Category: Petland

Going on an extended trip with your pup can be a pretty exciting adventure. The sights going by can be an incredible one for your pup, and you get to enjoy the warm companionship. 

Short trips are more typically advised, however, there’s no harm in taking a long one provided you plan and pack all the supplies that you would be needing on the trip. 

This piece covers everything 4 need-to-know tips for your upcoming extended human-canine trip:  

1. Help Your Pup Adjust

At least 1 or 2 months before your extended trip, start getting your pup familiar with the car. An occasional drive to the park or a short weekend getaway. 

Start small, a couple of minutes initially. Then increase the duration gradually so that your pup no longer feels anxious and scared. 

These trips would also help you observe your pup’s habits. Does he get thirsty every few hours? Does he need to use the potty every other hour? Information like this would help you plan adequately for your extended trip. 

2. Get Your Pet Travel-Ready 

The highlight of getting your pet travel-ready would be helping him adapt to travel conditions. For instance, if your pup isn’t used to strapping in, you would need to get him used to this. 

Using a carrier, a crate, or a car harness would help or prevent unnecessary movements. Since your pet is strapped in tight, you would not have to worry about him moving around and distracting you from the road. 

They could also help to prevent injury in the unfortunate event of an accident. Ensure that you attach the carrier or crate to the seat or the car floor for stability. Finally, ensure that the airbags for the seat that your pet would be occupying are deactivated. 

3. Pack All Essentials 

For this, it would be ideal to create a list of these items so that you don’t forget to pack any. On your trip, it might be difficult to locate a pet store for some distance. This is why packing ahead is vital. 

Some of these essentials include:

• Bowls
• Water
• Food
• Towels and Blankets 
• Poop bags
• First aid kit 
• Leash
• Medication 
• Favorite chew toys
• Brush and shampoo 
• Treats 

When packing these items, ensure that you package them differently and distinctly. This would help you easily identify the exact location of each item and avoid mix-ups. 

Just in case of an emergency, it is advisable to get the contacts of vets along the trip path. 

4. Exercise Your Pup Before the Trip 

Before getting into the car and embarking on your trip, ensure that you properly exercise your pup. Some extra minutes would be a great idea so that he’s able to release most of the nervous energy. 

A well-exercised pup would be relaxed for the duration of the trip. If you would be taking a trip extending as long as 4 to 12 hours, ensure that you stop at intervals to walk him. 

This would help to guarantee that your pet stays docile for the duration of the trip. 

Some other tips like a vet visit, booking dog-friendly accommodations, and updating ID information are essential too. 

Pups might be soft and fluffy and loving and represent everything good about the world. However, believe it or not, sometimes, they can be less than perfect. 

Sometimes, they exhibit less-than-pleasant behavior and the best move in situations like this is to nip it in the bud. 

You don’t want your once-adorable puppy growing up to become a misbehaving adult. So, here’s are 5 tips to help with correcting bad habits in your pup: 

1. Training 

Well-trained pups seldom exhibit bad behavior, so training is key. Commands like ‘come’, ‘sit’, ‘lie down, are the building blocks for encouraging good behavior. 

Using a training system that includes rewards helps your pup quickly understand that following your commands means delicious treats. 

Your pup also gets mentally stimulated through the course of training, and an exhausted pup would definitely keep out of trouble. 

2. Prevention 

Pups usually have triggers, sounds, or sights that make them react that way. A good idea would be to get these triggers out of the way, and in turn, no naughty reactions. 

For instance, if you notice that the doorbell triggers a flurry of barks, take it out. Avoid giving your pup scraps from your table so that you don’t encourage begging. 

Restrict your pup to areas where he’s wanted and make it clear that certain areas are off-limits. For instance, counter-surfing can be avoided by making the kitchen out of bounds. 

3. Exercise 

A physically exhausted pup would rather snooze than concern himself with distractions. So, in addition to helping your pup burn off energy and remain healthy, exhaustion keeps your pup out of trouble. 

Similarly, regular exercise with your pet helps to strengthen the human-doggy bond, and your pup would likely obey your commands even faster and more often. 

Burning off pent-up energy in your pet could help your favorite shoes remain intact. 

4. Redirection 

Some bad behavior in your pup might be pure instinct, such as digging and chewing. Behaviors like this might be totally impossible to get rid of. 

However, this doesn’t imply that these actions cannot be redirected appropriately. For instance, providing a chew toy for your pup gives him something to take out this habit on. 

Specifying an area where digging is acceptable would help keep the rest of your front yard intact. This way, you’re in control of the situation, and your pet gets what he wants too. 

5. Ignore 

Pups are huge attention seekers and might go some lengths just to get you to notice them. Some of the bad behaviors that pups exhibit are simply intended to gain your attention. 

Behavior like barking, or jumping up, or begging would simply go away after a while if you ignore your pup. Once he realizes that the attention he’s seeking doesn’t come via that channel, he should stop. 

Avoid shouting or punishing your pup, as this is attention as well. Simply turn away until he is calm and exercising restraint once again. 

Feeding your pet with a healthy diet has many benefits in the short run as well as the distant future. A great diet keeps your pet in top shape and protects them from a range of chronic ailments. 

Your pet’s diet extends beyond what you give them at mealtimes. It is a sum total of all the treats, table scraps, random food tosses, and of course, the main meals too. 

Proper feeding is essential to ensuring that your pet lives a long, healthy life. This is why encouraging healthy feeding habits is essential. And here are 4 tips to do just this: 

1. Establish a Routine

Pups love routine, it gives them something to look forward to. Creating a routine for their meals especially gives them the pleasure of anticipating something that they love. It also helps you accurately anticipate bowel movements. 

On average, dogs do best with two meals daily: one in the morning and the other in the evening. Maintaining a routine could also help you detect if your pet falls ill, such as when they skip a meal. 

Similarly, snacks in between meals aren’t the best idea, this might encourage obesity. 

2. Measure Out Food  

Since you see your pet every single day, it’s easy to not observe that they are gaining excess weight. Typically, your pup’s feed would come with recommendations from the maker. 

Since you’re feeding twice a day, divide up the daily recommended amount into two and use a measuring cup to confirm accuracy. Ideally, you should be feeding your pooch roughly the same amount of food both times during the day. 

Measuring out food helps control the calories that they consume as well. If your pup is very active, you can increase calorie intake based on your vet’s guidance, same goes for if you have a laid-back pup. 

3. Avoid Table Feeding 

Sometimes it is hard to resist those big brown eyes looking up at you while you eat. You might be tempted to give them a piece of your food or feed your pup scraps from the table. However, this doesn’t do your pup any good. 

Rather, it encourages overeating, and shortly after, your pup might begin to add weight excessively. If you absolutely cannot fight the temptation to feed table scraps, ensure that you’re feeding them healthy foods. Rice cakes or raw carrots are ideal. 

Another practical tip is to feed your pup before eating your food so that he is content and less tempted to beg. 

4. Slow Down Eating by Making Mealtimes Interactive 

Some pups practically wolf down their meals. This act in itself might not seem all that much of a terrible act, but it might negatively impact your pup’s health in the long run. Fast eating implies less chewing and swallowing lots of air. 

This would lead to a regularly bloated belly and over time, the stomach walls would start to thin out and could even tear. 

Some mechanisms that may help reduce speed rating include: 

• Using a slow feeder bowl — just ensure that your pup can reach the food easily. 

• Snuffle mats — this also boosts mental stimulation and helps them tap into their natural foraging instinct since they have to search for their kibble. 

• Reducing meal size and increasing frequency. You can use an auto feeder for this. 

Encouraging healthy eating habits should begin as early as possible. 

Dogs experience allergic reactions to various things. While these allergies are typically not life-threatening, they do cause a measure of discomfort. 

Allergies in pups are not quite as simple to pinpoint as in humans. It takes strong observation skills, and even afterward, there is a range of allergies that could cause your dog’s symptoms. 

Common Symptoms of Allergies 

Here are some of the commonly noticed allergy symptoms in pips: 

• Constant licking
• Diarrhea
• Sneezing/ wheezing 
• Inflamed skin
• Incessant scratching 
• Swellings of lips, ear flaps, or other parts of the face
• Periodic chewing on body parts 
• Hives 
• Fur loss/ skin irritation 

Allergies mostly develop when your pup nears his second year. In the first year, your pup might be exposed to these antigens. However, in the second year, his immune system starts to release immune cells which in turn release inflammatory substances. 

New symptoms typically arise for a variety of factors including changes in diet, environment, or aging. The symptoms associated with allergies are not distinct, hence, a veterinary appointment is advisable. 

Testing for Allergies in Your Pup 

To accurately ascertain that the symptoms are not a result of another condition, the veterinarian first rules out possible conditions. Afterward, he or she may opt for allergy testing to detect the allergen. 

For food allergies, an elimination method is used for diagnosis. The food trial typically involves feeding your pup with a novel source of carbohydrates and protein for 12 weeks. 

For skin irritation or dermatitis caused by suspected flea allergy, this is pretty easy to detect. The usual process is applying a product to kill the fleas. If scratching stops, then treatment is successful. 

Note that allergy testing may not always be able to pinpoint the cause of the reaction. 

Treating Allergies In Pups 

The ultimate treatment for an allergy is total avoidance of the allergen. This is usually possible in certain scenarios, but not likely in others. 

Treatment usually follows the precise allergy that your pup has. For instance, a food allergy can be treated by changing diet and eliminating allergens. 

For flea allergy dermatitis, applying a product to kill the fleas is your best call. Lifestyle changes may also be recommended by the veterinarian. 

Furthermore, the veterinarian may also recommend the administration of allergy relief medication. This would typically help to ease reactions like itching as well as other resulting skin infections that may have been caused by the irritant. 

Dealing With Severe Reactions 

If your pup experiences a severe allergic reaction featuring an advanced level of any of the symptoms outlined above, the right call is to get him to the veterinary hospital without delay. 

To notice any changes in your pup’s behavior or reactions, you would have to keep a close eye out. A slight change in mood or appetite is worth noting. 

Finally, before taking your pet on a trip or a new location, ensure that allergens are not present in the vicinity. 

Equipping your pup to deal with your occasional absences is a vital part of the training process. The alternative to this is a pup going berserk once you step inside the house. 

Pups with separation anxiety usually need an outlet for their anxiety, and this might not bode well for you. Some of the most common indications are:

• Howling, barking, and whining. 
• Destructive chewing. 
• Scratching and digging at windows and doors in a bid to find their owners. 
• Defecation and urination; even in house-trained pets.  

To help your pup get through this and adjust to the idea of your absence. Here are 5 practical ways:

1. Physical Exercise (Before You Leave)

One of the reasons why your pup might get wound up is because of nervous energy. Taking your pet for a brisk walk to reduce his energy levels is advisable. 

Once you’ve been able to get your pet in a passive state, he would likely spend your time away from him mostly resting or lazing around the place. 

Remember, an exhausted pup is a happy one (and one that stays out of trouble too).  

2. Start Small

You don’t just up from out of the blues and leave your pet alone for hours on end. You could start with small time durations, and gradually increase your absence. 

Leave him alone for some five minutes, then up to ten or 20 minutes, and then keep increasing it until you could go 8 hours without a fuss. 

This gradual separation helps your pup slowly adjust to the idea of separation and also instills the information that you would always come back home to him.  

3. No Grand Gestures! 

Overly affectionate goodbyes or greetings when you return is not the way to go. You’re trying to get your pup to understand that your leaving isn’t a big deal. A ceremonial farewell would be counterproductive. 

Instead, avoid eye contact, no touching, and no talking either. Make your pup get used to the idea that it’s nothing out of the ordinary. 

You should bring this into play when you’re starting out the separation process right from the smallest time duration. 

4. Crate Training 

You should idealize your pup’s crate so that it feels like his own personal safe space. When used the right way, it is neither inhumane nor inappropriate. 

Rather, it provides your pet with a place to escape to when the pressure gets too much. Try to make your pup associate the crate with good feelings by leaving his favorite chew toys in there. 

You should only use a crate when you feel like it is the best alternative. First observe whether your pup styles down, and feels comfortable in there. Otherwise, a crate might not make things better. 

5. Build Your Pet’s Independence 

An independent pet would not experience intense separation anxiety. Get your pup used to not following you around, or you ignore him when you’re focused on certain tasks. 

This would spur him to develop new interests, and if they skew in the way of independence, then reward this behavior. 

The earlier you start getting your pup used to your absence, the easier it would be for him to adjust over time. 

There are an incredible number of options when it comes to dog toys. Just like anything that involves a choice, making an educated one is your best bet. An educated choice would ensure that your pup gets a great toy, and derives maximum satisfaction from playing with it. The right toy has a lot of benefits for your pup. Some of these benefits include keeping her active throughout the day, improving bonding between you and your pup (in the case of tug toys and fetch toys), or simply keeping your pup happy. Your local Petland has a wide variety of toys to help you find the perfect toy for your pet!

Here are 5 tips to help with choosing the best toys for your pup: 

1. Personal Preference 

In this case, this isn’t your personal preference, it’s your pooch’s. The perfect toy has to suit your pup’s personality. Dogs have a natural playing and chewing instinct, which of course, varies by breed. You might have to experiment with a variety of toys to see which of them your dog prefers the most. For instance, Susie might be more inclined to fetch toys or tug toys, or even chewing toys. Once you note her favorite, you know what toys to buy more of going forward. 

2. Age 

The type of toys that you get your pup should be appropriate for her age. A toy for a 5-week old puppy should be plush or soft or snuggly. For a pup between three to nine months, you should consider relatively soft chew toys, because she would be teething. So, a good selection of chew toys would keep her away from the center rug or your sneakers. Past the teething phase, you can start to explore harder rubber toys as well as balls or rope pulls since they now have the jaw strength and energy to support that. This doesn’t mean you should totally eliminate softer toys, a mix of both types is a great idea. 

3. Size 

Here the breed plays a major role. For instance, a German Shepherd would chew more harshly compared to a chihuahua. Therefore, if Susie is a German Shepherd, you would need a harder and sizable toy that wouldn’t break or get stuck in her teeth. A toy that is too soft could break into pieces and cause a choking hazard, same with one that is too small. Rule of thumb, if it’s small enough to fit in your dog’s rear molars, it fits the bill of a choking hazard. 

4. Variety 

Overall development is essential, and this is why just one toy type isn’t ideal. Although your pup might have a favorite, say, a chewing toy, she really wouldn’t mind others. For bonding time, a nice tug toy would be ideal or even ball toys to play fetch. This variety would help keep your dog active, occupied, and entertained. Win-win for you and Susie!

5. Safety 

While this has been lightly touched on in the third point, it is still worthy of emphasis. In addition to getting the appropriate toy size, toy texture is an important point too.A hard toy for soft, developing dentition does more harm than good. Safety is essential when getting your pup a toy, so, ensure that the toys are perfectly suited to age and breed. Finally, keep a close eye on your pup, if you notice a toy wearing out, it might be time to replace it. 

Your pup probably tags along when you go to the kitchen and looks longingly while you eat. Our digestive system differs from theirs, and this makes some food that is perfectly safe for us, bad for them. But not all of it is, matter of fact, some human foods would do them a world of good. So, here are 7 food items that are safe for your dog, and they will absolutely love too: 

1. Fish 

Fish is a great source of protein for dogs; Salmon, tuna, and shrimp are perfectly safe. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in tuna and salmon serve to boost the immune system and maintain coat and skin health. Shrimp supplies B vitamins that aids improved blood circulation and are beneficial to the digestive system too. Before giving your pup fish, ensure that it is thoroughly cooked to kill any parasites. 

2. Peanut Butter 

Giving your pup the occasional unsalted peanut butter that has no sweeteners or added sugar is safe. Peanut butter can be a good source of protein, niacin, vitamins E and B as well as healthy fats. Ensure that you’re not giving your pup peanut butter that has the sweetener xylitol. It is toxic to dogs and if you suspect that your pup has mistakenly ingested some, contact your veterinarian immediately. 

3. Carrots 

Baby carrots are the perfect crunchy snack for your pet. They are a haven of vitamin A which helps boost the immune system and maintains the coat and skin. In addition, they are good for your pup’s dental health and help get rid of plaque on the teeth. Excess vitamin A can be pretty toxic, so moderation is the key here. 

4. Dairy Products

You would probably expect that dairy products are a total no-no, but that’s not the case. Small quantities of cheese, milk and plain yogurt are good for your pup. They cannot ingest a lot because they have low levels of the digestive enzyme lactase needed in the breakdown of sugar present in milk. 

Note: if your pet is lactose intolerant, then you should avoid giving them dairy products. How to know your pet is lactose intolerant? Vomiting or diarrhea after ingesting dairy. 

5. Watermelon 

Your pup needs high water content, and watermelons can help keep hydration levels high. It also contains vitamins A, C, and B-6. Before feeding your pup with watermelon, ensure to remove the rind first, because it can cause an upset stomach. The seeds, when ingested, can block the intestines, so you should get rid of those too. 

6. Eggs

Yes, dogs can eat eggs, even scrambled eggs. If you’re boiling the eggs, ensure that they are thoroughly boiled to avoid salmonella. Eggs are a great protein source, but that’s not all they also supply selenium and riboflavin. Selenium aids improved immune function while riboflavin improves digestion. Just remember, no seasoning!

7. Apple Slices 

Sliced apples are a good source of vitamins A, C, and high fiber content. Before giving your dog apples, ensure you take out the core and seeds, they can serve as a choking hazard. Apple slices also improve dental health. They get rid of residue on your pup’s teeth and of course, there’s the benefit of fresh breath too. 

“Man’s best friend.” Does that ring any bells? It probably would, because that’s just how dogs are regarded. And this isn’t off the mark in any way. You would agree that many-a-time, after a long day, the excitement and intense tail-wagging welcome you get takes the edge off. In addition to this, here are 5 other reasons why dogs are such great companions: 

1. They Make Us Happy!

Yes, we’re starting out with an essential emotional aspect. There’s no being sad or down when you’re around your pup. If he sees that you’ve been sitting around for too long, he’d probably start antics to get you up and moving so that you come to play. The licking, tail wagging and excited barks make us happy, it’s usually nice to be missed after a long day. Sometimes simply thinking about Abe brings a smile to your face. Pups are agents of happiness. 

2. They Get Us Moving 

If you rarely get up to do some exercising, having a dog would force you to burn some calories. You know just how much your pup loves his regular walks, and how much fun he has sniffing and skipping. What you probably don’t realize is that you’re keeping fit too. Regular walks are a great way to keep in shape and your fur baby ensures that happens like clockwork. Also, running around in the garden or backyard with Abe is keeping you fit. 

3. They are Great Entertainers 

Dogs are amazing entertainers without even trying hard. You know how hilarious it can be to watch your pup chasing his own tail. And he can be at it for hours!  He’d weave from side to side and bob his head now and again, trying to capture the elusive tail. They also have some really funny expressions sometimes, such as when you play pranks on them. They’re great company and with them, boredom flies out the door. 

4. They Can be Fierce Protectors 

Dogs are fiercely protective of their humans. Of course, this depends on breed, but most breeds have this in common. You know how much grief dogs give the postman and how they go shooting towards the door once the head knocks. This behavior makes them a deterrent to burglars, and you can sleep easier at night thanks to them. 

5. They Love Us Unconditionally

The love that pups have for their human is pure, innocent, and unconditional. It really doesn’t matter who you are, they just love you for who you are for you. Your pup produces oxytocin or the ‘love hormone’ that comes into play during a moment of intimacy or affection. The hormone is known for helping to form strong interpersonal bonds and help us connect to people, or in this case, your adorable pup. The hormone is mostly released when you’re interacting with your fur baby. While dogs make great companions, this is a reciprocal relationship. You have to be their best buddy too. Have fun bonding with your new best bud!

Communication with your dog is mainly done with your facial expression, your voice/tone, and body language. This isn’t any different when you want to show your pet affection. And you have the tail-wagging and loving slurps to confirm that they love you right back. Now, let’s take a look at 5 ways you can show your pup affection: 

1. Gaze Into His Eyes 

Recall that your pup watches your facial expressions closely. Therefore, he would perfectly understand a gentle, loving gaze. While at it, you could use calm words affirming how much you love him. Raising your left eyebrow is also seen as a display of affection. Doing this releases oxytocin, a hormone that helps your pup relax and acts as a bonding agent. Watching his gooey eyes may also trigger an oxytocin release in you. 

2. Scratch Behind the Ears 

Your dog’s ears have receptors that are known to stimulate the release of endorphins, which makes him feel real good. Replace a pat on the head with a gentle scratch or patting behind the ears, and you would see the pleasurable response. Rub his ears gently too, and accompany that with other forms of petting. This says “I love you” to your pet in very certain terms. 

3. Hang Out Together 

Your pup can tell when you want him around. Including your pup in your busy day, like letting him hang around when you’re working makes him feel loved. It could be a simple act of letting him curl up at your feet while you’re sitting at your desk or letting him snuggle in your lap. On occasions like a family dinner or movie night, you could move your pup’s place close to the dining table or allow him to play with his favorite toy on the couch while seeing the movie. These are just a few suggestions. 

4. Snuggling 

Your pup has a lot of energy and sure does like to run around a lot. But after a long day, there’s nothing he loves more than snuggling next to his favorite human. A nap on the couch together or lying in the grass outdoors makes him feel like you’re part of his pack. Pets love physical contact and they thrive on it. However, they might not appreciate hugs, but cuddling on the couch, now, that’s one thing they love. 

5. Treats! 

One way to show your pup a whole lot of affection is by giving them treats! This isn’t just when they’ve been good or successfully carried out a command. Random treating and petting your fur baby shows him that you love him. Note that you shouldn’t feed your pet with just treats, because they may not always contain all the primary nutrients. Also, avoid giving human junk food and snacks, they contain more calories than your pup needs. Remember, treats should be given in moderation. 

Hurrah! Your pup’s gotcha day is just around the corner, and you’re probably looking to do something special. They are a big part of our families, so with all the excitement around, you can be certain that he would enjoy every single moment. Thankfully, there are several ways to give your pup an incredible birthday. So, here are some ideas you can explore in making your pup’s special day super memorable: 

1. A Doggo Birthday Party!

What better way to celebrate your dog’s special day than by throwing them a party. To make the party more like it, you could invite some friends and neighbors to come along with their dogs (preferably friendly pooches). If this would be your first party, then you should keep the numbers down. You could play fun pup games, share dog-friendly cake, and share bags filled with goodies and treats that dogs love. For an outdoors party, ensure that the dogs are properly supervised, have constant access to fresh water, and are shaded from the sun.  

2. Hike a New Trail 

You know just how much your pup loves his daily work, yes? Now, imagine you hiked a new road filled with new smells and sights, wouldn’t that make Max giddy with excitement! This is one way to give your pup an incredible gotcha day, take him someplace new and let him play around. Go lax a bit so that he has the freedom to take in the new smells. Visiting a new park is a nice idea too!

3. Play His Favorite Games 

Dogs have a whole lot of energy and sometimes it’s hard to keep up with their energy levels, so we do what we can, and it’s on to the next playtime! For Max’s birthday, it would be nice to spend some extra time playing the games you know that he loves. This is definitely one way to make your dog feel special on this day. Some exciting game ideas include Fetch/Frisbee, Tug of War, Hide & Seek, and you could even play Find The Treats where his keen sense of smell is rewarded with his favorite treats. 

4. Go Swimming!

Most dogs like splashing around in the water, and if your pup is that way, then a swimming session would be wonderful fun! You could visit a local beach or find a dog-friendly pool in the area. Just make sure to follow all the safety rules and bring fresh water along for wash up. 

5. Shower Him With Gifts and Treats  

Are birthdays really complete without gifts and treats? The same goes for your adorable pup. If the usual maximum was three to four treats per day, go as high as seven and see whether he doesn’t know it’s a special day. You could also take the day off to cuddle with him on the sofa, make an extra special meal, sing him a birthday song, make a birthday hat for him, and take cute pictures of him. This would definitely make a memorable one for both you and Max.