Low Maintenance Pets

Pet owners are well aware of just how huge a responsibility keeping a pet can be, from regularly feeding them to ensuring that they are fit, healthy and happy.

But while the responsibility of keeping a pet can be daunting to some, there are actually a number of low maintenance pets available in pet stores and pet specialty venues, each known for being relatively easy with their care and aftercare prerequisites, requirements and needs.

This year, those who’ve been keen on keeping a pet can get a good start by looking into the “qualifiers” that define low maintenance pets from the rest.

In terms of feeding requirements – A low maintenance pet, by default, is not fickle when it comes to its dietary needs, defined by the ready availability of food items that are complementary with their constitutions.

Matched with sparse feeding time frequencies – typically requiring pet owners to feed them at least twice a day – the feeding requirements of low maintenance pets are not really that difficult to cover.

In terms of care/handling – Apart from their low maintenance feeding requirements and needs, low maintenance pets are also “sturdy” when it comes to their care and handling.

At its core, low maintenance pets don’t require specialized equipment for owners to physically interact with them, nor are they “volatile” in terms of how they are being carried or reared by their owners.

In terms of housing – Though a number of low maintenance pets require pet-specific enclosures, they are not exactly particular about “habitat” temperatures, nor do they require specific housing needs that are tied with environmental control gauges or specialized machines.

Bottom line, low maintenance pets require only the most minimum of specifics and particulars from pet owners, making them ideal for those who can’t spend a lot of time and resources in maintaining other pet varieties.

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On Pets and New Year Resolutions: Regular Checkups

Even the most responsible pet owner has, at one point in time, failed to comply with regular checkups required by their pet’s vet.

 This year, if you’ve been careless in looking into your pet’s general health and well-being, consider adding regular trips to the vet as part of your ward’s New Year resolution.

The Value of Regular Checkups – Talking about the upsides and benefits of regularly bringing one’s pet to the vet can be described as pointless, considering how readily explainable the act is: with regular checkups, pet owners are given real time information about the health and well-being of their pets.

Though “regular” is a highly relative term, responsible pet owners should take the time in proactively bringing their pets to the vet on regular intervals, not only when they are showing signs of being sick or after they succumb to injuries.

Doing so does not only help pets get accustomed to trips and visits to veterinary clinics, but also helps them get acquainted with their health-care professionals.

The move also affords pet owners with relevant and timely information covering their pet’s health and dietary needs, apart from giving them insight on the different danger signs of stress, fatigue and more.

Pet owners whose wards are known to have genetic disorders can also greatly benefit from regular checkups, giving them a “heads up” on what to expect regarding gene-related joint issues, eye problems, teeth and gum disorders and more.

Bottom line, if you missed out in bringing your pet to his or her regular checkup sessions, there’s no reason you can’t regularly do so this year.

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On Pets and New Year Resolutions: More Quality Time

If you’ve already added entries like “more exercise routines”, “better checkup regimens” and “healthier diet menus” as part of your pet’s New Year resolutions this year, there’s one more entry you shouldn’t fail to include: more quality time.

Regardless of how busy you are with work or with your household chores, spending more quality time with your pet is just as important as seeing to his or her overall health and well-being.

On the value of quality time – While it is true that not all animals in the world are sociable, allocating more interactive time with your pet proves to be highly beneficial for everyone concerned.

In the case of dogs, more quality times spent in regular exercise routines and playtime sessions strengthens the bond between dog and master, apart from thoroughly immersing one’s dog with different people, thereby providing him or her with valuable experience in how to behave in the company of others.

For cats – who are notorious for being anti-social at times – more interactive times spent playing with them or simply lounging with them reinforces their natural affectionate natures, further strengthening a cat’s relationship with his or her master, along with everyone else present in the household.

Long story short, while looking into dietary considerations and veterinary care requirements of pets are important, allocating ample time with them is just as valuable in seeing to their healthy well-being, thus the reason why you can’t fail to include “spending more quality time” into your pet’s New Year’s resolutions list.

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On Pets and New Year Resolutions

If you thought New Year resolutions are only applicable to human beings, think again.

With different pets liable to develop their own range of habits – covering the healthy to the unhealthy – there’s no reason why a responsible pet owner can’t impose a set of New Year resolutions on their wards this year.

Here’s a quick look at the different markers pet owners can base their wards’ New Year’s resolutions on, ranging from trivial woes to serious considerations.

On diets and such – While everyone loves to have a fat cat lounging around in the house, caution should be given to overweight kitties, given the health risks and dangers associated with feline obesity.

But truth be told, the dangers of obesity is not only something which cat owners should be on the lookout for, but should be something each and every pet owner should closely look into when talking about the health and well-being of their pets.

Regular trips to the vet – Sure, a trip to the vet could translate to more costs and expenses, but it certainly does wonders in affording responsible pet owners with healthy pets who are not only happy, but also healthy.

On exercise and quality time – Though it is true that not all pets are as interactive when compared to the fun loving affections of dogs, in no way does it mean that not-so-interactive pets don’t have to flex their limbs.

From cats to tarantulas, spending time with one’s pet in exercise routines prove to be good additions to a pet’s set of New Year resolutions, especially for young, still growing pets who are still learning all about the world and the household they are a member of.

Take the time in looking into the abovementioned areas you should ideally look into when forming your pet’s New Year’s resolutions list.

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On Pets As Presents – On Veterinary Care

Apart from looking into a gift recipient’s capacity to actually take care of a pet and a type of pet’s lifespan, a pet’s veterinary care requirements and particulars is another consideration which many fail to think about.

When talking about giving pets as gifts, it pays to think about its veterinary care necessities and costs, given the fact that – one way or another – a pet is liable to visit the vet at least once.

On Veterinary Care

From dog breeds known for joint problems to animals prone to periodontal disease and gum issues, “pet gift givers” should think about the veterinary care needs of certain pets before giving them to friends or loved ones.

Generally, cats and dogs are not all that problematic with where the services of vets are concerned, but the more exotic variety of pets – like tarantulas, iguanas, pythons and the like – tend to be another matter altogether.

There’s also the matter of the types of medicines that are specifically made for certain pets, another

consideration one should think about before giving someone an exotic pet as a gift. Dietary requirements should also be thought of when pets are being picked out as a gift, something which proves to be a big problem for pets which require live feeding.

Though giving someone a “cool” pet as a gift promises to be a great idea, the reality of pet care and maintenance should be considered by gift givers. Veterinary care is one consideration that shouldn’t be ignored, most especially when exotic animals involved in the matter.

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The Top Doggy Accessories of the Season – Martingale Collars

Collars are widely viewed as the most basic of doggy accessories, items that is often put on dogs as a means of doggy identification – apart from a collar’s function as the item to which leashes are linked to.

As such, they easily are among the top dog accessories available in the market this holiday season, with Martingale Collars being one of the best in the market today.

Martingale Collars

Designed to be comfortable and non-obtrusive for dogs, Martingale Collars are made without buckles, but are designed to be fit and secure when put around a dog’s neck.

Available in a wide variety of sizes, Martingale Collars are also available in different designs and color templates, affording dog owners with options that can be readily picked out to match with their dog’s natural coat hue and tone.

Elegantly simple in terms of overall feel and design, dog owners can easily fit Martingale Collars onto their dogs with the least amount of fuss, just as they can be readily taken off for washing or cleaning.

Made with materials that aren’t liable to chafe a dog’s skin, Martingale Collars are designed to only “tighten” when a dog “pulls”, making them the ideal dog collar of choice that isn’t uncomfortable when worn by dogs.

With a classy look that readily matches with different dog breeds, dog owners are sure to find the perfect Martingale Collar for their furry buds, affording them with a nifty holiday doggy accessory that is sure to be loved and appreciated by one’s dog.

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The Top Doggy Accessories of the Season – Dog Beds by Yogibo

As one of the holiday season’s top doggy accessories, dog beds are, without a doubt, a huge hit for dogs and dog owners alike.

Available in different varieties and conventions, apart from being produced by countless brands and manufacturers covering the basic and premium rated spectrum of products, dog beds by Yogibo stand out as the most often recommended brand this year.

Dog Beds by Yogibo 

While dogs, just like human beings, can be creatures of habit, the idea of separating a dog from his or her favorite bed doesn’t exactly come as appealing, but the necessity of doing so tends to be a reality which dog owners have to deal with – particularly when talking about pooches who tend to be “bed wetters”.

If you happen to be among the many dog owners who are keen on getting a new bed for their furry best buds, looking into Yogibo’s featured range of dog beds leads to quality best money for value purchases.

Keen on only designing and manufacturing the best, Yogibo has built a trusted reputation in the pet accessories and products arena, with its select range of dog beds easily standing out in the market.

From beds designed for different breeds and ages, the brand matches its superior products with reasonable price tags, making them effectively ideal when price points and product value are being talked about.

Though elementally simple and straightforward as doggy accessories, Yogibo’s doggy beds are certainly outstanding holiday season gift items that are sure to be appreciated by your furry ward(s).

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The Top Doggy Accessories of the Season – The Whistle

With the holiday shopping season now on full swing, pet owners from different walks of life are no longer strangers to the myriad of pet accessories, toys and goodies made available in department store and pet-specialty venues.

To those who seem to be lost in the range of doggy accessories this holiday season, here’s a quick look at the top items available in the market today.

The Whistle

Not to be mistaken for a basic, old school whistle, THE Whistle is actually a small tech-specific doggy accessory, designed to be ready to fit around a dog’s collar.

As a device, the device is designed to allow dog owners a means of tracking their dogs’ whereabouts, developed with a built in GPS transceiver that can be rigged to work with on-hand internet capable devices like smartphones and tablets.

Easy to use, easy to configure and easy to maintain, the device is roughly the size of your average USB flash drive (USB stick, thumb drive, portable USB drive, ETC), and can be readily rigged to fit with different types of dog collars.

Software-wise, the device can be used to effectively keep tabs on a dog’s day to day activities, from monitoring his or her sleeping habits, nap time durations/locations, playtime durations/location and more.

The software-end of the Whistle can even be used as a dog habit/location tracker, extending its functional upsides beyond that of the average GPS-enabled tracking device for pets, but also as a means for dog owners to better understand their pets’ habits, quirks and particulars.

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On Pets As Presents – On Pet Personalities

Like human beings, pets are liable to develop their own personalities, a trait that is generally driven by the disposition of genetics, along with the involvement of how they are reared around the company of people.

In cases when pets are being given as Christmas gifts, inconsiderate gift givers are liable to neglect this fact, oftentimes opting to give a pet as a gift simply because it is “cool” or “trendy” or “popular”.

Understanding the personality type of a given animal should be given some consideration before anything else.

On Pet Personalities

After the success of Disney’s live action version of the 101 Dalmatian’s franchise, Dalmatian dogs were popularly picked out from shelters, a “trend” which was attributed to the movie franchise’s popularity at the time.

However, as popular as Dalmatians were after the success of the film franchise, many came to learn that there’s a certain temperament to real life Dalmatians as dogs, one that goes beyond what was “featured” in the films.

Long story short, if you are thinking of giving someone a certain type of pet that is “cool” or “trendy”, take the time to actually look into the actual personality type of the pet, before going out of your way in getting one as a gift.

All animals have particulars and quirks, with some requiring specific care and attention. Looking into these details helps give you an idea about the challenges pet owners are liable to encounter with them, and should be a major consideration when talking about gifting pets this Christmas.

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On Pets As Presents – On Lifespans and Such

When talking about pets as presents, gift givers generally tend to make the mistake of ignoring the level of commitment one has to immerse himself/herself in in their overall care, apart from other important considerations that should be given their due focus and emphasis.

The lifespan of a particular animal is one often ignored “pet as a gift” consideration.

On pet lifespans and such

Many think that taking care of a new kitten is easy, as something that involves a dish and water tray, regular feeding and regular litterbox cleanups.

What’s often forgotten about is the fact that cats can live for up to 15 to 20 years (depending on a cat’s constitution, daily diet, etc), which means that regularly feeding and taking care of a cat as a pet is a long term commitment.

In the case of dogs, canines are known to generally live from 8 to 10 years, with toy dog or small dog breeds known to live up to 15 plus years. Considering the fact that dogs require more exercise and healthy interaction between them and their masters, the degree of commitment in taking care of dogs can be described as more demanding.

If you’re thinking about giving a friend or loved one a pet this Christmas, don’t fail to consider the general lifespan of the type of pet you’ll be giving. Assessing a gift recipient’s capacity to take care of a pet is one thing, but to take care of a cat or dog through years is altogether another matter.

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On Pets As Presents – On Pet-Person Compatibility

Apart from considering a given pet’s lifespan, veterinary care requirements and general personalities, many fail to think about how compatible pets can be with people when talking about the act of gifting pets during the holidays.

Considering that pet owners would be spending a lot of time with their pets, this consideration should not be ignored, as a means of avoiding potential problems in the future.

On Pet-Person Compatibility

When talking about pet-person compatibility, the markers that define “cat people” from “dog people” helps illustrate this point.

In the case of cats, “cat people” are aware about how “low maintenance” cats are, only requiring them to feed them at least twice a day and allow them access to different places in the house.

As opposed to dogs, “dog people” know that they have to immerse themselves in spending a lot of time with their canines, from going on exercise routines with their dogs, to taking the time in actively taking part in play

sessions.

As such, giving a dog to a “cat person” is just not a good idea, since “cat people” are not likely keen on the idea of them having to devote time in walking their dogs – especially when busy people are being talked about.

Before opting for a type of pet to gift this Christmas, think about just how compatible it is with your intended gift recipient.

While the idea of giving a puppy or a kitten may seem cute, it isn’t always a perfect match, considering the different personalities and compatibility factors between human beings and animals.

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4 Reasons why you should get a Pure Breed Dog

Choosing the right dog breed is a big this with dog owners. Some people feel that it’s fine to get any type of dog while others prefer to choose a pure breed. A pure breed dog simply means that the dog comes from a bloodline that shares the same breed. There are pros and cons when it comes to getting a pure breed dog, so you have to choose wisely. Below are a few benefits of choosing one over a mutt or a mix breed.

Know the breed better

If your dog is a pure breed, then it means that it will most likely have the known traits that the breed has. This means that you can expect that the dog will behave the way the breed would. If you have a German Shepherd, then expect the dog to be loyal and intelligent. If you have a Chihuahua, expect it to be low maintenance and noisy. Doing a little research on which breed to choose helps you find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.

Health issues

All dog breeds have known health problems connected to them. Corgis and degenerative myelopathy, Grate Danes and heart problems, pugs and respiratory issues, the list goes on. Finding out which breed is more prone to a specific illness will help you get ready and avoid the illness. If your dog does develop it over time due to genetics, then you’ll know how to deal with it correctly. Sometimes, it’s also because of the dog’s size. Bigger dogs are more prone to degenerative myelopathycompared to smaller ones, so do a lot of reading about your dog’s heath.

The dog’s temperament

You can tell if the dog is going to be an easy, fun loving dog or a strong, protective type just by monitoring their parents. Pure breed dogs tend to have their parent’s temperament, making it easier for you to know how the dog is going to be when it grows up. Proper training can help give the dog a good temperament, but genetics will always have a big role to play.

Bragging rites

Some people have turned dog breeding into a real art. They breed dogs to create the perfect litter or puppy that has all the noticeable breed characteristics like coat color, personality, size and weight. If you have a pure breed dog that has all the right features and characteristics, you can get a medal or an award at a dog show. 

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Dog Nutrition – What you need to know

Nutrition is one of the biggest concerns when it comes to taking care of your pet dogs. We want to make sure that they’re getting the best and have just enough vitamins and minerals to keep themselves strong and healthy. Dog owners would spend hundreds of dollars on dog food but aren’t really giving their dogs the right diet. The right diet helps make sure the dog lives a long and healthy life, keeping away from illnesses like degenerative myelopathy. Below are a few things to take note of when feeding your pet dog and creating a well-balanced diet.

Top class dog food

If you don’t want to bother yourself with cooking and preparing a meal for your dog, you can buy high quality dog food for your pet. Never gamble quality over price. You can find a lot of inexpensive dog food brands in the market, but these may be made from low class ingredients that don’t have the right nutritional value for your pet. Choose brands that have been trusted for years or if you want to go organic, some brands actually do make all natural dog food. Just make it a point to check the label or the content of the dog food.

Homemade meals

If you really want to be sure that your dog is getting nothing but the freshest ingredients and good meals, you might just want to make their meals at home. To most, they don’t have time to cook for their dogs, but creating meals for your pup doesn’t really take that much time. You just have to know what to prepare and prep it ahead of time. The main nutrients a dog needs to survive is protine, carbohydrates and fiber. When preparing their meals, make sure they get enough of each. Talk to the vet about serving sizes.

Food supplement

This helps make sure that the dog is getting enough nutrients. Food supplements aren’t just helpful in leaving off the nutrients, it can also help ease the recovery process of dogs that have illnesses such as degenerative myelopathy. These food supplements can be bought at the pet shop or even at the vet clinic. Before starting to give your pet food supplements, remember to talk to your vet and ask them if your dog can take in the additional nutrients. Too much nutrients is bad for you dog and may cause growth problems.

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4 Common Signs that your Dog is Sick

It can difficult to know if your dog is sick or not. After all, they can’t just walk up to you and tell you that they’re in pain. The only thing you can really watch out for are the obvious signs of illness. Here are a few things to take note of.

No appetite

You’ll notice that your dog skips its meals and turns down food, even if it’s something you know it’ll eat. This is one of the most obvious signs of illness.

Absence or reduction of appetite, especially when it goes on for a few days, should be enough reason to take your dog to the vet. If you can’t go to the veterinarian yet, find a way to feed your dog, even if you have to force feed it. Some owners would turn their food into a paste-like consistency and use a baster to feed the dog. This method is an effective way to feed dogs that have a hard time moving, like in cases of physical disability or DM in dogs.

Fever

It’s a little difficult to know if a dog has fever or not. When the dog has high body temperature, try to place your finger near the openings of their ears or rub their stomach area. If you think that the dog is warmer than usual, you should consult your vet. Many different illnesses can cause fever, so always have your vet’s number in handy in case you need to contact him or her.

Diarrhea or Vomiting

Diarrhea or vomiting can be caused by an illness or something that your pet ate that caused it to have an upset stomach. Food-induced diarrhea or vomiting can be easily cured with home remedies, but if it continues to happen for a few days, or if you notice blood on their stool or vomit, then it’s something more than just bad food.

Like babies and small children, dogs can sometimes swallow small household objects that can irritate their digestive tract. Diarrhea or vomiting can also be a sign of parasitic infection. Other changes like constipation, infrequent or frequent urination and unusual stool texture needs to be checked immediately.

Physical appearance and movement

If you notice their fur thinning, patching off, or becoming dull, this could be a caused by illness. Feel for any strange bumps or growth under their skin, discharge or mucus coming for their ears, nose or eyes, and the color of their gums. If they start having problems walking, sitting, running or even standing up and keeping balance, this could be a sign of DM in dogs, arthritis or some other joint, nerve and muscle problems.

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Common Nerve Disorders Amongst Dogs

In humans and animals, nerves control all body movement. Any disorder that affects the nervous system is bound to cause mobility problems. In many cases, the normal function of that body part will never get back to normal. Dogs are also affected with nerve disorders, especially if they are already in their senior years. Below are some common nerve disorders amongst dogs that you should know about.

Peripheral Neuropathy

This illness is caused by damage or an injury caused by outside sources. Nerves that are spread all though-out the body, controlling the different systems and sending back responses to external and internal stimuli, become weakened as a result of the problem. Loss of consciousness, instability, and spatial disorientation are also other symptoms. This could be caused by toxins, infections, immune or metabolic diseases, and even certain medications that are used to treat cancer.

Radial Nerve Paralysis

Radial nerve paralysis is by far one of the most common nerve problems experienced by dogs. When the dog has this, they have a very hard time using their front legs, resulting with them dragging their paws while walking and damaging their nails. This is usually caused by an injury or excessive stretching. The dog will need some form of therapy and rehabilitation to be able to walk properly again.

Degenerative Myelopathy

Genetics plays a vital roles in this illness. Degenerative myelopathy or DM in dogs, is an illness that affects the dog’s spine and nerves. It usually first affects the dog’s hind legs, causing it drag them while walking. The dog will also shake and lose balance because of the loss of control. The illness will progress and begin to affect the dog’s body, moving up to its torso, front legs, and then their head. DM in dogs eventually results in full body paralysis and manifests in dogs that are in their older years.

Neuromuscular Disorder

With neuromuscular disorders, illnesses such as diabetes, Cushing’s disease, botulism, Addison’s disease, cancer, and tetanus could affect the dog’s neuromuscular system. These disorders could cause swelling of the nerves, leaving the dog in pain. They may also have a hard time when exercising, eating, and even supporting their own weight.

Axonotmesis

This is when nerve fibers rupture due to prolonged pressure, crushing and pinching. It normally takes the dog about a few weeks to a few months to recover from the damage.  Depending on how damaged the body part is, the dog may not regain full ability and control of that part of the body.

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Dog Care – Skin and Fur Care

Knowing how to take good care of your dog’s skin and fur should be something that you as a dog owner learn about. Different dogs have different fur and coat types so care will vary from dog to dog. They require special grooming, fur care and prevention against any bacterial infections that could possible result from exposure to dirt and grime.

Unlike human hair, dog hair has a more coarse texture to it. They also shed a lot, so dog owners need to clean up after them. Depending on the dog breed, some might require a higher level of maintenance then others. Here are some basic tips on how to take good care of your dog’s skin and fur.

Check their Diet

Making sure that your dog is getting a balanced diet will help ensure that their skin and fur stays healthy and shiny. A dog’s fur does not only need care from the outside, but also from the inside. If you are planning to give your dog chicken meat, slowly introduce this to their meals and check if it’s causing any problems with its skin and fur. Some dogs are actually allergic to chicken. You can also give them food supplements.

Brush regularly

Regularly brush your dog’s fur to help take out dander and dead hair. It also helps spread natural oils found on the dog’s pelt and enhances circulation.

Bathe them

The issue on how many times a dog gets bath varies from one vet to another. Some say once a week, while others would go for once a month. Too much bathing will cause the dog’s skin to dry out and cause hot spots. But not bathing it frequently will make it dirty and smelly. Dirt and bacteria could also become trapped on their skin. In certain cases, especially with DM in dogs, owners will have a hard time cleaning and bathing their dog. Although DM in dogs will cause them to lose their ability to walk and go out, you will still need to make sure they stay clean. Medicated soap and shampoo helps kills and prevents pests like ticks and fleas.

Have regular vet visits

By going to the vet regularly, the vet can inform you of any problems with their skin while it’s still early. If the dog is already developing skin and fur problems, the vet can prescribe or administer medication. You can also have a little talk with the vet and ask them about what you can do to keep your dog generally healthy and happy.

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Pet Care – Choosing Dog Food

Picking out the right dog food is one responsibility that many dog owners take for granted. One needs to remember that like humans, different dogs have different diet needs. While some are fine with giving their dogs with table scraps, it’s still best to provide them dog food since it suits them better. Table scraps might also not have enough nutrients and constantly feeding the dog bones might damage their stomach. Below are a few tips to consider when choosing dog food for your four legged friend.

Price

Some dog food brands are a little more expensive than others, but this does not really tell you much about nutrition. It does not mean that the more expensive the dog food is, the better it is for your dogs. There are ways to cut cost when buying dog food. For starters, get dog food in bulks. Many dog food brands offer their products in sacks that can last a pretty long time. You can also check out whole sale stores which usually sells their items for less. Some dog owners would buy meet and cook it till rare and feed these to their dogs. This is relatively cheaper and dogs enjoy this more.

Type of dog

Bigger dogs need dog food that’s more inclined to keeping their muscles and bones strong. There are some brands that offer specific dog food blends for certain dog breeds. Also, keep in mind food that could cause allergies to certain types of dogs. Dogs love to eat meat and it’s a good source of protein. Some dogs might be better off with lamb then beef. Consult your vet about the best type of meat for your dog’s breed.

Health
Dogs that are sick might need a diet change. Illnesses like DM in dogs, arthritis and joint pains might require smaller servings that still contain the proper nutrients. These illnesses, especially DM in dogs, will cause dogs to have trouble standing up and moving around so their weight and diet have to be monitored carefully. You also need to watch the content of the dog food. Some dogs, especially bigger dogs, might need more calcium to keep their bones strong. A good way to boost up vitamins and minerals that you dog needs is to give them food supplements. These can be easily mixed into their food and can be found in most pet supply shops.

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