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  • Petland’s Top 5 Breeds for Families

    Petland’s Top 5 Breeds for Families

    The international canine club recognizes over 360 dog breeds. Of these breeds, several are best suited to various activities or roles. Upon careful review, we have come up with the top 5 breeds that are well suited to ‘family life’. 

    Labrador Retriever

    The Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular breeds for family and for good reason. They are known to be patient, protective, playful, loving, and reliable. Labs are also highly intelligent and can be trained easily. They are a high-energy breed, love to run around, and boast great strength and stamina. 

    Goldendoodle

    Goldendoodles are a cross between a Golden retriever and a Poodle. They have a moderate activity level and are smaller in size than their parent breeds. They are highly intelligent and take to training easily if you start early. They may be touted as a hypoallergenic breed as a result of the Poodle in their heritage. 

    Golden Retriever

    The hallmark of the Golden Retriever is their patience which makes them perfect for children. They are also super smart, confident, loyal, and kind. Neither timid nor aggressive and full of energy to play as well. They are very obedient and affectionate, providing love to all. 

    Beagle

    The Beagle has a very calm temperament and a small size that allows them to be carried easily. This combination makes them a good choice for a family dog. They are very playful and are right at home in the outdoors. They are also accommodating of other pets and make for a great play partner. 

    Bulldog

    The Bulldog doesn’t boast a lot of energy but surely makes up for it in the affection department. They have a sturdy build and are very friendly, docile, and loyal. Their small size makes them suited to both small apartments and large houses. 

    Conclusion 

    Those are the top 5 breeds that Petland can guarantee would fit right into the family. Of course, before eventually settling for one, be sure to get super familiar with the breed. 

  • How To Keep Up With Your Pup Between Grooms

    How To Keep Up With Your Pup Between Grooms

    Every four to six is the ideal time after which a visit to the vet or a professional groomer is necessary. However, during this period, maintaining your dog’s grooming is a key part of providing care. 

    If you struggle with consistency or you don’t want to forget, you can always create a schedule to keep on track. 

    Once your schedule is up, here are three common grooming activities that you can carry out: 

    Baths 

    Lucky if your pet loves water. If they don’t, they would still need to take baths anyway. Baths can be pretty relaxing and they keep your dog from stinking up the entire place. 

    Using a dog soap recommended by the vet is ideal because they are generally less harsh and friendly on dog skin. 

    Remember to wash the paws, inside the ears, and generally wash all of the hard-to-reach places. 

    Nail Trims 

    If you don’t want nail marks all over your clothing or claw tracks on the rug, then take nail trims very seriously. 

    One point to note however is that you should always leave some allowance, don’t cut all the way down. 

    This way, you can avoid mistakenly causing injury to your beloved pet. Remember that you can give your pet treats for being a good boy/girl during the nail trim. 

    Brushing Sessions 

    Looking to avoid matted fur? This is the best go-to grooming option. Brushing sessions are especially important if your pet has a lot of fur and sheds significantly. 

    You can arrest the shedding ahead of time, and keep their coat smooth and shiny. After brushing, you can spray them with delicious scenting dog sprays that you can get from Petland stores. 

    You can Max smelling like a peach if you want. 

    Conclusion 

    Just like humans, constant grooming is what gets your pet smelling and looking like a million dollars! 

  • Why Do We Love Dogs So Much?

    Why Do We Love Dogs So Much?

    For the longest time, dogs have been tagged man’s best friend as a result of the love and fierce loyalty that they display to their humans. So, why exactly is there so much love between the canine and human? 

    Humans started keeping dogs as pets since ancient days prior to civilization. This implies that this fierce love and unbreakable bond between humans and dogs has been repeated multiple times all through history. 

    It goes without saying that beyond their simple angelic existence, dogs provide their owners with benefits ranging from emotional and mental to physical as well. Dogs are very useful and can be trained to hone their special attributes like their strong sense of smell or hearing for various uses.  

    For instance, they are members of various important units in the society such as the firefighter departments, K9, search and rescue, as well as sniffer dogs at airports. The services that they provide have constantly saved the lives of humans time and time again. 

    Dogs are also regarded as immediate family members and treated as fur babies. Dog owners commonly claim to be in a better mental space after having a dog relative to before they had one. In addition, people dealing with various traumas get support dogs who constantly comfort and keep them stable. 

    In essence, the benefits that dogs offer humans as a result of their presence in our lives cannot be quantified. 

    Conclusion 

    Discussing the reasons why we love dogs so much could extend so much with each individual having their own personal reasons. However, the bottomline is that they very much deserve this love and even more. 

  • Springtime Makes for the Perfect Fur Baby Photo!

    Springtime Makes for the Perfect Fur Baby Photo!

    Spring brings the flowers to bloom and the greenery back to life, and it’s no doubt one of your pup’s favorite seasons. Lots of time to be spent in the great outdoors and what’s more, the weather is getting warm too. 

    For a bit of fun this spring, one trend you can consider is playing dress up! Picture dressing your fur baby in a nice, smart plaid shirt and maybe wearing one to match too! You could have loads of fun like organizing photo shoots, maybe a party or two too! 

    Many people love to play dress up with their dogs and post photos on social media, and this definitely makes for an excellent idea. For starters, it is a great way to share the moment and cute pictures with the rest of the world via the internet. 

    In addition, posting on platforms like Instagram allows you to save pictures on there for as long as you want and you can use it as a form of album or cloud storage for Max’s pictures. In the years to come, you could easily access the images from your smart device and recall the enchanting memories that you created that day. 

    There are quite a number of dogs on Instagram, some even having their own accounts and in collaboration with their partners, may work as influencers. They commonly have pictures of them taken, for instance, there’s @magnusthetherapy dog on Instagram. You would commonly find him posing with his owner in various getups, even a chef’s cap!

    Also, @barked, a community for dogs on Instagram commonly posts up cute photos of different dog breeds. It should be no surprise to find a dog all suited up complete with a tie. What more are you waiting for? Get to creating memories!

    Conclusion 

    A well dressed dog gets compliments and pats from all and sundry. Give your pet the chance to be a hotshot dresser this spring!

  • What are the Benefits of Owning a Dog?

    What are the Benefits of Owning a Dog?

    The only downside to owning a dog is that those gooey eyes would charm you anytime, anyway. That said, there are loads of benefits to owning a dog; emotional, physical, mental, social, basically loads. This article highlights some of these benefits: 

    Companionship 

    If you’ve been battling loneliness for a while, owning a dog is precisely what you need. There is no feeling lonely when you have a pup that constantly craves your attention and worships you. It’s no wonder then that dogs are known as man’s best friend. 

    Uplifts Your Mood 

    There’s no feeling depressed around your dog. Pups are generally lively and full of energy and are ready to play at every turn. Their antics are bound to crack you up and you would find yourself bursting into laughter now and again. Dogs make humans happy.

    Longevity 

    People with pets have generally been shown to live longer. This is especially true for seniors. Having to care for a pet extends their lifespans and this applies to middle aged individuals too. 

    Teaches Vital Lessons 

    Owning a pet teaches vital life lessons like caring for other people besides ourselves. Knowing that a vulnerable pet totally depends on you teaches responsibility especially to kids at a young age. It improves social skills too. 

    Improved Mental Health 

    People battling depression and other mental health issues are often assigned support dogs to help them through. This is because having a dog that adores you stimulates feelings of hope and happiness. 

    Conclusion 

    There’s really nothing as blissful as owning and caring for a dog. In addition to the benefits outlined above, the daily walks are beneficial to physical health too while providing good bonding time with your pup. 

  • Should I Crate Train My Dog?

    Should I Crate Train My Dog?

    Crate training is the process of introducing your dog to view and accept a dog crate as a personal safe space. There are various benefits that crate training offers particularly for your pet. Here are the most profound ones: 

    Provides a Familiar, Safe Space 

    Sometimes, your pet needs a place to retire, particularly if they encounter something new. For instance, some dogs are not great at getting used to strangers and would rather stay away. A crate provides a form of escape for your pup and allows them to retreat from new, disturbing changes until they can eventually adapt. 

    Provides a Den Feeling 

    Many advocates point to the fact that dogs are den animals and a crate can serve as a substitute for a den. Daisy’s den is where she reigns supreme and feels like her own personal kingdom. This space serves as a sanctuary and your dog feels very secure in that space. 

    Helps With Potty Training 

    Dogs generally keep their sleeping areas clean as a matter of instinct. Providing your pup with a crate would help them learn to hold and this in turn strengthens bladder and bowel muscles. They inadvertently learn housebreaking on their own. 

    Makes Life Easier Generally 

    Crates generally make yours and your pet’s life easier. Transporting Daisy is safer using a crate whether by road for long distance trips or air trips. It results in less distractions for the driver and you would be able to have your dog with you whenever you travel.  

    Conclusion 

    Crate training your pup offers too many benefits for you to pass it up. During the process, ensure that you’re patient and reward with treats for good behavior. 

  • Do Dogs Have Allergies?

    Do Dogs Have Allergies?

    Are dog allergies a thing? Yes. Dogs do have allergies too. Generally, dog allergies are divided up into three categories:

    • Skin allergies
    • Food allergies  
    • Acute allergic reaction 

    Skin Allergies

    Skin allergies or allergic dermatitis rank as the most prevalent allergic reaction in dogs. They are caused by one of the following three:

    • Food allergies 
    • Flea allergy dermatitis 
    • Environmental allergens 

    These allergies may present as itchy skin, resulting in skin becoming red, inflamed, and scabbed. Flea allergy dermatitis is caused by fleas while environmental allergens like pollen, mold and dust may cause atopic dermatitis or atopic allergic reactions.  

    Food Allergies 

    Actual food allergies in dogs stimulate an immune response which can present symptoms ranging from skin conditions like facial swelling, hives, and itchiness to gastrointestinal signs like vomiting and/or diarrhea. Anaphylaxis may occur in rare cases. 

    Food allergies are rare and the most common form of reaction to foods in dogs is food intolerance. These do not induce an immune response and are simply a reaction to a disturbing ingredient. 

    To diagnose and manage a food allergy, it is essential to work with your veterinarian.

    Acute Allergic Reaction 

    This is the most alarming of all three allergy types. A reaction to an allergen can send dogs into anaphylactic shock which can be fatal if not quickly handled. 

    Some common causes of this include vaccine reactions and bee stings. The upside is that anaphylactic reactions are very rare in dogs. 

    Common reactions to an allergen could include swellings of the throat, lips, face, ear flaps, and eyelids. 

    Treatments for Allergies 

    The top cure for allergies is total avoidance of culprit allergen. For instance, getting rid of fleas would prevent flea allergy dermatitis and taking out offending ingredients can prevent food intolerance. 

    Veterinary medicine has come a long way and swellings from a reaction can commonly be treated with an antihistamine. Similarly, your veterinarian may prescribe other medication for allergy relief. 

    What You Can Do To Aid Allergy Relief

    To aid allergy relief at home, you can keep offending ingredients and insects at bay. Also, certain home remedies may help. 

    Conclusion 

    Prevention is the keyword here. Keep an eye out and prevent reactions altogether. 

  • Top 5 Springtime Recipes for Your Dog

    Top 5 Springtime Recipes for Your Dog

    It’s spring and time to make some homemade foods and treats! Here are some recipes you can explore: 

    Frozen Watermelon Treats 

    Watermelon is a staple for both spring and summer. It contains lots of fluid, aiding hydration, has a natural sweetness and is perfect for cooking in the warm temperature. Making this treat is super simple and all you need is some watermelon and coconut milk. You might have to wait a while for the treats to freeze up, but it’s worth the wait. 

    Yogurt Peanut Butter Banana Treats

    Dogs love peanut butter all year round and to make this recipe even healthier, yogurt does an excellent job. These treats are typically brought out in the stifling heat of summer, but it wouldn’t hurt to give your dog some in spring too!

    Cranberry Cookies 

    You want to show your dog some extra love? Bake these cookies heart-shaped. Ingredients include some almond flour and coconut flour, and of course, cranberries. Ensure to make a whole lot because your dog would definitely love them!

    Turkey, Rice and Veggie Mix 

    This low-fat, low-calorie recipe is particularly ideal if you’re looking to stop your fur baby from gaining excess weight. It boasts lean animal protein, veggies, and healthy carbs. You can get up to 12 cups from a single preparation and they stay in perfect condition for up to 5 days when refrigerated. 

    Beef Stew, Doggie Style

    This homemade food can be frozen and lasts the entire week. It had loads of iron from fresh protein and requires only about a pound of beef stew meat, one small sweet potato, half cups of diced carrots, diced green beans, flour and water, and finally, a tablespoon of vegetable oil. Watch your dog lap this up in no time!

    Conclusion 

    Now, bring out your inner chef and get to whipping up these delicacies!

  • Did You Know Petland Provides Classroom Pets for Teachers?

    Did You Know Petland Provides Classroom Pets for Teachers?

    Research has shown that students interacting with pets in the educational setting has social, behavioral and academic benefits. Classroom pets can reduce school-related stress, boost reading competency and enhance academic performance overall. 

    For young children, taking care of pets from a young age helps instill social and emotional skills. This process also enables children to develop a sense of responsibility and feel sensitive to others outside of themselves, boosting their confidence levels too. 

    This is exactly why Petland stores are part of the initiative to help teachers receive a pet for their classroom. 

    How To Apply

    The process of applying for the Classroom grant program is a pretty straightforward one. Here are the three steps: 

    1. Check Whether You Qualify 

    To qualify, you would need to check the following boxes: 

    • Be a pre-K through 9th grade public or private school teacher in the US or Canada (Pre-K begins at age 3)
    • Must be your first time applying for a Pets in the Classroom grant that school year
    • If you’ve been a recipient of a store or rebate grant, you would only be eligible for the Sustaining Grant 

    A “yes” to all three requirements implies eligibility. 

    1. Choosing a Pet 

    A range of factors affect a choice of pet in this case. Some major ones include: 

    • Your experience level with pets
    • How long you’re willing to care for the pet
    • The classroom environment/dynamic
    • The noise level in your classroom
    • Ease of handling pet
    • Potential zoonotic diseases associated with pet
    • Costs involved in caring for the pet
    • Access to veterinary care  

    These are a few factors that you would need to consider. 

    1. Choosing a Grant 

    There are a number of grants available and this is where Petland comes in. You can apply to the grant here after creating an account with Pets In the Classroom. 

    Conclusion 

    Pets teach us a whole lot and it’s not too early to allow them impart your students too.

  • Is Doggy Daycare Worth It?

    Is Doggy Daycare Worth It?

    Apart from getting a sitter, doggy daycare is the other alternative for ensuring that your dog is cared for when you can’t be available. However, is doggy daycare really worth it? Should you consider signing your dog up? Here are some pros and cons to help your decision along. 

    Pros of Doggy Daycare 

    Doggy daycare does offer a significant number of benefits, and here are some prominent ones:

    • Physical exercise and constant mental stimulation all through the day
    • Helps your dog ward off loneliness
    • Reduces the chance of destructive behavior
    • Reduction in barking  
    • You get a restful night since your dog would likely come home mentally exhausted and go to sleep
    • Helps if you’re unable to walk your dog that day
    • Letting your dog out midday would no longer be necessary 
    • Great way to get your pet socialized 
    • Provides enough fun activity and exercise in case you’re unable to provide that for the day 

    Cons of Doggy Daycare 

    • Might be overly exciting and overwhelming for your dog 
    • Possible mental exhaustion as a result of stress or fear on the part of you dog
    • Your dog could pick up bad behavior from other dogs or while relating with them 
    • Possible bullying or injury scenario 
    • Costs eventually rack up (average daycare cost is $25+ per day) 
    • You don’t have control over the behavior of other dogs or the staff 
    • Vaccinations are demanded and required by doggy daycares, however, there might be a chance of your dog picking up an illness like kennel cough or getting fleas from other dogs 

    Conclusion 

    Doggy daycare has some pretty great advantages as well as some somewhat discouraging downsides. However, overall, most daycares try to avoid the cons that they can on their end, so, you should definitely consider this care option.