Choosing a Safe Pet Carrier

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Traveling with a pet can be quite difficult without the aid of a safe per carrier, but choosing one to suit your pet’s individual requirements can be quite a task. Even if you don’t intend to travel very much with your companion, he/she may still require a short trip to the vets, local kennels, etc, at some time in its life.

What to look for
You will first need to know exactly what type of carrier will suit the type of pet you own, and what mode of travel it will mainly be used for. If you intend to travel by rail or plane, for example, you will need to find something very strong and sturdy that can withstand any knocks or bumps. You will need to ensure that the carrier is the correct size for your pet too, so that it can stand up, turn round, and lie down comfortably inside without feeling insecure in an area that is too big for it – the addition of built-in feeders and extra padding may also be a good idea for longer journeys to add extra comfort. There are carriers available that are actually approved by the International Air Transport Association, and these are obviously ideal for any pet that needs to use this mode of transport.

You will then need to look at the safety of the carrier door; does it fasten securely, and are there any rough parts that could injure your pet during transit? Look carefully at the strength of the carrying handle, and check whether there are any seat belt slots for securing the carrier in a car or other motorized vehicle. Another thing to consider is how easy the carrier is going to be to clean and keep fresh whilst on the move. You will need to look at the base of any suitable carriers to see if it they can support some kind of absorbent lining, as this will help to retain any moisture in the carrier and prevent leakage.

Pet carriers come in a wide variety of materials, colors, and designs; you can opt for hard plastic, soft-sided, or even collapsible models to suit your needs. If you feel that the weight of your pet is going to be an issue whilst carrying, then why not choose a carrier on wheels or one of the buggy style carriers.

Things to remember
Once you have purchased a suitable carrier for your pet, you must remember to label it up with your contact details, and then make sure that all tags are securely fastened on and out of the way of your pet. When using certain types of carriers, you may need to consider using directional arrows to ensure that your pet is always kept in an upright position. For long-distance travel, it is also a good idea to take any medical and vaccination documents with you too, just in case they are required during your trip.

It is always worth investing in a good quality pet carrier, especially if you intend to travel regularly with your pet, as it will last much longer and give you the satisfaction of knowing that your pet is safe and secure whilst on the move.

How Technology Can Help Your Dog

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Technology has become a part of almost every aspect of daily life, and now your canine companion can benefit from it, too. Advances in medical technology have helped to provide better treatment for dogs, and pet wearables can help dog owners keep a regular check on their pet’s health and whereabouts. It’s now even possible to use technology to feed and water your dog when you are not at home.

Dog trackers

Dog trackers are becoming more popular these days, as they are reliable devices that use GPS, WIFI, and cellular technology to deliver accurate tracking of your pet. These waterproof tracking collars are comfortable for your dog to wear and offer live tracking that can immediately pinpoint your dog’s location if it gets lost. Dog trackers also store your pet’s location history and enable you to find out if your pet is barking or not. You should not use tracking collars as a replacement for microchipping your pet and providing a good, visible ID tag.

LED and reflective dog accessories

When you need to walk your dog in the dark, make sure it can be clearly seen by motorists and cyclists. Flashing and reflective dog collars, leashes, and harnesses are the perfect addition to walks after dark and can help to keep your pet safe. Accessories that use LED lighting are a good choice, as the lights will not get hot against your pet’s skin and have a good lifespan. Reflective gear in the form of a dog coat can be a good addition to LED lighting, as it will help to make your dog even more visible. It may also be a good idea to wear reflective gear of your own when you’re out on dark walks with your dog to ensure that both you and your pet are clearly visible to others.

Pet cameras

Pet cameras are an effective way of keeping an eye on your dog when you are not at home and will help to give you some peace of mind. Interactive pet cameras enable you to interact with your pet while you are away from home via your smartphone or computer. You can also get cameras that are attached to a dog harness and fit comfortably around your dog. These clever cameras enable you to see the world through your dog’s eyes as they wander around from place to place. The harnesses come in various sizes that will accommodate all breeds from small to large.

Interactive feeding

Interactive pet feeders enable you to create a feeding regime to suit your pet’s individual needs and are perfect for when you are not around to feed your pet. These pet feeders can be operated via your smartphone or computer, and you will be alerted when your pet has been fed. Interactive pet feeders can also provide you with vital information on your dog’s calorie intake.

Interactive pet toys

Interactive pet toys offer your dog both physical and mental stimulation and therefore help to decrease anxiety and boredom. Interactive toys are also more likely to hold your dog’s attention by responding to your pet and encouraging it to participate in some way. Toys in this category include ball treat dispensers and puzzle food bowls.

Interactive pet doors

Interactive pet doors are far superior to dog and cat flaps, as they open sideways and are made from high-quality materials. The doors can be manually or electronically operated and installed in either a door or a wall. You can also customise your pet door to suit your individual needs by choosing from a selection of additional accessories.

Dog prosthetics

Advances in veterinary medicine have led to crippled dogs now being able to have artificial limbs fitted that can offer them an improved quality of life that they wouldn’t have been able to have in the past. 3D scanning and 3D printing technology can help to create a more detailed image of a limb and then make a precise model of it to ensure a perfect fit.

Conclusion

Even though technology can help to make your dog’s life more comfortable and give you more peace of mind, it’s important to remember to spend plenty of quality time with your pet. Dogs thrive on companionship and need human contact to build up a good relationship with their owners. Providing your dog with plenty of love and attention, mixed with a little modern technology, should enable it to have a long and happy life.

The Importance of Dog Training

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Dogs are considered man’s best friend. They are there for you day in and day out. Owners should be the same way! A great way to do that is to train your dog. Training your pup is no small feat, but it can be done. To help you get started, here are some examples of an end goal, the important reasons why your dog should be trained, and some tips on how to get started. Keep in mind that all dogs and owners are different, and that these are just some general suggestions.

What Does a Well Trained Dog Look Like?
To be honest, dog training will look different for everyone. Each dog is different, and each human has different wants and needs for their relationship. Dog training is not a one size fits all. However, here are some general ideas for a what a well trained dog looks like.

1. Good Listener
A dog who listens to commands from their human is a well trained dog. By coming when called, leaving the object they were told to leave, or staying when told to stay, that dog is a safer and happier dog with a happy human.

2. Gentle On Their Leash
Loose leash walking is a great way for a dog to get proper exercise and mental stimulation. If your dog is pulling you down the road, neither of you are really having a good time. By walking loosely there is no pulling or straining, but rather time (and patience!) to stop and smell the fire hydrants.

3. Calm With Guests
A family friend comes over for a visit. As they walk in your house they are barked at, backed into the wall by an overly obnoxious sniffing nose, and even jumped on! A well trained dog will listen to commands and be kind when new guests arrive. This makes for a pleasant experience all around.

Why Should You Train Your Dog?
Training your dog has many benefits, and is truly vital for a good human-dog relationship. By not training your dog, you may be doing both you and your dog a disservice.

1. Mental and Physical Stimulation
Dogs are smart, and can be hyper. By training your dog, you can provide your dog with mental stimulation. This prevents destructive boredom habits, such as chewing. It also provides for positive physical stimulation. Being able to have your dog run through the house when called, or walk calmly on a leash makes for great physical exercise!

2. Training Creates a Strong Bond
If you dedicate 10-20 minutes every day, solely to your pup, you are bond to grow closer. Positive training sessions allow for you and your dog to learn how to listen to one another, and how to respect one another.

3. A Safer Time
A dog who isn’t trained, will not come when called. A dog who isn’t trained could break away from you on a walk. A dog who isn’t trained, isn’t as safe as a dog who is. By training your dog, you can be confident your dog will walk with you, and come back if called.

What Are Some Tips For Training?
Training is not one size fits all, but here are some basic tips to hopefully inspire and push you in the right direction. Find what works for you and your pup. Don’t be afraid to not use some things, or add more.

1. Socialization!
This should be done as early as possible. Introducing a dog to the world can be frightening at first. New smells, sights, and sounds can all come at once. By socializing early your dog will get used to exploring new places, meeting new dogs, and meeting new people.

2. Take Breaks
Dogs have an attention span just like us! They will get bored, they will have bad days. It is no reason to give up. Maybe today is not a day for repetitive sits, but rather a game of hide and seek to practice recall. Don’t be afraid to get creative, and make sure to have patience.

3. Proofing and Proper Toys
Make sure to provide your dog with proper toys. The best-trained dog still needs to chew. By putting objects out of reach, and providing proper toys, your dog is bound to be well behaved! This will save you time, money, and frustration.

4. Seek Professional Trainers
There’s nothing better than learning from a professional. Do some research and see if there are any local trainers. Meet up with them, talk with them, and see if they’re the right fit for you and your pup. You may have to meet with multiple trainers to find the right one, and that’s perfectly okay. Taking the time to find the right trainer is better than working with the wrong one for you.

5. Have Fun
Owning a dog is a special thing. It’s not meant to be homework, though caring for a dog is a challenge! Your dog is your best friend, companion, and someone who loves you unconditionally. Make sure to have patience, but also to have fun. Training your dog can be an awesome experience, one that you can learn so much from.

Should You Buy Wet or Dry Dog Food for Your Dog?

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Most dogs will eat whatever food they are given when they are hungry, but how do you know whether wet or dry dog food is best? Choosing food for your dog is generally down to personal preference, as both wet and dry dog food products offer plenty of variety and nutrition. It may also be the case that certain dog food products are more suitable for some dogs than others.

The benefits of wet dog food

The main benefit of wet dog food is that it has a high water content (around 60 – 84%) which can help to ensure that your dog is kept well hydrated – especially if it doesn’t drink as much water as it should. Wet dog food has a stronger taste and smell than dry dog food, so it may be a better choice if you have a dog that is a picky eater or is losing its sense of taste and smell. Wet dog food can also help your dog to eat more slowly and maintain a lower weight.

The benefits of dry dog food

Dry dog food, or kibble, has quite a low water content (around 3 – 12%) and doesn’t deteriorate when left out in your pet’s bowl for long periods of time – therefore leading to less waste. Kibble has a high calorific value that enables you to feed your dog comparatively less food and, due to less packaging, is more environmentally friendly. Kibble is a more cost-effective option, too, because you can buy it in large quantities and adjust portion sizes more easily.

When you are training your dog, dry dog food can make the perfect treat to reward good behavior. Using dry dog food as treats can prevent you from overfeeding your dog, as you can use the treats as part of your dog’s daily food intake. Dry pet food is also lightweight and easy to clean up, making it a great choice for trips out and holidays.

Can you combine the two?

Both wet and dry dog food offers your dog different benefits, and therefore shouldn’t generally be served at the same time. Mixing two different types of dog food also makes it more difficult to keep track of your dog’s daily food intake. It is worth noting that some dogs may be sensitive to certain ingredients, so mixing two different types of food could lead to stomach upsets. Overall, it is best to find a food that suits your dog and stick with it.

Age can matter

Older dogs may struggle to eat dry dog food, due to dental issues and difficulty in chewing, so it is important to consider this situation when choosing food for an aging pet. When it comes to feeding puppies, it is important to buy dog food that is suitable for the age of the dog. Puppies may also benefit from having dry dog food moistened up with a little warm water at first until they get used to the hard consistency.

Consider the content

There are so many dog food products available to buy these days that it is difficult to know which ones are best for your dog. You should always read the back of the dog food packaging carefully before buying to ensure that you are getting the purest ingredients and all the nutrients your dog requires. Dog food products are essentially made up of around 70% meat and 30% vegetables, along with permitted fats and oils. Avoid any dog foods that list high levels of artificial flavors, preservatives, or sweeteners.

Conclusion

There is no such thing as a perfect dog food product that suits all dogs, as every dog has different requirements and preferences. If you decide to move your dog over to a new dog food product, remember to change it over slowly in case any adverse reactions are experienced. Whether you decide to give your dog wet or dry dog food, remember that the most important thing is that your dog remains in good health and enjoys its food.

Should You Buy Wet or Dry Dog Food for Your Dog?
Should You Buy Wet or Dry Dog Food for Your Dog?