Serendipity Mommy

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How You Can Be a Great Pet Owner for a Small Dog

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Small dogs require a little more attention and some different care techniques than some larger breeds. Be aware of what they can and cannot eat, special attention to exercise is important for small dogs, and watching for health issues in your little partner is very important. The following tips will help your small dog to have a long, healthy and happy life.

Feeding a Small Breed Dog

Smaller dogs are cute and can be a lot of fun to play with and care for. Dachshund puppies are some of the most fun pets to have. A puppy from a smaller breed needs to be fed about three to four times a day with a calorie rich food. If you are not sure which brand to feed your new puppy, call and ask your veterinarian (the puppy’s breeder is a good resource too.) The reason behind your need to feed them this way, is their fast metabolism. When they are adults, they will need to be fed more calories per pound than larger dogs because of how their metabolism works.

If your dog is not getting enough calories, they can develop hypoglycemia (a drop in blood sugar.) Toy breed puppies that are 6-12 weeks old, can develop this potentially fatal condition. This is why proper nutrition for small dogs are so important.

Dog food that contains antioxidants (zinc, lycopene, beta-carotene, and vitamins,) will help your dog lives healthier as they grow older. It is especially important to feed small breeds food with antioxidants because they live longer than bigger dogs. Anyone who is going to be around your dog needs to know what foods should not be fed to them. Chocolate, coffee, grapes, and mushrooms can make your dog sick.

Exercising Your Puppy

Excessive barking or chewing on anything and everything in your home is two indications that your dog is bored and probably needs more activity. Small breed dogs can have higher energy levels than some larger dogs. The first thing you should do when you get home from work or school is to play with and walk your dog. Some small dogs are not built well for long walks, so playing with another dog or playing a game of fetch is a better exercise for them.

Watch for Potential Health Issues

Make sure you get all recommended vaccinations for your small dog when recommended by the vet. Heartworm prevention is something you should talk over with the health professionals at your vet’s office. They should also give you guidelines about the breed you own and what kind of health problems that breed may develop. Here are some other health tips to think about when caring for your small breed puppy.

Watch the temperature. A small dog will not do well when they get overheated, and extreme cold will drop the temperature of their small bodies. It may be hard to believe, but these conditions can be fatal to your little pup.

Do not let their weight become a problem. If your small dog is carrying extra weight around, this puts stress on their joints and back. Overweight can cause a dog pain.

Joint pain problems are common in small dogs (even ones that are not overweight.) Your dog needs to rest and recover if it is hopping, limping, or having a hard time getting up when they are laying down. If these symptoms do not improve with rest, then the vet may need to help your dog with anti-inflammatory pain medicine. Ask your veterinarian about supplementing your dog’s diet with glucosamine and chondroitin. These two supplements work to lubricate your animal’s joints.

Other health issues you should think about include air quality and breeding your small dog. Keeping your dog away from dust and smoke, protects its lungs. A disease (tracheal collapse,) causes the trachea to flatten and makes it hard for your small dog to breathe, may occur in these conditions. If you want to breed your small dog, or it becomes pregnant, ask your vet about birthing assistance. It is not easy for a small dog to give birth.

5 Tips for Training Your Dog

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If you take great pride in being a dog owner, it is vital that your furry friend never lets you down. You don’t want to have to deal with the embarrassment or potentially dangerous situation of being unable to control your animal. You also don’t want to put your beloved pet in a situation where they can’t understand what you want them to do. Taking the time to train your dog will ensure that you are always able to communicate effectively. If you are eager to get started, you will need to read on. Below are five tips for training your dog.

Attend a class

If you want your dog to get used to interacting with other animals, you should sign up to a class. This is the perfect opportunity for your dog to make new friends. It will also give you the chance to meet likeminded individuals. Try to find a class that suits your dog’s needs. If you have a particularly difficult canine, you don’t want to be stuck in a class full of well-behaved pooches. Equally, if your dog is reasonably calm, you don’t want to be caught up in the chaos of a naughty puppy training session.

Invest in a crate

To keep your dog calm and well behaved, you will need to invest in a suitable crate. This can be a useful tool to help you with the training process. Before you go ahead with your purchase, make sure that you read up on the different dog crate sizes available. This will help you to select the perfect option for your pet. Buying a dog crate will also help you to control your animal when you are outside of the home. Instead of letting your dog run wild, you can offer it a sense of security.

Get the whole family involved

It will be extremely difficult for you to train your dog effectively, if the rest of your household is undermining this process. Make sure that your entire family understands the lessons that you are trying to get across. They should be aware of the occasions when they can give your dog a treat and the type of bad behavior that they should be preventing. This consistent approach will prevent your pet from feeling confused and anxious.

Enjoy plenty of rewards

Training your dog is no easy feat. That is why you should reward yourself along with your canine. Lookout for gifts that are perfect for every dog lover. This will provide you with a fantastic sense of motivation whenever you are struggling to be vigilant in your training schedule. You should also find gifts that will appeal to your trusty companion. This will let them know just how much you care. To establish a strong relationship with your dog, you will need to strike the right balance between authority and friendship.

Start early

It is never too late to train your dog, but in an ideal world you should be starting early. This will help to prevent your animal from developing bad habits. It will also allow you to enjoy every step of the journey. Instead of struggling through the early years, why not take control? Owning a pet should be a positive experience that changes your life for the better.

What To Consider Before Getting A Dog

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Getting a dog sounds like fun at first, and it is, but it’s also a lot of work. You can’t assume that owning a dog is going to be a breeze. Even if you’ve been around dogs in the past and know others who have one, it’s not the same as being the owner of a pet.

You may regret making a quick decision without any prior analysis. Take your time and make sure it’s the right move for you before diving in. There’s no rush, because once you do it it’s done and the dog is yours. See what to consider before getting a dog.

Breed

You want to consider what kind of dog you’re bringing into your home. They’re all different depending upon their breed. Some have more energy, while others like to be kept to themselves. Their looks and weight also varies, so view pictures online and start to get an idea what you’re searching for. It’s also a good idea to consider if you’re going to adopt from a shelter or buy a dog from a breeder. The costs and logistics will differ.

Space

Look around your apartment or home and see how much space you have for sharing with an animal. Some dogs are large and need more room than others. Scope out crates, food dishes and beds from Pet Crates Direct to get an idea of how much room you’ll need for their belongings. Picture them walking throughout your house and where they’ll be able to spread out and stretch. If you already have a house full, it may be an issue. If it’s you by yourself, then it’ll likely be a nice addition to your pad.

Lifestyle

Sit down and go through what your lifestyle looks like as it currently stands. Write down your schedule and find out how much time you spend at and away from your home on any given day. Your pet is going to need your attention and care on a consistent basis. Your dog will need to be fed, groomed and taken for walks. Make sure you have time to attend to their needs before signing on the dotted line. Remember that they are social animals, and cannot be left for long periods of time.

Commitment

Having a dog is a huge commitment. It’s going to change your life for many years to come, so make sure you’re ready for it before diving in. You aren’t going to be able to go traveling on a whim without first having a safe place for your dog to stay while you’re gone. Your pet is going to be there when you leave in the morning and when you get home from work every day. You’re giving your word that you’re going to be a good pet parent the day you bring your dog home.

Conclusion

Dogs are a lot of work, but they’re also very cute. Be honest with yourself about what you can and can’t handle prior to bringing one home. This is what to consider before getting a dog.

7 Tips to Keeping Your Dog Safe

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There is nothing worse than having to break the news to your children that their beloved dog has suddenly gone missing. Posting flyers and watching the time pass with hopefulness that your furry friend will return can b emotionally overwhelming. Though there are circumstances that are essentially beyond your control, there are things you can do as a parent to keep your dog safe whether you’re home or not.

  1. Get a Collar and ID Tag

Much like a driver’s license or identification card for adults, a collar and ID tag can help your dog be returned to you quicker in the event that they wander off and get lost. They can be created inexpensively and should include the dog’s name, and up-to-date contact information. Ensure that the collar is durable and that it is worn daily.

  1. Microchips

An added layer of protection for your dog would be to have a microchip implanted in them. These chips contain identifying information should your pet roam away from home. If they are found at a shelter or a veterinarian, the chips can be scanned to identify your dog and a means for contacting you. Microchips are also affordable, and the procedure isn’t harmful to your dog.

  1. Social Media

This probably isn’t a safety measure you were expecting for your dog, but it can actually be very instrumental in helping you find your dog should they get lost. By creating an account on a pet social network, you are connected with a community of pet owners in your area. Photos and videos make it easy to identify your dog and should make it a lot easier for them to be found in the neighborhood. Social media users can share your post, put photos up in the neighborhood, and keep an eye out.


  1. Spay/Neuter Your Dog

If your dog has yet to be spayed or neutered, you may want to reconsider this as it can save their lives. It has been proven that dogs that are sterilized are less likely to wander away from home. If you can’t afford the procedure, many veterinarian clinics and animal shelters offer them for free or at a discounted cost. Spaying or neutering your dog can also help them in other areas including prolonging their lifespan, improving their mood, and minimizing the chances of them going in heat.

  1. Keep a Leash

There’s no denying the fact that your dog loves being outside. As happy as they might be about being outdoors it is your responsibility to keep them safe. Whether they’re outside in the backyard, taking a stroll through the park, or walking through the aisles with you at the pet store, it is imperative to keep your dog secured to a leash when outside of the home. This can prevent them from roaming away from you. Be sure to invest in a high-quality leash that won’t break with the force of the dog tugging in the opposite direction.

  1. Make Sure They’re Comfortable When You’re Away

Whether you’re on vacation or at work, it is important to make sure that your dog is comfortable when you’re not around to tend to their needs. Leaving them home without enough food and water or leaving them in a hot car, for instance, are all examples of why your dog might try to leave. Be sure that your dog is always comfortable. Ensure they have fresh food and water daily, take them for regular walks to use the bathroom, and if you’re going to leave them in the car, make sure that the temperature is appropriate and it’s not for a long period of time.

  1. Only Trust Them with Good People

Sometimes you need help with your dog. Perhaps you’re going on vacation and need to find someone to check in on them while you’re gone. Or, you’re so busy you have to hire a dog walker to keep your dog on the right schedule. Whether you need a dog walker or a dog sitter, it is important that you do your due diligence in choosing who will be around your dog. There are those who could be irresponsible and not care for your dog properly and others who are in the market for stealing dogs. By checking references and only hiring trustworthy individuals, you can ensure your dog is safe.

Your dog is part of your family, and keeping them safe means taking a lot of the same precautions. If you haven’t taken the above-mentioned steps already, do some research and begin taking the measures to keep your pet safe. In the end, it will provide you with peace of mind and minimize the chances of having to search high and low for your best friend.

How To Keep Your Dog Happy & Healthy

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In the midst of your busy life, it’s easy to forget that your pet needs a lot of attention too. It’s important to pay attention to their needs and provide a solid foundation for them. Have the entire family help out and pitch in, so you’re not stuck with all of the responsibility.

Educate yourself on what it takes to be a good pet owner if you’re new to the role. Your dog is ready to show you unconditional love, and it’s important you nurture and take care of them to the best of your ability. See how to keep your dog happy and healthy.

Play & Interaction

Play is very important in keeping your dog happy. Incorporate games of fetch or take him or her for a long hike. Get outside often and let them enjoy the outdoors. Another idea is to take them to the dog park where they can interact with other dogs. They’ll love this experience and will instantly find their purpose again. Keep it fresh and switch up the play dates and activities. Worst case, go in your backyard and chase them around, so you both work up a sweat.

Clean Fur

Brush your dog often to keep their coat looking shiny and new. If you find any issues when brushing them, take care of it right away. For example, this website offers fast-acting, long-lasting, waterproof, convenient spot treatment for control of fleas, flea eggs and flea larvae, ticks and chewing lice. This isn’t a situation you’re going to want to mess around with. Get it taken care of right away with this product, so you don’t have to worry about fleas or ticks any longer. It’s also important to bathe or groom them on a regular basis.

Treats

Reward your dog with treats. It’s as simple as having some nearby whenever they perform a good behavior. The more you reinforce what they’re doing right, the less they’ll misbehave. Treats are a great training tool and opportunity to show your pet you love them and that they’re doing a good job. Bring them along with you on your walk and give your pet one each time they behave themselves while interacting with another person or dog. Treats are an easy and inexpensive way to keep them cheerful.

Sleeping area

Make sure your dog has somewhere pleasant to sleep that’s made just for them. Purchase a dog bed and place it in a comfortable space around your home where they feel safe. You want your dog to get a good night’s sleep and not wake you in the middle of the night. Have a doggy blanket for them too when the air is cool, or it’s cold outside. This will also help keep them off of the furniture and your bed.

Conclusion

It takes effort to satisfy your pet. Take care of them, and it’ll be a more pleasant experience for everyone. This is how to keep your dog happy and healthy.

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