Pets | Cats | Dogs

Just as superfoods enhance and promote human health, these nutrient-dense powerhouses can also prove beneficial for our canine companions. Incorporating superfoods into your dog’s diet can help boost their overall health and wellness, ensuring they lead a longer, happier life. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of adding superfoods to your dog’s diet and provide some tips for selecting the best options.

What are Superfoods?

Superfoods are natural foods that pack an unusually high nutritional punch, offering essential vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. These nutrient-dense ingredients support optimum health and can help ward off diseases. While superfoods are excellent for humans, many of these wholesome options can also benefit our doggy pals.

Adding superfoods to your dog’s diet can lead to numerous health advantages, including improved digestion and nutrient absorption, enhanced immune system response, better skin and coat health, reduced inflammation, higher energy levels, and reduced risk of chronic diseases, such as obesity and cancer.

How to Introduce Superfoods Safely

To ensure your furry friend reaps the full benefits of superfoods without negative side effects be sure to introduce the new foods carefully and safely. Start slow and use small amounts when introducing a new superfood to your dog’s diet. Gradually increase the quantity over time. Try to choose fresh, organic ingredients when possible to avoid pesticides and other harmful substances.

Be sure to do thorough research to confirm a particular superfood is safe for your dog’s consumption. For instance, it’s important to verify “can dogs eat cabbage,” as it may be healthy for humans, but not for all pets. Remember, you should always consult with your veterinarian before making significant changes to your dog’s diet, especially if they have underlying health issues or dietary restrictions.

Adapting Your Dog’s Diet

While merely adding superfoods can be beneficial, consider restructuring your pup’s diet to reflect a more holistic approach. Fresh, home-cooked meals using high-quality proteins, whole grains, and superfood ingredients will not only introduce essential nutrients to their food but also ensure that they are not consuming unhealthy additives or fillers often found in commercial dog foods.

Just as humans need a varied diet to stay healthy, your dog can also benefit from a diversity of superfoods. Integrating different superfoods into their diet will allow them to obtain a wide array of nutrients that target various aspects of health. Be sure to rotate the superfoods you … Read the rest

Doesn’t the sight of a Great Dane leave you amazed every time you look at it? Its majestic size, formidable appearance, beautiful coat, and unceasing energy are impressive on every account.

The Doberman Pinscher stands toe-to-toe in external appearances with its perfectly muscled body. You get a Doberdane or a Great Dane Doberman mix when you combine these two. It combines the physical and behavioral characteristics of the two breeds and is easy to identify once you see them a few times.

They are beautiful, handsome, and make for the best companions you might want. But before you decide to get one for yourself, here are some things you must be aware of.

What About Their Physical Appearance?

The Doberdane has a narrow head, sharply pointed ears, and a flat muzzle. It has an impressive height, with males standing between 69 to 79 centimeters and females between 66 to 76 centimeters. Their weight varies from 43 kilograms to 66 kilograms.

Like the Doberman, you will mostly come across them in black, blue, fawn, or brindle colors. While their coat length is short, it has an average density.

Do They Require Regular Maintenance?

Because they have short coats, they do not require much maintenance. You don’t have to regularly take them to the grooming center or bathe them every week. However, it is advisable to brush their coats once a week to remove dead hair and distribute the natural oils found in their hair. Since the Great Dane and the Doberman have a single coat, their mixed-breed also is single-coated. They are highly prone to cold, so you should bathe them with lukewarm water instead of cold water.

You could even consider gently wiping them with a damp cloth to remove any dirt on their coats.

Are They Suitable For First-Time Dog Owners?

Doberdanes are large physical specimens with muscular bodies. First-time dog owners could get them, but they should be thorough with the training, socialization, and obedience process to make themselves comfortable in each other’s presence.

It is vital to get used to their tremendous strength and assert dominance from the very beginning since this hybrid is prone to displaying authority.

How Should You Train Them?

It is crucial to train the Doberdanes from a young age and establish yourself as their leader, rather than the other way around. A positive reinforcement strategy works best for them.

You can consider … Read the rest

Owning a dog is a lot of fun, but it’s also a huge responsibility. One major aspect of responsibility that you need to keep in mind is that you are responsible for keeping your dog as healthy as possible.

And one of the best ways to do this is to walk your dog. Regularly walking your dog has many benefits for them, but it’s also great for you. However, it’s important that you know how to stay safe while doing so, and this post is here to help you with that.

Get A Harness

As much fun as it may be to let your dog off the leash, it’s not necessarily safe to do so. No matter how well-trained your dog is, anything could happen – they could get a fright and run in front of a car, or someone can steal them.

A good harness can be great for walking your dog, especially since harnesses are often more comfortable for dogs and your dog won’t be able to slip out of it as easily as they would a collar. Have a look at the best harness for dogs to see if anything catches your eye.

Train Your Dog

The better your dog is trained, the safer you both will be on walks. You need to have a dog that listens to your and respects you so that they will follow your orders if you are ever in a dangerous situation. If you don’t have a dog and you are considering getting one, you need to understand that you will need to commit a lot of time to training your dog.

Of course, there are also other things you need to do and things you need to have before getting a dog.

You Need To Be Able To Defend Yourself

Whether you are walking with a dog or not, you always need to be able to defend yourself when you are out and about.

Even if you live in a safe area, anything could happen, so it’s best to be prepared. This means that you need to boost your observation skills so that you know what’s happening around you, but it also means having tools to defend yourself in case of an attack. Pepper spray is always a good option, but you may also want to take some self-defense classes in case anyone tries to hurt you or your … Read the rest

There’s no doubt that having a healthy and happy fur child is a top priority of all pet parents. This is why knowing how to groom your dog is so important.

Grooming doesn’t just help your dog look their best; it also keeps them healthy. Matted and dirty hair can cause skin infections and cysts, for example.

Keep your dog looking and feeling their best with this grooming guide.

How Often Should You Groom Your Dog?

First things first – what is the correct grooming schedule to follow? Of course, this will be quite breed-dependent. Some breeds require more regular grooming than others — especially long-haired dog breeds.

However, there is still a general guideline that all pet parents can follow. Stick to bathing your dog no more than once a month as anything more can dry out their skin.

As for brushing, long-haired breeds require several brushing sessions per week to keep their coats healthy and your house free of shed hair.

Dog Grooming Tips

From brushing to bathing and nail cutting, here are some top tips for a pawfect pet grooming session.

Brushing

Regular brushing is important to control shedding and maintain a healthy coat. Use pin brushes for long-haired breeds and bristle brushes for short and medium-haired breeds.

If your dog’s coat has a tendency for dreadlocks and matted hair, you’ll also need a slicker brush and clippers or stripping knives to help remove dead hair.

When brushing, ensure that you check for plant matter, burrs, and matted hair. This is most common behind the ears and under the legs.

Bathing

Having the right dog grooming equipment makes bathtime a whole lot more pleasant. Portable tubs and handheld showerheads help to keep the mess out of your house and have safety features to keep your dog secure.

If you don’t want to invest in this equipment, then bathing your dog in the bathtub with mild pet shampoo is best. Avoid using harsh chemicals or products with strong fragrances.

Use warm water, lather shampoo from the neck back, and rinse thoroughly!

Top tip: Search ‘self dog wash near me‘ to find a self-service dog washing station that has all the best equipment ready to use.

Trimming, Tooth Brushing, and Cleaning

You don’t need to obsessively clean your pup’s eyes and ears, but it’s good to remain aware of any discharge or excess dirt.

Clean … Read the rest

We all love going on vacation, yet, the thought of leaving the dog at a kennel is usually out of the question. Not only is it not going to be a great experience for your dog, but it will also be expensive. The thought of it makes you not want to go away at all and maybe do a staycation instead.

You can still go on vacation and not have to leave your dog behind as you can take him with you. It does take some planning and a few adjustments to your itinerary, but it is possible. For instance, you may need to bring along some of his food so he can eat his regular diet. And, you may be limited as to where you can go but there are plenty of dog friendly areas these days. In this article, we will go over some ways to prepare for a trip with your dog.

1 – Have insurance

When you travel, anything can happen. And a trip to the vet is expensive no matter where you are in the country. If you have an emergency or your dog is simply not feeling well, then you need to bring him to the vet. If you don’t have insurance, then this is going to be a costly visit.

When you have pet insurance, it is going to cost you either nothing at all, or a small co-pay depending on the type of insurance coverage that you have. The best pet insurance will give you plenty of coverage for an assortment of things as well as wide coverage. Chances are that there will be a vet that accepts your insurance wherever you end up as long as you have a popular company.

You’ll have peace of mind when you are on the road when you know you’re covered just in case.

2 – Go camping

Dogs really hate being cooped up in a hotel or house whether you are traveling or not. They want to be outside and the thing is so should you. Getting out into nature will revitalize you and refresh your batteries. Camping is a great way to spend a vacation and just so happens to be perfectly dog friendly.

It’s the best of both worlds when you go camping. You get to bring your dog with you on vacation and your dog is going to get as much … Read the rest

Feeding your dog a high quality dog food from Pure means he’s not getting unnecessary fillers or highly processed additives.

But, while you’ve probably heard of ‘filler’ in pet food before, what is it, exactly?

In a nutshell, filler is any ingredient that’s been added into a pet food formula to add bulk but contributes little nutritional value. Because fillers are cheap and are often the by-products of human food processes, they are added to increase the pet food manufacturer’s bottom line.

Fillers also help hold dry dog food together and bring the manufacturing cost of the food down. Fillers are usually carbohydrates; however, not all carbohydrates are bad for dogs – but they shouldn’t make up the bulk of his diet.

Fillers become detrimental to dogs when they are used as a substitute for meat as the primary source of protein or when they replace healthier, more biologically appropriate grain choices.

Furthermore, when a pet food is mainly filler, texture “additives” and “flavor enhancers” are added to the formula to make it more palatable for dogs. These low-quality “flavor” and “texture” enhancers are usually made from undesirable ingredients like animal digest – which can be dead, dying, or sick animals deemed unfit for human consumption.

Common Filler Ingredients

Common filler ingredients include gluten, corn, wheat, soy, seed hulls, citrus pulp, beet pulp, animal by-products, and animal digest.

Gluten fillers like wheat contain too much sugar and are biologically inappropriate for dogs. These fillers cannot be properly digested or absorbed and serve to bulk pet food up.

Ingredients like corn and soy are cheap, and they are also used to artificially inflate the protein count on the pet food label. They are difficult for dogs to digest, often trigger allergies, and can lead to diabetes and obesity.

Animal by-products are whatever is left over after an animal has been butchered for human consumption. Intestines, feet, chicken heads, and feathers are considered animal by-products.

Animal digest is produced by enzymatic or chemical hydrolysis – it often comprises unspecified parts from unspecified animals. There are few controls in place regarding contamination or quality, and the meat can be derived from sick, disabled, or dying animals.

Now that you know what filler is, here are the three steps to follow to decipher confusing pet food labels for yourself.

Step 1: Look at the First Few Ingredients

You already know that what … Read the rest

Did you know that people have had axolotl as pets since the mid-1800s? Since then, people from all over the world have started looking after an axolotl since they’re one of the most interesting amphibians. But, axolotl care is something that people shouldn’t take lightly since these tiny creatures need a specific kind of upkeep.

In today’s post, we’ll go through some axolotl care tips that can help you become the best axolotl owner. Moreover, we’ll give you some ideas on how you can make sure your little amphibian pet is happy as it can be!

Axolotl Environment

More than likely, you already know the answer to the question “what is an axolotl?” which means you know that they require a wet environment. Moreover, axolotl needs at least a 2ft (61cm) tank or larger, even more so if you get more than one. And you should make sure that you get fine sand since they can accidentally swallow gravel or other larger rocks, which may lead to digestive problems.

Furthermore, while looking for aquarium supplies, you should purchase plenty of driftwood as they enjoy hiding and resting underneath them. And since axolotls are nocturnal, you’ll want to make sure you place the tank in a room that has dim lighting. You should also purchase an air pump for younger axolotls as they have a high heart rate, but they won’t need it as they get older.

Axolotl Food

As you already know, axolotls are carnivores, so you’ll need to feed them a meat-based diet. But, you’ll need to hand feed them as they sometimes can make a huge mess of their meal which will dirty their environment. Their preferred meals are the following:

• Live crickets
• Bloodworms (live or frozen)
• Axolotl pellets
• Feeder fish

Additionally, you’ll need to feed them during the night time since they’re nocturnal animals. And above all, avoid feeding them during the day as that can mess up their eating habits. Don’t feel surprised if they swallow their food (not chew) since they have no way of chewing their food, so they swallow it whole.

Axolotl Care

As you can expect, you’ll need to purchase an aquarium filter for your tank since axolotls can be messy at times. Moreover, you should remove any food they don’t eat promptly since leaving it overnight can cause the tank to become dirty, which is harmful to the axolotl. … Read the rest

Having your first child can be one of the biggest moments in your life. It’s a total scene change, a shift in your life trajectory, a milestone like none other. It’s a truly special thing, but it’s also a great deal of work – as any mother or father who’s gone through it could tell you.

Preparation is really the key to getting through the first year as parents in one piece. That means setting things up properly so that things can flow as they should. One area you don’t want to overlook? You’ll want to be smart about how you introduce your newborn to your other child, your four-legged canine friend.

Babies and dogs don’t always get along, but setting up the proper environment can help make it an easier transition for everyone. What do you need to do to ensure that this big change is a success for you and your pup? Read on.

Teach Some Basic Commands

Before your baby comes home from the hospital to your home, you’ll want to review some basic commands with your dog. If your dog doesn’t know a few simple tricks, you’ll want to teach them to them long ahead of your baby’s arrival so that they can really get them down.

Once your baby is home, you’re not going to have the time to take on this extra task, so it is essential that you try and do it ahead of time.

The most helpful thing you can teach your dog is to go to a certain location. If you can teach your dog on command to return to their bed, for example, then you’ll have an easy way to clear space whenever you need to.

With a baby in a house and a dog running around, there’s always a chance for chaos. Having your dog be able to run to a certain, pre-arranged spot and wait for your instruction can be a huge help in diminishing some of this chaos.

You’ll want to make sure that they understand what ‘leave it’ and ‘drop it’ mean as well. Baby toys and dog toys end up being quite similar, and your canine friend can’t be blamed for picking up the former sometimes. You’ll just want to make sure they give it back so you can sanitize it sooner rather than later.

Depending on the degree to which you’ve trained your … Read the rest

A recent study proved what you might have already believed – dogs are good for kids! It showed that children who have a strong relationship with their dogs, tend to have strong bonds with their parents and other people in their lives as well.

If you are thinking of purchasing a dog for your family, and wondering which is the best dog breed out there, then you are in the right place. Below we speak about the various things to look out for when picking a kid-friendly dog breed.

Pick a Dog Breed That’s Trainable

There are some good-natured dog breeds out there that are highly trainable, like the Golden retrievers or the Labrador retrievers. German Shepherds and Collies are good family dogs as well. All these dogs were bred to work side-by-side with humans, so they are always a good choice when it comes to picking a family-friendly pet. Enrolling your family friend in a Huntsville, Alabama dog training company will help you train your family dog to behave properly at all times. .

There Are No Hypoallergenic Dogs Out There

If you have children who are allergic to pet dander, fur, or something similar, remember that there are NO hypoallergenic dog breeds out there. But some dogs shed less than others, like Bichon, the Portuguese water dog, the Kerry blue terrier, the Maltese, and poodles. So you can pick these dog breeds to make it easier on your allergy-ridden children.

Larger Dogs Are Better Than Smaller Ones

If you are thinking about getting a dog for a child that’s quite young, you will be better off getting a larger dog than a smaller one. A toddler won’t know their strength and a larger dog is more likely to be fine with them intruding upon their space, stepping on their foot or tails, or pulling their ear. A smaller dog won’t be so tolerant and might end up biting your child in retaliation.

Think About Your Home Situation and the Amount of Space You Have

What kind of a space do you live in? Do you have a lot of free space for your dog to run around in? If you are going to choose a larger dog as a family pet, make sure that there’s enough space for him to run around and play.

A large dog needs a lot of movement to feel happy and satisfied, … Read the rest

As the weather gets colder, your dog’s needs also change with the seasons. Dogs are vulnerable to cold, dry weather just like humans, so they need to be taken care of properly. Here are eight ways to keep your dog healthy and happy during colder weather:

Pet proof your house.

Pet-proofing your house also means finding proper storage for their irresistible dog food to keep them from reaching it. Most of dog foods come in plastic packaging that may not be enough to keep your pup’s curious little nose away, along with other hungry insects.

In the winter months, your dog will likely be spending more time inside, which is why it’s doubly important to ensure that there are no hazards that could be dangerous to them. Move chemicals, medications, and other hazardous substances out of your dog’s reach.

Do the same for human foods that can be dangerous for them, such as onions and chocolate. Examine your furnace and space heaters to ensure that they are working properly, and keep your dog from getting too close to them. Also, test your carbon monoxide detectors to confirm that they are working properly.

Feed Them Enough — But Not Too Much.

Some dog owners feed their dogs extra food in the winter, thinking that extra pounds will keep them warm. However, the health drawbacks of the extra weight outweigh the benefits of the extra insulation, so it’s better to keep your dog in a healthy weight range year round.

That being said, outdoor dogs usually do need a food increase to stay warm in cold weather. Talk to your vet about their caloric needs. Supplements such as collagen chews for dogs can also support coat and joint health. Check that your dog always has access to clean water and that it hasn’t frozen over so they can stay hydrated.

Minimize Your Time Outside.

If it’s too cold for you to be outside comfortably, then it’s too cold for your dog to be outside as well. You should limit your time outside during cold spells, and bring your dog inside promptly after your bathroom stop or short walk.

If you rely on outdoor activities to tire out your dog, you might need to find some indoor substitutes if you live somewhere that gets pretty cold.

If you must leave your pet outside for a period of time, make sure that your dog … Read the rest

There are all sorts of trendy and functional products for dogs that come and go. From chewy toys to fancy coats, the array of products in the market for your pet dog is astounding. One such product is calming beds for dogs. Many pet parents (and some vets) believe that dogs do benefit from such beds because they can take their minds off from stressful experiences.

But how?

Here are some of the common questions pet owners ask on a calming dog bed and its advantages.

What is a Calming Bed?

A calming bed is a specially designed comforting bed that helps relax your dog. Calming beds are often filled with materials like lavender or chamomile, soothing dogs. Some beds also come with built-in heaters or cooling pads, which provide additional comfort.

Do Dogs Need Them?

No scientific or formal study suggests that dogs need or benefit from calming beds. Usually, when dogs do not feel stressed, they become bored and restless. And that could be the reason for problems like chewing furniture or barking incessantly. In other words, the erratic behaviour of your dog is not always due to anxiety.

So, before you venture out and buy a calming bed for your pup, be sure to speak with your veterinarian. They can help you decide if the bed would be the right solution for your dog.

Nonetheless, if you decide to get a calming dog bed, be sure to keep an eye on your dog’s emotions. If you notice that they are becoming more restless or destructive, you may need to take a step back and reevaluate the bed, its placement, or its features.

Types of Calming Dog Beds

While calming beds available today come in all shapes and sizes, pet parents prefer those which carry the following features:

• Inside Out Beds – These beds have a similar design like the inside-out toys that many dogs love to play with. The main difference is that instead of stuffings, they are filled with calming elements like lavender or chamomile.
• Heated Beds – These beds are designed to keep dogs warm. They often come with a built-in heater, which can be turned on or off as needed.
• Cooling Pads – Like heated beds, cooling pads are also meant to provide relief in the hotter months. They work by using water to absorb and dissipate heat.
• Fuzzy Covers – These

In a survey of the 150 most populous US cities, researchers found that 93% of them allowed for the raising of backyard chickens in some capacity.

These are pretty great odds that you can have your own backyard flock!

Keep reading to learn some basics on how to raise backyard chickens and discover how easy and rewarding it can be!

The Type of Chicken Matters

The most basic question to ask yourself is: “Why am I considering raising chickens at home?”

Do you want to raise the chickens for eggs, meat, or both?

The answer to this question will determine what kind of chickens you need.

Different Chicken Breeds

The purpose for your chickens, egg-laying, meat production, or dual-purpose, will inform what kind of breeds you choose.

Did you catch that plural? The great thing about chickens is different breeds tend to get along just fine. So you can mix and match your flock accordingly.

According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, there are a few things to take into consideration when choosing breeds, such as:

• climate,
• egg colors,
• egg production, and
• temperament.

Do your research and know what breeds you are looking for before you head to the store and just choose the cutest ones. (Looks are important, for sure!)

Should You Buy Chicks or Adult Chickens?

Well, there are pros and cons to each. Keep in mind a few basic things before deciding what is best for you.

Chicks will require more initial care and upkeep. They are more susceptible to the elements, hot or cold temperatures, and tend to get in trouble around water.

A chicken’s first 2 years are the best for egg production, you may need to consider rotating hens in and out.

How Many Chickens Should I Get?

First, and most importantly, chickens are flock animals. You will need 3 chickens minimum to have happy, healthy chickens.

The general rule of thumb for egg-laying chickens is that 3 chickens will lay about a dozen eggs per week. So base your decision on your family size, how many eggs you eat, and whether you want to sell your extra eggs on the side.

How Much Space Do Chickens Need?

Plan for about 4 square feet of space inside the coop and 10 square feet of space outside in an enclosed run area per chicken. Make sure that you have an area large enough for the … Read the rest

Horses crisscross America. More than one million Americans own at least one horse.

Becoming a horse owner lets you bond with an intelligent and useful animal. But you can’t just buy a horse and treat it like a dog or a cat. You have to make some special considerations.

What do you need to do to promote your horse’s health? What resources do you need to get for your horse? What can you do with your animal?

Answer these questions and you can figure out how to become a horse owner. Here is your quick guide.

Find a Veterinarian

Before you buy a horse, you need to find a professional who will take care of your animal. Most metropolitan areas and some rural areas have a specialist in horse health. But you can find an all-around veterinarian or animal hospital near you.

Talk to the veterinarian about the horse you plan on buying. Ask them about the life expectancy and common health problems of your species of horse. If the doctor seems unprofessional or uninformed, you should find a different professional.

Learn About Horse Health

You don’t have to learn everything about horse health or horse ownership. But you should have a good grasp of the essentials.

You should learn how to perform a few basic medical procedures like creating shoulder-in dressage. You should also study the signs of illnesses like equine influenza. It is okay to ask a veterinarian for help, but you should offer your own response to help your horse.

Get Resources for Your Horse

Horse stables are absolutely essential. Your horse needs plenty of room to sleep, eat, and relax. You may need to build stables, but you can get help and follow guides on how to build them.

You need to feed your horse a balanced diet. Alfalfa, grain, and grass provide them with the nutrients they need. You should also give them an adequate supply of water.

Get cleaning supplies so you can clean their stables and grazing fields. Bacteria can grow and make your horse sick if you are not careful.

Develop an Equestrian Lifestyle

Once you’ve built trust with your horse, you can start playing horse polo and other games. You can go for rides through the countryside or across your fields.

You can help develop a smart horse by visiting your animal every day. Horses can develop an emotional attachment to … Read the rest

If you find yourself intrigued by the nesting habits of your local flying friends, you’re not exactly an odd bird. Armed with binoculars and camera monitoring systems, many avid birdwatchers have spent countless hours observing the stunning owls in their backyard—and even monitoring nests for science!

But if you’re hoping to bring the wild a little closer to home, you may be considering ways to encourage more owl nests on your property. After all, with the right habitat, you can prompt any owl to make its home near yours.

However, finding the best owl nesting box isn’t just a question of aesthetics. In fact, there are a few key things your feathered friends will need to make their house a home. Here’s what you should know as you consider your options.

Size

First off, it’s important to start by considering the size of your owl box. The inside of the box should provide enough space for the owl in question to stretch its wings, which may mean that you need to do a little online sleuthing to understand the size and wingspan of the owls on your property. In addition, if you’re hoping for a box that will attract a breeding pair, you’ll need to provide extra room for them to raise their young.

At a minimum, you should expect to buy a box of at least eight cubic feet for a single owl. For a breeding pair, find a design that’s at least 24 inches deep, 18 inches tall, and 18 inches wide.

Entrance Hole

The entrance hole should be at least 6-8 inches from the floor, as the high placement prevents young owls from hopping out of the box before they’re ready. Depending on the size of the owl, you should have a hole that’s 5.5 inches or greater in diameter.

Materials

If you’re hoping for a long-lasting owl nest box, you’ll want to provide sound materials that will stand the test of time. Though it will make the box heavier and require more effort to install, exterior-grade plywood of a ¾- to 1-inch thickness provides the sturdiest design. For high-quality boxes of sturdy materials, try the options on birdinformer.com.

Sun Protection

Though the color of the box may seem like a purely aesthetic choice, this hue also affects the internal temperature of the box. If you live in a warm area, painting the box white … Read the rest

Did you know that almost 40% of households in the US have at least one dog? That’s about 50 million households!

These animals are faithful companions that love us even when we’re at our lowest. As long as the treats keep coming, dogs keep loving us and keeping us company. For that reason, so many people choose to add a dog to their family.

It’s important to keep your dog safe and happy. This is easily achieved with a harness. However, you might not know how to measure your dog for a harness.

A harness can reduce potential injury, keep your dog secure, and improve training results. A proper fit is key to ensure comfort, so read on to learn how to measure your dog!

Why Should Your Dog Wear a Harness?

Many people opt for a collar as it’s easier to put on. However, a harness is better compared to a piece of safety equipment that can keep your dog and others away from harm.

Several scientific studies have been conducted on the forces involved on the dog’s neck and torso with a collar as compared to a harness. They have conclusively found that safety is one of the greatest benefits of harnesses. The findings of this study are summarized below.

Some collars have spikes in them and are known as prong collars, while others tighten when pulled and are known as choke collars. These are especially dangerous and can cause damage to the brain, trachea, and other sensitive neck tissues. They can also compress the jugular.

Even without the prongs and choking features, collars can put sudden excessive force on the neck and throat, especially if the dog is prone to chasing and jumping.

The forces of a harness on the dog were also measured and revealed that force is distributed over the chest and torso area, reducing impact and strain.

This makes them especially great options for smaller dogs or older dogs who are too delicate to have excessive force on their necks. However, all dogs can benefit from a harness.

Measuring Your Dog

In order to measure your dog and pick the appropriate size harness, you’ll need the following:

• A scale
• A soft measuring tape

You might already know how much your dog weighs from visiting the vet, in which case you don’t need to re-weigh your dog. An approximate number is fine.

After you know … Read the rest

If you want to sell a puppy, it can be difficult to know where to start if you’re not used to the process.

You want your puppy to end up in a loving home, taken care of, but how can you be sure that will be the case? How do you vet owners and give them the best chance?

Fear not. With these tips, you can find the best places to advertise, vet potential owners, and give your puppy the best life with their new forever home.

Find the Best Places to Advertise

Out of all the potential places to advertise, it’s likely places like Craigslist aren’t your best bet. Instead, seek out other, higher quality websites and Facebook groups with people looking for puppies.

Craigslist is full of scammers on both ends of the buying and selling, and anyone looking for a dog that hasn’t truly thought it through might end up there.

It’s not impossible to find a good match there, but it’s not likely either.

Attach an Appropriate Price Tag

If you’re in a hurry to adopt your puppies out, it might be tempting to attach a cheap price to them. Cheap price tags lure in more potential buyers, and mean your puppy might be sold fast.

It also, however, might attract poor owners. If someone can’t afford a higher price tag, they may struggle to meet the needs of a puppy. Veterinary visits and quality food don’t come cheap.

It also might attract owners who haven’t put a lot of thought into owning the dog, and even some who want them for nefarious purposes.

You should never, ever rehome a puppy for free for that reason. Many dog fighting rings will seek out free puppies to use as bait, and puppy mills often try to acquire them so they can breed with others and churn out poorly taken care of babies.

Have a look into what quality breeders usually charge for the kind of puppy you’re selling. For more information on pricing, and selling your puppy in general, you can check out Puppy System for a wealth of advice.

Vet Potential Owners

Adopting a puppy is a big commitment, and you want to be sure your buyer is ready! It’s okay to vet them.

Ask Questions

Ask them a lot of questions, such as:

• Is everyone in the home on board with a dog?
• What other

Having curly hair tarantulas as a pet is a great hobby. But keeping and caring for them is not an easy task. Read this article to know how you can do that.

The curly hair tarantula mostly has a spherical body. Their whole body is surrounded by long, slightly curled bristles. Most of the bristles are dark brown or black, although some golden bristles can also be seen. This provides an overall bronze sheen to the tarantula.

Curly hair tarantulas are burrowing, terrestrial species. They are native to Central America. Almost all the curly hair tarantulas found in the pet commerce are bred in captivity.

These spiders are usually hardy, calm, and easy to look after. Therefore, ideal for new pet owners. They need housing, similar to their natural habitat, together with dwell prey. And while some people do manage their tarantulas, they are largely hands-off pets.

Curly Hair Tarantula Temperament and Behavior

Curly hair tarantulas are extraordinarily quiet and mellow pets. They wander around its enclosure and may rearrange some of the items you keep in the enclosure, like pieces of bark. But most of the time, you will find it sitting in a restful state unless hunting its prey. Therefore, if you were expecting a lively animal, you may be disappointed.

Moreover, they are a docile species, which makes them popular among those who enjoy handling their spiders. Some of them don’t mind sitting on your arm or hand, as long as you deal with them very gently and calmly. The best practice is to sit on the floor while dealing with these tarantulas in case they get scared and attempt to flee since they are easily spooked. They can be seriously injured or killed even if they fall from a few feet.

These tarantulas use their defense mechanisms when they feel threatened. They kick off their abdominal hair that can irritate your skin and cause injury if they enter your eyes. Therefore, it is extremely important to wash hands properly after handling your tarantula or something in its enclosure. Also, be careful not to rub your eyes.

They may also bite to defend themselves. There is a mild venom in their bite that can cause swelling, redness, and local pain. The discomfort has been compared to that of a bee sting. However, certain people can have more severe allergic reactions, such as difficulty breathing.

Keep your tarantulas … Read the rest

It’s hard to argue the tranquility that a beautiful aquarium brings to a room. Fish make the perfect pets. They are low maintenance and provide hours of happy observation.

Whether you have a freshwater or saltwater aquarium, one thing is clear: You must know how to clean an aquarium the right way. Read on to discover the steps to clean your aquarium the right way.

How Often Should You Clean Your Aquarium

Keeping your fish tank clean is crucial for the health and safety of your fish. Depending on your tank size, the number of fish you have, and your filtration system will depend on how often you should clean your tank.

Bigger tanks can be cleaned once a month, while standard fish tanks should be cleaned more frequently.

The Tools for the Job

Not all aquariums are the same, so depending on your tank, you may or may not need all of the tools on this list. However, if you have a larger tank, these tools are essential for a clean aquarium.

To clean your aquarium the right way, you’ll need:

• Algae scraper or pad
• Filter media and brush
• A water siphon
• Bleach and lime remover

Some other things to have handy are some paper towels, a bucket especially for your aquarium, and a plastic razor blade for stubborn areas.

Step 1: Clean Inside the Glass

The first step is to clean the inside of the glass. Use your algae scraper or pad to remove algae caked onto the inside of the glass. For stubborn areas, use a plastic blade.

It’s important to buy your algae scraper or pad from a pet store. While you may be able to find one elsewhere, they may have soap or chemical residue inside that can harm your fish, so stick to the pet store.

Step 2: Soak Your Decorations and Rocks

Next, remove any decorations, artificial plants, and rocks from the aquarium. Soak them in a 10 percent bleach/water solution for up to 15 minutes. After that, use your algae pad or some towels to remove any stubborn algae still on the items.

Put the items under running water and let air dry to remove all bleach. Wait until all chlorine smell is gone.

Step 3: Siphon the Gravel

Use your water siphon to vacuum out any debris. Be sure to vacuum the entire bottom to remove all debris. The water … Read the rest

If you race horses, you will know how just important exercise is to keep the animal in shape. And if you want your stallion to be one of the fastest on the track, you will want to provide the right training.

For this, you will need a host of equipment, including a horse treadmill. But are they different from the regular kinds, and what are the benefits of using a horse treadmill for equine athletes? You can find out more here, https://www.thesprucepets.com/training-your-horse-1886992 on training horses the right way.

What is a Horse Treadmill?

They are designed just like the ones you would find in the gym, but only larger. And this is so they can be able to support the weight and size of the animal. The primary function is to provide movement for the animal within a controlled environment. Most stallion racers do this to assist the animal with training for a race. It will also help in keeping them in the best shape, which allows them to stay healthy.

Does Your Horse Need a Treadmill?

You may not think it necessary if you live out in a barn and have horses as pets or to help out on the farm, but if you participate in equine sport, owning one could help with winning races. Adequate training is required for your stallion to stay healthy. And this needs to be done on and off the racetracks.

A gym may be ideal if you have a few stallions in your team, but you can find gyms that help get your equine athletes in shape. Still, it would not hurt if you own a few training equipment of your own. And you want to start with a treadmill.

The Benefits of Using a Horse Treadmill for Equine Athletes

Wondering if it would be worth it at all spending on new gym equipment for your stallion? You can find below horse treadmill benefits for equine athletes.

·         Stay Fit

Racehorses need to stay fit to keep up with the rigors of playing at a competitive level. And just like human athletes, they would need to get exercise daily. And while they would also get more out of running in the open, you would also agree that indoor practice will also help.

·         Run Faster

Regular practice with a treadmill will help a pony work up their pace, which can help with increased … Read the rest

For cats and humans alike, there are many factors to consider when trying to become happier and healthier. For many of us, simply having a cat in our lives can improve our health by lowering our blood pressure and improve our happiness by reducing our stress. While having a lovely home, getting plenty of quality food, and getting sleep can all make your cat happy, there are a few other things you can do to make them have a happier and healthier life as well.

Brain Health

It’s obvious that cats need to play, but sometimes pet parents don’t realize just how important play time can be. By having quality cat toys like this Unicorn Fur Mouse String and Stick Teaser or this LED Rotating Windmill Cat Puzzle, both from meowith, your cat will get enough exercise and also have some mental stimulation. While keeping your cat’s body active is good, making sure that your cat is never bored can be even more important for their mental and brain health.https://happyfriendy.com/collections/cat-toys/products/2020-hot-selling-source-manufacturer-tpr-rotating-windmill-with-bells-and-sucker-for-kitten

With the Unicorn Fur Mouse toy, you’ll tap into your cat’s natural instinct to hunt. With the fun colors and mouse toy on the end of the string, your cat will be jumping all over the place to try to catch it. He’ll be using his brain to figure out ways to trap the mouse as it flies around. With the Rotating Windmill Cat Puzzle, your kitty will have to figure out how to get the treats.

Cat toys are great for mental stimulation and exercise. The more exercise, both physical and mental, your cat gets, the happier and healthier they will be.

Paw Health

Even the most experienced pet owners sometimes forget about their cat’s paw and claw health. Without proper care, nails can become too long and cause issues with walking. When a cat claws on a scratcher, like HappyFriendy’s P Shape Cardboard Cat Scratcher, they are able to stretch their paws, maintaining bone and ligament strength. In addition, they are able to essentially trim their nails, preventing any issue with walking and playing.

Coat Health

Cats are notorious for taking care of their own grooming, but sometimes self-care isn’t enough. With the Plastic Bristle Pet Grooming Glove from HappyFriendy, you’ll be able to help maintain your kitty’s coat health. This brush is dual-sided, with one side to remove excess hair and debris, and the … Read the rest

For pet mum and dads, leaving their animal companion alone could be a depressing scenario. You have to get to work or dash out to run errands and are not keen on leaving your pet alone in the house. The truth is you have every right to be concerned about the safety of your pet and the home when you are away.

You can save yourself the guilt and risk involved with leaving pets alone at home by getting in touch with the best dog boarding and daycare in Port Coquitlam. And it could be the best decision to make for so many reasons. The guys at Good Dog Wellness are qualified and trained handling specialists who know how to care for animals and might be worth contacting if you need help in the area.

Dog Boarding And Its Benefits

It’s not an easy decision to leave the responsibility of taking care of pets to strangers, and this is one thing that most dog daycare services are aware of. So they tend to always lookout for ways to improve your pet’s situation whenever they are in their care. When it comes to ways your dog can benefit from joining a daycare, you can be sure there are many of them to think of.

·         Avoid Loneliness In The House

It could be a traumatic experience for pets to stay alone at home without anyone. This could quickly worsen if there are other complications, such as underlying ailments that can cause depression and anxiety. Keeping your pet in a boarding facility is an excellent way to get them to socialize with other animals and keep company while you are away.

·         Prevent Damage To Your Property

This is especially if you have a dog fond of tearing the sofa and breaking things in the house when alone. In this case, it is right that you get them away and have them in a place where they will be supervised and catered for.

Most animals tear up the place out of boredom, and it is not enough to turn on the television or keep their play toys around; without adult supervision, they’ll likely do whatever they like, including tearing up the place.

·         Educate Your Pet

You can also find dog daycare that offers tutorials to your pet while in their care. Although you shouldn’t expect anything serious unless you are paying … Read the rest

Pets can’t tell us even when something is wrong with them. Therefore, you need to trust your instincts as a pet owner and act accordingly if you notice something different with your dog or cat. Any abnormal behavior could be a sign of a severe medical condition. Here are signs never to ignore in pets at home.

Unusual Eye Appearance

The majority of visits to the vet by pet owners are attributed to eye problems. However, cats don’t often have as many eye problems as dogs since they usually stay indoors. The severity of eye infections and diseases may include conjunctivitis, glaucoma, cataracts, and blindness. Generally, consider cleaning your pets’ eyes regularly and remove dirt and dust. When you notice any signs of redness or inflammation, take them to the vet without hesitation to rule out anything serious.

Excessive Drooling

Those who own dogs such as boxers, bloodhounds, or mastiffs know that drool is a normal thing for dogs. However, Excessive drooling may be a sign that something is wrong with your dog; it may indicate heatstroke, dental issues like periodontitis or a tooth abscess. Or maybe your pet has chewed down on something that has irritated the mouth, has eaten a toxic plant, or is a sign of a neurological problem. Whatever the case, make sure you give it attention as soon as you discover abnormal behavior.

Persistence in Vomiting or Diarrhea

When you notice diarrhea or throwing up several times in a day and accompanied by other symptoms like lack of appetite, your pet could be suffering from a gastrointestinal illness, or it could be roundworm. Whenever you see blood, either fresh or looks like coffee grounds, call your vet right away. This can be a sign that your pet has eaten something dangerous or could be a sign of a gastric ulcer. Getting some dog food online to eat as it recovers could be a good move for you to save your pet.

Bleeding Of the Paws

On a day-to-day basis, cats and dogs use their paws and claws to ensure their health is essential. The typical sign that your dog or cat is in pain is when you see they are limping, excessively licking the feet, or bleeding. When you notice such, home care may include rinsing the infected foot under cold water to remove any debris and applying an antibacterial cream on the wound, then … Read the rest

Cannabis is a rather controversial topic that people would want to stay away from. This is due to the fear of the discussion becoming volatile, even on online platforms. People from all over the world have something to say about this plant, whether it is good or bad as you can read on this page: https://www.livescience.com/fda-warns-companies-selling-cbd-products.html. However, we cannot deny that for the most part, it is still considered dangerous by many countries and sovereignties.

There are various reasons that people put out to justify this ban on cannabis. For one, people point out that its psychedelic nature can cause harm to the brain. They say that the images that it conveys can wreak havoc to the neural pathways and cause psychological disorders later in life. There seems to be some evidence to this claim, but it is still refutable on whether it does cause those disorders. Meanwhile, many people still opt to use the product for their various needs.

Is Cannabis Safe?

The perceived notion that cannabis is something that people should avoid. They would usually give various reasons aside from its psychedelic properties. Some claim that it can be addictive, thus damaging to people’s health and reputation once found out by the public. There is also a lot of scrutiny to those who use it even just for fun.

Scientists have been trying for years to see whether there is potential in cannabis to be considered as a medicine. As you might have already guessed, they have separated more than 100 compounds from pure cannabis. The result has stated that each of these compounds has a specific purpose, as they are just a part of the entire effect of cannabis. This has led to the discovery of CBD or Cannabidiol.

It has always been used for human consumption, as you might read in some articles online. However, there is another way that it can be useful for people by giving it to their pets. It might seem surprising, but you can give CBD to animals as you can read more information on CBD here. It is not inherently an evil substance, as us humans can take them without any worry about toxicity. There is a caveat though: you must get the right product, and you should know the proper dose.

Feline Care At Its Best

For cats, they can be one of the easiest animals to take … Read the rest

When people have aching joints, you likely won’t find them hitting the gym, or maybe not even moving very far from a chair.

On the other hand, when you notice physical signs that your horse may be suffering from a joint issue, he has likely been enduring episodes of chronic pain while performing his daily routine for a while. Regardless of the species, many animals will suffer in silence until they can’t anymore.

While most equestrians have the utmost respect and love for their companion animal, there are ultimately undue stresses typically placed on the horse’s body based on perceptions formed over their size and the fact they were initially built for labor.

There is a tendency to take them above their capacity with a dependence on their strength and power to pull off whatever feat is placed in front of them.

Sadly, horses’ joints, as in humans and domestic animals like dogs, deteriorate. They require extra support in order to remain free of pain and healthy for the long-term. That’s why regardless of their activity level, age, or past history, integrating joint supplementation into your equine wellness regimen can potentially be of benefit.

Starting ponies at a young age will encourage supported joints as they develop and throughout the aging process. For an outline on joint supplements for horses go to this page.

Choosing Supplements For Joint Health With Your Horse

It’s vital to learn your horse so you recognize the signs of a problem immediately. They might be slight with his movement or possibly the greeting, the way his head raises, his response when the saddle is applied, or if he jerks away when being brushed. These are all behavioral indications there is a problem with the way the horse feels.

Claims suggest joint supplements (see the supplement guide here) can help with age progression, allow better mobility, and decrease arthritis impact. You can start a horse on these substances at an early age in an effort to maintain a sense of wellness and seamless movement.

The ingredients in the compounds will vary depending on the specifics of the horse, i.e. senior horses will have a certain set of ingredients distinct from those of a younger, developing age. Common ingredients found in supplements:

• Hyaluronic Acid: This element is an integral component for ‘shock absorption’ and lubrication for the joints.
• Glucosamine: Glucosamine is a broadly studied joint support