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New Puppy Diet Tips – Feeding Them Right!

 

 

Got A New Puppy? Learn All About Feeding Your New Pet! 

One of the most exciting times in life is when a new member joins the family, be it a human or a pet. Puppies have a special place in our hearts and can send our loving instincts into overdrive, so how to make sure your new puppy gets the nutrition that’s scientifically right for them?

Firstly, it’s important to remind ourselves that human food isn’t suitable for dogs, and may even be harmful – especially for puppies. So while there are some safe foods to share with your dog, try to resist those puppy dog eyes, and don’t be tempted to feed from the table as it will only encourage bad habits and can lead to health problems.

How often?

Guidelines say that just weaned puppies can safely have puppy food they can access throughout the day left out because they are unlikely to overeat at a young age. Just make sure that wet food is replaced before it can go off – dry food tends to be OK. And please don’t forget the water! Pups can dehydrate quickly in warm temperatures, so a clean source of water is as important as nutritious food. Alternatively, consider feeding your new pet four times a day, and switch to three times a day when they reach 4 months of age.

How much?

How much to feed your dog will depend on the breed and the weight they are likely to reach as an adult – females tend to be lighter than males. Overfeeding your dog can lead to dangerous complications, as can the wrong combination of food and supplements. Best to stick to a breed specific puppy food brand, and check out some expert guidelines on feeding your new puppy. If you can monitor their weight with a reliable set of scales, this will be enormously helpful at this stage.

Growing up fast

By the time your dog turns 6 to 12 months, you can feed them twice a day and some puppies will start to switch to adult dog food. Again – check their breed, as larger breeds take longer to reach their full adult size and you’ll still wish to control your pup’s calcium intake to avoid bone problems later on. As dogs grow, you’ll want to start training them and they’ll burn off much energy through walks and exercise, but bear in mind safe levels for feeding and ensure they get dog treats that are right for their breed and age.

Emotional eating isn’t good for humans or dogs

There are plenty of ways you can show your love and praise to your dog that don’t involve food treats, which may be unsuitable or lead to weight problems. Praising your new puppy with cuddles, petting, an enthusiastic voice or simply giving them your full attention is just as effective, if not more, than stuffing them with useless calories.

Keeping those simple rules in mind should give your dog the best start in life, and help you enjoy a long and healthy bond with your beloved pet.

Puppy-proof Your World – Tips & Tricks

Was your new puppy a well thought out addition to your family? An incident of fate? No matter how you came to have a delightful little furry critter, what you do now that they’re home is important! Don’t set your puppy up for failure by failing to cultivate an environment they can learn and grow in. If you puppy-proof your house, you can prevent future mishaps and frustrating moments in the future. What does it mean to “puppy-proof”? Let us make offer you some great tips that will get you well on your way!

Puppy-proof Your Home!

  • Pick-up and block access to all toxic substances. Even if they aren’t in an area your puppy will frequent. It’s not unusual for these little beasts to escape or travel out of our preferred territory for them. Make sure if they do, no hazardous accidents await them!
  • Get a trashcan with a puppy proof lid. The trash may smell bad to us, but it can be super enticing for a pet. Puppy-proof your trash by adding a secure lid, or getting a sturdy one with a foot mechanism.
  • Tie up those drape cords. Don’t let your puppy get dangerously entangled in drape or blind cords. Tie these up out of reach to avoid buying new window treatments or an injured pet.
  • Keep plants out of reach. This can prevent poisoning and keeps them from digging in the pots!
  • Keep power cords out of reach. This is a must if your new puppy is a chewer (and most are). You can also make sure they have plenty of chew toys so they can get this impulse out without causing damage.
  • Ditto ^^ for shoes, throw pillows, or anything else you really care about or can be dangerous! 
  • Keep your nightstand clear. Puppy-proof your bedroom by making sure nightstands or tables they can access by jumping up on things are free from things they can break. Also make sure to keep medicines in the medicine cabinet, out of reach!
  • Keep the toilet lid down. Don’t let a bad habit start!

Got some additional tips to help puppy-proof homes? Share them with us!

photo credit: Jonathan Meddings Way too cute via photopin (license)

Pet Damage to Your Home? Learn How To Stop/Prevent It!

There is a reason why landlords require extra pet deposits! Pet damage to homes and their content is a given. It may be given but it doesn’t mean you should give up! There are lots of ways you can minimize or even prevent any real damage from occurring.  Pets are a responsibility. Part of that responsibility is properly training them for their environment and helping them channel their animal instincts in a non-destructive ways. Let’s take a look at what you can do to…

Prevent Pet Damage To Your Home

  • Know Your Pet – Are they a chewer? A digger? A pee’er? A scratcher? All the above? Identify what your pet’s damage of choice is. You also need to understand that many of these issues will be harder to control the younger your pet is. Be prepared for this and nip bad habits in the bud!
  • Stimulate Them – Pets get bored. Especially young ones. It’s important that you invest a lot of time in playing with them.  It’s also important that you give them toys and an environment they can entertain themselves in. If you don’t provide one, they’ll create one themselves. Chew toys, scratch posts, digging boxes – all these can help your pet burn their energy up and stay stimulated!
  • Do They Have Separation Anxiety? – Dog trainer Allison Cipolli says,”When the owner leaves, the dog goes through a stress-panic and to comfort themselves they will grab the owner’s belongings and chew, chew, chew.”To determine if that’s the problem, Cipolli recommends putting out a special treat that your dog rarely gets, then leaving the house for a few minutes before returning.”If the dog didn’t eat what they normally would while you there,” she said, “that’s usually a telltale sign that they’re going through separation anxiety.”So what can you do about pet damage caused by anxiety? Try leaving your pet for small, yet increasing, increments of time. This allows them to adjust to the seperation. She also suggests not greeting your pet when you get home if they overly excited and have behaved poorly in your absence. Doing so just rewards them for their poor behavoir. Instead ignore them until they have calmed down, then great them and give them attention. They will learn that calm and good behavoir gets the results they want.
  • The Pee Bandit – All young pets will have issues with this until you have had time to properly train them for a litter box, puppy pad, or to go outside. Until you’ve achieved this, limit their roaming and keep a close eye on them so you can catch them before the act and redirect them. If your pet is older and exhibiting this behavior it may be territorial and can often be corrected by getting them spayed/neutered.

Puppy Time! How To Set Your Pet Up For Success

With little rolly-polly bodies and a playful spirit, puppies are hard to resist. There is nothing sadder though than to see a puppy that was brought home be left untrained and set up for a lifetime of struggle. Sometimes when the responsibility sets in and a puppy becomes a misbehaving dog it’s easier to take them to a shelter or put them outside on a lunge line or in a pen. What can you do to make sure that you’re both ready for the responsibility and that your puppy turns into a pet you can manage? Let us guide you!

Puppy to Dog – Tips for Success

  • Know your commitment – True with ANY pet, don’t make an impulse decision. Bringing a pet home is a big commitment that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Be sure you are ready and willing to put in the time and money to lovingly see the animal through to the end of its life.
  • Prepare your home – If you don’t want it chewed or damaged keep it out of a puppy’s reach. Make sure that you have the required equipment (puppy crates, puppy gates, etc.) to restrict their access and keep them safe. A well-prepared home will lead to less disciplinary measures required during the bonding process.

Puppy time!

  • Define toys – Make sure that your pet knows what it’s toys are. Don’t confuse them by letting them play with an old shoe or something similar. They aren’t going to discern between the toy shoe and your new pair when play time arrives. Make sure toys look different from regular household items you don’t want them messing with.
  • Take the time to train them – Training your puppy doesn’t have to be a big deal or a headache. The best training comes through play! For example, a game of hide and seek with treats as rewards can teach your pet to come when called. Get creative!
  • Keep bathroom breaks consistent – A great puppy potty break rule is to take their age in months and add 1. That is how frequently you should let them out. If your puppy is 4 months old, be sure to let them out at least every five hours. If you can’t be there all the time consider asking a friend or hiring a pet nanny!
  • Make them guest friendly – Nobody likes to be greeted by an over anxious or hostile pet when they visit. While your puppy is young consider keeping them leashed and by you while you have company. Being near you instead of all over a guest will become a habit for them as they grow. To prevent a second pet faux pas, discourage your pet from jumping on you and others by only ever rewarding them when all four paws are on the ground.

photo credit: Hudson, 9 weeks old. via photopin (license)

Growing Pains – How To Raise A Happy Pet

Growing with your pet can be an amazing experience. Kittens, puppies, baby bunnies – whatever your style watching them grow and learn is a real treat! On occasion though, two different species coming together, each trying to learn about the other so they can co-habitat in harmony, can cause a few growing pains. So what can you expect to struggle with from your new young pet? Check out our list of common growing pains!

What Traits Do You Need To Help Your Growing Pet?

Patience – No matter what kind of pet you’re raising up for a companion the key virtue you need to have is patience! Growing pets need thoughtful discipline and the only way to achieve thoughtful (as opposed to “in the moment” discipline is to understand that your pet has no way of understanding the concept of how much that shoe they just ruined cost, or what a big deal it is to stain the carpet. They have to learn that there are unacceptable behaviors, but one thing they DON’T need to learn is to fear you.

Growing kittens need patience!

Consistency – While training a growing pet it is of the highest importance that you are consistent. This applies to both disciplining them consistently for wrong behavior, rewarding good behavior, and being on a regular schedule. It can be hard to train a puppy to do their business outside when you leave for random long periods of time and know one is there to tend to them. When you get a new pet, it’s important that your life is stable so they learn your routine. If you can’t be there to attend to you growing pets needs, make sure you can higher a pet sitter or have a willing friend who can.

The Value of Distraction – While with some pets implementing a regular, consistent discipline is ideal, other pets don’t respond to that well at all. Rabbits are one of those pets that you just can’t discipline. Due to their nature as a prey animal instead of a predator (like most other pets) they are much more sensitive. They don’t perceive punishment as “discipline” but rather as “danger”, and they will learn to avoid you as a threat. With rabbits, your best method of approach is to distract them from their bad behavior. If they are nosing around where they aren’t supposed to be, lure them with a treat somewhere else! provide them with plenty of toys and areas to act out their natural instincts.

Understand your pets nature – Puppies and bunnies have an urge to chew, kitties need to scratch things. These are simple facts of having a pet. Don’t set your pet up for failure by leaving expensive shoes or electronics around for little teeth. Limit your pets roaming area, keep them under careful watch, and make sure that you have provided them with an environment free from as many bad temptations as possible. Make sure your new pet has toys and areas to act out their instincts, free from admonishment. Remember, you’re supposed to be the higher intellect.

photo credit: pet24 via photopin (license)
photo credit: You sneaky rabbit! via photopin (license)

Pet Sitter vs. Pet Boarding: Which Is Best For Your Pet?

Choosing a pet sitter or pet boarding can be a big decision. One you don’t want to leave to the last minute while making out of town plans. But which choice is right for your pet? There are a lot of different factors that could affect your choice. Is your pet social and does it play well with other animals? Or does it prefer to be alone when not in your company? How much care does your pet require? Does it have special needs? Do you have more than one pet? When you get a pet be sure to take some time to consider its care should you be called away. The better prepared you are, the less stress! Consider these pros and cons of hiring a pet sitter versus using a pet boarder.

Pet Sitter

Pros:

  • By hiring a pet sitter you ensure that your pet gets to stay in a familiar environment where you know they are comfortable. This can minimize the stress your pet can feel by your absence.
  • With a pet sitter it can be easier to ensure special directions  and needs are met. In home care for your pet ensures a one-on-one interaction where your animal is the center of attention.
  • If you have multiple pets, a pet sitter can be a big cost saver.
  • Keeping your pet in home and ensure protection from common kennel diseases.

Cons:

  • If your pet needs let out for bathroom breaks regularly a pet sitter can be rather expensive depending on what they charge for each home visit.
  • If your pet is prone to act out when you are away, this can cause issues for a pet sitter. Pet sitters are generally not responsible for cleaning up or preventing chewed up furniture, knocked over plants, or other household destruction that upset pets can cause.
  • If you have an especially protective dog a stranger coming into your home while you’re away could cause a big problem. Make sure that your pet is the kind that will welcome a pet sitter before you choose this option!

Pet Boarding

Pros:

  • Well run, quality pet kennels can require round the clock care and observation of your pet.
  • Boarding your pet can ensure interaction and playtime with other animals – a great option if this is something your pet is used to.
  • Pet boarding can be a money saver if you only have one pet to be concerned with when compared to paying per visit.
  • Some kennels will offer special services (at an extra cost) such as grooming!
  • Some pet boarders have on site medical care, a big plus if your pet is prone to sickness.

Cons:

  • Even well run kennels can have outbreaks…
  • While your pets basic needs will be met (food, water, bathroom) extra one on one time and play sessions can cost you extra. Your pet may grow depressed if you are away very long.
  • Changes in routine can cause upsets in some pets, especially young ones. Kennels run on a schedule that may not be normal to your pet.

 

photo credit: via photopin (license)

Puppy Preparedness – How To Get Ready For Your New Pet

Bringing home a new puppy is always exciting! However there is a lot of preparation that should be made first. The more you do beforehand and the better prepared you are the easier it will be on both you and your new puppy! A smooth transition is ideal for a long and happy relationship. Also, don’t forget to spend some time considering where you get your puppy from! Be sure to check your local shelters first. You can find shelters near to you by using the Humane Society’s shelter locator here.

Getting Ready For Your New Puppy

  • Puppy proof your home – To ease the stress for both you and your puppy, make a point to put everything you don’t want chewed on well out of the puppy’s reach. You’ll be a lot less likely to have to discipline your pet during the transition period if you remove all temptations before hand. Don’t forget to keep chemicals, poisons, and electrical cords out of reach too!
  • Prepare a space – make sure that your puppy has a space where it can feel safe and free from harassment. It’s best that this area have an easily cleaned floor for accidents too. Keep their food and water dish, bed, and puppy pads for accidents here.
  • Get the right supplies – Here is a basic list of items you should have on hand before you bring your puppy home: food for puppies, puppy bed or adequately sized kennel, food and water dishes, puppy pads, collar and leash, treats for training, and plenty of chew toys!
  • Find a vet – Make sure that you know a good vet to use for your puppy’s needs right away. This will prevent you from delaying important preventative care. You will need a vet for vaccinations and worming, as well as for spaying/neutering and future check-ups!
  • Find a pet sitter – You will inevitably have times when you can’t be there for your pet. Whether these are planned vacations or unexpected family emergencies, be certain that you have a care plan for your puppy! If you don’t have a reliable friend who can take over pet duties on short notice then be sure to research and find a good pet sitter in your area. Having these numbers handy and doing your research before hand can ensure that your pet is properly cared for and reduce your stress!
  • Be prepared for the elements – If your pet will spend much time outside, be certain they have access to adequate shelter in both the summer and winter. Plenty of shade, free of obstacles, safety from wind and rain and enough insulation to protect against the cold. If you’re in a place that gets really cold temperatures and bringing your pet in is out of the question, invest in a dog house with a heated floor.

Want to take an extra step? If you’re a home owner, consider fencing in your backyard so your pet can play while you relax.

Remember that while getting a new puppy is exciting, it’s also a big responsibility that is going to require a lot of patience. Don’t forget to prepare yourself and family for the added responsibility and understanding!