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4 Things You Need to Consider Before You Buy Your Family Pet

January 22, 2020 by Mandy

Buying a pet is a big decision, and not one that you want to take lightly. This is especially true when you are looking for a family pet. Buying a pet for your kids can be a life-changing decision for you all, as long as you pick your pet carefully.

Below are 4 things to consider when deciding on your family pet.

The Division of Labour

Lots of children are very eager to have their own pets. Many of us can remember our own childhood and the burning desire that we felt to have an animal companion. However, while children may love the idea of having a pet and playing with it, they are usually a lot less enthusiastic about the actual work involved in looking after the pet.

If this is the first pet that your family will have owned, it is important that your kids understand that having a pet is a responsibility and that pet owners have a solemn duty to take care of their animals.

Obviously, some animals are much higher maintenance than others. If you buy a dog, then you are going to need to work out a schedule for walking it and feeding it every day. However, if you decide to start with something smaller like a goldfish, which doesn’t require so much effort. And then, of course, there are cats, who are more or less capable of looking after themselves¹ – but you still need to make sure you feed and water them.

What you don’t want is to find yourself in a situation where you are now responsible for a pet, but simply don’t have enough hours in the day to actually look after it. Do your homework beforehand and make sure that you choose an animal that you will be able to look after properly.

The Environment They Will Be Living In

Some pets will spend most of their lives confined to an artificial habitat of some sort. For example, if you are thinking of getting a reptile, then you will also need a vivarium tank to keep it in. Similarly, a hamster or gerbil will have a special cage that it will spend most of its time in. For these pets, all you need to do to provide them with a suitable environment is buy the correct equipment.

Other pets, like cats and dogs, will need to roam around. This can complicate things depending on your living situation. If you live in a detached house with plenty of garden space for a pet to run around in, you don’t need to worry so much. However, if you live in a block of flats and don’t have access to a garden, then you will need to consider how you will provide your pet with the exercise that it needs.

Of course, lots of people successfully keep cats and dogs while living in blocks of flats, but if you are going to be in this situation, then you need to have a clear idea of how and where you will exercise your pet.

Your Available Budget

Money is always a key consideration when you are making a big family decision. The budget available to you will determine what kind of pets you can realistically keep in your home.

Remember that the costs of owning a pet go beyond the initial price that you pay for the animal. Naturally, you will also need to provide food for the animal and in some cases, you will also need to provide it with new bedding every now and then, like with a hamster, for example².

These costs can be low, but they are also recurring. Over the course of a pet’s lifetime, these small costs can rapidly accumulate. It is therefore important that you sit down and carefully cost your pet plans.

One thing to consider when you are costing up your pet plans is whether you are going to take the plunge on insurance or not. Pet insurance will cover some or all of your pet’s medical bills should they need veterinary care. If you are thinking of buying a cat or dog, both of which can live for a decade or more³, buying pet insurance could save your family a lot of heartache down the line. You can buy pet insurance for cats and dogs through websites, where you can also find information that will help you weigh up the pros and cons of going with either maximum benefit or lifetime insurance.

It’s a Wonderful Experience

Provided you carefully consider your choice and ensure that you are emotionally and financially prepared for the demands of pet ownership, being a pet owner is a wonderful experience. Your children can learn some of the most valuable lessons of their lives through pet ownership. They will learn about the responsibility that comes with looking after another living creature, as well as learning about the species itself, and, ultimately, how to process the grief that comes with the death of a pet.

Owning a pet isn’t always easy, but it is an eye-opening experience. If you choose the right pet, then before long, it will be another member of the family – you won’t be able to imagine life without them.

5 Awesome Charity Gifts for Cat Lovers

June 9, 2019 by Mandy

When shopping for gifts to give cat lovers, consider giving back for a cause. There are several online shops run by groups that work for the welfare of cats. Consider purchasing over sites that need financial assistance to feed cats, provide shelter for stray cats, and seek a loving home for them. You can also support brands that give a toy or food to shelter cats with every purchase.

1. A loving cat memorial

For a cat lover, saying goodbye to a feline friend can be as painful as losing a family member or a confidante. When you learn about the passing of a friend’s cat, consider giving a gift in memory of the cat. A limited edition memorial bracelet can be a way to express sympathy over their loss.

You can also create a collage using photographs of the cat owner and the loving feline. A hand-crafted angel sculpture lovingly embracing a cat is also a wonderful way to treasure memories with the feline buddy.

2. Cat rescue

If you can, volunteer some time at a pet shelter feeding and playing with shelter cats. You may also learn how to care for kittens as well as senior cats. Your friend will surely be delighted to know that you volunteered or even adopted one of the senior tabbies or kittens.

If caring for a cat in your home is too much of a responsibility for you, there is still a way you can help in the efforts of rescuing cats. Second Chance Movement™ Necklace is a lovely accessory for cat lovers. They can look at it and know that you cared to save cats in high-kill shelters. Every purchase of this necklace funds 5 miles of transportation of threatened cats to safe areas.

3. Cat activity mat

Consider looking into the replacement warranty of a product before you buy it. My Feline Buddy found a brand that donates activity play mats to charity when possible.The brand has a 100% brand new, never used, and never touched by a pet policy which gives the consumer peace of mind that the product is free from parasites that can be passed from cat to cat through products.

You may also be thinking of giving cat gear as a gift for the cat lover. So be sure to check out the same policy for a cat bed or pet kennel as well.

4. Cat toys

Giving gifts to entertain cats will surely make the cat mommy and daddy happy. Consider toys that will be challenging to our cats like food puzzles and multi-level cat toys. This should encourage mobility in cats and take their mind off boredom.

Some companies give a toy to a shelter cat for every purchase of their cat toys. The options are plenty. You can buy a feather wand with bells, a catnip-filled sushi box, and the list goes on.

You can also look into the daily essentials such as purchasing a bag of organic cat food. Some brands donate a bag of cat food to pet shelters for every purchase you make. Organic cat food is also something that cat lovers don’t always buy due to price. Gifts like this will make not only our cats happy but shelter cats as well.

5. Cat donation

If your cat-loving friend has a favorite charity group for cats they support, it is wise to give a donation to such charity. Consider making donations on their birthday or on holidays as a gift. Several cat lovers ask for donations or volunteer time to a chosen shelter in lieu of birthday presents. Donations can also be made in tribute of a cat lover or a cat that passed away.

Here’s Why You Might Want To Use Hemp Oil For Dogs

November 2, 2018 by Mandy

Nowadays, there is so much buzz surrounding hemp and the health benefits it has for pets and people. It is easy to understand why since hemp oil for dogs can be seen as a superfood due to its many nutrients that can be seen as vital for health. As hemp grows in popularity, gaining the reputation of a wonderful supplement humans can use, the exact same thing happens in relation to dogs. If you ever wondered why so many pet owners recommend hemp oil for dogs, here are the main reasons you should be aware of.

GLA – Gamma-Linolenic Acid

The dog is capable of synthesizing gamma-linolenic acid, which is an Omega 6 fat, but deficiency is common. GLA is really important for the body and a deficiency can lead to premature aging, diabetes, cancer, skin problems, digestive issues and arthritis. The dog basically needs a good supply and hemp oil is capable of offering just that. Some of the really common GLA health benefits are:

Managing inflammation and pain associated with arthritis– This was supported by a study published in the Journal of Arthritis and Rheumatism.
Skin Allergies are reduced– GOLA can help manage atopic dermatitis.
Anti-Cancer– GLA-rich diets can modulate inflammation and will boost the immune function of the body. GLA will inhibit cancer cell growth for various tumor types. Also, apoptosis is stimulated while the negative effects of cancer drugs are reduced.
Weight management– GLA will help turn on the dog’s fat burning mechanism while increasing energy levels.

Omega Fatty Acids

Contrary to popular belief, Omega-3 and Omega 6 fats are working together inside the body in order to manage inflammation. In hemp oil we have the ideal ratio of Omega-3 to Omega-6, 1 to 3. This is a balance that is really important for overall health.

Dogs that suffer from long term chronic inflammation usually end up with different health problems. The common ones are heart disease, allergies, inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis, cancer and liver disease. By simply adding some hemp oil to the diet, such disease can be prevented. Omega-3 fats will also be really beneficial for the dog’s skin, brain, eyes, immune system and joints.

Antioxidants

In hemp oil you can find high quantities of vitamin A and vitamin E. These are really strong antioxidants capable of helping the pet’s immune system because of the effect on free radicals. You need to know that free radicals appear as the dog absorbs various toxins from chemicals, pollution, processed foods, pesticides, drugs and vaccines. Oxidative stress appears and the dog is faced with damaged cells, DNA and proteins. Antioxidants will promote overall better health.

Phospholipids

These are molecules that help cells maintain internal structure. Because of the high content of phospholipids in hemp oil for dogs, various health benefits appear, including liver damage repair, immune function boost, gastric acid reduction, arthritis pain management and a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.

On the whole, hemp oil is actually better than the really popular fish oil that is often added to the diet of dogs. It is something that you want to learn more about.

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

February 23, 2018 by Mandy

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. It would also be a good idea to find the best dog insurance cost and make sure that your pet stays healthy. 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

November 15, 2017 by Mandy

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.