How to Find a Qualified and Professional Pet Sitter

Going on vacation and cannot take your pet? Well then you need a pet sitter :) Here are some tips to finding a qualified and professional pet sitter to provide proper care to your loving pet(s).

Find a Good Pet Sitter
Ask your veterinarian for a recommendation. A decent pet sitter should obviously have a extended support network such as a veterinarian in case there is a emergency, A pet sitter who has a established professional relationships with a veterinarian, a groomer, a trainer, a boarding facility etc. will at least give you the peace of mind should there be a medical or behavioral emergency or if there is need for a backup housing plan.
Recommendations and word of mouth. If your fellow family, friends and pet lovers have high recommendations for a particular person they have had a good experience caring for their pets definitely check into those sort of people. Always ask for references! The more the better off your precious pet.
Question if they have liability insurance and are bonded in case of accidents or negligence. Question how many years experience they have and how much knowledge they have concerning your particular pet. If you have a older pet or special needs pet ask about knowledge and experience caring for you pet's particular needs.
Go for a certified pet sitter. If a person has certifications from The National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS) or Petsitters International (PSI) you will have peace of mind that these agencies are dedicated to training and certifying pet sitters thus the person in question is may also be dedicated to the well being of your pet.
Always have a contract and double check that contract. Make sure all that was discussed and agreed upon services are included in the contract. Document your pets needs and personality (daily maintenance/feeding schedules, medications, how your pet reacts to new people and other animals, etc.)
Do a try-out to see how the pet sitter interacts with your pet as well as a home check if your pet will be at the pet sitters premises. Make sure your pet gets along with the pet sitter and vice versa.
Ask about emergency plans. What will your pet sitter in case of emergency? Include a wide range or scenarios i.e weather, fire, medical emergency, your pet gets our the yard/off leash, your pet bites/injures another animal or person, etc,
Best level of service. Is your pet low-maintenance or high-maintenance?How much experience, certifications and recommendations do you require of a pet sitter for the absolute best possible care for your beloved pet? Ask yourself these questions and do your research to get your pet the best quality of care while your away :)

Over $500 for a mixed breed?!

Getting a little tired of people thinking non-registered or mixed breed puppies are worth the same as a registered purebred. Just because both parents are registered with AKC or whatever does not mean a a mixed breed puppy with two different pure-bred parents (i.e. golden doodles, labradoodles, mastidors, puggles, etc.) is going to be worth as much. Mixing breeds may help diversify the gene pool but it does not make the mixture of different breeds more superior. In fact you could have the opposite effect and get some very undesirable traits. Not to mention some of these pups are being sold with no shots or vet care.
Yes you should charge a higher amount to keep puppy flippers and shady people away but seriously $150-$300 is more of a reasonable amount for a non-registered pure-bred or mixed breed puppy around the same a shelter would charge which includes shots, spay/neuter, vet check and microchip.

Otherwise it seems like your just a greedy backyard breeder just saying.....

Dogs are.....

Dogs are pack animals.
Dogs are omnivores.
Dogs have awesome sniffers.
The average dog has the intelligence of a 2-year old human child.
Dogs have sweat glands in their paws only.
Dogs can smell your feelings.
Dogs are dreamers.
Dogs can catch and smell our diseases.
A dogs nose print is unique has a human's fingerprint.
A dog can be jealous but they don't feel guilt.

Cats Are.....

Cats are independent.
Cats are carnivores.
Cats are nocturnal.
Cats do sleep a lot.
Cats purr.
Cats have dander and can cause allergies and such.
Cats are killers and natural born hunters.
Cats have very good balance.
Cats are flexible.
Cats can fit in and out if tiny spaces.
Cats like fast moving objects.
Cats like catnip (most but not all)
Cats can be lactose and tolerant.
Cats like fruit (some/most).
Cats are cute and cuddly =)

Random Pet Facts

People who own dogs laugh more than people who own cats.

 

Having a pet is linked positive attitudes towards the natural world an conservation.

 

If you have a dog people will be more generous to you.

 

Dogs interpret a human crying as another dog whining.

 

A cat owner is the only one who is correct about what their cat is meowing about.

 

Watching cat videos online is good for your health.

 

Dogs dream like humans.

 

Dogs wag their tail to the right when happy and to the left when frightened.  

Spoil Your Kitty

Give them rubbins and lovins on their terms.

 

Feed them some canned food...no wait...feed them meat.....lots of real meat 0_o;

 

Let them sleep. Do not disturb!

 

Play with them when they are in hyper night mode.

 

Keep the kiddos away! Far, far away......

 

Happy National Dog Day

Adopt a dog.

Spoil your dog.

Volunteer at a animal shelter.

Walk a dog(s).

Play with your dog.

Give your dog some treats.

Donate to a shelter.

Bathe a dog.

Take your dog to a doggy spa.

Take your dog to doggy daycare.

Take your dog to a off leash dog park.

Toss your dog a ball.

Buy some new toys or diy some toys for your dog.

Take Your Cat To The Vet Day!

It is take your cat to the vet day.

 

Make sure your kitty's vaccinations are up to date.

 

Spay or neuter your kitty.

 

Get a wellness checkup for your kitty.

 

Find and try out a new veterinarian.

 

Always ask for second opinions for major health concerns and medications for your cat. 

End of the world coming? Hopefully you got these pups by your side 0_o;

14 Dog Breeds Most Likely To Survive The Apocalypse

 

 

Border Collie

 

Cane Corso

 

Jack Russell Terrier

 

Standard Poodle

 

Basenji

 

Coonhound

 

Cairn Terrier

 

Rough Collie

 

Newfoundland

 

Doberman Pinscher

 

Alaskan Malamute

 

Beagle

 

Xoloitzcuintle (Mexican Hairless Dog)

 

Fila Brasileiro

Black Cat Appreciation Day

Adopt a black cat or kitten from a animal shelter today. No a black cat crossing your path won't cause bad luck :) Superstitions and legends do more harm then good especially to our black kitty friends. Adopt. Foster. Volunteer. Educate.

Dog afraid of thunderstorm?

So how do you handle your dog's thunderstorm phobia? Here are my suggestions:

•Handle it early on in your dog's life.

Does your dog merely quake and quiver under the bed when it storms outside? Just because he doesn't absolutely freak doesn't mean he's not suffering. Since storm phobia is considered a progressive behavioral disease, signs like this should not be ignored. Each successive thunderstorm season is likely to bring out ever-worsening signs of fear. It's time to take action — NOW.

•Don't heed advice to let her "sweat it out" or not to "baby" her.

I've heard many pet owners explain that they don't offer any consolation to their pets because they don't want to reinforce the "negative behavior" brought on by a thunderstorm. But a severe thunderstorm is no time to tell your dog to "buck up and get strong." Fears like this are irrational (after all, she's safe indoors). Your dog won't get it when you punish her for freaking out. Indeed, it'll likely make her anxiety worse. Providing a positive or distracting stimulus is more likely to calm her down.

•Offer treats, cuddlings and other good stuff when storms happen.

This method is best employed before the phobia sets in –– as pups. Associating loud booms with treats is never a bad thing, right?

•Let him hide — in a crate.

Hiding (as in a cave) is a natural psychological defense for dogs. Getting them used to a crate as pups has a tremendous influence on how comfortable they are when things scare them. Having a go-to place for relaxing or hiding away is an excellent approach, no matter what the fear. Another approach to try, whether he's a pup or not:

•Get him away from the noise, and compete with it.

Creating a comfy place (for the crate or elsewhere) in a room that's enclosed (like a closet or bathroom) may help a great deal. Adding in a loud radio or white noise machine can help, too. Or how about soothing, dog-calming music?

•Counter the effects of electromagnetism.

Though it may sound like voodoo, your dog can also become sensitized to the electromagnetic radiation caused by lightning strikes. One great way to shield your dog from these potentially fear-provoking waves is to cover her crate with a double layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Another method involves clothing her in a commercially available "Storm Defender" cape that does the same work. If she hides under the bed, consider slipping a layer of aluminum foil between the box-spring and mattress.

•Desensitize him.

Sometimes it's possible to allay the fears by using thunderstorm sound CDs when it's not raging outside. Play it at a low volume while plying him with positive stimuli (like treats and pettings). Increase the volume all the while, getting to those uncomfortable booming sounds over a period of weeks. It works well for some.

•Ask your veterinarian about drugs.

Sure, there's nothing so unsavory as the need for drugs to relieve dogs of their fears, but recognize that some fears will not be amenable to any of these other ministrations without drugs. If that's the case, talk to your vet about it –– please. There are plenty of new approaches to drugs that don't result in a zonked-out dog, so please ask!

•Natural therapies can work.

For severe sufferers, there's no doubt it'll be hard to ask a simple flower essence to do all the heavy lifting, but for milder cases, Bach flower extracts (as in Rescue Remedy), lavender oil (in a diffuser is best) and/or "Dog Appeasing Pheromone" (marketed as D.A.P. in a diffuser, spray or collar) can help.

•Consider seeing a board-certified veterinary behaviorist.

If nothing else works, your dog should not have to suffer. Seek out the advice of your veterinarian, and, if you've gone as far as you can with him/her, consider someone with unique training in these areas –– perhaps a board-certified veterinary behaviorist.

 

10 steps to calm dogs afraid of thunder, lightning storms

#ClearTheShelters

On August 15, shelters across the country are taking part in a nationwide push to place pets in forever homes. Adoption fees are drastically cut or lowered strategically to give pets more of a chance to find a home. Thus #ClearTheShelters has commenced.

 

Check out the Clear the Shelters website to find out about participating animal shelters.

 

Clear The Shelters

National Spoil Your Dog Day

Play fetch with your pup.

Take your pup to a doggy spa.

Play with your pup in some water somewhere.

Give your dog a bone.

Give your canine some treats (lots!)

Give your doggy the most comfy blanket/pillow ever!

Make your dog a homemade meal.

Hug your dog.

Cuddle your dog.

Give your dog sloppy kisses (to each their own)

Love your dog.

Spoil your dog.

Why you should never buy purebred kittens and puppies online.....

Buyer Beware!
Consumers trying to find dogs from responsible breeders or breed rescue groups often turn to the Web for advice. But they soon find themselves bombarded with elaborate websites offering the offspring of "champions." With a host of fancy terms and picturesque photos of tail-wagging terriers, doe-eyed Chihuahuas and every other adorable breed, it is easy to become overwhelmed with choices.
Don't be fooled: Scattered among the websites of responsible breeders and rescue groups, Internet puppy scammers attract potential buyers with endearing pictures and phony promises.
If you buy a puppy over the Internet, not only are you risking supporting puppy mill cruelty, you're also risking being scammed out of your money. According to the Internet Crime Complaint Center, hundreds of complaints are filed every year from victims who were scammed when buying a dog online. The puppy you receive may not be the puppy you agreed to buy, and you may not even receive a puppy at all! Internet scams abound, including everything from fake "free to good home ads" where the buyer is asked to pay for shipping, only to never see that puppy they tried to help, to breeders posing as sanctuaries or rescues, but charging upwards of $1,000 in "adoption" fees.

How Can I Avoid Being Scammed?
The best way to avoid being scammed is to simply never buy a dog you haven't met in person. While the Internet can be a valuable tool for finding a responsible breeder or breed rescue group, please make sure to follow these tips when using the Internet to find a pup:

• Always visit. Responsible breeders and rescue groups will be more than happy to offer you a tour.
• Always pick your puppy up at the kennel. Do not have the puppy shipped or meet at a random location.
• Always check references, including others who have purchased pets from this breeder and the veterinarian the breeder works with.
• Be sure to deal directly with a breeder, not a broker.
• Never send Western Union or money order payments.
• If you are told that there will be no refunds for a sick puppy, you are most probably dealing with a puppy mill. A reputable breeder or rescue group will always take the puppy back, regardless of the reason.

How Do I Report a Scam?
If you feel you have been a victim of a puppy scam, please contact the following organizations:

• Internet Crime Complaint Center
• Better Business Bureau

ASPCA

 

BE CAREFUL! HAPPY PUPPY AND KITTEN SEARCHING! 

Protect You Dog This Summer

Never, ever leave your dog in the car period!

 

Make sure your pup has a unlimited access to cool, fresh water.

 

Make sure your dog has access to plenty of shade when outside.

 

 Take walks during the cooler hours of the day (early morning/evening)

 

When walking try to stay off hot surfaces (like asphalt) because it can and will burn your dog's paws.

 

Make sure your dogs has the means to cool off (cool water, ice packs, air conditioning, fans, etc.)

 

Keep your dog free of external and internal parasites, consult your veterinarian for the best products and treatments for your dog.

 

Consider clipping and/or shaving your long haired dog. Apply sunscreen to sensitive skin areas and thin haired dogs as needed.

 

Save Oodles of Money with Homemade Dog Food

Quick Easy Homemade Dog Food

Ingredients:

1lb Ground Beef (Chicken, Turkey, etc)

2 Cups Brown Rice (you can use other grains such as Barley or Oats too)

5 Cups of Water (can use a couple cups of meat broth as well)

1 Package Frozen Veggies (Fresh would be better

 

Directions:

.

First you’re going to brown the meat, then add the veggies to the pot.  Since dogs don’t chew their food up like we would it’s good to break up the veggies into smaller portions.  Not because they could choke, but to get the more of the nutrients.

Next you’re going to add the rice and water to the post.  Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes. When the liquid is gone and the rice is cooked it’s done!  I let it cool down a bit then I separated the pot into 9 (generous) 1 cup servings.  Form each serving into a ball shape and placed them on a cookie sheet with wax paper.  Then you just stick it in the freezer so they stay in that form, then into a ziploc bag.  Now you have ready to serve meals, just thaw them out and serve! 1 cup is quite a bit of food so split as necessary if you have more then one dog and depending on size of dog give more or less. 

 

Homemade Dog Treats

Peanut Butter Cookies

Dogs love peanut butter, and these cookies are a great way to sneak some fish oil into your dog’s diet. Fish oil improves your dog’s coat, making it shiny, soft, and healthier.

Look for organic peanut butter at your grocery store. Many commercial brands of peanut butter have unhealthy hydrogenated oils and additives. Better yet, make your own peanut butter using raw peanuts and peanut oil, and processing the mixture in your food processor.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of flour (white or wheat, if your pup has no wheat allergies)
• 1 cup of rolled oats
• 1/3 cup of smooth peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• 1/2 tablespoon of fish oil
• 1 1/2 cups of water

Directions

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Mix the flour and oats together in a large mixing bowl. Pour in one cup of water and blend until smooth. Add in the peanut butter, honey, and fish oil and mix until all the ingredients are well blended.
• Slowly add the water until the mixture has a thick and doughy consistency.
• Lightly flour a cooking surface. Roll the dough onto the cooking surface to create a 1/4 inch thick sheet.
• Use a cookie cutter to create shapes. Place the cookies onto a baking sheet and bake for 40 minutes.
• Allow to cool completely before feeding.

Pro Tip: If the dough is too sticky to roll, slowly pad more flour onto the dough ball.

Chicken Jerky

I give my pup these chicken jerky treats as an alternative to the store-bought raw hides. The jerky is tough and chewy, so it keeps my dog occupied for a while, and the chicken has a good amount of protein, which is good for a dog’s muscle structure.

Ingredients

2 to 4 chicken breasts

Directions

Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.

Remove any excess fat from the chicken. Turn the chicken breast on its side and use a paring knife to slice the chicken breast into 1/8 inch thick strips.

Set the strips on a baking sheet. Bake for 2 hours.

Check the chicken before removing from the oven. It should be dry and hard, not soft or chewy. Allow the chicken to cool completely before serving.

Store the jerky in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Pro Tip: You can substitute sweet potatoes for the chicken in this recipe. Sweet potatoes make a healthy, vegetarian alternative.

Frozen Yogurt Pops for Dogs

If your dog loves to chase ice cubes around the kitchen, then he’ll love these frozen treats. They’re made from human grade ingredients and include fruit juice and carrots, which give your pup an added vitamin boost. Yogurt has calcium and protein, and can help your dog digest food.

Note that this recipe calls for non-fat yogurt, which is a much healthier alternative to other types of yogurt, especially if your dog is overweight.

Ingredients

6 oz. container of plain, non-fat frozen yogurt

1 cup of no-sugar added fruit juice

1/2 cup of carrots, minced

Directions

Add the yogurt, fruit juice, and carrots into a medium-sized bowl. Stir until the ingredients are smooth and well-blended.

Drop the mixture into the ice cube trays by spoonful.

Freeze until the ingredients are solid.

Pro Tip: Use hard plastic trays instead of the softer rubber ones to make the treats. The treats are easier to remove from a hard tray.

Fruit and Vegetable Strips

These strips work as a cheaper alternative to the organic chewy treats sold in pet stores. They also break apart easily, so you can serve smaller pieces as training rewards. Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamin C, which can help boost your dog’s immune system.

Ingredients

1 small sweet potato

1 medium banana

1 cup carrots, minced

1/2 cup unsweetened organic applesauce

2 cups of whole wheat flour (white if your dog has allergies)

1 cup of rolled oats

1/3 cup of water

Directions

Cook the sweet potato in the microwave for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the insides are soft. Set aside and allow to cool.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Mash the banana and sweet potato in a large mixing bowl with a hand masher until smooth. Add in the carrots, flour, and oats. Slowly add in the applesauce and water while mixing.

The ingredients will form a soft dough. Roll the dough on to a lightly floured surface until the dough is 1/8 inch thick.

Cut the dough into strips.

Cook on a baking sheet for 25 minutes.

Store leftover strips in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Pro Tip: Do not worry about overcooking the sweet potato. Softer potatoes will mash easier.

Beef and Vegetable Balls

Some dogs prefer meaty treats over sweet ones. These treats have a hearty meat flavor and good aroma that all dogs love. When I made these, my dog stood outside the oven door, not so patiently waiting for the treats to cool.

Ingredients

2 6-ounce jars of organic beef and vegetable baby food

1 cup of whole-wheat flour (or white substitute)

2 cups of dry milk

1 cup of water

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Mix all of the ingredients in a large mixing bowl.

Drop the mixture onto a baking sheet in large spoonfuls.

Bake for 12 to 15 minutes.

Allow to the treats to cool completely. Store leftover beef and vegetable balls in the fridge for up to five days.

Pro Tip: These treats do not keep as well as others. Try cutting the recipe in half if you only have one dog.

 

More Homemade Dog Food

Turkey and Vegetable Dinner

This basic dog food recipe includes turkey for protein and vegetables for added vitamins and minerals. Turkey has less fat than beef, making this an ideal recipe for pups that could stand to lose a few pounds.

Ingredients

4 cups of water

1 pound of ground turkey

2 cups of brown rice

1 cup of carrots, chopped

1 cup of green beans, chopped

1 tablespoon of fish oil (optional)

Directions

Cook the ground turkey in a non-stick skillet over medium heat until the meat is cooked through.

Add the brown rice, turkey, and water to a large pot and bring to a boil.

Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook an additional 15 minutes, or until the rice is soft and tender.

Add the carrots and green beans and cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.

Allow to cool before serving.

Store extra dinners in the fridge for up to five days.

Pro Tip: Avoid using heavy oil to brown the turkey. The high fat content of the oil may upset your dog’s stomach.

Chicken Casserole

This recipe uses chicken, which is a good source of protein, and lots of vegetables to create a flavorful mix. Green beans help your dog feel full and vegetables promote a healthy intestinal tract.

Ingredients

4 chicken breasts

1/2 cup of green beans, chopped

1/2 cup of carrots, chopped

1/2 cup of broccoli, chopped

1/2 cup rolled oats.

4 cups of low-salt chicken broth

Directions

Remove excess fat from the chicken breasts and cut the breasts into small nickel-sized chunks.

Cook the chicken breasts in a non-stick skillet over medium heat until no longer pink.

Add the chicken, vegetables, rolled oats, and chicken broth to a large pot and cook over medium heat until the carrots are tender – about 15 minutes.

Allow to cool before serving.

Store leftover casserole portions in the fridge for up to five days.

Pro Tip: You can use a small amount of olive oil to fry the chicken if you are having trouble keeping the chicken breasts from sticking to the skillet.

Doggie Chili

Dogs need large amounts of protein to keep them healthy and active. Your pup should get the majority of his protein from whole meat sources, such as fresh chicken. Beans also have a good amount of protein.

This recipe blends chicken, beans, and vegetables to create a healthy and tasty mix.

Ingredients

4 chicken breasts

1 cup of kidney beans, drained

1 cup of black beans, drained

1 cup of carrots, diced

1/2 cup of tomato paste

4 cups of chicken broth

Directions

Remove the excess fat and dice the chicken breasts into nickel-sized pieces.

Cook the chicken breasts in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until no longer pink.

Add the chicken, beans, carrots, tomato paste, and chicken broth into a large pot and cook over medium heat until heated through – about 10 minutes.

Allow the mixture to cool before serving.

Store leftover chili in the fridge for up to five days.

Pro Tip: You can add a 1/2 tablespoon of fish oil to this recipe. The flavors are strong enough that even picky eaters won’t notice the added healthy ingredient.

Beef Stew

This dog-approved version of beef stew includes meat for protein, vegetables for vitamins, and gravy for flavor. This is a good alternative to wet commercial dog foods.

Ingredients

1 pound of beef stew meat

1 small sweet potato

1/2 cup of carrots, diced

1/2 cup of green beans, diced

1/2 cup of flour

• 1/2 cup of water or organic vegetable oil, plus 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil for frying

Directions

Cook the sweet potato in a microwave for 5 to 8 minutes until firm but tender. Set aside.

Slice the stew pieces into smaller chunks, about the size of a nickel.

Cook the stew pieces in a tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat for 10-15 minutes or until well-done.

Remove the beef chunks from the pan, reserving the drippings.

Dice the sweet potato.

Heat the drippings over medium-low heat. Slowly add flour and water into the dripping while whisking to create a thick gravy.

Add the meat, sweet potato, carrots, and green beans into the gravy and stir to coat.

Cook until the carrots are tender – about 10 minutes.

Serve cool.

Store remaining stew in the fridge for up to five days.

Pro Tip: You can purchase pre-made gravy at some health food stores. This may save you time when making this food.

Fruit Parfait for Dogs

Your dog deserves a nice dessert every once in a while. This parfait mixes dairy and fruit, so it tastes great but also gives your pup a nice dose of vitamins and protein.

Ingredients

 1/2 cup plain, non-fat yogurt

1/2 cup of strawberries, diced

1/2 cup of blueberries, diced

1/2 cup of applesauce

Directions

Blend all ingredients in a medium size bowl until the yogurt is smooth and the fruit is well blended.

Serve in small amounts.

Store in the fridge for up to seven days.

Pro Tip: On days you plan to serve your pup a fruit parfait, reduce the amount of regular food by one half to one cup to keep from over-feeding.

 

*Remember always check with your veterinarian before starting any new diet for your dog/puppy and ask what foods are okay and what foods are not.

Summer Fun Pet Tips

SuMmEr FuN pEt TiPs

 

Make you yard a water park for you pup. Sprinkles and kitty pools overload!

 

Let your cat explore outside the right way with a outdoor enclosure. Catio ahoy!

 

Treat your pet to a cool snack. Frozen veggies and fruits that are pet friendly. Pup-sicles!

 

Make your pet a DIY cooling pad. Take a box the right size for you pet insert a ice pack/frozen water bottle filled sock, place under a towel and ta-da a nice cool place for your lovely pet! 

 

Play hide and seek inside the nice cool house.

Loads of fans, air conditioning and air flow!

Beat the Heat

Tips for keeping your pet safe and cool:

Provide shade if outside,

Povide water always.

Never leave your dog in a car alone period.

Ice cubes! 

Kitty pool.

Make frozen pup-sicles

Have fans running.

Have AC running.

Wet towels/washclothes

Frozen water bottles

Sprinklers

Lakes

Watch for hot pavement.

make your pet wear booties.

Cold can food.

cooling pads.

cooling vests,

Misters.

Check for water always.

Check under your car hood.

Don't let your pet drink random puddles of water.

Always have your pet on a leash.

Know the signs of heat stroke.

If your pet is panting its too hot. 

Cold/Frozen fruits and veggies.

 

 

 

National Dog Bite Prevention Week

Some tips to prevent dog bites:

If you have a child teach them:
To not:
- try to pet strange dogs
-pet dogs tied up even if its a familiar dog.
-stay away from lose dogs on the streets
-get a adult if a dog is acting strange or aggressive
-have a adult around supervising play around a dog
-pull or yank on a dogs face fur tail really any body part no matter how nice the dog may seem to be
-take a dogs food, toys etc.
-play around a dog eating
-Eat at a table and not carry food around

Obedience train your dog.

Avoid alpha dogs. If you cannot handle a strong willed dog do not risk having one.

Always be the alpha pack leader. Do not let your dog get away with guarding or possesive behavior of objects or food.

If you have a herding breed of dog make sure you have a proper outlit for their herding behavior. Never let them herd children ir people period.

Do not let a dog dominate you or other people.

Know how to properly approach a dog:

Avoid going for the top of the head or on the neck when attempting to pet a dog especially a dominant dog.

Crouch do not stand hovering over a dog.

Avoid face to face contact.

Do not attempt to touch a dog in pain.

If your dog starts acting strange or aggressive out of the blue take them to a veterinarian to rule out any medical issues.

If you have a aggressive dog that you cannot handle:
- get a professional trainer with references and years of experience dealing with aggression
-give the dog to someone you personally know that can handle the dog never a complete stranger
-In some rare cases due to extreme behavioral issues or a medical issue that cannot be cured or controlled by medicine it maybe best to put the dog asleep only if all other options have been exhausted.

A dog that bites is asking for legal issues, a danger to other people and animals and putting that dogs life on the line.

Top Ten Largest Dog Breeds

1. Great Dane
2. Irish Wolfhound
3. English Mastiff
4. St. Bernard
5. Leonberg
6. Newfoundland
7. Anatolian Shepherd
8. Great Pyranese
9. Scottish Deerhound
10. The Kuvasz

Easy Homemade Dog Treats

Flour + Pureed Baby Food = Dog Treat

For flour use wheat, rice or nut flour. Avoid corn and soy flour.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and bake for 30 minutes.

Yay yummy treats for your canine!

Summer Pet Tips

Do not leave your pet unattended in a vehicle period.

Provide lots of shade.

Make sure water is available at all times. Check several times a day if you must.

Treat your pet for pest infestations like fleas, ticks, etc.

Watch out for dangerous critters.

Watch out for toxic plants.

Keep your yard well maintained and the fence line inescapable, holes filled in and locks on gates.

Know the signs of dehydration and heat exhaustion.

Animal Abuse and Neglect

If you see it, hear it, smell it and just overall have that gut feeling report it.

Report to proper authorities. Local animal control, humane society, police, etc.

Document everything. Time, place, what occurred, reacurrent instances, etc.

Avoid taking individual action. Things could go awry and get dangerous very quickly.

No flash mobs. If you do not know the situation in its entirety dont excite the neighborhood into condemning that person.

Have witnesses. Have written statements. Avoid verbal which can always be turned around into hearsay.

Be prepared to be interviewed and possibly go to court to testify as a witness.

Educate people about what animal abuse and neglect it.

Never be afraid to do what is right.

Spring Pet Tips

Treat your pet and prevent  pests like fleas, ticks and mosquitos with daily checkups and monthly flea and tick treatment.

Gardening? Pick plants and fertilizer that are nontoxic to your pets.

Check and make sure your pet`s vaccinations are up to date.

If you are spring cleaning use pet friendly nontoxic cleaners.

Can my dog eat that and this?

For Sure:
Rice
Lettuce
Cantaloupe
Peanut Butter
Pumpkin
Bananas
Carrots
Pears
Spinach
Fish
Meat
Sweet Potato
Eggs

Moderation:
Pineapple
Hot Dogs
Broccoli
Tomatoes
Blueberries
Potatoes
Stawberries
Watermelon
Apple
Bread
Cheese
Mushrooms

Not Reccomended:
Popcorn
Shrimp
Cherries
Peppers
Almonds
Celery
Marshmallow
Avocado

NO:
Walnuts
Onions
Beer
Chocolate
Grapes
Garlic
Gum
Most Nuts
Pomegranate

Keep your pet safe in a backyard.

Fill in holes under the fence with dirt, rocks, concrete, etc.
Replace old, worn out pieces of fencing routinely.
Have a lock on your gate(s) at all times.
Never leave a gate open accidently. Remind friends and family to always double check that they closed the gate behind them.
Do not leave pets and children together unsupervised.
Do not leave pets that are known jumpers or diggers unsupervised.
Remove any items that could injure your dog old wiring, metal pieces, anything lying or sticking up out of the ground precariously.
Never leave a dog tied up unattended they could tangle themselves up easily.
Provide a shelter and water at all times for your pet when outside.
Stay vigilant.
Report suspicious people that seemed to be eyeing or trespassing on your property.
If your dog is terrritorial please put up a beware of dog sign to warn people to stay away.

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TheBouncyMutt on Facebook ^_^

Updates will still happen here on the blog but not as often...time restraints and the like 0_o;

Deaf Pet?

Happy Easter!

 

Please No Chicks or Bunnies for Easter!

 

 

How To Apply Dog Flea Treatments Properly

Managing The Stressed Out Dog

Some Basic Dog Training Tips

Reward good behavior.

Never ignore or punish good/desirable behavior!

Never reward bad behavior!

Do not let your dog ignore a command yet do not punish your dog if you call him/her to you.

Correct and show your dog what you want him/her to do in a calm, assertive manner.

If you are not serious in enforcing and showing correct form of a command just do not do it period. Why teach your pup something if you are not going to follow through?

Develop the proper use of timing. If your dog did something bad 20 minutes ago why punish now? The moment it happens the moment you correct. Simple. Make time to train your dog no excuses! If you cannot maybe you should not have a dog?

Do not blame a sick dog for behavioral issues...refer to a veterinarian to rule out medical issues.

If you think your dog has psychological issues such as anxiety, fears, aggression, etc. please refer to a professional dog trainer and always get second, third etc. opinion.
Interupt the behavior you want to change. Peeing on the floor? Put outside immediately. Barking? Telling them immediately to be quiet or whatever training aid you need to correct behavior.

National Pancake Day

Yes even your dog can enjoy this day ^_^

Healthy pancakes for you and your pup?

Try mixing a couple eggs and a banana up for a quick pancake mix.

Without the uber carbs and sugar 0_o;

Yes.

Do Not Leave Your Dog In The Car Unattended !

Do not leave your dog in the car unattended.....

Why?

Many reasons why......

The dog could get stolen....no does not matter if your vehicle is locked or not.

Thieves always finds a way

Your dog could die of heat stroke if it is hot or even mildly warm outside. Windows open or not.

Your dog could freeze to death if its too cold outside.

If there is a natural disaster/emergency there is no way for your dog to get out.

Your dog could tear up and wreck your car's interior. 

Could get ticketed. It is illegal in some places to leave your pet in the car unattended. 

Your car window could get bashed out from a concerned animal lover, policeman, etc. if your dog looks even the slightest bit of in distress.

If your pet is lonely from being left at home why leave them alone in the car while you do your shopping for minutes, hours or whatever. Kind of hypocritical....just saying....

Have a wonderful day ^_^

How To Read A Dog Food Label

Feed Your Pet Au Natural

Always check with your veterinarian before starting a new diet for your pet.

The Pet Friendly House

World's Most Pet Friendly House

Hard Working Dogs That Should Be Praised More Often

  

  

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World's Hardest Working Dogs

Andrew Fladeboe Photography