pawprints – GregRobert Pet Supplies Blog

Summer Safety Tips for Your Dog

Summer is an ideal time to get outdoors and participate in fun activities with the family pet. Before you head out, there are some important summertime precautions to keep in mind regarding their safety, as this season brings a number of unique risks. Despite the continuous warnings about never leaving an animal unattended in a vehicle, dozens die this way every year. Others drown in backyard pools, and still others become seriously ill due to dehydration. If your dog suffered dehydration, stress and anxiety might also be a problem, go to this website and buy cbd oil for him in order to help him heal faster.

Dehydration

Being in the heat for an extended amount of time without replenishing your pet’s fluids can quickly become dangerous. Pets can’t verbally communicate with us, so it’s important to pay close attention to their condition, particularly when temperatures skyrocket. If you notice symptoms such as sunken eyes, dry nose, lethargy, or diarrhea, you should contact your Veterinarian from the The Pet Wellness Center right away.

Be sure to have water readily available at all times for your four-legged friend, especially on road trips. Bringing a travel bowl while you’re out and about is the best way to ensure that your pet will have what they need during your trip, and be sure to stop regularly to give them a chance to hydrate. If you head out on a hike together for a small jaunt or a lengthy excursion in the Cascade Mountains, keep in mind that the high-desert climate makes it essential to bring plenty of water for both you and your pet. There are a variety of travel water containers available, like the Handi-Drink Instant Dog Drinker.

Heat Stroke

Heat stroke can be fatal, even if your pet is in perfect health. Many pet owners make the mistake of leaving their animal in the car, which can be harmful even if it’s just for a few minutes. Dogs have a higher body temperature than their two-legged companions, with a normal internal body temperature that ranges between 99.5-102.5 degrees Fahrenheit, compared to a human’s 98.6. On an 85-degree day, in just ten minutes your vehicle can reach temperatures of over 100 degrees. Your pet will have no way to help himself which could lead to seizures, brain swelling, and organ failure in a matter of minutes, in this blog post you will find the perfect natural remedy to help your dog with symptoms like pain, nausea, inflammation, vomiting, seizures, and anxiety.

In order to prevent your pets from suffering heat stroke, NEVER leave them in a car alone for any amount of time. If you happen to travel with them in a vehicle, make sure that there is enough air flow so that they have a chance to cool off, or use the air-conditioning, and also get a marshmallow bed so your pet can travel comfortably. Use the drive-up at banks, pharmacies and restaurants and shop at pet-friendly stores when running errands with your pet, be sure to check that information.

Pool Safety

Animals enjoy cooling off in the water, unfortunately, not all animals are natural swimmers, and many simply cannot swim. Your best bet to keep your pet safe is to have a fence installed around the pool perimeter to keep them from falling in. Installing a pool alarm is also a good idea, provided your pet or pets weighs over 16 pounds, as the alarm will sound loudly if any object of that size or larger enters the water. Other backyard pool accessories like dog life vests or Skamper ramps can be used to prevent water related accidents.

Boredom Busters: How to Create a Pet Playroom

A bored dog or cat is generally also an unhappy or destructive pet, if this is happening to you, is because they are no good, if they are barking at night. This is a sign that you need to something different, that’s why we brought you this manual of how to stop my dogs from barking at night. Play is an integral part of pet’s lives. Through play, dogs release energy and establish boundaries, while cats get exercise and keep mentally alert.

Depending on their age, size and breed, most dogs require 30 to 60 minutes of exercise per day. Cats, though they may sleep up to 16 hours a day, need physical activity as well, to provide stimulation and reduce anxiety. This activity requirement may be difficult for pet owners who work long hours, or live in an apartment. Designing a playroom with your pet’s needs in mind is a great way to keep them from turning to your furnishings for entertainment.

Basic Playroom Requirements
• An easy-to-clean floor, such as vinyl
• A secure door or gate
• A play area
• A feeding and watering station (away from the play area)
• Sleeping quarters
• A litter box or piddle-pad corner

For dogs, you can simply lay a sheet of vinyl over your existing floor and add vinyl pads to prevent slipping (take care, some dogs will chew on them). For cats, provide disposable carpeting remnants or doormats for traction and scratching that can easily be replaced if soiled (many carpeting stores sell carpeting remnants; one place to check out is https://nwrugs.com/collections/jaipur).

Whether you have a feline or canine companion, it is important to provide a comfortable interior temperature while you are away. Setting the proper automatic thermostat temperature is key to climate control, while an overhead fan can circulate air. While windows provide ambient lighting, consider installing wooden or woven shades over windows that receive full sun. Make sure the shades are adjusted to keep out of your pet’s reach.

Dogs

Dogs should be provided with a variety of toys. Use toys like a treat-filled toy that will keep them engaged, rather than rawhides. For long-term chewing fun, Nylabones and hard rubber toys are an option. Some dogs will be content with a favorite tennis ball. If they have a bed or crate, it can be placed in a corner.

Cats

Cats generally like to have a high vantage point to look out into a yard or survey their immediate environment. One of the easiest ways to provide a warm, sunny place, as well as darker, sheltered space is by using a cat furniture.

Provide your cat with plenty of batting balls and catnip toys, and a scratching post with dangling toys. For an inexpensive cat cubby, an old cardboard box with a comfy bed inside will be welcomed. If you have multiple cats, make sure to provide enough hiding spaces so your cats can get away when they want personal time.

Does your dog suffer from separation anxiety or noise phobias? CBD has been extensively studied for its effect on stress and anxiety. If your pet is suffering from anxiety, cbd oil for dogs and cats would be a great way to keep him relaxed when he’s uncomfortable.

Safety

Before allowing your pet into the room, remove any potential hazards such as:

Electric cords
Electronics
Chemicals
Small or sharp items
Anything that could hurt your pet if chewed
Any furniture or items that could be tipped over

A Misunderstood Breed: Pit Bulls

If you took a survey asking people what they thought was the most dangerous dog breed, pit bull would probably top the list. “Pit bull” is a term that encompasses a number of breeds including the American pit bull terrier, Staffordshire bull terrier and American bulldog. These athletic dogs are known for aggressiveness and a defensive nature, but that doesn’t mean all pit bulls are an imminent threat to your safety. Despite a history of breed violence, many pit bulls can be safe and loyal companions, even with children. These energetic canines thrive in an active environment. When properly socialized, pit bulls learn to curb their energy in healthy ways.

Decades of misinformation and stereotyping have given pit bulls a bad rap. It’s time to set the record straight on these amiable animals.

A Checkered Past

Bred from bulldogs, pit bulls were first used to help control livestock. Their collective fate took a turn for the worse when breeders began to train them for the inhumane blood sport known as baiting. Humans would watch these dogs fight bears, bulls and other large animals. When governments came to their senses and banned baiting, spectators turned the animals loose on each other. Much of the perception of these dogs is based on this violent history. In some cases, pit bulls were bred and trained to fight. Dogs from those bloodlines are sometimes more likely to lash out, but that doesn’t mean they’re automatically dangerous. While they may boast strong jaws and ripped muscles, pit bulls can be just as loving and safe as any other breed. Dogfighting gives pits a bad name; every pit bull you see is not a trained killer.

The Right Environment

Like any other dog, a pit bull’s behavior is largely dependent on the environment in which he or she grows up. Take your pit bull to a dog park after locking him in a crate for the first part of his life and he may display aggression or shyness toward other dogs and humans. Provide an active lifestyle where your pit bull can socialize from a young age, on the other hand, and your pit bull will likely be as intelligent and gentle as any other dog.

If you have a young pit bull, get him around other people and dogs as much as possible. ASPCA.org notes that a dog’s most important sensitive development period takes place between 7 and 16 weeks of age. If your dog has early experience with others, he’ll be able to curb aggression as he gets older. If you adopt an older pit bull who displays aggression, take baby steps toward interaction with others. Keep your pit bull on a leash near the dog park, for example. A Flexi Leash assists you in restraining your dog in a very easy and natural manner. As he learns to cooperate with other dogs, you can take additional measures to assimilate him. Training is paramount with pit bulls, especially those that grew up in unstable environments. Devote time to establishing commands. As your dog starts to recognize commands, you can use a training collar to reinforce the lessons. Dogs need to know they must listen to their master and behave, but also that they are cared for.

Spay and Neuter

Like all dogs, pit bulls deserve the dedication and commitment of loving owners. That means keeping these hounds off the street and out of the pound. Have your pit bull spayed or neutered by a well-known animal center to control the animal population. According to Davis Country Animal Care and Control, dogs who are fixed are less likely to attack or bite someone. It’s one more reason to do the responsible thing for your pit bull.

Keep Your Pet Bird Happy

You want to keep your feathered friend happy and healthy. In order to do this, you need to provide attention and entertainment which will give him mental stimulation.

Never keep your bird in a cage all day long. Birds need time to interact with you and allowed some exercise. Of course, your bird needs a safe place (his cage) when you are out of the house or otherwise unable to watch him. Placing the cage in an area where your bird can watch the daily activities of your family will help keep him entertained and feel part of the family.

While in the cage, keep stimulating toys available. Textured bird toys are available in sizes for small to large birds and contain variations of solid hardwood, leather, cotton string, plastic beads. This type toy is sure to keep your bird busy. Keep a few on hand and switch them up to alleviate boredom with the toys.

Other activity type toys includes mulit-dimensional mirrors, chains, rings, ball type, perches and ladders. Again, keep different types on hand to create a new interest every time a new type is introduced.

How to Prepare Your Home for Your New Four-Legged Friend

By giving a dog a forever home, you will not only be gaining a new best friend, but you will also be saving them from possible destruction. In some United States shelters, the number of animals destroyed can be extremely high. For example, the Columbus Dispatch reported that over 80 percent of the shelter dogs taken in Lawrence County, Ohio had to be put down in 2012. At the San Bernardino City Animal Shelter in San Bernardino, Calif., 45 percent of the animals at the shelter had to be euthanized in the first half of 2013, reported the San Bernardino County Sun. However, that figure was actually an improvement from the year before, when the number was over 65 percent. Fortunately for the dogs of San Francisco, people like you have been able to reduce the number of unwanted shelter animals that have to be euthanized in this city to about 20 percent.

For people living is Australia, you can check with pest control Brighton which is the best option to eliminate ticks and fleas at home before bringing the pets.

Catering to your Canine

Before you bring your new pet home, there are a few things you should do so that the transition from shelter to your house can be as smooth as possible. You can see more about how you can train your puppy.

Unless the animal you choose is an owner surrender with a detailed history, you may not have any idea whether they are house trained or if they have any other quirks, such as a tendency to chew or dig. Even if your dog was once house trained, it may take a few days to recall potty training after having spent time in the shelter environment. For those reasons, Petfinder.com suggests that you not give your new furry friend run of the house at first and, instead, choose a designated area that has easy to clean floors in case of an accident and where you can keep a watchful eye on them.
Consider having a pest control company do an inspection of your home and to treat your residence before your pet arrives. Olathe pest control get rid your home of harmful pests, such as fleas, ants, mice or rats that could either harm your new pet or be attracted to its food bowls.
Make sure you have a collar and leash for your new pet. Retractable leashes gives your pet the feeling of freedom while on a leash.
Check out the location of dog parks where you can take your new friend for playtime romps. Dog parks offer a way to burn off your new pet’s energy and can also be a place to meet fellow canine owners. Remember, a bored dog is more likely to cause problems than one that gets enough exercise and stimulation.
Buy toys and items to chew on for your dog. Chew toys are especially important for young dogs who could end up gnawing on your furniture or shoes if you don’t provide them with alternatives. The Humane Society considers toys a necessity for dogs rather than a luxury.
Don’t forget to ask what food your dog has been eating and to purchase the same type. Your dog may be feeling overwhelmed and nervous in the first few days and a change in diet could cause an upset stomach.
Purchase an identity tag for your dog with your contact information. Your new dog may have ended up in a shelter because it has a tendency to bolt out of doors or to jump fences. If an escape takes place, the tag will give anyone who finds them the information they will need to contact you.

Feeding Backyard Birds in Winter

Did you know that birds form flocks in the winter because it is easier to find food and protection from predators as a flock? As winter approaches birds change their eating habits. As the days grow short and the temperature drops, their natural food supply diminishes. The insects that were available in the summer are no longer available; water is frozen and high energy food scarce.

Here are some tips to help feed your backyard birds.

1. Hang your feeder out of the wind. The side of a house on the east or southeast works best.

2. Use a suet feeder. Suet is a high enery food that replenishes depleted stores of energy and nutrients. Remember birds need extra energy to keep warm in the winter months.

3. Use a seed feeder filled with Black Oil Sunflower Seed as a source of high quality protein and oil that has a high calorie/ounce ratio. The thin outer shell is easier for smaller wild birds to eat.

4. Provide a source of water. Bird baths are perfect for this, but remember it has to be kept unfrozen in order to help the birds. Use a heater or heated birdbath to accomplish this.

A chicken coop or hen house is a small house where, typically, female chickens or other fowl are kept safe and secure. There are nest boxes found inside the hen houses for egg-laying, and perches on which the birds can sleep. A chicken coop usually has an indoor area where the chickens can sleep and nest, as well as a fenced-in outdoor area where chickens will feed and spend the majority of the day (which is typically made from chicken wire). The coop should be cleaned after every two weeks, and the straw shifted every day, similar to a litter box. At night, the coop should be locked with all the birds inside of it, so that they are protected from predators. Both the inside and outdoor floors of a chicken coop are often strewn with a loose material such as straw or wood chips to deal with chicken droppings and to provide ventilation.

The purpose of a chicken coop is to protect chickens from bad weather – heat, cold, wind and rain and secure them from predators-especially foxes and cats. One method to protect chickens is to put an isolation material between two layers of wood or bricks. As too much heat can prove to be fatal, windows should be oriented in such a way as to prevent overheating, and proper ventilation measures should be taken to prevent infectious bronchitis and overheating as well. The hens can be released outside by daylight but should be locked in a coop at night.

The Hen House Collection has the best chicken coop for your chicken feeding needs. All of your birds wild and domestic will be cheering up your backyard!

5 Ways Pets Improve Senior Citizen Health

There’s a reason thousands of well-behaved canines have been labeled “therapy dogs” in the last several decades. During World War II, dogs comforted and provided furry companionship for injured soldiers. Today, therapy dogs are deployed to children’s hospitals and geriatric wards around the world, because they do so much to lift the spirits of those who are hurting or alone.

According to Off Leash K9 Phoenix dogs also are making their way into homes for specific therapy reasons. Some visit children whose active-duty military parent has just been deployed. Other dogs give senior citizens a much-needed housemate—and a reason to be more active.

The benefits dogs can have on the everyday life of a senior are innumerable, according to Discover Magazine

1. A loving pet can make seniors feel less isolated from the rest of the world. Pets give you a reason to get out of bed in the morning; to go for a walk, to fill their food bowls or just to toss the tennis ball for them. This can be especially beneficial for seniors, who often live by themselves and don’t have much company. Interaction with a pet reduces stress hormones among seniors, giving them a better sense of well-being as a result of their pet companionship, according to psychologists. Pets are great for seniors and having them in the same bed can really help, if your a senior who also snores these pillows to prevent snoring can help you.

2. Elderly pet owners are more likely to be active than non-pet owners. Seniors with pets just tend to get out more. Something about having a dog or other pet lends itself to a healthier, more active lifestyle. Studies have shown that dog walking gives a boost to the parasympathetic nervous system of seniors, which increases their calm and sense of well-being, and may actually have beneficial physical effects as well.

3. Pets reduce stress and dissolve depression. According to WebMd, pets give owners unconditional love, responsibility, and a fuzzy and warm body to pet, which are all factors in helping to reduce everyday stress and aiding those with depression. To further help with this, pet owners can use maeng da kratom products. Kratom, an herb found mostly in Thailand, has proven very effective to not only reduce stress but also anxiety. Pets also can encourage social activity that gets seniors out of their homes and around people.

4. Owning a pet can have medical benefits. While it’s fairly common knowledge that pets can make their owners happier, some studies have shown that they also can make them healthier. Pet owners generally live longer than the rest of the population, a lot of pet owners help their dog by getting them cbd oils for dogs to help them feel better. Plus, they’re less likely to die of heart disease and generally have lower blood pressure than their peers who don’t have pets.

5. Pets can improve seniors’ overall quality of life. If social and medical reasons weren’t enough to convince you, consider this: Pet owners have a higher quality of life in general, according to the Mayo Clinic. Pet owners are forced to focus outside themselves and on the needs of their pets—and they get a loyal, loving companion as part of the bargain.

Don’t forget to treat your pets like one of the family. A heated pet bed will warm you pet during the cold winter months. For your senior pet, consider a Heated Orthopedic Dog Bed to with orthopedic foam designed to provide your dog with lots of support.

Senior citizen health is always a concern from a loving family. If you have an loved one who is ill and no longer can take care of themselves, Agape Cottage can make sure to take of your loved one.

Why Workplaces Can Benefit From Housepets

Corporate life used to be described as dog-eat-dog. But in the last few years, the modern workforce has started going to the dogs, literally. Some companies have loosened once-firm policies banning pets in the office, and other companies are offering pet-friendly workplaces as an extra perk, much like free drinks, yoga or a relaxed dress code, according to the Wall Street Journal.

A lot of the permissiveness depends on the type of business (offices can be cool with it, but restaurants or places with food products are less so), the type of animal (dogs and cats are great, horses or larger livestock, maybe not), and the ownership (if the owner is fine with it, everyone else is likely fine).

Part of the reason comes from studies showing pets are beneficial to our well-being, everything from a tranquil aquarium in a doctor’s office to a resident cat in the warehouse.

The Humane Society of the United States found that co-workers at offices with dogs are more trusting and more cohesive.

Adopting a Pet-friendly Culture

If your company is considering adopting a pet-friendly culture, there are some definite concerns to address, such as co-workers or visitors with allergies, quarantine procedures for illness or fleas, controlling disruptions like barking or fighting, new housekeeping needs, risk of injury or contamination, or even zoning permits for animals. A supervisor may even wonder if possible improvements in morale will be balanced out by dips in productivity if employees spend too much time interacting with the resident critters.

Using pet gates to keep pets away from the “busy” areas of the office would be helpful. A
pet gate with a walk thru door is ideal for easy access. Consider a Free Standing Walk Over Gate designed to be placed any where without the use of tools. Easy to setup and take down, with no assembly requried.

Bringing Barks to the Office

Pet-friendly companies are eager to share what methods they’ve taken to ensure employee concerns are met and that it’s a good experience for everyone. Enjoy these examples:

American Kennel Club: The Raleigh-based employer offers benefits not just for ‘people’ like medical and dental coverage, but discounts for the AKC animal Healthcare Plan and free enrollment for purebred dog registration. Employees are encouraged to bring their dogs to work, and dogfriendly.com said they first must have an obedience title or a pass a Canine Good Citizen test, along with having current flea control and vaccinations. Dogs are asked to be by an employee’s desk during the day, but other employees are also responsible for them if the employee has to step away. There’s also a special outdoor walking area.
PrintingforLess: This Livingston, Mont., printing company welcomes dogs. Most pooches take it easy near their owner’s work stations, where there are usually plenty of soft pillows and toys. Inc. said company owner Andrew Field started the trend when he brought his dog in, and encouraged other employees to do the same. The company also created a dog policy requiring all dogs to be vaccinated and housebroken. They also must undergo a one-day tryout to see if they’ll fit in. Employees say they like the ability to interact with a friendly pet in between projects.
Schenk Medical Center: This Seymour, Ind., hospital has a pet therapy program, where patients are invited to interact with a specially trained Bermese mountain dog. USA Today says this has all sorts of positive results on their peace of mind, and also lowers stress levels for staff.

Why Exercise is Essential for Indoor and Outdoor Cats

Cats are known for sleeping more than most other animals, snoozing on average 12-16 hours each day. While this behavior is designed to conserve energy, felines need physical activity to keep their hearts, bodies, and minds healthy.

In the United States, it’s estimated that between 25 and 40 percent of cats are overweight and/or obese. This excessive weight is associated with an increased risk for major health issues, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. Aside from the health risks, being overweight may prevent your cat from exploring areas they would otherwise enjoy.

Exercise is one of the best methods to not only address weight issues with your cat, but to bond and satisfy their desire for play. While exercise can seem like a daunting task, it can be very fun for both owner and pet.

CBD Hemp Oil, can help regulate the digestive system and get it back on track. If your furry companion is having difficulties eating or has had an adverse effect from food, by following this website you will find all the information you need to start helping them immediately.

Hanging Cat Toys

While cat owners want to spend their free time playing with their pet, it’s not possible for them to be present 24/7. Providing an interactive dangling mouse toy is an easy way to provide physical stimulation during these times. Great for batting and swatting, all you need to do is hang the toy from a standard door and let your cat enjoy!

Scratching Posts

Scratching posts are a great addition to a felines play area. They allow the cat to act on natural urges to scratch (believed to be a communication mechanism) while getting them active. Placing scratching posts in their typical play areas can lead to increased physical activity.

Interactive Cat Food Balls

Cats tend to play more with toys when they’re hungry, so combining both activities can be a fun way to get your cat to be more active. Provide your cat with a small physical challenge to help encourage exercise. Cat food balls can help improve problem behavior such as: excessive meowing, attention seeking, scratching, pica, aggression and excessive toileting.

Remember: an occupied cat will spend more time playing with its own toys and less time with your possessions!

So… You Want a Pet Rabbit

Many people think that owning a rabbit has very little responsibility. A rabbit, like any pet, will need daily attention. Your rabbit will need feeding and watering every day, no matter how busy your schedule. It is important to keep your pet rabbit on a regular daily schedule for his food and water requirements.

In addition, you will need to clean the litter box regularly. A clean litterbox will encourage your rabbit to use it and of course, will keep prevent smelling. Clean litterboxes often, to encourage your rabbit to use them. Use white vinegar to rinse boxes out.

A list of basic supplies needed is below. All you need to add is love.

SUPPLIES