If you’ve had a dog before at any point in your life, you know that amazing feeling of having the puppy or dog greet you when you’ve been gone, either for an hour or a whole day. They’re so excited that their whole body can shake with enthusiasm.
But there’s a flip side to that puppy’s happiness. Dogs can worry so much about where you are and when you’re coming back that they can have horrible separation anxiety. This can lead to either self-destructive behaviors or behaviors that are destructive to their surroundings. And that, in turn, can lead to a dog that isn’t any fun to be around.
Separation anxiety isn’t all that uncommon with puppies and grown dogs and can be triggered by any number of changes to their environment. There may be a move or a new family member, for example. So what can you do to help combat this? This graphic explains it.
Like young children, dogs and puppies are forever curious. They never tire of sniffing objects in their environment, as well as eating or rolling in them. Endless sights and scents mean adventure and exercise for your furry friend, and it’s a joy to witness this kind of carefree enthusiasm for life. Along with the healthy benefits of curious energy come certain dangers, however, including the risk of overexposure or poisoning by harmful chemicals. Fortunately, your dog can avoid exposure or ingestion of toxic chemicals – with a little help from you, his beloved human.
Know the Culprits
Before you can be effective at keeping toxic chemicals away from your dog, you have to know what these chemicals are. Educate yourself about common household products that can be harmful to your pet, as well as any chemicals your dog may be exposed to when the two of you take your walks. Anything your dog is exposed to will be carried into your home – and into your bed, too, if you allow co-sleeping with your dog.
Not only do you need to know which chemicals to avoid, but also what specific products and materials contain them. Often, a toxic chemical isn’t obvious by the name or stated purpose of a product but could still contain harmful chemicals that might attract your dog in some way and cause him harm in the process. Read labels carefully and consider switching to all-natural products.
Garages and sheds, in particular, are common storage places for hazardous chemicals such as gasoline, oil, paint, fertilizer, and antifreeze. Unfortunately, these areas of your property usually contain products with toxic chemicals that can’t be replaced with natural alternatives. Although your dog may rarely be in the garage or shed, it’s still a good idea to store harmful chemicals high up where your dog can’t get to them.
Common Household Poisoning Hazards
In addition to chemical hazards, there other common household items that can cause harm to your dog if inhaled or eaten, including certain medications and foods. Even if you are diligent about protecting your dog from toxic exposure, accidents still happen. Ensure that you have a poison helpline number saved on your cell phone, as well as the number of the nearest emergency vet clinic. In any case of poisoning, time is of the essence.
Medications
Over-the-counter pain relievers such as Advil and Aleve are commonly found in medicine cabinets, but it’s also common for a bottle to be floating around on the kitchen counter or a nightstand where a dog could easily get to it. These products contain non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen and naproxen. If NSAIDs are eaten in toxic amounts, it can result in acute kidney failure in both dogs and cats. Signs of toxicity include diarrhea, vomiting, black-tarry stools, and seizures.
Other medications commonly found in the home that are harmful to dogs if ingested in toxic amounts are acetaminophen (found in Tylenol and cold/cough medications) and amphetamines used to treat ADD and ADHD, such as Adderall and Concerta.
Foods
Certain foods that humans can generally enjoy without risk can be deadly to dogs. Chocolate, for example, contains a relative of caffeine known as theobromine that is highly toxic to canines. The darker and more bitter the chocolate, the higher the danger. Another potential poisoning culprit is xylitol, a sugar replacement found in many sugarless gums and candy. Xylitol can cause a life-threatening drop in blood sugar, and even liver failure. Unfortunately, dogs can’t safely enjoy grapes or raisins either, as these foods can cause kidney failure.
Mycotoxins
It’s not just human food that may contain toxins. There are certain ingredients found in dog food that may be contaminated with mycotoxins, which are produced by molds that grow on crops of grains. These ingredients include corn, barley, rye, wheat, cottonseed, peanuts, and corn. Good nutrition is of utmost importance for your furry companion, so opt for high-quality natural ingredients and leave the cheapest food on the shelf behind. It will generally contain lots of grain fillers.
Modern lifestyles commonly involve the use of chemicals. Between cleaning agents, insecticides, rodenticides and much more, potential danger can lurk in your home and other areas of your property. In the case of accidental ingestion, inhalation, or direct skin contact, contact a pet poison hotline or emergency vet clinic, and provide any immediate treatment possible. Remember that danger can be avoided with some careful research and cautious storage.
If we notice that our dog is stressed, we want to do everything in our power to make our furry buddy feel safe. Unfortunately, there aren’t many options on the market that will help with this problem. Thankfully, there is one great and effective aid: CBD.
But, why should owners use CBD for dogs under stress? There are so many reasons why it is the best solution for an anxious pooch, and we’ll name the four most important ones!
1. CBD can calm the dog and help with anxiety
Yes, dog anxiety is a real thing. Whether separation, trauma, or something else caused it, it’s important that we do everything we can to help our pets. That’s where CBD comes in. CBD oil has amazing calming properties and it will quickly make our buddies feel better.
But, how does CBD oil calm the pooch? Well, the science is clear on that matter. The oil has the power to affect the ECS in a dog’s body. ECS is a system that plays a major role in functions such as sleep, appetite, memory, and mood. CBD can influence receptors that are connected to the ECS to send different messages in order to help with balancing the pet’s emotions. As a result, our best friend will be more relaxed and will react better in stressful situations.
2. CBD oil can help with the pain
Another reason that a pooch can be stressed is the chronic pain that it constantly feels. Even though this situation might seem unsolvable, owners will be happy to know that there is a way to help their dog.
CBD oil can also have positive effects on receptors that are responsible for experiencing pain. It can treat seizures and even some symptoms of cancer. Furthermore, the oil has the ability to soothe the inflammation and the dog’s immune system after surgery, which will help the pet stay active.
CBD is especially useful for dogs that have issues which can’t be solved with regular meds. Thus, dog owners should seriously consider using CBD for dogs under stress and pain, because it can really help a pooch feel much better.
3. CBD oil isn’t toxic
Even though CBD is proven to have amazing health benefits, there are still many people that don’t know much about this component. That is why there is a misconception that CBD can have harmful effects on dogs.
The truth is, CBD isn’t the same as marijuana. Therefore, it isn’t psychoactive and it won’t make the pooch high. So, dog owners don’t have to worry about toxins related to THC. CBD has amazing relaxing properties without the dangerous side effects of marijuana!
4. CBD oil is legal in every US state
Another reason why CBD is a great solution lies in the fact that it is legal everywhere in the United States. That’s because Farm Bill in 2018 made hemp legal for consumption.
Hemp is any plant that belongs to the family of cannabis but doesn’t contain more than 0.3% THC. In most cases, CBD oil is derived from hemp and doesn’t contain much or any THC. Thus, it’s completely safe and legal to use in the US.
More benefits of using CBD for dogs
CBD can have amazing health benefits even for dogs that aren’t under stress. For example, if a dog has nausea or has trouble eating, CBD can help by increasing the appetite. As a result, the pooch will be able to ingest the necessary nutrients and stay healthy.
Furthermore, owners with an older dog know how important it is to protect their friend’s brain at that age. CBD oil ensures that a pooch is in great shape for a long time by helping brain cells function normally.
Final thoughts
Every owner wants the same thing: to protect their best friend. Luckily, that task is easier now that CBD has come into play. CBD has the ability to make a pooch calmer and help with anxiety as well as relieve our buddies from pain.
In addition, it is legal in the United States, and it isn’t toxic or psychoactive, which makes it completely safe for the pet. Besides these benefits, CBD is also great for dogs that aren’t under stress.
Did you know there are potential links between pet ownership and success? Some of the most successful entrepreneurs today have pets and are making their office spaces pet friendly too! Even the greats of the past like Theodore Roosevelt knew the importance of pets! So, are you looking for another reason to get one? Maybe your future spouse is on the fence about Fido? Let us walk you through all the reasons your pet can make you a success!
How your pet can make you a success!
Beat that stress! – Being a success can be stressful! As your business and influence grows, so does your work load. Having a pet can help you manage the workload when you’re in that transition period before your successful enough to delegate some of your duties. Studies have shown that even people who say they don’t like animals experience reduced stress by petting one!
They build confidence! – Everyone needs someone to believe in them, or someone to comfort them after a failure. Your pet will always be happy to see you! Pets often prove to be an emotional “safe-haven” for people. This allows for some recovery time after a blunder and helps people get back on their feet quicker and stronger! These are important skills for success!
They build connections! – This applies more to dog owners than cat owners, but pet ownership has been proven to increase your social skills. Maybe this is because of all those trips to the dog park? Or maybe this is also related to that confidence boost? Either way, pet owners are often more social and better at networking.
Are you worried that the extra responsibility of pet ownership could cancel out these benefits? Consider hiring a pet nanny or dog walker to help keep up with pet duties. That way, you get all the great benefits of animal kinship without all the stress!
the dirt and sniff new smells! We’re talking about your dog of course, not you! But as the season moves on the heat can start to be dangerous to you and your pet. No body is in the mood for another month or two of being shut up indoors. So how can you make sure that you and your pet are staying healthy and active? Here are our top tips!
Staying Healthy in the Heat
Stay Active, Safely – It’s important that your pet still gets their exercise, even as the temperature soar. There are several ways you can do this without too much threat of heat exhaustion. The first is to make sure that you or your dog walker time the walks to take place early in the morning or late in the evening when the heat is less intense. Another way is to spend your outdoor time next to bodies of water. This gives your pet the opportunity to cool off when they need to. Who doesn’t love a game of water fetch, anyways?
Lots of water – Make sure your pet is getting lots of water. A well hydrated pet can regulate their body temperature better than a dehydrated one. They will need more water than they do in the winter so be prepared for this. Get a larger water dish if you or a Pet Nanny won’t be available to keep an eye on and refill the water throughout the day. When you take your pet out, it’s also a good idea to bring a bowl and bottle of water with you as well.
Stop traveling with them – It might be no big deal to take your pup with you while you run errands in the cooler months. They likely benefit from the outings. In the summer though, it is NEVER okay to leave your pet in the car while you run in – even for a second, and even if you leave the window cracked. It can take less than 10 minutes for a parked car to reach deadly temperatures. Leave your pets at home unless you are exclusively going to a pet friendly destination where they can join you.
During this busy holiday season, as they are almost every year, all of us at Pet Nanny Main Line want to wish you, your family and pets a Very, Merry Christmas and all the best for a Happy New Year. Remember, that if you give a pet for Christmas this years, adopt locally, as they’re are so many wonderful pets waiting for a great home. Plus, adopted pets make the best companions. During this time of year, pet’s are often abandoned, starved, left out in the cold, and are craving and yearning for affection and love; remember to surround your pets with love and be thankful for them, and encourage your family to do the same with their pets. If you have a family member or friend wanting a pet for Christmas, encourage them to adopt and provide them with the benefits of adopting. We will close this post out with a fitting ‘pet-inspired Christmas carol’ featured on TheDailyJournal.com. It’s too cute not to share:
On
the first day of Christmas my sheepdog brought to me
A slimy rawhide she had buried ’neath the white pine tree.
On the second day of Christmas my gray cat brought to me
Two morning doves
He had captured by the Douglas fir tree.
On the third day of Christmas my poodle brought to me
Three mangled ink pens
He had chewed up on the sun room settee.
On the fourth day of Christmas my little calico brought to me
Four crawly bugs
She let go behind the living room TV.
On the fifth day of Christmas my pets brought to me
Five muddy things,
Four crawly bugs,
Three mangled ink pens,
And a slimy rawhide buried ’neath the white pine tree.
On the sixth day of Christmas my sheep dog brought to me
Six goose droppings
She had rolled in ’neath the blue spruce tree.
On the seventh day of Christmas my gray cat brought to me
Seven koi no longer swimming
He stole from the neighbor living next to me.
On the eight day of Christmas my poodle brought to me
Eight mice decaying
That the cat had killed ’neath the Scotch pine tree.
On the ninth day of Christmas my little calico brought to me
Nine bunnies prancing
From the nest ’neath the balsam tree.
On the 10th day of Christmas my dogs brought to me
Ten frogs a-leaping
They had found when the mailman accidentally set them free.
On the 11th day of Christmas my cats brought to me
Eleven handmade ornaments
They had shredded from my Christmas tree.
On the 12th day of Christmas my dear pets reminded me
How much their love and antics make me truly happy.
Have your kids been pestering you to get them a pet? Have you been pondering over the decision for quite some time now? Then it is time you to act! To help you with your decision here is a beautiful infographic that will explain all about the benefits of children growing up with pets. Having a pet along with young children can be an added responsibility for you, but consider the lifetime of benefits that your children will get by adding a cute, happy, playful, loyal, protective, watchful, sensitive, and loving entity to your family! How many reasons do you need to make the leap? How about 25!
Several types of research have been conducted, and are going to be conducted in the future, regarding the various benefits that kids get by having a pet at home. Some of the important conclusions that these studies have come up with are; the kids who grow up with pets have increased levels of immunity, they learn their responsibilities early in their life. They are also often happier than those without pets. They learn to respect other beings. These children will also be more active and pet ownership helps in keeping serious diseases such as heart conditions and obesity at bay. There are many more advantages, please check out this infographic from Top Dog Tips to get the full details.
In case you didn’t notice, sleep plays a big role in your pets life! It may seem like your pet just sleeps all day. Do you really know how much your pet needs though? Or how much they are actually getting? It can be hard to tell when they doze in lots of short increments, taking “cat naps” throughout the day.
Just like with humans, sleep is an important time for pets to bodies to replenish themselves. It’s important they get plenty of undisturbed rest. Let’s find out how much and how to ensure it happens!
How much sleep does your pet need?
DOGS
Your average pooch will need about twelve to fourteen hours of sleep. Thats about four more hours than us! This amount will vary based on your dogs size, breed, and age too. New born pups will sleep A LOT more than a rambunctious puppy of a couple months old. They can clock in at about twenty hours in one day! Likewise, older dogs will tend to sleep more too. They tire more easily and need more time to replenish their bodies and energy levels.
Fun Fact – Wild dogs and wolves will sleep more than their domesticated counterparts. They expend more energy in the pursuit of food and need more time to rest – especially if food is scarce.
CATS Cats can actually teach dogs a thing or two about some shut-eye. Your average cat will clock in about twelve to sixteen hours in one day! Now it’s just a shame they can’t get most of that in while we’re trying to sleep too… Just like puppies, new born kittens will spend around twenty hours sleeping.
Many people believe that cats are nocturnal, which isn’t entirely true. They are actually most active at dawn and dusk – when most prey animals are active too. Though, they are more prone to doze away more daytime hours than those during the night.
Make their sleep better
Both cats and dogs do better when they have private places, out the way of your daily life, to catch some zzzz’s. Even if your pet “sleeps” with you at night, make sure they have a place to go during the day too. Cats will also rest better after a feast, so if you’re wanting a quiet night, try feeding your cat at night. This will equate to a “dusk feeding” for them. Both pets will also benefit from lots of options for activity, exercise and playtime. Don’t skimp on it! Consider a dog walker or Pet Nanny if you can’t meet their needs.
For even more amazing helpful tips and fun information about your pets sleep habits check out Tuck!
We love our little bundles of fur, but lets be honest – they sure can smell. Smelly pets are a universal problem among pet owners. Whether it’s the litter box, or the pet themselves, we have some top tips for banishing pet odor. While any one of our tips below can help, keeping pet odor under control requires the full approach. All these tips utilized together should have your home smelling like a house again!
House Cleaning Tips For Smelly Pets
Bath them often. This applies mostly to dogs, though an outside cat may benefit from a bath occasionally too. It is generally recommended to bath your dog once a month. This may vary based on their breed and level of outdoor activity, but it’s a good base time. Regular bathing helps get rid of bacteria that can build in your pets fur and on their skin, causing odor. If your pet is prone to dry skin, use gentle soaps and a conditioner. Pro-tip: If your pet is shedding, give them a good brushing before the bath!
Clean your carpet. Even a well trained pet can have accidents on the carpet. Steam clean your carpet at least once a year. Quarterly if your pet is a repeat offender. Even if potty issues aren’t a problem smelly pets can leave behind odors in areas they frequent. Don’t have the time or money for a full carpet steaming? Invest in a handheld steam cleaner to spot treat areas.
Don’t ignore furniture and pet beds. If you picked yourself up a handheld steam cleaner, or rented a large carpet shampooer for the weekend, don’t forget to hit the furniture. Couches, mattresses, and pillows used by your pet can all benefit from a good cleaning once in a while. Make sure its safe to use the steam cleaner on your fabric, then steam that odor of smelly pets away! Don’t forget to wash dog or cat bed covers and give them a good steaming too!
Clean the air. Some people like to use products such as Fabreeze to control odor, but we suggest getting an air purifier instead. They have benefits beyond eliminating pet odors and when used in unison with the other tips, keep your home fresh and free of potential allergens for you and your pet!
As kids get older, they find themselves having friends who own pets. From dogs and cats to birds and hamsters, its inevitable they will be asking their parents if they, too, can become pet owners. With pet ownership being a big responsibility, some parents hesitate on giving their blessing. However, as scientists have done research on the benefits of pet ownership as it pertains to children, you might find yourself more eager than ever to drive to the local pet store or animal shelter. There are numerous ways pets help children!
If you have found that your children have had more than their share of ailments, owning a pet could change all that. Based on research published in the Journal of Pediatrics, kids who had pets in their home while they were infants were found to have 31 percent fewer respiratory infections and 44 percent fewer ear infections. When looking for a reason to explain this, scientists determined that being pets help expose them to dirt, dander, and pollen made the children’s immune systems much stronger at an early age, making it a bit easier to clean up after Fido or Fluffy.
And speaking of cleaning up after pets, kids who own pets have also been found to grow up to become very responsible adults. According to researchers, owning pets that they are responsible for feeding, grooming, playing with, and cleaning up after on a daily basis shows children the importance of responsibility, organizational skills, and maintaining a regular daily schedule.
But if you’re more interested in having a child who’s a great student, you’ll be happy to know pets help contribute to this as well. According to the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, kids who own pets are much more self-confident, have higher self-esteem, and are better able to make friends and perform better in school, particularly in literacy. By having pets who willingly sit and listen to them read while not criticizing them for an occasional mistake, children’s confidence levels go sky high.
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