Five Tips To Keep Your Pet Cool In The Summer Heat

As people emerge from lock down into summer weather across most of the nation it can be very tempting to immediately pull out the leash and take Fido for a walk. The problem with that is this is a hot country – June has been insane in some parts of the Midwest – and going from the air conditioned breeze of lock down to a walk in the blazing sun is just not ideal for your pet.

It is vital to give your pet the help it needs to stay cool in the summer sun and here are five tips that will help your pets – both large and small – beat the heat as the temperatures rise:

Avoid the heat of the day

This one sounds simple, but it is a tip that many people still need to be reminded about. The best strategy with a dog is to go for walks either early in the morning before work or later in the evening after work. Avoiding the sun at its hottest is the key here, while also remembering that the sidewalk will have been heating up for as long as the sun has been out to the point where it can burn your puppy’s paws. Know when the heat of the day hits in your region and do everything you can to avoid that time period.

Groom your pets

Having a thick, heavy, insulating coat is ideal for pets in the winter. In the summer, however, it is like a human going for a walk with a thick layer of blankets that you can’t take off without assistance. Be sure to keep your pet neatly trimmed during the summer months, giving them vital help in beating the heat. This isn’t just important for dogs, but also for backyard critters like angora rabbits that can easily overheat because of their fur.

Hydration is paramount

Pets need their water and they need it to be cold. Just as you wouldn’t be refreshed by water that has been sitting in the 90 degree sun for hours, neither will your pet. Make sure that any water bowls, troughs, or bottles are in the shade as much as possible. It’s also a good idea to throw an ice cube or two into a water bowl to really keep your pet’s water as cool as it can be.

Watch for signs of distress

You can take many steps to prevent your pet from overheating, but sometimes that might not be enough. That’s why it’s important to quickly notice if your pet is too hot so you can find ways to immediately cool them down. Some early signs of overheating include excessive panting, disorientation, excessive drooling, and overall weakness. If you see any combination of these symptoms then take precautions such as getting into the shade and getting your dog water as soon as possible.

Don’t take your pet in the car

There is a small window during the year when it is safe to take your pet in the car when you go shopping or out for lunch. The summer is not the time for this. Leaving your pet in the car – even with cracked windows – is simply a no-no. Researchers at Live Science ran tests and found that in just one hour at 95 Fahrenheit temperatures the average temperature inside the car was 116 F. The dashboard – a favorite place for some dogs to rest – reached a staggering 157 F in that hour. The hot car is no place for a pet to stay and it’s vital you make the correct decision to leave them at home for their own safety.

 

Article by Vital Guidance

Help Pets Prepare For Another New Normal Before You Return To Work

The vital relationship nurtured between you and your pet during the COVID-19 crisis is likely one that neither of you ever expected to happen. With the number of people working from home, or suddenly not working at all, there has been so much more time than ever before for an owner and a pet to form a bond of reliance. This is just natural and is something that should have been pursued, especially if you were in any state of serious lockdown.

As more businesses are starting to reopen, and as more employees are finding their way back to work, a change will soon be occurring in your life and daily routine. Lockdown was hard. Staying home was difficult and you had to completely change your mind set in order to make the most out of a tough situation. While things aren’t going to be normal any time soon, the return to work and to aspects of a normal life will also require an adjustment, both for you and for the pet that has come to rely on your company for the last two months.

Separation anxiety is a problem for both humans and pets. If what was there for more 60 days in some cases suddenly goes away five days a week, then your pet is going to be sad, bored, and lonely. This is obviously not a good situation, and it’s vital to start putting in some time to get your pet’s expectations in the right place for when this happens.

Allow Kim Steffes, owner of a dog training center in Indianapolis to explain:

“Just before school starts, parents start a couple weeks beforehand, putting the kids to bed a little bit earlier. They kind of get back into that routine, so it’s not a shock when school actually starts and they have to get up early and go to bed early; That’s what people should be doing for their dogs,” Steffes explains.

Dr. Roger Mugford , a well-respected animal psychologist who has been used by the British royal family to work with the corgis of Queen Elizabeth II, agrees with this statement. “With such an overload of quality time with their families, dogs are building up a huge reservoir of over-dependency which could see them suffer when moms and dads suddenly return to work and the children go back to school,” he says.

He further adds that “When left alone, dogs can chew the house, annoy the neighbors by constantly barking, urinate and defecate inside, and sometimes even self-harm. Put a webcam on your dog and you’ll see howling and pacing and other distress signs.”

This is obviously a nightmare scenario for any dog lover to think about. Just the concept that it has been possible to love your dog too much during quarantine that it would then affect the dog’s state of wellbeing over the next few months is something that is difficult to wrap your head around, and painful to think about. Adequately preparing for this moment is vital to make any pain be minimal.

Preparation could include something as simple as crating your dog for a few hours each day while you are home working to get your pet used to the routine. It could mean taking your dog for walks only at times when you would usually be home to do so. Doing this now and stretching it out over a period of a couple of weeks, will help avoid the cold-turkey affect and maintain that vital relationship that you have forged during the crisis.

 

Article by Vital Guidance

 

New Norm Brings Distractions & Opportunities

Working from home has become the new normal during the COVID-19 outbreak. While that 30 second commute from the bedroom to the office is the thing that dreams are made of for people used to driving an hour or more for work, it quickly becomes clear that working from home comes with its own set of very unique distractions.

The distraction we are going to focus on today is our pets. While the unconditional love of a dog is maybe more important now than it has ever been before as people struggle with loss of human contact and the issues of isolation, they are also kind of a pain in the butt when you are trying to get your work for the day done.

Here are a few good ideas for you to follow:

Healthy treats
Even though most people are eating way too much while under quarantine, there is no reason for your dog to follow you down the path of chips and salsa every 15 minutes. Treats – and healthy treats at that – are a good way to train your dog to give you space while you work. It might take a couple of days to get the message through, but this will be a great way to clear your workspace of your furry friend.

TV
There is a streaming site out there called DogTV that is currently offering a free trial during this pandemic. The channel offers videos that are grouped into categories that include stimulating and relaxation for your dog. Add in some how-to videos for the owner and you have a channel that could prove to be very useful when a project needs to be done but Fido needs some attention.

Creative walking
This is going to depend on the level of lockdown in your area but every owner knows that walking their dog is still a priority at this point. If leaving the house has been shut down then the obvious answer is the back yard. Maybe it’s possible to take the office outside for 30 minutes a day and complete some lower priority tasks while throwing a ball and playing fetch. If that really isn’t possible then consider investing in one of those machines that plays auto fetch. Maybe the investment in that will be worth the extra productivity it allows over the course of the next month or so.

Love on them hard
This is the most important advice of all right now: With the amount of stress most humans are feeling, it’s more important than ever to have your dog napping next to you for you to love on. Sending silly photos and videos of you and your dog to friends is still a way to feel connected with the outside world too, allowing your pet to become a vital member in your own life due to the interaction that he or she provides. Use this time to grow the bond between you and your dog and take that with you into the future.

Article by Vital Guidance

Cautions To Help Your Pets Enjoy The Holiday Season

Pets are awesome! The vital relationships that we develop with them help us through life in a myriad of ways. Now that the holiday season is upon us, it is important that our pets get through the season healthy, happy, and – most importantly – safely.

Here are some ways to make sure your furry, feathered or scaly friend enjoy December:

Be careful what you feed Fido

It is easy for a human to gain 15 pounds over the festive period. The combination of rich foods and beverages over the course of a number of parties – or just sitting around the home with family and friends – quickly adds up. This is also true for pets, with the known food given – table scraps – and the non-known food sourced out – garbage raiding – adding up quickly. You wouldn’t want a tummy ache over Christmas, so makes sure your dog doesn’t get one either by carefully managing food intake.

Decorating safely

We all know how much cats enjoy attacking anything that dangles or swings in the breeze. This makes the Christmas season an especially tricky one to deal with in some ways as your cat is going to go crazy over the amount of tinsel and extra power cords throughout the house. One easy way to make things a little safer is to be sure that your Christmas ornaments are shatterproof as opposed to being made out of glass. Think just how easy it would be for a cat to cut its paws or tongue on some of those family heirloom ornaments from the 1970s that come out every year. Look at it as a good incentive to update your Christmas décor too.

Try not to wreck the daily routine

As stressful as Christmas can be on humans, it can be equally as stressful on a pet. This is especially true if you are the type of person that always plays the host, with a parade of different – and perhaps new – people coming into the house on a daily basis. This stress issue can be easily solved by keeping your pet in a quiet part of the house when the hustle and bustle is at its maximum, letting the pet adjust to the noise before introductions are made. This is especially important if this is the first holiday season your pet is experiencing with various visitors.

Related Post: Teach Your Pet The Basics For The Best Companion Experience

Be careful with flames

According to the National Fire Protection Association, the top three days in the U.S. for house fires are Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day. Candles – like all other forms of fire – are fine when monitored but leaving anything burning when going to bed or leaving the house is not a good idea on its own that is only made worse when pets are involved. Ensure your pet is kept at a safe distance from open flames to ensure your vital relationship gets to enjoy another New Year!

Teach Your Pet The Basics For The Best Companion Experience

There is nothing quite like owning a pet.  They give us something to shower our affection on and this can be very fulfilling.  They can also be therapeutic because they are cute and can be so hilarious.  It is awesome watching them grow up, watching them learn and observing their behaviors.

But everything has its downside and an improperly trained animal can make your life difficult. There are some steps you have to take to ensure proper guidance of your pet into a well-behaved adult so that you both can enjoy living together.

Your pet, especially dogs, should respond to a “come” command in order to protect it from potentially dangerous situations. Knowing when to “come” can also prevent them from startling and harming other people.  Make it the best thing that happens to your pet all day if she comes when called – treats or rubs are some of the ways to achieve this.  Dogs are probably the easiest pets to train this way but with a little patience you can mold other pets to obey the command as well.

If you do not house train your pet, it will turn your house into a sewer.  This may cause you to not see the beauty of your pet.  It is also unsafe for health reasons, especially if you have little ones.   Initially, take your pet out or to the litter box first thing in the morning and once every hour.  If it wants to go, your pet will use one of those opportunities.  Make sure you give signs of approval when your pet relieves itself outside or in the litter box.

Rabbits are commonly considered to be dirty animals but this is far from true.  They can make excellent indoor companions if properly trained. Just like cats and dogs need to learn how to use the litter box and where not to go, rabbits can be taught this behavior, too.

Pets also need to know what part of the house is out of bounds and this can be achieved by using baby gates to block off areas you don’t want it getting into. Another option is to shut doors and for some pets, not allowing them in certain rooms for long periods of time will train them not to go into the room.  You can remove the barricades and open the doors after your pet has demonstrated that it will not go into the off-limits areas.  You should award them with praise and other forms of positive feedback.

Pets that beg can be annoying to the owner and anyone with food that comes near them. To prevent this behavior from developing, you have to restrict your pet’s food intake by sticking to regular meal times. No matter how adorable they look, don’t budge and indulge it or each time it sees you eating, it will disturb you until you do what it wants. Not only is a regular meal-time vital for your pet’s discipline it also prevents it from getting overweight.

These are just a few tips to help you enjoy living with your pets.  You can find more pet information at https://vitalguidance.com/pets/.

Article by Vital Guidance

 

How To Decide On Your First Pet

Have your kids been begging you for a pet, or are you lonely and need a furry companion? More and more, People are considering pets as family members, and owning one is extremely rewarding. Here are some vital points to consider before getting your first pet:

What type of pet suits you?
It is a common question – are you a dog or a cat person? However, there are other furry animals you can get as pets. Hamsters, bunnies and exotic birds also rank as favorite pets. You should work with what you can afford. Some pets are relatively low maintenance and have few running costs. You are responsible for the pet’s care, so getting one which suits you would make it less cumbersome. Look out for personality traits; some pets are friendly while others only like to be touched by their owners.

Ask the important questions
Before you get your first pet, seek vital guidance from pet owners or the veterinary doctor in your community. They have first-hand experience with pets. Pet care requires a great deal of knowledge. Ask about grooming, behaviors, training, feeding, and safety tips. One of the necessary training is potty training. There is no single, guaranteed method for success in potty training. You have to invest time and effort into it. You may also find tons of information on the internet about potty training.

Commitment
Pet ownership is usually a long-term commitment. Some pets have a life span of 10-15 years and require a lot of attention. Dogs get to be clingy and want to be with you all the time. Solitude can lead to several behavioral problems. If you can’t devote a lot of time to your pet, you can put it off till you can make adjustments to accommodate them.

Costs
Food, grooming, toys, veterinary care, and treatment are unavoidable. These expenses can cost a lot of money, depending on the procedure. It is advised to consider what you can afford in the long run.

Your lifestyle
When getting your first pet, consider your lifestyle. Time and effort go into owning a pet. If you travel a lot, getting a pet might not be ideal. It is a horrible feeling to get home after a long trip to find your pets dead or sulking away from you. They need you to play, feed, and interact with them regularly.

Spaces
Pets need their areas. Some animals are territorial by nature. If you are getting a hamster or bunny rabbit, you have to get a cage and put leaves or barks to make them adapt to it more natural. Dogs and cats can get a corner allocated to them and organized with their beds and toys.

Allergies
Be sure that you do not have any allergies towards fur and animals. Spend some time at your friend’s house with a pet to find out.

Finally, get a veterinarian you can rely on for your pets’ medical concerns. With your pet, you have a new best friend for life.

Article by Vital Guidance

Cats: The Ideal Pet For 9 Great Reasons

Cat owners sometimes get a bad rap. The mere mention of owning a feline friend can conjure up images of the crazy lady down the street with a one-bedroom condo and 82 strays hanging around all day. Cats, however, actually make ideal pets that can turn into vital relationships over time. Here are nine reasons – just like their nine lives – that make cats a pet worth owning:

1 – Cats are low maintenance

Some people see the independence of cats as a bad thing. They compare the way a cat lives to the way a dog lives and decide that dogs must be better. In truth, the low maintenance of owning a cat can be an amazing thing. Anyone with a full-time job will be better off with a cat, knowing that their pet can self-entertain and be happy without a need for constant attention.

2 – Cats reduce stress

It is scientifically proven that petting a cat will release endorphins into the brain which make you happier. That ability to reduce tension and the stresses of the day by running your hand through Whiskers soft fur is enough of a reason to go out and buy a cat immediately. This reduction in stress will also help you build that vital relationship with your pet.

3 – Cats are eco-friendly

A 2009 study suggested that gathering the resources needed to feed and take care of a dog over its lifetime equal out to that of owning a Land Cruiser. Cats, by comparison, equate to a small hatchback. That is because dogs tend to be feed products based around corn, beef, and lamb, while cats are much more likely to be found eating products based around fish.

4 – Cats bathe themselves

Just ask any dog owner how time-consuming and stressful it can be to bathe their pet. While hounds seem to enjoy finding mud puddles to play in even in the middle of the desert, cats take a much more laissez-faire approach to play. Cats want to be clean and, as such, they will both avoid dirt and clean themselves. This is a much better arrangement than washing your dog or taking it to an expensive pet spa.

5 – Cats kill pests

While they don’t take out all pests, there are a number of household intruders that cats will take down with the precision of the Terminator. Rodents have no chance against cats. Neither do the bugs and spiders that they takedown. The only issue here is that sometimes your pet is so proud of the work that he wants to leave you a present, kind of like the Yakuza, but it feels like that is a small price to pay compared to the cost (and environmental damage) of most extermination services.

6 – Cats help you sleep

A recent study by the Mayo Clinic Center for Sleep Medicine shows that 41-percent of people surveyed said they sleep better with their pet. This contrasts to just 20-percent who say that sleeping with a cat leads to disturbances in the night. This is a much better percentage of positive responses than any sleep study focused on human partners, with issues such as snoring and tossing around in the night something cats do not do.

7 – Cats are litter trained

Sure, litter boxes aren’t the most fun things in the world to clean. The plus side here though is that having a cat that is litter trained means that there are no accidents in the house to walk in on when you return from a 10-hour shift at the office. Dogs are great, but in the puppy stage, working around them and their bathroom schedule is a nightmare. Cats are just so much more self-sufficient in when and where they decide to do their business.

8 – Cats bring companionship

An Austrian study conducted in 2003 showed that having a cat in the house was the equivalent of having a romantic partner in terms of the affection given and received. Cats remember kindness, and they have the desire and genetic makeup to then return that kindness at a later date. If you are looking for a vital relationship with a pet, then it is simply a stereotype that dogs are more affectionate and therefore better pets.

9 – Cats are entertaining

One of the most important reasons to build a vital relationship with a pet is that they are able to keep you entertained. While having one cat is great, having a pair is so much better as their personalities will shine when they have an interacting playmate. If you add a pocket laser to this equation then you literally have all you need to have fun and hurt yourself laughing for hours.

Article by Vital Guidance

Pets Can Help You Live A Happier & Healthier Life

We have known for a long time that vital relationships are a key to a happy, healthy, and long life. The joy that we as humans get by interacting with each other, through friendship and fellowship, is something that picks us up when we are down and that can keep us motivated and focused when times are hard.

What, though, if you are just not a people person? What if you find social interaction hard, be it for physical or mental reasons, and that desire to put yourself out there and meet other people just doesn’t exist?

According to new research published in May 2019, the answer is as simple as getting a pet and treating it like a human.

According to research conducted by Julianne Holt-Lunstad, a professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at Brigham Young University, loneliness is as dangerous to human health as if you were to smoke 15 cigarettes a day. This puts loneliness up there with more talked about issues such as obesity in its risk to human health and quality of life.

Human-animal interaction research manager at Mars’ Waltham Centre of Pet Nutrition, Nancy Gee, had this to say about interactions between humans and their pets.

“When we think about loneliness, we need attachment figures and pets meet that need,” says Gee. “You don’t have to worry about confidentiality or judgment. It just is what it is.”

It is that lack of judgment that can make pets so important when looking for vital relationships to fill your life with. One of the major reasons that people suffer from social anxiety or struggle in social situations is that feeling of being judged for what they are saying or doing. With a pet that judgment just doesn’t come as they love unconditionally in their own way.

“The greatest gift of animals is they remind us we can love and be loved unconditionally,” says former Surgeon General Vivek Murthy.

Murthy, according to his testimony on the subject, would sometimes be teased by other staff members about the pictures he would post on various social media sites of his cats. Those cats, though, would open up avenues for him to have vital relationships with other people as they immediately had something in common they could talk about or bond over.

An online survey of just over 2,000 people, which included pet owners, found that one-in-four owners got a pet because they knew that it would help their mental health. Interestingly, this number increased to over 50% when just taking into account people over the age of 55.

Research still needs to be conducted into if pets make people healthier or if it is just generally healthier people getting pets. Either way, it seems clear that having a pet, be it a dog, a bird, or something a little more unique, is a great way to live a happier and more fulfilled life.

Article by Steve Wright
Independent Writer

 

Broaden Your Pet Horizon For These Miniature Friends

There is no doubting that pets are a fun and integral part of many people’s lives.  We create and cultivate vital relationships with our pets, ones that last for years or even decades at a time.
While owning a dog or a cat can be great, specifically, a dog as cats are clearly insane in my opinion, wouldn’t it be a little more fun to broaden your pet-owning horizons?  Here are some pets that are a little more unique, a little more specialized, but that would be so much fun to own!

Miniature Goats
The argument against goats is that they smell bad and that they are kind of aggressive. While this can be true for some of the bigger breeds, miniature goats are a magnificent animal to create a vital relationship with.  Miniature goats that are bred for individual ownership hand no such issues. These pets are known to grow into loyal companions, with a playful and fun personality that is ideal for families with younger kids.  It is also impossible to be sad when a miniature goat (or really anything miniature) is around as these guys will spend their day bouncing all over the place in sudden fits of energy and excitement in a way that can only brighten the mood.

Chameleons
Reptiles, in general, can make for fun pets, but enough people are terrified of snakes that our legless friends are not always the best choice for a pet. This is especially true as snakes are actually illegal to own in certain counties and cities around the country.  Instead, go for a lizard of some kind, with the chameleon being among the coolest reptiles to own.  This is not a pet that is going to cuddle. It is one, however, that is fascinating in everything that it does. Maintenance here can be an issue, but anyone who has had a reptile in the past should step up their game to this color changing level.

Teacup Pigs
Back on the miniature train when it comes to vital relationships with pets, we have the teacup pig.  Regular pigs are pretty awesome and hilarious, but they can get to be a massive size. Teacup pigs, on the other hand, tend to stay around the size of a puppy for their entire lifespan.  Having one of these critters running around the house and snuffling about can take some work, but the upside here is enormous as they are affectionate, smart, and loyal pets.

Hedgehogs
Hedgehogs are s fun pet if you are looking for something that is more loving than it has any right to be.  The sharp spines on the back of a hedgehog shouldn’t deter you from creating a vital relationship with this loving and affectionate type of pet.  They are calm, low maintenance, and seem to be happy just existing in the human space. One issue is that they are nocturnal and love attention, but if you can get over that problem then there are few better pets out there for those who want something a little different!

Article by Steve Wright

Best Dogs To Own Depends On You!

Dogs are known to be man’s best friend for so many reasons that include loyalty, friendship, and trust. There is more to getting a dog because there are different breeds of dog with different attributes and characteristics. Thus, it is always advisable to obtain vital guidance about the different dog breeds before getting one. Getting the right information will help in choosing the best dog for you.  Below are some of the numerous dogs you could own:

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel:  This is a meek and gentle breed.  This particular dog has great love and affection for kids. It is a perfect pet for children because of its loyalty and entertainment. As friendly as it is, it also likes playing and snuggling on the lap to receive cuddles.  Cavalier King Charles spaniels could be the best option for families with little children.

Beagle:  One of the most energetic breeds of dogs are the Beagles.  Beagles are very strong and smart which makes them a perfect dog for a walk.  They like to show how strong they are by tumbling and jumping around so it’s vital you have some open space in your home.  They are good companions because they are always ready to entertain.

Labrador Retriever:   When talking about the most popular and versatile dogs on earth, Labrador Retriever is a breed to mention.  Labrador is a patient breed.  Yet, it plays a lot. Labrador is also a very smart breed.  If you are looking for a companion that will never leave your side but always entertain you, then you should go for this breed.

Poodle:  This breed is considered as a unique breed.  This is because of its variation in size that includes standard miniature and tom.  They are mostly referred to as precious or fussy because of their beautiful look.  They love getting involved in family activities like games, exercises, etc. They have a low-shedding fur which makes their maintenance quite easy.

Bichon Frise:  Bichon Frise is a breed that has little body and very curly low-shedding fur.  It is a very happy breed that plays a lot.  However, it doesn’t need a lot of exercise in its daily life which makes it a perfect choice for anyone who lives in an apartment or families that are less active.

Boxer:  Boxer is a very sociable breed.  It is very active, humorous and very notably energetic at its young age.  As an energetic breed, it needs a lot of exercises which makes it a perfect partner for a walker, jogger or runner.  A boxer can be a good choice if you are looking for a dog that can entertain you with it funny behaviors that include associating with people.

Shih Tzu:  Shih Tzu is a gentle breed.  It is not very active and energetic but will never leave your side.  It loves comfort and cuddles which makes it the best option for people who like mild, cute and snuggle loving dogs.  Shih Tzu will not only entertain you but will exhibit maximum loyalty.

Border terrier:  Border terrier is a breed that has a very humorous and gentle character.  It has a very funny look and can adapt to any condition easily, thus, making it a suitable dog for everybody.  They do get involve with both indoor and outdoor games and long walks easily.  It is good to own Border terrier because of its activeness and ability to survive in different conditions.

Hungarian Vizsla:  Hungarian vizsla is another energetic breed.  It is smart and strong.  It is a great hunter and fast runner.  As you can tell, this dog likes a lot of outdoor exercises and games.  It also likes clinging to people who are very familiar to it which makes it the best option for lovers of clingy dogs.  Get a Hungarian vizsla for your sports activities.

Crossbreeds:  Crossbreeds are also known as mixed breeds, they are cross breed off springs of two different breeds.  Usually, they are always energetic and easy to train, and they refer outdoor activities and need a lot of exercises especially at their young age.  It is good to own crossbreeds because of their stunningly beautiful look of the mixed breeds.  Here are some of the most popular mixed breeds:
Pitsy – Pit Bull and Husky
Golden Husky – Gold Retriever and Husky
Corgipoo – Toy Poodle and Corgi
Basset Pei – Basset Hound and Shar Pei
Schorgi – Sheltie and Corgi
German Chow – German Shepherd and Chow Chow
Schnoodle – Schnauzer and Poodle
Bullpug – English Bulldog and Pug

All these are useful dogs that you can own, but it must be noted that each has its characteristics and uses.  Therefore, you should know what you are looking for by obtaining useful and vital guidance about the different breeds of dogs before choosing a dog.