Pet Care

  The easiest way to boost your dog’s fiber intake is to add a high fiber food to their meals. The most commonly reached for item is pumpkin. It’s readily available as canned pumpkin. Smaller dogs will only need about a tablespoon added to their meals while larger dogs may need up to a quarter cup. As with any diet change in dogs, it’s recommended to start slowly, so if you have a large or giant breed, start with a smaller amount of pumpkin and slowly work your way up to a quarter cup. Green beans are another whole food that can be a great fiber source. Raw green beans are less digestible but they can be steamed for easier digestion. Obviously make sure they are sufficiently cooled before giving to your dog. Alternatively, frozen green beans are also a great option. Similar to pumpkin, smaller breed dogs may only need about a tablespoon (you can chop them up for easier measuring) while larger breed dogs can have a quarter cup. Sweet potatoes are another fantastic option for natural...

Whiskers are sensory hairs that are also called vibrassae, tactile hairs, or sinus hairs. They differ in structure from the hairs that make up your dog’s fur, not only in appearance, thickness, and stiffness, but also in how they are connected to your dog’s body and brain. Whiskers are only located on dogs’ faces and can be found above the eyes, around the nose, under the chin, and on the cheeks. Since dogs use their faces and noses to glean all sorts of information about their world, it makes sense that whiskers would develop in these areas to provide extra sensory input. What Are Dog Whiskers For? Whiskers help dogs perform a variety of vital functions, including: Finding their way in the dark Navigating through narrow or tight spaces Distinguishing objects up close where eyesight is less reliable Locating food and water Determining threats in the environment Expressing interest or curiosity Detecting wind direction for locating smells Picking up small objects with the mouth1

How much your dog sleeps will depend on a variety of factors: Puppies and older dogs will likely spend more of their time asleep. Overweight and sick dogs may also sleep more than healthy dogs. Certain breeds are predisposed towards sleeping more (ask someone who’s owned both a lazy Bernese mountain dog and a working-line border collie). Of course, hours and hours of snoozing can also be a sign of a problem. Many diseases and age-related problems can come with a change in sleeping patterns.1 Stress and separation anxiety can also manifest in extra daytime snoozing. In most cases, a dog that sleeps for 12 or more hours per day is no cause for concern. That’s just normal! But owners should be aware that excess sleep can also be a sign of potential problems, and it's best to talk to your vet when you have these concerns.

1. You are madly in love with your cat if you skip work just to avoid waking it up while it's peacefully asleep on thier lap. Even if it means delaying attending to a call of nature, you don't want to wake the furry creature. 2. Your smartphone contains more pictures of your cat than each other spouse or yourself . Yes! Your cat has won your heart, and you enjoy taking selfies with her. The cat's wacky activities are also all over your social media accounts. 3.You experience anxiety attacks when your cat's preferred cat treat or food runs out on well-known cat websites. 

  Before You Begin Find a place where you and your dog are comfortable, and get set up before you begin the nail trim. There are a few styles of nail trimmer available. The right choice depends on the size of your dog's nails and your own preference. Plier-style trimmers: These are spring-loaded and the mechanism resembles garden pruners. The small/medium timmers are great for small and medium-size nails. The large size typically works well on all nail sizes except the very small ones (they can leave the ends of small nails frayed). These are easy to use and tend to stay sharp for a long time, but the blades are not replaceable. Guillotine trimmers: This has an internal blade and a hole to line up the nail. When the handle is squeezed, the blade comes up to trim the nail, kind of like an upside-down guillotine. Many beginners find this type of trimmer very easy to use.

Usually dogs owners have the tendenct to share the food to their dogs. Sharing the food to dogs is good, but some human foods that are good for humans are not good for dogs health.  Xylitol: This compound is an artificial sweetener used in the preparation of toothpaste, candies, baked foods, and gums that is injurious to the dog’s health. It can cause hypoglycemia and dysfunction of the liver. Alcohol: Alcohol is injurious to the liver and brain of the dog in a similar way as it affects humans. Dog’s internal organs are more sensitive than those of humans, so dogs are more prone to side effects of alcohol. Common adverse effects of alcohol in dogs include diarrhea, breathing problems, coma, and death.   Onions and Garlic: Onions and garlic cause the destruction of red blood cells in dogs that result in anemia. You should keep onions and garlic away from your dog. Signs of toxicity of onion and garlic include vomiting, breathing issues, and weakness.  

From the cuddles to the cuteness, welcoming a new four-legged family member into your home is certainly an exciting time. However, that isn’t to say that those first hours with a new dog (or a new baby for that matter) don't come with their own unique challenges. There’s accidents and sleep deprivation and, much like becoming mom and dad to a human baby, many pet parents will wonder if they’re “doing it right." Here's what to do in those first 24 hours to help ease the transition for both the human and canine members of your family. Let them Settle In Within the first few hours after your dog's arrival, you’ll want to make sure that they have everything they’ll need to make your house feel like a forever home. Have the basic necessities already stocked, like: A leash and collar Poop bags Puppy food (preferably the brand they've already been eating) Toys Treats

Age-appropriate dog food and feeding schedule for Golden Retrievers For Infants (0 to 2 months) All of the pup's nutritional needs during the first four weeks of life are met by the mother dog's milk. If the mother's milk is not accessible for any reason, the newborn Golden Retriever pups can be fed a premium commercial puppy milk substitute, which provides all the nutrients found in mother's milk. Dietary Needs of a Young Dog Milk Omega 3 Fatty Acid: Improves puppies' cognitive abilities and eyesight. Maintains optimal digestive health and controls bowel movements with FOS prebiotics. Highly Digestible Proteins: Strengthen the neurological system and develop lean muscles in puppies. Antioxidants and essential vitamins: Vitamins A and D support bones.

Once you've mastered the basics of dog training-sit, down, come, stay-you can move on to the fun dog tricks. Teaching your dog to shake, roll over, spin, beg, or take a bow are mentally stimulating for the dog, a good way for you to bond, and reinforce the basic commands. Even a beginner can teach a puppy or adult dog to do fun tricks. 1.Kiss your pet Training a dog to kiss is one of the easiest tricks to teach. While not everyone enjoys a big, wet doggie smooch, this dog trick usually goes over very well with kids. By putting a little treat on your cheek and adding the command, you'll soon be able to get all the affection you want from your dog on demand! Another benefit of teaching your dog to kiss on cue is that is can help you prevent unwanted licking. 2.Speak to your pet Training a dog to speak is fun and it helps to solve a common behavior problem. Many dog trainers recommend using the 'speak' and 'quiet' commands to put an end to excessive barking. Puttin...

There could be a variety of reasons why your cat is acting out: Cat can feel stressed out when there are any changes in the household Cat may be suffering from medical problem. Cat can simply feel that it's conduct is inappropriate. It is very common for the owners of the pets that their cat is misbehaving because the cat is upser or spiteful. However, this case is not applicable everytime Redirecting her conduct rather than penalizing her for it is more likely to result in her getting back on the right track. By punishing her, you run the risk of making her feel scared by you, which can lead to even more stress and unhealthy behaviours in the long run. IF YOUR CAT IS AFRAID OF YOU, THIS WILL ALSO HAVE A NEGATIVE IMPACT ON YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH ONE ANOTHER.

Some of the most dangerous plants are also some of the most popular, including holiday favorites and garden mainstays. It's best to assume that all plants aren't good for your puppy and try to keep it from eating any of them. This includes plants like belladonna, English ivy, daffodils, tulips, foxglove, holly, rhubarb, yew, azalea, caladium, and nightshade. Keep your puppy away from these and all similar plants.Be particularly aware of plants around holidays, as these can also be toxic and are often brought into the home at times of maximum distraction. Poinsettias aren't as deadly as often thought, but do cause mild problems, such as excess salivation or gastrointestinal irritation. If your dog eats a poisonous plant, you are likely to see at least one or two of the following symptoms. However, if you know or strongly suspect that your pet ate a toxic plant, don't wait until symptoms appear before calling the veterinarian, because by the time they do, it could be too ...

Cat obedience training can be used to address a variety of typical feline behaviours. This can save you several days of headaches while also keeping you more connected to your cat’s needs. Scratching the furniture Using a spray bottle and urinating Keeping the litter box out of the way Aggression toward people or other animals is defined as follows: Stress Fear or apprehension Compulsive habits such as over-grooming, excessive scratching, or biting are examples of compulsive behaviours.

First & foremost, if your pet starts shedding excessively it’s time to call your veterinarian. It may be a symptom of: Fleas, lice or mites Contact with irritating substances Infections Allergies Pregnancy Disease Sunburn Aging How You Can Help 1. See your veterinarian to rule out illness 2. Brush regularly to catch loose fur before it drops around your home. Not only will it reduce the amount of fur in your home, but it will also help to keep your pet’s skin & fur healthy.  3. If your cat suffers from hairballs, brushing will help considerably! We use one of the most popular pet brushes, the Furminator, to minimize the amount of fur our Maine Coon ingests while grooming. Brush outside when it’s practical to do so.

What Does a Pet's Healthy Body Weight Look Like? Pet owners should generally be able to feel the  ribs of pets with little to no fat covering them. When watching a pet from the top or the side, the waist should be plainly discernible, upward slope will be there in the stomach. Never allow a cat or dog's tummy droop to the floor. What Justifies a Healthy Weight? Why is it crucial to maintain your pet's physical health? Keep in mind that your pet's If you're thinking about sneaking your pet a snack off the table, keep in mind that an overweight dog  may suffer major health problems. According to estimates, 56 percent of dogs and 60 % of cats across the country are overweight or obese. Major health issues that can make your pet uncomfortable and reduce their quality of life include the following: Diabetes Heart Disease Pancreatitis Kidney Disease Arthritis Cancer

The best cat shampoo combines safe and high quality ingredients in formulations that are appropriate for your cat's hair type and age. We evaluated a variety of shampoos including liquid, dry, and no-rinse options. Ideal for cats who suffer from food, insect and other allergies, this gentle, hypoallergenic formula is safe for all ages. Moisturizing shea butter and honey are the key ingredients in this cat shampoo. Honey is widely known for its antibacterial, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties so it balances oily skin and calms irritation. Customers remark on how soft and shiny their cat’s fur appears. Burt's Bees has been in the business since 1984. Their products are not tested on animals and their ingredients are responsibly sourced. Some best shampoos are: Best Overall: Burt's Bees Hypoallergenic Cat Shampoo Best Organic: Pawtitas Dog and Cat Shampoo and Conditioner Best for Dry or Sensitive: Pro Pet Works Natural Oatmeal Shampoo and Conditioner Best for Odor: A...

Working as a dog walker is rewarding: you get to care for adorable pups and enjoy the outdoors while getting some steps in. But as with any profession, dog walkers need to have the right tools to do their jobs safely. At Pet and Home Care, we provide Pet Care Team Training and Pet Pro Hero Training for our staff. In addition to these training protocols, our dog walkers use company-issued leash belts to ensure the pups are attached to them at all times. But even if you don’t undergo formal pet sitting and safety training, there are a few basic steps you can take to make sure your dog walks are more fun, comfortable, and above all, safe! Make sure all equipment fits snugly. This is to ensure that pets can’t wiggle out of their leashes or harnesses. But you don’t want to make it TOO tight. A good rule of thumb is to make sure you can comfortably slide your finger between the harness and your pet. Ensure that ID tags are worn at all times. By law, when a dog is in a public place, it must w...

Tweezers Tweezers are a must, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors. They can be used to remove splinters or any other foreign materials from wounds, and they're also a good first defense against ticks. A tick removal tool can also be helpful, particularly for families that spend a lot of time hiking or camping—or if you happen to live in close proximity to the woods. Scissors Scissors come in handy in both human and canine first-aid kits. They can be used for everything from cutting out an item that's trapped in your dog's fur or freeing them from something they may have gotten tangled in to cutting gauze or preparing a splint. Ice/Hot Packs The ability to provide your pup with ice and/or heat therapy in the event of an injury can be crucial. That way, if your dog seems to have suffered an acute injury or seems sore after strenuous exercise, you can start with ice and then switch to heat. Just be sure to always use a cloth between the pack and your dog's skin,...

Tips to Keeping Your Pet Hydrated Whenever you’re drinking water, make sure to think of your pet!  Offer fresh water and have multiple bowls available in the areas where your pet hangs out the most. At night, place drinking water by your pet’s sleeping spot. Try to limit the amount of time your pet spends in the sun. Do not leave a pet in the car unattended, ever! Small paddling pools can be fun and help your pet cool down. Put ice cubes in the water dish to entice more drinking. Add water to their food to increase daily water intake. What Are the Symptoms of Dehydration? Loss of skin elasticity. Loss of appetite. Vomiting with or without diarrhea. Reduced energy levels and lethargy. Panting. Sunken, dry-looking eyes. Dry nose. Dry, sticky gums.

1. Provide plenty of water and shade Dehydration in dogs and cats is a real possibility during the summer. Our dogs get much thirstier than we do when they get hot. Signs of dehydration include dry gums and excessive drooling. Make sure your pet always has access to fresh, clean water inside the house and bring a bottle. You might also switch to a wet dog food during the hotter months to increase fluid intake and dog health 2.Know the signs A dog's normal temperature is between 100° and 103°F, while a normal temperature in cats   ranges from 100.4º to 102.5ºF. Anything higher than that means your pet’s in danger. Watch for these possible symptoms of overheating: Heavy panting Dry or bright red gums Thick drool Vomiting Diarrhea Wobbly legs 3.Never leave your pet in the car Most pets love riding in cars. But they wouldn’t enjoy being stuck in it somewhere in the parking lot when it heats up to over 100 degrees. So, One of the dog care tips is  either take your pet with you or l...

1. Increased pet Health Giving your pet three or more 15-minute walks a day is one of the best things you can do to keep them healthy. Exercise keeps a dog's muscles toned and metabolic process running smoothly. Your dog's breed, age, and health conditions will determine how much exercise is appropriate for them.  2. Conserve Time Are you unable to run home for lunch because of your lengthy commute? Hiring a mid-day dog walker can help you manage that even if you work from home and are unable to take a break 3. A dog that is drained is a good dog! Burning off extra energy on a pleasant stroll will prevent your dog from developing damaging negative behaviours within your house. Your pet will be able to expend some of that extra energy by petstore going for petwalk, in the middle of the day and can then relax until you get home .