Be A Responsible Owner - Spay Or Neuter Your Pet

The most important thing that we can do to save unwanted pets (including puppies and kittens) from all the suffering and death that their overpopulation causes is to spay and neuter them. Spaying and neutering are routine, affordable surgeries that can prevent thousands of animals from being born, only to suffer and struggle to survive on the streets, be abused by cruel or neglectful people, or be euthanized in animal shelters for lack of a loving home. 

Consult with your veterinarian about the most appropriate time to spay or neuter your pet based upon its breed, age and physical condition, and let your family and friends know that they ought to do the same. 

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5 tips for keeping your dog healthy and out of the vets

5 tips for keeping your dog healthy and out of the vets

A healthy dog is a happy dog able to live life to the full, walking, running and playing without a care in the world. As a dog owner you take full responsibility for your dogs health providing everything they need in order to maintain excellent health and enjoy their years with you.

Here are 5 tips for keeping your dog healthy and out of the vets;

1. Diet

There are many excellent brands providing all manner of dog food, from dry measured diets, to rich balanced wet food and accompanying treats. You dogs diet is an incredibly important part of his health and getting it right is the key to keeping him healthy and happy. You should consider the following when purchasing food for your dog;

His breed

Most breeds have specific diet requirements based on the nutrients they need. Although every dog requires a balanced diet, some breeds need specific variations to keep them in optimum health.

His size

You should provide measured food amounts for your dog in order for him to stay within a correct weight range. Larger breeds require much more food than smaller breeds and it’s easy to overfeed if you don’t read the manufacturer’s instructions.

His age

Different ages require different types of food; elderly dogs will more than likely have a softer food that contains nutrients that supports age issues like arthritis and liver strain. Puppies tend to eat vitamin rich food that is specifically designed for growing dogs.

His level of exercise

If you own a working dog you’ll need to provide adequate food to support that level of exercise. A dog that uses a lot of energy will require more food to give them energy.

You should always try and avoid giving a dog human food as they can easily put weight on and a happy dog is not an overweight dog, no matter how cute they look begging for a morsel of your dinner. Try and give them beneficial treats like dental sticks and low fat dog biscuits and don’t give them too many as again this will cause weight gain.

2. Exercise

All dogs need some level of exercise to keep them stimulated and happy, each breed will have specific recommendations to keep them fit with some requiring a few hours exercise a day and others just half an hour.

3. Grooming

Each breed has specific grooming instructions which is something you should research before rescuing or purchasing a dog. Some require specialist grooming and others hardly any at all. Neglecting a dogs grooming can lead to complications that will make your dog very unhappy like matting and infected skin folds.

4. Play and stimulation

Keeping your dog entertained is easy and enjoyable and shouldn’t be much of a chore, especially if they have learnt to love games like fetch. Consider providing your dog with interactive toys to use while you are out to make sure they don’t get bored and remember to dedicate playtime with them every day - this can be incorporated into walks.

5. Human interaction

Mans best friend was given this name for a reason. Your dog is loyal to you and your family and you owe it to him to provide all the love in the world. A lonely dog is a friend to no one so remember to treat him like one of the family and he’ll reward you for it with affection, personality and loyalty.

Remember that despite your best efforts your dog will always be susceptible to infections, diseases and accidents. The best way to protect your dog long term is to make sure he is insured with pet insurance, that way you’ll have peace of mind that if he does need any expensive treatment he can receive it without you having to suffer any financial hardship. 

Top 7 Best Pet Friendly Destinations

Top 7 Best Pet Friendly Destinations in USA

Can’t live without bringing your pet with you when traveling to United States? With that reason, are you looking for suitable places in the country for both you and your pet? Then you have just clicked on the right page! This article will tackle on the top 7 best pet friendly destinations in USA. Read on:

 Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

If you have a dog who loves water, then Myrtle Beach would be the best choice. The hotel accommodations in the place are also pet-friendly. They accept pets of any kinds, like cats and dogs. One of the best hotels is the Myrtle Beach La Quinta Inn & Suites at 48th avenue. Make sure that you abide by their pet policies so you and your pet will be able to enjoy the place without any problems. 

 San Diego, California

We all know that California has a beautiful beach. Surfing is one of the famous activities done there, but did you know that dogs are permitted to do the same too? Make sure you visit some places that are pet-friendly, like the Hotel Solamar, which is rated 4.5 based on guest reviews, and the Hotel Indigo San Diego Gaslamp Quarter, which is rated 5.0 based on guest reviews. 

 Destin, Florida

Do you prefer Florida the most? Then, you might consider Beach Condos in Destin, Florida. Up to two dogs are permitted to Beach Condos, and they offer plenty of amenities suitable for humans and dogs. How about Candlewood Suites Destin Sandestin? This is also a great place for pets too. 

 Branson, Missouri

Let’s have Chateau on the Lake Resort & Spa. They accept well-behaved dogs, as they said. They have special rooms for visitors with pets, but these rooms are limited. You should book beforehand, so as not to miss the place! This is a beautiful resort as it surrounds with sea and beautiful scenery. 

 Ocean City, Maryland

The most popular pet-friendly destination in Ocean City is the Assateague National Seashore. Pets are allowed on the beach but not the 3 short nature trails. It is okay as the beach is wide and clean, and your pet will definitely love the place. Place your beach mat and umbrella on the sand and have your pet rest on it with you. The beach is wide so you can play with your dog too. 

Santa Barbara, California

Let’s not get shocked of the place having full of pet-friendly destinations – California. If you want to book an accommodation beforehand, consider calling the Fess Parker’s Doubletree Resort. They allow up to two dogs with a weight of either 75 lbs or less. There is an additional fee of $30 if you want to spend overnight there. Some people consider it the best pet-friendly accommodation in California. It is also near the beach so you can walk your dog whenever you want to, or swim with your pet if you like. 

 Las Vegas, Nevada

You do know the Red Rock Canyon in Nevada, don’t you? You can tour with your pet in that conservation area as they will allow pets on trails there, but make sure you keep it leashed at all times. There are areas, such as Willow Springs Picnic Area, Red Rock Overlook, and the Visitor center, that required owners to keep their pets on a leash at all times. Take note that this place is scorching hot, so you should never leave your pets inside your car. Never leave them unattended.  

There are so many pet-friendly destinations in USA. The aforementioned are just among the popular destinations! Do not forget to bring your US ESTA with you when traveling to USA. 

 

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Dog Leashes

A dog leash is the more conventional type of tying and/or walking your dog. It is comprised of a neck collar and a leash. On the other hand, a dog harness is comprised of leash and a contraption that goes over your dog’s shoulders and abdomen.

Most doggie companions go with the regular dog collar. Without really considering if it is the best fit for their pooch’s personality, size, and training regimen. Below are a few things you should consider.

Pooch Pullers

If your pooch is small in size and thin around the neck, it would be better to use a harness. This is to prevent neck injuries. If your dog is big in size and extremely muscular, you might consider a dog leash. This way, they have less power to pull you. This is especially true if you are slight in built.

If you think your dog is choking on the collar due to excessive pulling, plus you have more muscle on you, you could go for a harness. This is because the strongest dog breeds may pull until they injure their necks. This is especially true for Pit bulls.

Doggie Coat

A dog harness has a tendency to pull on your pooch’s coat. If you have a longhaired breed, a harness may tangle and pull out clumps of hair. In which case, avoid harnesses, unless your doggie has a neck injury. If your dog has a thin coat then a harness is easier to put on and remove. It may also be more comfortable for your dog because it allows them to stretch their necks.

Neck Injury

If your dog has already experienced a neck injury, then it is better to use a harness, at least until the veterinarian says it safe to use the leash. Put the harness on properly so it does not ride on the neck of your pooch.

Your Pooch’s Preference

Some say it is a good idea to have both. Alternate between leash and harness. This way you do not put too much strain on any one part of your dog’s anatomy. This also allows you to see which one your dog prefers. Most dogs will prefer the collar. They’ll roll over, scratch, or try to reach the harness.

Alpha Dogs

The Alpha dog is leader of the pack. The Omega is the follower. In a doggie and human companion setting, the Alpha is preferably you, the human and the Omega is your pooch. In most cases, your dog will challenge your superiority as the Alpha. The problem is, you don’t even realize it’s happening. As a result, you give the improper response. Hence, your pooch thinks he is the Alpha.

The Goal

This article will identify several doggie Alpha traits. The efficacy of your response depends on two things. First is immediate feedback. Second is regularity of response. You, and ALL your household members plus frequent visitors must respond the same way whenever the same situation arises.

Positive and Neutral Reinforcement

You only utilize two types of response. Positive response like praise and treats is always the best to reinforce the right behaviour. Neutral response means; not doing anything, walking away from your pooch, and waiting. Never use negative reinforcement such as hitting, shouting, and screaming! This is downright reprehensible.

Training Them Young!

The easiest way to become the Alpha is to train your pooch as young as possible. Another secret is to keep your pooch with the litter as long as possible (2 to 3 months). This way your pooch learns the hierarchy from the litter and doggie parents

Obedience Training and Feeding

Your dog will follow the person that does the training. This is especially true if the same person does the feeding. So be both!

The Last Bark

Always have the last say! If your pooch misbehaves, don’t let him get away with it. Say “Bad Dog” in a stern manner. Don’t scream or shout. Your dog has super hearing, so a low growly “Bad Dog” with an exaggerated hand gesture will do.

Make Your Pooch Come to You

After scolding your pooch, you walk away. From that point on, you wait for your pooch to come to you. Never do the reverse. The Omega always comes to the Alpha, not the other way around! Tip: to speed things up have his favorite toy in hand.

Make Your Pooch Wait

Your pooch fell for the bait. You have his favorite toy and so he came to get it! Don’t give it to a barking and excited pooch. You make your pooch wait. Say “Stop”. Your hand should make the stop sign.

Now make your pooch sit. Slowly lower the toy to give it to your pooch. If your pooch stands up or gets excited, pull it back up. Again, say “Stop” then “Sit”. Your goal is to have the toy in front of your pooch’s face and the latter still waiting until you hand it over.

Feeding Time

The Alpha determines what the Omega eats, not the other way around. By giving in to your pooch when it comes to feeding time, you become the Omega. Proper feeding means 2 things. The first is your pooch eats everything and does it fast. The second is your pooch waits obediently until your hand has let go of the doggie bowl.

First, you do not let dog food sit uneaten for long. If your dog does not eat and finish everything after 5 to 15 minutes, take away the dog food. Make sure your pooch sees this. Also, be sure, you are feeding your pooch the proper formula and ratio. After a day, two at most, your pooch will get with the program and eat everything before the time is up.

Second, your pooch has to wait for you to let go of the bowl (like the toy). If your doggie scratches and tries to climb on you to get the food, you keep it way. Say “Stop” and “Sit”. Lower the bowl, if your pooch gets up, bring the bowl back up. After dozens of repetitions, your dog will get with the program and wait.

In Closing

Praise your pooch when he learns to wait. Don’t try to pet your pooch, when eating. Even Omega’s are hard wired to protect the food they are eating.

Your pooch fell for the bait. You have his favorite toy and so he came to get it! Don’t give it to a barking and excited pooch. You make your pooch wait. Say “Stop”. Your hand should make the stop sign.

Now make your pooch sit. Slowly lower the toy to give it to your pooch. If your pooch stands up or gets excited, pull it back up. Again, say “Stop” then “Sit”. Your goal is to have the toy in front of your pooch’s face and the latter still waiting until you hand it over.