Category: Petland

Pet owners look for any reason to celebrate their beloved animals. Well, this February we are giving you 8 reasons Dog holidays that you can Observe. 

Feb. 3: Doggie Date Night. 

Celebrate by taking your pup on a special night out. Whether it’s a simple night stroll through the park, or a night at home to cuddle and watch movies, your dog deserves a date night.

Feb. 3: National Golden Retriever Day.

Golden Retriever’s day is your opportunity to show your pride and joy. Find a local group online or join a meetup with other Golden Retriever owners to celebrate. 

Feb. 14: Pet Theft Awareness Day

It happens more often than you think. If you have suffered from Pet theft, then you know how painful it can be to suddenly lose a friend and family member. Shed light and tell your story using #pettheftawarenessday

Feb. 20: Love Your Pet Day.

We know that every day is love your pet day, but this day is an opportunity to show it. Buy his favorite treat or let him go with you to the bank. It’s the little things that show how much you love your dog. 

Feb. 22: Walking the Dog Day.

Have you been wanting to get more exercise? Well, today is your day to start! Instead of letting the dog out in the backyard, take your pup on a walk and begin a new regime. Your dog will love exploring the neighborhood and bonding with you. 

Feb. 23: International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day.

Dog Biscuits are great, just ask your dog. He’ll surely know how to celebrate dog biscuit appreciation day. 

Feb. 25: World Spay Day. 

An annual campaign by the Humane Society International and The Humane Society of the United States; held the last Tuesday of February.

Whether it’s the holiday season or a dinner party or summer vacation, your home can get busy at times. Since your pet is a family member, your guest should feel as comfortable as you do in your pet-friendly home. There are many ways to introduce your pets to your family and friends that will help create a peaceful and happy environment for all.

To avoid any unnecessary trauma, and have a positive and exciting experience, follow these tips when introducing your pets to your home guest.

 Here are a few helpful tips on how to properly introduce your pets to new people. 

1. Separate Space For Guest and Your Pet 

When guest arrives, place your dog in a separate room until your guest are settled in your home. This will avoid over exciting your dog, causing them to misbehave and jump with uncontrollable excitement. Separating your pet room your guest will be especially helpful if you have more than one guest visiting. Once everyone is settled, bring your puppy out to meet your family and friends. 

 2. Pet Treats

Allow your guests to offer your pet treats. Some pets can be shy and nervous about approaching people they are not familiar with. Treats are an excellent way to eliminate shyness and develop the trust your pet needs to happily meet your guest. Allow your guests to hold the treats in their hands and allow your pet to initiate the introduction and approach your guest. This gentle way of building trust for your pet will help them welcome your guest to your home.

3. Don’t Force the Introduction 

Allow the process of introduction to happen naturally since dogs like to sniff out people first. Take your pet and guest on a walk together. It may take a little time for your pet to feel comfortable,

Getting a new puppy can be an exciting time! As a pet lover, you can’t wait to add your new family member to your home, but this is the easy part. Home training your new family member is the most rewarding venture, yet it can be the most challenging. Puppies are naturally very excited animals and need to be trained for the household environment. It is important you start to train your puppy as soon as they enter your household. Here are a few helpful tips on how to train your puppy at home.  

1. A Space Just for Your Puppy 

Establish your household boundaries. If there are areas in your house that you would not like your puppy to roam around in, make that clear to your dog. It is perfectly fine if you tell your puppy  “No” this will help you establish boundaries with them. Set up a specific area in your home for your This space will be used for feeding your puppy, a doggie bed and any toys your puppy will enjoy.

2. Curb Any Bad Puppy Habits 

Any biting or nipping of any kind should be discouraged. Puppies naturally bite or nip when they are excited. This chewing type action is not a sign of aggression, but merely a natural trait for dogs. It is up to you to let your puppy know this type of behavior is unacceptable in your household. By not allowing your puppy to continue this behavior, you are stopping any bad habits that may develop, as well as preventing serious bites when your dog’s teeth become even stronger. 

3. Reward Good Behavior 

Training your puppy can be tough on them, remember they are trying their best. Practice patience and give lots of treats, rewarding them for their hard work. Praise them with a friendly pet or cuddle that will make their tail wag and make you the happiest pet owner on earth!

Though we don’t need a reason to buy our puppy a gift, holidays and birthdays give us a good excuse. And since your furry friends come in different sizes and breeds and ages, there are a ton of choices that make excellent gifts for your pet. From doggie clothes to doggie treats to doggie toys shopping for your puppy can be a lot of fun!

1. Goody Box For Your Furry Friend

Fill your birthday goody box with morsels and jerky and doggy breath mints. These boxes are designed for your dog according to their age and weight and can be ordered online. You can’t go wrong with these edible treats full of soft and chewy goodies. These goodie boxes can also include a heated pet bed. When this package arrives, your dog will be jumping for joy!

2. Doggie Clothes

Browse through the many styles of doggie clothes by shopping with your dog. You can touch and feel the texture of the clothing and decide which outfit is best for your pet. Don’t forget the accessories and booties designed just for your pet. Small and large boutiques make browsing for unique doggie clothes a charming adventure. Your favorite doggie clothes designers have a unique set of doggie clothes waiting for you and your furry friend. If you want the convenience of online shopping, feel free to browse and order at home just in time for the holiday parties.

3. Doggie Toys

When it comes to toys, there are many choices. The variety of doggie toys range from the quiet and chewy kind to the loud and durable one. Your selection of toys all depends on the personality of your dog. Sushi chewable toys work well for puppies and Frisbees work well for all dogs, it helps to keep your pet active, it’s fun and helps sustain their life.

We would all love to say we have all the time we need to take care of ourselves and our dog. But the truth is, your life gets busy and there are days and weeks when you can barely take care of yourself, not to mention your pet. A doggie daycare or boarding facility is the perfect place for your pet during these times. This daycare option could be the ideal choice to make sure your pet has all of its needs met. Here are a few tips on doggie daycares that may be the perfect answer for you and your puppy’s needs.

1. Information Required 

To keep the daycares safe, your dog needs to have all of his required vaccinations up to date. These vaccinations include rabies and distemper, and your dog must pass a temperament test. If your dog is over six months old, they must be spayed or neutered. It is a good idea to visit with your dog and see how your dog reacts to the environment.

2. What Doggie Day Cares Provide

Early drop off hours, in case you need to get to work for that crucial meeting. Doggie daycares provide exercise, breakfast, lunch, dinner, and lots of companionship. You can provide your dog’s food to the daycare,  so his diet is familiar to him. Dogs get ample playtime or time to lounge around. Nap times are welcome, and lots of treats are provided, and staff of dog lovers always surround your dog with plenty of love. Doggie daycares can be the ultimate place for your dog to spend the day.

3. Other Benefits of Doggie Day Cares

You are welcome to use the pet webcams to watch your pet while you are away; it may make you feel more at ease. Dog grooming is available if you have not had the time to get your pet groomed. Doggie daycares don’t need a lot of notice, so sign up online, pack up your puppy, and head to the nearest doggie daycare so your puppy can have some fun!

The holidays may mean travel time for you and your family, and that may not include your pet. It is not difficult to find a sitter, simply prepare in advance and give yourself time to find the perfect dog sitter for your furry friend. It’s easy to set up your dog sitting experience, so it’s a carefree and successful experience. Pets are easy to care for and just want to be loved. Whether your dog sitter is a perfect stranger or your well known next-door neighbor, there are a few things you can do to set your pet and his dog sitter up for success.

1. Meet With Your Potential Pet Sitter 

When it comes to finding the right person to care for your pet while you are out of town, it’s essential to choose the person that blends well with your pet. Set up a meeting with your sitter and narrow down the candidate. Once you have narrowed your choice to one or two candidates, set up a time when you, the candidate, and your pet can spend some time together. Go on a walk and observe the interaction between your pet and the potential dog sitter.

2. Supplies, Supplies, Supplies

With the right amount of supplies, your dog sitter can focus on caring for your pet. Make a list of dog food and other supplies your pet will need based on the time you will be out of town. Always buy extra supplies in case your trip is unexpectedly extended. Your list should include dog food, an extra collar and leash, gates, dog bed, treats, your pet’s favorite toy, and any special items such as medicine your pet may need.

3. Important Emergency Information 

Post a list of emergency numbers your sitter can easily access. This list should include the nearest veterinarian or emergency pet hospital, your neighbor or relative, and any alternative number where you can be reached.   

Now relax and enjoy the holidays, knowing you have chosen the right dog sitter, and your puppy is well taken care of.

1.       Nutrition         

A Good Quality Feeding Program literally shines out from your dog. Always check that your dog’s daily food is rich in protein (chicken, turkey, beef or lamb). When you check the brand ingredients on the food label protein should be the first on the list. Make sure that the food has a low quantity of grains and preservatives.

Add Omega 3 Fatty Acids to Your Dog’s Diet To Make Your Dog’s Coat Shine. Add a little oily fish or a supplement to nourish the skin cells and improve dryness or itchy patches. Omega 3 has anti-inflammatory properties that help if your dog has allergies or other skin conditions.

It is important to only add small quantities of oily fish to start with because it can cause diarrhea.

Examples of oily fish:

·Mackerel

·Salmon

·Herring

·Sardines

·Flaxseeds and Cod liver oil is also a great source of Omega 3 Fatty Acid.

2.       Daily Grooming

Brushing your dog every day will not only stop the coat from getting matted or tangled, but it will also give the coat a great shine. Use good quality grooming tools specific to the breed and type of coat. If your dog has a long coat use a de-shedding tool to remove all the loose, damaged fur. Check for ticks and fleas so that they can be treated straight away. Look out for abnormalities when you groom your dog. If you spot lumps, rashes and sores on the skin, consult your vet for early diagnosis.

3.       Bathing

If you want to achieve a shiny dog coat you may need to bathe your dog less frequently. The reason is that bathing strips the coat of essential oils needed to keep the coat looking healthy. Try to restrict regular baths to just one per month and use good quality dog shampoo and conditioners which are made from natural products. Make sure you rinse the fur really well after bathing. Any residue will leave the coat dull and lifeless. If your dog has itchy skin or allergies an oatmeal bath will soothe the skin and add shine to the coat. Add a final rinse of alcohol-free beer to the fur, leave for five minutes then rinse thoroughly to get the coat to really shine.

Crate training is not complex, but if you have never crate trained you might have mixed feelings about using the crate. It’s important to remember that crate training isn’t cruel, it’s actually a great way to create healthy boundaries for you and your pup. Here are a few tips to make crate training simple.

1. Not Making it Comfortable

You want your dog to have positive associations with the crate. Step 1 in that goal is to make sure that the crate is comfortable for your dog. Make sure the crate is large enough so that your dog can stand up and turn around. Make it homey with a comfy bed and whatever else your pooch digs.

2. Giving In and Letting Out

This can be critical. You know the drill. Your dog starts that pathetic little whimper and gives you that look. You know, that look.

Anyway, you just can’t resist and you just give in and let your dog out of the crate. The problem is that your dog learns that whimpering and whining will eventually get her out. Stay strong!

3. Not Feeding in the Crate

Dogs love food. The easiest way to create positive vibes around the crate is to feed your puppy in the crate. It also establishes a good routine. By not feeding in the crate, you are missing out on the most powerful positive association.

4. Forcing Your Dog Into the Crate

Don’t force your dog into the crate. Use your brain to figure out a way to get your doggy in without force. Or just steal these ideas: use food or a toy.

5. Crating Your Dog for Too Long

Crating a dog is not a long term option. By long term, I mean that you shouldn’t crate your dog for 8 hours straight while you are at work. 

If you’re thinking of buying a Siberian Husky then you need to think long and hard about what exactly you’re getting into. The Husky is unlike the majority of dog breeds and you would be setting yourself up for failure if you don’t have the facts beforehand. This is not a breed for an owner who doesn’t know what they are doing and if owning dogs was a computer game, the Siberian Husky level would be ‘advanced’! There are many positives however to living with a Husky, here a few.

1) The Husky is Very Playful

Don’t think that their playful nature will end as soon as they stop being a puppy. Actually, I don’t think they ever stop being a puppy, at least mentally! The Siberian Husky has a lot of energy and there’s simply no way you will be able to use that up during your daily walks. The only way for you to achieve that would be to practically live outside and let them pull you around on a sled all day! As most of us need to go to work to pay for boring things like houses and education, unfortunately, we have to do the next best thing – which is to play with them inside.

2) The Husky Loves Exercise and Being Outside

The outside world is the Siberian Husky’s natural habitat and they are at their happiest when running around outside. The Husky needs a lot of exercises and unless you are in a position to be able to provide this then they probably aren’t the breed of dog for you! They will need to be exercised at least twice a day and for a good hour of solid exercise each time. Without enough exercise, your Husky could become anxious which can lead to a destructive personality, and you won’t want that!

3) The Husky Is Very Affectionate

Many owners are surprised by how affectionate the Siberian Husky actually is. The Husky will want to spend all of its time in your company. Well, let me re-phrase that. Whilst you’re inside they will want to spend all of their time in your company. When you venture outside they will try and escape whatever restrictions they are being put under and run away. However, that’s another subject.

Winter is just around the corner and sadly, that means it’s our responsibility to ensure that no pets are left out in the cold.  This article will discuss the reasons that we do not recommend keeping any pets outdoors in the winter months.

Whether your dog spends 10 minutes or 10 hours outside, there are things that you need to take into consideration. Before you plan any outside time for Fido, you need to think about the temperature outside, the weather conditions and whether or not your dog is physically able to spend long periods of time outdoors in these conditions.

If your canine companion is a senior, a small or teacup breed, hairless or has a very thin coat or they have a medical condition that makes them more susceptible to the cold, they should not be outdoors any more than necessary. The cold temperatures force the body to work harder to stay warm and can take a toll on your dog’s circulatory and immune system. Elderly, young, or immune-compromised dogs are particularly at risk for developing an illness as a result of exposure to the cold.

Frigid temps can cause dogs to act in desperation 

Dogs are living, sentient beings and it is not beyond them to do anything it takes to survive. Out of desperation to seek out warmth and companionship, keeping dogs outside in winter may cause them to break out of their yard and hurt themselves or others. Avoid this happening by treating your dog as a member of the family and keeping them indoors!

Unhappy Dogs Will Vocalize

Have you ever heard that “annoying” barking dog in the neighborhood? That’s what happens when a dog becomes bored, lonely, or in need. Leaving your dog outside in winter will result in your dog becoming one of those “annoying dogs” too. Your dog will vocalize for exercise and stimulation, but they will also vocalize because they are uncomfortable and cold and because they are LONELY! Keep your dog indoors with you and stop that nuisance barking that’s driving your neighbor’s crazy.

It is Possible for Your Dog to Freeze to Death

Keeping dogs outside in winter can lead to frostbite and hypothermia, but more importantly, they can freeze to death. Depending on if your dog has access to a well-insulated shelter and just how cold it is outdoors, and whether your dress up the pup in proper dog winter clothes, most dogs can freeze to death in minutes without protection.