5 best products on Amazon for first-time dog owners!
It is a scary task to prepare for a new arrival at your house. Adopting a dog comes with its own set of responsibilities. Dogs are an amazing pet to have, they shower you with unconditional love, they have the most exuberant energy and they can brighten up any bad day. If you are deciding to be a new dog owner then there are some things you have to prepare for. For the impending arrival of your new fur buddy, you need to have at least 5 essential items on hand. These include safety measures, sleeping arrangements, and food necessities. If you want to find out what products are best, then keep on reading because we have some of the best and easily accessible models listed just for you! Joytale Reflective dog collar 1. Joytale Reflective dog collar One of the first things you will need to bring your dog home is a dog collar. With the details of your pooch on the inlet in the collar, this product will help your dog find its way back home. The Joytale Reflective Dog Collar is one of the most affordable options on Amazon. It has a reflective quality that ensures visibility in the dark, ensuring the safety of your pet. It is made of nylon and padded neoprene rubber material, and will not cause your dog any discomfort or irritation. It also comes in 12 different colors to fit every pooch’s personality! The added perk of style with safety makes it an instant bestseller. Equipped with quick-release buckles you can easily alter lengths and take it on/off. 2. MidWest Bolster Pet Bed A dog bed needs to be present before your puppy arrives at your home. It will immediately reassure your dog that your place is welcoming and warm. The MidWest Bolster Pet Bed is the number one bestseller on Amazon for dog beds. It fits an 18-inch-long dog crate and can be used separately as well. It can also be used to tempt your puppy into using a dog crate if your preferred breed of dog is a large one. Made of soft synthetic tip and padded comfortably with polyester cushions it gives the ultimate comfort. It also has an inbuilt dog pillow for your dog to lay its head-on. It also has inbuilt folds for storage and is ideal for travel needs. 3. The BAAPET dog leash Now that you have bought your dog you must be looking forward to those long dog walks. For those, you need a secure dog leash. The BAAPET dog leash is made exactly for that purpose. It is heavy-duty, made using a sturdy rock-climbing rope variable, and has an easily detachable clip hook. For your hands, it has padded handles to make it easy for you to hold on, and protect you from rope burns. Made with reflective quality threads it is also easily visible in the dark. It measures at least two feet and is made for close-distance walking. It also has a 100% money-back guarantee if you feel that it is not the right fit for you and your dog. 4. Outward Hound Fun Feeder Dog bowls are an essential first buy for any new dog owner. However, the science behind them is a little more complicated than you might think. But that is hardly a problem if you have the Outward Hound Feeder from Amazon. It slows down eating up to ten times the normal rate! Its unique design distracts your hound’s attention to slow down eating speed. This helps avoid digestive problems in your dog that arise due to fast eating habits. With this dog bowl, there will be no more bloating, regurgitation, and obesity. It has a non slip base that will save you a lot of cleaning time, and allow your dog to forage its food freely without spilling any of it. It comes in different patterns and colors, so you can have fun choosing what you want for your dog. 5. Regalo Easy Step Gate Your pet is going to be unfamiliar with your home, and there are some places you would rather that your dog does not have access to. The easy solution for that is for you to buy a baby gate. The Regalo Easy Step Gate measures up to 30 inches in height and can fit up to 38 inches in width. With an easy-to-set-up pressure mount design, it is perfect for first-time users. It is also adjustable and comes with an extension kit. Made of steel it is durable and sturdy. It also has multiple safety features that make sure that your dog is well protected and cannot jump through the gate. It is effective and affordable to boot. Now that you know all about what products you need to welcome your new dog home, all that is left is for you to enjoy your time with your furry friend. These five items will prepare you beforehand to avoid any problems, and leave you free to bond with your new companion!
11 Essential Dog Products for Aspiring and Existing Dog Owners
You are just about to bring home your dream puppy or dog. Or you surely need to better the living conditions of your precious existing pet. However, the main challenge is that you have no idea what kind of dog products to assemble in preparation for your dog’s arrival. Or to enhance the conditions. Worry not! Because you’re neither the first nor the last person to encounter that. I also went through the same stalemate, before I landed on this helpful information I’m just about to share with you today. I’ve put together some of the necessary dog products that will enable you to accomplish your target. Not only did they come in handy for me, but they are also used by many happy dog owners to take care of their cherished pets. So let’s dive in and find out what these helpful products are. 11 Essential Dog Products Whether you aspire to have a dog as your pet of choice or you intend to improve the living standards of an existing one, you can use these products to fulfill your goal and enjoy the company of your pet. 1. A Fitting Dog Collar Your pet will always need a collar. In case you acquire it from a breeder or salvage, you may luckily be given one. Although it might not be satisfactory. Hence, going for a suitable one will be necessary. In such a case, you should opt for one that suits your needs. That’s the correct size for your puppy, with a strong D-ring for leash attachment and a fast to release clasp for protection. It should also contain a loop for the attachment of your dog’s tags to prevent them from obstructing the leash. 2. A Strong Double Handle Leash A leash is among the essential dog products because it allows you to have full control of your pet. However, all leashes aren’t the same. Leashes with double handles and an additional loop next to the ones at their end are preferred. Because the second loop enables you to have the dog close to you. This specific leash, is of heavy-duty nylon, with two handles, two loops, a reflective stitch for night walking, and is six feet long. 3. A Strong and Comfortable Dog Crate Professional trainers as well as most dog owners approve crate training. Because it makes sure that the pet doesn’t demolish any of your properties or get hurt in your absence. However,, whether you choose to do it or not, depends on you. In case you choose to crate train, wire dog crates are highly recommended. Because most of them come with divider panels for maturing puppies as well as simple transport fold ups. Besides, they include two separate doors as well as a plastic base that is easy to clean up. 4. A Comfortable Dog Bed Most pet owners like giving their dogs cushy and relaxing beds. However, in case you aren’t sure if your new pet is a chewer, you might wish to throw caution to the wind and try heightened dog beds. Which are made up of steel frames covered with lasting fabric coated with PVC. Their tall nature will help maintain your dog’s coolness even during hot times. Many reviewers confess that dogs enjoy using these beds and that you can add a towel or blanket to them in case you feel like offering your pet additional comfort. 5. An Airtight Food Storage Container Undesirable vermin such as bugs and mice can breed on your dog’s food and spoil it. So it’s only necessary that you keep the food in a container that is airtight to avoid wastage. Airtight pet food containers such as the one above are popular, because of their bigger capacities and convenient lid opening. These containers are made up of food-grade plastic that is free from BPA, and airtight lids surely prevent pests from contaminating the food. 6. Washable Dog Bowls Both your new and existing dogs need food and water bowls as well. To facilitate both their feeding and drinking needs. These stainless steel bowls can come in handy. Because they can handle a capacity of four cups and three quarters, making them suitable for all dog sizes. They also have a rubber base to curb skidding as well as to protect your floors. Furthermore, you can easily clean the bowls, by simply tossing them in a dishwasher. 7. Milk-Bone Treats Milk-Bone treats are among the most famous dog treats on the market. They are both affordable and cherished by dogs as well. These medium-sized treats come in a box of ten pounds and cost USD. 12. And lasts for several months. Additionally, they are fortified with a total of 12 vitamins as well as essential minerals. Their crunchy nature assists in eliminating tartar and plaque, ensuring your dog’s teeth are clean. 8. A Dog Food Mat Investing in a good food mat is necessary for your dog’s upkeep. It prevents any possible harm to your floor by the food bowls. Furthermore, it helps deter any possible mess when your dog begins to play in his/her water bowl. Hence, preventing the floor from becoming wet. These mats are raised along their edges to contain spills from the bowls, and they’re easy to clean, due to their stain-resistant nature. 9. A Special Dog Water Bottle In case you decide to go hiking with your pet, it’s significant to carry along sufficient water for the two of you. Or else, you might be forced to share your bottle of water with it. This handy water bottle with a bowl on top is very convenient, as you can easily clasp the water up into the bowl for your dog to sip. Then unclasp the bottle to let the remaining water back into the bottle. After, your pet is done drinking, hence preventing water wastage. 10. Scented Dog Shampoos and Conditioners Consequent to the day-long activities including playing on the ground and swimming, your dog will certainly
I’m longing for Shiva
A dog’s lifespan lasts for 10-13 years. We may want them to live longer and stay by our side as we grow older but there are things that we need to bid our farewell. The moment that dog owners fear the most happen to me recently. It’s been three weeks since my pet Shiva, left. At first, it is hard to accept that she’s gone because I’m so used to having her beside me. What hurts the most is staying at home reminds me of a lot of memories of her together. Staying in the living room, bedroom, kitchen, and even the bathroom. I feel so empty when she left. I had times when I cried terribly because I missed her. Nevertheless, life goes on when you lose someone in your life. You continue your daily routine even if you’re so used to having their presence. This is Shiva. She’s ¾ Shih Tzu & ¼ Poodle. Shiva was with me for nine years. Shiva was the type of dog that sticks by your side no matter what. You’ll feel her presence because she’s by my side wherever I go. When Shiva got older, she loved to sleep. Every time she’d sleep, I’d tiptoe because she easily wakes up if she senses that I’m about to go out. Shiva is an introvert around other dogs because she didn’t have any other dog friends besides her sister growing up. Although she’s an extrovert when she’s playing with me, she always sneezes if she’s in her hyper phase. After bathing her, she’s extra playful & likes to run around annoying her sister. I remember the first time I had Shiva. It was along with two other puppies because their mom was my main dog, Hershey. When Hershey was about to give birth, she was running around the house, panicking, one thing led to the other, there they were, Fourchette, the male puppy & Shiva. We initially planned to sell them all but I was too attached to them so we ended up selling the only male puppy. We kept and raised Fourchette and Shiva with us. Staying at home wasn’t boring when I have these two adorable puppies with me. I enjoyed my alone time at home with their company. During my stressful times, seeing their cuteness enlightens my mood. Raising two puppies was never an easy job. Raising a dog is just like raising a kid. You aren’t just the dog’s best friend or a pet owner, you’re a mother. I had these puppies with me at a very young age. Being their mother is a tough responsibility. You have to pay/buy a lot of things as well such as dog food, grooming, healthcare, and necessities. You have a responsibility to watch over that dog. It gets tiring especially at times when you have a lot on your plate & you have to tend to their needs at the same time. It’s super stressful thinking about the finances of raising dogs, however, aside from that, it feels good to have them because you can play/talk/bond with them every time. It feels good because you know that someone loves you no matter what. Even though you forgot to take them out to pee, even though you have to clean after them always, even though you have to feed them before you, yourself could eat, you know that their love for you is still greater than yours. Coming home knowing that someone is eager to greet you is one of the best feelings in the world. If I could describe this feeling in one word, that would be bittersweet. Raising a dog could be a pain in the ass but it gives you too much happiness. Honestly, during the early years, I didn’t have any time for them at all because I’m at school from morning till afternoon. Every time I came home, I had to do chores/assignments/manage my business. It was routine that I had to bathe them every Saturday & that’s it. But when the pandemic hit, I was drawn much closer to them because I had more free time. The pandemic made me an actual fur mom from merely just being their “owner”. I had more time to attend to their needs, play & spend time with them. I think all of the memories we’ve made are special but I always appreciate her, even more, when she tried to comfort me every time I’m feeling sick or crying. Shiva knows me too well. I felt like we had a deeper connection. March 2022, she had these flesh wounds randomly appearing on her skin which went on for weeks. I tried self-medicating her but it didn’t work. We eventually went to the vet & they prescribed us 8/9 very costly medications. The wounds went away for a month or two but they came back again so I tried medicating her once more but the wounds weren’t getting better anymore and I figured that there was already something wrong inside of her that was causing her wounds. She became weaker and weaker. As the mother of my pet, I knew she couldn’t take it already; if the doctor would do surgeries or any type of procedures on her because of her age & condition, I somewhat accepted that Shiva was about to go to doggy heaven. I repeatedly told my family that I’m ready to let her go if the time will come. I don’t want to extend her agony with her condition. After Shiva’s death, I wasn’t used to not seeing her wait for me on the stairs when I woke up, I felt a bit lonely because she was not there anymore. My eyes were swollen for straight two days then there were days I miss her, I burst into tears again. I miss Shiva’s presence who keeps on following me around and who keeps on wagging her tail just to ask me to play with her. I miss seeing her
The friendly guinea pig
When we heard the word pet what comes to our mind is that they might be raising a dog or a cat since these are the most common pets that humans take care of. However, I am not a dog or a cat person. I have a pet called a guinea pig. I’m not sure if people are quite familiar with guinea pigs. In other countries, a lot of people may be having them as a pet; but in our case, I rarely see anyone in our neighborhood raising a guinea pig. I know all of the pets are cute but I consider guinea pigs the cutest among all the other pets I have. his is Browny, a year-old round male nose guinea pig. Browny is quite relaxed and friendly. He loves to play around with our other pets. Raising a guinea pig is not new to me because when I was a kid, I had other guinea pigs too. Browny is the fifth guinea pig we bought. We started raising guinea pigs because my mother likes how low maintenance it is in having them as a pet. I decided to buy Browny because it reminds me of the childhood guinea pig I had. If only guinea pigs’ lifespan is just like a human lifespan, probably we didn’t reach our fifth guinea pig. Sadly, guinea pigs’ lifespan lasts for 4-8 years. That’s why we kept on buying guinea pigs the moment they were gone. What I admire the most from Browny among all the guinea pigs we had is that he is very chill and obedient. Guinea pigs are social animals. Browny is super friendly toward our Pacman frog, gecko, and parrot. My favorite bonding with Browny is every time we gather all the other pets with him. I find it cute when these animals are interacting. It is pretty rare to see different types of animals interacting. You’re going to expect that they’ll have chaos all the time; however, it’s completely the opposite. Seeing them being clingy with each other is just precious to see. If only I have connections with the National Geo channel, I’ll proudly consult them and let this feature this moment haha. Having Browny with us feels nice because our family is growing bigger and bigger. I felt really happy the first time I got Browny because another added member of the family; I know for some it is not something special since this is not our first guinea pig but for me, Browny is one of a kind. I haven’t seen someone as friendly as him. My other guinea pigs weren’t like that before. Those guinea pigs seem to have their own world but Browny? He treats other animals as a family. Browny can be playful that sometimes I can’t have a decent photo with him. He kept on moving and that makes the photo blurry. Browny is the source of my happiness every time I’m bored or I am having a bad day. Seeing him being friendly with our other pets enlightened my mood in less than a minute. The struggle of having a guinea pig is that it needs company. You can’t just leave them there. Your eyes must be on them because you might know what might happen since guinea pigs are quite small. I had an encounter before where I wasn’t paying attention and I wonder where my guinea pet went. It took five minutes for me to find it. From that experience, I learned to be more attentive every time I’m playing with a guinea pig. As I have mentioned earlier, raising a guinea pig is low maintenance. For Browny’s shelter, we provide an open space for him so he could move freely. For Browny’s food, we’re feeding him scramble and greens. I know Browny is already a year old but there’s still the fear in me that he’ll be gone soon like my other guinea pigs. I’m so used to losing a pet but it doesn’t me I’m used to it; it is not painful anymore. Losing someone will always be painful no matter how used you are to the pain. I always treasure every moment I shared with Browny. If there are times I’m busy, my sister is always there to play with him. Raising a guinea pig in our family would always have a special place in our hearts. I’m so used to having guinea pigs because I grow up taking good care of one. Probably in the future when I have a family on my own, I’ll surely adopt a guinea pig as our family pet. It is not expensive in taking care of them like the other pets. I can be probably called a loyal pet owner of guinea pigs. To think, Browny is already our fifth guinea pig. I don’t mind if I reach the 20th or more guinea pigs I’ll be taking care of. Cheers to more guinea pigs in the future! As a guinea pig pet owner since 2005, I’ll surely recommend other people to have their guinea pig. They deserve the love in this world.
Choosing a New Puppy
Getting a new puppy can be an exhilarating feeling. It’s an adventure of a lifetime! It’s like gaining a new best friend! On the other hand, it can be stressful and feelings of “adopters remorse” can follow if you don’t put thought into your decision. There are some important things to consider before you choose which new pup to take home. We’ll cover some topics in this article that will provide guidance in finding the perfect puppy so that your next adventure will be one that you can cherish freely and forever! Adopt or Shop Whether you adopt or shop for your new puppy, remember that you are doing a great thing! You’re providing a home for a little one where they will be loved and taken care of forever. There is no wrong choice here. However, there are some major differences between shopping for and adopting your new puppy friend. With adoption comes a few pros and cons. Let’s start with the pros. Typically you will find that your puppy will be significantly cheaper than using a breeder. Sometimes adoption facilities will even waive their fees, making the adoption completely free. In addition, the puppies usually come microchipped to allow you to keep track of them if they were to run away or get lost. This is a cost you would have on your own if you purchased from a breeder. Overall, there are significant financial pros to adoption, but there are some cons as well. When you adopt, you typically forfeit any knowledge of their family origin and upbringing. This could affect your knowledge of potential health and behavioral problems in the future. In addition, a lot of adopted puppies are not breed guaranteed, meaning that your puppy could turn out to be a different mix or breed than you’re expecting. This is not inherently a bad thing, but if you’re someone looking for a very specific breed type for any reason, adopting may not be your best choice. Breed This is probably the most important decision when it comes to choosing a new puppy. Breed often determines behavior, size, socialization, appearance, and whether or not they are allergy-friendly. These are all crucial to consider based on your puppy, personal and environmental needs. There are various online sources where you can search for what kind of breed would be the best fit for you. Here’s a quiz you could take as an example. If you’re looking for a quick reference guide to a few breeds that may be a good fit for you then check out the comparison below. Gender After you’ve chosen the breed, you’ll want to decide whether you want a male or female puppy to bring home with you. There are some stereotypical assumptions about each, but it’s important to keep in mind that just like every human, every dog is different. However, we’ll still cover the typical differences between a male and a female puppy to provide some guidance. Males are typically larger in size and more aggressive than other males. They seek to show dominance through scent marking, mounting, and aggression when challenged by other dogs. In addition, they have a tendency to be more energetic and less well-behaved than females. However, neutering a male dog can help with marking and behavioral issues significantly and is typically highly recommended. Females are typically smaller, less aggressive, and more independent than males. Females are typically the chosen gender for new puppies because of these assumptions, but really it just depends on your needs as a new puppy owner. Although males are more aggressive with other male dogs, it’s been observed that females are also more aggressive with other female canines. Dogs in general typically get along better with the opposite sex. However, spaying your female puppy, just like neutering your male, is ideal as it will help with overall behavior improvement. Observe the Litter Lastly, when you go to pick out your new puppy, observe how they act and move around within their litter. You want to make sure that the puppy you choose isn’t outwardly aggressive with any of its littermates. Observing will help you determine possible behavioral tendencies later down the road. In addition, watch how the puppy walks and moves around. Of course, new puppies will stumble and be somewhat clumsy, but you want to make sure you don’t see any outstanding health issues or mobility issues that could cost you later. Conclusion Overall, choosing a new puppy is a blast. It’s a new and fun experience and you’re helping a great cause. You and your new puppy are going to be lathered in love by one another and it’s going to be so rewarding. Don’t worry if some stress follows you after the decision. It’s going to take some time to adjust and to learn how to care for your new friend, but there are plenty of resources to help ease the transition for you. There is no wrong decision here, only what’s best for you! Check out the following for information to help you in your journey to choosing a new puppy. RESOURCES: Dog Breed Selector: Pedigree How Do I Know If My Puppy is Healthy? Puppies for Adoption: Petfinder Should I Get a Male or Female Dog? Quiz
We Are Family
In 2008, my family rescued our first dog, a pug named Spike. Spike was mistreated in his old home and when my parents heard about his situation, they jumped to bring him in. Spike served as a loyal companion to my family for 13 years and he was everyone’s best buddy. In 2020, Spike began to decline in his health. My grandma at the time was also struggling with some health issues and was living alone. She always loved keeping Spike for the weekend, so we asked her to watch him for a few weeks this time. Spike was pretty easy to take care of, he slept all day and just wanted to cuddle, which was the perfect situation for my grandma. While Spike was away, I convinced my parents to adopt yet another puppy who needed a home. So in January of 2020, we brought home another pug, named Buddy. Buddy was quite the opposite of Spike. He was spunky, energetic, stubborn, and sometimes a little feisty. After all, aren’t all puppies? But he was the cutest little guy and my family was in love. We tried to introduce Spike and Buddy a few times, but Spike being so old in age, was not happy about having a crazy little brother. We decided it was best if Spike stayed permanently at my grandma’s for a while. A few months later, Spike’s health went downhill and he passed away. It was truly devastating for my parents and both of my younger brothers. My brothers were in high school at the time, and it was rare to see them cry, but Spike’s passing brought the tears. It showed me how much he meant to all of us. How much he changed our lives and brought us joy. During a sad and tough time losing Spike, Buddy served as our joyful spirit. He made the transition so much easier and gave us a new pup to show our love and affection to. Living with Buddy was much different than Spike, but it was still just as special and sweet. Buddy was comical, with a goofy personality that made everyone laugh. He was sort of dopey and clumsy, often running into walls and people. He lit up the room with his joyful demeanor. Fast-forward to March of 2021, a new addition was about to be added to our family. One that wasn’t expected, but definitely cherished. In 2021, my brother Michael began to show signs of struggling with substance abuse. He was a junior in high school, with the stress of friendships, relationships, and college coming soon. He just didn’t know how to cope well with it all. My parents began to worry and decided that Michael needed more help than our family could provide for him. They searched around for rehabilitation programs, but there were none that piqued his interest or that seemed promising on paper. Finally, my mom came across an all-boys program in Arkansas that she thought would entice Michael to go. The main focus of this program was using canine therapy to heal and teach responsibility to troubled teens. Michael was ecstatic. This meant he would get his own dog! In March, when Michael arrived at the facility, he was given a brand new, black labrador puppy. He named him Kota. Kota would be Michael’s responsibility every day to take care of and in return, Kota would serve as an emotional support dog for Michael. This program was life-changing for Michael, and so was Kota. Throughout the program, Kota served as Michael’s best friend and buddy to process the hard things in life. Michael was able to see Kota as a gift from God and a sign of His provision in his life. Kota gave Michael a sense of responsibility that taught him how capable he is to take care of himself and others with the right coping skills. Kota served as Michael’s motivation for healing and The Lord used him to bring Michael into the light of life again While in Arkansas, Michael grew in his relationship with Kota, friends, and God. He learned what it looked like to be cared for by a friend in a healthy relationship. He learned how to care for himself in order to care for another. He learned that God loved Him just as he is, and wants the best for Him – to be in a relationship with Himself. Because of all these things and by the grace of God, Michael decided to be baptized during his program. After three months in Arkansas, Michaela and Kota returned home. It took some time for Kota to become acclimated to our family and our home. He was used to living outside all the time and now living in the bustling city of Dallas, TX. He was still a puppy, who’d only been trained by a 17-year-old boy so far. He definitely had some work to do, but we were ready to help. As Michael got back into school and work, Kota was home alone more often. He was sad at times and needed a friend. This is where Buddy came in again. Buddy served as Kota’s brother, playmate, and friend in a time of hard change. The two slowly became best buds and began to love one another’s company. This made my family’s life much easier too, now having a playmate for each dog! From Spike to Buddy, and from Buddy to now having Kota too – the transitions were tough at times. But the dogs and companions made it so worth it. No matter what we all faced and no matter what we go through, our dogs are God’s goodness in our lives. They are our family!
A Guide to Traveling with your Dog
By Asar Yousuf With easy access to travel, we are constantly on the move, exploring new places and meeting new people from all around the world. Have you been longing to travel somewhere but not sure what to do with your furry friend? Sometimes people cancel travel plans because they do not know how to manage their dogs while traveling. Even if you planning a vacation by yourself or with your family, it would be quite sad if you had to leave your dog behind every time. Many dog owners get pet sitters while they are on a holiday. While this is a smart idea, it would also be a fun experience to take your pet along with you. Don’t you think? With easy access to travel, we are constantly on the move, exploring new places and meeting new people from all around the world. Have you been longing to travel somewhere but not sure what to do with your furry friend? Sometimes people cancel travel plans because they do not know how to manage their dogs while traveling. Even if you planning a vacation by yourself or with your family, it would be quite sad if you had to leave your dog behind every time. Many dog owners get pet sitters while they are on a holiday. While this is a smart idea, it would also be a fun experience to take your pet along with you. Don’t you think? The good news is that it is possible to take your dog along when you go for a holiday. Many airlines are making it easier for pet owners to do this. But there are things you will need to keep in mind and follow to make sure your dog is safe and comfortable. Traveling on the road can be very different from going by train or if you are flying. So, make sure your travel preparations are done according to your mode of transport. Here’s what you need to do if you are flying When planning to fly with your pooch, remember that many airlines have varying restrictions on breed, storage, and also destinations. This means there will be changes to the rules since airlines have to comply with government regulations as well. The best way to get the facts right is to contact the airlines directly. The general rules are that you will need a certification of health from a veterinarian just a few days before flying along with his vaccination and rabies certificate. Do check with your vet if you will need to take any other safety measures apart from what is mentioned by the airlines. Now here’s the hard truth, while taking your pooch along with you for your vacation might be lots of fun, some dogs do not have a pleasant experience flying especially if they need to be traveling in the cargo hold. Talk to other dog owners who have done this before and also consult your vet. A few of the most pet-friendly airlines out there are American Airlines, JetBlue, Air Canada, Air France, and Delta. Some of these airlines have special programs for your pets. For example, the JetPaws program by JetBlue airlines allows pet-parent travelers with a carrier bag, a list of tips for managing your pet while traveling, and also TrueBlue points. Both JetBlue and American Airlines do allow pet owners to take their pets along with them in the cabin for shorter trips. Traveling by car If your travel destinations are close by, driving with your dog is easier than any other mode of transportation. While traveling by car, make sure to use a dog carrier that can be strapped to your car seat. When it comes to getting your dog a carrier, pick one that is strong and comfortable and one that will suit your dog’s size. For safety reasons, it’s always advisable for your pet to take the back seat. Pack all the pet essentials before you go for your vacation. You will need all the health certificates and also other essentials like food, medications, water, and bowls. Do not forget to carry a pack of poop bags and a pooper scooper as well. If your dog gets easily bored, carry along a few dog toys to keep him engaged. Traveling on a train If you have an option to travel by train to your destination, you can definitely consider taking your dog along. To begin with, understand which trains allow you to take pets along. Most Amtrak trains allow dogs up to twenty pounds for up to a seven hours journey. However, you might need to take them in a carrier depending on train regulations and the law of the land. In Europe, pets are allowed to travel on most trains. However, larger dogs need to be muzzled. In a lot of European countries, pet traveling is free as well. For example, you can take small pets under 10 kg on the Deutsche Bahn, the German trains, for free. However, they need to be in a carrier or a closed cage so that they don’t disturb other passengers. Just like flying, carrying all the certificates and other essentials is important when traveling on the train. Travel Checklist for your dog While traveling with your dog isn’t a doddle, a little prep can ease the process. Make a to-do list and a checklist of items you will need to take along. Here’s a shortlist of basic essentials to get you started with the planning. Please add to the list based on the travel requirements as well. Pet passport (based on the country you are traveling to) Dog treats Poop Bags A Leash Dog toys A picture of your dog (Just in case of an emergency where you are separated from your dog) Vaccination Record and other medical documents. First-aid kit Dog Towel. Brush and Comb Dog Carrier (based on the requirements) Dog Food and Water Medicines (remember dogs get travel sickness too) Finally,
Man’s Best Friend – For a Reason
They say dogs choose their owners. Which is why, when a certain two week old, jet black puppy waddled up to my family from his whole litter, looked at each of us with his melting, baleful eyes, and proceeded to urinate on the floor, we knew we didn’t need to choose which puppy we’d be going home with. He had chosen for us. Skibo was a mix of a Great Dane and a Boxer and had both the joviality and moodiness associated with both breeds. He was tall, lean, built like a Labrador, and easily one of the best highlights of our household for the ten years that he lived. While he was a puppy, a memory that continues to sit at the forefront of my mind is how, after I was back home from school, I’d immediately find him, scoop him up in my arms and carry him out to the garden while he yawned widely, wondering what was going on. I’d then plop him under the shade of a tree and sit with him while he would roam around me, never stepping out of the tree’s shadow. I would then relay to him (and only him) how my day at school had been and generally talk to him nonstop while he allowed himself to be distracted by just about anything. This practice would continue on a daily basis up until his adult doggy years. I loved talking to him and sharing my thoughts and troubles and soon he too understood my mood, based on my voice,, and would react accordingly, from either grinning ear to ear if I sounded happy, or plopping his head on my lap and whining softly if I sounded sad. He was truly the perfect confidant because whatever I told him would ever be for his ears and his ears only. Having the genes that he did, Skibo was a dog with a lot of energy. I can still recall how very routinely, every single day at 5 pm, he would get my attention in some shape or form, to make sure I took him outside to play. Even if I was asleep at the time, he would gently sniff at my face and give me gentle licks until I woke up. Playing with him was always entertaining and there were lots of things he loved to do. One of his personal favorites would be for me to command him to stay, while I slowly walked away from him and the second I made a run for it, he would chase me down and attempt to topple me over. Another game he loved playing was to chase after something I tossed, like a ball or a stick or a Frisbee, and then force me to chase after him in order to get it back. This unfortunately resulted in a lot of broken and chewed-up toys. Suffice to say, Skibo was an incredibly important member of our household of eight. Even up to the point where we used to celebrate his birthday every first of February. We would bake him a cake or make him a meal of his favorite meats and for that one day each year, we’d allow him to stand up on his hind legs and eat off of the dining table, while we sang happy birthday. The excitement in our voices as we sang, fueled his own excitement and he would chow down on his threat at record speed, sometimes even in time to join in the birthday song with a few barks of his own. Being such a lively, eccentric, and overall good boy, his last year with us was brutal. About ten months prior to his passing, at the age of about nine years, he was diagnosed with a giant cyst near his stomach that had to be surgically removed. I will never forget the look of fear and confusion he gave me and my sister before he was given anesthesia and wheeled into the surgical theatre. It was gut-wrenching. Fortunately, the surgery was a success, and we got to see our droopy-eyed boy wake up to us. The months that followed, however, didn’t make things easier on him. His old age, coupled with the surgery, took a toll and he was lethargic and barely ate anything. Some of our final memories with him were holding and stroking his paws while he had to be hooked onto an IV machine to be given some kind of nutrition. We took these moments to thank him and let him know how much joy he had brought into our lives. One morning the day we feared most, dawned.was woken up, not by Skibo’s loving sniffs and licks, like he had done so many times before, but by my sister’s sobbing. I ran out to see my best friend getting ready to breathe his last. It was almost as if, he had hung in there until we had all shown up and had gotten a chance to say goodbye to each of us. We all crowded around him, ears in our eyes, making sure that he knew that he was surrounded by people who loved him. And then he was gone. I’m sorry for relaying such a sad story. But the point of it wasn’t to jerk tears. It was to pay homage to someone that selflessly lit up a portion of my life, for the entirety of his. It is to show the world what an amazing, fun-loving, and dependable friend, Skibo was and how much he meant to me and my family. Skibo, thank you for coming into our lives and bringing along so much sunshine and happiness with you. Rest Easy and in Peace.
Have you ever felt like you just needed a dog?
How can a dog express itself? A pure, wonderful, and sincere soul, who in every situation is by our side, supports us, loves us, appreciates us, is loyal to us, and most importantly, gives us confidence and strength to go through anything. They are angels without wings, and I am about to predict a very profound story, with which I will instantly sensitize you. This is Cleo. At first glance, she seems like a normal puppy, but her story is far from being known. Cleo is a 6-year-old husky who wasn’t lucky enough to be from the first part of a family she wanted. 5 years ago, I went to work in a village at a distance of 23 km from Timisoara, where there was a family with a large number of dogs. Every day, working there, I noticed that these dogs had no water, no food, and no living conditions, they were bound and tormented. One day, when I was going to work, I saw the owners take the puppy, my future love, and throw it over the fence with a chain around its neck. Instantly, I left everything I had and went to save her as soon as I could, trying to call the police to announce what was going on. No one helped me, they said it was just a dog.I tried to release her, but being very scared, she was shaking, and it was a fight until I stabilized the situation. I managed to take it, to comfort it, my soul became so full of emotion that I gave up the working day, and I did everything possible to take care of it. There was no transport to the city, I urgently needed a veterinarian, I wanted her to be consulted as soon as possible, to be checked by ticks, mites, and other parasites, to save her from the ordeal she had lived in. I called the taxi, and explained the situation to them, but no one accepted an animal in the car. Finally, I managed to go to the city, thanks to a lady who told me the most beautiful words: “Animals are the angels of the soul, she chose you, child”. In the lady’s car, Cleo began to cry, in pain, in fear that she would receive the same treatment she had with her old family. But I had already promised myself that she would never feel the beating, the chains, or the days in the rain and the torments. On a more Athens examination, my Cleo was not only tied and unchained, it was beaten, bruized, with the right-back limb broken long ago, poorly welded. At the veterinarian, many other problems were observed. At that moment, I knew that she would be all mine, and I would give her peace and happiness. She had a scar on his abdomen, following a brawl, where her entire nipple chain had broken. She was badly sutured, full of ticks, and parasites, had no microchip, never vaccinated, very scared, and anorexic. After the visit to the VET, Cleo made a gesture that melted my heart. I was sitting in front of the cabinet, worried that I didn’t know where to start, and she put her nose on my chest, and she started to sigh. From that moment on, we are inseparable. I introduced her to her new family, where she would never feel the chain again, or days without food.at home,, I already had a shar-pei, Arcan, with which she became inseparable. They’re best friends, they run together, they play, they sleep together, they eat together, and she feels happy. Her fur has changed, she has grown, she is a happy, big, full of energy husky, whom I love with all my heart. If I could express how much these animals mean to me, it would not last me a lifetime. 3 months after Cleo got to the new family, I was pleasantly surprised to find out at the veterinary check-up that she was pregnant. I had two wonderful puppies, a husky with shar-pei, whom I will love all my life with everything I have. If ever, an opportunity or an abandoned puppy, a mocked puppy, do not ignore it, because they will always give you unconditional love and pure respect. This is my story about Cleo. I, a student of veterinary medicine, wish from my heart to see people choose pure and complex souls around them, who by a simple glance are melted and drawn entirely to their purity. When Cleo raises her blue eyes to me, nothing is around me, only the happiness that I was there at the moment of waiting, and that I chose to give him the best and happiest life. There are infinite possibilities to be happy, to feel appreciated and loved, just a little bit away. I hope we all have the opportunity to feel the love these animals give us, and to revisit a news story that has a happy ending. The family that tormented the puppy and the rest of the animals was visited by the animal police along with me. The moment I told them that they would receive the fine and all the dogs would be taken and given for adoption, they started to argue and threaten to pay me, because this is how the animals are kept closed and taught to be evil. In the end, Cleo is happy and beautiful, and she has forgotten the life she lived 5 years ago, a life I don’t wish for any soul on earth, and I wish I could save them all, give them what they deserve. I hope you will have liked my story, and we hear, of course, other adventures of “life as a student in veterinary medicine”, because it is filled with endless stories and experiences.
Want a nice walk with your pup? You are in the right place.
Puppies are naturally exploring and curious by nature and eventually expect an answer from their masters. The answer given in a proper way can train a puppy that will lead to an obedient and tractable Dog. Regardless of how much your puppy adores and loves you, making him walk beside you can be difficult. Good time given to your pup for leash training can give you the perks of being able to walk with your obedient and happy pup that feels like a family member which will be worth your while. How to Leash Train a Puppy – How to walk a puppy Get him used to a collar and leash: Introduce the leash or collar to your pup and make him used to it. Let Your pup drag and pull the leash attached to his collar to make it more familiar to Him. Give him a treat when he approaches the leash. While putting the collar on the pet, reward him with some treats and appreciate his good behavior. If he starts whining and pulling the leash, set him free for the time being and try again some other time. Keep your focus on connecting the leash with treats and walking so he is more attracted to it. Have short training sessions in familiar places: puppies have a short attention span, so don’t expect them keeps their interest in the training for long. Start with a walk around the house or a place where he is familiar. This way he won’t be distracted by the new place and his desire to explore them. Praise good behavior: Healing is a technique you use to train your dog to walk by your side either left or right whichever is suitable for you. When walking alongside your dog heap on the praise and reward him with a Random treat. Stop the walk every time he pulls the leash it may harm the dog or even yourself if the dog is big. So stop when he starts to pull And every time he starts walking along your side, reward him. Eventually, he’ll learn that pulling is taking him nowhere, and walking beside you is yummy. Be patient. If your dog has been pulling on the leash for a while, it’ll take time to get rid of this habit. Never pull your dog along. Make sure to reward him for coming when you call him to keep walking along. If he is persistent, you have to take his attention back to the walk and away from the thing with all distractions. Keep the leash short: the length of the leash is an important point to focus on to keep the pup beside you. This sometimes feels negative to humans but the less space to stray away from your side, the easier it is for him to learn to walk next to you. Keep him at your side: by keeping the leash short still, your pup can move in a direction you don’t want like in front of the back, and tend to sniff and wander around. walking with your pup by your side allows you to control his direction. This will also help to keep the pup from being tangled up with the leash and you. Once he is trained enough you can lend him enough space to let them be. Let him spend time on his own: As for a dog, walks are always a way to relieve themselves. However, sniffing around is a dog’s habit. So call it an “off duty” thing for not ruining the walk for your dog, sometimes keep the leash long enough so that he can sniff around and be happy for doing the things he loves. Notice your pup if he wants to relieve himself, stop walking and increase the leash to explore and do his things. After being done, reward him with praise or treats. Set a pace: Dogs are naturally curious and want to rush to certain attractions on your walk or move in their favorite spots. Firstly it’s important to choose a perfectly comfortable pace for both of you. Keep the pace at which both of you normally can move together. For instance, If you notice that your dog is not being able to keep a certain pace, or is rushing, stop and let him come back to you and then rebuild the comfortable pace. Problems you may face with your pet while training and their solutions 1. Act like a tree. Pulling on the leash is the most common reaction of the puppies to the leash, simple standing like a tree can easily solve it and avoid injuries to the dog and yourself. 2. Let your dog approach other dogs but with their owner’s permission first. Firstly getting permission from the other dog owners can be a relief that their dogs are as friendly as yours. Sometimes the other dogs may have some illness or have been through a recent surgery or may have some kind of trauma that may result in bad interaction. 3. Barking at other dogs. One of the commonest problems faced due to lack of brain stimulation and exercise. Trick training and treat giving with some fetch, running, and swimming along with frequent and longer sessions of exercise can help storm the socializing skills of the dog. 4. Lunging and barking at moving stimuli. The moving wheels of a car or a fast-running animal like a squirrel can trigger the prey in your dog and trigger him to chase after them. This problem can be solved within seconds by diverting the wants of your dog by giving him some tasty treats or commanding the dog to obey you for instance command him to sit or down. Conclusion: After the efforts of training your pup, now get ready for a better human-pup relationship with a bold and confident walk with your puppy.