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1. I just adopted my new pet. He seems healthy—do I still need to take him to the veterinarian right away?

Yes! Taking your new pet (whether dog, cat, hamster, or any other living thing) to the veterinarian should be your first priority. This is especially true if you have other pets. It’s a good idea to make sure your new pet is healthy and doesn’t have any diseases or viruses he or she could transmit to other animals in the house.

Your first veterinarian visit should be an enjoyable experience. You’ll learn all kinds of things about your new companion! Plus, you’ll want your veterinarian to get to know your pet during times of health so he or she will easily be able to recognize abnormal behavior if your pet ever becomes ill.

2. How do I find a veterinarian?

The best way to find a veterinarian is by word of mouth. The animal shelter or rescue group where you adopted your pet may have a good recommendation for you. If not, ask your friends who is their veterinarian. If you don’t have friends with pets, ask folks who are walking their dogs in your neighborhood about where they take their pet for veterinarian care.

You can also choose a veterinarian out of a phonebook, directory, or an on line search. A great online veterinarian finder can be found here.

3. How often does my pet need a checkup?

For proper preventative care, your dog or cat should be examined by a veterinarian twice a year. As your pet ages, though, your veterinarian may recommend more frequent visits. Between visits, though, make sure to pet your dog or cat often and take notice of any new lumps, scabs, or other wounds. Look for changes in your pet’s breath, behavior, energy level or appetite, as these may be cause for concern. Notice if your pet is scratching himself more than usual. Call your veterinarian if you notice any of these or if you have other concerns.

4. What can I expect from a regular checkup visit with my dog or cat?

First, your veterinarian will probably ask you all about your pet. They’ll want to know if your dog or cat has had any vomiting or diarrhea, coughing, sneezing, itching, or excessive thirst. They’ll also ask if your pet’s energy level and appetite are normal, and they may inquire about your pet’s diet.

Your dog or cat will then be weighed and assessed to determine if he or she is too heavy or too thin. Then, the veterinarian or veterinary technician will check for fleas using a special flea comb. Your pet’s temperature will also be taken.

A physical examination is performed. The veterinarian will check your pet’s ears, eyes, nose, teeth, and lymph nodes and listen to the heart and lungs. They’ll feel your pet’s abdomen by hand to check for pain or masses. They’ll also check the condition of your pet’s skin. In some cases, they will also examine your pet’s legs, hips, and joints. Your pet’s external genital area will be checked. Sometimes a rectal examination is also performed.

Your veterinarian may order a CBC (Complete Blood Count) and other diagnostic tests, including a fecal exam to check for parasites.

5. What kinds of preventative treatments might my veterinarian recommend?

Your veterinarian will certainly recommend a good-quality diet, in the proper amounts, to keep your pet thin and healthy. A preventative dental plan (like regular tooth-brushing) is a common recommendation as well.

Your veterinarian will also stress the importance of avoiding parasites, and will suggest options for flea and tick prevention and control. Internal parasites, like roundworm, are potentially harmful, and your veterinarian may suggest periodic de-worming treatments or products that treat and control internal parasites monthly. One internal parasite in particular, heartworm, can be deadly. It is suggested that pets be on a heartworm preventative year round. Prevention is cheaper than treatment.

Vaccines will also be discussed and administered as needed. Other preventative measures for keeping pets healthy may be discussed, such as exercise, socialization, and behavior training.

6. What about dental treatments? Does my pet need to go to the dentist like I do?

Dental health is as important to your pet as it is for you! In fact, dental problems in dogs and cats can even lead to heart and kidney disease, so caring for your pet’s teeth is absolutely essential. First, make sure you follow the preventative care plan prescribed by your veterinarian. Often your veterinarian will recommend daily brushing along with other less-helpful home care activities like chew toys, rinses, etc.

Most pets will need professional dental care from time to time. Usually this will be performed by a licensed veterinarian with your pet under anesthesia, and will clean the teeth below the gumline and the inner and chewing surfaces of the teeth, fully examine and probe the gumline, and possibly obtain dental x-rays of the tooth roots. Rotten, loose, and painful teeth may need to be extracted.

Dental care by a vet is performed on an as-needed basis. Some pets require professional cleaning every 6-12 months; some pets not as often–but a dental check-up should be done every year.

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TRAVELING WITH YOUR PET can be wonderful – a real “trip”! What better way to really connect with your furry companion than to vacation together, and you don’t even have to pack an extra bathing suit for your pet. Of course, sometimes we travel with a pet because we must, like during a cross-country move. Whatever the reason, everybody (including your pet) needs to get to where they are going safe and sound. The most important thing is to make sure your pet does not get lost in some strange city, so here are some important tips for before and during your travels.

No matter how or where you’re traveling, the first rule of thumb is always this: Unless your dog or cat can say “Hi, my name is FiFi and my phone number is…,” please MAKE SURE YOUR PET HAS AS MUCH IDENTIFICATION AS POSSIBLE! Every day, we hear from people whose missing pets did not haveID tags or microchips, and they never dreamed their pets would get lost. If FiFi becomes separated from you while you are on the road, it’s even less likely you’ll be able to find him/her, so proper identification is your only chance of being reunited. Some very important suggestions:

• Make sure to have ID tags on your pet’s collar, and if at all possible, list your cell phone number on them. This way, if your pet gets lost, you can be reached wherever you are.
• Microchip your pet, and submit the microchip registration information so if your pet is scanned, your contact information will be in the database (and make sure to update your information with the microchip company if you move)! That may sound like an obvious tip, but you’d be surprised how many people have a microchip placed in their pet and then forget to register their microchip, only to regret it later. Don’t put it off another day�do it now! Collars can slip off, and tags can and do break off collars, especially if your pet escapes through a narrow opening. Microchips offer a more permanent solution for identification.
• Don’t forget to label your pet’s carrier prominently with your name, address, and

phone number.

AIRLINE TRAVEL TIPS FOR PETS:

If you’re planning an airplane trip with your pet, keep in mind that some airlines don’t allow animals at all, and some only allow pets to travel during certain months, especially if your pet must travel in the cargo container of the plane. These rules are in place for your pet’s safety�in the hottest or coldest months of the year, the cargo hold can be a deadly place for animals. If you have a very small dog or a cat, some airlines will allow you to bring him or her on board with you to be stowed under your seat in a special soft-sided carrier; most airlines only allow a few pets on board at a time, though, so reserve well in advance!

Although air travel for pets is regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the International Air Transport Association, each airline also has its own rules and regulations to follow. Most will not allow pets under eight weeks of age or aggressive or ill pets to fly. Check with your airline well in advance of travel to learn their pet-travel policies.

Airline travel for pets is never 100% safe, especially for pets that are checked as baggage. Many animal welfare organizations, including the ASPCA and Humane Society of the United States recommend against flying your pet on a commercial airline flight unless he or she is small enough to accompany you on board. If you must fly and place your pet in the cargo hold, please consider the following tips to make your pet’s trip is as safe as possible:

• Consider your flight schedule and any time your pet might be outside being moved in and out of the plane. If you are flying during the winter or summer, schedule flights during the mildest time of the day. In summer, early morning flights are best. In winter, fly during the warmest part of the day and avoid evening and overnight flights. Choose the shortest flight possible.
• Book a direct flight with no layovers or transfers to reduce the chance of your pet being lost or being exposed to harsh conditions on the tarmac.
• When you board the plane, let the cabin crew know that you have a pet traveling in cargo. Ask them to radio down to the loading crew to check that your pet has made it onto the plane! Another reason to notify the cabin crew is that the pilot may be able to control the temperature in the cargo hold to make your pet more comfortable, so don’t be afraid to speak up.
• Your pet’s crate should meet airline requirements and be clearly labeled with the words “LIVE ANIMAL”, with an arrow pointing up. Don’t lock the cage in a way that would prevent a crew member from opening it in case of emergency. Do use a plastic luggage tie to securely fasten the crate door closed so the crate can’t open accidentally during transport (yikes!).
• Don’t feed your pet within three hours of the flight. Make sure to freeze water in the crate’s water dish beforehand and place it in the crate right before you depart. That way, the water will not slosh out of the dish, but will slowly melt over the duration of the flight, giving your pet a constant supply of fresh water.
• Never sedate your pet before a flight without consulting your veterinarian first. While flying is stressful (for humans too), some pets will be fine and sleep through the flight naturally.
• Schedule a checkup with your veterinarian to make sure all shots are up-to-date. Have your veterinarian issue a health certificate dated within ten days of departure, and bring it to the airport in your carry-on along with certificates of vaccination.
• Be sure to remove your pet’s leash so it can’t become tangled in the crate and choke your pet. Also, trim your pet’s nails to keep them from getting caught in the crate.
• Enclose something soft with your scent on it (like a t-shirt you’ve worn for a few hours) in the crate. This can be very reassuring to your pet during during the hours of loud noises and bumping.
• Always travel with a photo of your pet in case he or she becomes lost or you need to identify him or her as yours.

AND HERE ARE SOME OTHER IMPORTANT TRAVEL TIPS:

• Try not to leave pets alone in your hotel room, even if the hotel allows it. No, they won’t make a long-distance call that will show up on your bill! But if your pet gets nervous and agitated and starts to bark or cry, a well-meaning hotel staffer may enter the room to offer comfort. An open door could give your pet the opportunity to escape. If you do need to leave your pet unattended, most cities have doggy daycare services to watch over pets�ask the hotel to help you locate one.
• Never, NEVER leave any pet unattended in a car, even for a short time. If you think it’s safe because your car is in the shade, think again: shade is only temporary! It moves with the sun’s position in the sky or when clouds disperse. It’s also possible that someone might break into your car to steal something- even your pet. NO amount of unsupervised time in the car is ever safe.
• Get the location of emergency vet clinics in your destination city before you leave for your trip and bring the information with you in an easily-accessible place, like your carry-on.
• Travel with a copy of your pet’s vaccination records, just in case you need to place him or her in daycare or he/she requires medical help.
• During car trips, make sure your pet is properly restrained in a carrier or with a harness.

BON VOYAGE! WE WISH YOU AND YOUR PET A SAFE RETURN!

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Houseplants can help you turn a synthetic-feeling space into one that blends beautifully with your natural surroundings. But while plants are a wonderful design option, some can also pose a threat to your pets. Here’s a quick look at some dangerous — and some not-so-dangerous — houseplants.

 

Aloe Vera

Ingesting aloe vera can make your cat or dog very sick. Vomiting, depression, diarrhea and tremors are all common symptoms of animals who have consumed aloe vera.

If you’re going to keep an aloe vera plant in your home, make sure to hang it out of reach of pets. A lack of interest in food and a change in the color of your pet’s urine are signs of aloe vera poisoning.

 

Azalea

Azaleas are beautiful plants that fit in with many different styles of décor. But they can also pose a serious threat to your pet’s health. Azaleas are poisonous to cats, dogs and horses. Depression, weakness, colic and a slow heart rate are common symptoms of azalea consumption among animals. If too much is eaten, animals can even slip into a coma and die.

Place azaleas in hanging planters outdoors and be sure to keep them off the floor inside your home. It’s a good idea to fence off your gardens if you include azaleas in your home’s landscaping designs.

 

Baby’s Breath

Baby’s breath is a common flower in planned arrangements and small home gardens. But baby’s breath can be toxic to your pets. Signs of ingestion are vomiting, nausea and diarrhea. It’s best to leave baby’s breath to the florist instead of growing it at home.

 

African Violet

Sometimes known as the cape marigold, the African violet is a bold, bright plant that can boost your home’s visual appeal. Best of all, African violets are non-toxic to cats and dogs, making them an ideal choice for animal lovers.

While you probably don’t want your pets eating your African violets, you can rest assured that nothing more than an upset stomach will occur if they nibble on a flower or two.

Bamboo

Bamboo is a house plant that’s easy to maintain and gives your home a modern look. Additionally, you won’t have to worry about serious health problems if your dog takes a bite. Bamboo is non-toxic to both cats and dogs.

 

Basil

Many homeowners like to grow basil in their kitchens, dining rooms or porches. Unlike other household plants, basil is non-toxic and doesn’t pose a threat to your pet’s health. Still, it’s a good idea to keep it on tables, windowsills or in other out-of-reach places.

 

 

Conclusion

Finding the right plants for your pet-friendly home isn’t hard. But as a pet owner, it’s your job to do the research before you bring anything new into your home. Ask the pros at your local nursery which plants are pet-safe and which aren’t.

 

Written contribution by Andrea Davis, Home Advisor.

 

We are beyond thrilled to announce that Maddie’s Fund, a national family foundation established by Dave and Cheryl Duffield to revolutionize the status and well-being of companion animals, has made a $2 Million investment in Adopt-a-Pet.com to help advance our technology and save more homeless animals! Please join us in giving a BIG thank you to Maddie’s Fund for their investment in ensuring adoption is the first choice in choosing a pet!!! #ThankstoMaddie

To read the full news release please visit: http://www.marketwired.com/press-release/-2189570.htm

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While you’re busy reveling in the joy of the season and the warm embrace of family and friends, your pets could be getting into trouble. Holiday festivities can inadvertently have a negative impact on your pets and their health. Here are five tips to help you keep your pets safe this holiday season:

 

Tip #1 – Decorate with Care

One of the most enjoyable parts of the holiday season is putting up all of the decorations around the house. Holiday decorations can sometimes be unsafe for your pets. Here are few important things to consider when decorating:

• Anchor Your Tree: Cats are notorious Christmas tree climbers. If your tree isn’t anchored properly, it could fall over and injure your cat — not to mention make a big mess.
• Avoid Tinsel: Tinsel gives your tree extra sparkle, but it can also pose a serious health risk to dogs and cats. When consumed, tinsel can result in stomach conditions that will require an emergency visit to the vet clinic.
• Hang Up Lights: Keep an eye on any lights you hang around the home to ensure they are out of reach. Pets sometimes chew and claw at cords, which can result in electric shock.

 

Tip #2 – Avoid Feeding From the Table

Avoid feeding your four-legged friends a special treat from the table — as tempting as it may be. Foods with chocolate, nuts and alcohol can be poisonous. Encourage your guests not to feed your dogs and cats from the table as well.

 

Tip #3 – Keep Candles Out of Reach

Most dogs are driven by their noses, which can make the smell of fresh-burning candles worth investigating. Keep candles out of reach of your dogs, or other curious pets, to avoid painful accidents and potential fires.

 

Tip #4 – Collect Wrappings, Tape and Ribbons

Place a trash bag close by during gift unwrapping to keep harmful materials away from your pets. Ribbons, wrapping paper and tape are a common source of intestinal blockage for animals.

 

Tip #5 – Keep Your Pets Calm During Fireworks

The holiday season isn’t over until the New Year. It’s important to have a plan to keep your pet calm if your community or neighbors like to celebrate with fireworks. If necessary, make a nest for your dogs and cats in an unused room or the basement. Insulating your pet from the noise can reduce stress and panic.

 

Conclusion

Follow these few tips and both you and your pets will have a happy holiday season.

 

Written contribution by Andrea Davis, Home Advisor.

 

 

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It was a picture-perfect Thanksgiving in Thomasville, Pennsylvania.  A patchwork of red, orange and gold leaves blanketed the ground while a smattering of green still clung to the branches above.  The house was filled with idle chatter while all anxiously awaited the Holiday Meal.  Suddenly Brutus, a 90 lbs. Rottweiler, entered the room with an unsteady gait.  Unable to breathe and making a ghastly assortment of noises, the dog was in grave distress while the humans nearby froze in a panic.  Fortunately for Brutus, Animal Communicator Terri Steuben was on the scene and could sense the true emergency at hand.  She quickly hugged the large dog around his abdomen and gave a quick thrust.  Nothing happened, so Terri tried again, and this time a chunk of dog food literally flew out of Brutus’ mouth and across the floor.  The grateful Rottie, whose breathing returned to normal, began licking Terri’s face if to say a great big canine “thank you,” while Terri herself breathed an enormous sigh of relief. 

Accidents occur suddenly and without warning, so knowing what to do during those first few moments can truly make a difference.  In an emergency, the best thing you can do for your pet is to be prepared, stay calm and make quick decisions.  If your dog is destructive with toys, gobbles his food like Brutus or consumes everything in sight, you must maintain supervision and pet-proof your home.  Dog Grandma, Milly Urbanski of Shadow Hills, California attests that, “My human kids had to put a child-proof lock on the refrigerator to keep their yellow Labrador Retriever safe.  I was dog-sitting one morning, and the minute my daughter and her husband left for work, the mischievous pooch ran to the fridge, grabbed the bottom corner and flung the door open hoping to enjoy a buffet.”

Anything in reach and smaller than your pet’s mouth is fair game including paper clips, thumbtacks, rubber bands, buttons and staples.  To be a responsible pet parent, you must get down on all fours and look at your house and yard from your pet’s point of view.  What do you see?  Cords of all kinds (telephone, electrical, drapery and blinds) can strangle or electrocute your dog; enticing smells can lure him where he doesn’t belong and small objects on the floor can poison, choke or create blockages in your pet’s stomach.

 

IF YOUR DOG IS CHOKING

Initially, give him a few moments to perform a cough which may expel the object, but if it does not…a careful sweep of the mouth with your fingers to dislodge the object is recommended.  Always look at what you’re doing though– don’t blindly reach into your pet’s mouth or you could push the object further down, tear throat tissue or even get bitten.  If your attempt is not successful, try one of these techniques:

 

1.  Doggie Heimlich-like Manuever – For large to medium-sized canines, stand behind your dog and place your arms around his waist keeping his head lower than his stomach.  Close your hands together to make a fist and place your fist just behind the last rib in the soft part of the tummy. Compress the abdomen by pulling up in a quick and rapid manner similar to the technique commonly performed on humans.  Since our pet’s ribs are more flexible than ours, sometimes this method doesn’t create enough pressure to expel the object, so you may then try…

 

2.  Chest Thrusts — Place your hands flat on each side of your pet’s chest and squeeze inward, pushing with your shoulders and elbows to squeeze the lungs.  After two thrusts, give the animal a moment to cough and/or look in his mouth to see if the object is now reachable.  If not, repeat.

 

Techniques like these are best learned in a Pet First-Aid & CPR Class where you can gain the confidence and skill to perform them properly.  Visit www.sunnydogink.com for a class near you.

 

For 16 years Denise Fleck’s Sunny-dog Ink motto has been “Helping people to help their pets,” and she has…teaching more than 12,000 pet lovers animal life-saving skills and millions more on national television segments, yet better pet parenting is still a secret in many communities.  In the Spring of 2017, in her role as Pet Safety Crusader™, Denise will journey across the Southern U.S.  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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Inviting a pet sitter into your home while you’re traveling is not only convenient, but it’s also conducive to your pet’s comfort as well. Having a pet sitter means you don’t have to board your dog in an unfamiliar location. Even so, it’s important to prepare your setting for your pet sitter so the individual will have everything he or she needs in order to care for your dog effectively. The following tips will help you ready your home so you can leave it behind while enjoying peace of mind on your travels.

 

Dog Proof Your Home

When preparing for a dog sitter, be sure to walk through your home to ensure that everything is in place and that areas or objects that are problematic for your dog are made off limits. Dog-proofing your house is essential so that the time with a dog sitter goes as smoothly as possible. Be sure that cabinetry is secured, closets are shut and medications or detergents are out of reach.

 

Schedule a Meeting

If your dog has never met the sitter before, it’s helpful to set up a visit so they can interact together. Your dog is apt to become nervous if a stranger shows up to take charge out of the blue. A meeting can help your dog and sitter become comfortable together. The meeting is also a good time to explain any special instructions or answer any questions your sitter may have about your pet or your home. You can also use this time to talk about your pet’s personality or and behaviors.

 

Go over Your Dog’s Normal Schedule

Dogs tend to do best when they’re able to adhere to their typical schedule. Let your pet sitter know when your dog generally goes for walks or plays in the backyard. Make sure your sitter knows when to feed your dog and how much to feed them. Don’t forget to go over special rules too. For instance, if your dog isn’t allowed on the furniture, make sure to let your sitter know.

 

Write Down Instructions

It’s helpful for your sitter to have written instructions about everything from setting your home’s alarm to administering any medications your dog may need. If possible, type out this information so that’s it’s easy to read and perfectly clear. Your sitter may also need instructions for other things like how to prepare your dog’s food, where you store food and toys and where you typically walk your dog.

 

Keep Dog Supplies Accessible

Before leaving, it’s helpful to leave any items your sitter might need to care for your pet in one convenient place. You can fill a bin with everything from your dog’s hair brush to its toys. Be sure that your dog can’t access this bin to munch its treats or eat its food.

 

Emergency Information

Ideally, your pet sitter will never need to contact you or an emergency veterinarian, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Make sure that you leave contact information for yourself including your hotel and cell phone number. You should also leave contact information for your dog’s regular veterinarian as well as the nearest emergency vet. Make sure that your sitter knows where you keep your leash and pet carrier in case of an emergency.

 

Conclusion

When you’ve adequately prepared your home for your dog sitter, you can enjoy a more relaxing vacation or travel experience. Also, there’s a good chance your sitter and dog will become good friends as they get to know each other. By preparing your home, you can set the stage for the friendship to develop. You can also better ensure that your pet has everything it needs when you’re away.

 

Written contribution by Andrea Davis, Home Advisor.

 

Things that go bump in the night shouldn’t include your pets, so follow a few simple tips to make sure Howl-o-ween won’t be scary or dangerous for canines or felines!

 

PREVENT A HOUDINI ACT by knowing where your pets are at all times. Walk them before dark and do not, I repeat do not take them Trick or Treating. Many dogs get scared by the shrieks of ghosts & goblins on the streets or coming to their doors and dart in the path of cars. Hoods, masks and capes change the shape of the human figure and can be intimidating to our canine pals, just like uniforms and caps on postal workers and city service people who visit our homes do.  Keep pets in a quiet back room, a quiet space to call their own, or…if you are answering the door for candy-seeking goblins and have a well-socialized dog, keep him on leash safety at your side to greet the doorbell ringers.  Should you be spending the evening out at a ghoulish event for humans, have a friend or professional pet sitter stay with skiddish pets in the event “boos” and other scary sounds might catch a feline or canine ear.

 

AVOID THE KISS OF DEATH by keeping paws and claws off deadly candy.  Wrappers (believe it or not, pets don’t take off the cellophane or foil coverings) can cause intestinal blockages while chocolate can prove fatal to dogs, cats and ferrets. One ounce of milk chocolate per your pet’s body weight can be deadly, and there is no specific anti-dote for chocolate toxicity, so keep your furry kids out of harm’s way and learn pet first aid just in case the worst happens!

 

If you’re considering making creepy treats for a holiday party adorned with grapes or raisins masquerading as “eyeballs,” take precautions so that your pets do not ingest them.  Both grapes and raisins have been known to cause renal failure in our pets, whether they consume grapes over many years or get a handful at once.  Keep plastic toothpicks that adorn festive cupcakes or are used in hors d’oeuvres out of reach as well.

 

ELECTRIFYING THINGS such as electric cords used for motorized moans, groans and other décor should be taped down so that pets won’t trip or become entangled in the.  Do not allow puppies, kittens or any pet with a chewing habit in rooms with plugged in wires.  Do your doggone best to keep candles, such as the one haunting the family jack o’ lantern, out of paws and claws reach or consider using a battery operated candle instead – just make sure that too will not be consumed.  As for fake spider webs and spray string…these are also dangerous to our pets if caught on their coats or consumed.  Their ingredients can burn, choke or poison our best friends.

 

IF YOUR PET LOOKS MISERABLE…HE PROBABLY IS! 

Unless Fluff y or Fido is truly comfortable in a costume, their own furry birthday suit might be a better choice. A festive bandana on your dog could fit the bill. Pets aren’t used to wearing elastic and definitely don’t like masks covering their eyes or nose, while others seem to tolerate “dress up” very well. Just in that case make sure the costume doesn’t have beads, sequins or strings which they may chew off and consume, and never, ever leave your pet unattended in a costume!

 

EVIL LURKS IN THE NIGHT, and some people, taking advantage of the anonymity of costumes, partake in malicious pranks targeting black cats, dogs and other animals. Please bring all pets, even those who regularly sleep under the stars, in on Halloween night and several days before and after for safety sake.  If you see anything suspicious regarding the treatment of an animal, immediately call your local animal control or police department, and check to see if your city has its own animal cruelty task force.

 

Finally, realize that September and October can still be very HOT in some locales, so be sure to provide plenty of shade and water for pets.  Never leave them unattended in a parked car and be certain that kennels, pet carriers and even rooms in your house are cool with good ventilation for your pets.

 

 

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.  In the Spring of 2017, in her role as Pet Safety Crusader™, Denise will journey across the Southern U.S. 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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How much do you love your dog? If you treat your pet like family, you’re probably willing to go the extra mile. This includes adding more toys, dog beds and amenities just for your furry friend. If you really love your dog, you might consider renovating parts of your home to suit the needs of your pet. Check out these easy renovations that your pup is sure to love:

 

#1 Custom Cabinets

Keeping dog food out of reach can be difficult at times. If you put it in the garage, ants could get into it. If you keep it in the laundry room, your dog could gain access to it. Instead, think about a custom cabinet in your kitchen for the food. You can either insert the bag fully or get a plastic container to hold it.

 

#2 Drawers for Doggy Dishes

If you want to have a special space for food and water, you can install pull-out drawers just for your dog. Consider installing them in your kitchen or mudroom. That way it’s easier to keep the mess in one spot rather than all over your floor.

 

#3 Under-Stair Safe Space

If you aren’t using your under-stair closet, consider transforming the space into a safe haven for your dog. A closed-off space to keep your dog’s bed, dishes and toys will keep messes in one area and give your pet a private area of his own.

 

#4 Extra Amenities

If you really want to spoil your dog, consider options like heated flooring, a dog-bed nook or a separate shower area. The best part about these amenities is that they don’t just benefit your dog. Heated flooring in the living room will help keep you and your family — including your dog — toasty during cold weather. A shower/bath space will help you keep fur out of your shower and bathtub and a dog bed nook will keep toys and other pup-related messes in one area.

 

#5 Doggy bedroom

If you are a serious dog parent, you might consider dedicating a room to your dog. Laundry rooms or mudrooms are good candidates for a dog room. Add a crate, dog bed, toys and food and water dishes to the room to keep your dog happy. It’s important that the space you dedicate to your dog is easy to clean. Always avoid converting a carpeted room into a space for your dog.

 

Conclusion

Loving your dog sometimes means going the extra mile for their comfort. While you may not want to redo your entire house to suit your dog, even small gestures like a new dog bed will go a long way.

 

Written contribution by Andrea Davis, Home Advisor.

Dogs are magical beings with four paws.

RedandHowling: Musings on Dogs, Cats & Other Bundles of Love.

 

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