s happiness is of the utmost importance and you need to make sure you are able to provide that before buying any type of pet. You also need to ensure that your family has the time to spend with your pet. Depending on the breed of your pet will determine exactly how much attention it must have every day. Ideally, you should be spending at least a few hours a day with your pet in order to keep them happy and healthy.

Pet Insurance

Pets, especially the smaller breeds, tend to have some issues that you have to watch out for, and these can be harmful if not taken care of. This may mean that you have to bring the pet to a veterinarian for regular checkups and vaccinations, so you have to think about this before you purchase a pet. Knowing that your pet is covered in case of an emergency can be extremely comforting. It is terrible not being able to provide proper veterinary treatment for your pets, especially when it is something serious. The other benefit of having affordable pet insurance is how beneficial it can be in helping to pay off your vet bills. When you take into account the number of visits that your dog or cat will need to be treated for, as well as the medications that will be required, there are often unexpected costs that come along with treatment. By taking care of your pets through pet insurance, you are providing them with a sense of security.

Training

Whether you are looking for a dog or cat, you will need to make sure that they get properly trained so that they will behave and won’t destroy the home if left alone for a long period of time. Personality is an important factor in determining your pet’s behavior. If you have an aggressive dog or a very gentle one, then there are different ways in which your pet will be socialized and trained in order to prevent aggression from developing. You might need to send your dog to a training facility for pets in order to get them trained properly. This can get expensive so make sure that you have a budget so that you can provide this if necessary.

Buying a family pet is a much bigger deal than most people think it is. This animal will live its entire life with you so you should do your very best to ensure that it has a happy and comfortable life. Making sure that you think about each of these aspects. This will increase the likelihood that you are ready when you finally choose your forever family pet.

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Animals

Dog Wound Care Tips for Dog Parents

When you have a dog, accidents are bound to happen. So, every pet parent must know how to treat their dog’s wounds. Unless it’s an emergency, you can easily handle small cuts or bruises at home. Therefore, the first step to treating wounds in dog is to gather the necessary supplies. Below is a list of things you will require for dog’s wound care.

Supplies Required for Treating Dog Wounds

  • Warm Water
  • Clippers (Electric are preferred)
  • Clean towels
  • Antimicrobial ointment
  • Antiseptic spray such as Wound Guard

Once you have these supplies, treating any kind of minor wound can be easy. However, if your furry pal is bleeding, it’s vital to stop the bleeding right away by applying some pressure. Below are some points that every pet parent should be aware of as it can come in handy during an emergency.

*If the dog wound is covered by hair, clip the hair around the area for better access to the wound.

  • First of all, check whether your dog is bleeding or not. Depending on the size of wound, you can grab a gauze or clean towel to stop the blood from seeping out. This way, you can give immediate treatment and prevent blood loss. Remember, if the cut is too deep and the blood comes oozing out every time your dog’s heart beats, it’s crucial to get your pet to a vet clinic for immediate treatment.
  • When tending to the wound, warm water is best to clean it off. Wounds that are caused due to road rash or minor accident needs to get cleaned off with warm water so any bacteria or germs can be washed off.
  • Next step is to thoroughly clean and disinfect the wound. After you’ve washed the area, dry it with a clean cloth. Thereafter, use an antimicrobial ointment and apply generously onto the wound.
  • Putting on a temporary bandage can help in quicken the healing process. Get the gauze and put it over the wound, along with applying some KY Jelly on top to prevent any spread of germs.
  • If it’s an open wound, check it frequently as it can get infected quite easily. You can use a fresh gauze and rub it lightly over the wound area and scrub the tissue before disinfecting it again.
  • Thereafter, get an antibiotic ointment and apply a thin layer on the area. This will prevent any bacteria to enter the wound. Also, ensure you cover it up immediately so the dog doesn’t lick the area.
  • Clean the area at least twice or thrice a day so that there is no scope of infection.
  • Lastly, apply bandage for better healing.

Remember, most wounds can be easily treated at home. However, if the wound is too severe, like a deep cut, an infected area with pus, or a bite wound, it crucial to get the pet to the vet immediately.

Author Bio:

Joshua Scott

I am a Freelance Blogger, writer, and model who lives in Los Angeles. I have been writing online for the past 4 years. I love to write articles and blogs on a niche like Pets, Animal, Modeling& Traveling. I am passionate about spreading knowledge & tips across the world.

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Animals

Dog Breeds to Consider for First Time Owners

Dog Breeds

Becoming a pet parent for the first time is an exciting experience! Every dog breed is unique. However, there are certain standard things you are supposed to keep in mind before getting a dog at home for the first time. There are some dog breeds that suit the first time owners better than the others. A prior research is required before deciding to bring home a family member that is going to be in your life for more than 10 years. The most important question that you need to ask yourself is, “Am I ready to become a responsible pet parent?”

There are certain dog breeds that a first time owner should never consider. To name a few of them: Siberian Husky, St. Bernard and Bulldog. All dog breeds vary greatly in personalities and needs. So, it’s better to select the breed that matches your lifestyle. While dogs are the most lovable companions, they also need constant care and attention. As a first time pet owner, you need to set a few preferences for personally selecting the dog type you want. This can include parameters such as the pet’s size, colour, behaviour and energy level.

Here are some dog breeds that are best suited for first time owners:

Golden Retrievers – They stand first in line and are best suited for people who are including a dog in their family for the first time. The qualities that make them the perfect family pets are their friendly and tolerant attitude. Their intelligence also makes them a great working dog. This breed of dog is fairly easy to train and they get along with the family members in no time. The pet parent doesn’t have to worry about their kids as Golden Retrievers are great with children. This breed is particularly fond of water which also makes it an ideal swimming companion. Coming to the health aspect, Golden Retrievers tend to shed a lot, especially during seasonal changes. It is important to consult professional groomers when it comes to dog grooming as they are the experts of this field.

Pugs – Charming, mischievous and loving. These are the terms that best describe a pug. Their relaxed attitude makes them a perfect choice for someone who is looking for a laid-back dog. Pugs also possess a range of human-like expressions such as surprise, happiness and curiosity. Be it a home with kids or old folks, pugs get along very well with everyone.They are rarely aggressive and so are best suited for families with children. Pugs are quite playful, intuitive and sensitive to the moods of their owners. So, if you are looking for a breed that gives you the exact amount of attention as you give to them, then pugs are a perfect companion.

Boxer – If you are searching for a medium-large companion who is high on energy, then Boxer is your correct choice. They are known to form a close bond with their owners and are best suited to families that have active lifestyles, as they need plenty of exercise. However, they have a stubborn nature and require strong training in the initial stages. They are the happiest when exposed to a lot of people and other crowded places in early puppy hood. Due to their protective nature, they are great at doing the job of a watchdog and family guardian. In addition, qualities such as intelligence, modesty and cleanliness make them a highly desirable family dog.

Pomeranian – It is one of the world’s most popular toy breeds and has been termed by many people as an ‘ideal companion’. Their tiny body, smiling foxy face, and vivacious personality make them a perfect choice for first time owners. They are easily trained and can master tricks and games quickly. They are  one of the most active breeds,  but are not meant for long walks. They are known to be quite attentive and are aware of everything going on around them. They are also keenly alert to approaching strangers. If you are looking for a breed that is delightfully alive and loves the company of other pets and children then Pomeranian counts for a suitable choice.

Poodle – Elegant, proud and clever. These are the terms that best describe a poodle. It is a well known and popular dog breed that has its sizes varying from miniature to a standard size. They respond very well to training and are highly adaptable. Poodles are great dogs for first time owners as they make excellent exercise and snuggle buddies. Special care is supposed to be taken for their continually growing coat. Beneath that curly and ever growing coat is an elegant athlete and companion which is ideal for all reasons and seasons.

Author Bio

Esha Sinha is a seasoned writer who has over the years contributed quality content on various high-profile websites. She has particularly excelled in niches like Fashion, Business, Entrepreneurship, Education, Pet Healthcare etc. Her professionalism, four year’s experience, and expertise make her one of the most sought-after content writers in the field.

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Animals Featured

Tips for Grooming and Bathing Pet Dogs by Yourself!

Even if you regularly take your pet to the dog wash or grooming salon, on occasion you may find yourself having to groom your beloved four-legged friend on your own. At those times, when you’re ready to brush, bathe or clip your dog’s hair or nails, these grooming tips are sure to come in handy.

A word of caution though. Be sure to pay heed to experienced when it comes to pet grooming. After all, it’s all about the well-being and safety of your best friend.

Regular grooming at home is an integral part of responsible dog care. Start out slow and steady, fix a routine and you’ll soon find that not only does your pet looks good, but is healthier and happier than ever before.

Brushing Tips

Bathing Your Dog

One of the most simple, yet crucial steps in dog grooming is a thorough brushing down. Besides removing dirt and debris along with loose fur, brushing also helps pick off ticks or locate sore spots on your pet’s body.

  • While a long-haired breed may require regular brushing on a daily basis, a short-fur coat dog can do with a weekly brushing regimen.
  • For a breed with smooth and short fur coat, it’s recommended to use a rubber brush first, and then a bristle brush. On occasion, you may opt to polish the coat with a piece of chamois cloth for better shine.
  • For pets who sport thick fur coats, it’s good to use a slick brush first to rid the fur of any tangles. You can then follow it up with a bristle brush for a more thorough session.
  • Similarly for long hair, use a slick brush to do away with the tangles, taking care to gently remove any mats and then proceed with a bristle brush.

Bathing Your Dog

Brushing Tips

Bathing is another key aspect of pet grooming. There will be times when your pet will turn dirty and smelly. It’s inevitable since dogs do love to play, even more so outdoors.

How often your dog needs a bath depends on the breed, his living conditions and the weather. It’s best to check with your vet regarding this. Depending on his activity levels, it’s recommended to give a dog a bath every two to three weeks.

Be warned that ordinary cosmetics meant for us humans won’t necessarily suit dogs. It’s recommended to ensure that the soap or shampoo you choose for your pet is mild to avoid irritation or skin rashes.

A few tips on bathing your pet properly.

  • It’s best to thoroughly brush your dog to remove any dirt, loose fur and mats before the bathing session.
  • Ensure that your dog remains on leash and is secure throughout the washing session.
  • Avoid using-hot or cold water, instead use lukewarm water to ensure the comfort and well-being of your pet.
  • Take care to not spray any water straight into the eyes, nose or ears of your pet. It’s advisable to use a cup or mug to gently pour water on his head and face.
  • Proceed to soak your dog’s body thoroughly with water at the proper temperature.
  • Use your bare hands or grooming mitts to apply the soap or shampoo over your pet’s body and proceed to gently work up a lather.
  • Take care to rinse the shampoo out fully. You can choose to repeat the process with a fur conditioner if you wish to.
  • Most dogs tend to vigorously shake off water after they get wet, so make sure you give him ample space to do that!
  • A dry fluffy towel can then be used to gently rub your pet dry. You can also air dryers (set at a low temperature) to dry your dog’s coat.
  • It’s recommended to use cotton wipes and cleaning solution to clean the outside of your dog’s ears and areas near his eyes and nose.

The Modern Dog Wash!

Modern Dog Wash

Nowadays quite a few pet supply stores, vet clinics, dog parks and even car washes(!) offer up self operated dog washing machines. A session at such machines can be less costly than a session at the groomers and much less of a chore than washing your pet at home. These washing stations also tend to supply essentials like pet shampoo, towels and brushes.

If you find hosing down your finicky pet in the driveway troublesome, bathing him in your sink or bathtub too messy, and visiting the pet salon a drain on your wallet, this might be just the thing for you!

Bathing or grooming your pet yourself can be a great bonding experience, and with these tips, doing it at home will no longer be a hassle!

Author Bio:

Mark Robards

Mark Robards, Content Architect at iClean International, Netherlands. Mark has been a pet lover since childhood and now are best friends (and roommates) with a great dane, 2 labradors and a cocker spaniel. He has successfully incorporated his love for animals with work and is now the resident expert on all matters related to pet care at Iclean international.

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Animals Featured

Every Pet Owner should Know These Cleaning Tips

how to deep clean a house with pets

If the highs of meeting your new pet have faded with the onset of discovering fur all throughout your house, then you need to read on. Maintaining a clean and healthy home with your pet is actually much easier than you think if you’re armed with these must-know tips. Ready for some practical methods you can instantly apply to clear up your couch and remove those odors? Let’s get going.

Brush your furry friends more frequently

Ask any pet owner or professional home cleaning service and they’ll attest that cleaning pet hairs takes time. The amount of hair shed will of course depend on the breed of your pet but in all cases, prevention is better than a cure. Brushing your dog or cat twice a week can make a world of difference to how much effort you have to spend later in cleaning up hairs knotted into your furniture. The bonus is that most pets will love the feeling of being brushed anyway.

Befriend lint rollers

Lint rollers are the pen and paper of cleaning in a household with pets or girls with long hair. We’ve tried handheld vacuums and you really need to invest some decent dough to purchase one that has enough suction power. The alternative lint roller is so much more affordable and in cases, more effective. With a lint roller, you can pretty much pick up all the hair your pet sheds from any surface. Given their versatility, this extends to outside of your home too like in your car. Want to take this to the next level? Roll some duct tape around your used rollers that have lost their lustre (sticky side on the outside to pick up any residual hair.

You know who else are your friends? Electrostatic dust mops and rubber squeegee

Electrostatic dust mops are the perfect too if you have timber floors. They’re essentially a magnet for your pet’s hair. You can’t lint roller your entire wooden floor, so this is the efficient solution for your flooring. Wait, what about the squeegee, you ask. Super glad you asked because this trick is often overlooked. Ever try mopping a rug? Yes, it’s frustrating. Instead, grab a squeegee, kneel down and start raking in short-quick strokes. You’ll collect all the hair caught in your rug in no time!

Catch as much as you can at the door

Unless you’re an amazing trainer, your dog isn’t going to wipe its feet at the door before jumping onto your couch or bed. You’re going to have to create a cleaning passage before he/she scurries across your floors leaving paw prints all over. We’ve found that the most cost-effective solution is to keep a container of water and towel by the door for a quick wipe on entry. This will save you a ton of time playing ‘find the mess’.

Baking soda is not just used for creating drugs

It’s also an amplifier for cleaning your pet’s bed. Why? According to professional house cleaners; Cleaning Ease, it’s because a cup of baking soda will drastically reduce odors, is safe for your furry friend in small washing doses and is a mild anti-bacterial agent.

Clean that litter box more often

What’s that smell? Probably your kitty’s litter. Think you already empty it enough? Think again. Your little feline produces some intense droplets. If you’re like most pet owners, you clean that litter every two days. The actual amount you should be cleaning is twice a day. And we hope you’re replacing that litter box with a new one every year! If not, that may be why visitors notice a strange smell.

Cover up

This one is mostly applicable to your couch. If you enjoy relaxing on your sofa with your furry friend nestled beside you or if they’ve claimed a spot of their own, then you’ll want to consider covering a designated spot with a towel or cover. This will make washing easier and prevent smells from seeping into fabric and scratches appearing on leather.

What’s your pet eating out of?

A bowl that you can’t remember when you last cleaned? That’s nice of you. Would you eat from a bowl that you used last week for spaghetti and haven’t yet washed? Apply the same rule for your four-legged friends and wash them daily to prevent bacteria growth and health issues.

We’ll leave you with a bonus reminder, Please, please, please open those windows when you can. You can layer on all those cleaning solutions throughout your household or you can simply air your home more and let some natural light beam through. Apply these tips and you’ll spend less time feeling frustrated and more time playing around with your pet.

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Animals

How to Keep Your Luxury Bedding Looking Good Even With Lurking Dogs Around

Dogs

If you’re a dog owner, you may sometimes wonder who owns whom, exactly? Parents of fur babies like to THINK that we’re in charge, but … let’s be a little more honest. Unless you and your pets have graduated together (*with honors*) from Cesar Millan’s training academy, you’re probably a far cry from being The Dog Whisperer.

Admittedly, it’s hard to be hard on these precious pups. They are some of the few creatures on this Earth that truly demonstrate unconditional love, and oftentimes dogs are actually better friends to us than many of the humans we encounter. How can you tell your best friend not to touch your bed? It would be rude and disgraceful to treat such a trusted confidant that way. Plus, they’re just so cute and fun to cuddle with!

If you’re in the camp of pet owners who choose not to shun your furry companions from your bed, you’re in good company. You may have just assumed until now that owning a pet means keeping your luxury bedding set looking luxurious is an impossibility … but I bring you glad tidings!  It IS possible to create a world where beautiful bedding AND furry dogs can coexist in peaceful harmony!  Read on for some tips to help you achieve this idyllic state of canine-and-comforter bliss:

  • Keep Some Extra Flat Sheets Handy Use an extra flat sheet (in white, or whatever color you like) as a top-layer bedspread for your canines, and just change it out as needed. With about 5 more seconds of labor, you can even take it up a notch and create a more polished triple-sheet “hotel” look.Instead of a standard duvet cover, use a triple-sheet method of protecting the insert. Add the fitted and flat sheets as you normally would, then lay out your duvet insert. Then add another flat sheet on top of the insert, and tuck the sheet around the edge of the insert near the head of the bed. Finally, fold the interior flat sheet over the insert and the exterior flat sheet. You now have two sheets protecting the insert’s edge! And extra flat sheets can be used as more than just duvet covers; they can also be arranged to protect your decorative shams and pillows, too.

The triple-sheetstrategy is great for guest beds too, because it saves time when laundering; it’s much easier to wash sheets than an entire duvet cover. Having a collection of fun top sheets is a great way to change the look of your entire bedroom, too!

  • Use Washable Blankets and Throws If you’re not into the triple-sheet method, another option is to keep a collection of easily-washable throw weighted blanket in a darker color to use as accents to your light-colored bedding. Charcoal grey is a popular neutral color, and it’s effective for hiding darker-haired fur.

Of course, putting a throw on the bed just for Fido may not completely keep him off the sheets, but it can help to contain more of his hair to one throw – which is considerably easier to wash than a comforter or duvet.

  • Easy Hack for Changing the Duvet CoverIf you prefer a traditional linen duvet cover over extra sheets, here’s a 30-second trick for changing the cover. Lay the clean duvet cover inside-out on the bed and spread out the insert on top. Reach through the opening in the cover and grab the far corners of the fabric and the insert, one in each hand. Simply shake it all out, and voilà! Now you can be the change you wish to see!
  • Try Using Patterned Sheets and Comforters Snow-white bedding is nice, but isn’t always the most practical choice if your furry friends sport hair of a darker shade. Patterned sheets and comforters offer more effective camouflage for the inevitable pet hair that may get left behind.
  • Groom Your Dog Regularly As in many things, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. A little TLC in the area of regular dog grooming and brushing will prevent unnecessary labor in the laundry room! On top of this, regular grooming time is one of the best ways to bond with your pet.

Clean Your Bedding Often What? This is a tip? Note that I didn’t say you necessarily have to wash your bedding often; you just need to clean your bedding often. Obviously,that will require washing every so often, but you can just vacuum the dog hair off your bed between washes. If you have a good vacuum upholstery tool, you’ll be pleasantly surprised with the results!

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Animals

The Ideal Age for Pups to Attend Dog Boarding and Day cares

Dog Boarding

Sometimes, it might be really hard for you to take care of your pup, given your long working hours and your extensive household work. This is when you start considering the option of signing up your pet at a dog day care or a dog boarding.

If your pup is too small to be sent away, it’s always a task for you to come to terms with the fact that you’re going to have to do it. When it comes some of the best Edmonton pet boarding options, there are always criteria as to what the minimum and maximum age of your furry pet must be.

The Rules

The basic requirement for all dog daycares and boarding is that- your pup must at least be around 12 to 17 months old. There’s a really good reason behind this. These first few weeks are not just crucial in order to train and mould your puppy, but this is also the time when your pup hasn’t developed the full resistance to infections.

Your pup still goes through its vaccination rounds till around 12-16 months. Before this period, he might be more susceptible to catching fatal infections from other dogs at the Edmonton pet boarding.

It is important for your pup to be safe from any disease, which is why the ideal age of sending your puppy to a kennel is after it is 4 months old.

The Benefits

Choosing a dog daycare or boarding can be a really stressful task for new pet parents. The first thing that comes to mind is whether or not you should send your cute little bundle of joy away because of your job. Well, it’s obvious that you need to go and work, but to take your mind off of the possible pitfalls of the separation; here are a few benefits of dog daycares:

• Socializing:

Your pup will be exposed to lots of other dogs instead of growing up alone. This process encourages the pup to become more friendly and adjustable in nature.

• Exercise:

With frequent walks and an unlimited playtime, dogs get loads of activity-based exercise throughout their time at the daycare or boarding. This keeps them active, and not lethargic, paving the way to a healthy future.

• Nutrition:

The pet day care or boarding you choose will ensure that your furry friend is getting healthy and timely nutrition every time he’s at the facility. A good diet really goes a long way when it comes to the formative years of your little buddy.

• Entertainment:

If you leave your pup alone when you’re not around, it can really get him down. Not just does the poor thing get bored, but since dogs are known to be loving creatures, the separation anxiety really bogs them down. In this case, a day care gives it great company and a lot of people and pets to be around!

So as soon as your pup is done with all of his vaccination shots, you can think of signing him up for an excellent pet daycare or boarding, for whenever you need the extra help!

For more information about Dog Boarding Edmonton and Pet Boarding Edmonton Please visit : Club Mead Pet Resort.

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Animals

Breeding Your Female Dog Successfully – Here’s How

Breeding a female dog is not an easy task. However, it is exciting and full of fun to have a bunch of cute little puppies bouncing up and down around you, licking your face. Their sweet little kisses can make you burst into laughter. But at the end of the day, the process involves several risks and responsibilities that you must be aware of before making the decision to go ahead. A female dog can have its heat cycle anytime between 4 months to 2 years depending on their breed and size. Usually, tiny dogs get pregnant earlier than adult dogs, but they should not be bred until they get their second and third estrus. If you too have a female dog and looking forward to breeding her, then the below mentioned tips will help you do it the right way. Tips to follow before Breeding Follow these tips to ensure a successful breeding - Make sure that you have a home for newborn puppies as so many dogs are killed at animal shelters because they don't have a home - certainly, you will not wish the same for your puppies. Take your dog to a veterinarian for regular check-ups to keep her hale and hearty throughout the breeding period. Get her blood checked to ensure that she is free from any genetic diseases. Get her hips and other joints x-rayed before breeding. Contact the owner of the male dog and tell them the approximate date for breeding. Apart from these suggestions, the given below information will help you during the breeding period. How to know if she is ready to breed One of the questions that inexperienced dog owners find confusing is that how would they know which is the right time for breeding? Well, it's not too difficult to know. Watch your dog carefully, when the spotting of her blood becomes clear, she will stand still. It indicates that she is ready to let the male dog breed her. How often should you mate her Now, if you are breeding your dog with frozen sperms than its important that you know the right time of ovulation. But, if you have a male dog then the process will be a little easy for you. Usually, the sperms last for 5 to 8 days inside her. Once you finish breeding your dog, she will be willing to stand that includes the chances of losing sperms. So breed her in every two to three days until she is no longer willing to mate. At times, some female dogs do not stand to breed. There might be certain possibilities behind this - either she might not be in her heat cycle or she might not want to mate with the male. The dogs that don't let the dogs mount on them often need assistance in breeding. So we suggest you have an experienced breeder with you to avoid any risk. And if you do not have one, then be careful as it can be a little dangerous for you as well as your dog. During the breeding It's very necessary to stay with your dog at the time of breeding. In some breeds, you might need to support the female to keep her from collapse under the male. Also, it's natural that when the male dog mounts the female, he will be tied to her for a few minutes to half an hour. At this point, do not try to separate her by throwing water or pouring ice or using any other cruel method, the dogs will separate themselves once they will get over. Instead, stay with your dog and keep her from rolling. After the breeding Once your dog is done with breeding, she might try to crouch to urinate but do not let her do so for at least 20 minutes. Instead, try to walk her around and keep her busy. You will get the puppies after 8 to 9 weeks of breeding. In between this period, take the full care of your dog - serve her the food full of nutrition, groom her time to time using a heavy duty animal hair cutting machine and keep her happy and engaged. But make sure that you are not putting pressure on her belly while trimming her abdomen. If you are not feeling confident enough to breed your dog, take help of a veterinarian or experienced breeder to avoid any risk.

Breeding a female dog is not an easy task. However, it is exciting and full of fun to have a bunch of cute little puppies bouncing up and down around you, licking your face. Their sweet little kisses can make you burst into laughter. But at the end of the day, the process involves several risks and responsibilities that you must be aware of before making the decision to go ahead.

A female dog can have its heat cycle anytime between 4 months to 2 years depending on their breed and size. Usually, tiny dogs get pregnant earlier than adult dogs, but they should not be bred until they get their second and third estrus.

If you too have a female dog and looking forward to breeding her, then the below mentioned tips will help you do it the right way.

Tips to follow before Breeding

Follow these tips to ensure a successful breeding –

  • Make sure that you have a home for newborn puppies as so many dogs are killed at animal shelters because they don’t have a home – certainly, you will not wish the same for your puppies.
  • Take your dog to a veterinarian for regular check-ups to keep her hale and hearty throughout the breeding period.
  • Get her blood checked to ensure that she is free from any genetic diseases.
  • Get her hips and other joints x-rayed before breeding.
  • Contact the owner of the male dog and tell them the approximate date for breeding.

Apart from these suggestions, the given below information will help you during the breeding period.

How to know if she is ready to breed

One of the questions that inexperienced dog owners find confusing is that how would they know which is the right time for breeding? Well, it’s not too difficult to know. Watch your dog carefully, when the spotting of her blood becomes clear, she will stand still. It indicates that she is ready to let the male dog breed her.

How often should you mate her

Now, if you are breeding your dog with frozen sperms than its important that you know the right time of ovulation. But, if you have a male dog then the process will be a little easy for you. Usually, the sperms last for 5 to 8 days inside her. Once you finish breeding your dog, she will be willing to stand that includes the chances of losing sperms. So breed her in every two to three days until she is no longer willing to mate.

At times, some female dogs do not stand to breed. There might be certain possibilities behind this – either she might not be in her heat cycle or she might not want to mate with the male. The dogs that don’t let the dogs mount on them often need assistance in breeding.

So we suggest you have an experienced breeder with you to avoid any risk. And if you do not have one, then be careful as it can be a little dangerous for you as well as your dog.

During the breeding

It’s very necessary to stay with your dog at the time of breeding. In some breeds, you might need to support the female to keep her from collapse under the male. Also, it’s natural that when the male dog mounts the female, he will be tied to her for a few minutes to half an hour.

At this point, do not try to separate her by throwing water or pouring ice or using any other cruel method, the dogs will separate themselves once they will get over. Instead, stay with your dog and keep her from rolling.

After the breeding

Once your dog is done with breeding, she might try to crouch to urinate but do not let her do so for at least 20 minutes. Instead, try to walk her around and keep her busy. You will get the puppies after 8 to 9 weeks of breeding. In between this period, take the full care of your dog – serve her the food full of nutrition, groom her time to time using a heavy duty animal hair cutting machine and keep her happy and engaged. But make sure that you are not putting pressure on her belly while trimming her abdomen.

If you are not feeling confident enough to breed your dog, take help of a veterinarian or experienced breeder to avoid any risk.