Pets Archives - Page 2 of 2

Some of the Things You Need to Keep Your Dog Healthy and Fit

March 27, 2017 by admin

If you have a dog, you will want only the best for them. This can get out of hand sometimes, with thousands of dog accessories available on the market. These accessories range from the fun (toys) to the practical (beds), and from the important (feeding bowls) to the unimportant (summer sweaters for long haired breeds). The dog is yours, and you will know just how much you want to invest in their accessories, and whether it matters to you to make your dog even more beautiful than their natural beauty allows. Unfortunately, if you are not entirely sure about what accessories your dog needs, you are likely to find yourself overwhelmed with the array of choices that are out there. So what matters?

What Matters with Dog Accessories?

The most important thing with a dog accessory is that it improves the health and happiness of your dog. With certain things, this is clear. For instance, you need a water bowl so that your dog can drink properly. With other things, it is not as clear. For example, a Yorkshire Terrier with long hair does not desperately need a sweater during the summer. However, if this makes them look cuter, which means they get more attention, then it does in effect serve their overall happiness. At the same time, wearing a sweater that is made of too thick of a material could make them too hot.

So what are some of the things you may need?

Dog beds – This is a truly essential accessory, because it is vital that your dog is comfortable. You wouldn’t sleep on a cold, hard floor, and nor should they. Even if you allow your dog to sleep in bed with you, you still need a dog bed as well. Dogs sleep a lot more than humans, and they have to have a comfortable, cozy spot to be in.
A collar and lead – Another essential accessory that will allow you to take your four legged friend on walks. Dogs require far more exercise than a house with a standard garden can give them, and they must be taken out for walks. Not just that, however, they absolutely love it! Do, as much as possible, try to let your dog walk off the lead. This means they will get a whole lot more exercise and stay really health. Hence, try to choose a lead that is easy to snap on and off, and work on your recall.
Food and water bowls. Dogs love nothing more than eating, and they need to drink even more than what us humans do. Make sure you monitor their diet, while always having water available to them at the same time.
Toys are an absolute necessity, because dogs love to play. Do be careful, however, that you don’t overdo it with the toys. They will become far too stimulated and excited. Don’t overdo it, in other words, but just have a few select toys to encourage different types of play (tugging, pulling, shaking, chewing, retrieving).

How the loss of a pet can affect your children

December 29, 2016 by admin

As a pet owner, you’ll know how quickly animals become treasured members of the family; whether you’ve got a cat, dog, bird, or fish, there’s a good chance that you’re incredibly attached to that pet and dread the day something happens to them. Imagine, then, that you’re a child attempting to come to terms with such a loss. Your family’s pets are likely to be the very first confidants, best friends, and co-conspirators that your child ever has, and the animal’s passing is likely to be their very first experience of death and grief. Would you know what to say, or how to prepare your child for the emotions that they’re likely to face?

Preparing for loss

First and foremost, you need to know that there’s nothing wrong with discussing death with your children, particularly if your pet is getting old or has been ill. Your child is developing and maturing every day, as is their ability to understand complex emotions and circumstances. Be sure to be the one to guide your child through the events that will follow. It can be tempting to allow a teacher, family member, or siblings to have such talks with them, but the environment of comfort and trust must be established from the beginning. Find a quiet moment when your child is showing an interest in engaging you in conversation and discuss the fact that your pet cannot be with you forever, and that there will come a time when the family has to say goodbye. Speak honestly and encourage your child to ask questions; they will find such openness a huge help once your pet has passed.

Experiencing a sudden loss

Sometimes the loss of a pet, and our ability to prepare our children, is taken out of our control; accidents and sudden illnesses can and do strike, and it’s important to know how to handle such a loss – particularly when it comes to explaining events to a child. At times like this, your child will be hit by grief they don’t understand, and it may be very difficult at first to explain what has happened and why. Be prepared for questions, for accusations of blame, or feelings of guilt, and a period when nothing you can say will make it all better, before your child is able to talk to you about what they’re feeling. The chances are your family will be in shock; encourage each member of your family to share memories, stories, and pictures that will dull the blow you’ve been dealt.

Saying goodbye to a beloved pet

You may be worried that asking your child to say goodbye to a beloved pet will cause distress, but that final declaration of love, and recognition of loss, will be absolutely vital for their healing. Allowing your child to play an active role in saying goodbye will not only allow them to understand what has happened, but also create a healthy attitude towards future losses that they will no doubt encounter. A funeral or pet cremation service is a lovely way to provide closure for your child, as well as enabling your family to come together to celebrate the life of your pet and remember the memories that you’ve made together. Ask your child to write a letter, sing a song, or paint a picture of their pet for a memorial, and consult them when it comes to choosing an area in which to scatter ashes or bury your pet; not only will your child feel a part of the service, but they will also be able to associate their feelings with what’s happening far better than if they’re protected to the point of being left in the dark. Finally, don’t be tempted to underestimate your child, or their capacity to understand what’s going on. Using simple language, including words such as “dead”, “death”, and “dying”, will be far less confusing than euphemisms such as “sleeping”, and will allow your child to come to terms with their loss in a less trivial way.

Choosing a new pet

When is the right time to choose a new pet? While it can be tempting to rush out and rehome a new animal so that a sudden loss is felt less harshly, it’s essential to remember that grief is an important part of growing up; you won’t want your child to be sad, but taking away their right to say goodbye, and their ability to process their emotions and understand what’s happened, will cause more harm than good. It’s completely healthy for your child to explore the way they’re feeling in such a way, and while a new pet can aid the healing process, you must wait until everyone, including your child, is ready to welcome a new family member.

While it’s always a good idea to encourage your child to focus on other things, including hobbies, heading out and about together, and quality family time, it’s also wise to listen; don’t be tempted to dissuade your child from talking about their pet and the emotions they’re experiencing as this may discourage them from expressing themselves later in life. Above all, be guided by your child, and talk about grief and the healing process at a time and pace that suits them. Your child may need time before they’re ready to discuss what’s happened, or they may have questions right away; there is no right or wrong way to handle the loss of a pet, as long as your child’s interests are taken into consideration.

5 Family Friendly Dog Breeds

January 25, 2016 by admin

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Picking a dog for your family can be challenging as there are so many different types of breeds. When looking for the right dog, you have to keep in mind your living space and the needs of your new furry family member. If you have children, you must be careful to pick a dog with a disposition that is suitable for kids. Here are five different dog breeds that are suitable for families with children.

Golden Retrievers

One of the most popular choices for family pets is Golden Retrievers. The reason why is they are loyal, loving, and patient with children. They have gentle personalities and love to play with children. They are high energy and do better in larger homes. The one downside is their long hair that sheds which make them bad for anyone with allergies.

Labradors

Officially known as Labrador Retrievers, these friendly and loveable dogs make great pets for families. Like Golden Retrievers, they are kind, loving, and playful with children while being calm and patient with them. They have lots of energy so they require lots of playtime and running or walking. Labs come in three different colors; chocolate, black, and yellow.

French Bulldogs

If you have children but live in a smaller space such as an apartment or condo the French Bulldog is perfect for you. They have a loyal and loving personality and do well in small spaces. They are not prone to bark, they have low energy levels, but are still willing to play, making them perfect for living in smaller spaces with children. They are also short haired making them less allergenic than longer-haired breeds.

Poodles

Poodles are intelligent, caring, and mild-tempered dogs making them good for playing with children. They also do not shed making them perfect for families who need a hypoallergenic pet. Poodles come in two different sizes, standard and miniature. The Standard is one of the most intelligent dogs and is loyal to its family. The Miniature is also loyal but tends to be so with one person rather than its family. Both are good with children.

Bulldog

Finally, the bulldog is a kind, patient, and loveable dog who does well with children. They do not have a lot of energy but are affectionate with children. They are comfortable living in small or large spaces. Thus, the bulldog is also perfect for living in an apartment or condo with children.

Welcoming a dog into your home is a big decision, therefore, it is important to consider the personality, size, and energy needs of a dog before welcoming them home. With this list of five different breeds, there is something for each type of family.