Tag: Pets

6 Tips for Adopting a Shelter Dog

Did you know October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month? Millions of dogs (and cats) enter shelters every year. Rescuing a shelter dog is the perfect way to celebrate Adopt a Shelter Dog Month. Keep in mind, shelter dogs may need time to adjust to new living situations. Noisy shelters are a scary place for a dog. Moving to a new home adds to the dog’s anxiety. Consider the following tips to help you with a successful adoption process.

Tips for Successful Shelter Dog Adoption

Before you adopt a shelter dog or any other pets, think. Do you have enough time for your pet? Does your landlord allow animals in your building? Do you have enough money to cover your pet’s expenses? Each question will help you determine the type and size of pet to bring home.

1. Research

One of the best ways to begin the adoption process is research. Learning about different dog breeds will help you find the right dog for your home. Many shelter dogs are mixed breeds. If you have a specific breed in mind, learn about size, weight, temperament and other pertinent information.

2. Take Your Time

Prior to adopting your new shelter dog, prepare your dog’s living space and your entire home.

  • Keep cleaners or other chemicals in a safe place.
  • Place plants out of the dog’s reach.
  • If you plan on keeping your pet out of certain rooms in your house, install baby gates.

3. Dog Necessities

Purchasing the basic supplies will prepare you to bring your new pet home. Remember your new shelter dog’s necessities depend on the size. If you have an idea of your future dog’s size, you may start purchasing the basics.

  • Food and Water Dishes: From small bowls to large self-feeding dishes, you will need one for food and one for water.
  • Leash and Collar: A leash and collar are necessary for walking your dog. The collar should fit properly. A tight fitting collar may cause your dog to choke. A loose fitting one may result in your new dog slipping away from you. When you are not walking your dog on your own private property, doggy cleanup bags are a must.
  • Backyard Fencing: If you are able, fence in a specific area for your dog to play and go potty.
  • Dog Bed: In order to be comfortable, the dog bed needs to be size appropriate.
  • Crate or Kennels: Many dog owners use crates or kennels. Having a kennel set up and ready will ensure a proper routine from the start.
  • Toys: Dogs love to play. Having toys ready will help ease the transition process.

4. Ask Questions

After all the research and preparation, the time is right to find your perfect new four-legged companion. Do not be afraid to ask questions about the dog.

  • Is the dog good with other dogs, cats or children?
  • Do you know the history of the dog?
  • What is the dog’s current food?
  • What is the dog’s energy level?

Every answer will help determine if the dog is right for your household.

5. Bringing Your Pet Home

Your new dog will need time to adjust to unfamiliar surroundings. Allow your dog some time to sniff the house. A new home is intimidating. The adjustment will not happen overnight. Slowly introduce your new dog to others in the household.

6. Vet Appointment

Unfortunately, the shelter may not have a complete background history of your new dog. Taking your pet to the vet is a perfect way to set up a health regiment. Ask your vet about shots, preventive medicines for fleas and ticks, diet suggestions, dog training and any other concerns you may have about your addition. Your vet is a valuable resource.

Adopting a shelter dog is a commitment. However, finding a new fur baby to love and cherish is the best outcome.   

 

 

 

 

6 Halloween Pet Safety Tips

Halloween can be a fun time for kids and adults, but keeping your pets safe may require extra precautionary actions. Keep in mind, implementing simple safety measures may actually save your pet’s life.

Protecting Your Pet at Halloween

As a pet owner, you know what is best for your fur baby. The following tips are a guideline to remind you about Halloween pet safety.

1. Keep Halloween Candy in a Safe Place

Halloween candy is not for your furry companions. Keep the bowl or bag of treats up high away from your pets. Prior to Halloween, consider storing the candy in a container with a lid for extra protection. Chocolate and sugar-free candies are toxic to cats and dogs. Even a small piece may have you running your pet to the vet.

2. Use Kennels

When passing out Halloween candy or hosting a party, your pet may accidentally escape out an opened door. Using kennels, crates or closing your pet in another room keeps your pet safe.

  • Protect Trick-or-Treaters: Using a kennels helps protect the trick-or-treaters coming to your door. Costumes may be scary for your pet. Keeping your fur baby away from the door eliminates the possibility of a child being bitten.
  • Pet Protection: Halloween night often leads to pranks and other mischievous situations. Keeping your pet safe in a kennel or other room eliminates the possibility of your pet being stolen from your yard.

3. Identification

Even with the best intentions, pets may squeeze through the smallest opening to go outdoors. Microchipping or name tags will help bring your pet safely back home.

4. Pumpkin and Decoration Safety

Pumpkins are a great decoration for Halloween. An open flame from a candle is a danger to your curious pet. Placing the pumpkins out of reach or using a battery operated candle will help keep your pet safe.

Along with pumpkins, other decorations may put your pet at risk. Dangling ghosts, flying witches, or cobwebs are all part of Halloween fun. Keeping the decorations up in the air out of your pet’s reach is necessary to avoid harm.

5. Glow Sticks

Glow sticks are a fun accessory for Halloween. The plastic or the inner liquid may have an unwanted effect on your pet.

6. Pet Dress Up

Dressing up your cat or dog in a costume may be fun for you at Halloween. Just remember your pet’s safety and overall well-being.

  • Proper Fit: The costume must be size appropriate. For example, a tight-fitting costume may result in difficulty breathing. A larger one may cause the inability to walk properly.
  • Avoid Stress: Many pets simply do not feel at ease in Halloween costumes or other outfits. If you notice your pet is uncomfortable, removing the costume is a priority.
  • Avoid Choking Hazards: Check your pet’s Halloween costume for potential dangers. Buttons, jewelry or other costume accessories may scratch your pet. Increasing the chance of choking, many pets may attempt to chew or scratch off the pieces of the costume.
  • Keep the Costume Simple: Hats, wigs, helmets or other heavy feeling accessories may cause your pet to panic. Keeping the costume simple and lightweight will help make your pet more comfortable.

Pets are a wonderful addition to the family. Keeping your furry legged companion safe at Halloween may require extra planning.

Your Dog’s Summer Bucket List

Bucket lists do not need to be grand scale adventures or limited to family activities. Bucket lists are all about trying something new. For most individuals, pets are a valuable family member. Including your furry companion in activities is a great way to spend the summer. Create a bucket list for you and your dog.

Bucket List Ideas for You and Your Dog

Prior to heading out to any destination, ensure the place is pet-friendly. Simply call or research the rules and guidelines for bringing along your faithful companion. Many travel areas strive to include family pets. Others may have specific restrictions in place. By knowing the rules ahead of time, you will not disappoint your fur baby.

Go Hiking

After a long work week or hectic schedule, both you and your pet will need some outdoor time. Hit the trails. Pack the essentials for you and dog, and spend a day exploring the natural world.

Go Camping

Many campgrounds cater to pets by adding dog runs and other play areas. Finding the best campground for you and your dog may take some research. Being outdoors for a weekend is a great way for you to unplug. Not to mention, time for you and your dog explore.

Visit a Dog Park

Dog parks are an excellent way for socialization and play. Try to visit the dog park regularly. Consider going to a variety of dog parks in your city. Different play areas provide new adventures for your dog.

Go to a Pet-Friendly Hotel

Need a relaxing getaway. Consider going to a pet-friendly hotel. Many hotels strive to include pets in their accommodations. Order room service. Enjoy a night of relaxation with your fur baby.

BBQ a Special Meal

Cook a steak on the BBQ for you and your pet to enjoy. Or host a party for friends and their pets.

Go to the Lake

If your dog loves to swim, head to the lake. Pack a picnic. Enjoy your day.

Create a Pet-Friendly Backyard

Redesign your backyard space with your dog in mind.

  • Dog activity area with ramps for running
  • Swimming spot (child’s wading pool works well)
  • Watering station
  • Shade area
  • Relaxation area
  • Dog run

Get a Professional Photo

As a pet owner, you probably have hundreds (or thousands) of photos or selfies with your pet. Perhaps the time has come for a professional portrait of you and your fur baby.

A Night In

Perhaps, the best activity is a night at home. Watching videos, sitting on your couch, and cuddling with your pet may be the perfect way to spend an evening.

Regardless of the activity, your dog will love the extra attention.Yo