Many people worry about their pets during the hot summer months. Rightfully so; the hot summer temperatures can be deadly to pets. However, the winter months can be just as dangerous. The following winter weather safety tips will help you keep your pets safe and healthy this winter.
#1 Keep Your Cats and Dogs Inside
Cats love to snuggle up in warm places when they’re allowed outside. This often means they find the wheel well or hood of a car. An unsuspecting car owner can kill a cat with the turn of their ignition key. And the sub-zero temperatures can cause small animals to become hypothermic quickly. Make sure all pets have a warm and safe place to get in from the elements during the cold winter months.
#2 Don’t Let Your Dog Off Leash
Every year dogs get away from their owners. They wander out onto ponds with thin ice and fall in. And because the cold weather masks their scent, the APSCA reports that more dogs get lost during the winter than any other season.
#3 Winter Wear for Your Dog
Some dogs can benefit from outerwear. Dogs with short fur and an intolerance to cold can get extra protection from a winter coat. And many dogs’ pads are extremely sensitive. Booties can help keep snow and ice from getting packed in the hair on their feet and causing pain.
Veterinarians warn against putting a coat on your dog and letting it outside without supervision. Outerwear can become wet and tangled. And if the temperatures are particularly cold, the winter coat won't offer as much protection ad you may like.
#4 Age Matters
Old dogs and young puppies cannot regulate their body temperature very well. It’s important that they don’t stay outside too long. Make sure to keep a close eye on your pet if they’re vulnerable.
#5 Put Away Household Chemicals
Antifreeze is deadly. Every year cats and dogs get into the garage. They’re drawn to the sweet scent of antifreeze. Just a few drops will kill a beloved pet. Keep your animals out of the garage and keep the chemicals up off the floor and put away.
#6 Skip the Groomers
Allow your pet’s hair to grow a little longer during the winter months. The extra hair will help keep them warm. Never shave your dog to its skin. Save those haircuts for the warm weather months.
#7 Beef Up the Protein
If you have an active pet, you may want to consider adding a bit more protein to their diet. The protein will help improve your pet’s coat. It can also boost their metabolism, which in turn increases their body temperature. They’ll feel warmer and have the same amount of energy.
Pets need specific care and attention all year long. Each season brings new challenges. This winter, take care of your pets and protect them from the cold, ice, and snow.
Showing posts with label pet tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pet tips. Show all posts
Tuesday
Tips for Housebreaking Your Pet during Cold Weather
Housebreaking a dog is challenging any time of the year. And the cold weather adds an extra challenge. However, with a little information, advanced preparation and the right mindset you can housebreak your pet any time of the year – even the coldest days of winter.
Tip #1 Prepare the Location
One of the problems dogs have during the winter time is that they cannot smell as well. They cannot smell the dirt, other animals, and their waste. The cold air diminishes the scent. This makes it difficult for them to find the right spot.
A trained dog will spend minutes looking for a spot in the snow only to get too cold and have to go inside before they’ve done their business. The trick is to prepare a place in your yard for them to go. Shovel a patch of lawn clean so that your dog can find a nice patch of grass to go on. Additionally, having an established area in your yard will help reduce your clean-up process.
Tip #2 Know the Routine
Dogs need to use the bathroom as soon as they wake up – just like humans. They also need to use the bathroom after they play and exercise and a few minutes after they eat. Instead of waiting for your dog to tell you when they need to go out, take them outside on a schedule. Anticipate their needs and be proactive.
Tip #3 Rewards Work Better Than Punishments
Dogs are pleasers. They want you to be happy. When you’re happy they will go out of their way to repeat the behavior. When your dog makes a mistake in the house (and they will make a mistake in the house), don’t punish them. Take them outside immediately. If possible take the waste with you and place it on the lawn. As soon as your dog goes to the bathroom outside, reward them. Praise and treats both work well as rewards.
Tip #4 Use Consistent Language
Teach your dog the words you want to use. For example, “Do you want to go outside?” If you use this phrase every time you take your dog out, they’ll begin to respond when they want to go outside.
Tip #5 Choose the Right Tools
Crates are wonderful for young dogs because they give them a safe place to go. Your dog also won’t go to the bathroom in their crate so you can use it to control their training. If you choose to crate your dog, make sure you let it outside immediately after opening the crate - and don’t leave them in the crate for longer than they can hold their bladder.
Some people prefer to train their dogs to signal to them when they need to go outside. For example, they may hang a bell from the door knob and train the dog to ring the bell when it needs to go outside. This is advanced training and isn’t required to housebreak your dog.
Finally, make sure you approach the housebreaking experience as a positive one. If the dog senses you don’t want to take it outside, it will try not to go. Keep boots and a coat near the door so you can take the dog out and be comfortable when you’re out there. Make it pleasant for the both of you.
Tip #1 Prepare the Location
One of the problems dogs have during the winter time is that they cannot smell as well. They cannot smell the dirt, other animals, and their waste. The cold air diminishes the scent. This makes it difficult for them to find the right spot.
A trained dog will spend minutes looking for a spot in the snow only to get too cold and have to go inside before they’ve done their business. The trick is to prepare a place in your yard for them to go. Shovel a patch of lawn clean so that your dog can find a nice patch of grass to go on. Additionally, having an established area in your yard will help reduce your clean-up process.
Tip #2 Know the Routine
Dogs need to use the bathroom as soon as they wake up – just like humans. They also need to use the bathroom after they play and exercise and a few minutes after they eat. Instead of waiting for your dog to tell you when they need to go out, take them outside on a schedule. Anticipate their needs and be proactive.
Tip #3 Rewards Work Better Than Punishments
Dogs are pleasers. They want you to be happy. When you’re happy they will go out of their way to repeat the behavior. When your dog makes a mistake in the house (and they will make a mistake in the house), don’t punish them. Take them outside immediately. If possible take the waste with you and place it on the lawn. As soon as your dog goes to the bathroom outside, reward them. Praise and treats both work well as rewards.
Tip #4 Use Consistent Language
Teach your dog the words you want to use. For example, “Do you want to go outside?” If you use this phrase every time you take your dog out, they’ll begin to respond when they want to go outside.
Tip #5 Choose the Right Tools
Crates are wonderful for young dogs because they give them a safe place to go. Your dog also won’t go to the bathroom in their crate so you can use it to control their training. If you choose to crate your dog, make sure you let it outside immediately after opening the crate - and don’t leave them in the crate for longer than they can hold their bladder.
Some people prefer to train their dogs to signal to them when they need to go outside. For example, they may hang a bell from the door knob and train the dog to ring the bell when it needs to go outside. This is advanced training and isn’t required to housebreak your dog.
Finally, make sure you approach the housebreaking experience as a positive one. If the dog senses you don’t want to take it outside, it will try not to go. Keep boots and a coat near the door so you can take the dog out and be comfortable when you’re out there. Make it pleasant for the both of you.
Tips to Safely Board Your Pet during the Holidays
The holidays often require families to travel out of town. Flying or driving with your pet often doesn’t make sense. Flying is expensive and dangerous for many animals. And driving with a pet is stressful for them and you. Additionally, it can be challenging to find a place to stay where your pet is welcomed.
The solution for many families is to board their pets during the holidays. Yet boarding your pet is akin to finding a nanny for your children. It’s important to find someone who will care for your pet and love them almost as much as you do. Let’s take a look at some tips to help you find the best situation for your beloved pet.
#1 Visit Any Kennel by Yourself First
Finding the right boarding situation requires ample planning time. Ideally, you’ll be able to visit a few in your area and talk with the owners. Ask to see where the pets play and where they sleep. Don’t schedule an appointment, but rather stop in. This way you’ll be able to see the reality of the kennel. Are the animals in the kennel happy? Are they playing? Does the space look clean and well maintained? Are the employees happy and alert?
#2 Ask Questions
During your visit it’s important to ask a lot of questions. Ask about playtime and feeding time. What’s their schedule? What do they do when there’s an altercation between animals? If you have a small breed, do they have a separate area to play? What if an animal needs some quiet time - is there a place where they can rest? Do they have a veterinarian on call? How many people are on staff over the holidays and weekends?
#3 Trust Your Instincts
If a place doesn’t feel right, trust your gut. If you don’t feel comfortable leaving your pet at a kennel, it’s going to affect your entire trip away. There are wonderful boarders and kennels in your area. Wouldn’t you rather leave your pet with someone you trust so you can relax and enjoy your holiday?
#4 Read Reviews and Ask for Recommendations
One of the best ways to find a great boarding situation is to ask friends and associates who have pets. They may be able to refer you to a great place. And it’s a lot easier to leave your pet with a new person if they’ve been recommended by someone you know and trust.
#5 Consider a Pet Sitter
Many people want to make a little extra money during the holidays. If you know of a college student or responsible teenager who you trust, consider asking them to pet sit for you. This way your pet doesn’t have to deal with a new environment. They can stay in their home where they’re comfortable. And you can trust that your pet sitter is exercising and feeding your pet. You may even ask for regular updates via text message or Facebook to make you feel a bit more comfortable with the situation.
Boarding your pet during the holidays can be stressful for both you and your pet. Take the time to find the right situation. Trust the person you’re leaving your pet with and you’ll have a more enjoyable time away.
Pill for Cats
Giving a cat a pill can be a nightmare. No cat wants something shoved down his throat, and he will fight you tooth and nail to prevent it. Although most cats are small in size, you would be quite amazed with how much power they actually have. There are ways that you can get your cat to take his pills, which we will cover below.
The easiest way to give a cat pill is to crush the power into a powdery form by putting it between two spoons. Once the pill is powder, mix it in with some wet cat food. Cats that are used to eating dry cat food will see the wet food and think of it as a treat. They will normally eat it up, unaware that they just took their medicine.
If the medicine happens to be in capsule form, all you have to do is pry the capsule apart then sprinkle the medicine on some wet food and serve it to your pet. If the food also contains the pill or if your pet is sick, chances are he won't eat it. In this event, you should look into a Pet Piller. The Pet Piller is a device used to administer tablets and capsules to pets safely, quickly, and easily. You can get these handy devices from your veterinarian. They are plastic rods that hold the pill until you press a plunger. When you get one, you should always get a long one with a softer tip.
When you get your gun, your veterinarian should show you how to use it. The most difficult aspect of using the gun is getting your cat to open his mouth. The gun will more or less shoot the pill in the cat's mouth, and down his throat. You will need to hold him tight, to make sure that he does not wiggle his way loose. Once you have his mouth open, you will need to squeeze the trigger and pull the gun away quickly. After the pill has been inserted, make sure you give your cat a treat.
If you are not comfortable using the gun, you can always try giving your cat his pills by hand. To do it this way, you will need to hold your cat still, and open his mouth with your hand. Once you have his mouth open, you should aim for the back of his throat and throw the pill in. Once it is in his mouth, you should close his mouth with your hand and hold it shut for a few moments. This way, your cat will swallow the pill if he has not already.
If you can not get any of the above techniques to work, you can always go to a local pharmacy and get them to a make flavored gel or liquid using your cats medication. You should use this as a last resort though, as it can tend to get expensive.
The easiest way to give a cat pill is to crush the power into a powdery form by putting it between two spoons. Once the pill is powder, mix it in with some wet cat food. Cats that are used to eating dry cat food will see the wet food and think of it as a treat. They will normally eat it up, unaware that they just took their medicine.
If the medicine happens to be in capsule form, all you have to do is pry the capsule apart then sprinkle the medicine on some wet food and serve it to your pet. If the food also contains the pill or if your pet is sick, chances are he won't eat it. In this event, you should look into a Pet Piller. The Pet Piller is a device used to administer tablets and capsules to pets safely, quickly, and easily. You can get these handy devices from your veterinarian. They are plastic rods that hold the pill until you press a plunger. When you get one, you should always get a long one with a softer tip. When you get your gun, your veterinarian should show you how to use it. The most difficult aspect of using the gun is getting your cat to open his mouth. The gun will more or less shoot the pill in the cat's mouth, and down his throat. You will need to hold him tight, to make sure that he does not wiggle his way loose. Once you have his mouth open, you will need to squeeze the trigger and pull the gun away quickly. After the pill has been inserted, make sure you give your cat a treat.
If you are not comfortable using the gun, you can always try giving your cat his pills by hand. To do it this way, you will need to hold your cat still, and open his mouth with your hand. Once you have his mouth open, you should aim for the back of his throat and throw the pill in. Once it is in his mouth, you should close his mouth with your hand and hold it shut for a few moments. This way, your cat will swallow the pill if he has not already.
If you can not get any of the above techniques to work, you can always go to a local pharmacy and get them to a make flavored gel or liquid using your cats medication. You should use this as a last resort though, as it can tend to get expensive.
Friday
Dog Toilet Training
Unless you have a sixth sense you can't predict when and where your dog is going to do the toilet, that is why dog toilet training is necessary. Dogs need to learn to “hold it” and go where he is supposed to as they do not know any different. In the wild dogs can go when and where they please, but this is not the wild and they need to be taught the difference.
Dog toilet training can be something of a difficult task. Every day needs to be the same and you need to give him constant attention when you can; this will make the toilet training procedure a lot easier. Your training process will take longer if you are working out of the house quite often as your dog will need to go and the house is the only place that he can.
When you start out dog toilet training you need to give him a place of his own, maybe a corner of your back room. That should be where you put his food and his bed and his toys and cover the whole floor in newspaper. When you leave the house make sure he is in that room and can not get out.
When you're gone he will obviously need the toilet and will go where he is standing, but over time he will pick a place and start to do his business in the one place, when he starts to do that you can then start to remove the paper from the area furthest away from his chosen spot. Gradually continue this until it is only a small space available for him to go, if he misses the paper then you are moving a little bit too fast and need to go back a step or two until you get to as little papers as possible. When he gets older he will be able to control his bladder movements a lot easier.
When you're at home spend as much time with your dog as possible. Dog toilet training will be much easier if you do. Every 45 minutes or so take your dog outside and whenever he does the toilet outside make sure he is praised very happily and excitedly with lots of enthusiasm, and do this every time that he “goes” outside. He will realize that this is where he needs to go to the toilet and when he can control his bladder a little better he will wait until you come to let him out. It does take a lot of time and patience though.
Never scold your dog for doing the toilet in the house as he does not know any better. We did the toilet in our nappies until we were potty trained because there was nothing else we could do about it, when we needed we went, well dogs are the same. No dog is properly toilet trained until he is about six months old so it is a lengthy procedure but a great one when the end results start to show!
Related post about Dog Trainings:
- Dog House Training Tips
- Dog Agility Training
- Dog Training Equipments
- Dog Behaviour Training
- Dog Obedience Training
- Boxer Dog Training
- Dog Training Tip
- Aggressive Dog and Older Dog
- Dog Training Technique
- Basic Dog Training
- Home Dog Training Tips
- Tips for buy your first puppy
- Bull Mastiff
- Bullmastiff
- The Happy Puppy Owner's Guide To Housetraining Your Puppy
- Dog Training
- How Inspiring Dog Tales Can Be
- Best Selling Dog Books
- Dogs are a part of daily life
- Best Dog Tracking System
- Get Your Dog Ready For Dog Shows
- How to Make Your Dog Win Races
- Obedience Training for Your Dog
- How to Housebreak Your Puppy
- Canine Hip Dysplasia
- Basic Puppy Training
- How to Pet-Proof Your Holidays
- The Rewards Of Training Your Dog
- Training Your Dog to Sit
- Potty Training Your Puppy!
- Dog Training Tips
Dog toilet training can be something of a difficult task. Every day needs to be the same and you need to give him constant attention when you can; this will make the toilet training procedure a lot easier. Your training process will take longer if you are working out of the house quite often as your dog will need to go and the house is the only place that he can.
When you start out dog toilet training you need to give him a place of his own, maybe a corner of your back room. That should be where you put his food and his bed and his toys and cover the whole floor in newspaper. When you leave the house make sure he is in that room and can not get out.
When you're gone he will obviously need the toilet and will go where he is standing, but over time he will pick a place and start to do his business in the one place, when he starts to do that you can then start to remove the paper from the area furthest away from his chosen spot. Gradually continue this until it is only a small space available for him to go, if he misses the paper then you are moving a little bit too fast and need to go back a step or two until you get to as little papers as possible. When he gets older he will be able to control his bladder movements a lot easier.
When you're at home spend as much time with your dog as possible. Dog toilet training will be much easier if you do. Every 45 minutes or so take your dog outside and whenever he does the toilet outside make sure he is praised very happily and excitedly with lots of enthusiasm, and do this every time that he “goes” outside. He will realize that this is where he needs to go to the toilet and when he can control his bladder a little better he will wait until you come to let him out. It does take a lot of time and patience though.
Never scold your dog for doing the toilet in the house as he does not know any better. We did the toilet in our nappies until we were potty trained because there was nothing else we could do about it, when we needed we went, well dogs are the same. No dog is properly toilet trained until he is about six months old so it is a lengthy procedure but a great one when the end results start to show!
Related post about Dog Trainings:
- Dog House Training Tips
- Dog Agility Training
- Dog Training Equipments
- Dog Behaviour Training
- Dog Obedience Training
- Boxer Dog Training
- Dog Training Tip
- Aggressive Dog and Older Dog
- Dog Training Technique
- Basic Dog Training
- Home Dog Training Tips
- Tips for buy your first puppy
- Bull Mastiff
- Bullmastiff
- The Happy Puppy Owner's Guide To Housetraining Your Puppy
- Dog Training
- How Inspiring Dog Tales Can Be
- Best Selling Dog Books
- Dogs are a part of daily life
- Best Dog Tracking System
- Get Your Dog Ready For Dog Shows
- How to Make Your Dog Win Races
- Obedience Training for Your Dog
- How to Housebreak Your Puppy
- Canine Hip Dysplasia
- Basic Puppy Training
- How to Pet-Proof Your Holidays
- The Rewards Of Training Your Dog
- Training Your Dog to Sit
- Potty Training Your Puppy!
- Dog Training Tips
Wednesday
Caring For Persian Cats
These days, Persian cats are among the most popular breeds of cat. Well known for their gentle and sweet personalities and their long hair, Persian cats have very attractive features. They're great companions for virtually anyone, and not very demanding. Unlike other breeds, such as the Siamese breed, Persian breeds need very little attention.
Although white is the color normally associated with Persian cats, they actually come in a variety of other colors as well. During competitions, they're divided into seven color divisions – solid, silver and gold, tabby, shaded and smoke, bicolor, particolor, and Himalayan. No matter what color of Persian cat it may be, they're best noticed during competitions by their long and flowing coats.
Persian cats should always be kept inside of the house, to protect their coat. If they travel outside, they can easily damage their coat. They will also need to be brushed daily with a metal comb, or their coat can become tangled, which will lead to hairballs. You will need to bathe your Persian cat on a regular basis as well, to help protect his coat. Bathing works best when the cat is young, as it will get him used to it. Bathing should never be overlooked, as it will keep your cats coat looking clean and healthy. Although some breeds can maintain their coats on their own, Persians can’t. Their fur is long and dense and you will need to groom them daily to ensure their coat stays healthy.
The Persian breed is gentle and sweet, getting along great with everyone – including kids. They have a pleasant voice that is always good to hear. Using their voice and their eyes, they can communicate very well with their owners. They're very playful, yet they do not require a lot of attention. They love attention however, and love being admired. Unlike other cats, they don’t climb and jump much at all. They are not destructive either; they just love being admired and lying around. A majority of the time, Persian cats love to bask in the sun and show others just how beautiful they truly are.
Although most breeds can be kept indoors or outside, Persian cats should always be kept inside and never allowed to go outside of the house. Keeping them inside with protect their coats and also keep diseases and common parasites away from them as well. You won’t have to worry about cars or dogs either if you keep your pet inside.
To ensure that your Persian pet stays healthy, you should always take him to the vet on an annual basis. If cared for properly, such as grooming, shots, and checkups, Persian cats can live as long as 20 years. One thing you’ll need to be aware of that’s common with Persians is their eyes. Their eyes are very big and can sometimes be too much for the cat to clean. This is a common healthy problem with the breed, and should be checked on a regular basis to ensure that it does not get out of control.
When you compare Persians to other breeds, you will notice that the Persians are among the easiest to keep. You don’t have to worry about things like climbing or jumping, as Persians don't like to do either. All you will need to do is feed your cat and groom him or him on a daily basis. Even though grooming can be quite a bit of work in the long run – it’s well worth it when you have a healthy and beautiful Persian cat.
Although white is the color normally associated with Persian cats, they actually come in a variety of other colors as well. During competitions, they're divided into seven color divisions – solid, silver and gold, tabby, shaded and smoke, bicolor, particolor, and Himalayan. No matter what color of Persian cat it may be, they're best noticed during competitions by their long and flowing coats. Persian cats should always be kept inside of the house, to protect their coat. If they travel outside, they can easily damage their coat. They will also need to be brushed daily with a metal comb, or their coat can become tangled, which will lead to hairballs. You will need to bathe your Persian cat on a regular basis as well, to help protect his coat. Bathing works best when the cat is young, as it will get him used to it. Bathing should never be overlooked, as it will keep your cats coat looking clean and healthy. Although some breeds can maintain their coats on their own, Persians can’t. Their fur is long and dense and you will need to groom them daily to ensure their coat stays healthy.
The Persian breed is gentle and sweet, getting along great with everyone – including kids. They have a pleasant voice that is always good to hear. Using their voice and their eyes, they can communicate very well with their owners. They're very playful, yet they do not require a lot of attention. They love attention however, and love being admired. Unlike other cats, they don’t climb and jump much at all. They are not destructive either; they just love being admired and lying around. A majority of the time, Persian cats love to bask in the sun and show others just how beautiful they truly are.
Although most breeds can be kept indoors or outside, Persian cats should always be kept inside and never allowed to go outside of the house. Keeping them inside with protect their coats and also keep diseases and common parasites away from them as well. You won’t have to worry about cars or dogs either if you keep your pet inside.
To ensure that your Persian pet stays healthy, you should always take him to the vet on an annual basis. If cared for properly, such as grooming, shots, and checkups, Persian cats can live as long as 20 years. One thing you’ll need to be aware of that’s common with Persians is their eyes. Their eyes are very big and can sometimes be too much for the cat to clean. This is a common healthy problem with the breed, and should be checked on a regular basis to ensure that it does not get out of control.
When you compare Persians to other breeds, you will notice that the Persians are among the easiest to keep. You don’t have to worry about things like climbing or jumping, as Persians don't like to do either. All you will need to do is feed your cat and groom him or him on a daily basis. Even though grooming can be quite a bit of work in the long run – it’s well worth it when you have a healthy and beautiful Persian cat.
Friday
Taking Your Cat for a Walk
There's nothing strange about taking a dog for a walk, but taking a cat, well that's a whole new ballgame. Though taking a cat for a walk is not as difficult as it may seem. With a little patience and a very secure cat harness, it is possible.
Many people believe that cats should be kept indoor at all times, so our precious wildlife is protected. Cats can be notorious killers of small animals, and keeping them indoors is a great way to keep them under control. But do we know if cats are capable of missing the outdoors? Are we depriving them of some inbuilt instinct to hunt and capture their prey?
An easy way to overcome this is to let our cats outdoors, but only if they are fully under control. There are a few steps to take that will eventually allow you to take your cat outdoors, in a safe and secure manner.
Start by purchasing a cat harness and lead. These are available from your local veterinary surgery or pet supply store. If they don't have any in stock you can also use a very small dog harness, the size that is appropriate for a Chihuahua.
Introduce the harness to the cat slowly, leaving it nears its bed and food bowls on a regular basis, over a period of days. Attempt to put the harness on the cat when it no longer appears interested in it. Continue putting the harness on for a two week period, until the cat accepts the harness as part of the daily routine.
The final step is to lead the cat outside, in small bursts only, for just a few seconds at a time. Each day, increase the amount of time spent outside. After a week or two of this, your cat should be very comfortable with the harness and with being outside.
If you have reached this step, congratulations. You can now start to slowly walk your cat for short distances. Soon enough your cat will be sitting at the front door waiting for you to take it for a walk.
Walking your cat is a great way to relieve their boredom and give them some exercise at the same time. It can stimulate their senses, exercise their body and hopefully save some of your household furniture from scratches. Give it a go, your cat will thank you for it.
Many people believe that cats should be kept indoor at all times, so our precious wildlife is protected. Cats can be notorious killers of small animals, and keeping them indoors is a great way to keep them under control. But do we know if cats are capable of missing the outdoors? Are we depriving them of some inbuilt instinct to hunt and capture their prey?
An easy way to overcome this is to let our cats outdoors, but only if they are fully under control. There are a few steps to take that will eventually allow you to take your cat outdoors, in a safe and secure manner.
Start by purchasing a cat harness and lead. These are available from your local veterinary surgery or pet supply store. If they don't have any in stock you can also use a very small dog harness, the size that is appropriate for a Chihuahua.
Introduce the harness to the cat slowly, leaving it nears its bed and food bowls on a regular basis, over a period of days. Attempt to put the harness on the cat when it no longer appears interested in it. Continue putting the harness on for a two week period, until the cat accepts the harness as part of the daily routine.
The final step is to lead the cat outside, in small bursts only, for just a few seconds at a time. Each day, increase the amount of time spent outside. After a week or two of this, your cat should be very comfortable with the harness and with being outside.
If you have reached this step, congratulations. You can now start to slowly walk your cat for short distances. Soon enough your cat will be sitting at the front door waiting for you to take it for a walk.
Walking your cat is a great way to relieve their boredom and give them some exercise at the same time. It can stimulate their senses, exercise their body and hopefully save some of your household furniture from scratches. Give it a go, your cat will thank you for it.
Tuesday
Grooming Your Way to a Healthy Dog
Most people are aware of the typical benefits of grooming their dog such as removing knots and tangles in the coat, allowing air to flow through the fur much easier making the dog cooler, and giving the dog's coat a nice healthy shine. But there are many lesser known benefits to a regular grooming regime for your pet.
It may come as a surprise for some dog owners to know that the simple act of grooming can do much more for their pet than just improving the look of the coat. By making grooming a regular activity with your dog you'll be pleasantly surprised by the numerous health benefits that can be achieved.
Some of the many health benefits of grooming include:
1) Removes dead hair which improves the overall look of the coat as only new healthy hair is left behind. Better air circulation through the fur leaves your dog cooler and more comfortable in hot weather. Matted and tangled hair is also a common problem especially among active dogs which can be greatly improved by regular grooming.
2) Ability to notice any potential health problems by becoming familiar with your dog's body. Tender areas for instance could indicate an injury of some sort which may require further investigation. It is also important to look for health dangers such as ticks which if left undetected can be deadly to your pet.
3) Improves the emotional state of your pet because of the bonding achieved whilst grooming. A gentle hand and a pleasant voice while grooming a long way will establish a bond with your dog and helps build trust between you and your dog.
4) The act of grooming improves blood flow to the follicles of each hair improving the health of the entire coat. The lymphatic system is also stimulated by grooming giving similar health benefits to those given by a massage for humans.
5) It is also a good idea to pay attention to your dog's paws while grooming by clipping long nails and checking the pads of the feet for any sore areas that may need attention.
You can find all the tools you need for effective grooming at local pet supply stores or by searching the internet where you'll also find lots of tips and advice. Most areas also have classes through community colleges where you can learn the correct methods of grooming your pet. Also check out dog clubs and groups where you will find other dog owners to give you some tips and advice on where to start.
If you find that you enjoy grooming and become proficient enough you may wish to start a dog grooming service in your local area. Dog grooming is in big demand and can be a profitable part-time/full-time business.
By putting in a little time and effort along with a few dollars for some basic grooming tools you will be greatly rewarded with a healthier, happier dog. Even if you're just starting to learn about correct grooming techniques your dog will still benefit greatly from the little time and effort involved in grooming.
It may come as a surprise for some dog owners to know that the simple act of grooming can do much more for their pet than just improving the look of the coat. By making grooming a regular activity with your dog you'll be pleasantly surprised by the numerous health benefits that can be achieved.
Some of the many health benefits of grooming include:
1) Removes dead hair which improves the overall look of the coat as only new healthy hair is left behind. Better air circulation through the fur leaves your dog cooler and more comfortable in hot weather. Matted and tangled hair is also a common problem especially among active dogs which can be greatly improved by regular grooming.
2) Ability to notice any potential health problems by becoming familiar with your dog's body. Tender areas for instance could indicate an injury of some sort which may require further investigation. It is also important to look for health dangers such as ticks which if left undetected can be deadly to your pet.
3) Improves the emotional state of your pet because of the bonding achieved whilst grooming. A gentle hand and a pleasant voice while grooming a long way will establish a bond with your dog and helps build trust between you and your dog.
4) The act of grooming improves blood flow to the follicles of each hair improving the health of the entire coat. The lymphatic system is also stimulated by grooming giving similar health benefits to those given by a massage for humans.
5) It is also a good idea to pay attention to your dog's paws while grooming by clipping long nails and checking the pads of the feet for any sore areas that may need attention.
You can find all the tools you need for effective grooming at local pet supply stores or by searching the internet where you'll also find lots of tips and advice. Most areas also have classes through community colleges where you can learn the correct methods of grooming your pet. Also check out dog clubs and groups where you will find other dog owners to give you some tips and advice on where to start.
If you find that you enjoy grooming and become proficient enough you may wish to start a dog grooming service in your local area. Dog grooming is in big demand and can be a profitable part-time/full-time business.
By putting in a little time and effort along with a few dollars for some basic grooming tools you will be greatly rewarded with a healthier, happier dog. Even if you're just starting to learn about correct grooming techniques your dog will still benefit greatly from the little time and effort involved in grooming.
Tips for buy your first puppy
5 Things You Need to Know Before You Buy Your First Puppy
Your kids want a puppy. All your neighbors have dogs. It’s the great American Dream (for children, anyway) to have a dog like Lassie. However, if this is your first puppy, there are some things you need to know before you commit to buying a dog.
#1 - Dogs Take Time. Puppies Take More Time.
Having a puppy is like having a 2-year-old. Until they are trained (see #2), they require pretty much constant supervision. After they are trained, they still require supervision until they are older. If you can't entertain them all day, you may want to consider two dogs, or a cat. Or puppy day care!
#2 - Puppies Need Training. And so do your children.
When I was growing up, we had a dog - for a while. It didn't work out because my parents didn't realize that puppies need training. We were a cat family - and you can pretty much ignore cats. Not so with dogs.
You will need several puppy classes and possibly more classes when your puppy is grown. Dogs are not independent, and you need to teach them proper behavior.
If you have children, they need to take the classes with their puppies so they can learn how to interact with your new pet.
#3: Puppies Cost Money.
Ok - this isn't unreasonable, but you need to be prepared to add your puppy into your budget. You will have many expenses, especially when you first get your new puppy. They need toys, bones, shots, registrations with the state, and don't forget the food, doghouses, collars, clothes (no really - it’s a big business - you'll be tempted!) vet bills, and training (see #2).
Dogs are one of the most expensive pets around. Most puppies are part of the family - and will cost you like part of the family. Don't go into this venture thinking they're cheap.
#4 - Puppies Grow Into Dogs.
I know that's obvious - but you need to be sure you know how big your dog will be. If you have young children, your puppy may outweigh them within a year. Do the research so you know how big your cute little puppy will be when he's a dog.
If your pet is a mixed breed dog, look at the paws. Usually, a puppy will grow into their paws.
#5 - Dogs Need Exercise.
And people need exercise - so this can actually be an advantage if handled properly. Puppies need room to run and play. They need people to play with, and they need toys to play with. If you lead a very sedentary lifestyle, be sure you pick a dog breed that is low activity.
The larger the dog, the more room and exercise they need. You will probably need to walk your dog several times a week. Be sure and plan that into your schedule now - or you may find your puppy running around the house all day without you.
Owning a dog can be a very rewarding experience - even if this is your first puppy. Your dog will become one of the family and be a faithful companion for life. Be prepared for your new puppy, and it will be a great adventure for both of you.
Your kids want a puppy. All your neighbors have dogs. It’s the great American Dream (for children, anyway) to have a dog like Lassie. However, if this is your first puppy, there are some things you need to know before you commit to buying a dog.
#1 - Dogs Take Time. Puppies Take More Time.
Having a puppy is like having a 2-year-old. Until they are trained (see #2), they require pretty much constant supervision. After they are trained, they still require supervision until they are older. If you can't entertain them all day, you may want to consider two dogs, or a cat. Or puppy day care!
#2 - Puppies Need Training. And so do your children.
When I was growing up, we had a dog - for a while. It didn't work out because my parents didn't realize that puppies need training. We were a cat family - and you can pretty much ignore cats. Not so with dogs.
You will need several puppy classes and possibly more classes when your puppy is grown. Dogs are not independent, and you need to teach them proper behavior.
If you have children, they need to take the classes with their puppies so they can learn how to interact with your new pet.
#3: Puppies Cost Money.
Ok - this isn't unreasonable, but you need to be prepared to add your puppy into your budget. You will have many expenses, especially when you first get your new puppy. They need toys, bones, shots, registrations with the state, and don't forget the food, doghouses, collars, clothes (no really - it’s a big business - you'll be tempted!) vet bills, and training (see #2).
Dogs are one of the most expensive pets around. Most puppies are part of the family - and will cost you like part of the family. Don't go into this venture thinking they're cheap.
#4 - Puppies Grow Into Dogs.
I know that's obvious - but you need to be sure you know how big your dog will be. If you have young children, your puppy may outweigh them within a year. Do the research so you know how big your cute little puppy will be when he's a dog.
If your pet is a mixed breed dog, look at the paws. Usually, a puppy will grow into their paws.
#5 - Dogs Need Exercise.
And people need exercise - so this can actually be an advantage if handled properly. Puppies need room to run and play. They need people to play with, and they need toys to play with. If you lead a very sedentary lifestyle, be sure you pick a dog breed that is low activity.
The larger the dog, the more room and exercise they need. You will probably need to walk your dog several times a week. Be sure and plan that into your schedule now - or you may find your puppy running around the house all day without you.
Owning a dog can be a very rewarding experience - even if this is your first puppy. Your dog will become one of the family and be a faithful companion for life. Be prepared for your new puppy, and it will be a great adventure for both of you.
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