Why You Should Never Pet A Dog On Its Head or Hug A Dog

The worst way a person can approach a dog is walk up to them head on and lean over them to pet them specifically near the facial region i.e pat the top of the head or embrace around the neck.
Dogs do not like you hovering over them. This is a dominant, threatening gesture and/or posturing for a dog. 

A person should approach a dog in the most non-threatening way possible which means crouching down to the dog's level and turning your body sideways. Whatever you do do not stand or bend over the dog or approach directly.

Let the dog come to you always. Squat down, extend you hand out and let the dog approach you at his own pace. Try to be laid back and not nervous as the dog will pick up on this. If the dog just stands there away from you or back off or pulls his head away after initial sniffing you are best to leave the dog be. If you observe any of the following dog body language:

• Stiff or tightly tucked tail
• Ears pinned back
• Hair raised on the center of his back
• Posturing dominantly 

The dog maybe aggressive fearful, anxious or uncomfortable if any of these signs are visible.

These steps should be taken no matter if the dog is familiar and known to be friendly or if the dog is an unknown stray. 

A dog can be unpredictable just like any other animal. 

However once you know the dog is calm, friendly and laid back let the affection and petting begin. 

How to budget for a new pet

Things to consider when budgeting for a new pet:

Home Preparation: Pet proofing your home maybe necessary especially if you have a new puppy or kitten. Everything from secure fencing to pet proof locks and/or storage for the trash can and any hazardous products 

Veterinarian: Your new pet may need updated annual shots, de-worming, microchip, flea and tick medication, heart worm preventative, spay/neuter and make sure you include any accident/emergency costs i.e broken bones, cuts, disease/illness, special medications etc.

Pet Supplies: 

• Food/Specialized Formula Food (grain-free, puppy/kitten, senior, etc.)
• Food and water dishes
• Collar/Harness and leash/ Licensing (varies city to city)
• ID tags (or implanted ID microchip)
• Dog bed/ Cat bed/ Cat scratching post/ Dog house/kennel
• Baby gates if you're keeping your dog within certain parts of the house
• Crate/Cages/Pee Pads/Litter Boxes/Cat Litter/Pet Carriers/ Doggy poo bags/ Pooper scooper
• Treats and toys/Training devices

Adoption Costs: Depending on whether you adopt from a shelter or buy from a breeder costs can vary anywhere from free into the thousands.

Training: Train your pet for free or hire a dog trainer or go to obedience classes which average about $100 per session and/or class

Day-day expenses: Dog/Cat Food, Grooming and Cat Litter

Pet Care Costs Break-down

Adopting a Pet

On average expect paying around $250 for adoption fee for a shelter pet. However adoption fees can run anywhere from free to $500 depending on the area you live around. Expect $1000 and up for a purebred puppy or kitten from a breeder

Basic Veterinarian Costs

Once your dog or cat is into adulthood, these are the basic services that every pet parent should expect to pay for at the annual vet visit.

Office Call: This is the cost of the appointment and physical examination, and can vary widely depending on your geographic location and the veterinarian, or clinic, that you choose. The average cost is $45-$55.

Vaccine Boosters: Vaccine boosters are shots administered after the initial dose to keep the vaccine effective. Some of your pet’s vaccinations may require boosters while others may not, but most pets require 2-4 boosters each year. The average cost for booster shots ranges between $18-$25.

Heartworm Test: This annual test checks for heartworm disease, which is a serious and potentially deadly condition caused by parasitic worms. Blood testing for this disease generally costs $45-$50.

Fecal Exam: Fecal exams are performed to identify gastrointestinal parasites, and the importance of this testing as part of the annual check-up has grown in recent years. The average cost falls somewhere around $25-$45.

ADDITIONAL COSTS

Depending on your pet’s age or medical condition, you may need to pay for additional services at the annual vet visit.

Geriatric Screening: Older pets (typically 7 years and up) will require geriatric screening. This is a more comprehensive exam that may include complete blood work and chemistry, urinalysis, x-rays, and more. The typical cost for this type of exam is $85-$110.

Dental Cleaning: A dental cleaning is performed when your vet sees gingivitis in your pet’s mouth or notices bleeding during brushing. Many pets have their teeth cleaned once a year at the annual check-up. This procedure generally costs $70-$400, and will vary for dogs and cats.

Allergy Testing: Just like humans, dogs and cats can develop allergies and will typically exhibit symptoms such as itching, licking, and sneezing. If you suspect that your pet is suffering from allergies, your veterinarian may suggest an allergy test. Allergy testing is performed one of two ways -- with an intradermal skin test or with a blood test. Skin testing generally costs $195-$250, and blood testing generally costs $200-$300.

Surgery And Other Health Issues: If your pet has to undergo surgery, or has other health issues that require treatment, the cost can run into the thousands depending on your pet’s specific issue.

Pet Food Costs

Pet food and treats typically costs somewhere from $20-60 per month ($250-700 per year). Food expenses vary based on the size and energy level of your dog as well as the quality of the food. Be aware that special foods, like veterinary therapeutic diets or freshly-made special-order food, may cost $100 or more a month. 

In general expect paying over $1000 a year for just one pet. Times that by 2 or more pets costs reach upwards of $3000-$5000 per year.

More Summer Pet Tips

More Summer Pet Tips

1.    Never leave your pet in a hot car.

2.    Make sure your pet is protected from internal and external parasites.

3.    Keep your pet’s paws off how asphalt on in the bed of a truck.

4.    Your pet should have access to water 24/7

5.    Give your pet some cold and/or icy treats or a wading pool.

6.    Don’t assume your pet can swim well.

7.    No fence? Keep your dog leashed at all times.

8.    Watch your pets weight. Feed less if overweight. Feed more if losing weight. Ask your vet.

9.    Pets can get sunburns too. Take your pet for a walk at dawn or dusk and avoid the middle of the day. 

10.  Ventilate your home but make sure screens are up and fully intact so your pet does not try to make an escape.

Enjoy your summer with your pet(s)!