Author: Guest Author

You don’t want your furry companion to miss out on fun trips. You want your pet to enjoy traveling just as much as you do. That’s why it’s so important to bring everything you need to make traveling comfortable for the entire family — including your four-legged friend. Here are a few simple do’s and don’ts to ensure your pet enjoys your trip.

 

#1 Plan stops.

Make sure your route has plenty of places to stop along the way. Get an idea of how long your trip is going to take beforehand and plan stops ahead of time. Find dog parks along the way so your four-legged companion can exercise before having to hop back in the vehicle.

 

#2 Double-check your packing.

Pack enough pet food for the entire vacation. Toys are always good for keeping your pet amused in the vehicle. If you are using a crate, you might want to make sure you have a potty pad in case of any accidents.

 

#3 Bring entertainment.

A bored pet can distract you from driving. Be sure to keep toys or other forms of pet-related entertainment on hand during your trip. Pack your pet’s favorite chew toy or have someone else sit in the back seat to provide company.

 

#4 Don’t get frustrated.

Long periods of time in a car can confuse your pet. Remain calm and remember to pull over to let your dog use the restroom and get some exercise. Poor behavior can be a sign of pent-up energy. Stay patient with your pet and ensure frequent stops.

 

#5 Keep your pet safe in the car.

There are a number of different products available to keep your pet safe in the vehicle. Even though you don’t plan on being in an accident, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Consider using a dog car seat or harness to keep your pet safely in place and out of harm’s way.

 

Conclusion

There is no reason why you and your canine companion can’t have an amazing vacation together. Your pet is an integral part of your home. As such, you don’t want to leave them out of the festivities. Use these five tips to ensure your trip is a success for you and your pet.

 

Written contribution by Andrea Davis, Home Advisor.

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Mary adored her Dachshund Daisy and always wanted her by her side.  One 85°F day, while the “girls” were out for a car ride, Mary made a quick stop at the convenience store for a jug of milk.  In the store, she encountered a new cashier who was having difficulty working the cash register.  The line of impatient customers grew and Mary was delayed returning to the car and her precious Doxie.  Ten minutes passed and although the windows were cracked open, the temperature inside climbed to 125 degrees!  Daisy was in distress…she was panting profusely, her gums were bright red, her heart was racing, there was foam around her mouth — Daisy was suffering from Heatstroke.

 

Even with windows open, a parked car can quickly reach more than 150 degrees resulting in heat stroke, permanent brain damage or death to your pet. Never leave your dog or cat unattended in the car for even a few minutes.  Pets don’t sweat to regulate their body temperature (100.4̊ F – 102.5̊̊F).   They pant to exchange cooler outside air with the warm humid air in their lungs while cats don’t usually pant until they are overwhelmed by the heat.  If the outside air isn’t cooler than their body temperature, an animal can succumb to Heatstroke which can cause brain damage, kidney failure, cardiac arrest and death.  Old and overweight pets as well as short-nosed breeds are at the greatest risk.

 

An air-conditioned house is safest for your pet, but the next best thing is a well-ventilated/insulated doghouse or a shaded porch with a fan or misting system. Provide fresh water all day long making sure that outside bowls remain in the shade even when the sun moves in the late afternoon. Outside food bowls should be placed in a pan containing a few inches of water to keep ants out.

 

Also remember… Hot concrete & asphalt can burn precious paws! Walk your pets during the cool parts of the day and stick to the grass. If it’s too hot for your bare feet, it’s too hot for paws. Dog shoes are great on hot surfaces for short periods of time, but since heat is expelled from the pads of the feet, you dog is likely to overheat if his paws are covered for long periods on hot days.

 

Preventive Measures:

• Walk dogs during the cooler parts of the day and stick to shady areas and grass.  Even beach sand can burn paws and make a canine body too hot!
• Always make sure pets have a supply of cool fresh water.  If that outdoor water bowl has become a bird bath, is empty or is sitting in the blazing sun, it is not a good source of hydration for Fido!
• Make sure dogs in fenced yards always have shade to retreat to.  Notice the situation at different times of the day and year to make sure the shade cast by your lovely backyard tree isn’t only on the other side of the fence in the neighbor’s yard leaving your dog in the hot sun.
• NEVER leave a dog in a parked car for even a moment.  If he can’t get out with you at every stop, he is better off home in a temperate environment.
• Get to know your groomer!  Blow drying animals in a well-ventilated area is important to their health, and cage dryers (big boxes containing your pet into which air is forced to dry them) must be carefully monitored, so choose a groomer you know has your pet’s best interest at heart.
• Pay particular attention to senior, over-weight and brachycephalic (flat faced) pets who have more difficulty breathing even at comfortable temperatures.

 

Signs & Symptoms include:  Temperature greater than 102° F, heavy panting, gasping, vomiting (if not yet dehydrated), foam around the mouth, weak or high pulse, inability to drink, bright red or suddenly bluish gums and loss of consciousness.

 

 

What to do:

• Move pet to a cooler environment.  Indoors is best with a cool fan blowing on your pet but even a shady sidewalk or grassy area can help.
• Wet the animal with room temperature water (not ice as it restricts blood flow). Think “From the paws up!” getting the skin on the paws, pits, groin and belly skin cooled is most effective in quickly cooling your pet.  Water often skids off fur on breeds with undercoats and does not cool skin when applied to their back.
• If you place your dog or cat into a tub or pool, do not let the water rise higher than the belly.  Immersing him to the neck will cause him to cool too quickly resulting in hyperthermia.
• Rubbing alcohol or witch hazel wiped onto the inner flaps of the ears and pads of the feet has an amazing cooling effect. Do not however douse an animal with an entire bottle of rubbing alcohol. This could cause a sudden change in body temperature and result in Shock.
• Placing a cool pack (or bag of frozen peas) on dog or cat’s neck and groin can prove helpful in cooling him off as the cooled blood flowing through those arteries cools the rest of the body.  Remove pack every few minutes to make sure you don’t cause frostbite to animal’s tissue.
• Never force pet to drink as he could aspirate fluid into his lungs. Dribble a little water from an eye dropper or spray bottle to keep him hydrated.  At the Veterinarian’s office, fluids will likely be administered subcutaneously (under the skin or intravenously).
• Check your pet’s temperature and if it is 104°F or higher, get to the Veterinarian immediately!   Wrap animal in wet sheet or towel, turn on car air conditioning and drive quickly but safely.
• If pet goes unconscious, rub a little honey or Karo Syrup® on his gums to increase blood sugar level, and be prepared to administer CPCR.
• If the pet cools too quickly and temperature drops to 100°F, cover him with a blanket and place a 2-liter bottle filled with warm (not hot) water next to him as you transport him to the Animal ER.

 

Fortunately for Daisy, Mary was trained in Pet First-Aid & CPCR and knew what to do to save the life of her precious Dachshund.  She learned her lesson though and never again took Daisy for a car ride if she’d have to be left alone for even a very short time.

 

In addition to knowing what to do, you must learn the location of your nearest Animal ER and have an up-to-date Pet First-Aid Kit for your pooch or kitty.  Perform a Head-to-Tail check-up weekly feeling for lumps and bumps, noticing the condition of skin and coat and making sure no unusual odors or discharges are coming from any body part.  By getting to know what is normal for your individual dog or cat, you will more quickly notice something ‘not quite right’ and get the help he may desperately need.

 

For 16 years Denise Fleck’s Sunny-dog Ink motto has been “Helping people to help their pets,” and she has…teaching more than 10,000 pet lovers animal life-saving skills and millions more on national television segments, yet better pet parenting is still a secret in many communities.  Therefore, in her 2016 role as Pet Safety Crusader™, Denise will journey across the Southern U.S. beginning September 15^th to “Be the one who makes a difference” by helping large numbers of people help their pets in one concerted effort!  Pet First Aid classes, Pet Disaster Preparedness training and readings of her children’s books will be part of the fun as she travels 10,000 miles to 18 cities — from California to Florida, north to Virginia, across to Tennessee, down to Arkansas and back across the Southwest.  Super hero sponsors are needed to be the ‘wheels beneath her RV.’ Learn more about this epic adventure, Denise’s line of Pet First-Aid Kits, books and instructional posters at www.sunnydogink.com

 

 

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One late summer morning, two Scottish Fold kittens were playfully exploring their fenced yard when Rudy caught Abigail off guard and bounded at her from behind the rose bushes.  As Abby took a tumble landing dazed and confused, a bee buzzed passed her.  The twosome, quickly distracted by this new found fun, attempted to play a game of pounce with the tiny flying creature.  Fun did ensue for a few moments, but it then turned nasty as the bee planted his stinger right onto the tip of Rudy’s nose!  The kitten pawed furiously at his face, and as it began to swell, Rudy started looking more like a bulldog than a fluffy kitty!

 

INSECT STINGS

Cats and dogs generally paw at and remove an insect’s stinger when bitten, but should you see one through your pet’s fur coat (or on the nose, lip, paw or elsewhere), scrape it away with a credit card, popsicle stick or similar stiff object.   Pulling the stinger with fingers or tweezers could rupture the poison sac allowing the toxin to enter your pet’s body.  Administer 1 mg Benadryl®* per pound of your dog or cat’s body weight (usually comes in 25mg tablets so a smaller half will suffice for most kitties) and apply a cold pack (a bag of frozen peas works well) to any swelling.  Remove it every 3-5 minutes to prevent frost bite. Should severe swelling or any breathing difficulties develop, get to your veterinarian at once.  If anaphylactic shock occurs (a severe allergic reaction), the tongue may swell making rescue breathing difficult, so don’t delay!

 

Holding pets still for any meds or treatment is not an easy chore, especially if your best friend is a cat, so…first restrain pets by shooing them into a bathroom so that they can’t hide under the bed, and control four paws or claws by swaddling in a towel.  Any animal may bite if she is in pain, so have a properly fitting cat muzzle available because if you are bitten, it becomes a human first aid incident and the four-legged patient won’t get the prompt care she needs.  Well over 50% of cat bites result in their humans needing medical care.

 

Not good at restraining kitty or find your pooch to be an uncooperative patient?  Doing a weekly head-to-tail check-up can acclimate your canine or feline friend to the human touch.  Start slow but regularly giving your pet the ‘once over’ makes him or her a better patient at the veterinarian and during bath time, but most importantly, it allows you to really check her out and find problems BEFORE they become CATastrophes! Refer to last month’s blog on this topic for details.

 

*Just be sure the Benedryl® you administer to your pet does NOT contain Acetaminophen or Pseudoephedrine.

 

SPIDER BITES

Black Widow Spiders terrify us all with their distinctive red hour-glass marking, but rarely are they fatal.  Small dogs and cats generally have bigger issues with the venom due to their size.  Treat bites with ice and Benadryl as you would for a bee sting, and should your pet develop unusual redness, pain, difficulty breathing or paralysis…get to the vet ASAP.

 

Brown Recluse Spiders tend to hide in dark, secluded areas and their venom is known to destroy tissue surrounding the bite.  Approximately 1/2 inch to 2 inches long, the Brown Recluse can be identified by a distinctive fiddle-shaped mark on its back.  When bitten, most animals do not realize it, but after a while redness occurs.  Clean the wound with hydrogen peroxide, chlorhexidine or povidone iodine. If your best friend appears lethargic, develops a rash, fever, chills, vomiting or diarrhea or if the wound becomes larger or persistent drainage occurs, seek veterinary assistance at once.

 

SNAKE BITES

Another danger to our pets comes in the form of venomous snakes. Their physical appearance varies, but most can be identified by a broad, triangular head, vertical pupils as opposed to round ones (though hopefully you won’t be close enough to evaluate this), and heat-sensing “pits” between the eyes and nostrils which help them locate prey. “Red touches yellow, dangerous fellow; Red touches black, venom lack,” are a few rhymes that can help but learn which venomous serpents cohabit in your part of the world.

Prevention is the best medicine!  While out walking, your best safety device is keeping control of your dog on a leash.  Stay on open paths, and don’t allow your dog to explore holes or dig under logs or rocks where snakes hide (yeah, right — but doing so can prevent much pain, suffering and even death).  Keep pets away from areas covered in ivy and wood piles where snake food (mice) hides!

 

Should your pet gets bitten, assume it is a poisonous bite.   Even if it isn’t, non-venomous snakes transmit bacteria (remember…they eat rodents and don’t brush their teeth) making Veterinary care vital.

 

First-Aid

• Keep the wound at or below the level of the heart.
• Keep your dog or cat calm and carry him if possible.  Increasing your pet’s pulse and respiration also increases the absorption of the venom.
• Immediately call your Animal Emergency Center to make sure they have anti-venin and let them know you’re on the way so that they will start mixing it – it takes 30 minutes to prepare.  Ask if you should administer Benadryl® (usual dose for snake bites is 2 mg per pound of pet’s body weight).
• If possible, identify the type of snake or be able to describe it, but do not get near it.

• DO NOT cut over the fang marks or try to suck out the poison.
• DO NOT move the animal any more than needed.
• DO NOT place an ice pack over the bite which could result in the limb having to be amputated.  Venom is caustic and immediately breaks down tissue and blood cells, so as much as don’t want it traveling to the vital organs, you also do not want the concentration of toxin frozen in one place.

Do you know where your nearest Animal Emergency Hospital is?  Don’t wait until it is too late to find out.

 

DID YOU KNOW?

Baby snakes can be just as dangerous as their full-grown counterparts.  They are born with fangs and venom and generally give all they’ve got with each and every bite!

 

Snake Bite Vaccine can buy you time, but you’ll still need to get to your Veterinarian quickly if your dog is bitten.  Vaccinated dogs typically develop protection comparable to a couple vials of anti-venin.

 

 

 

Denise Fleck is an award winning author and freelance writer.  After extensive training, practice, more training and more practice, she developed her own Pet First-Aid & CPCR, Senior Pet Care and Pet Disaster Preparedness curriculum and has been teaching animal life-saving skills for 16 years with many success stories to share.  She also created a 5-month Animal Care course for high school students in conjunction with the Burbank Unified School District and Animal Shelter.  She has demonstrated animal life-saving skills on CBS –TV’s “The Doctors,” Animal Planet’s “Pit Boss,” “Kirstie Alley’s Big Life” and other shows and is emBARKing on a 10,000-mile Southern U.S. Pet Safety Tour this Fall.  Visit www.sunnydogink.com to find out if she’ll be stopping in a city near YOU!

 

Summer is the perfect time for fetch, runs, hikes and lots of other fun activities with your dog. But it’s important to remember to keep your pet safe during warmer weather. Here are five tips to keep your pup safe and happy this summer:

1. Provide a cool place to rest.

Give your dog a place to escape the heat. Some dogs love relaxing on tile floors to cool their bodies. You might consider converting your bathroom or part of your basement into a pet relaxation area. Put your dog’s favorite toys in the designated room for some familiarity. Sun-blocking curtains also cool your pets.

 

2. Create a doorway.

Outdoor temperatures can rise quickly. Never leave your dog outside alone for long periods of time, especially in the summer. Consideradding a doggy door to give your pup freedom to go in and out to the yard while keeping your cool air conditioning inside.

 

3. Avoid hot cars.

Even with the windows cracked, cars can heat up quickly. Leave your pet at home or take your dog with you inside the store to avoid harming your furry friend. If you see a dog in a car this summer, check out these tips from theHumane Society.

 

4. Keep your pet hydrated.

Always have water available for your dog. When you go out, carry an extra bottle of water and a container. Keep your pup’s water bowl in the shade so the water stays cool. You can also mix in ice to keep the water cold.

 

5. Avoid sunburns.

Avoid subjecting your dog to long periods of direct sunlight. Noses, ear tips and skin around the lips are sensitive to sun. You can use specially formulated sunscreens or just keep your dog inside during hot weather to avoid sunburns.

 

Conclusion

Summer should be fun and safe for everyone. When you’re getting ready for a trip outdoors, or just a comfortable day at home, keep your dog’s needs in mind. That way you can avoid an emergency trip to the vet or a potential injury.

 

Written contribution by Andrea Davis, Home Advisor.

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This adorable little guy knows just how important the info in For Dog’s Sake! is. This book is chock full of great tips for dog owners that could potentially save a life. And the best part? For every book purchase made before the end of the month, the author will make a donation to Adopt-a-Pet.com to help homeless pets. Yep, how cool is that?!

Get your copy here: www.fordogssake.rocks

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The following article has been provided courtesy of Petplan pet insurance, who is also offering an exclusive 10% discount on policies to Adopt-a-Pet.com supporters. To learn more visit Petplan.

 

Most people occasionally give their pet foods meant for people. The wrong foods can have a disastrous result (as is the case with onions, raisins and chocolate), but human food for dogs isn’t always a bad thing. In fact, there’s a variety of food you can safely – and nutritiously – feed your dog from the table. Here are our top five:
Sweet Potatoes

A source of potent antioxidants that aid in healing, cancer prevention and fighting the effects of aging, sweet potatoes also contain wholesome dietary fiber that helps maintain normal bowel movements. These terrific tubers also pack a punch of Vitamins A, C and B₆, and minerals manganese, copper and iron.

Chef’s Tip: Feed whole after baking or in the form of “fries” (thinly sliced and baked in canola or coconut oil).

 

Fish

Oily fishes are excellent sources of super-nutritious Omega-3 fatty acids (DHA/EPA). Feed your pet salmon, sardines or anchovies to help prevent skin problems and allergies, treat arthritis and heart disease and maybe even improve behavior and intelligence in dogs (studies have shown a link).

Chef’s Tip: Top your pet’s regular food with a freshly prepared filet, can or pouch of fish.
Carrots

Loaded with phytonutrients and full of Vitamins A, K and C, carrots are one of nature’s best antioxidants. These orange wonders can support a dog’s vision, heart and stabilize blood sugar levels.

Chef’s Tip: Slice and freeze carrots for a fun summer treat.
Broccoli

Broccoli aids in fighting infections and treating skin and heart problems, and has been shown to help ward off cancer. It can also help pets metabolize drugs and excrete toxins.

Chef’s Tip: Combine steamed or cooked broccoli with other superfoods and fish for a health boost whenever a pet is fighting an infection or recovering from an injury.

 

 

Quinoa

This ancient grain has healing properties as a potent antioxidant. One of the few complete protein sources, quinoa can also help prevent heart disease and cancer as well as reduce the risk of diabetes.

Chef’s Tip: Boil for 15 minutes and serve. Combine with fish or meat plus a few veggies for a complete meal.

 

As always, be sure to talk with your veterinarian before offering your pet any new food. When done correctly, “people” foods for pets can be just what the doctor ordered!

 

 

Adopt-a-Pet.com and Petplan believe pet insurance is important for all furry friends. To give you a leg up on getting a policy, Petplan is offering a 10% online discount to Adopt-a-Pet.com fans. Learn more.

Cindy couldn’t exist without pets in her life, but working a 40-hour week to pay for her small apartment, made it difficult to share her life with an animal who would depend on her, so…Cindy decided to become a professional pet sitter, a job she found to be more pleasure than work.  She joined an organization, starting earning certifications in various animal care skills and learned to really tune in to the pets in her care.  Every morning she’d be out on her appointed rounds, checking on animals whose owners were on vacation, working or for some other reason needed assistance with their care.  A three-year-old Dalmatian — aptly named Spot — took a liking to Cindy, so she would schedule extra time with him for long walks through his favorite park.   One day she noticed Spot had an empty bowl of water when she arrived, so she filled it, he emptied it, and off they went on their adventure.  Always carrying water with her, Cindy periodically gave Spot a drink, but a few times Spot nudged at Cindy’s pack requesting more.  Back home, Spot bee-lined for his water bowl and licked it dry.  Knowing she hadn’t over-exercised her canine pal and that it wasn’t a particularly hot day, Cindy felt something else must be making him drink massive quantities.  She called his owners and asked if they noticed their dog was drinking more than usual.  The woman thought about it and said, “Yes, we have been refilling his bowl a lot more often lately.  Could something be wrong?”  Cindy’s suggestion was to take Spot to the vet for a check-up.  Sure enough, the results came back confirming Spot was diabetic – a condition in which the body doesn’t properly use glucose and excessive drinking is often a symptom.  Because Cindy tuned in to Spot and his habits, she was able to quickly notice something ‘not quite right’ and got him the help he needed.  Spot now receives daily insulin injections (which as a professional pet sitter, Cindy learned to administer) and is living a happy and active life.

 

Really get to know your pet!  Your dog or cat can’t tell you what hurts, so it is important to know what is normal for your unique best friend.  Notice what his body feels like, how he sits/stands, how often he drinks and how frequently he asks to go outside so you will quickly note something out of character.  A weekly Head-to-Tail Check-up (what I often call a Woof-to-Wag when kitties aren’t in ear shot) is one of the best ways to find and treat a problem before it becomes a nightmare.

 

Gently clean ears of dirt and waxy debris with ear wash and a soft cloth.  If you discover redness, parasites or a foul odor, have your veterinarian assist.  What looks like coffee grounds could be dirt from ear mites requiring treatment.

 

If eyes tear excessively, flush with purified water or saline solution. Compare one eye to the other for any differences making sure both pupils are the same size.  If not equally dilated, your pet could have a concussion, tumor or other ailment and should be checked out immediately!

 

Feel the muzzle for bumps and tenderness.  Due to bone and cartilage, it may be impossible to feel a tumor, but if the area appears sore or there is an unusual discharge from the nostrils, get to your Veterinarian for a thorough exam.  This brings up the point that doing an at-home exam is imperative in getting your cat or dog used to human touch.  If they won’t let you touch them, you’re never going to know if something is sore, so start right away and make it a pleasant experience for your pet.

 

Carefully look in the mouth.  Gums should be a healthy pink (unless your pet has black gums like Chows, Black Labs and many cats) with no bad odor.  Do you brush your pet’s teeth regularly?  It only takes 48 hours for plaque to turn to tartar leading to gum disease.

 

The rest of your Head-to-Tail Check-up should be a gentle massage looking and feeling for things that don’t belong — abrasions, bumps, tenderness and sores; even parasites, burrs and foxtails that may have found their way onto your friend’s furry coat.  When you reach his chest, you should be able to feel, but not see, the ribs (unless perhaps he is a Greyhound, Whippet, Ridgeback or other super lean breed).  Breathing should be steady, but learn to check respiration and all of your dog’s vitals in a Pet First-Aid class so you know you’re doing your best for your furry family member.

 

Inspect legs and paws making sure claws and pads are not cracked and nails are trimmed. Be gentle and go the speed that is comfortable for your pet.  Many animals get uneasy when touched, but examine a little and a time, and they’ll come to enjoy this bonding experience.

 

With your fingertips, stroke the abdomen making sure there are no hard spots or sensitive areas. Check mammary glands, genitals and “under the tail” which should all be clean with no colored discharge.  If your pet is older or arthritic and can’t perform his own hygiene, help keep him clean with a warm wet cloth.  If you notice scooting or impacted anal glands, ask your veterinarian or groomer for help.

 

Take your pet’s pulse by feeling the Femoral Artery inside the thigh.  Medium to large dogs should have a pulse of 70-160 while small dogs and cats can be as high as 110-220 beats per minute.

 

Long or short, fluffy or hairless, your pet’s tail too should be examined for bumps and sores remembering that the area right above often harbors parasites.

 

Throughout your assessment, notice your pet’s skin and coat for flaking or excessive shedding.  The right brush can feel like a massage and help stimulate oil glands.   If you notice anything that is NOT QUITE RIGHT, call your veterinarian for his professional opinion.

 

Conclude your Head-to-Tail Check-up with a belly rub, game of ball or healthy treat and know you have done a good thing for your four-legged best friend!

 

 

Denise Fleck is an award winning author and freelance writer.  After extensive training, practice, more training and more practice, she developed her own Pet First-Aid & CPCR curriculum and has been teaching animal life-saving skills for 16 years with many success stories to share.  Additionally, she developed a 5-month Animal Care course for high school students in conjunction with the Burbank Unified School District and Animal Shelter.  She has demonstrated animal life-saving skills on CBS –TV’s “The Doctors,” Animal Planet’s “Pit Boss,” “Kirstie Alley’s Big Life” and other shows and is emBARKing on a 10,000-mile Southern U.S. Pet Safety Tour this Fall.  Visit www.sunnydogink.com to find out if she’ll be stopping in a city near YOU!

 

 

The following article has been provided courtesy of Petplan pet insurance, who is also offering an exclusive 10% discount on policies to Adopt-a-Pet.com supporters. To learn more visit Petplan.

 

 

As a pet parent, taking care of four-legged friends is your number one priority—and keeping pets fed, watered, exercised and happy is just the beginning!

Pets need more than tail wags and tummy rubs to stay in tip-top shape. Here are the basic necessities for keeping furry friends fit and healthy for years to come.

 

1  Make mealtime count

Feeding your pet a nutritionally-complete, balanced diet – and feeding him the appropriate portions of that diet – is one of the biggest keys to ensure a lifetime of good health. When choosing food, always read labels and steer clear of anything containing a lot of meat byproducts or ingredients that sound like a chemistry experiment. Don’t be afraid to try protein sources other than the “typical three” (chicken, beef and pork). Fish-based diets are healthy, deliver inflammation-fighting Omega-3s and have a smaller impact on the planet. Remember: cats are natural carnivores and only cat food meets their nutritional needs—so no sharing food with the dog!

 

2  Snack smartly

Experiment with natural treats such as fresh veggies like carrots and celery. For a special treat, share an egg, chickpeas or plain yogurt to pack a punch of valuable vitamins into snack time. When it comes to chew treats, NEVER give a dog a bone – the fragments can splinter when chewed and cause serious damage to your dog’s intestines. Opt instead for tough rubber toys or Himalayan yak milk dog chews, and always supervise your pet while he’s chewing.

 

3  Keep both body and mind in motion

Not only does regular exercise make for a strong, healthy pet, but it also helps prevent obesity – one of the most devastating preventable conditions. Your vet can recommend a specific exercise regimen based on your individual pet’s age, breed and health. Being active keeps hearts healthy, aids in digestion and helps build confidence and curb bad behaviors. Boost brain function with mental gymnastics like puzzle toys, hunting for dinner or treats and obedience training (yes, even cats can be trained!). Keeping your furry friend’s synapses firing will ward off age-related cognitive decline and keep your pet sharp well into his golden years.

 

4  Take proper precautions

When you bring a new pet home, one of the first things you need to do is to make his first vet appointment. There, your vet will counsel you on the cornerstones of responsible pet ownership: spay/neuter, vaccines, microchipping and parasite prevention.

Altering your pet protects against infections and certain types of cancer.

Vaccinations are important for giving your four-legged friend a foundation of good health.

Microchipping provides a permanent method of identification in case your pet ever gets lost.

Parasite prevention like flea and tick preventatives and heartworm prevention pills help keep your pet healthy, protected from disease and itch-free!

 

5  Don’t forget about dental health!

Protecting pets’ pearly whites means more than banishing bad breath. Dental disease doesn’t just affect the mouth; kidney, heart and liver disease have all been linked to bacteria entering the bloodstream from a dental infection. It’s estimated that by the age of 3 years, 70 to 80 percent of pets already show signs of periodontal disease, so it’s important to commit to a dental health regimen early. Brush your pet’s teeth once a day, and use dental treats, oral rinses and plaque-prevention gels to keep pearly whites well. Preventing periodontal disease can add two to five years to your pet’s life!

 

6  Get pet insurance for the unexpected

No matter how much you plan for your pet’s health, you can never really predict it, so getting a pet insurance policy for accidents and illnesses can help cover the cost of unexpected veterinary treatments (like when your Lab eats a hamper full of socks!). Look for a plan that covers hereditary and chronic conditions and reimburses you based on actual vet fees (not a benefit schedule). Protecting your pet with a health insurance policy takes the financial burden of vet bills off of your shoulders, so you can make decisions about your pet’s medical care based on what’s best for him – not on cost. Adopt-a-Pet.com believes pet insurance is important for all furry friends. To give you a leg up on getting a policy, Petplan is offering a 10% online discount to Adopt-a-Pet.com fans. Learn more

 

Creating a pet-friendly environment that minimizes wear and tear on your yard can be challenging. If you’re tired of pet-related blemishes ruining your landscaping, consider hardscaping. Here are 3 pros and 3 cons of hardscaping.

 

Pros:

 

#1 Less digging

Dogs who enjoy digging can cause serious headaches for their owners. Hardscaping is an easy way to prevent dogs and neighborhood wildlife from digging up your yard.

 

#2 Healthy landscaping

Hardscaping minimizes mowing and pet-related damage. In particular, pet urine can be disastrous for your lawn — brown spots and dead plants will ruin any attractive landscape. If you have multiple pets, a hardscape can considerably enhance the look of your yard.

 

#3 Easy to maintain

A flat hardscape is easier to keep clean. When choosing a hardscape, be sure to opt for a material that is smooth and simple to maintain.

 

Cons:

 

#1 Potential stains

While concrete and other types of hardscaping are easy to clean, they can be vulnerable to stains. Make sure to choose a darker material that doesn’t yield stains. Also, consider applying a sealant in frequently “used” areas.

 

#2 Lots of care

Pets naturally prefer softer areas for sleeping. Hardscaping can make it difficult for your pet to relax. If you decide to adopt hardscaping, make sure to provide your pet with outdoor bedding.

 

#3 Less natural appeal

A well-balanced landscape that incorporates both traditional and hardscape features can be aesthetically pleasing. But, too much hardscaping can detract from your yard’s inviting appearance. While hardscaping offers various benefits to pet owners, it’s important to consider the aesthetics involved in landscape design as well.

 

Conclusion

Hardscaping is a fantastic way to minimize yard maintenance. But, it’s also important to balance hardscaping with lush, easy-to-maintain plants. Take some time to research pet-friendly yards in order to get some ideas for your own home.

 

Written contribution by Andrea Davis, Home Advisor.