Home » Archive by category "Planning" (Page 4)

Surviving Holiday Travel with your Dog

This week, many people will be traveling to spend the Thanksgiving holiday with friends and family.  For some, family pets will make the trip as well.  If this is your first time taking Fido home for the holidays, listed below are helpful tips to make sure he is welcomed back next year. Exercise Your pup is bound to be excited by the change in environment and new people to bug for attention.  Remember, a tired dog is a happy dog; and a happy dog makes for happy hosts.  Take your pup for extra long walks in the morning and provide plenty of play time.  Start a Thanksgiving Day tradition by letting your dog tag along in the local Turkey Trot. Routine Whereas humans enjoy to switch things up from time to time, dogs are happiest when their lives are predictable.  No matter where you travel for the holiday, try to...
Continue reading »

How to Keep Your Dog if You Fall on Hard Times

Owning an animal is a huge responsibility, one that should not be taken lightly.  However, occasionally people fall onto hard times and cannot bear the thought of giving up their pets due to a short-term crisis.  Additionally, sometimes people in tough situations find themselves with a new companion, typically an animal that was picked up as a stray.  If you have found yourself in either situation, know that there are short-term ways to help pay for your pet’s care. Ask for a Foster If you need help for a limited period of time, such as while you find a new place to live or work, approach a respected rescue and inquire whether they can place your dog with a foster family.  Rescues are happy to help pet owners keep their animals if at all possible, and if a foster is available the rescue will surely oblige. Visit a Canine Food...
Continue reading »

How to Choose a Name for Your Dog

When you bring home a new puppy or an adopted dog, the first step is to choose a name.  This task may seem monumental; after all, your pet is stuck with this title for the rest of its life!  Tips to help make your decision easier are described here. Research Common Names Max, Sadie, Bella, Bailey, and Buddy are all great monikers, which is why they are on the list of most common dog names.  If you are choosing a popular name for your pet, ask yourself if you plan to take your dog to areas that will be populated with other dogs, such as off-leash dog parks or daycare.  If so, you may want to reconsider, unless you want all the Sadies running to your car when it’s time to go. Here are some free online books to get ideas. Avoid Trends Sure, it might be cute to dub your...
Continue reading »

How to Prepare for Any Canine Emergency

If an emergency were to strike, would you be prepared?  Staying calm and knowing what to do in case of disaster is the first step, and listed below are common emergencies, what you should do, and tips for mitigating the consequences. On the Road Before getting your dog ready for travel, you should prepare a few key items.  First, print off your dog’s veterinary and vaccine records, just in case you need to make an emergency visit to a veterinarian.  Next, ensure your dog’s microchip and tag information are up to date, in case of the unfortunate scenario that you lose your pet.  In addition, be sure to have a recent photo of your dog available. While traveling, it is essential that your pet remain restrained in the car, either in a kennel, with a seat belt, or behind a pet gate.  This not only prevents your dog from distracting...
Continue reading »

5 Universal Responsibilities of Dog Owners

Owning a dog is a huge responsibility, one that sometimes is not fully considered in advance.  To aid owners in understanding the role they are undertaking in a dog’s life, the ASPCA has created a list outlining the five freedoms every animal should have.  Does your dog enjoy these freedoms? Provide Food and Water At the top of the list of responsibilities that you have to your pet is providing reliable access to fresh water and food.  Water should be refreshed multiple times per day, and the food should be appropriate for your pet.  If your dog lives primarily outdoors, a heated water bowl should be utilized during the winter months so that water does not freeze.  During the summer months, water bowls should be cleaned regularly to prevent the growth of algae. Provide Appropriate Housing Every animal should have access to a roof and four walls of protection, whether...
Continue reading »

Preparing Your Dog For Winter

With Halloween just around the corner, the first signs of colder weather are upon us.  For your dog, this means opportunities to play in the snow and chase snowballs, while for you the winter will require a change in routine.  Tips for keeping your dog safe are listed below. Indoor Dog Coat Unless your dog is a northern breed such as an Akita or Siberian Husky, chances are that she will need an extra layer of protection when outdoors.  Small dogs and shorthaired breeds should wear a sweater or water-resistant jacket when temperatures are below freezing. Booties Snow, ice, and salt can all cause discomfort for your dog.  If your pet is a puppy or has sensitive paws, consider purchasing booties from the pet store that will provide an extra layer of protection. Pet-Safe Salt Dogs can experience burns and irritation to their mouths when licking road salt from their...
Continue reading »

Tips for Saving Money on Dog Supplies

Despite all of the rewards of dog ownership, caring for your four-legged friend can be downright expensive.  Experts estimate that owners spend a minimum of $1,100 in the first year, and $500 per year on food and medical care after that.  Additional items such as toys, treats, cleaning supplies, grooming sessions, and bedding can add up quickly.  Fortunately, there are a number of ways to lessen the burden on your wallet and save money. Take Advantage of Autoship Discounts One expense that pet owners can count on is food.  But, did you know that you can save time and money by purchasing pet food online and signing up for an autoship discount?  Retailers such as Amazon.com not only offer pet food at reduced prices than most pet stores, but will also ship your food at regular intervals for a fraction of the price. Check out the free program here. Join...
Continue reading »

Apartment Living with Your Dog

Not all breeds are well-suited to living in small spaces.  Some dogs, such as Siberian Huskies or German Shorthaired Pointers, require room to roam and excessive exercise.  However, circumstances can change, leaving you with the options of rehoming your beloved dog or making a less-than-ideal situation work.  Listed below are tips for keeping the peace with your landlord and neighbors. Crate Training Especially if your dog is prone to destruction when bored, a crate can be your best bet for ensuring your dog is well-behaved while you are away.  A crated dog is also less likely to bark throughout the day, meaning no complaints from your neighbors when you return home. Extra Exercise A tired dog is a happy dog, so extra exercise for your pet is necessary if cohabiting with a high-energy breed in an apartment.  Go for an extra long walk in the morning and in the evening,...
Continue reading »

Tips for Keeping your Dog Safe on Halloween

Did you know that Halloween is one of the most dangerous days for pets?  Every year, countless dogs are lost due to the commotion of trick-or-treaters, accidental chocolate poisoning, or even because of malicious intent.  Listed below are 6 tips for keeping your pet safe this Halloween. Keep the candy out of reach.  Especially if your family does not keep candy in the house year round, it can be easy for pet owners to stock up on Halloween candy and forget to store it in a location that Fido can’t reach.  After the excitement of trick or treating, children may forget to store their candy in a safe place; or, may even be tempted to share their treats with furry best friends.  Educate your children on the importance of only feeding dogs appropriate food and treats, and be extra vigilant that your dog cannot access anything that may make him...
Continue reading »

Our Picks For The Best Chew Toys for Puppies

Best Chew Toys For Puppies
Your furry friend deserves the safest and best chew toys on the market. While there are many chewable toys to choose from, not all of them are safe and there are many that dogs simply do not like. When you are looking for the best chew toys for puppies, it’s important to find ones that won’t hurt your dog, will stimulate an interest and will be good for his teeth. Why Are Chewing Toys So Important? Puppy chewing toys aren’t a luxury for your dog; they are an absolute necessity. Not only do they help your little guy stay amused but they also help with training and teething. If you’ve ever had kids you know what a difficult time it is when a child is teething. It’s an unbearable constant nagging pain that simply doesn’t go away until the tooth erupts. Your dog is feeling the same type of pain...
Continue reading »