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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.

Taking Care of a Sick Dog at Home

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For many people, their dogs are the next best thing to a child. It’s only natural that you want to care for a sick puppy. Your dog can’t tell you if he’s feeling ill or he’s in pain, so it is important to look after him carefully after surgery or during a bout of illness.

Tummy Bugs

Dogs can pick up bugs just like us, so they do sometimes throw up or suffer a bout of diarrhea. You can take care of most minor problems at home. Dogs love to eat things that disagree with their stomach, no matter how noxious it might taste or smell. The decomposing rabbit your dog dug up on a long walk might not look very appetizing to you, but it is the equivalent of cordon bleu cuisine to him. Unfortunately, it will probably give him a bad tummy for a few days.

Diet

If your dog has a bad tummy, restrict his food intake for 48-hours, or until the symptoms clear up. Avoid giving him anything that could upset his stomach further. Boiled chicken and rice are bland but palatable, and may tempt him to eat something.

Make sure your dog has plenty of fresh water, especially if he is vomiting and/or has diarrhea. Keep a close eye on his urine output, and if he isn’t peeing much, contact your vet for advice, as dehydration could lead to more serious health problems.

Sick dogs need to be kept quiet, preferably away from the hustle and bustle of the family. Move your dog’s bed to a quiet room where he won’t be disturbed by kids and visitors. He won’t feel like being sociable, just like you don’t when you are ill.

Keep Your Dog Quiet

Lay newspaper on the floor if your dog is throwing up or he has diarrhea. He will not be able to tell you if he needs to vomit or go to the toilet, so accidents may happen. The newspaper will make it easier to clean up the mess.

Administering Medicine

You may need to administer medicine to your dog. Read the dosage instructions carefully and if in doubt, check with your vet. Give your dog his meds according to the label, or it will not be as effective. Some dogs hate taking pills, so buy some pill pockets so you can hide pills inside a tasty treat.

Exercise

Keep your dog quiet until he is feeling better. Walks should be short and sweet. Give your dog enough time to do his businesses and then take him home. If he doesn’t want to go for a walk, respect his wishes.

Is it Serious?

If your dog is feeling off-color, monitor him closely. In most instances, he will pick up again within a short time, but if you have any reason to suspect it is more serious than a dodgy tummy or your dog could have been poisoned or come into contact with a contagious infection, schedule an appointment at the vet. Your vet will be able to treat your dog and advise you on the best way to take care of him.

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